DEATH TO MY CREDIT CARDS

BE A PRAYER WARRIOR OF THE HOLY SOULS TODAY and save your own soul

2011-07-20T15:41:00.004+08:00

I opened up an email message one time from a fellow blogger who referred me to this website PRAYER WARRIOR OF THE HOLY SOULS. Out of habit, I visited the site and instantly signed up to become a member. Weeks later, I received a complimentary starter kit containing prayers, leaflets and the booklet READ ME OR RUE IT through snail mail. Little did I know that this booklet, Read Me or Rue It, will change the way I live forever.

Until I read the booklet, I never really gave much importance to prayers for the dead. And I never gave much thought to the reality of Purgatory because this place has rarely been discussed or paid much attention to. Purgatory is very different than what I imagined it to be,according to the booklet Read me or Rue it, it is a prison of fire in which nearly all souls are plunged after death and in which they suffer the most intense pain.

St. Thomas of Aquinas, the Prince of Theologians, says that the fire of Purgatory is equal in intensity of the fire of Hell, and that the slightest contact with it is more dreadful than all the possible sufferings of this Earth.

St. Augustine, the greatest of the Holy Doctors, teaches that to be purified of their faults prior to being admitted to Heaven, souls after death are subjected to a fire more penetrating, more dreadful than anything we can see, or feel, or conceive in this life.

“Though this fire is destined to cleanse and purify the souls”, adds the Holy Doctor, “still it is more acute than anything we can possibly endure on Earth.”

St. Cyril of Alexandria does not hesitate to say: “that it would be preferable to suffer all the possible formats of Earth until Judgment day, than pass one day in Purgatory.”

Another great Saint says: “Our fire, in comparison with the fire of Purgatory is a refreshing breeze.”

Man, with his weaknesses, would likely suffer and undergo purification in Purgatory after death. If priests and nuns serve their time in Purgatory, what more us ordinary people who give in to various pleasures of the world without much thought on how we offend God with our actions everyday. This should serve as a wake up call to each one of us who live our lives without consequence.

Without realizing it, is our duty to pray for poor souls in Purgatory. Like the living, the dead need our help and prayers to be freed from this suffering. The power of prayer extends even to other world. The simple prayer of St. Gertrude is invoked for poor souls in purgatory and for living sinners. Our Lord told St. Gertrude that the following prayer would release 1000 souls from purgatory each time it is said.

"Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen."

In return, holy souls pray for their benefactors with a fervour so great, so intense, so constant that God can refuse them nothing.

St. Catherine of Bologna says: “I received many and very great favours from the Saints but still greater favours from the Holy Souls.”

Then they are finally released from their pains and enjoy the beatitude of Heaven, far from forgetting their friends on earth, their gratitude knows no bounds. Prostrate before the Throne of God they never cease to pray for those who helped them. By their prayers they shield their friends from the dangers and protect them from the evils that threaten them.

They will never cease these prayers until they see their benefactors safely in Heaven and will be forever their dearest, sincerest and best friends.

If Catholics only know what powerful protectors they secure by helping the Holy Souls they would not be so remiss in praying for them.

Another great grace that they obtain for their helpers is a short and easy Purgatory, or possibly its complete remission.

Blessed John of Messias, the Dominican lay brother, had a wonderful devotion to the souls in Purgatory. He obtained by his prayers, (chiefly by the recitation of the Rosary), the liberation of one million four hundred thousand souls!

In return they obtained for him the most abundant and extraordinary graces and came at the hour of his death to help and console him and accompany him to Heaven.

This fact is so certain that it is inserted by the Church in the Bull of his Beatification.

The learned Cardinal Baronius, recounts a similar incident.

He was himself called to assist a dying gentleman. Suddenly a host of blessed spirits appeared in the chamber of death, consoled the dying man and chased away the devils who sought by a last desperate effort to cause his ruin.

When asked who they were, they answered that they were eight thousand souls whom he had released from Purgatory by his prayers and good works. They were sent by God, so they said, to take him to Heaven without his passing one moment n Purgatory.

St. Gertrude was fiercely tempted by the devil when she came to die. The evil spirit reserves a dangerous and subtle temptation for our last moments. As he could find no other ruse sufficiently clever with which to assail the Saint, he thought to disturb her beautiful peace of soul by suggesting that she would surely remain long years in the awful fires of Purgatory since, he reminded her, she had made over long ago all her suffrages to other souls. Our Blessed Lord, not content with sending His angels and the thousand of souls she had released, to assist her, came Himself in person to drive Satan away and comfort His dear Saint. He told her that in exchange for all she had done for the Holy Souls He would take her straight to Heaven and would multiply a hundred fold all her merits.

Blessed Henry Suso, of the Dominican Order, made a compact with a fellow religious to the effect that when one of the two died the survivor would offer two Masses each week for his soul and other prayers as well.

It so happened that his companion died first and Blessed Henry commence immediately to offer the promised masses. These he continued to say for a long time. At last quite sure that the soul of his saintly friend had reached Heaven, he ceased offering the masses.

Great was his sorrow and consternation when the soul of the dead Brother appeared to him suffering intensely and chiding him for not celebrating the promised masses.

He replied with deep regret that he had not continued the mass believing that his friend must be enjoying the Beatific Vision and added that he had never remembered him in prayer.

“O dear Brother Henry please give me the masses, for it is the Precious Blood of Jesus that I most need”, cried out the suffering soul.

Blessed Henry began anew and, with redoubled fervour, offered masses and prayers for his friend until he received absolute certitude of his delivery.

Then it was his turn to receive graces and blessings of all kinds from the dear brother he had relieved, and very many times more than he could have expected.

I do hope this blog will change your life the way it changed mine. Please remember to include the souls of Purgatory in your prayers and offer sacrifices for them and fast for them. Let us all help each other for this will certainly find delight in God's eyes.

*Excerpts taken from Read Me or Rue It

HAIKU: MY SWEET BUBBLE TEA

2011-07-05T19:02:00.003+08:00

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I unintentionally torture myself on the net everyday. Take this craving I have now for Royal Milk Tea. I've been addicted to this cold beverage for a few months now ever since I tried it at Chowking, a Chinese fast food joint here in Manila. They have different names and flavors for this enticing concoction but basically it's just brewed tea with milk and loads of ice and tapioca pearls or tea jelly added. The taste is so unique and delectable that I just can't get enough of it. So I search the world wide web for recipes to make my own at home and I find myself staring at yummy pictures of this ostentatious drink that it has me shaking with thirst. There's no milk tea for sale in close proximity so I'm indeed suffering right now. To top all that, I'm bombarded with images of excitotoxic grub like bacon wrapped dumplings, crispy shrimp balls, spring rolls and Yang Chow fried rice from The Pickiest Eater In The World while blog walking. Oh the pain...the agoooooony!

I must say that after taking a sip of that milky froth, my life has never been the same. My inner parasites have been longing for this overpowering drink ever since. There's nothing left for me to do now but lay it down in writing and forever record my addiction, here goes my little haiku.

Yummy, icy brew
Your taste has enraptured me...

My sweet bubble tea!

Milky froth, pearly balls

Such bittersweet heaven

Flowing through my mouth.

Just can't get enough

Gotta have more than a cup

Of this royal, foamy stuff.

Green, red, white or chai

Long as your leaves are brewed fresh

I will get my high!

Not a day will pass
Without milk tea in my glass
My caffeine jolt jazz!

5 WAYS TO RESUSCITATE A DYING BLOG

2011-07-02T11:28:00.002+08:00

It's a tragedy when a blog has been left to die. And quite disturbing especially if you own that blog. I've been blogging for more than 3 years now and it has taught me a lot of things. Most notable is the fact that it cannot replace my day job. It takes a Problogger, a bonafide internet guru or a celebrity for a blog to make enough money to support a family. I have accepted this now. Penelope Trunk was right, blogging is about ideas, self-discovery, and growth. And it's gonna be crazy hard to make a living out of it. With that said, I will continue on with chronicling and resuscitating my beloved blog with no more false hopes and distractions. It's more fun that way. For that was why I started doing this, to chronicle my life, look back on it and learn from my mistakes. Just to stay focused on rekindling my writing, I have come up with 5 Ways to Resuscitate a Dying Blog. Here goes:

1. Read my Personal Goals Everyday

I'm gonna have to start the day right by reading my personal goals daily. Having no focus and purpose makes it easier to procrastinate and waste my time on the net gawking at awkward human and animal photos all day instead of blogging or writing my ebook. According to Dr. Daniel Amen, certified psychiatrist and brain expert, reading goals everyday keeps one on track to become more successful. Definitely great advice.

2. Identify and Follow your Mentor

I have subscribed to anything and everything under the sun with the key words 'make money online' and have yet to read all that spam mail. Too much information and a vast landscape of resources can surely overwhelm a novice AND even a long time blogger. Let's face it, everyone is trying to sell you something. It is quite a chore to distinguish if such advice will benefit me or the mentor who is selling me their services, ebooks and various products. The best thing to do is follow my passion and develop my writing skills instead. It should all start with me and not with copying other people's work. Copyblogger hit the nail right on the head, 'I needed to focus on a bigger picture. I wanted to find out what all these top bloggers had in common. Their mindset, their mental habits' (Annabel Candy, contributor). Thus far, I have unsubscribed myself from numerous mailing lists of so-called internet marketing “gurus” to focus on top bloggers who matter like Brian Clark, Darren Rowse, and Leo Babauta. This has made my blogging life so much easier.

3. Start Writing my novel or ebook

I have been procrastinating, no thanks to Facebook, Twitter and other distractions on the net. I've lost touch with my inner frustrated writer. The only way I can improve my craft is to write, write and write. Have to remind myself that each and every day. No one else can help me but myself.

4. Read at least one book/ebook everyday

This is a great habit and the most enjoyable way to hone my craft and learn more skills. I have to learn how to be more creative to grab people's attention and keep it. I gotta save this blog from certain and imminent death.

5. Eliminate all doubt and fear

Writing for me has never felt like a chore. When I started this blog, I was so overwhelmed with the excitement of pouring my heart out and sharing my ideas. But now fear of being judged by others and having doubts on my writing skills has incapacitated me quite a bit. In spite of the fact that I have never really had a bad comment about my posts. Sure I am no Penelope Trunk or James Altucher. But at least they have no fears whatsoever of posting the most intimate moments of their lives including the time Penelope was evading arrest or how James would not want to be like his father. I actually wanted to be honest and open about my life but fear is getting in the way. From now on I have to move forward and remind myself that the rewards are better if I think that way. Life would be so much more enjoyable and bearable.

I feel more confident already after this post. I would love to have the same bravado when I first wrote the Introduction to this blog. Ideas just flow in my head and everything I write comes from the heart. Time to put this into practice and start reviving this blog again. Hope you guys would stick around and come with me. Till next post!

IS THE GREAT CHASTISEMENT UPON US?

2011-03-19T05:37:00.109+08:00

On March 11 at 2:46pm JST, a massive 9.0-magnitude earthquake occurred near the northeastern coast of Japan, creating extremely destructive tsunami waves which have caused extensive and severe damage leaving thousands of people confirmed dead, injured or missing, and millions more affected by lack of electricity, water and transportation. But there is a bigger problem that the Japanese are facing right now, and that is the destruction of the Fukushima Daiichi power plant's main power source and several back-up systems. With the nuclear plant losing it's cooling systems, there is an impending meltdown that is threatening not just Japan but the whole world. Dangerous amounts of radiation released into the air by the burning fuel rods can reach as far as North America according to the experts from the United Nations (UN) Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). Radioactive particles that get caught up in the jet stream and will travel the world over will end up contaminating crops and grazing field, threatening the world food supply.

Before the deadly earthquake hit Japan, popular uprisings were spreading in the Middle East which started in Egypt and Tunisia. Fierce demonstrations erupted also in Libya, Bahrain, Iran...all the way to North Africa. This has forced my fellow Filipinos to go back home and abandon their jobs due to the violent situation in the Middle East.

With all these happenings in the world, I cannot help but wonder about them being signs of the Warning that is to come. Many non-Christians and even Christians are not aware of the Warning that was given by Our Lady at Garabandal and Medjugorje. Below is a backgrounder on what The Warning is all about.
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According to the booklet The Warning by Father Philip Bebie, C.P.:
A great struggle between good and evil is going on. Pope Paul VI did not hesitate to call it "apocalyptic." The ultimate result of this struggle was told to us specifically at Fatima: There will be a triumph of love...a triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. "Russia will be converted and an era of peace will be granted to mankind."

Before that triumph we may have a terrible chastisement in which "several entire nations will be annihilated." According to Garabandal, Medjugorje, etc., to make it possible for the world to avoid that chastisement the Queen of Peace has obtained for us THE WARNING.

Holy prophets (Saint Edmund Campion, Blessed Anna Maria Taigi) predicted this same warning at the very beginning of the historical religious catastrophes: The Reformation conflicts (Saint Edmund Campion} and the rise of Marxism (Blessed Anna Maria) which have brought our world to its present state of estrangement from God.

At the time of the publication of this book in 1986 Father Bebie (who wrote this in 1981-82) was suffering the final stages of a terminal cancer, which, to the surprise of his doctors and most of all to himself, had not yet taken his life. He had previously entrusted the manuscript to a friend to be published when} the warning occurred. During a "good-bye" visit early in 1986...shortly after he had returned from a hospital intensive care unit, it was decided that publication after the warning might be ineffective. It might be too late for people to know the importance of what had just happened to them...and to the world!

THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS WARNING CANNOT BE EXAGGERATED.

It will be an act of God...an act of His Mercy. Whether the world will avoid annihilation of several entire nations will depend on how each of us reacts to this act of His Mercy.

At a time when the world has lost its sense of sin, we will suddenly see ourselves as God sees us. We will recognize our sins.

IF WE REJECT THIS ACT OF MERCY...if we then persist in our sins...will we not deserve to see the whole world purged with fire...or by whatever purging Divine Justice may elect?

It is possible that many will reject the warning out of ignorance.

That is why it seemed both prudent and advisable to make this book available in advance, entrusting to those who receive it, the responsibility of communicating with newspapers, television, radio, Church leaders, government officials, in a word, to all who will be able to inform the greatest number of people just what the warning means as soon as it happens.

It may be a year away. It may happen tomorrow. There are many indications that it will come soon.

NOTE: Father Bebie died in 1986, when at the very time this little book (written by him in 1981) was being printed.

Foreword

Blessed Anna Maria Taigi spoke of a great chastisement which would come to the world before which there would be an illumination of the conscience of men by which suddenly everyone would see themselves as God sees them. She indicated that this illumination of conscience would result in the saving of many souls because many would repent as a result of this "Warning"...this miracle of "self illumination".

Beatified in 1920 as a model of women and mothers. Anna Maria Taigi was not only a prophetess of our time, but one of the most extraordinary mystics in the history of the Church.

From the time she was 20 years old, until she died at the age of 63, the Beata was accompanied by a mysterious light in which she saw past, present, and future events ...some relating to struggles among nations: some relating to individual souls.

Blessed Anna Maria gazed into that light only when she felt an interior impulse ...a sort of direction from Our Lord and the Holy Spirit ...to do so. And usually when she looked into the light she was asked to offer some special suffering for a special need in the Church or in an individual.

In that light Anna Maria saw a great chastisement coming upon the world in the future ...but at the same time a great blessing: The "Warning" which would be an illumination of the consciences of men, just as though suddenly every man was given the same kind of light that accompanied her...to which they would see themselves as God sees them.

It is interesting that 300 years before Blessed Anna Maria this same revelation was given to St. Edmund Campion. who went to his death affirming this same prophecy.

One is put in mind of the prophecies of the Old Testament...some of which were close to the time of Our Lord, and some of which were hundreds of years before. And no one ever knew with any exactitude when those prophecies would be fulfilled.

But we now have cogent reasons to believe that this prophecy of the warning and the chastisement ...which we have heard from the lips of various good persons and canonized saints...will take place very soon, for we recall that St. John Bosco, an authentic prophet of our time, was told by Our Lady that She would obtain a victory for Christianity before the year 2000 which would be greater even than the victory of Lepanto (which in 1571 was a turning point in the history of the world over seemingly hopeless odds).

Father Philip Bebie, a Passionist priest who became nationally celebrated for his book "Proclaim Her Name" (AMI. Press) was a founding member of a Passionist House of Solitude and was Administrator of the first two Charismatic Priests' conferences in Steubenville, Ohio (1975-76). He then preached Parish Missions until his sickness (1983).

The year 1985 was the jubilee (25 years) year of his priesthood. During this recent time of grace Father Philip became convinced that the foretold warning (and at the same time great miracle of grace) would find most people unprepared. He felt a need to explain the Garabandal prophecies so that when the world experienced the illumination of conscience people would better know what it meant and be prepared for the Great Miracle.

Father Philip began this book in October of 1981 and completed it January 1st, 1982. He did not intend that it should be published until after the Warning took place. But he shared the manuscript with a few friends. One of them allowed Father Philip himself to set the manuscript into print so that it would be ready for immediate printing and distribution when The Warning occurred.

Four years later, Father Philip himself was dying of an advanced state of cancer of the liver. And while constantly thinking of his imminent death, he also began to sense the possibility that he himself might still be alive to experience the Warning and the great Miracle that is to follow. It then occurred to some of his friends that since the predicted time between the Warning and the Miracle would be less than a year, it might be best to have some copies of this book printed in advance and in the hands of at least some people in different parts of the world so that it would be more readily available if and when these prophecies are actually realized.

It must be borne in mind that this book is intended to be published generally only after the Warning. For that reason it reads as though the miracle of illumination of conscience had already been experienced by the reader. Even if read before the Warning we believe it will be of deep interest and edification for all who read it.

Click here for a copy of The Warning by Fr. Philip Bebie, C.P.

~ o ~

To add to my speculation, I received an email a few days ago with the subject:
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LUCIA REVEALS THE THIRD SECRET OF FATIMA

Regardless of whatever Creed or Religion, it is better to be prepared and be in good terms with GOD Who created us; for we never know when we will be leaving this world.....

LAST SECRET OF FATIMA

The Church has given permission to reveal to the people the last part of the message. The Blessed Virgin appeared to three children in Fatima, Portugal in 1917, this is a proven fact;one of these children was Lucia, (died 2-13-05).

She was a cloistered nun, and lived in a monastery in Portugal. Lucia disclosed the message for the first time; to Pope Pius Xll who, after reading, sealed it and stored it away without making it public. Later Pope John XXIII read it and, in the same manner as his predecessor, he kept it out of the public eye because he knew that once revealed; it would bring desperation and panic to mankind.

But now the time has come, and permission has been granted from Pope John Paul II to reveal it to the children of God; not to create panic, but to make God's people aware of this important message and be prepared.

The Virgin told Lucia:
'Go, my child, and tell the world what will come to pass during the 1950's - 2000's. Men are not practicing the Commandments that God has given us. Evil is governing the world and is harvesting hate and resentment all over. Men will fabricate mortal weapons that will destroy the world in minutes!...where half of the human race will be destroyed. The war will begin against Rome , and there will be conflicts amongst religious orders.

God will allow all natural phenomena like smoke, hail, cold, water, fire, floods, earthquakes, winds and inclement weather to slowly batter the planet.

These happenings will come to pass before the year 2012! "For those who don't/won't believe...this is the time...Your beloved mother told you -
...those lacking charity towards others, in words & deeds and those who do not love their neighbour like my beloved Son has loved you all...cannot survive! They will wish to have died.

God will punish severely those who do not believe in Him, those who despise Him and those who did not have time for Him."
'I call upon all of you to come to my son Jesus Christ. God will help the world, but all of those who do not show fidelity and loyalty will be destroyed!'

Father Agustin, who lives in Fatima, said that Pope Paul VI gave him permission to visit Sister Lucia, a cloistered nun (she did not leave the monastery nor was allowed to receive any visitors). Father Agustin said that she received him greatly overwhelmed and told him:
'Father, Our Lady is very sad because nobody is interested in her prophecy of 1917, though the righteous are walking through a narrow path, the evil ones are walking through an ample road that is leading them straight to their destruction! Believe me, Father, the punishment will come very soon. Many souls will be lost and many nations will disappear from the earth'.

But, in the middle of all these, if men reflect, pray and practice sincerity, good deeds, kindness and respect, the world can be saved. However, if men persist with evil ways...greed, hatred, selfish acts, rivalry and strife, the world will be lost forever! The time has come for all to pass on the message of our Blessed Lady to their families, friends, and to the entire world.

Continue praying, make penitence and sacrifices. We are close to the last minute of the last day and the catastrophes are near. Due to this, many that were far from the Church will return to the open arms of the Church of Jesus Christ.

The joining of the churches will result in one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. England , Russia , China , Jews, Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, Protestants, etc. All will return believing and worshipping God our Creator, in His beloved Son and in Blessed Mother Virgin Mary.'

WHAT AWAITS US?

Everywhere there will be 'Peace Talks', but punishment will come.
A MAN IN A VERY IMPORTANT POSITION WILL BE ASSASSINATED AND THIS WILL PROVOKE THE WAR. A POWERFUL ARMY WILL DOMINATE ALL THROUGH EUROPE AND THE NUCLEAR WAR WILL COMMENCE.

This war will destroy everything; darkness will fall over us for 72 hours (3 days) and the one third of humanity that survives this obscurity and sacrifice, will commence to live a new era; they will be good people.

On a very cold night, 10 minutes before midnight, A GREAT QUAKE will shake the earth for 8 hours. This will be the third signal that God Is, Who governs the earth.
The righteous and those who propagate the faith and the message of the Lady of Fatima is : 'ONE SHOULD NOT FEAR, DO NOT BE AFRAID'.

WHAT TO DO?
Bow your heads, kneel down and ask God for forgiveness. Because, only what is good and is not under the power of evil will survive the catastrophe. In order for you to prepare and remain alive and safe, I will give you the following signs:
ANGUISH...AND IN A SHORT PERIOD THE EARTHQUAKE WILL COMMENCE...THE EARTH WILL SHAKE.....

The shake will be so violent that will move the earth 23 degrees and then it will return it to its normal position. Then, total and absolute darkness will cover the entire planet. All the evil spirits will be mingling around and free, doing harm to all those souls that did not want to listen to this message and those who did not want to repent.

To the faithful souls, remember to light the blessed candles, prepare a sacred altar with a crucifix in order to communicate with GOD and implore for His infinite mercy.
All will be dark; and IN THE SKY A GREAT MYSTIC CROSS will appear to remind us the price that his beloved Son had to pay for our redemption.

In the house the only thing that can give light will be the HOLY CANDLES. Once lit, nothing will put them off until the three days of darkness are over. Also, you should have holy water that should be sprinkled abundantly on windows and doors. The Lord will protect the property of the chosen ones. Kneel down before the powerful cross of my beloved Son, pray the Rosary and after each Hail Mary you must pray the following:
'Oh God forgive us our sins, preserve us from the fires of hell, take all souls to heaven, especially those who are in more need of thy mercy. Blessed Virgin Mary, protect us, we love you, save us and save the world'.

Pray 5 Creeds and the Rosary which is the secret to my Immaculate Heart. All those who believe in my words go and take the message to everyone.

DO NOT FEAR! FEAR NOTHING DURING THE LORD'S GREAT DAY. Talk to all, now that there is time. Those who keep quiet will be responsible for all those souls who will perish in ignorance. All those who pray humbly the rosary will have the protection of heaven. Those who are bound to die, I will help them die in peace, and they will be holy when they enter the other world.

I wish all my children to attend mass every first Friday and every first Saturday of each month; to confess and receive Holy Communion; and in doing so, save the world from its TOTAL DESTRUCTION.

When the earth shakes no more, those who still do not believe in our Lord will perish in a horrible way-
The wind will bring gas and it will disperse it everywhere, then the sun will rise.

Maybe you will survive this catastrophe. Do not forget that God's punishment is holy and ONCE IT HAS STARTED YOU SHOULD NOT LOOK OUTSIDE, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE! GOD DOES NOT WANT ANY OF HIS GOOD CHILDREN TO SEE WHEN HE PUNISHES THE SINNERS.

All this encompasses with the writings of the Holy Scriptures. Read on the New Testament: Lucas 21- 5:121, 12:19, 20:20, 29:33; Letters of St Paul 3 - 8 - 14 Isaiah 40, 1:5:9.

You must understand that God allows all this to happen. The Pope and Bishops are now awaiting another message that speaks about repentance and prayer. Please remember that God's words are not a threat, but good news.

Please reproduce these pages and send them to all you know so we all can have the opportunity to repent and be saved.

We do not know if those receiving this message believe or not in GOD, but just think that, if you are receiving this message it is for a good reason from God Who created us and loves us so much!

Our Creator is giving us the chance to be saved, no matter what religion or creed we may be. If you don't believe in this message, at least send it to others, it costs you nothing.

To all those receiving it, they can have the opportunity to judge and decide for themselves. Remember, we can avoid a great deal of evil if we practice the
Commandments that Our Loving Father God gave us. Just 10 simple ways, that if we all put into practice we can obtain God's pardon. Amen.

~ o ~

All the skeptics out there would surely think I am losing my mind for believing in eschatology (study of the end of times). But I believe in the Bible and I feel that it wouldn't hurt to be prepared for the end, may it be of my own life or of the world. It surely bothers me what the world is coming into. The price of man's greed and arrogance is very costly and we are currently experiencing the consequences of our actions.

Yesterday the world has experienced a Supermoon in after 20 years. This phenomenon is making me a bit nervous even if I am not superstitious. It has been known throughout history that the moon has influenced powerful floods and earthquakes and even human behaviour. But whatever is in store for us in the following days, I have a feeling the world will never be the same again.

At the moment, Libya is under attack by US allies. Could this be another sign of the looming apocalypse? I cannot assume that at this point. But all I can do and suggest to you my dear reader is to heed the call of Our Lady, to make many sacrifices, perform much penance, and visit the Blessed Sacrament frequently. We must lead good lives. If we do not, a chastisement will befall us. The cup is already filling up, and if we do not change, a very great chastisement will come upon us.

MY GRUMPY VALENTINE

2011-02-12T22:00:00.002+08:00

Ah yes, it's that time of year again. The day that most singles and myself included totally dread: Valentine's Day. I never liked this day not because I can't find a date. On the contrary, I believe this day has been transformed as one big commercial racket that has forced a lot of people to celebrate it for all the wrong reasons. It's that time when partners suddenly show some love and affection and then go back to being douche bags the next day. Or sweethearts will spend extravagantly on dinner or a concert then treat each other like crap after that. In the case of single people, they get so desperate and depressed if they don't find a date to the point that they'll take the first one that walks through the door no matter how shitty or repugnant that person is. It's such a superficial occasion that makes my skin crawl, all that fuss over a day that shouldn't have been different from any other. For me, if you care for someone, you should treat them with kindness and compassion everyday and not just for one stupid holiday.

What really drives me crazy during Valentine's is not just the affectation but the inconveniences that I have to endure during this day. The heavy traffic makes me cranky plus the fact that I can't eat out or go anywhere because everyone is out on a date in every corner you can find. And I personally hate crowded and cramped places for it makes me nauseous and uncomfortable. It's just a lose-lose situation for me.

It might seem like I am a woman who has no romantic bone in me. That's not really the case. I would still be smitten if my man takes me out on a fancy dinner or a charming date so long as it's not at the same time as the 5 million people in the city. And I would definitely appreciate a partner who would love me and take care of me not on one single occasion but all year round. For me, Valentine's Day is one big marketing ploy . Only businesses enjoy the benefits of this day in the long run and definitely not the couples they have targeted. But that's just my opinion.

SOLUTIONS AND NOT RESOLUTIONS! DILIGENCE AND NOT INDOLENCE! 2011 FTW!

2011-01-15T23:33:00.006+08:00

Another new year, another reason to hope for better things. This is always the case with beginnings. And seeing 2010 end with a bang makes me feel more optimistic and slightly relieved. But unlike the past new years, I do not seek for resolutions but definitely solutions this time. That is why I came up with an action plan instead of the usual list of new goals. I have to exercise self discipline if I want to make major changes for 2011. And believe you, me this is a pretty radical list of non-negotiables. But I know this will make me a better person after. Here goes:

1. No more chocolate cake. - Aside from inducing GERD attacks on me, I realized how sticky this stuff gets inside the colon. I will live longer without chocolate cake and besides bread pudding or meringue is lighter to the tummy and kinder to my molars.

2. Strict budget of 200 Php per day. - Such a threshold will keep me from making unnecessary purchases and give me more money for my emergency fund.

3. Pay myself 10% every payday. - I still do not have the discipline to pay myself first. This has to start NOW.

4. No more drinks with ice outside my home. - Ice from factories and business establishments are DIRTY. It's a fact. Unless I made them, I would stay away from them. This will benefit my gut and immune system too.

5. No more soda forever. - Goodbye Rootbeer. Ciao Coca-Cola. Sayonara Mirinda. Asta la Vista Pepsi.

6. No more coffee or cigarettes. - Not one sip. Not one stick. N.O.

7. Update Cash notebook everyday. - I can never stick to a budget and this is my ultimatum. It pays to know where my money is going and how I can control it.

It's a short list but I'll figure out the rest as I go along. You have to admit it's a great action plan and is definitely non-negotiable. Simple things can surely lead to greater achievements so I have to start with the basest urges. And I definitely have to start thinking like an entrepreneur if I want to be one. Frugality and self-restraint are key to discipline and over all well-being.

What about you dear reader? Do you have some non-negotiables you might want to share. Let me know. Hey! Happy New Year and here's to 2011 FTW!!!

HOW THE POOR, MIDDLE CLASS AND THE RICH SPEND THEIR INCOME

2010-12-17T18:40:00.003+08:00

Find more videos like this on Create Abundance 2020™ International Network

THOUGHTS ON PARENTING

2010-11-27T14:01:00.025+08:00

There are two sides to every story, and choosing the wrong side can scar a person for life. For the longest time I have wallowed in self-pity because of how my parents have treated me differently since the day I was born, i.e. I am not their favorite. And having only one sibling can be such a competition that I have decided not to participate in the rivalry and save myself from further humiliation. Too bad I discovered too late that dysfunction is the norm in most families.

But problems are part of life. Without suffering, we would not be forced to discover our innermost selves. We become better students from our mistakes so long as we profit from them and use them to our advantage. Remember that even the famous make mistakes. But what sets them apart is their ability to take criticism constructively and they never give up. For failure is just one of the steps to reach success. Nobody ever got it right the first time, given that they are normal.

Parents have such a big responsibility to guide their children on how to achieve their full potential. Unfortunately, my folks we're too focused on themselves that they didn't bother to educate me and mold me into a responsible citizen. They're too busy enjoying parties and social gatherings to be bothered by such "trivialities". It was enough for them to send me to the best private schools and leave me to learn everything there. Of course, that was a big mistake. Relying on others to mold your kids is like leaving them out in the woods. It's just not right. Parents are responsible in instilling moral values and good manners in their kids. Children must be guided by their parents in all aspects of their lives, mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. If kids are not supervised most likely they would end up irresponsible, unhappy and unloved. In the end, not only the child was shortchanged but the parents themselves. In my parents' case, they were such happy-go-lucky people that they didn't have the wisdom to save up for their retirement to secure our future. At present, they are retired,unemployed and broke, not very ideal for their children.

But this kind of carefree approach to life is normal in our country. We have a different mentality here. When the children are old enough to work and fend for themselves, they are obliged to support their parents and give back what was invested on them. Which is a really sad and vicious cycle. This robs the child to build his own nest egg and invest on his future. But in our country, nest egg and retirement funds are unfamiliar words, practically unheard of. How could they have knowledge of financial literacy, they never learned it in school and certainly not at home. And my friends would look at me funny when I mention emergency fund, compound interest, mutual funds, etc. I wouldn't have learned so much about money until I got myself up to my ears in debt. Which is kind of a blessing in disguise. It helped me focus on how I could manage my money and pay for my mistakes. I did my research and enriched my financial I.Q. I owe it to my children not only to change our family tree but to leave them with a lasting inheritance. Aside from teaching them about debt and retirement funds, it is integral that I show them I can be a good example.

I may have a long way to go to become financially free but at least I am learning new things each day and have started to appreciate the simpler things in life. This financial journey has taught me so much about the greatest things in life...and that is, happiness cannot be bought, it's innate. No material thing can make us happy, happiness is a decision and everyday is a blessing that we should be grateful for, for life is a gift. And we must focus on the present, learn from our past and look forward to the future.

RECEIVING THE KINDNESS OF GOD

2010-11-15T17:15:00.003+08:00

When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy (Titus 3:4-6)

God is merciful. God is kind. That is why it pains me to offend Him and sin against Him. But I can't help it. Life gets in the way. Everywhere I go, everyone I see, all the things I read, every problem I face...all induce fear and doubt in me. I know in my heart that God will take care of me and He will never let me down. Still I feel weak and unfit. I am positive that the world and material possessions would not give me comfort, but having children, mounting debt and zero savings can be very demoralizing. Even though God has blessed me so much with things that I am very grateful for, the future still seem uncertain and scary to me.

I guess feelings of uncertainty and dread are normal especially for a parent like me who is concerned for her children. This is why I pray a lot and offer all my emotional baggage to God and this brings me peace of mind. Showing kindness , sharing prayer books or giving alms to others also help me forget all my problems and make me feel really good inside, like this is my purpose in life. God made me to show His Face to others and give them comfort. And my doubts and fears vanish when I serve God.

But being human, I still act like an ingrate and continuously sin in spite of myself. I almost skipped Sunday Mass yesterday but felt that I needed to recharge spiritually and emotionally and show the Lord that I love Him and I yearn for Him. I went to Mass with a mind that keeps wandering off in all places except where I was. I was getting annoyed with myself and with the priest blabbering away and I was not absorbing anything that he was saying. I was getting sorry for even attending Mass for I felt so unworthy and miserable. I was sure that God was so displeased at everything I do and think. But I stuck around and paid my respects during the highlight of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist. During Holy Communion, I went down on my knees and prayed for I can't receive the Eucharist, I've yet to get married in church. I was pouring my guts out to God when suddenly I felt His wonderful love and presence squeeze my heart. Tears and mucus won't stop running down my face, Jesus was speaking to me but without any words, He was comforting me without any arms. He was there, just pouring out His Mercy on me and simply loving and accepting me. I realized yet again that God does not know how to hate, that God is kind, God is merciful. And it is never too late to change our wicked ways, for God is waiting for us patiently, always ready and willing to share His kindness and mercy to anyone, deserving or not.

HOW TO CARRY YOUR CROSS EVERYDAY

2010-10-16T17:05:00.000+08:00

When you are down to nothing, God is up to something.

I have been reading up on Spiritual Dryness for I suspect this to be the reason why I have been so lukewarm and disturbed for the last few months. The site Timeless Truths hit the nail on the head;

Spiritual dryness is sometimes the result of attachment to the world. “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”* Unless we live by the Bible, we cannot be spiritual. A little affection for the things of earth robs the soul of spiritual life. In this matter Satan is an excellent reasoner. He will suggest that your desires are only for the glory of God; that you have no affection for the worldly object, but desire it only for God’s glory.

Spiritual dryness may be the result of sloth. “Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep.”* Spiritual idleness soon results in spiritual dryness. That sophism of Satan’s, “No time for prayer,” is very dangerous. Any neglect of spiritual devotion must result in lukewarmness.

I confess, I have been relenting to carry my crosses because it's getting too heavy and too many to bear. There lies my biggest mistake so I guess I had to learn my lesson. I wanted a quick fix, an easy way out and it didn't matter what it will cost me as long as I get relief and rest from my problems. But instead of solving them, I dug myself deeper into the pit I have created.

But then God one day whispered this to me:

Dear Wenko,

Your blessings are burdens. Your burdens are blessings. Both are one and the same thing. So if I were you, I'd just call all of them blessings.

Excited for you,
God

P.S. Do you want a glass that's half-empty or half-full, Wenko? It's really up to you. So say, “None of the above. I want it overflowing!”

(courtesy of God Whispers Club)

I realized that I can still find something good out of the bad situations that I experience. For during these times, my prayers were the most earnest and fervent. I find that my suffering soul was totally pleading for mercy and love from God. The release of control, e.g. total surrender to God exorcises all my demons and I would then feel refreshed and
enlightened. Like a heavy burdened has been lifted up from me.

"Come unto Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30

God knows what's best for us and he is there to save and protect. All we need to do is surrender and have faith. Unfortunately, because of pride and fear, it is very difficult to let go. For the ways of the world are deceiving and seductive. And until we learn to let go, we will never overcome our worries, doubts, fears and anxieties. For we are too weak to carry all our crosses alone, and Jesus is all too willing to help us, only if we let Him.

UNLIMITED ME

2010-09-28T00:56:00.004+08:00

Who is rich? Only the man who rejoices in his portion, that is, the contented man. - ancient Rabbi saying

It's been almost 6 months since my last post dear reader. Time flies and passions wane. And this was the case for I am still trying to overcome my financial woes and spiritual trials. In the process, my writing has suffered and my focus has faltered, as if I have acquired ADD in middle age haha. But life goes on despite the fact that I'm still broke and in debt at 33. My goal was to be a millionaire at this age or at least debt-free, which is not the case at the moment.

Hope springs eternal it's true and as long as I'm alive I could still change my destiny and move forward. Thanks to Og Mandino's Treasury of Success Unlimited book that I picked up from a bargain bookstore for a dollar, I'm blogging again. The past few months have been the harshest and most trying times of my life. Just when I thought I've been through it all, problems keep piling up and my life has never been so challenging than this year has been. This weighed me down so much that I've lost interest in things that are most important to me like blogging or investing on educating myself. Good thing I've given up on quitting a long time ago and have committed myself in facing my trials using my secret weapon. That secret is invoking the power of prayer. When things seem overwhelming and impossible, I just surrender all my worries, my doubts, my fears to the Lord, to the Blessed Mother, my heavenly friends, the poor souls in purgatory and my dear angels and Archangels. For no one else can and will help me, not my parents nor my friends. I don't want to be a burden to anyone else for they have their own demons. And I have to figure this all out by myself so that I can help others who are suffering like me.

I have no trouble sleeping at night anymore after I have learned to surrender everything to God. Things happen for a reason and suffering is the greatest spiritual exercise. Not only is it beneficial to the sufferer, it is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead and offer our sufferings to them that they may be pardoned of their sins. It's true, we can use our pains and even our joys for the salvation of souls and for the poor souls in purgatory. St. Augustine says, prayer is the key by which we open the gates of heaven to the suffering souls. One can learn much from the booklet Read Me or Rue It by Fr. Paul O'Sullivan about Purgatory and the poor suffering souls. And I do believe that whatever I'm facing right now are the consequences of my wrong decisions and actions. It is my responsibility to live up to them and learn from my mistakes. For no one else can profit from my mistakes but me and the wise person who would not make the same mistake I did.

So far I have learned to love myself and be grateful for what I have and where I am right now. That's the only way I could have happiness and peace of mind. Indeed, happiness is a state of mind and money problems are mind problems. Only dead people have no problems. I definitely don't wanna die useless and hopeless. I can still do so much for so many people, living or dead. And I don't want to face my Creator one day and show up with empty hands. That would be horrible, unthinkable and unforgivable. Life is not a dead end, an unfortunate accident or a curse. It is in fact a blessing, a gift, an opportunity to help others and share such a wonderful miracle. Having been reminded of this by a $1 decaying book is so humbling and invigorating that I just had to write again and share this with you my friend. I do hope my message comes across. Till next time.

To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common -- this is my symphony. - William Henry Channing

A VERY SPECIAL HOLY WEEK (EMBRACED BY GOD)

2010-04-28T20:57:00.001+08:00

HOLY WEEK is a very special and spiritual time of the year. But this year was very different for me. Usually, I fast or abstain for days or I visit many churches during the Lenten season. Since I had to work from Holy Monday to Easter Sunday, I didn't have the time to do something worthwhile for Jesus, plus the fact that I felt so unworthy of God's love. Like a reject or invalid, I didn't deserve God's forgiveness and graces because I have been living in mortal sin (I'm not married in church) and my life is such a mess, it's pathetic. Thankfully, Christ does not give up that easily. His fountain of mercy is overflowing and His grace is enough for every sinner in this world.

On Black Saturday, April 3rd 2010, my hubby and I went to church after work (around midnight) to visit the Lord. We entered the church carefully because the lights were off, only burning candles illuminated the place. In spite of the darkness, I looked on at the altar to pray and ask for God's mercy. When suddenly, my heart skipped a beat for I am overwhelmed by some force, a feeling of happiness and love engulfed my heart and soul. The Lord has embraced me in His loving arms and I have never felt so much joy in my life. I broke down in tears and kept sobbing for what seemed like a long time. I couldn't fathom how merciful and loving God is to such a wounded and broken soul. It was like having a taste of Heaven on Earth and I was moved. There were no words spoken from above, no ray of light shone down on me. But God smiled at me that day, and His message was that of thanks for my little efforts in leading souls to Him and praying for the living and the suffering in Purgatory. Truly prayer and sacrifice are most pleasing to God. Despite my shortcomings and offenses, Jesus loves me and comforts me. Because I have loved much and I have cared for others in my own way.

God is so good and generous, all He does is give us blessings and miracles. It is just sad how we waste it all away because we are too preoccupied with ourselves and our worldly concerns. We are so busy with too many things that ironically we do not have time to pause and reflect and appreciate what God has to offer. We do not find the time to share our blessings with the poor and the needy. We do not pray and ask God for help or even thank Him for what we have. It is the paradox of modern living. People today are so busy and yet they are bored. There are so many things to do that all of them seem pointless. This proves that the modern messages of Jesus and Mary to us ring true, it is only in God's arms that we will find peace of mind and purpose. This is what the Blessed Mother has to say...

Nothing is gained through worldliness except heartache, loneliness, and coldness toward each other. So many suffer today because the hearts of those close to them are cold. You are placed with your family members to love them and help them in their journey to Christ. Do not turn your back on those you are destined to love. If you turn to Jesus, He will place such love in your heart that it will spill over onto all you meet. (Wednesday June 25, 2003)

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we lose our identities. After achieving our goals and becoming successful in our chosen field, still we are unhappy, unsatiated. In the prime of our lives, we are disappointed, because we have been deceived by the world. We have focused on power and riches to satisfy our need to be accepted in society, to be happy. In the end, we realize how much time we've wasted. All that time and energy spent on the shallowest of things, never taking the time to share those blessings with our needy neighbors. A shower of graces selfishly gained while others suffer in the background waiting for comfort and love. It is truly everyone's loss not to understand the mystery of Christ's Passion. The Lord's suffering and sacrifice, if given focus and importance, can serve as inspiration and a valuable lesson to anyone who is willing to take up His cross. Unless we fast and abstain, we will never know how it feels like to be poor. Unless we feel physical pain, we will never know how it feels to be dying. Unless we get our hearts broken, we will never know how it feels to be abandoned. Unless we feel sympathy for our poor and suffering neighbors, we will never give them our time and attention, we will never know how Jesus loves us. If only we take the time to know Jesus and what He has done for all of us, surely this world would become a better place to live in. If we stop placing our interests first and start being grateful to our Creator, and give back what He did for us. What a different world this would be.

CELEBRATE DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

2010-04-09T18:13:00.001+08:00

The Second Sunday of Easter, April 11, 2010, is the day we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. On this special day, there will be an overflowing of Jesus' mercy, trust and forgiveness of sins. Our Lord Jesus declared:

"The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on this day shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet.... Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy." (699)

"I desire that priests proclaim this great mercy of Mine towards the souls of sinners. Tell My priests that hardened sinners will repent on hearing their words when they speak about My unfathomable mercy, about the compassion I have for them in My Heart. To priests who proclaim and extol My mercy, I will give wondrous power; I will anoint their words and touch the hearts of those to whom they will speak." (Diary 50, 1521)

"The first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be acts of mercy....I demand from you deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me." (Diary, 742)

The Lord calls on us to spread his devotion on this special day to encourage fallen away Catholics to return to the practice of their faith and seek repentance. The feast is to be a "refuge for sinners". The promise of the total forgiveness of sins and punishment is the best motivational tool that we could ever find to get souls to come back to the practice of their faith. On this day, the image of the Divine Mercy should be displayed and venerated to serve as a reminder or symbol of God's gift of graces. It is a great idea to invite our friends and neighbors to go to Confession and Communion and take advantage of the plenary indulgence.

ABSTAINING FROM COMPLAINING

2010-03-30T22:24:00.007+08:00

If you don't like something, change it.
If you can't change it, change your attitude. - Maya Angelou

Complaining is the biggest sin one can do to himself. As pointed out on his book, Secrets of the Millionaire Mind, T. Harv Eker said it best, When you are complaining you become a living, breathing crap magnet. Ever notice that the more you focus on what's wrong, you'll keep getting more negative things in your life as if you're attracting crap everyday. Complaining is certainly a bad habit that we need to eliminate for it breeds dissatisfaction, enmity and misery among other things. Although this may be easier said than done, it is possible to kick this atrocious practice. I tried this experiment that T. Harv Eker suggested. It was difficult for me in the beginning but eventually I succumbed to this wonderful challenge because, let's face it, being a crap magnet can get really depressing.

If you want to change your life right now, stop yourself from complaining. Cease and desist lamenting not just out loud but in your head as well. Do this for the next seven days. It is important to do this for a full 7 days because on the first few days , you may still have some residual crap inside of you. Sadly, crap doesn't travel at the speed of light, it moves at the speed of crap so it takes awhile to clear out.

I have failed this test a few times. 30 years of crap is truly hard to brush off. But thanks to a friend of mine, he finally made me see the light. He pointed out to me one day how I am always complaining about my hubby. Then I realized that every time we chat, 85% of my messages were all about whining and complaining. It was an aha moment, a wake up call indeed. No wonder I was so dissatisfied with my life. Yes, I am chronic complainer. I was ever focusing on the all negative aspects of my existence and not my blessings. Must start maintaining an attitude of gratitude and stop complaining. The moment I decided to end the pattern of blaming and justifying, instantly a heavy burden was lifted off of my whole being. It was a fantastic feeling to purge all that crap inside.

I'm proud to say that I'm in the neutral zone right now, devoid of complaining inside and out. I have also decided to keep a gratitude journal and make a list of all the small and big blessings of each day that passes. This will help me focus on the positive side of things and view obstacles as opportunities to learn and improve myself. If I keep this up I will gradually attract more things to be grateful for and the universe will adjust itself to accommodate my picture of reality, that's according to a bumper sticker haha.

A strong positive attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug - Patricia Neal

MY DEFENSE FOR THE NHI VS. MANNY PACQUIAO AND NATIONAL ANTHEM OFFENDERS

2010-03-24T02:06:00.001+08:00

My country the Philippines have showcased the best and brightest stars to sing our national anthem in Manny Pacquiao's fights and not one of them passed the standards of the law. They have all received a failing grade from the National Historical Institute for creating different versions of Lupang Hinirang, our anthem. And the consensus of my fellow countrymen is nonchalance. Most of them feel that the National Historical Institute or NHI is overreacting each time they file a complaint against the offenders or that the agency is just craving for some public attention.

I am deeply disturbed on the other hand by this kind of indifference. For this kind of attitude is what has kept this country stagnant and way behind our Asian neighbors. But I'm not here to psychoanalyze all Filipinos and explain what made it into a forgetful country that it is today. That will entail a whole course on History 101 at the University of the Philippines and I'm not an authority on this subject. Of course one can always refer to Renato Constantino's history books and learn more about it. But for now I just want to focus on this not so trivial issue with the NHI. It's not a matter that should be shrugged off and forgotten like the rest of the country's history. In other countries, most people would be outraged by this kind of behaviour. The national anthem and the national flag are very sacred. It deserves our utmost respect. This is what is maligning our nation today. We only care about ourselves and we have no empathy for our neighbors. Same goes for our environment and our government. The evidence is overwhelming yet like everything else in our lives, we just let things be and pray for the best. I wish schools will give out Stephen Covey's book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People to every student starting in Elementary so that each one will have the initiative to be proactive in order to alleviate the status of our economy and education. Indeed the claws of crab mentality is very much alive today. We are a cynical nation and have dangerously lost faith in the system and in each other.

It is ironic that our people cannot see the value, the enigma that is Manny Pacquiao. In contrast to the singers that have defiled our national anthem, Pacquiao stands out as a Filipino of integrity and patriotism. Yet the people do not focus on what made him what he is today. Everyone loves him for the wrong reasons. Most would figure that it was pure luck or prayer that has made him a champion. We admire him for the wealth that he has accumulated and envy him for his international success. We failed to see that he is actually the embodiment of hard work and discipline that is notably lacking in most of us. He is the ultimate survivor, the captain of all captains. The man is not perfect but he has so much love and passion in him that he even wishes to run for office and serve the country. Regrettably, Filipinos cannot accept the most qualified candidate for government because of fear that Pacquiao's reputation will be tarnished, the trapo or traditional politician's evil ways might rub off on him. No one wants to lose a living legend, a viable and touchable modern day hero that is certainly needed and lacking right now. One can only hope that everyone will realize that it's about time to change the face of politics and usher in a new era of hope and good governance. And one of the first and simple thing we can do as an individual is to remember our past, learn from our mistakes and respect the law. Our country has suffered so much that there is no more room for complacency and indifference.

HOW TO USE SOCIAL NETWORKING TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

2010-03-06T11:45:00.002+08:00

Don’t get caught up in other people’s drama.

I have decided to remove my blogs in Facebook a long time ago. I am not exactly thrilled to bare my soul to family and friends, to have to endure their judgment and scrutiny. But only now do I realize how much time and money I have wasted by not using social networking sites to my advantage. It is just sad how I got hooked on other people's business without watching out for my own. Good thing I didn't get addicted to the game apps. because I will never forgive myself, haha, just kidding.

Twitter is the way to go if you are a blogger like me and you don't want to waste your precious and idle time on Facebook. According to John Chow, dot com mogul, we must use this tool to our advantage. The real time search is an advancement that can be used to promote products and services to our potential customers. You can get all the traffic you need and it will improve your SEO without breaking your wallet. Instead of updating your status or tending to your farm, might as well twit and make money (yes, I am also talking to myself hehe).

But Facebook can be a useful tool also to get in touch with family and friends, but if you keep checking it every minute or you've hooked your mobile phone to it, I don't think it's healthy anymore. That's not socializing, it's plain addiction now. And addiction can and will destroy your family and social life. I have seen mothers caring for their farm more than their children or how others go online more than engaging themselves outside of their computer rooms. It is still better to build relationships, engage, serve, bless,care and love in the real world, in real time. You will then see blessing overflow in your life.

SUBSCRIBE LIKE CRAZY TO PERSONAL FINANCE BLOGS and Reap the Benefits

2010-03-03T03:13:00.004+08:00

That's exactly what I just did. Subscribed to a handful of credible personal financial blogs like Money Ning, Get Rich Slowly, Millionaire Mommy Next Door, Mighty Bargain Hunter, Bargaineering and The Simple Dollar, to name a few. I know I should have done this a long time ago instead of prioritizing my subscription to Internet Marketing and Making Money Online. Sure they're important. But the wisdom that one can find in these money blogs are definitely priceless. Not only do they promote frugality and debt solutions, but these bloggers successfully incorporate spiritual and emotion well-being also.

Unlike online marketing blogs, these sites not only help the reader how to discipline themselves, they also show us how enjoy life with what we have and how to be grateful for it. Everything is a matter of perception and happiness is relative, always. When one gets down to it, common sense is the deciding factor on the way we ought to live our life. But as human beings, our emotions and addictions do get the best of us most of the time. Unlearning our bad habits and counting our blessings each day is more valuable than all the money in the world. Just like past lottery winners, everything is useless and can go down the drain if we don't use our minds and hearts to our advantage. So start unsubscribing to nonsensical websites and start feeding your mind with financial know-how. And stop wasting your time on that virtual farm and cafe! You're better off creating more wealth haha! Till next time friends!

SPREADING SOME BLOG LOVE

2010-03-01T21:04:00.001+08:00

Yes I am ashamed. I have abandoned this blog. And my fellow bloggers have started to notice. I hope you'll find it in your heart to forgive me my friends. This is a blogging crime I've committed here. And I'm guilty of 5 counts of desertion. I've been pretty busy with my work esp. after that unexpected promotion at the office. I wanted to focus on how I could turn thoughts into things and conquer my goliaths, which is how Bro. Bo Sanchez puts it. For sure there's more work to be done than just cutting up my credit cards and starting to save for the future. And blogging doesn't really put money in the bank.

Yes I am getting antsy again. This is actually a bad sign spiritually. I'm losing faith and my focus. I keep wanting to do everything to improve my life. Been reading 5 books at the same time, working overtime at the office and always in search of a sideline. And at the end of the day, I'm totally exhausted. I push myself too hard, and all those self help books are not exactly sinking in after all this time.

It's frustrating I know. I'm sure you can feel the negative vibe on my end. This is a product of my lousy childhood I guess. If you really want to know, my parents played favorites. And yes I was not the apple of their eyes. I was more of a dumping ground for their frustrations. As young as 8 years old, everyday I had to endure my mother's criticism of my looks and inadequacies. And up until now she still doesn't see anything good in me. In short, she is ashamed of me. That's the story of my life ladies and gents. Sorry I had to vent it out on you.

Needless to say I'm still in debt and still trying to overcome my demons. But hopefully this silly technique I chanced upon could help me get my groove on. I've come across this method before but kept ignoring it. But after Dr. Mercola recommended it, I decided to subscribe to their newsletter. Amazingly, it looks promising and I can't wait to try it. I have yet to do it but it fills me with such hope that I cannot contain myself. The remedy I'm talking about is called EFT or Emotional Freedom Technique. It involves tapping energy points on the body for a person to overcome fears, phobias, addictions, trauma, allergies and all sorts of physical illnesses. After all a huge majority of our diseases are psychosomatic, this is according to the medical community.

Right now I believe that the best is yet to come. My past does not define my future. And I'm moving forward! I know that I cannot fully recover until I overcome my childhood trauma and increase my faith in myself. God is with me and my family is counting on me. I will be successful someday and I will be financially free soon.

I thank you dear reader for sharing this emotional ride with me. Blogging is the most wonderful outlet for me as a frustrated writer. And I am esp. grateful to my fellow bloggers who have encouraged me to keep on blogging. I am baring my soul here, and I have yet to receive any bad comments from you guys. I appreciate that, inspite of the fact that I have very low self-esteem and I'm ranting about my weaknesses. Pro bloggers would rarely admit their shortcomings. As a gesture of my appreciation, I am now open to link exchange and will be updating this blog weekly. Just my way of spreading some blog love. Because bloggers have more fun and we rock!!! Bless you all!

MY FIRST EVER BLOG AWARD

2009-10-28T23:04:00.007+08:00

I would like to thank Yljien and her blog I Empower Myself for this nifty award. I have never received an award before like I said and this is much appreciated. I know this is a very good way to link to others but I want to bask in this first ever award so I really don't mind the marketing agenda behind it hehe.

Now back to reality. There are rules in accepting this honorary prize.

1.Copy and save the award.

2.Make a post in your blog (like this one and write in your own words).
3.In your post, mention the name of the blogger who awarded you together with her URL/link.
4.Please do leave a comment in this post.
5. Don't forget to contact the 15 bloggers to notify them that they have been chosen for this award.

Here are my recipients of the Best Blog Award...

MGA LUTO NI DENNIS AT IBA PA      MY AFFAIR WITH ODESK    HOUSE ON A HILL

E KUSINERO   MY FAMILY HEALTH BLOG   THE CURE MANUAL   ECZEMA IS CURABLE

BO SANCHEZ PREACHER IN BLUE JEANS ALOE VERA FOR HEALTH, BEAUTY & LUCK

THE GLOBAL MYSTIC  COURAGE PHILIPPINES   MILLION MOMMY NEXT DOOR

WOMEN'S SELF ESTEEM

Many more blogs to follow. Will be on the lookout for more blogs to bless.

MOVING ON TO THE NEXT LEVEL

2009-10-11T22:43:00.003+08:00

I have just attended another celebration of the Feast at the Valle Verde Country at 10:30 am and once again I feel refreshed, energized and inspired. All my life I have never looked forward to Sundays until I started joining the Feast. This is my only chance in a week to get to dance, sing and pour my all to the Lord together with a live band and enthusiastic people around me. It is such a wonderful blessing. One day I hope I could bring my whole family along to experience it with me and see that worshipping the Lord is the most exciting and fantastic thing in the world. He makes everything glorious, so goes the song.

The past week was a revelation for me. I finished reading The School of Self-Applied Prevention Book I by the Barefoot Herbalist and it confirmed what I have been trying to incorporate in my life. That is, Nature is the only incorruptible teacher and we must never mess with what God has created. The human body is the most complex and beautiful thing in the world. To corrupt it with pharmaceutical drugs, vaccines and even with the wrong kinds of food will lead to disease and even death. It has been pointed out in the book that eating the wrong kinds of food has been linked to poor mental health. This means that whatever we put into our bodies affects our over-all mental, emotional, physical and even spiritual well-being. And I totally agree with the author's point of view.

For months now I have been struggling to re-organize my life, trying to keep in check with what I should prioritize but my moods and emotions keep getting in the way. I have told the Lord that when I would get home from work, I would not open the television or computer so that I could concentrate on Him to talk to Him and pray. Then I would read spiritual books so that I could get to know more about myself and my faith. But that never did happen. The first thing I do when I get home is slump in front of the computer and surf for four hours until I get sleepy. After that I get too tired to pray so I just sleep then wake up and go to work. At work, I'd spend 8 hours in front of the computer only to go home and spend another 4 hours on the internet surfing every kind of nonsense you could think of. Another vicious and dangerous cycle for my spiritual degradation. Now I know why Jesus, Mama Mary and all the saints have been calling for fasting and sacrifice. Indulging on too much food and vices can serve as hindrances to spiritual growth. And the book by the Barefoot Herbalist affirms the fact that eating 3 meals a day makes man lazy and unproductive. While the man who fasts is mentally sharper and more receptive. For fasting, as a purifier of both body and mind it is without doubt the thing par excellence for the purpose, for not only is the body again as that of a new-born babe, but the mind is purged of unrighteous thoughts, and is occupied with the higher things of life, thus greatly aiding spiritual growth.

Ecclesiates 3 says "For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven...". I guess this is my cue to go on to the next level and start focusing on my spiritual and emotional health and to stop dwelling on my financial setbacks. Focusing on my debt for the last couple of years has been detrimental to my religious well-being. It has been evident in all my prayers and aspirations. Everything that I have hoped for and wished for were mostly material and financial. Of course, there is nothing wrong with asking God for all my wants and needs. But to hope for trivial things will never give me true happiness. Wisdom and understanding is the real treasure that I must strive for and not instant and worldly gratification. Hearing the gospel today about Solomon's prayer not only was an aha moment for me. This is the much awaited turning point in my life and I am ready to move on to the next chapter. How foolish am I to even think that I am spiritually mature enough what with all the challenges, the crosses that I bear in all the 32 years of my life. Alas, I am just in the middle of the race and have yet to face more obstacles in my path. So during Mass earlier today I prayed to God that he would change me, change my attitude if I can't change my circumstance. I have been struggling for a couple of years now to be financially free and yet I am still on square one, not a penny richer than the day I started blogging. And my dreams of grandeur has quite strained my relationship with God for I am still anxious, ever worried of my family's future. With such thoughts I ask the Lord to forgive me. For to say that I have gained nothing for the last couple of years is an understatement. All the money in the world can never buy the wisdom and knowledge that I have attained in this wonderful journey. The spiritual, emotional, physical and mental gems that I have acquired are more than enough to satisfy the innermost cravings of my body and soul and I would be ludicrous and ungrateful if I don't utilize them to my advantage. It would be an insult not only to my intelligence but to God as well if I continue to be dense and ruin my chances for growth and freedom. In this regard, I have decided to continue writing for a new blog that I have created which I call "I Abstain". And this will then be my last article for Death to my Credit cards. Yes, it's time to start working on my physical well-being so that I will flourish spiritually. For the Lord right then and there answered my prayer and something clicked inside me. I have changed. Time to go beyond my petty vices and concentrate on my relationships. And I will chronicle my journey based on my attempts to hone my self-discipline and self-control. Hence I called it "I Abstain" because my life will revolve around my day to day fasting and abstinence and to write on how they will improve all aspects of my life. It will truly be wonderful and interesting. I am very excited because I am sure I would be a better person and Christian than I would ever imagine. I hope dear reader that you will still be with me on this rite of passage. Together we will learn and strive to be better imitators of Christ. Amen.

Lord, You have detached Yourself from everything — from Your family, from fame, even from Your life. You were totally free to do the will of Your Father. Free me, Lord, from my attachments that I may be completely free for You.

ONDOY: From Tragedy to Opportunity

2009-10-06T23:10:00.001+08:00

I wish we didn't have to experience such a tragedy just to bring out the best in us Filipinos. What a wonderful country it will be if all of us will do our share to help each other, pray for each other and love each other. Ondoy has stirred more than the Metropolis. It awakened our indifferent hearts and selfish ways. It shattered the wall that divides the rich from the poor. It made us look up to God and kneel down and pray to Him. It made us one nation at last.

I'm hoping history will not repeat itself. I pray that as a nation we stop forgetting and start acting. Apparently, it has been a significant and notable year for every Filipino. What with Cory Aquino's death and Ondoy's wrath, it is clear that we are being challenged to go beyond our comfort zones to start rebuilding our nation and improving our country. The call for change is getting more inevitable and noticeable. I hope we will not stop uniting and praying for one another even after the storm has passed. And more storms are still on the way. We must be prepared emotionally and spiritually.

GOD IS THE PERFECT ADDICTION

2009-09-20T20:39:00.004+08:00

Ever since I attended the Feast at the Valle Verde club, I just cannot get enough of it. It's the day of the week that I look forward to more than Friday or Saturday. Sunday now is the day that I get to worship, dance and sing for the Lord. And it is so rejuvenating and uplifting to be with positive people who share the same sentiment after a week of working hard in the office. What a blessing to spend time with my fellow Catholics who are seeking inspiration, forgiveness, clarity and healing. And Bro. Bo Sanchez and the Light of Jesus Community surely delivers every Sabbath.

It's a perfect way to start the week, ready to face challenges and conquer temptations knowing that there is a God who will bless and protect us. To show how grateful I am to the Lord, I have started focusing on His Word and modern revelations. Instead of visiting adult sites, I spend most of my time downloading messages of Marian apparitions from Catholic Planet and posting it on my collection of prayers, my other blog The Secret to Happiness. There is so much to learn from seers and Marian apparitions on how to strengthen the faith and fight evil. Here are some e-books that will truly change your life from Anne, Lay apostle. Read God's messages through the series HEAVEN SPEAKS about

Abortion
Addictions
Depression
Divorce
Purgatory
Parents
Financial Need

Visit my blog The Secret to Happiness for more of God's messages! Seek God and He will change your life for the better! Amen! Be addicted to the Lord and leave all your sinful ways behind.

DENIED PENANCE

2009-09-18T21:43:00.004+08:00

It's Holy hour every Thursday at the Pasig Cathedral so I thought it was the perfect time to go to Confession yesterday to feel closer to the Lord and ask for forgiveness. I went there after work and a lot of people were falling in line and 4 priests were there to offer absolution.

It was dark inside the church. I was patiently waiting for my turn when I noticed that one of the priests was taking a long time talking to each confessor. I didn't want to confess to this priest but when it was my turn I had no choice but to go to him for he was the next available one to give this sacrament. I wanted to make it my best confession ever so I poured my heart out to him and as expected he took his time giving advice. He talked about how addictions are like a vicious cycle that can only do harm and how one must never lose hope especially in these trying times. His counsel was very enlightening and touching and I was very moved. But in the end he did a peculiar thing. He denied me absolution because my marriage has no blessing from the church. He pointed out that to give me absolution would do no good because I am not allowed to receive Holy Communion. It would be a double whammy if I took the Eucharist when I am living in sin with my spouse. In respect I thanked him for his time and left the church hurriedly. It felt like my heart was ripped right out of my chest and then stepped on real hard. I was crushed and shocked and very disappointed.

On my way home I realized the priest was right. This was the side of God that I have never seen before. This God was the disciplinarian that wanted me to really look into myself and see how far I am willing to go for Him. The priest had a point. After more than a decade of marriage and 3 children later, my hubby and I have yet to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony. For a devout Catholic I was definitely slacking. Sure I have a million excuses of my own but 11 years is just too long. My mom was probably right. We need our marriage to be blessed by God in order to live a fuller and richer life. This has been a hindrance to our financial and spiritual growth for many years and its time to be responsible and take action.

Most people in my place would have condemned this priest or worse, lose their faith and ex-communicate themselves. What happened to me yesterday was a very humiliating and humbling experience. I do believe that God was with this priest asking me to stand up for Him and to grow up. I have seen how wonderful His ways are and His love. It's time I do my part and show my faith and act upon it. I have become a hypocrite for not living up to my promises and I must stop and prove how much I am willing to go for the Lord. Life is an ongoing battle and one must strive to be vigilant for the devil is cunning and the world is a big trap. I choose to live and to avoid eternal damnation because in the end, my soul is worth the fight. I have only to remind myself that the stakes are high and the penalty is perpetual. But the rewards are priceless even for the living. Just watch the 700 Club on TV and see how precious it is to have peace of mind and how wonderful it is to have a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus. It is far greater than riches or vices in this world. For the love of God is unconditional and merciful. The Word of God is all powerful and satisfying and full of wisdom.

Thank you Lord for teaching me to persevere and not lose hope, to fight for my faith and stand up for you, to be humble and grateful each day and to keep on praying and striving to be a better Christian. I have sinned and have continued with my wicked ways. You are right Lord, this vicious cycle has got to stop and I must start acting and living a fervent life. For faith without action is useless. And I do not want to live like a hypocrite and regret it in the end. Have mercy on me O God and deliver me from evil. Amen.

1 Timothy 6:2c-12
2 Beloved: Teach and urge these things. 3 Whoever teaches something different and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the religious teaching 4 is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes. From these come envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions, 5 and mutual friction among people with corrupted minds, who are deprived of the truth, supposing religion to be a means of gain. 6 Indeed, religion with contentment is a great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it. 8 If we have food and clothing, we shall be content with that. 9 Those who want to be rich are falling into temptation and into a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains. 11 But you, man of God, avoid all this. Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. 12 Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.

P S A L M

Psalm 49:6-7. 8-10. 17-18. 19-20
R: Blessed the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
5 [6] Why should I fear in evil days when my wicked ensnarers ring me round? 6 [7] They trust in their wealth; the abundance of their riches is their boast. (R) 7 [8] Yet in no way can a man redeem himself, or pay his own ransom to God; 8 [9] too high is the price to redeem one’s life; he would never have enough 9 [10] to remain alive always and not see destruction. (R) 16 [17] Fear not when a man grows rich, when the wealth of his house becomes great, 17 [18] for when he dies, he shall take none of it; his wealth shall not follow him down. (R) 18 [19] Though in his lifetime he counted himself blessed, “They will praise you for doing well for yourself,” 19 [20] he shall join the circle of his forebears who shall never more see light. (R)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICKEY BOY!!!

2009-09-13T10:48:00.005+08:00

You are 6 years old now my loving child and we are very proud of you. You're such a sweet, funny, loving, compassionate and intelligent boy. Mama and Papa misses you so much. Enjoy your special day and God be with you Mickey boy! We love you heaps!!!

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICKEY BOY!!!

TRUE LOVE IS NOT ROMANTIC

2009-09-10T23:13:00.019+08:00

12 Brothers and sisters: Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. 14 And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17

The key to a life of holiness is not how we feel about things, but the decisions we make to embrace the truth God reveals to us in the Scriptures and through prayer.

Today's reading gives us the true meaning of love and happiness. The secret to living a full life is to challenge ourselves not to follow the crowd and not to embrace the disillusion of romantic love. Unconditional love and a humble and pious attitude is very important to keep the family intact and to save your marriage. And all the truth that we need to know about living and loving can be found in the Bible. So friend I urge you to subscribe to Kerygma family and get a daily dose of the Gospel plus some reflections from the faithful. Reading the Scriptures daily and praying are powerful tools to avoid the path to sin that will lead to the damnation of our souls.

As a wifey and mom for more than a decade, I have been challenged by many trials and tribulations that require me to give up my pride and to sacrifice my own will. Some people find this absurd and they would ask me to move on and walk away so that I would be happy. But I choose not to follow the easy way out like most people do. Looking at the divorce rate today and the number of abandoned and scorned children, I feel sorry for these families and have promised myself not to give up on my own hubby and kids. I figured if I could not make it work for this family, I certainly could not make it work with a new one. So in times of difficulty I humble myself and think of how Jesus suffered for me and compare it to my petty problems. Somehow this eases the pain while I offer it to the Lord in prayer and focus on the many blessings that I have received inspite of everything that has happened. Then a miracle would follow...the air would clear up, the nemesis would give in, the burden would be lifted and I have survived and learned and have forgiven. This is the power of prayer. Without it, I would be part of the divorce statistic. For there are evil machinations attacking families every second of every day and if one is not vigilant and armed with prayer and sacrifice, then the battle will surely be lost. That is why I am in awe of how much I have gained from my relationship with the Lord. With him as my strength and my focus, my family is intact. I depend on him to watch over my children and my hubby and to help us love and forgive one another. And the blessings are just abundant and overwhelming. Love conquers all and prayer brings peace and mercy to the home.

JUST PASS ME OVER

2009-09-09T22:57:00.004+08:00

During the weekend I was able to catch this cancelled TV series called THIEF. It wasn't that remarkable for a show but I just couldn't get the song out of my head, the background song before the show ended. After googling it for half an hour finally I was able to figure out the title. It is Anthony Hamilton's Pass Me Over. Let me share to you the video link and lyrics. Here goes...

PASS ME OVER

Verse 1:

Another day
Chance to make another chance
A fragile place
Running on empty
A smile so faint
Barely even breaks the space
Worlds on shoulders now

Don't be afraid
He who knows will make a way
His word alone is what has kept me
Born a son, king of eternal peace
Lay your burdens down

Chorus:
If you catch me dreaming
Please don't wake me till I'm done
Just leave me sleeping
Until the morning comes
Just pass me over
Make believe that I'm not there
Just leave me be
Until the savior comes

Verse 2:
Another night
Makes her way to the morn
Sleep in peace, joy come early
A covered child, steps away victorious
Salvation holds joy for all of us

Chorus 2x

Click here for the Anthony Hamilton's video

Click here for Drew Steven's acoustic version

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA MARY!!!

2009-09-08T22:22:00.003+08:00

I was very fortunate to witness today the welcoming of Our Lady of Caysasay's image at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Pasig this morning. This historical statue of our Dear Mother is 400 years old and very miraculous. I was very jubilant and excited to pour out my wishes and thanksgiving prayers and birthday greetings to her wonderful presence. Everyone welcomed her by praying the rosary and taking pictures and touching her with veneration. Here is the story behind her miraculous image from Caysasay.com.

The Story of OUR LADY OF CAYSASAY

In 1603, a fisherman by the name of Juan Maningkad fished out his net in the Pansipit River, in Taal, Batangas, a twelve inch tall image of OUR LADY OF CAYSASAY, radiating with heavenly luster. Upon seeing this image, Juan, being a pious man prostrated himself and venerated it, after which he carried the image home. Soon enough, the whole village came to know about his remarkable catch. The town authorities and the Vicar, who represented the King of Spain, went to Juan’s home to verify the story.

The image was later placed under the care of Doña Maria Espiritu, the widow of the town’s judge, who had a special urn made for its safekeeping. Then, strange things began to happen. Doña Maria found the urn empty one day, but the next
morning, the image was back in the urn. The incident was repeated a number of times, so Doña Maria reported the matter to the parish priest. To investigate the mysterious coming and going of the image, the priest decided to set up parish volunteers to keep vigil beside the urn. With eager hearts they sat waiting and praying, and they did see the urn open by itself, as they saw with their own eyes the glorious image going out and coming back again.

This time, the priest decided that the villagers should now come with lighted candles and follow the image the next time it left. When this finally happened, the image led them to Caysasay, to the place where it was originally found. When the image returned to the urn, the priest decided to transfer it from Doña Maria Espiritu’s house to the town church for safekeeping. But the same thing happened in the church, until the image completely disappeared and was nowhere to be found.

After Several years in 1611, two women by the names of Maria Bagohin and Maria Talain, were gathering firewood near the place where the image ws originally found. They saw the image reflected in the spring water that had sprung on the spot. They looked up and saw the image atop the branch of a tall sampaga bush with two lighted candles on each side, amongst kingfisher birds called casaycasay which the Spaniards at that time pronounced as caysasay. They hurried back to town and reported to the parish priest. The people and the parish priest finally concluded that it was the Virgin’s wish to stay in Caysasay, so they decided to build a chapel on the very spot where the image was found.

It was also in 1611 that the first apparition of Our Lady to an almost blind native servant girl, Juana Tangui and around 30 women, was recorded by the church ordinario. This was the first recorded Marian apparition in the country. From the miraculous cure of her eyes during the apparition, the well water, now known as “Balon ng Sta. Lucia” and the adjoining stream, now known as “Banal na Tubig” have been known to possess miraculous attributes of healing to this day. An arch with pediment was constructed after 1611 over the wells, which generally marks the spot of her apparitions, and is today called “Banal na Pook”.

MY PRIORITY PROBLEM, DARK ADDICTIONS AND INNER STRUGGLES

2009-09-05T12:55:00.009+08:00

Through You the blind will see

Through You the mute will sing

Through You the dead will rise

Through You all hearts will praise

Through You the darkness flees

Through You my heart screams

I am free

I am free to run

I am free to dance

I am free to live for You

I AM FREE... - Hillsong United

Yesterday's gospel was all about healing. I praised God with an open heart and too willing soul for this wonderful blessing. I wanted so bad to be forgiven for all these emotional baggage and evil afflictions brewing inside of me. I keep on sinning and violating His laws and the burden on me is just too much to bear. But God is good and he never lets me down. He knows what I need and He shows me how kind and loving He is. Despite everything I did to disappoint Him, he accepts and forgives and loves me for who I am. And I could always see and feel His presence even during those times when I basking in my evil ways, intoxicated in my dark addictions.

Like most people, I had a priority problem. I never found the time to pray and talk to God each day. I would rather spend most of my time socializing online and chatting with friends. I had 2 FB accounts. One was for Facebook and the other was for my online f*ck buddy. I was addicted to porn stars and would enjoy having sexual fantasies most of the time. I have also started smoking and drinking again. I am just too busy to make time for the Lord and be closer to Him plus the fact that I was so guilty because I felt so dirty inside. I have so many problems that I wanted to get distracted and take matters into my own hands. I still considered doing porn so that I could get rich quick and enjoy having sex with beautiful foreigners. Greed and lust was destroying my relationship with the Lord. It was also ruining my bond with my husband.

In the midst of all the darkness in my life I still hoped for the Lord. I wanted Him to save me from my inner struggles, to cure me of my afflictions. I longed for His mercy and He gave it to me yesterday, during the Feast celebration with Bro. Bo Sanchez. I felt that the 3 hour session was all tailor-made for me. It was so personal, so perfect, so liberating that after it all, I shook Bro. Bo's hand and told him thus, "Thank you Bro., gumaling ako (I was healed) today." And he said, "Praise God! That's wonderful!". It was music to my ears.

I haven't gone to confession yet but what happened at the Feast really did heal me of my spiritual diseases. To hear Fr. Steve Tynan's sermon, to sing and dance the song I Am Free with everyone present, to hear Bro. Bo preach on healing, it was what my heart and soul needed. It was pure spiritual nourishment or remedy if you will. Today, I have stopped fantasizing every minute about porn. I didn't get the urge to smoke a cigarette. I talked to the Lord and Mama Mary and prayed the rosary. I also cried buckets because I remembered my personal and financial problems. But that's okay, God will take care of me. And I am happy. For I am setting my priorities straight, I am rebuilding my relationship with the Lord. And the fact that I AM FREE. Free from sin and temptation. And I will continue to be free to serve my God and to hope in Him. And I am grateful for Mama Mary's generosity. It's her birthday tomorrow and yet she has given me the best gift and that is the gift of healing. Amen! Praise God! May God heal you too today.

Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you. – Isaiah 35:4

Love covers all wrong. - Proverbs 10:12

Click here to download the free e-book Heaven Speaks about Addictions booklet.

FINALLY JOINED THE FEAST WITH BRO. BO SANCHEZ

2009-08-24T16:11:00.011+08:00

I was feeling very lukewarm in my faith for the last few months. What with the many trials and setbacks in my life both spiritually and financially. Good thing I was available (i.e. unemployed) yesterday to finally attend the Feast, a weekly Sunday event with 3 sessions at the Valle Verde Country Club beside ULTRA, Pasig City led by Bro. Bo Sanchez and the Light of Jesus Community. I went there not expecting anything, just wanting to attend Mass and see Bro. Bo preach.

Soon as I stepped out of the FX taxi, the first thing I noticed were all the good looking, middle class people that dominated the place. But thankfully the people there were courteous with no instance of snobbery. I felt welcome even though I was alone and a first-time attendee. They even give a free booklet of Novena to God's Love for first-timers. What a generous offer from their community.

The session started right on time. The Mass was celebrated first and what I really liked was the air-conditioned venue. The ballroom was grand and cool. This was truly a luxury that I enjoyed, to hear Mass in a comfortable place. But the remarkable thing was not the air-con but the live band. All my life I never heard Mass with the accompaniment of guitar riffs and drums. It was an exhilarating and profound experience. I was sobbing after the Entrance hymn. It was very powerful and uplifting to experience loud praise music that reverberates right into your soul. I kept sobbing every time they played a song. It was kind of embarrassing already.

And to make the celebration complete, the celebrant or priest was very funny and congenial. I like a good sermon with humor and depth. Afterwards, more singing and dancing to worship the Lord. Just when I thought the session was over, out came Bro. Bo to preach and awe us all. He talked about how we can make God our Leader and how our relationship with our father as a child affects our attitude towards life when we grow up. Here's an excerpt on Bro. Bo's topic...

Your father, whether you like it or not, was your first leader.

If you had a difficult relationship with your father, most likely, you’ll have a difficult relationship with all the leaders in your life. Including God as leader. You may be able to relate to God as healer, savior, and miracle-worker, but not as leader.

This is why it is important to have a happy home and loving parents. Because ultimately the kids will benefit from the sacrifices and efforts of the parents to nurture and care for their children.

What an enriching experience to join the Feast. I will definitely come back again next week and invite everyone I know to come with me and share every blessed Sunday with such a happy and loving community. Hope to see you there next week!

THREE Sessions now at the Feast every Sunday at the Valle Verde Country Club (Beside ULTRA), Pasig City

1) 8:00am-10:00am
2)10:30am-12:30 pm
3) 1:00pm - 3:00 pm
Commute? Take the Pasig FX behind Robinson's Galleria.

TITA CORY: A GREAT LOSS TO OUR MALIGNED COUNTRY

2009-08-09T20:43:00.004+08:00

Even in death, Tita Cory wanted to be inconspicuous and low profile. But a country that owes her so much of its democracy and aspirations will not let her go without a heartwarming farewell. Thousands of Filipinos flooded the streets to honor her cortege and show their love and appreciation of this simple and well-beloved former President. It's not really surprising to see how everyone loves her because she was a good President, mother, leader, boss, friend and Christian. Every person of faith and action would have wanted to achieve even half of what she has done for the country and her family. Heck, I wish she was my own mother. I'd trade mine any day.

It may seem rude to you why I'm not too keen on my mother. My mom is pretty different than most mothers. Sure she has her favorite daughter, which is not me of course. Although she claims that she loves me. But apparently she loves herself more than anything else that exists in this world. You see, she likes to have everything her way. From my father's haircut to my the color of my hair, it must be the way she wants it with no if's or but's. Aside from that she is a social climber and a greedy person.

I'm not here to crucify her or ruin her. I just want to vent out my anger after our recent face off. Yes, we had a big fight and this is the biggest one so far. It all started when I went to see her for a lunch buffet. It's her 55th birthday last Sunday, August 9. It was a cheap chinese restaurant and all her 6 siblings were there. At first I thought she was having a good time just sharing a simple feast with us. But I guess the celebration was too meager for her. So she poured out her frustration by picking on me, her very easy and vulnerable target for the last 30 years.

What happened next was a typical conversation between the two of us. After finishing our sumptuous meal, my mom asked me to dye my hair blonde. I told her for the nth time that I'm not interested. Eversince I was in 3rd grade my mom has dyed my hair from brown to burgundy because of my gray hair. As always, she doesn't accept no for an answer. Then she told me that I have to change my hair color so that men will line up to take me out to dinner and shower me with gifts. Now you must know that I am 32 years old now and happily married with 3 beautiful children. But mom doesn't care about such trivialities. She wants my hair blonde right this instant. And she always gets her way, one way or another.

I thought that after 30 years of verbal abuse that I could brush it all aside. But as my mom her words always struck a chord. So when I got home I kept bugging my hubby if my hair was ugly. He got incensed after I asked for the 5th time if I looked okay. Then what happened next was something unexpected. I told him what my mom said about my hair and all the men who would like me if I looked more presentable. He exploded and we got into a big fight. It might seem stupid of me to have spilt everything on him about our conversation. But actually he's heard all this talk before. My mom is tactless and insensitive and my hubby has heard her ramblings before. But this time he got fed up. Next thing I know he's kicking me out of our house. I called up my mom to tell her what happened. But instead of apologizing she told me I looked like a peasant that's why she said those things and she's ashamed of being seen with me in public. Wow, now I'm the one who's mad. Hubby was right, my mom is relentless and shameless. She only loves herself and no one else. Well, maybe my sister she loves too. But my feelings are all horseshit to her. And she has no respect for me and my family. It's time to tell her the truth again. The last time I did, I was 12 years old and she slapped me hard across the face. Naturally, that never happened again until now.

Hubby and I made up that same night. But he asked me not to see my parents again, to avoid my mom completely and teach her a lesson. This is a very hard decision for me for despite the fact that they are mean and rude they are still my parents. I don't want to hurt my dad even if he tolerated my mom's awful behaviour for decades. But I have to choose my family first because they are my first priority. And my parents never really cared about taking care of my children. They abhor babysitting them, if you can believe it. They would rather watch cable TV and lie on the couch all day. They don't want to be bothered unless it involves partying and drinking booze all night. They're not exactly good role models for my kids.

My mom has been texting me a lot. Mainly to scold me and tell me how ungrateful I am. I would reply by telling her everything that has been bottled up inside me for the last 30 years. Every dagger that has pierced my heart, every poison that has been poured on my dignity. Still, I am the bad guy, the black sheep to her. Over her dead body will she admit that she has been a bad parent to me. To make matters worse, she'll badmouth me to all our relatives and my sister too. But I don't care anymore. This incident has been liberating for me. Finally, a chance for me to heal my scars and emotional baggage. And the best way to let go of the past is to not make the same mistake that my parents made. I need to work harder to be a loving parent and friend to my children. To demoralize them and bully them can cause so much damage that can be long-term and irrepairable. It is so hard to fight those monsters from the past especially if they have been their since childhood. Today, I have low self-esteem and am very pessimistic, quick to anger and quite impatient. All these I need to change just to save my children from my dark past. Lord, please help me heal and forgive. Please help me let go of the past so that I could finaly move forward and find my happiness, Amen.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY TO SAVE YOUR MARRIAGE

2009-07-24T00:35:00.006+08:00

After 10 years of being married to my husband, I never thought I would get the best marriage advice from a new friend who got divorced four years ago. Here are his precious tips:

Don't keep secrets.

Tell him your fantasies.

Talk to him nicely.

You should think together.

Sounds simple enough. But after many years I know I have failed in the communication department. All the challenges and impediments that we have been through has somehow hardened our hearts and clouded our minds. No one was really there to remind us about these simple steps while arguing over the phone or in person. We are always interacting on different frequencies most of the time, my hubby and I. We have to fuzz, fight, argue, blame and put acid on it just to pour our hearts out. When we finally meet half way, we're exhausted and defiant. And this negativity will be carried over on the next argument. It's a vicious cycle.

Many couples make the same mistake of not tending to their marriage. The word marriage itself has been downplayed and devalued. Parenting, financial concerns and other issues take centerstage while the partnership of couples takes the backseat, somehow neglected wanting to be nurtured.

I always say that marriage takes a lot of hard work. But apparently resentment and negative feelings can be avoided if there is an effort for both partners to communicate. I for one will now make an effort to improve as a partner and get all the tools I need to spice up my marriage and make things easier for my hubby and I. Let us all subscribe to Marriageadvice.com or read Men are from Mars and make our lives easier and stress free. Good luck!

SIMPLIFYING AND DE-STRESSING: MY PATH TO HAPPINESS

2009-06-23T12:55:00.004+08:00

Thanks to Mr. Choi Sung Bong, Korean Master Herbalist, my GERD/LPR is gone. I'm totally cured. I have no more spitting bouts and hyperacidity. I was right, pharmaceutical drugs like Proton pump inhibitors and antacids are useless. I don't want to cause more damage to my body by using such allopathic drugs. Next step is to simplify and de-stress.

Our bodies give us signals that we must not ignore. Having GERD/LPR was God's way of communicating to me to slow down and relax. Working too hard and worrying much harder will not benefit me spiritually and physically. Amidst all my trials, I realize that God always comes through in the nick of time and all the anxiety of worrying was and is always useless. In fact, fear and worry are actually an insult to God, for fear is the opposite of faith.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. - Philippians 4:6

I have decided to stay positive and be grateful for what God blesses me with everyday. Resigning myself to my present condition and learning from my mistakes gives me a sense of freedom from fear and anxiety. Now I feel as if everything is falling into place and that I am on my way to fulfilling my dreams. And our decision to move back to the province of Mindanao is timely and reassuring.

Here in Mindanao I will stop working full-time to focus on my kids. Time flies and I am quite fed up with babysitters who don't treat my children the way they deserve to be cared for. Also my family needs more fresh air and organic fruits and veggies to strenghthen our immune system. The pollution and stressful lifestyle in Manila has left our vital organs abused and beaten up. Not to mention the financial burdens that goes with keeping up with the Joneses or the Ayalas.

It gives me pleasure to find my children happy to be back to the city where my eldest sons were born. They don't really mind that there are no SM supermalls in this humble town. I never really raised them to be materialistic. They love the sense of family that the province has. In Manila, I never really had the time to visit relatives because of my work and my distaste for heavy traffic and travelling. But here relatives will drop by every other day and they are ever willing to give a helping hand, with no price tag involved. Did I mention the lovely food here and the wide variety of very affordable fruits that I can gobble on each and everyday? I have to watch my weight and not abuse my good health. I am also very grateful for all the free time I have to blog and read books and pray and go to Mass, and of course doing all these things with my children beside me.

This is the perfect time to do this big experiment that Bro. Bo Sanchez is suggesting, come and join me in this endeavor. It's called “If I had only 30 days to live, how will I live?” - Source: Live Like A Dying Man, BoSanchez.ph

Just imagine that these next 30 days of your life are your last 30 days.

Make it an agreement between you and God… (Print this out and sign this prayer. Or get a piece of paper and copy this prayer.)

Prayer:

Lord, I will live the next 30 days

like they were my last 30 days.

Starting Date: _________

Ending Date: __________

____________________

Signature

Teach us to number our days aright,

that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

–Psalms 90:12

What 10 Things Should I Do

In The Next 30 Days—If They Were My Last?

Get a pen. Answer this question: What 10 things should I do in the next 30 days—if they were my last? Write whatever comes to your mind. You’ll be surprised at the stuff that’ll come out. What will come out are the most important things in your heart.

1. _________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________

4. _________________________________________________

5. _________________________________________________

6. _________________________________________________

7. _________________________________________________

8. _________________________________________________

9. _________________________________________________

10. _________________________________________________

Invite Friends To Take the Retreat With You!

Get friends to take this journey of 30 Days with you.

Invite one or more persons to do it with you.

NO TO CREDIT CARDS! YES TO THE EON PAYPAL CARD!

2009-06-11T16:34:00.004+08:00

Eversince I declared Death to my credit cards a few years ago, I thought that was the end of my online transactions. But thank God I discovered the EON CyberAccount, Unionbank's internet based deposit account. It is a debit card with no minimum balance to maintain. And the best thing is it can be used to fund Paypal accounts.

So if you haven't cut your credit cards in half, now is the perfect time to switch to the EON debit card. Goodbye to monthly charges/interests and piling bills! Don't forget, debt is dumb.

MY MEETING WITH A KOREAN MASTER HERBALIST

2009-06-08T11:47:00.006+08:00

"Whoever stepped with faith, was made well of whatever disease he had". - John 5:4

I thought I’d died and gone to herbal heaven. I have wanted to consult with a certified herbalist, acupuncturist and chiropractor. But due to financial constraints I can only afford to cure my GERD and LPR through open source healing using the internet. With God’s grace the long wait is over thanks to my mother-in-law who had to come here from Turkey just to avail the services of this Korean healing master, Mr. Choi Sung Bong.

The late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia is just one of his many international clients. People from Israel, Jordan, Dubai and Korea all travel across the globe to visit his humble office in BF Homes Paranaque. Now I am also one of his satisfied customers who actually never paid the Php 3000.00 (($60) consultation fee. This is because my mother-in-law helped him when he was starting out his business here in Manila. An affable man, he welcomed us and invited us for dinner.

Mr. Choi took my yellowish hand and pressed on key points on my palms. He didn’t speak good English but I didn’t mind. I was so elated to be there in his presence. For this is sacred ground. This is where real cures are found. No pharmaceutical drugstore in the world can carry so much potent stuff than the herbs that he showcases here. Herbs that God gave man to cure his disease.

Good thing he didn’t communicate well in English for I would have bombarded him with a thousand questions and he would have charged me for the effort (lol). His diagnosis is that I have stomach and small intestine problems. I’m sure he meant GERD. I am not allowed to eat pork and chicken because it prompts the stomach to produce too much acid. Other foods to avoid are chocolates, bread, milk, cheese, coffee, green tea, oily/fried foods, processed foods and preservatives. I am only allowed to eat fruits and vegetables.

I was feeling very weak that day and boy did I look like I had a low battery charge. Mr. Choi gave me a cup of his herbal medicine. It tasted like rancid coffee but I pretended it was delicious and satisfying. In a few minutes, the pain on my back was gone, I could feel the blood flowing with energy in my veins and I was fully charged and energized. Wow! Can you say Halleluiah?! My mother-in-law bought me this medicine good for one week at almost 50% discount. From Php3500 ($75), she paid Php2000 ($42) only. I went home a happy patient, grateful to have found a true naturopath that I can run to in case of emergency. I am truly incensed with the drugs that a conventional medical doctor prescribes whenever I go to a hospital or clinic. All they ever give you are antibiotics that further damage the immune system and my wallet. Thank God for these real doctors, the unsung heroes of modern times.

Visit Mr. Choi Sung Bong at Bethesda Herbal Clinic, #28 Elsie Gaches St., BF Homes, Paranaque City Metro Manila. Tel. no. 850-6347, 807-9637. Mobile no. 0928-376-777.
Services offered: Moxibustion, Acupuncture, Chiropratic, Massage, Herbal medicine, Ortho-dental.

IT PAYS TO BE FRUGAL in these difficult times

2009-06-02T21:05:00.005+08:00

Got a wake up call from a fellow Link referral member's review about this blog. Patrick of TorontoCityLife.com says...

Nice personal blog with a clean layout, plenty of content, and good design. The focus seems to be a bit off -- I didn't see much about debt management or credit card reduction, but otherwise it's a nice blog..

Great observation there Patrick. The reason I don't focus on my debt is because I want to re-organize my life first and change my bad habits. I feel that I have to undergo a personal transformation then everything else will follow. To fixate on my shortcomings and mistakes is not exactly a recommended technique from my spiritual and financial mentors. To be honest, I'm still a bit traumatized for digging myself into this big trap. So for now I am centering on how to release all that negative energy and try to do something productive. I am constantly on the lookout for strategies to create passive income. The most convenient for me is making money on blogging and internet marketing. But I am still learning all the ropes so I really can't give much advice on this topic for I haven't made my first $100 yet. And the recession with it's doom and gloom situation is not exactly encouraging.

Despite the gloomy economy in the U.S. and the rest of the world, there are lots of opportunities out there for anyone willing enough to become rich. But I'm just taking things slow right now, trying not to push myself too hard because of my LPR/GERD disease. The most convenient thing that I can impart to you, at the moment dear reader, is a budget plan. There is an Excel spreadsheet that I got from Deadbeef.com author Jeremy Bettis, a facilitator in Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace class . Download it here.

With the current recession our best weapon is to practice frugality and self-control. I'm sure economists will frown on this statement. But we have to admit that the cause of the recession boils down to overspending and too much debt. Please make sure that you only buy things that you need and be creative in recycling your old stuff so that you can keep your spending to a minimum. And please stay away from the mall, haha!

Another budget plan, a simpler one (because I hate complications) is setting a realistic amount
everyday. For example, on a small notebook you can write say 100.00 Php ($2) as the amount that you can only spend for each day. Whatever you need that is more than 100 pesos you can just create something out of your old stuff or go to the junk yard or sell whatever you own to add to your budget. There are a lot of creative ways you can come up with and it's totally fun to use your imagination and other available resources that you can find to live within your budget or even expand it. Or another idea is every payday you can live on 50% of your salary then keep the other 50% and put it in your emergency fund or invest it on a business venture (only if you already have an emergency fund). There are numerous ways to save money and make money. Don't be afraid to be called a cheapskate. Better to be a rich killjoy than a pauper (or amuyong). The bottom line is you better acknowledge first that you have a financial problem and be willing to learn from others on how you can be frugal and how to Get rich slowly. Then the universe, or God if you will, will show you how to make your dreams come true. You only have to unload everything that restrains you from moving forward, forgive and forget, then love and the world will love you back. Don't forget to pray and count your blessings everyday too.

MUSIC AND SATANISM

2009-05-30T18:52:00.001+08:00

Music is the most powerful tool that Satan uses today to promote his religion. The sad part is teenagers are the most vulnerable victims of Satanic music. Once they get hooked, they become followers until their dying day. As parents, it is our responsibility to guide our children to the right path and not allow them to destroy their lives. We should not make the same mistake that our own parents made when we were young. It is NOT acceptable behaviour to rebel and dress up like vampires, witches or sorcerers.

Heavy metal and Rock music produces very young satanists, murderers, rapists, drug users and the like in our society today. I was watching the 700 Club Asia last night (one of my fave shows) when I saw how a College student pawned his soul to the devil, an innocent teen almost lost his soul and a Goth rock star who wanted to rule hell side by side with Satan. And what do all 3 of them have in common? You guessed it, their lives revolved around heavy metal and rock music. The music feeds them and drives them to do evil unto themselves, their families and the community.

There have been studies on the influence of Rock and Roll and its harmful effects on the human mind and body. It was also discovered that the Satanic Church recruited rock stars to spread their religion and propagate cult followers. There are numerous evidence out there that points out how a simple love for rock and roll music can turn into disaster and can even cost you your soul.

Nowadays though it's not just rock music anymore. Pop, rap or gangsta rap, punk, reggae and even EMO (short for emotional) songs can induce the same results. So we need to protect our children, not by putting a leash on them, but by being there for them as much as we can. To sacrifice for them and build a close relationship with them are key to raising good and loving Christians. Let us not neglect our children. They deserve our love and full attention.

When I was young, I grew up to the music of Queen, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and many other rock icons. My dad loves his rock and roll music. And he influenced me so much that until my college days I was a big grunge and alternative rock fan. I didn't turn out to be a criminal but I am also not exceptional. From my experience I feel that to some degree my love for rock and roll music did not do me any good. In high school, I would rather listen to my walkman than learn from my teachers. I would prefer to watch MTV all day than hang out with my parents and spend time with them. In short, I became a rebellious spirit that epitomizes the Gen-X attitude. Later in life did I realize that all those labels and so called "cool attitude" are just distractions orchestrated by the devil so that families can be dysfunctional and unwelcoming to children. All those precious years wasted on rock and roll and trying to be cool when I should have achieved more by focusing on my spiritual and financial development. My parents never really gave importance to such ideals. All they ever cared about are themselves. My dad with his women and booze. My mom with her casino dealings and ballroom partners. If only my parents guided me on how I could build my nest egg so that I could retire in style and leave a legacy to my children. Now my parents are unemployed and penniless, living off of my sister's charity. I have learned from their mistakes that is why I am trying so hard to break the chain of bad habits and recklessness. I hope you would do the same for the sake of your family, your children.

Incidentally, I have a new blog about Mass Songs that will nourish the soul and stimulate positive vibes. Check it out...Filipino Mass Songs...Your Heavenly Source!

WARNING SIGNS THAT REVEAL YOU ARE ADDICTED TO BLOGGING

2009-05-29T19:53:00.002+08:00

Guilty! That is my personal verdict on my blogging habits. I admit I am addicted to blogging. Let me tell you why...

1. I find myself writing 2 articles for the same blog in 1 day.
2. I consider myself a professional blogger despite the fact that I have yet to earn from my 4 blogs.
3. Meal times are dictated by the rumblings of my stomach. I feed on my endorphins.
4. I actually read and personally critique every blog I visit while dropping Entrecards or visiting affiliates.
5. I am continually coming up with new blogsites in my head and I am actually up to date with all my 4 blogs.
6. I do not care anymore what kind of job I'm going to pursue. I am excited with the sense of adventure it will contribute to my blog.
7. I'd rather blog than cuddle or watch TV.
8. I'm always on the lookout for the niftiest and trendiest features to add to my blogs.
9. I keep forgetting to sign on to YM (Yahoo Messenger) and LM (Windows Live Messenger) whenever I'm online.
10. I keep putting aside prayer time to spend more time on my PC.

This is becoming a bad habit indeed. I was supposed to master my time management plan. Time to muster enough self control and discipline to end this addiction. For anything addicting is not healthy to one's body and soul. For my fellow bloggers out there you can follow these 12 traditions to recovery (based on Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Traditions).

The Twelve Traditions for Blogaholics Anonymous

One—Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon Blogaholics Anonymous or B.A. unity.

Two—For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.

Three—The only requirement for B.A. membership is a desire to stop excessive blogging.

Four—Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or B.A. as a whole.

Five—Each group has but one primary purpose—to carry its message to the Blogaholic who still suffers.

Six—A B.A. group ought never endorse, finance or lend the B.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.

Seven—Every B.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.

Eight—Blogoholics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers.

Nine—B.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.

Ten—Blogholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the B.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.

Eleven—Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and films.

Twelve—Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

ARE YOU AN EFFECTIVE WITNESS FOR THE LORD?

2009-05-29T18:36:00.003+08:00

Go ye therefore into all the world, teaching and preaching.

I went to a family reunion a few days ago. Nobody recognized me because I used to be round and chubby. After fasting for 25 days last year during the Lenten Season, I have lost almost 30 pounds and never gained it back. Bro. Bo Sanchez, a Filipino preacher, invited his followers to 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting . I only lasted 25 days though. The mission for this fast: To grow closer to God and receive all that He wants to give to us. And he was right, it was the most amazing and rewarding experience of my life. Not only did I detoxify my body, I have exorcised my demons and have grown closer to God than ever before.

My relatives kept asking me what was my secret. I told them about my diet plan and lifestyle changes that improved my health. I never mentioned about my "spiritual revival", my fasting experience and how it changed my life. This has been the same reply I have for the last year whenever somebody would ask me about my weight loss. But after talking to more than a dozen relatives and seeing the astonished look on their faces I realized how selfish I was.
This was what Zig Ziglar was pointing out in his book Confessions of a Happy Christian. I was not sharing all the benefits that I was receiving from the Lord. What good would it do me if I am not an effective witness for Him? I am committing a graver sin because I am too lazy or even embarrassed to acknowledge God's presence in my life. I'm sure it will definitely please God more if I spread His good news and not keep all my blessings to myself. How rewarding it will be if I can lead others to God not only in prayer or in blogging, but also through my words and deeds. On that note, let me leave you with a prayer from the Preacher in Blue Jeans.

Lord use me.
Help me to be your channel of peace and love and healing to many people.
Send me lord. Amen.

JOB HAUNTINGS...A Makati Horror Story

2009-05-27T09:13:00.000+08:00

Makati has a deep, dark secret. The police are keeping it all hush-hush for fear that investors will flee in horror once they discover what goes on in this city. For evil lurks in its busiest and most progressive streets, particularly along Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas. There are monsters lurking here, disguised as yuppies or students. And many people are totally unaware that these predators lie in wait for their next victim.

Jeline (not her real name) is a resident of Makati. But she chose not to work close to home for she has heard of these criminals that prey on call center agents and white collar employees even in broad daylight. So when she encountered them herself, despite her terror, she did not panic for she knew what to do.

It was around 6 p.m. when Jeline was on her way to work. A handsome couple, who looked like they just stepped out of the office, was just behind her and seemed to be asking her something. She refused to turn around and tried to walk away from these people but they followed her. The couple was then chanting inaudible words behind her back, so she started to run for dear life. She was now positive that this is the gang that her neighbors were talking about. And she was so relieved as soon as she got on the bus hoping that this would be the last time she will encounter the band of thieves known as the Budol budol gang.

In these difficult times, criminals are now more creative in preying on their victims by employing new techniques such as witchcraft and hypnotism. Other stories include three victims allegedly hypnotized into giving up their cash and valuables. There were three women speaking in Mandarin that roam the streets of Binondo and swoop down on unsuspecting Chinese females walking alone. One victim was hypnotized into going back to her residence in Quezon City to retrieve her cash and valuables and return to Binondo to turn them over to the hypnotizers. Another victim even went to her bank to open her safe deposit boxes. Lastly, a woman felt weak after the perpetrators tapped her on the shoulder. She went home, took her valuables from her cabinet and turned them over to the thieves. She then fell asleep and awoke refreshed and puzzled as to how she agreed to give the thieves her valuables. Through some form of hypnotic suggestion, the victims follow the commands of their perpetrators.

My husband and I had a big fight because I keep applying for jobs in the Makati area. At first, I was unaware, like everybody else, that the city is infiltrated with these evil minions. Residents even allege that street vendors may be accomplices of the gang members. But after hearing the story of Jeline, his officemate, he doesn't have to convince me twice to stay away from this city. Sure, I may be protected by my own set of prayers and orations. But I always believe that Prevention is better than cure. I pray dear reader that you will be more vigilant when you go by the Makati business district. Don't leave home without your rosary or scapular and ask the angels and saints to protect you from these evil forces.

OF SEX SCANDALS AND KATRINA HALILI

2009-05-25T08:24:00.000+08:00

I refuse to talk about Dr. Hayden Kho's mental state or sexual trysts. He is just another face behind the stigma that is ailing our society today. My concern is the injustice and sexual abuse that is rampant against Filipino women . It is disturbing to note that most victims are teenagers who are being raped and even gang-raped by their friends or acquiantances.
After being drugged, these poor women are then violated and filmed at the same time. But the nightmare doesn't end there. Copies of these molestations are freely distributed thru cellphones and the internet or are sold on every street corner.

While the public feasts on sex scandals, its victims are outcasted and maligned by their community despite the fact that heinous crimes have been committed against them. And I commend Katrina Halili for representing these women. Because of her courage and fighting spirit, somehow the deadly silence of these victims are being heard. Without her efforts, the perpetrators are free to carry on with their deviltry and roam the streets unpunished. Nevermind that politicians are riding on this issue for their personal gain. This is the kind of attention it deserves so that appropriate laws will be ratified and the victims can now defend themselves in court.

I can only hope that the lawmakers will do their job and not treat this issue as a passing scandal that will be overlooked as time goes by. Anyone at anytime can be a victim. This is a serious crime that every parent should be concerned about. I do not want my children to live in a country where these crimes are tolerated. And horror of horrors, what a nightmare it would be if I find copies of these gang rape films and sex scandals in my children's bedroom or worse discover their participation in these evil acts.

This is a great opportunity for parents and especially women to fight for their rights and defend their chastity. Let us not view this issue as simple gossip for the implications are definitely revelent to our spiritual and physical sanctity and the future of our children.

CREATED MY EXPANDABLE POST SUMMARIES AT LAST!

2009-05-24T14:20:00.001+08:00

After 48 years, I mean 13 days and 9 failed attempts, I have finally succeeded in creating expandable post summaries for my blog. Thanks to It's a Fun! blogger tutorial and the Blog Doctor my blog looks better than ever! Just the way I like it!
Thank you for your help. This was the most effective tutorial I have tried. I have attempted sooo many times and I almost lost my mind! Check out the site and learn more about blogging. God bless you!

CANCER AND CHILDREN

2009-05-23T01:22:00.006+08:00

I have read about a Mother and son's disappearance after the court orders cancer treatment. The mother, Colleen Hauser and her thirteen-year-old son Daniel who has Hodgkin's lymphoma fled a court order for chemotherapy. Colleen refused to continue another round of chemotherapy and radiation for she wanted to treat her son's cancer with herbal supplements, vitamins, ionized water and other natural alternatives from an internet regimen. Hodgkin's lymphoma is a highly curable form of cancer when treated with chemo and radiation. But the teen and his parents rejected chemo after a single treatment, with the boy's mother saying that putting toxic substances in the body violates the family's religious convictions.

I'm sure most of you think that the mother is crazy for refusing this treatment. But as a mother myself, I can only sympathize with her struggle to cure her child. I have been burned by pharmaceutical drugs that is why I am strongly against allopathic drugs. Let me tell you my story.

I have three very young kids who were sickly and weak. I was not aware before that the wrong diet and certain pollutants can attack the immune system especially a young child's body. Two years ago, all three of them will get sick one after another. And whenever I go to the doctor they will give antibiotics of all kinds. But I notice, after obliterating my credit cards, that my children are showing no signs of improvement. The symptoms will go away for awhile then when they get sick again, doctors will give higher forms of antibiotics. I had enough of these drugs after my 7 year old kid was prescribed with co-amoxiclav, a very potent antibiotic. Fearing permanent, long term side effects to his fragile body, I scrapped the prescription and searched the internet for alternatives and home remedies. That was when I discovered the natural healing power of ginger and eventually Virgin coconut oil (VCO). Reflexology and massage are also effective in boosting the immune system as well as a proper diet of fruits and vegetables.

Now my children are very healthy and happy as they can be. They do get sick but only once or twice a year unlike before where every month I see their defenses break down. With prayer and love I can safely say that I am doing a good job as a parent in preserving them from harmful drugs and at the same time not wasting my money on chemicals that are toxic to them. It is actually more dangerous to be rich nowadays because hospitals love cash cows. And being poor doesn't have to be a disadvantage if you have the right knowledge about better alternatives out there.

For great resources on alternative means of healing cancer and other diseases check out these websites:

Natural News
Dr. Mercola
Curezone
My Family Health Blog
The Cure Manual
Eczema and Psoriasis Cure Blog
Shirley's Wellness Cafe
The Cure Library
Dr. Tam Mateo

THE WAY TO YOUR PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION

2009-05-18T14:32:00.001+08:00

Start with the word “form”, the center of transformation. It is a term that describes the physical you. Yet certainly you are much more than a pile of bones, skin and component parts. Everything that you would see in that pile of form you will also find in a pig and a horse. The real you, the unique you, is 99% invisible, untouchable, unsmellable and impervious to the physical senses, which only know form. The largest part of you is beyond form, it is your mind, or your feelings, or your thoughts, or your higher conciousness, but whatever it is it certainly is not form. All of your thought and your spiritual awareness are in this other formless dimension.

Now consider the prefix “trans”, which means “beyond’, “above” or in literal terms, “over”. When you place that in front of “form”, we get “transform”. We now add the suffix “ation”, which means “action” or “result’, and we have the word “transformation”. This word means the result or action of going beyond one’s form.
When you live exclusively in form, you live in a world of limitations. Limits are boundaries that dictate things. You can only lift so much weight or you can only run so fast. But limits are all in the dimension of form.
Now consider the part of you without physical limits, the dimension of thought. There are no limits to your ability to think. You can imagine yourself doing anything. You can be anything, go anywhere, experience all that you want, in this dimension of thought, exclusive of form.
The emphasis in our culture is on the value of the external, the physical appearance. I am suggesting that the emphasis be shifted to a concern for the formless self, being ever mindful that the form houses the real you. With enough practice in this dimension, you will eliminate virtually all limitations in your life. You will get past your form, and do as Paul suggests in Romans 12:2:

And be not conformed to this world: But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

This is the place of transformation. This is the place where you can not only live a miracle, but create miracles as well. - Excerpt from the book You'll See It When You Believe It by Dr. Wayne Dyer

How profound is that concept! If every man and woman in this world would have this kind of attitude, I'm sure there will be no need for anti-depressants or illegal drugs. The pharmaceutical companies will go bankrupt and retail companies will go down with them as well. It is also interesting to note how this kind of thinking is in-sync with the principle of frugality. If a thing is not a necessity then there's no need to buy it. We must not focus on our physical or outward aspect but we must first look inside and develop our spiritual and emotional well-being.

The reason most of us are in debt is because we believe in the myth of retail therapy. We buy stuff that we cannot afford because we believe that this will make our lives better or this will improve our relationships. Like me, I only discovered this lie only after I've realized that all I ended up getting is debt and more debt. What did I get from all that junk I bought from the mall? Just a mountain load of debt and a hard learned lesson that money should be handled responsibly just like everything else in life. Later on did I learn that it doesn't take much to enjoy one's life while nurturing relationships with my family and friends. In fact, quality and not quantity is more important in being a good parent and friend. My kids will not exactly remember all those toys that I bought them while they were growing up. They will surely cherish the time I spent with them and how much I have shown my love to them. My real friends will certainly forget how cheap I was because they know that I was there for them to help them with their spiritual and emotional problems. My husband does not mind if I don't have the most expensive gifts to give him because I have tried to be a good wife and mother to my children and he is a witness to all the sacrifices I have made for our family.
If you find yourself in debt like I am or emotionally and spiritually unsound, my message to you is that there is hope. I wanted to share the excerpt from Dr. Dyer's book because it has shattered my beliefs about what my life means. There is more to you and me than all our problems and grief. We can transform ourselves by realizing that our mind and spirit is not bound by our limited form. We can transcend these problems and achieve our dreams just by believing in ourselves and always being positive so that we can attract only positive things in our lives. Let me leave you with a thought from Ram Dass in Be Here Now...

The most exquisite paradox...as soon as you give it all up, you can have it all...As long as you want power, you can't have it. The minute you don't want power, you'll have more than you ever dreamed possible.

You are not a human being having a spiritual experience. You are a spiritual being having a human experience. - Dr. Wayne Dyer

MY PERSONAL TIME MANAGEMENT PLAN

2009-05-17T13:14:00.000+08:00

According to Stephen R. Covey, author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, time management is life leadership. He has summarized it into 3 simple steps:

1) Write your own mission statement. This is to sum up who you really are and want you want in life. Generic sample: “To master my profession so my work will be synonymous with excellence, and to conduct my life in such a way that people will see Jesus Christ reflected in me.”

2) Know your 5 main roles in life. This is to pinpoint your responsibilities in your different roles in society. Example: You are a lawyer, father, husband, restaurant co-owner and lay pastor.

3) Set goals for each role. This is to achieve balance – meeting all your responsibilities by scheduling them in advance.

Now let me share with you my personal time management plan.

MY MISSION STATEMENT
To commit my life to the Lord including my thoughts, my actions, my plans, my goals and my dreams.
To imitate the lives of saints and martyrs to the best of my ability.
To raise my children as active members of the church and the community.
To spread the Word of God and lead as many souls to Christ as possible.
To join the Lord, Mother Mary, all the angels and saints one sweet day in heaven.

MY MAIN ROLES IN LIFE
1.Christian
2. Mother
3. Wife
4. Entrepreneur
5. Writer

MY DAILY SCHEDULE
Morning
Pray the Fatima Morning Offering and the Prayer of the Tax collector upon rising.
Read the Bible, Mass readings.
Meditate. Exercise.
Do morning chores.
Afternoon
Pray the Rosary and novenas to saints.
Blog for a maximum of 2 hours only.
Pray the 3 o'clock Prayer.
Siesta time (nap time).
Evening
Read a book.
Watch the news.
Pray the 15 prayers.

Since I am self-employed right now, this will change a bit after I find a job. But the main thing is prayer is the center of my life including learning and evangelizing through my blogs. Before I go I wish to share my goals at the moment.

MY GOALS
1. To maintain a fervent relationship with the Lord.
2. To be debt free.
3. To be a loving and responsible parent.
4. To eat organic food and use organic products.
5. To sacrifice and fast for the salvation of souls and conversion of sinners.
6. To be an entrepreneur that will propagate organic products and better alternatives to diminish air and water pollution.

Thank you dear reader and I hope you will manage your time more effectively for the sake of your mental and spiritual health.

WHAT IS HOLDING ME BACK FROM BEING DEBT FREE

2009-05-17T00:07:00.000+08:00

I admit that I have a long way to go to be financially free. And this has taken a toll on my everyday struggle to organize my life. In my haste to become debt-free, I have ended up totally overwhelmed and more unproductive than ever. For instance, I’m reading 3-4 different books at a time, trying out numerous get rich quick formulas and endlessly worrying with what needs to be done. This is putting more pressure on myself that I am even aggravating my GERD and LPR because of the stress and worry. Instead of helping myself, I’m actually driving myself to complete exhaustion.

In desperation to get instant answers, I find myself frustrated, flustered and overwhelmed…until I kneel down and pray or write about my problems that I find solace and release for awhile. I realized today that this has become a vicious cycle for me. My financial trauma has definitely left an ugly scar that has affected my life dramatically. I have been trapped in this distressing stasis and I believe that now is the time to let go of my past and move forward. Sure, I have been saying over and over again that I have forgiven myself but apparently it is easier said than done. When I look at my life now, still in debt, still struggling financially, constantly worrying and driving myself too hard…I wonder if I am setting a good example to my children.

You have forgotten the face of your Father, that’s what the gunslinger would say (yes, I am a big Dark Tower fan). Life is not about problem-solving or making money. That is definitely what I don’t want to teach my children. Life is a gift from God. It is about the 4 essential L’s…living, loving, learning and laughing. With the way I’m handling things right now, I am ashamed to admit that I am not a good role model to my children. I am in panic mode, lost in the information highway, without focus and unable to reach my destination. There are no values to impart when you are in a confused and stressed out state most of the time. At the age of 31, this is my time, my now that I should be enjoying and not suffering. Why waste my time moping around because of my debt? Rich countries have made the same mistake. With God on my side, why should I fear?

Great spiritual leaders like Zig Ziglar, Bo Sanchez and Dr. Wayne Dyer (sorry but these are my idols) all became financially free past the age of 30. It is actually useless to beat myself up because I have all the time in the world to get rich slowly and be debt-free. With an abundance of resources and guidance from books and the internet, I will surely get by. We must all go through a learning process first before the awakening process to finally achieve personal transformation. There is no easy way out for me I’m afraid. But as the song goes…it’s the climb…it’s the struggle that we go through, the uphill battle that we will treasure and hold on to once we get to the top, the peak of success. This is the reason why this blog was born. I am positive that one day when I will look back on my rantings and musings, I will laugh at myself and tell myself that it was all good. God is always by my side and you were there too, dear reader, to sympathize and help me release all my doubts and fears. Thank God for blogger, it is such a blessing to share all this to the world and live my dream to become a writer (feel free to criticize my writing hehe) even without any proper training. Jesus hath said : “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” – Matthew 7:7.

Time management is a good place to start my personal transformation. Many people spend their days in a frenzy of activity, but achieve very little, because they're not concentrating their effort on the things that matter the most. This has been my dilemma all along. To organize my time and focus on results, not on being busy will get me to my destination sooner than going around in circles and getting nowhere. Next time I will share with you how I will take control of my life and hopefully this will be the end of my worries and the beginning of my journey to personal freedom.

PROPER NUTRITION EQUALS OPTIMUM HEALTH

2009-05-15T15:36:00.004+08:00

My cousin Chason was rushed to the hospital because of a large lump on his throat. He is a teenager and according to his pediatrician, he has never encountered this kind of condition before. But when my cousin went home his doctor says that 5 more children came to him with the same problem. The moment I heard about this from my mom I got in touch with Chason's mother and suggested to her that he should quit eating junk food and fried food. Preservatives and transfat are toxic to the body. I related to her how my 10 year old nephew was poisoned because all he ever eats are hotdogs with rice each and everyday, during lunch and dinner and nothing else. And I also added how a 4 year old died because his diet consisted mainly of corn chips and soda.

As parents, it is our responsibility to guide our children's diet and nutritional needs. Malnutrition and dehydration are primary sources of illnesses of our loved ones. To see a child suffering is just a heartbreaking sight. If we take control and act accordingly, these things could be easily avoided.
As suspected, Chason was eating the wrong kinds of food. His diet consisted mainly of fried chicken and hamburgers...supersized. I told my Aunt this has got to stop and he has to start eating freshly cooked vegetables, fresh fruits and fruit juices. Good thing she listened unlike some people I know who are totally hard-headed. She even said that she will start using their juicer which was just collecting dust in her cupboard. I assured her that my cousin will be totally healed if he would allow his body to detoxify and boost the immune system. He is an obese teenager and I am certain that this is God's way of telling them that he needs to change his eating habits before something worse happens to his young, virile body. To top it off I endorsed to them a product called Ka Rey Herrera’s Herbal Food Supplement which is made from pure and natural herbs, fruits and vegetables that contains vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals to help him heal faster.
Thanks to discipline and self-control, my LPR attacks are almost gone. I start my day by drinking my anti-GERD concoction consisting of 1-2 teaspoons of Bragg's organic apple cider vinegar, some honey or muscovado sugar in 8 oz. of warm water. I have avoided eating oily, fatty and spicy food and even chocolate. My main diet consists of vegetables, fruits and sometimes meat from fish and chicken...no more pork and beef for me. And I am happy to announce to the world that my GERD is under control without PPI's, antacids or any pharmaceutical drugs, thank you very much. This goes to show that we have so much power in our hands than we realize. I'm reminded of my girlfriend who was asking for a donation last week because her father was confined to the hospital due to liver cirrhosis. He drinks rhum every single day and now his liver is probably half a dozen more bottles short of dying from cancer. And now his poor single daughter and granddaughter are suffering financially because of his negligence and carelessness. It's always sad to see grown ups not taking responsibility and seeing in the end that our children are the ones who suffer the most because of our mistakes.

DR. TAM MIRACLE TEA WEBSITE

2009-05-13T11:11:00.007+08:00

At last, the long wait is over folks! I'm not sure when this happened but I just chanced upon Dr. Tam's new website. People have been asking me how to get this miracle drug. Well, it's no drug really, you know how I hate allopathic drugs. For your health benefit, Dr. Tam's Miracle tea is an all natural cure for the big C, Cancer. Miracle Tea helps the body cleanse and detoxify the blood to strengthen your body’s internal organs, and unclog the colon preventing the growth of cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Miracle Tea works by giving you a much needed cleansing from within. By fortifying your internal organs and ridding your system of cancer causing toxins, you increase the chances of prolonging your life. You may also flush away unhealthy build ups in the digestive track. With a revitalized body, your blood is better oxygenated and will remain sturdy for a very long time. The best part of it is that you can grow old without the complications of severely debilitating illnesses, that's according to Dr. Tam.

I have tried this product and many of my countrymen and I can guarantee that it works! No, I am not selling this miracle tea, at least not until I can make money from this blog. But I can attest to how many lives were saved because of healthy living and Dr. Tam's products. An infant who was diagnosed with leukemia or cancer of the blood and was cured when Dr. Tam told the parents to breastfeed her and give her Dr. Tam's miracle tea and never feed her cooked food, only raw fruits and vegetables. With God's grace this baby is now a healthy 9 year old, as old as my eldest son. What a miracle! Preservatives and the cooking process is bad for the body. With the help of Dr. Tam's miracle tea, I have detoxified all the feces that have been stuck in my colon for the last 31 years of my life and I have shed so many unwanted fat. From a chubby 160 pounds, I now weigh 134 lbs., goodbye excess fat and excrement. So whenever I see obese people I want to give them a carton of Dr. Tam's miracle tea if only I could afford it. You just have to flush out all those toxins and stored body waste so you can live longer and lighter. The feeling of purging all those toxic waste from the body is truly exhilarating and uplifting.

Before I end this let me share with you an article from the website of PITAHC under the Philippine Department of Health in their section Ask the Expert. In this issue they interview Dr. Tam Mateo, the first Philippine Naturopath.

NATURAL PROGRAM FOR CANCER

This Issue’s Expert: Tam Mateo, N.D.

Question:
Do you have a natural program for cancer? Please advise.

Cancer Defined

Cancer is a full-term incubation of toxin within the entire system which is the result of continuous poisoning of the entire system for more than a decade.

Causes of Cancer
People develop the disease without knowing it. They say that if your family runs with this kind of disease then you are likely to develop the same disease. In my practice as a Naturopath, I have learned that only 20% of the cases are of genetic origin, the remaining 80% have unhealthy lifestyle as the cause, which they have adopted from their own families, and this is the primary reason why family members develop the same kind of disease. I would say that there are two major ways to develop this disease: 1) food addiction and 2) stress. The quality of food people are consuming today can also trigger the development of this disease. Meats are filled with growth hormones, processed foods are filled with excitotoxins - these are but few factors of developing cancer.

At-risk of Cancer
Everybody is at-risk of developing cancer, but if they are willing to start changing their lifestyle, I could guarantee them 100% that they can be free from developing any kind of disease.

Natural Approach for Management of Cancer
As a Naturopath, I mainly recognize the healing ability within the system. We have to go directly or trace the problem to its root or main source. All the people suffering from this disease has a blood abnormality because the blood can no longer function normally to produce quality cells - to produce adenosinetriphosphate (ATP).

In tracing the root, we have to eliminate the old fecal deposits and toxins within the entire system through a process of detoxification. Then we provide the body with nutrients that would help the cellular DNA to create healthy cells. L-Lysine, L-Proline, organic Vitamin C, superoxide dismutase (SOD), anti-oxidants and metaloprotenase enzyme are supplemented to enhance the blood to produce quality cells that will dominate the dying ones and fight cancer cells, then natural healing will follow.

Preventing Cancer Naturally
People who develop cancer or any kind of disease mean that they are unhealthy. In order to prevent cancer or any kind of disease, you have to be healthy, plain and simple. People should learn as well as be educated enough to know and learn the cause and effect of every unhealthy habit they formed. The good news I want to leave is that people who doesn’t like to eat good nutritious food and are annoyed with its taste will have a chance to like it because our taste chemistry can be changed. With the help of God, you can do it especially when it is for our own good health. This is the legacy I want to leave, that people could possibly live without having any kind of disease. I fully commit myself in educating them about health, and people can come to me and learn.

About the Expert:
Tam Mateo, ND, the first Filipino Naturopathic Doctor, is a Cancer Nutrition Specialist. With his experience, with his wife as a cancer survivor, he has committed his life in educating the people in line with health and has been a Health Crusader for more than fifteen (15) years. He wants to leave a legacy in challenging people that they could possibly live a life without any disease.

He is a graduate of Clayton College of Natural Health (formerly Alabama College of Natural Healing) in Alabama, USA. Before becoming a Naturopathic Doctor, he was a registered Respiratory Therapist at North Hollywood Medical and Dental School, California, USA.
For twenty-one (21) years, he worked as a successful businessman in the United States. His last fourteen years (14) in the US were spent as a medical missionary and a Health Crusader.
He is a member of the American Naturopathic Medical Association (ANMA); Association of American Nutritional Consultant (AANC); and the Philippine College for the Advancement in Medicine (PCAM). He is also the CEO of Living Food Philippines, Inc. as well as the President of Dr. Tam Vegetarian Association of the Philippines and the Kaalamang Pangkalusugan Foundation.
As a Health Crusader, he still continues his service in educating the people through radio programs, seminars and the like.

You can visit Dr. Tam's website.

You can Download Dr. Tam's Seminar Brochure here and Page 2 here and Daily Protocol here and Vegetarian Recipes here. and Sample Meal Plan here.

MY CONFESSIONS AS A STRUGGLING CHRISTIAN

2009-05-11T14:35:00.002+08:00

I have just finished reading Zig Ziglar's book entitled Confessions of a Happy Christian. He is not a master storyteller or the best of writers but this book exudes positivity and pure love. You will feel his genuine concern for saving your soul by letting Jesus into your heart and showing the benefits of surrendering your life to God. He shares how he used to be a struggling non-Christian and how his life drastically changed for the better after converting to Christianity.
As a struggling Christian myself, I am inspired at how Zig can practice what he preaches. For me that is the most challenging task a Christian or to be more precise, a Catholic, has to face each day. It is very difficult to become a witness to other people when my life is such a mess. But Zig emphasizes that all we need to do is welcome Jesus into our lives and be faithful to Him. And it is alright if we are not worthy. We will never be worthy because we are only human, we are weak.
I admire Zig for his efforts to set an example for others so that he can lead others effectively to Christ. His formula has worked for many who have met him and seen how good an example he is.
I know that my efforts to show God's love in my blogs are not in vain. But I'm sure it will please the Lord more if I set a good example not only to my kids but also to people who I would meet along the road of life. So I will write down the things that I need to change in order to be a better witness of God's love to others.

1. I have to stop cussing or saying bad words.
2. I got to smile more and be friendlier to strangers.
3. I have to get out of my way to give alms to the poor and feed the hungry.
4. I have to stop worrying because worry is the opposite of faith.
5. I should spend more quality time with my kids and tell them I love them each day.
6. I should read the Bible each day so that I could teach others about it.
7. I got to be more grateful for my blessings each day.
8. I should spend more time in prayer and meditation than blogging.
9. I must sacrifice more and spend more time in fasting.
10. I must stop worrying at all.

Now is the time to let Jesus and Mary into your heart and mine. Like Zig, everything else will follow. Our financial, spiritual, emotional and physical problems will improve if we live by God's rules and truly embrace the Bible's teachings. By then, all our worries will dissolve and God will shower us with abundance and wisdom. For Our Father will only want the best for us if we believe. We only have to ask and fear not.

I QUIT MY JOB BECAUSE OF LPR

2009-05-06T07:47:00.003+08:00

Okay I admit, that’s only 20% of the equation. The other 80% is mainly about my bosses. I hate them. I hate how they run things in the office. Sure I have tried confronting them but they are so full of themselves that I always end up being humiliated or rejected. After putting so much effort to hone my technical skills, it all boils down to how good of an ass-kisser you are in the office in order to get ahead. Trouble is, I was never really good at sucking-up. My own mother even criticizes my lack of charisma and affection.
To make matters worse, I have been suffering from severe cough and excessive phlegm for the last 3 months. This makes it hard for me to work as a Service Desk Representative for an American retail company which requires me to answer phone calls for 8 hours daily.

As usual, I have tried oil pulling, VCO, thermal bed massager, ginger and herbal therapy but to no avail. In my frustration, I went to see the ENT doctor at last and asked for his opinion (you know how I hate doctors). I was then diagnosed with LaryngoPharyngeal Reflux or LPR.

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux or LPR, according to James Kesel MS, is a little known but common disorder that can cause major problems if left untreated. LPR is caused by the backflow of stomach acids and food particles up through the esophagus all the way to the voice box or larynx/pharynx. The symptoms of LPR include chronic hoarseness, throat clearing and coughing. Many people also describe the feeling of a constant lump or obstruction in their throat. In addition you may also have the classic symptoms of acid reflux heartburn as well. Another symptom comes in the form of chronic nasal drainage into the throat which causes a cough or constant throat clearing. Ignoring LPR can lead to serious problems. These include noisy breathing, choking episodes, breathing problems like asthma or bronchitis as well as cancer of the esophagus, voice box and throat.

I believe I got LPR because of GERD. I have been suffering from GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. In GERD, the stomach acid is refluxed into the esophagus a repeated number of times. This repeated acid reflux causes damage to the esophagus. This is considered to be a life long disease but I refuse to drink allopathic drugs for life. I cannot imagine the damage it can add to my body. So I’m going to have to choose the natural way to cure my acid reflux. First and foremost, lifestyle change is my best weapon. I need to stop having heavy meals and discontinue eating spicy, oily, fatty and sour foods and chocolate because they trigger acid reflux. Junk foods should be junked and tomato-based foods also. And exercise must be part of my daily routine.

When the doctor told me what I had to do to cure this disease, I bluntly said “Why not kill me instead?”. Everything I needed to avoid is all part of my regular diet and eating pleasure. It’s like giving up everything that I love and crave. Death is an understatement here.

Kidding aside, I believe this is God’s way of disturbing my life to show me that I am getting too attached to the world. I have become lukewarm and complacent. I have totally ignored my commitment to a life of penance, sacrifice and service to others. I’m too busy loving my job and focusing on the pleasures of life and in consequence, I have been refusing how God wants to direct my life. Fasting, prayer and charity should be my main focus to let God work through me. These are my weapons in order to resist temptation and exorcise my demons. Without them I will stumble and fall straight into the snares of the devil, forever lost in the ways of the world.

"Simplify and focus on Me", that is God’s message here. I have forgotten the face of my Father, my Mother and my Brother, Jesus. More often than not, God speaks to us through tragic moments because that is the most effective way for us to listen. No siree! I will never be bitter towards God (with my boss, sure). He knows what’s best for me more than anyone. And I am very grateful for this humbling experience yet again. In this regard, let me share with you a very touching prayer, let us pray…

“Disturb us, O Lord,
when with the abundance of things we possess,
we have lost our thirst for the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
we have ceased to dream of eternity.
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
we have allowed our vision of the new Heaven to dim”.

Busyness takes quiet time away from Our Lord; it causes a restless spirit and an unpeaceful heart. So take the time needed to truly hear Our Lord, for then you will have peace throughout the day.

For now I will continue blogging to inspire people to go back to God and simplify their lives. I'm going to rest and recuperate before finding a new job that is less stressful and more colorful (can you take a hint? wink, wink). Please pray that I will be healed from LPR and be freed from my debt.

Now please check out my new website…Fight the Evil!...your guide to fight witchcraft and evil forces. Check, check, check it out!!! Peace!

MY THOUGHTS ON THE TED FAILON BRUHAHA

2009-04-22T09:32:00.001+08:00

The thought on every Pinoy's mind right now and the topic of choice in every street corner is; did Ted Failon's wife kill herself? The buzz is she lost P20 million in an investment scam that is why she committed suicide.
When I watched what happened to Trinidad Etong, Ted's wife, on the news I was very suspicious at first. Okay let me rephrase that, I cried out "Foul play!" in an instant. With my love for whodunnits and suspense thrillers, it's usually the husband who "does away" with the wifey because of money or a third party. And it doesn't really help Ted at all when the household help cleaned all the evidence at the crime scene. It looks like a cover up from the very start. I was totally convinced that it was murder most foul.
That all changed when my mother called me up the next day. She told me how convinced she was that Trina killed herself because she suffered the same predicament 10 years ago. There was a time when my dad lost his job and we lost everything we had. My mother tried to kill herself three times but every time she pointed the gun on her head to pull the trigger, her finger would get stuck and she would fail to take her own life. She even emphasizes the similarity of their names (she is also Trinidad). It seems funny but I'm happy that God did not allow such a tragedy to happen to our family. Imagine the trauma it would have caused me and my sister if we also lost our own mother. I realized then that this is not America, this is the Philippines where keeping the family intact is of high importance. It is very rare for married couples here to kill their partner unless they are below the poverty line or part of the uneducated. But we're talking about a decent family here wherein the wife is in charge of family finances and the husband is respected in society. The possibility that Trina committed suicide is highly plausible.
In a world that will only disappoint you and me most of the time, we must reach out to God and pray for help and protection for he is the only One who will not let us down. He can and will save us from ourselves and from sin.
“Whoever refuses to believe in Christ is condemned already.” The Jesuit Fr. Luis Bermejo wrote, “Hell is not a case of a death sentence executed by God, but a suicide perpetrated by man.”
For Trina and other suicide victims, they have lost all hope because they did not know Jesus Christ and they did not welcome Him in their lives. Surrendering everything to the Lord and believing in Him and trusting in His love is more precious than silver and gold. The power of prayer in our lives will save us each time we find ourselves in a rut or impossibly hopeless situation. Let go and let God before it's too late.

WYBEACHBUM IS DA BOMB, MON!

2009-04-19T21:24:00.001+08:00

You know how crazy I am about Virgin coconut oil, right? That's why I stumbled upon this genius on YouTube who was demonstrating how to make virgin coconut milk and oil. He is WYBEACHBUM from Hawaii. I totally dig his videos because he loves organic and tropical fruits and yet he loves beer and rave parties and hacking. He's an all-around cool rastah mon complete with dreadlocks. Here are some of his stats...
City: Somewhere in Hawaii Hometown: Somewhere Country: United States Occupation: Growing Organic food,beachbum/HA... Schools: internet is my school Companies: the Farm Interests and Hobbies: Growing Organic food,yoga,the beach,going to raves,online games hacking,beers Raves, hacking, playing, the beach, internet, game, online game, the smoke?, parks and rivers.technology and science yoga, Buddhism, Hinduism, capoeira, partytime, reading, traveling, pictures, Reiki, art, music, dancing, rollerblading, sleeping, Japanese language, Asian studies, Incense, Karaoke, chakras, oils and aromatherapy, ayurveda, fashion, wine, nature, sound of the ocean, Feng Shui. Movies and Shows: sci-fi shows Music: houes,roots,80's rocks,80's House, Experimental, Trance, Jungle, Garage, J Pop, K Pop, Lounge, soul, Future Soul, disco, blues, downtempo, breakbeats, hip hop, Alternative, funk, Rock, Classical, Jazz, Meditation music, Capoeira music, Indian music, Bossa Nova, Samba. Books: New ages books,sci-fi books and Dungeons &amp;amp;amp; Dragons The Path of Emanciption (Thich Nhat Hanh), My Land and My People (The Dalai Lama), The Four Noble Truths (The Dalai Lama), Siddhartha(Herman Hesse), Transform Your Life: A Blissfull Journey (Geshe Gyatso), Autobiography of a Yogi (Paramahansa Yogananda), The Complete Book of Oils & Aromatherapy (Valerie Ann Worwood), O Alquimista (Paulo Coelho), Last Night a Dj Saved My Life/the history of the disc jockey (Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton), The Little Capoeira Book (Nestor Capoeira), Inner Peace (Paramahansa Yogananda), One Degree Beyond/A Reiki Journey Into Energy Medidine (JaneAnne Narrin), A Path with Heart (Jack Kornfield), Buddhism An Introduction (Dr. Luang Suriyabongs, M.D.), The Original Reiki Handbook (Dr. Mikao Usui and Frank Arjava Petter), Journey to the Heart (Melody Beattie), Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit/A Return to Wholeness (Donna Farhi), Anatomy of Hatha Yoga (H. David Coulter), Awaken, Children! (Mata Amritanandamayi), Ask and It Is Given - Learning to Manifest Your Desires
Website: http://myspace.com/mauibeachbum

BOOKS TO NOURISH YOUR SOUL

2009-04-10T12:04:00.001+08:00

I scan my fingers over various titles at the bargain section of a second hand bookstore when I chanced upon a faded cover of a book that stirred my curiosity. It was called IN HIS STEPS by Charles M. Shedon. The story is about what happens when a small-town pastor and a handful of children choose to live the way Jesus would? Faced with difficult decisions, they learn to love, share, and forgive in ways that impact the entire community. To sum it up, the characters face their lives each day with the question "What would Jesus do?" in all of their decision making. And the results of their sacrifices and commitment to live the way Jesus would is touching and revolutionary.
After finishing the book, I realized that God's hand led me to this little miracle. Of all the books for me to find in a cheap bookstore, I get this treasure for a mere Php29.00 ($0.50). A lovely gift that will change my life forever. Sure beats those costly books in National bookstore.
So it is that I visit this bookstore to fill my need to nourish my spiritual and financial yearnings. And I cannot believe my luck! The next time I went there I picked up this New York Times Bestseller by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer entitled YOU"LL SEE IT WHEN YOU BELIEVE IT: The Way to Your Personal Transformation. For a mere Php29.00 again, I took home this book hoping to find any help I can get to improve myself and my attitude. Lo and behold, after reading a few chapters I believe I have found my modern day guru. He looks really cheesy on the cover but his words, thoughts and advice are priceless. This is like the basis for great books such as The Secret, The Road Less Travelled, etc. etc. He's the real deal folks.
Thank you Lord for guiding me and showing me the way to my spiritual enlightenment. I have been searching for books that will change my life without emptying my wallet. How truly blessed I am. Other books that I have bought for less than Php30.00 are from authors like Zig Ziglar, Woody Allen, Robert Fulghum and Dale Carnegie. Coolness! Time to curl up and grab a book. Till next time.

THE MIRACLE DRUG: VCO (VIRGIN COCONUT OIL)

2009-03-24T17:16:00.001+08:00

Metro Manila is a cesspool of bad bacteria and disease-causing germs thanks to water and air pollution. The flu season is in our midst and its first victim is my eldest son. He has a weak immune system because he loves to eat white rice and fried foods particularly hot dogs and pork products just like a typical Filipino kid. He doesn't fancy a variety of fruits that is why he gets sick more than my other children.
But things started getting really serious when I myself suffered the flu together with my youngest baby. I was bed ridden for 2 days and was ailed with high fever and severe cough. It was heartbreaking to witness my 2 year old looking so weak because of very high fever. I had to try so hard not to give her paracetamol and antibiotics eversince I have vowed not to give my kids any kind of allopathic or pharmaceutical drugs. It is not a good idea to stop fever especially in children since it is the body's natural way of killing bacteria. To suppress a high fever using drugs like paracetamol actually does more harm than good. So it is better to let nature takes it's course and help it heal naturally. According to Babycenter.com:
Fever is part of the body's defense against bacteria and viruses, some researchers suggest that the body may fight infections more effectively when its temperature is elevated. (Bacteria and viruses prefer an environment that's around 98.6 degrees F, or 37 degrees C.) A fever also tells the body to make more white blood cells and antibodies to fight the infection.On the other hand, if your child's temperature is too high, he'll be too uncomfortable to eat, drink, or sleep, and that will make it harder for him to get better.If your child's fever isn't affecting his behavior, you don't need to give him anything to lower it. Offer him plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration, and don't overdress him or bundle him up when he's sleeping.If his body temperature is higher than normal because of extra clothes, a scorching day, or a lot of active play, help him cool down by taking off a few of his layers and encouraging him to rest or play quietly in a cool spot.
You can try to lower your child's fever by sponging him down with lukewarm (not cold) water or giving him a lukewarm bath.Never try to reduce a fever by sponging down your child with rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol can be absorbed into your child's bloodstream through the skin. It can also cool him too quickly, which can actually raise his temperature.

After the bacteria made its rounds and infected my second child, it struck again after a week. My eldest suffered another bout of high fever but with vomitting and severe headache too. I was so worried that it might be dengue so we had to rush to the doctor. He was then diagnosed with Urinary tract infection (UTI). The bacteria infected his kidneys because he loves to eat pork and beef. I waited for the good doctor to look for the right antibiotic and its dosage while scanning his MIMS manual. We waited a full 10 minutes for him to find the right drug (the horror) out of respect for him and relief that it wasn't dengue. I had to restrain myself from telling him not to bother because my kid was getting weary. When we got home I took out my magic drug, VCO, and made him drink 15 ml. every 2 hours and also Coconut juice and Banaba tea to clean the kidneys. I saw him gradually get stronger each day. Now he's totally cured. Thanks VCO, you are God's gift to the poor people of the Philippines. No thanks to pharmaceutical companies for getting me in debt and weakening my children's immune system.
Here are some of the 200+ known medical uses of VCO:
Skin (mosquito/insect bites, itching, rashes, cuts, bruises, scratches, acne, sun-burn, burns, blisters, wrinkles, warts, moles, fungus, skin cancer, pre-cancerous lesions, eczema, stretch marks, massage).Hair (dandruff, scalp care, hair growth, lice infestations).Mouth (cracked lips, gum disease, dental cavities, toothaches, mouthwash, throat infections, sore throat).Thyroid Function (overweight, cold hands/feet, fatigue, migraines, PMS, irritability, fluid retention/swelling, anxiety/panic attacks, depression, memory, concentration, low sex drive, low body temperature, constipation, insomnia, itchiness, food sensitivities, brittle nails, bruise easily, heat/cold intolerance, hypoglycemia, frequent/persistent colds, UTI, yeast infections, immunity, joint pains, poor coordination, irregular menstrual periods).Bacteria (ear, throat, sinus, genital infections, UTI, pneumonia, rheumatic fever, dental cavities and gum disease, food poisoning, toxic shock syndrome, meningitis, gonorrhea, gastric ulcers, parrot fever, septicemia, endocarditis, enterocolitis, E.coli, staphylococcus, strephtococci, strephtococcus).Virus (influenza, measles, herpes, mononucleosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, hepatitis C, AIDS, SARS) Fungus (ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch, candidiasis, diaper rash, thrush, toenail fungus). Parasites (giardiasis, tapeworms, pinworms).Cancer (colon, breast, skin, liver, inhibit tumor growth).Others: Asthma, diabetes, psoriasis, artherosclerosis, hypertension, Alzheimer’s, Sjogren syndrome, Crohn’s, headaches, colds, aches and pains, fever, flu, bronchitis, colitis, cysts, dysentery, dysmenorrhea, hemorroids, cough, dropsy, kidney stones, jaundice, scabies, scurvy, syphilis, hematemesis, hemoptysis, phthisis, tuberculosis, tumors, typhoid, stomach ulcers, Parkinson’s, prostate, gallbladder, malnutrition, maintain intestinal health, normalize body functions, reduce body weight by boosting metabolism.
Please spread the word. Amen!

How To Make Your Own Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil

Select only fresh and mature quality coconuts. Split coconuts and collect coconut water. Grate coconuts and collect coconut meat. Bag the coconut meat. Use white nylon mesh bag. Place bag in a Cold Press machine. At home, you can hand press using gloves. Collect coconut milk. Soak the pressed bag in coconut water and press for a second time. Collect more coconut milk. Allow the coconut milk to settle undisturbed in a cabinet at 32degC for 10-17 hours. Coconut oil will naturally separate from water and proteins. Carefully collect and filter the oil and avoid mixing with the bottom water layer. The oil is colorless. While virgin coconut oil has been documented to help alleviate, ease, protect against and even cure many ailments, it is still vital that the individual maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly, eat a balance diet of the right kind of food, and drink lots of water.

GOOD HABITS VS. BAD HABITS

2009-02-21T18:44:00.001+08:00

We Filipinos do not value patience and perseverance unlike the Chinese. The Chinese pass on to their children how hardwork and frugality are the tools for success. And they teach their young how to become great entrepreneurs. While Filipino parents through blood, sweat and tears educate their children how to become employees. So in the end, we Filipinos end up working for Chinese businessmen. In the past I thought there was nothing wrong with that. But after reading up on financial literature and being a slave of my employers for more than a decade now, I realized how twisted and totally idiotic it is to rot in an office cubicle. Okay I may not afford put up my own business now but I have plans to be a successful entrepreneur in 2-5 years and be free from being an employee forever.I will definitely teach my kids how to be creative and to dream big. Office life can really suck one's dreams and imagination. They must learn how important it is to be patient and dilligent and not to succumb to the happy-go-lucky and get rich quick attitude of most Filipinos. I will teach them the importance of delaying gratification (as I've read from Dr. M. Scott Peck's "The Road Less Traveled"). Hopefully they will not incalcate the following Bad Habits that can ruin their lives and their souls. You might recognize one of them.
Bad Habit #1. FENG SHUI. My mother used to redecorate her friends' houses in order to attract good luck. This is the art and science based on Chinese belief where the positioning of furniture and lucky charms can affect the success of people in all aspects of life. Many Filipinos think it is harmless to practice Feng Shui. I totally disagree. First of all , it goes against our Christian faith. It is an insult to the Lord to depend upon Chinese good luck charms and furniture to influence our lives. We must bear all the trials and tribulations that God sends our way. It is not healthy to avoid bad luck and attract good luck because the Lord has His reasons why good and bad things happen to us. Without suffering, life will not have meaning and we will not learn from our mistakes. Our souls will not grow in love and understanding. Everything will be shallow and banal in our lives for we will never attain spiritual growth and awareness.
Bad Habit #2. PLAYING LOTTO/GAMBLING/GAME SHOWS. Every household I know has at least one member who is an avid lotto player. This is the reason why PTV Channel 4 is still in business. Every night at 9 p.m. millions of Filipinos are glued to the boob tube in the hopes of becoming the next instant millionaire. There is nothing wrong to yearn for a better life. Don't we all want to win the lotto someday? But the sad part is when people revolve their lives around gambling to the point of obsession. You see the unemployed waste their hopes and dreams on lotto games, card games and game shows. The imagination is dead and their dreams are wasting away. Imagine what they could have accomplished in their lives if they had the same enthusiasm in their careers and their family life. Take this co-worker of mine. He is still under probation at work. One day he tells us that he is joining this popular game show on tv. He is a No call, no show at work for 2 days while participating in the said show. Revealing his plans and jeopardizing his work for the sake of easy money was not a very smart move. And to top it off he only took home 2 days worth of salary that he could've earned at the office if he came to work. He didn't win the millions that he was hoping for. If he only focused on his career he could've secured his family's future instead of gambling it all away on get rich quick schemes. Whatever you call it, may it be game shows or playing the lotto, they are all just the same, gambling in different shapes and forms.
Bad Habit #3. COMPLAINING OR BLAMING OTHERS. The great Maya Angelou said it best... "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain." If something goes wrong, we always make excuses or blame others. We have a million reasons why we failed and it takes real courage to be humble enough and say it was my fault. To take responsibility for our actions is a sign of a healthy spiritual and emotional well being. Nobody wants a chronic complainer as a companion.
Bad Habit #4. BOOB TUBE OR TELEVISION. I admit it is very hard tear away from the TV. And I even ignore my children just to hear the latest local news or sing along with American Idol contestants. I have promised myself that I will follow Padre Pio's advice and shut out this brainwashing tool. It is a work in progress, yes. Once I can afford more spiritual and financial books and my own laptop, I will surely break this stupid habit. So help me God.
Here are some good habits that I myself try very hard each day to practice.
GOOD HABIT #1. SACRIFICE. I read this book recently entitled IN HIS STEPS by Charles M. Sheldon. It's about how following Jesus entails a life of sacrifice. In order to do it, one must ask oneself What would Jesus do?. This simple question when applied in daily life is entails a life of hardship because this world revolves around money and ego. And following Jesus literally is a step closer to living a spiritually mature and happy life. If one is brave enough to detach from the world and it's crazy pull.
GOOD HABIT #2. PROJECTS. Do you have any little projects up in your sleeve for God? Or even just a simple one like helping out your church or visiting prisoners or reaching out to orphans. Get in touch with our less fortunate neighbors or help out your church give better service. God appreciates all your efforts no matter how small they are.
GOOD HABIT #3. FASTING. Holy week has officially started last Ash Wednesday. Same time last year, Bro. Bo Sanchez invited his readers to go on a 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting. It was the most exciting and rewarding experience I have had in my entire life. This year though I will be a little late. My kids and I all got bacterial infection and it was really devastating. I had a very high fever including my little baby. It was too scary. But I didn't succumb to antiobiotics. And it was a real pain to watch my little one self-heal very slowly but I had to help her fight it and not kill her body with drugs. I used Virgin coconut oil instead of the usual allopathic drugs and administered it 3 times a day for a week together with Lagundi syrup. Now she is back to her own bubbly self, amazing! If only people knew how cheaperand easier it is to be cured. No artificial chemical can do justice to our bodies.
GOOD HABIT #4.You guessed it. PRAYER. CONFESSION. Only God can help you. Only God can set you free. So talk to Him and tell Him what is ailing you. Reach out to Him and tell him all your sins. Ask Him for mercy and be humble enough to admit Your mistakes. He will listen and He will understand. His love is boundless, His mercy is overflowing.I hope you will find the time to alter your habits and help make this world a better place. God be with you!