Praising On Sundays: Solidarity

Gospel: Mt 11:2–11

“When John the Baptist heard in prison about the activities of Christ, he sent a message by his disciples, asking him: “Are you the one who is to come or should we expect someone else?”
Jesus answered them, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are made clean, the deaf hear, the dead are brought back to life and good news is reaching the poor. And how fortunate is the one who does not take offense at me.”
As the messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “When you went out to the desert, what did you expect to see? A reed swept by the wind? What did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? People who wear fine clothes live in palaces. What did you actually go out to see? A prophet? Yes, indeed, and even more than a prophet. He is the man of whom Scripture says: I send my messenger ahead of you to prepare the way before you.
I tell you this: no one greater than John the Baptist has come forward among the sons of women, and yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Today, we attended mass in Troy and Tracy’s school which was part of the program for their Family Day.  The Eucharistic celebration was presided by one of the University administrators, Fr. Javines.  This year’s theme is solidarity and the priest’s homily was perfectly versed for all the things that had been happening around us lately.  I was particularly moved with his homily and he started it with a short story. 

 He went out one morning to buy bread at a nearby bakery and it was just a small store as he described it.  But with the sign that the bakery had put up you’d know that the people behind it has a big heart.  They had this sign that said ONE PESO FOR EVERY BREAD THAT YOU BUY.   Quite touching right? 

I’ve witnessed our fellowmen shared what much or little they have for the victims of Yolanda.   I am not a wealthy person but I have shared too.  We have known of people from foreign lands who are here to offer whatever help they can give.  And we know that they have given a lot, not just money but skills, time and heart too.  And it just feels so good to share.  The happiness is indescribable! 

But why is there still fighting with our government officials?  What’s the use of all the argument and all the blaming?  Is it impossible for all of us Filipinos to stand up all together and help our brothers and sisters start new lives again?  Why can’t it all start with our leaders?  They are supposed to be the people’s hope.  Now, I feel like I’m doing the blaming game too.  But it in all honesty, it’s so humiliating to let the world know bear witness of all the fighting that our leaders are doing.  Specially at a time right now that we are closely watched and monitored through news and updates and what the progress is specially for the victims.

Right now, our leaders are not in its solidary form.  We can only pray for them that they’ll be enlightened of the reality of things. For us, let’s continue to share and give. For it is only in giving that there is meaning.  When was the last time you have given? Do share. J

My Comeback

I am so ecstatic right now for the main reason that I have finally completed a week's blog hop and comment exchange.  Well, even if it was done in a bit of haste but at least I was able to read through a bit of my co-bloggers' thoughts with their blogs and post.  Yeah, I really missed you all.  :-)

Good to be back again. :-)

A light for the Typhoon Yolanda victims

Let's start a prayer brigade today by lighting one candle for the wounded families and greatly affected people in Tacloban, Samar, Ormoc Leyte and Daanbantayan Cebu.  May these people find solace in your protection and grace Lord.

Zjiana Troy and Zjiana Tracy in Dancesport sa Sugbu 2013

As a proud stage mom, I have already posted a countless times of my dancesport kids' competitions, events and recognition.  I guess it'll never tire me to share to the whole world that I have children who are graced by God with their talent and charm.  I'm just proud at them for they have achieved so much already even at their age.  They have learned hard discipline in their own ways and together as brother and sister.  Oh they are not perfect.  Most of the time they even fight and argue and I guess it's because each of them has their own different ideas too and I let them be because by then they are able to express their own uniqueness.  But at the end of the day, my Troy and Tracy comes up with one idea and executes it in their dance.

Allow me to share their talent and ideas with this video from the recent Dancesport sa Sugbu held last Sept. 14, 2013 at the Waterfront Lahug Cebu City wherein they bagged 2 golds and 1 silver. :-)

Praising On Sundays: Forgiven

Gospel, Luke 7:36-50

³⁶ One of the Pharisees invited him to a meal. When he arrived at the Pharisee's house and took his place at table,

³⁷ suddenly a woman came in, who had a bad name in the town. She had heard he was dining with the Pharisee and had brought with her an alabaster jar of ointment.

³⁸ She waited behind him at his feet, weeping, and her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them away with her hair; then she covered his feet with kisses and anointed them with the ointment.

³⁹ When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, 'If this man were a prophet, he would know who this woman is and what sort of person it is who is touching him and what a bad name she has.'

⁴⁰ Then Jesus took him up and said, 'Simon, I have something to say to you.' He replied, 'Say on, Master.'

⁴¹ 'There was once a creditor who had two men in his debt; one owed him five hundred denarii, the other fifty.

⁴² They were unable to pay, so he let them both off. Which of them will love him more?'

⁴³ Simon answered, 'The one who was let off more, I suppose.' Jesus said, 'You are right.'

⁴⁴ Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, 'You see this woman? I came into your house, and you poured no water over my feet, but she has poured out her tears over my feet and wiped them away with her hair.

⁴⁵ You gave me no kiss, but she has been covering my feet with kisses ever since I came in.

⁴⁶ You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment.

⁴⁷ For this reason I tell you that her sins, many as they are, have been forgiven her, because she has shown such great love. It is someone who is forgiven little who shows little love.'

⁴⁸ Then he said to her, 'Your sins are forgiven.'

⁴⁹ Those who were with him at table began to say to themselves, 'Who is this man, that even forgives sins?'

⁵⁰ But he said to the woman, 'Your faith has saved you; go in peace.'

Praising On Sundays: "I tell you, arise!"

Gospel: Lk 7:11-17

    A little later Jesus went to a town called Naim. He was accompanied by his disciples and a great number of people. As he reached the gate of the town, a dead man was being carried out. He was the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; there followed a large crowd of townspeople.

   

 On seeing her, the Lord had pity on her and said, “Don’t cry.” Then he came up and touched the stretcher, and the men who carried it stopped. Jesus then said, “Young men, I say to you, wake up!” And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. A holy fear came over them all, and they praised God, saying, “A great prophet has appeared among us; God has visited his people.” This news spread throughout Judea and the surrounding places.

Reflection:

Our ordinary life can bring us in touch with great goodness and spirituality in people. Or to a depth of prayer and care for the poor. Through many such people, God is very near and real in the world, and so our praise can be directed to God as we thank these men and women for what they do for us and for many.

The compassion which flowed from Jesus to bring life to a dead man can flow from us to enliven the lives of others. We can ‘grow’ this compassion in prayer. Our prayer with God if it is sincere will lead us into the mystery of being loved by God and called into love of others.

Happy Mothers Day!

It takes someone really brave to be a mother, someone strong to raise a child, and someone to love someone more than herself.  And that someone is a mother.  On this special day, I get to contemplate on how lucky and proud I am of myself for having done extraordinary things for my family.  I guess I deserve a pat in the back for a job well done.  Happy Mothers Day to my co-mommies out there! 

Praising On Sundays: The Question About Fasting

Gospel, Matthew 9:14-15

14 Then the followers of John the Baptist came to Jesus, asking,
Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples don’t fast at all?

15 Jesus answered, Do you expect the guests at a wedding party to be sad as long as the bridegroom is with them? Of course not! But the day will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

REFLECTION:
In the olden days, many preachers gave more sermons about hell than about heaven. It was probably because it was easy to manipulate people through fear; and the mythology of hell left nothing to the imagination. Misery has some way of appearing more real than joy, and there are many, even today, who prefer to emphasize it; it makes their message sound more real, more urgent, more “hands-on.” There can even be a kind of ghoulish interest in it. But Christians have to proclaim not only the death but the resurrection of Jesus.

Love Is Patient. Love Is Kind

Personally, this is my favorite bible verse about love.  It is just but apt to share this on this special day of the hearts.  Let’s spread the love everyone.  Happy Valentine’s Day! 

Kung Hei Fat Choi

I’m not Chinese but I’d like to take part in the festivity of the Chinese New Year by sharing my horoscope for 2013 that I found from a page of a Chowking planner. 

Year of the Snake – 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

·            Chinese Snake people will be found to be very compatible with Chinese roosters and Ox people in 2013

·         According to Chinese Snake Forecasts 2013, these people will think to change their home or profession

·         These people will be appreciated for their hidden skills in Chinese Snake Year 2013

·         Chinese Snake Horoscopes 2013 predicts social recognition for these people in 2013

·         As per Chinese Snake astrology 2013, these people will take their family for a vacation in the last months of 2013

Yes, I was born in the Year of the Snake which makes it more exciting to have these predictions brought for me in this New Year.  I know that only God can predict what tomorrow will bring for us but I also believe that if we work hard for each day, then prosperity is a sure promise.

How about you? Under what animal sign were you born? J

House Rules and Home Chores - Part II

TIME TABLE and HOUSEHOLD CHORES for TROY & TRACY

MONDAY-FRIDAY:       7am - 5pm è SCHOOL

6pm - 8pm è DANCE STUDIO

9pm- 10pm è dinner and assignments

SATURDAY:                 1pm – 4pm  è DANCE STUDIO

SUNDAY:                     FAMILY TIME

            

TRACY

·         wash the dishes  on Saturdays

·         Clean and wipe the windows

·         Sweep the floors 

·    

     TROY

·         Wash the dishes on Sundays

·         Mop the floor

·         Clean the toilet

For those who have just come across my blog, I have two children who are athletes and their sport is competitive ballroom or dancesport.   They dance as partners and it so happened that they are growing teenagers also.  Oh how they love to explore and try new things.  But it is when their mood swings kicks in that I hate dealing with. 

They have been dancing for almost seven years now.  So, their life mostly revolves around school, dance trainings, shows and competitions.  I can call myself a stage parent since I get to be a manager and a time keeper with their schedules among other things. 

At a young age, they have fully developed their confidence and intrapersonal skills.  As a parent, I don’t want them to limit their skills just outside the house.  Rather, it is my goal to make them well rounded individuals and what better way to practice this by starting at home and the first step is to learn how to do the household chores.

It’s nice when you see your children growing but it’s when they start to demand for independence - that makes it more challenging as a parent.  My teenage kids aren’t really asking to be kicked out of the house.  Not yet anyway and while that time hasn’t come yet, I’d like to maintain that relationship we have of being open with each other.  For now, I still relish the moments of them relaying to me the exciting details of their day at school or how excruciating it was at dance practice today.  At that moment I became their friend who listens and slowly I change as their mother who asks them to throw the garbage outside or run an errand to the store.  I don’t want to be labeled as a strict disciplinarian or a nagging mom.  That’s why there are rules at home that are to be followed.  Over time, they will understand its importance and that it will make them better individuals. J

Praising on Sundays: Fishers of Men

Gospel: Lk 5:1–11

One day, as Jesus stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, with a crowd gathered around him listening to the word of God, he caught sight of two boats left at the water’s edge by the fishermen now washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to pull out a little from the shore. There he sat and continued to teach the crowd.

When he had finished speaking he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon replied, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing. But if you say so, I will lower the nets.” This they did and caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. They signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They came and filled both boats almost to the point of sinking.

Upon seeing this, Simon Peter fell at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Leave me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” For he and his companions were amazed at the catch they had made and so were Simon’s partners, James and John, Zebedee’s sons.

Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. You will catch people from now on.” So they brought their boats to land and followed him, leaving everything.

Reflection:

The miraculous catch of fish in Sunday’s gospel moves Peter to a confusing response, “Leave me Lord.  I am a sinful man.”  Why should someone tell a teacher to leave when he or she has only begun learning what a teacher has to teach?  Jesus seems to understand the fear of the community of faith, represented in Peter, a fear of learning too much and being asked too much.

Jesus commission Peter in this humbled state, “From now on, you will be catching people.”  Peter knows future catches will come as the miraculous catch of fish has come, namely, in response to the word of God.

House Rules at Our Home

As parents, we raise our kids from infants and over the years teach them right from wrong.  As they grow older and becomes more involved with activities and peers outside the home, that’s when it’s best to set family rules and explain each of its importance to them.

 

HOUSE RULES

1.       Fix your bed when waking up.

2.       Do your homework or assignment before going to sleep

3.       No access to the laptop during school days unless if it’s for important reasons like projects, research or assignments. 

4.       Inform us ahead of time (and not on the spot or the same day you that you need it) for important things you need like:

ð  School fees or payments

ð  Projects/research

ð  Materials for dancesport

5.       Bring your bags directly to your room when you arrive.  Don’t just leave it on the doorway.

6.       Put your dirty/used clothes in the laundry basket and not scattered anywhere in the house.  If it’s still wet hang it outside to dry before putting in the laundry basket.

7.       Be mindful of your things so that you’ll know where to look for it.

8.       Use your personal towel, and hang it on the veranda after use.  If it’s raining, hang it in the room using a hanger.

9.       Put back your shoes in the shoe rack after use.  Not unless if it’s very dirty or smells.

10.    Turn off the lights if not in use.

11.    Switch off/plug off electronic supply and wires such as TV, cable, DVD, A/C, stand fan, iron, laptop and charger if not in use.

12.    Return things in their proper places after using.

13.    Call when you can’t come home on time or for any unforeseen events. We need to know where you are to keep us from worrying.

14.    Respect each and every member of the house.  Even the youngest one deserves it.

15.    Always remember to pray before and after going to bed.

Hubs and I called our children first for a meeting and consulted with them the contents of the house rules before we finalized everything.  We wanted them to know that we also respect their thoughts and ideas.  In that way, it could even more strengthen our line of communication with them.

Family rules make it easier for the children to align their behavior with parents’ expectations.  There are long term benefits too.  The relational skills that the kids learn at home – respecting each other’s feelings and their property – will make it easier for them to form healthy relationships with friends, schoolmates, coworkers, their spouses, and associates in the future.

7 Dangerous Acts After a Meal

This has been sitting in my drafts folder for quite sometime now.  I even forgot where I got it from but I think it’s worth sharing to my readers for the sake of our health.  Read on.

7 Dangerous acts after a meal

1. Don’t smoke -------- Experiments from experts proves that smoking a cigarette after meal is comparable to smoking 10 cigarettes (chances of cancer is higher)

2. Don’t eat fruits immediately -------- Immediately eating fruits after meals will cause stomach to be bloated with air. Therefore take fruits 1 -2 hours after meal or 1 hour before meal.

3. Don’t drink tea---------- Because tea leaves contain a high content of acid. This substance will cause the protein content in the food we consume to be hundred thus difficult to digest.

4. Don’t loosen your belt---------- Loosening the belt after meal will easily cause the intestine to be twisted and blocked.

5. Don’t bathe----------- Bathing after meal will cause the increase of blood flow to the hands, legs and body thus the amount of blood around the stomach will therefore decrease, this will weaken the digestive system in our stomach.

6. Don’t walk about-----------People always say that after a meal walk a hundred steps and you will live till 99. In actual fact this is not true. Walking will cause the digestive system to be unable to absorb the nutrition from the food we intake.

7. Don’t sleep immediately----------The food we intake will not be to digest properly. Thus will lead to gastric and infection in our intestine

I am guilty of act 3.  I am a soda drinker and I just love a glass of ice filled Coca-Cola between and after meals.  But I’m slowly deviating away from that and in replacement, a warm tea is said to be good in washing away oil and fatty deposits from our body but I guess I heard it wrong again. Lol!

Do you follow all seven acts? What other things should we be aware about when it comes to taking our meal? Feel free to share. J

Praising On Sundays: The Rejection At Nazareth

Gospel, Luke 4:21-30

²¹ Then he began to speak to them, 'This text is being fulfilled today even while you are listening.'

²² And he won the approval of all, and they were astonished by the gracious words that came from his lips. They said, 'This is Joseph's son, surely?'

²³ But he replied, 'No doubt you will quote me the saying, "Physician, heal yourself," and tell me, "We have heard all that happened in Capernaum, do the same here in your own country." '

²⁴ And he went on, 'In truth I tell you, no prophet is ever accepted in his own country.

²⁵ 'There were many widows in Israel, I can assure you, in Elijah's day, when heaven remained shut for three years and six months and a great famine raged throughout the land,

²⁶ but Elijah was not sent to any one of these: he was sent to a widow at Zarephath, a town in Sidonia.

²⁷ And in the prophet Elisha's time there were many suffering from virulent skin-diseases in Israel, but none of these was cured -- only Naaman the Syrian.'

²⁸ When they heard this everyone in the synagogue was enraged.

²⁹ They sprang to their feet and hustled him out of the town; and they took him up to the brow of the hill their town was built on, intending to throw him off the cliff,

³⁰ but he passed straight through the crowd and walked away. 

Reflection:

Do an act of kindness for someone in genuine need without regard to how that person is perceived by others.

God, grant us the strength to do what is right and called for in spite of the clamor of  resentment that rises up from selfish people around us.

A Month long of LOVE in February

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”

The month of February is synonymous to LOVE and Valentines Day play a big part for this time of the year.  For me, I mark this month as a special one because it was when hubs and I exchanged our “I do’s” on the day of hearts itself.  Yes, it was exactly on Feb.14. There’s more to that story which I will be definitely sharing with you all so please do watch out for it.

Love inspires creativity and it is through love that I got started with blogging last year in the month of February.  So, I’m brewing some ideas right now of a possible giveaway which I hope to do with success.  I mean, my blog wouldn’t be alive if not for my dear readers who incessantly reads about my rants and musings even if at times my posts are boring or words just jumble and tumble all over the place. But still, thank you for being so patient and understanding. J

The reason for my existence is my family and it’s my unwavering love for them that has given my life a more colorful meaning.  Together with hubs, we learn how to be better parents with each passing day from the experiences we’ve obtained from our own children.  Raising two teenagers and two toddlers feels like jumping from one moving car to another.  Yeah, that’s how I see them because they’re all too fast! Haha! We have learned to be firm with rules and not feel guilty when we say ‘no’ if there’s a need to.  And we never fail to get that i-hate-you-my-world-is-going-to-end look whenever the teens are reprimanded or I’m-the-boss look from the tots.  Ah! Kids these days (whew!)  But it is when they give you the sweetest smile or the random “I-love-you’s” that lights up our day and just melts any parent’s heart away.  Since I love taking pictures, it became my rule of thumb to document every progress they’ll make, every competition they’ll partake, win or lose we will be there for them. 

  

All these are for sharing in the month of February. J

Photo-pregnant-graphy At Our Best

I am not a professional photographer but I love capturing moments. I discovered the love for this hobby when my kids started schooling and had themselves participate in school events and other occasions.  It was my old digital camera that became my trusty companion during those times.  The kids started competing and a lot of events followed suit and I needed a better camera.  I was able to save a few pesos enough to purchase my first DSLR, a humble Nikon D60.   My new toy gave a whole new and better meaning to pursuing my passion and it has been accompanying me in my life’s journey through its lens.  I’m not saying that I’m that good already because I know I still have a lot to learn about photography.  But just recently, I was given that opportunity to act like a pro through my first ever pregnancy photo shoot with my sister.  If you’ve been reading my previous posts, you will find that she was my running partner during that enjoyable maternity run.  She was pregnant that time at 4 months and she’s due to give birth next month. 

Here are some shots of our happy preggy. J

A pose with my gorgeous crew. J

The photoshoot was a breath of fresh air for me since it was my first time to take pregnancy photographs.  It wasn’t easy as a novice for photography but because my sisters were my supportive and creative staff, including the model, make-up artists, photographer’s assistant, light finder (we only depended on the natural light of the sun and one of my sister was the lookout if there was a good sunray that gets in our studio/room), hair blower (practically fanning her hair to give that flying effect) & stylists) our photoshoot became nothing but a fun and pleasing experience.  And the results showed!  I’m so proud of our work.J

Share with me, is there something that you’ve always wanted to do? Perhaps, a talent that’s yet to be discovered and needs cultivating too?  I’d like to read about it. J 

My Angel With His Sto.Nino

I've bombarded my January posts mostly about our big festivity here in Cebu which was the Sinulog.  That's over and done with but I will not let go of that fever not until I'll share this picture of my Zef.  Of all the pictures I took, posted and shared, this definitely is on top of my favorites. 

This was during the two hours procession for the Sto. Nino which he never complained for the overflowing crowd or heat of the sun.  Rather, he participated in it with all his young heart even singing to the songs while waving his hands.  

He may be a little tyke at home but he's definitely an angel in our eyes. My own adorable angel. :-)

Praising On Sundays: The Scriptures Were Fulfilled On This Day

Luke 1:1-4, 4:14-21

¹ Seeing that many others have undertaken to draw up accounts of the events that have reached their fulfillment among us,

² as these were handed down to us by those who from the outset were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word,

³ I in my turn, after carefully going over the whole story from the beginning, have decided to write an ordered account for you, Theophilus,

⁴ so that your Excellency may learn how well founded the teaching is that you have received.

¹⁴ Jesus, with the power of the Spirit in him, returned to Galilee; and his reputation spread throughout the countryside.

¹⁵ He taught in their synagogues and everyone glorified him.

¹⁶ He came to Nazara, where he had been brought up, and went into the synagogue on theSabbath day as he usually did. He stood up to read,

¹⁷ and they handed him the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Unrolling the scroll he found the place where it is written:

¹⁸ The spirit of the Lord is on me, for he has anointed me to bring the good news to the afflicted. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives, sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free,

¹⁹ to proclaim a year of favour from the Lord.

²⁰ He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the assistant and sat down. And all eyes in the synagogue were fixed on him.

²¹ Then he began to speak to them, 'This text is being fulfilled today even while you are listening.'

Reflection:

Jesus, the Word, proclaims his mission, revealing that the Word has become flesh. Listening to the Word, we become one body in Christ, for his words are Spirit and life.