PAANO MO PINAPAKITA KAY GOD NA LOVE MO SYA?

                                 the Love of God is not a question, it is always available. 
                                  But how do we respond to God is our responsibility. - Bro Joe Dean

Early today, an eager little girl asked me. 'Ate, me tanong ako. Everyday, paano mo pinapakita kay God na love mo sya?' Series of explanations prompts me at that moment and make me wanted to open my Bible and send a Bible message. But I paused and asked the same question to myself. 'Oo nga anu, paano nga ba?' (puzzled by my own complexity) It was a question of a child. How can you even make a simple practical explanation, she would readily understand?

 I paused and reflect on today. 

'We love because God loved us first.' - 1 John 4:19

God is love.I am loved. Therefore I love.

God is Love. Love? its definition is limitless. There is a discovery in every experience. Intimacy in Prayer and His Word.  

I am loved. Giving thanks and praise is acknowledging His presence in my life TODAY, as in now.  Count your blessings today, it is more than 5 for sure. Blessings such as hearing a beautiful melody, was not late for work, someone smiled to me today, I woke up happy today. All the things that can make you smile or feel loved from the world and from people. For me this is filling up love tank. It should never ran out!

Therefore I love. How do I respond to God's love?

 And because I am loved, I can love others. Others in general term referring to what we can sense - what we see, hear, feel, smell, do! Not just people, but absolutely everything.

Simple question expects a simple answer.

How do I show God that I love Him?

Dear child, personally.. when I feel loved. I smile. I look at God that way also. I am sure He smile too when He feel loved. =)

Therefore eto lang din ang tinatry ko itanong everyday,

At the start  and throughout the day I ask, 'How did God made me smile today? How can I make others smile today?'

At the end of the day I ask Him, 'Did I make you smile today?'

Today I was reminded of His love through an angel. Today I was reminded also of that everyday question. Today I begin again. Today I smiled. 

Hope this answer you, my dear child. =)

Friend..I am passing to you the same question, 

' Pano mo pinapakita kay God na love mo sya, Everyday?'

LOVE LIBERATES YOU.....

October 23, 2013

Dearest,

Since Sunday, I had been counting all the love I received or more so love given to me by a lot of people, especially from the Bacolod people. Oh, God. It was so much. I was overwhelmed..because last week. I was love-filled. But I realized I had lots of love neglected consciously or unconsciously because I gave only to a few people in my circle, admitting...that I expect also to receive love back only from few also.  Yes, I received love. But I did not accept love coming back to me, through other people even outside of my circle.

I am loved...

Love is not an idea, it is an experience. Love is indescribable, as lovers might say. Love is....

LOVE EXISTS IN DIFFERENT FORMS. When we give love, it comes back to us not from those people we give but through other people and through different forms.

Love exists and manifests itself in many different forms...through kindness, smiles, laughter, words of affirmation, a friendly gesture, a friend who gave his/her attention to what we have to say, or a sincere words of praise, a pat on a back and a time spent.  It is not exclusive to a care, to expression of thoughtfulness or words we are familiar of like 'I love you', 'I like you', 'I care for you', 'you are important to me', I adore you'

I thought I know so much about love, but now I realized that I only knew so little..

I haven't recognized love at all most of the time! I focused only on what I knew about love. Love had become a common term. An ordinary thing. But I am glad of the loving experieve.. I had a little knowledge about love. But it means for me to learn more, do so much more! Give so much more! Receive so much more!

LOVE LIBERATES YOU BECAUSE IT WAS NEVER MEANT TO BE EXCLUSIVE. Because all the while (in terms of the opposite sex or a male), I give and expect a lot from a certain person. I expect a lot or hope so much, to change...to be a better person for me and for other people (according to my definition of better person).  Having that thought, it was never free love – it was selfish love.  My love became limited for other male beings, because I gave to him a lot. I failed to recognize the love given to me by other male species. 

QUALITY OF GIVEN LOVE IS NEVER DIMINISHED. But something is amazing about love.  The love we had not received, are just there...waiting, ready when we are ready to recognize and accept it. Dearest, I thank you so much for all the love you gave me through people I love and through other people.  Love is never diminished though it can never be quantified. 

LOVE IS UNLIMITED, I AM A LIMITLESS BEING.It is a liberating experience, because love is not limited.  I can love more.  I am capable of accepting love from anyone, from another being. Love in so many different forms..love given by God, and the world. I felt grateful, I am loved.

taken at Carbin Reef, Sagay, Negros Occidental

You are an awesome God, my dearest Father. I'm sorry for the times i failed to recognize You or acknowledge your presence.  You are love, love yourself. You are a being, an energy, a force that I need. I love you with all the love i received and can give. No matter how much I want to give you, I can never outgive you. Everyday...you gave me all that I need. All the reasons I can give to the world comes to one...I love you with all that I am. 

Love liberated me, because I am limitless.....you made me limitless capable of receiving, being loved and giving more. =)

SHY MOMENTS

orioto.deviantart.com

Oh my, those shy moments I have..

When I could have said something to brighten you up

but I choose not to.

Could have seen your face, and gave you a smile

Could have looked straight at you,

but too afraid my eyes would tell you

so much more than I can ever tell

Those shy, sweet moments..

I bother to let you see..

Those shy sweet moments..

I was scared for you to walk away..

And never, oh never mind...

I could have told you, you're amazing!

I could have listened to everything you have to say...

I could have, but was so damn..shy!

2 PIECES OF CHOCO WAFER

'I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.'- Matthew25:35

This happened over a year ago-It was my first time to join a regular street mission activity of my friends in Pasay. It is their late afternoon activity after the PICC Feast. They offer not just food, but friendship and God's consolation.

Since it rained that day, my friends decided to visit streetfriends in their (I cannot very well define it) but its a home or an area where they rest. They live in an identified environment of high social stature - like almost beside the lobby of Traders Hotel, CCP grounds, along the gates of PICC and below a bridge which served as roof near World Trade Center.  Streetfriends are very simple people, yet a life of poverty , makes their situation worst. Looking at them, I felt pity. That surge of emotion which says, "kawawa naman sila" (poor them).

Everytime we visit another home, I felt more and more hungry...even thirsty.(the fact that it was already past dinner time) I was a mere observer but not quiet.I expressed my sentiment of exhaustion from that long walk under the rain, feeling of pity and HUNGER.

One person frrom the group (I can't consider him a total stranger, but neither a friend yet), he gave me 2 pieces of Choco Nissin Wafer and told me, 'Dont let them see you eat or else they might even beg that out of you.' I never hesitated the offer eventhough I felt inconsiderate of my companions.How could I, I was honestly hungry!

(note: choco nissin wafer is actually my "hungry food". I always have a pack at home, office and especially during travel. Something to eat, or give away when someone asks, or share to a stranger on a bus ride. I always make sure I have a biscuit ir a wafer in my bag for hyperacidity. But none that day)

While my friends are busy ministering, I opened one and slipped the other on my bag, then ate at a "shadowed area". I had only a few munches and yes, that mere stranger was right. A kid beg the rest. Maybe, he thought what I am eating was more special. (I guess, indeed!) It may never  had made me feel physically full, but it made me smile. My soul was fed by a mere gesture of kindness.

Not long after that, we had dinner :)

The following day at the office, I told myself, 'I'll never eat you (wafer) unless I'm really really hungry'. But alas! A cat or maybe a rat ate it! Oh well, maybe they need it , more than I do.

Still, I reflected... that night, he gave more than 2 pieces of choco wafer. He gave me a taste of an understanding on compassion.'How can I ever repay him?' I don't know if he needed anything, with all the gratefulness I felt, I wanted to be an angel for that person. I can never offer him enough but friendship, prayers to protect his good soul and a smile.

 I am blessed to have him as one of my great friends today. There may be times when things seems harsh, but I am always lead back to this very day. 'I was hungry and he gave me two pieces of choco nissin wafer to eat. That's Kindness.' My friend, I can never thank you enough. =)

SIMPLY GIVE...Unknowingly, you're being an angel in human disguise for that person. It may be little giving for you, but for the heart of the one who receives compassion...little is not even a word.

 God bless you! 

Caridad - a daughter of Grace

May 19, 2013 -  I consider this day as a day, full of gift and grace.

It a day we celebrate the birthday of the church - the "beginning anew in faith" setting again our hearts afire. My cousin and I decided to celebrate Pentecost sunday at St. Padre Pio center in Libis, QC. We planned to meet there before the mass, and since I arrived few minutes before the mass began we were seated separately. We decided to meet at a Jollibee outside the church after the mass.  We only had a quick chat, because she had to attend a birthday party. I requested if I could join her. But she insisted, it is a family affair. Shortly after she left, a nun joined me for lunch.

She is Sis Caridad, of the Augustinian sisters all the way from Bicol. She is also an ilongga like me and a Padre Pio devotee. She had few days in Manila for her eye check-up, and part of her routine in her visit is to celebrate mass at St. Padre Pio center.We shared what we do.

She smiled and asked me, "What did you pray for?"(since St. Pio Center is a place of prayer and many people visit the place and leave prayer petitions)
I told her,  "I prayed for myself and my friends today."
She replied, "Our prayer should always be simple."'

'Lord, I know 

you already know what I need 

before I come to you. 

I pray for what is best.

According to you alone.' 

Because sometimes, when we pray, we become dictator instead of a listener.  We dictate God what He should do, or what He should give us, even if sometimes for Him, it is not the best for us. I bet she emphasized the words again. 'Lord, please give me the best, according to you.'

"Sometimes, we pray more for material things, and things that manifest in us physically. God grants those, IF its best. :)" she continued "Always remember never to put any attachment to anything or anyone. So that when it has to go, it has to go. We should always be dependent on His grace."

She told me."I can see in you that you enjoy whatever you are doing. We serve in response to God's grace.  It is always fortunate when you discover the gift of mission." (I shared to her what we do in Prayer and Life Workshops (PLW), stories and the vision of our founder) "God bless you and Fr. Ignacio Larannaga"

Before we parted, I asked for prayers for a dear friend, who was at that time in PGH.
She held my hand and said, "Simply asking for prayers for someone is not an ordinary thing. It is also a mission. Asking for grace. Transform a heart for Christ.  Everything we do, we encounter, we experience has a purpose, like this meeting and having Padre Pio as a spiritual friend."

We went back together to St. Pio Center to spend enjoy moments of prayer and silence.  I thanked God for that special opportunity to hear words from a humble daughter of Grace.  It was indeed a special day.

I always get excited because in my own belief,the Holy Spirit and the church has a special gift for everyone. I received the gift of GRACE, HUMILITY IN PRAYER, AFFIRMATION OF WHAT I DO, A SPECIAL BLESSING and A FRIEND. =)

A COMMON GOAL – COMPASSION

“It is not by chance that we choose He Cares to be a beneficiary. I call this a serendipitous event. We are here because of a similar goal - COMPASSION. Compassion in Japanese Buddhism is ‘jihi’ composed of two Chinese characters, ji meaning to give happiness and ‘hi’ means to remove suffering. For Christians it is called LOVE.” - ITO Supporting Comity (ISC) chairperson shared during their visit at the He Cares Foundation center on September 18, 2013. 

COMPASSION. When they asked Bro Joe Dean Sola, founder of He Cares Foundation, what motivates him to pursue the mission work, his answer was simple. "I felt God loved me so much, and I can't contain it, I must share it with others also. It is our desire to help them get out of the street, therefore we dream of creating a building for the homeless street children and help them lessen their suffering, help them get out of poverty."  I guess a part of us also has this dream, right?

photo credits to Judith Enriquez

What is the reward? I was moved to tears as the Japanese guests shared their joyous encounter with the kids, especially the part where the kids welcomed them gladly with smiles and said 'mano po' (a Filipino gesture of respect, placing the hands of an elder to forehead of a young one).  Their reward was simple - the He Cares experience from the kids...a spark of  hope through their eyes...a simple song of thanksgiving AND.. dried mangoes (which is really a favorite Filipino pasalubong by Japanese)

As a volunteer, I realized something new that day. Compassion or Mercy is not exclusive to Christians alone, but we are united in God by virtues He planted in every human heart. God is behind everything and He uses different ways and people of different beliefs to express His love to His beloved children. God is a God of all. No more questions. No more motives. No religion. But LOVE.

May God continue to bless them and grant them so much Love that they may be filled and continue to pour out more to others. Through them, the face of Christ shines as they spread happiness and ease suffering. How great our God is -  He exists, lovingly in every good deed they do. Amen.

(ISC is an active social organization from Japan, supporting various humanitarian and international social organizations across the globe. Some of their activities include giving financial aid and support to programs like women in crisis, development programs for the poor,health, education and child welfare.)

Want to have the He Cares experience? know more how you can be part of the solution (click here)

oh, tupa..kay tagal kitang hinintay

"The Lord is my shepherd... (I am His sheep)"- Psalm 23

During PLW desert day, most participants share about the "tupa" (sheeps), palaging bida bukod sa mga langgam. But for me? I haven't seen one. Eh nakailang visit na ako dito sa Sacred Heart Novitiate, Novaliches, Quezon City) I always exclaim, i haven't seen even a single tupa. since they say they're a herd and they're almost everywhere. Before leaving home, I sighed to sis connie, my partner, "magpapakita na kaya sakin ang mga tupa ngayon?"

I was preparing some materials for the closing ceremony when I was distracted by baby-like noises. Wow, there just across the pathway near our room were baby sheeps.

(excerpt from my PLW journal)

June 1, 2013

I feel that I am the happiest creature today.  Not only did I saw the sheeps the baby sheeps waited for me. I was so excited to hear them. They called to me like crying babies.  Thank you Lord. Kay tagal ko silang hinintay. Dati kasi ang kanta ko,saan ka man naroroon tupa. After they posed for me,looked at me, we smiled at each other face to face. ahhh, they did not smile. They maah-ed at me. Then they got back to their family na. So totoo nga ang sinasabi ng mga plw attendees. Ang daming tupa!

    

PLW Attendees - QC Bago Bantay Group January 2013

Know more about PLW ( Prayer and Life Workshop) : Visit http://www.plwphil.com/

Somewhere I have never traveled..

"The First Time I loved Forever" (theme from tv series Beauty and the Beast)

Somewhere I Have Never Traveled 

by E. E. Cummings

Somewhere I have never traveled, gladly beyond
any experience, your eyes have their silence:
in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me,
or which I cannot touch because they are too near

Your slightest look easily will unclose me
though I have closed myself as fingers,
you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens
(touching skillfully, mysteriously) her first rose

or if your wish be to close me, I and
my life will shut very beautifully, suddenly,
as when the heart of this flower imagines
the snow carefully everywhere descending;

nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals
the power of your intense fragility: whose texture
compels me with the color of its countries,
rendering death and forever with each breathing

(I do not know what it is about you that closes
and opens; only something in me understands
the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses)
nobody, not even the rain, has such small hands

As I was reviewing wedding song choices for a friend, and listening to them on youtube. This caught my heart and imagination and brought me to "Love World" instantly. I heard this audio poem from the theme song "The First Time I loved forever" from the tv series Beauty and the Beast (1987-1990). Not the disney movie, or the modern 2012 series.. And I instantly fell in love with the lyrics. It seems to me that the author of the poem wanted so much to hold yet with fear,  a love for someone so dear, so fragile and so precious...simply because that someone is too BEAUTIFUL..

I find the poem analysis on this site great and helpful. With added information about the poet and excerpts of his life http://www.johwey.com/2010/09/28/somewhere-i-have-never-traveled/

Prisoner and Prayer

Sin is the darkness that envelopes our souls.

It imprisons our whole being

that we are frozen to do good.

It gradually takes us afar,

so distant from the One who can set us free.

Sin makes our lives miserable,

with no joy, peace and love in our hearts.

It makes us restless, lonely in the darkness

with hearts crying for freedom and salvation.

Dearest Jesus, help us to desire

to seek and find You

that sin may not bind us.

Increase our hunger and thirst for You

so we may choose what is good and not evil.

Shield our ears from the taunting of the enemy.

Fortify our hearts that we may resist his temptations.

You are the Light who can free us from darkness.

Release us from this prison

and let Your divine unconditional love

conquer our whole being

that we may manifest You and not the Evil One

in every deed that we will do in our lives. Amen.

Dare to sing and strum

So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us. - Romans 12:6

One of my to do list this year is to learn to play a musical instrument: Guitar.

I love singing, but singing with accompaniment is way better! Noon, uso pa ang minus-one. Now?not much. And people prefer live acoustic performances. I am a fan of acoustic versions of songs i love listening to, a super fan of Boyce Avenue and Princess..including some friends really inspired me to learn to play guitar.

Last summer 2013, my officemate Love offered to have summer guitar lessons for the youth in their church and invited us to join. From parts of the guitar to basic chords, strumming pattern. and finally, having a recital with other fellow future musicians.hahaha!

Lakas Angkan Ministries' summer music lessons graduates

I played Just Give Me a reason by pink, although it wasn't perfect. It was my best performance so far being a newbie, having few sessions on basic guitar. Although mom told me, wala lang sa tono ang guitar. My friends told me, ok a. pagkakanta! (hey, its a GUITAR RECITAL). But it's fair enough to be honest to have a reasons of many things to improve. 

 teacher Patrick always reminds us, in guitar, there's no secret but Keep practicing!As bro. Bo also reminded every talented, for every skill allow 10,000 hours to perfection! 

Tips for learning guitar:LISTEN well...decide the beat..you may sing with every touch of string...take a lot of patience (extra! extra!) and practice! and of course, humugot ng inspirasyon sa mga nagigitara (both baguhan at magaling)..and of course- consult Youtube for video tutorials. ;)

 Its never too late to start to learn to play a guitar...Thanks to teacher Patrick, Gelo, love,mae ann, brielle, friends and other classmates.

soooon...to create a song with a melody :)

Enjoy!

TELL ME, HOW CAN I NOT LOVE?

Dear God, I thank you for loving me.

You loved me even though the one person I love is myself...

I was selfish, you you told me I love you.
I pretend to care for others and their needs,
but only to show that 'I am kind and generous.'
When in fact, i'm not. I only care about myself.

Yet you cared for me, like there's no other person in the world
 but You and me.
You gave me all that I need, You protected me from all dangers, embraced me in my loneliness, comforted my in my sorrow and pain.
YOU LOVED ME.

I go out to the world trying to be good,
But I cannot help myself getting angry at times,
 judge people, or even hurt a friend.
But You my Lord, never stopped greeting me with wonderful sunshine each day, or sending me smiles through friends and strangers.
You never stopped being a friend. YOU LOVED ME, despite of my being me.

I am proud and conceited, all I care is to
 hear people, 'You are great! You did well!'
And often forget that everything I am comes from You.
But still, You were never boastful and offended or demanded from me, 'Praise me! Thank me! Give glory to me, for I am your Creator.'
You were silent and proud of who I am. YOU LOVED ME.

I tell the world, ' I AM A FRIEND OF JESUS CHRIST!' But the truth, is I don't truly know You or could even walk straight with You on the path of righteousness. I just liked being attached to you.
 It is an honor.... a prestige... a title...

Honestly, I only want to experience happiness, those happy promises. Of feeling good being with You and other people.  I couldnt truly care for other people or even pray for them sincerely. To love others like You do. To suffer for them and with them, embrace pain because of love.

Yet, You never fail being a friend, You loved me despite of being me. You never let go of my hand. And never fail to whisper, I LOVE YOU.

I am impatient, never gentle, I am demanding. 
But You? ...You waited patiently for me. 
You never stopped being gentle and kind.

I couldnt stand enough to listen to long sighs of a friend, to listen intently with all ears and heart...Yet You? ...You would be happy or excited enough to hear about everything I have to say. YOU LOVED ME.

I shouted at You, 'I am a sinner! How can you even love me!!!'
You replied, ' You are my beloved child. Nothing can separate me from you. You are precious to me. And I LOVE YOU.'

At times, I felt ashamed of You. Ashamed to proclaim your love to my friends. To preach about how you loved me, that they may be able to allow themselves to be thoroughly loved by You.

But You never hid your face, or turned your back on me. You sit patiently at my side. Simply smiled, ' I will never leave you. You are my greatest friend.'

I serve others, I sometimes fool myself of being busy for you of doing everything for you. Yet , it seems at times I am not pleasing you. But You, you never demanded anything. You simply looked into my eyes and told me, 'ALL I EVER WANTED IS TO BE WITH YOU...'

I hurt you...
I can't seem to please you...
I abandon prayer at times...
I get mad at You!
I simply cannot forgive, like you can...
I often fail You....
I feel guilty...

Yet YOU NEVER STOPPED BELIEVING IN ME. NEVER STOPPED LOVING ME...

Of all these things of being me, inspite and despite of being just me. YOU LOVED ME..fully.

Tell me, HOW CAN I NOT LOVE?

HOW CAN I NOT HELP BUT LOVE?

HOW CAN I NOT HELP BUT SHARE ABOUT YOUR LOVE?


Friend, We love because God loved us first. (1John4:19) We cannot truly love, unless we experience how much God loved us personally. I am still moved to tears, upon writing this or even reading this over and over. Because, it is a reminder of His so much love for me, also for you. You can stay listening or read all day, hear about God's love. Know about God's love. But let me ask you, How did God loved you in your life personally? Look at yourself, look at your life. How did he loved you today? Enjoy listing about God's abundant love.

God bless you and know that everyday He gives us something to smile about each day. ;)

Point of Reflection: HOW TO BE A GOOD SHEEP?

Point of Reflection (GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY): HOW TO BE A GOOD SHEEP?
In order for us to become a good shepherd, we understand how to be a good sheep first.

1) KNOW the voice of the Shepherd

2) LISTEN 

3) FOLLOW the Shepherd
(John 10:27-30)


But in this present world, of so much noise and voices, how to know/recognize the voice and listen to? The voice is the VOICE OF LOVE and TRUTH. We hear Him through intimacy in PRAYER and conscience.  - Fr. Louie, Good Shepherd Sunday mass, St. Padre Pio Center

The Lord seldom scream, He whispers in a low and loving voice. So like the sheep, it won't scare them away.

Today we offer this sunday to all the Sheperds of the church, the missionaries, the guides, the priests,deacon, head of different ministry, other vocation, especially to our pope Francis who radiates humility and kindness.

" Lord, help me become a sensible sheep so i may always recognize your voice. listen and follow wherever you lead me.I also pray for my shepherd, the leaders, our pope that they may be, like Christ a good Shepherd who would lay down their life in love and service.amen."

Who is your First Love?

Early morning as I leave for work. A song popped up in my memory entitled First love. This was the song dedicated also to me by my pinakada best friend Lot2...I tried searching for the lyrics and guitar chords because she used to sing and play this with her guitar during breaktime in highschool back then in CMULHS, Musuan, Bukidnon.

FIRST LOVE

Remember when you first knew in your heart that He loves you
And all you wanted to do with your time is to spend it all with Him
Remember when you first knew in your heart you would follow
And all you wanted to do with your time was to always be with Him

Then everything seems brand new
All you wanted to do was to seek His face
Hear His words and hold Him deep within you

Chorus:

Your first love is here right now,
He will never ever leave you
He would never let you down
Your first love is here right now.
Remember and return to your first love

Oh Jesus is here, let Him hold you
Hold him close, hold him near you
No one loves you more, there's no one like the Lord!

Your First love is here right now
Remember and return to your ..First love

HIS PLAN FOR YOUR MATE

You long to give yourself completely to someone...
Have a deep soul relationship with another...
To be loved thoroughly and exclusively

BUT GOD SAYS

NO, not until you are satisfied fulfilled and content
With being loved by Me alone...
With giving yourself totally unreservedly to Me...
To have an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone,
Discovering that in Me is your satisfaction to be found,
Then you will be capable of the perfect human relationship
 that I have planned for you.

You will never be united with another until you are united with Me.
Exclusively of anyone or anything else,
exclusively of any other desires or longings,
I want you to stop planning...
    stop wishing and allow Me
   to give you the most thrilling plan existing....
One that you cannot imagine.

I want you to have the best.
Please allow me to bring it to you.
Just expect the greatest things..keep listening and learning
Just wait. that's all.

DON'T BE ANXIOUS. DON'T WORRY.

Don't look around at the things other have gotten
    or that I have given them.
Don't look at the things you think you want.
Just keep looking off away and up to Me
    or you'll miss the things I want to show you.

And then when you're ready,
I'll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than what you dream of

You see, until you are ready and until that one I have for you is
Until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me and the life I have prepared for you,
You can't experience the love that exemplifies your relationship
and thus, PERFECT LOVE.

And dear one, I want you to have this wonderful love in my time.
I want you to see in flesh, a picture of yourself with Me.
and enjoy materially and concretely that everlasting union of beauty,
  perfection and love that I offer you with Myself.

Know that I love you utterly. Believe and be satisfied. :)

Listen!!!

The book of Job is the story of a good man who suffers total disaster - he loses his children and property and afflicted with a repulsive disease. Although God loved Job, his faithful servant. He allowed Satan to test his faith. What if Job lost everything? Job was still faithful, but wants to prove to God that he was innocent, that he don't deserve such cruel punishment. His friends, Bildad, Zaphar, Eliphaz listened to his complaints and tried to explain Job's suffering. (Book of Job, GNT)

But a bystander named Elihu, a young man who was filled with the Spirit of God said to Job, 

"Why do you accuse God of never answering our complaints? Although God speaks again and again, no one pays attention to what He says" - Job 33:13-14

This was very striking for me, after reading the book of Job. I heard my own complaints, but was awed by the magnificence of God. Yes, who knows the mind of the Lord? It's too great for us. The speeches made by Elihu to Job shouts, listen!!(read through Speeches of Elihu Job 32-37). I myself, was quieted with my complaints...especially when God finally answered Job.

finally, let me share to you a beautiful prayer of humility from Job

I know, Lord, that you are all powerful; 

That you can do everything you want.

You ask how I dare question your wisdom

when I was so very ignorant.

I talked about things i did not understand,

about marvels too great for me to know.

You told me to listen while you spoke

and to try to answer your questions.

In the past I knew only what others had told me,

But now I have seen you with my own eyes.

So I am ashamed of all I have said

and repent in dust and ashes.

                                                     - Job 42:2-6

I still do complain to God like Job, at times. Or choose to listen what I only want to hear. or worse, don't listen at all on what He wants to tell me or what He wants me to do!

But as God loved me, He was patient and try to deliver messages through readings, reflections, through friends, the Mass and other people. Sometimes even gave unfortunate events, just to make us STOP and LISTEN. This made me soo grateful and loved by Him.

Be still my friend....pause and be silent. What was God's message to you today?..Listen. =)

God bless you!

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FROM ONE FRIEND TO ANOTHER

I am sharing with you one of the beautiful prayers, we prayed about love and friendship. Before reading this...Assume yourself facing a special friend or you may think about your family, brothers or sisters, friends, more so those you find difficult. In the same way, you are facing Jesus.

I Thank God, I have you. God Bless you friend. I LOVE YOU.

  GOD IS LOVE - " We cannot love God, whom we have not seen, if we do not love    others, whom we have seen." - 1 John 4:20

  FROM ONE FRIEND TO ANOTHER
                            
Friend, I don't know how to tell you,
How much I love you
And how much I need you.
I love you because I see you are happy
And because with Love, 
You listen to my words
and keep my lengthy secrets
I love you because, you approach me with respect,
You accept my silence or my outbursts,
You lift me when I fall
And encourage me in my dreams.
You are not scandalized by my sin
Nor condemn me for my limitations.

I need you brother, sister
To receive your advice,
To give what I have,
To share my faith, 
To tell you what I feel.
And to sing with you.

Thank you my friend,
For the transparency of your heart, 
and because through you, I can see
the serene, broad, happy, neat
great Big smile of God himself.

(taken from "My Brother and Sister", retreat for PLW Guides, 
January 11-13, 2013 at Holy Spirit Mission Retreat Center, Tagaytay)