Divine Mercy and Marian Spirituality

           When I was a child I remember vividly asking Mother Mary to be my mother and that I would be her adoptive daughter. I am not fully sure why I did that maybe I wanted to be like the saints that I read in the books. Now, I understood because I really don't have what you can call a mother. Yes, I have a biological mother but she is not really been a mother to me. I was reared mostly by my aunts, grandma and our helpers. Same with my father, since he was always absent. He was an OFW before and me and my older brother aren't really close to him. So I asked and prayed this week to St. Joseph that he be my spiritual father. 

Last month February 2, 2023. I asked our assistant parish priest from St.Benedict, Fr. Edward Glen Galao, MGL to do the investiture of the Blue Scapular to me. Actually, a Marian priest should be the one to perform the ceremony. If no Marian priest is around then any Roman Catholic priest will do. I got the Blue Scapular from Fr. Mariusz Janiszewski, MIC. He is the Director of the Association of Marian Helpers here in the Philippines. I buy most of the books from Marian Press from them. I came to know them through Fr. Chris Alar, MIC in the United States of America. Fr. Chris is my favorite online priest and speaker. I also have his book, "Understanding the  Divine Mercy." I joined the Friends of Mercy (U.S.A) and just recently the Association of Marian Helpers here in the Philippines. I chose the Marian Fathers because I have a devotion to the Divine Mercy and I have been praying the 3'o clock prayer since I was a child and I also have a devotion to our Blessed Mother. Our Blessed Mother in Guadalupe and in Lourdes is very dear to my heart.

We have a lot of scapulars, the brown scapular of the Carmelites, (I was a former aspirant of the Order of the Discalced Secular Carmelites), I studied in exclusive private school for girls when I was in high school run by the Daughters of Charity, they have the green scapular. There are many more. I chose the Blue Scapular because I love Mother Mary when she told St. Bernadette the she was the Immaculada Concepcion. My husband and I got married at Manila Cathedral which is known as the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. 

I am now studying my Catholic roots, through Fr. Chris Alar's online teaching, in his Explaining The Faith series, everything has become clearer to me. I thought the Reformation of the Protestants was the legit belief, but I found out that Catholic has always been the true church because there is no division. The church tradition and the Bible goes hand in hand, and we have our Holy Fathers, and saints as our guide.

For those interested in getting the Blue Scapular just visit the Marian Helpers, Philippines Facebook Page.

Karen Kingsbury (Christian writer)

 I have watched a Hallmark movies and mysteries premiere today online. It’s the novel of Karen Kingsbury made into a tv-movie drama. Since yesterday I have been watching Karen Kingsbury’s work. Yesterday, I watched ‘A Time to Dance,’ and it’s another great movie. Just check out my blog post here.

The Bridge is a story about a couple named Charlie and Donna, in opening and running a bookshop in a small town, and about a college student from a well-off family named Molly who is originally from Seattle who moves into this small town, and wherein she meets this guy named Ryan from her university who is a musician, and together they share their dreams, and meet at ‘The Bridge’, the name of the bookstore that a Charlie and Donna set-up, to help them heal and move on  from a painful event in the past. The Bridge, and the patrons of their bookstore will be their family. The reason for setting-up a bookstore, is to help people find solace, and give themselves a time to heal by reading, and buying books, thus the name of the bookshop is ‘The Bridge’.

What I like about this movie is how you can relate to each of the characters. The over possessive and controlling father of the Molly, who wants to have her freedom, and find out what she really wants in life by enrolling in a university from another town, and also about a young man who dreams of becoming a good musician someday.  The lives of the customers of ‘The Bridge’, inspired and guided by these nice couple. Charlie who just knows the right book to recommend to each of the customers, and somehow help them heal through reading. In addition to that for every customer with a sweet tooth, a cupcake will surely make your day, heavenly desserts made by Donna. Can you imagine it? This is every book lover’s safehaven. There’s even a Reading Room, just like the name of my previous blog post.

I really enjoyed watching this movie, and I guess this is by far my most favorite novel by Karen Kingsbury that was turned into a movie. Even if I haven’t read the book yet. I also dream of owning a bookstore someday. A bookstore that sells mostly good Christian books (from reliable Christian authors, and classic and contemporary novels) such as these works by Karen Kingsbury. I want a bookstore wherein adults and young people can hangout, and there will be a special section for kids wherein they can read good stories that has a Reformed and Christian theme especially written for kids  like the ones from Ligonier ministries written by R.C. Sproul (The Prince’s Poison Cup). 

Other novels turned into movies by Karen Kingsbury turned into a movie are Like Dandelion Dust, Every Woman’s Dream, and Gideon’s Gift. These 3 movies are not from Hallmark channel. ‘A Time to Dance.’ and ‘The Bridge’ (Part I and II), were from Hallmark channel.

The Garden - Kari Jobe (album review)

 

 

The Garden – Kari Jobe (album review)

As a long-time fan of Kari Jobe, I was excited for the release of this new album of hers this 2017. I have a collection of some of her albums released in my country. Her Kari Jobe self-titled album which contains the song ‘I’m Singing’, is very upbeat one, and it is the song that made me listen to her music when I sampled it wayback along with a few albums of Christian singers in a Christian music kiosk in one of the city mall here. Her second album, ‘Where I Find You’ is really close to my heart. Most songs in this album,  I shared and wrote down in my devotional/journal, and I also use it personally during my personal prayer time moment. The heart-moving ‘What Love is This’, and another upbeat song, ‘Steady My Heart’ is included in this album. It also has a Christmas release edition which includes the angelic song, ‘When Hope Came Down’, another favorite song of mine from this album. Her next album is a dvd and cd release, called Majestic. The songs here really got a strong message, and it is one of the praise/worship song album that has a powerful impact on its listeners. The performance was shot in a truly grand theatre, in Majestic theatre in Dallas, Texas. Fans of Kari knows she hails from Texas. In the dvd, her old songs are included, like ‘You Are For Me’, another promising track is ‘Forever’, it also has a spoken word/poetry entitled ‘The Word’. The album was packaged beautifully, in gold-colored. This album is a beautiful praise and worship offering, truly fitting to our only Almighty Father God and King.

Her latest album is entitled ‘The Garden’, like all of her album design the album cover is beautiful. Although I don’t have a physical copy of it I was only able to download it online. It contains original 14 tracks. This is the first time that I did an album reflection for all of her songs. In my previous blog posts I just reviewed in summary a few of her albums. Kari Jobe and also her husband Cody, were hands-on with this album. This is a very personal album for Kari. She and her family were in a difficult time, when she’s working on this album. She lost her niece. This album I can say, is for all of us who have experienced brokenness, heartbreak, dark-times in our lives, and also for those with a loved-one going through a tough time. As Christians we are no strangers to pain, and heartbreak. I pray that as you and I listen to the songs here, may it draw us closer to Him, and that we may never forget that He is our strength and comfort, no matter what we are going through. So without further ado, here is my reflections for each of the songs found in this album. Over-all this is another well-thought of album, and worthy to listen to. All praise and glory, to Him!

1.       The Garden – This song speaks of the darkest time in our lives. Then suddenly, it is when our spirit is lifted, and our God works in us our faith is strengthened by God. He is the tireless gardener of our lives, a balm for our soul. When we are at our life’s lowest point, that is when we see a ray of light, of hope. Wherein we realized that there’s a purpose for the grief, and darkness we have experienced. Through those times He is working in us, and we see His faithfulness once again. He never gave up on us, even if we want to give up on everything. This experience is pictured on this song, how we grow, our faith grows through Him.

 

“Faith is rising up like the ivy, reaching for life.” We are refreshed, revived. Given new faith and hope through His perfect love we are healed.

 2.        Let Your Glory Fall – There’s this sudden longing for God, and we want to draw closer to Him. God draws us closer to Him. It is not us who found Him, but He who has found us. Like a Good Shepherd to His lost sheep. God draws us nearer to Him. We worship Him. We ask/pray that His glory fall on us. “Let Your presence fill my life oh Lord!” We ask Lord Jesus to reign in our lives, surrendering everything to Him as we worship.

3.       Heal Our Land – This is another beautiful track from this album. Very timely. We can see nowadays, like in the Bible times, most of the nations and countries has forgotten God. But as believers, we know that God is the one in control and the one who holds our life. Through this song we pray that everyone will know Jesus Christ, the Good news. A song and a prayer for revival, and healing of every nation. “That everyone eye will see, that every heart will know, the one who took over sin, the one who died and rose.”

4.       Lover of My Soul – This is another song of praise for Him, the lover of our soul, Lord Jesus. We acknowledge and affirm that our lives is for Him. A beautiful love song, as the lyrics say, “You’re my one true love, every breath is Yours. Hear my greatest song, I love You Lord.” It’s a song that speaks of giving and entrusting our life, to the lover of our soul, Jesus.

5.       Speak to Me – When we draw closer to Him, when we speak to Him with all our hearts as we pray. We cry out in times of brokenness. This is when we just want to hear His voice. “Speak to me, I’m listening.” Then during this difficult times it is when we hear a small still voice in the deepest part of our hearts. We are again reminded of His faithfulness through His word.

6.       Fall Afresh – We pray that we may be made right as we worship Him, as believers. We pray that through our fellowship with one another we may please Him, so we pray that our hearts may be made right as we come to Him, and worship Him. We ask the power of the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts. “It’s the power of Your presence, that changes us. Your glory all around us…  fall afresh on us.”

7.       I Will Sing – In times of brokenness, we pray and cry out to Him. We remember His faithfulness. “Even in my suffering, I will sing.” That despite of what we are going through we continually trust and praise Him. In times of suffering, and trials it is not a reason not come to Him but even all the more reason that we should seek Him. No matter what we are experiencing the ups and downs in our lives, we should always draw close to Him.

8.       Miracles – This song speaks of how marvellous Christ Jesus is. You can see Him working through Your life. He is the God of miracles. “The One who does the impossible, is reaching out to make me whole.” We are the branch and He is the vine. We are growing in faith day by day through His grace. He is never-changing. The God that brings death to life. He is the God of miracles.

9.       Close to Your Heart – Everyday is an amazing discovery, we see how great and marvellous, our great God is. “Oh! You never cease to amaze me and its only just the start.” Each day is a chance to draw closer to Him.

10.   Oh The Power – Another love song for our King Jesus. This is recalling what He has done for us. His great love and sacrifice us. He won the battle for us. “Redeemer crowned in endless praise. My Savior name above all names, King Jesus take the highest place, oh! The power of the cross.” He came so that we may have life.

11.   The Cause of Christ – This is another beautiful track in this album. Every believer should listen to this. This reminds us of our mission. “The only thing that I want in life is to be known for loving Christ, to build His church, to love His bride, to make His known name far and wide.” This song is a great reminder to what our true mission in life is. I remember what our pastor said before, “God saved us not to fulfil our own personal interest, but rather to fulfil His will for us, for His glory.

12.   Here as in Heaven -   Another powerful praise song in this album. We gather together, in unity because of Him. To worship, praise and honor Him. “So we pray, Your kingdom come, here as in heaven.”

13.   Come Alive – “I come alive in Your presence.” This song speaks of surrendering our life to Him, let His will be done in our lives. He sustains us, we have life, we live because of Him. He is the living water.

14.   On The Throne – This is the last song from this album. “I will walk through the trial, walk through the valley of fear… won’t be overcome.” This song reminds me of Psalm 23. When we go through nay seasons in our lives we are never afraid because of Him. We are already victors through our Lord Jesus. A beautiful reminder that no matter what happens God is with us. He is always worthy of praise.

Hello 2021!

          Thank God! It is the first day of the year 2021. Last year has really been a tough and trying time for all of us!

We thank God for we reached this safe and healthy, despite of the pandemic. Covid-19 has affected, disrupted and even suddenly claimed the lives of many. We have lived in fear. These times has taught, and shown us that everything is temporary. In the years that have gone by, we have immersed ourselves in merry-making, we gave importance to affluence, and socializing especially during the Christmas season. We remember Santa Claus, and have put our Lord Jesus away from the limelight. In reality, our Lord Jesus is the reason for the season!

Today, we are celebrating the Solemnity of the Motherhood of Mary. What can we learn from Mary? Her humility, obedience, and submission to the will of God is what we should imbibe and imitate. As Catholics, we really look up to Mary as our Spiritual Mother. Others will point fingers on us, saying we are worshipping her. We are only honoring her, and giving due to her as the Mother of Our Lord Jesus. Through our devotion to her, we have grown closer to our Lord Jesus and to our Almighty Father. 

These times, also has taught us to be more prayerful and to always trust in God. We may never know what is ahead of us, but we must not be afraid of tomorrows, for our Lord told us not to worry about it! Our Lord God holds tomorrow, and so we should put our trust in Him. Like Mary, who has faith in our Lord God.

Totus Bookstore

         I will never forget the Latin word "Totus," for I have a Pope John Paul II t-shirt wayback when I was still  a teen. I remember it well, it is a pink t-shirt with John Paul II's coat of arms. The shirt's design meaning in English was "All yours, Mary!" The shirt was a gift to me by my late aunt which she bought from our parish church in Manila. 

My husband told me that he will just give me a cash gift this Christmas, and I will just buy what I want for myself. As you all know, I love books, and here was I browsing online for a good Catholic bookstore. I really envy the people abroad like in Canada and U.S., because they can buy good books easily. We have Catholic bookstores here but their titles are not that extensive, and most carry the books written by local authors, and very few imported books. So I was really happy when I found out that this bookstore that I have never heard of carries all of the titles that I'm looking for like the book by Joan Carol Cruz, about the incorrupt bodies of the saints. I am also very much interested in Marian apparitions so I also got another of her book which is entitled, "She How She Loves Us." 

I also bought a Catholic for a Reason series book by Scott Hahn, and another author. The store also specialized in Apologetics books. I mean, this is their main goal to be able to provide good Apologetics books for the church people. We should be able to defend our faith like St. Francis de Sales, especially when Non-Catholics target us in dialogues, or have a debate with us. I'm sure not all of us are knowledgeable on how to answer, and have a counter-reply.

The bookstore is located in Greenhills, San Juan. You can also order and pay online to them, and have the books delivered in your doorstep, just like what I did today. It is very helpful especially during this quarantine season. Looking for good Catholic books? Then checkout Totus Bookstore. 

Their website is Totus Bookstore

Our Lady of Guadulupe (Patroness of Life)

           As I am writing this blog, I am watching Fr. Chris Alar's, talk on YouTube about Our Lady of Guadalupe. My birth month is December, and this month is really special for me because I am a devotee of Our Blessed Virgin Mary. When I was a little girl, I asked her to be me my mother, and I to be her adoptive daughter. Because I see her as the role model of mothers, and I long for a perfect mother. I really learned a lot about Our Lady of Guadalupe. I watched a video about the story of Juan Diego, whose feast falls on the 9th of December. 

I had a book before about the eight great apparitions of our Blessed Mother, the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe was included there. My mom gave me a rosary bracelet before with the image of Our Lady of the Rosary, but I disposed it and almost all my Catholic books when I joined a Protestant church. I am remorseful, and I regret my actions, and for setting-aside, not giving the due honor and respect to the mother of our Lord Jesus. When I was stricken with dengue, a decade ago, praying the rosary and using the bracelet rosary with the Guadalupe image, was a part of my healing journey.

To those of you who has not heard of the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Here is the story below by Raul Reyes from NBC news. 

According to lore, it was a winter’s day in 1531 when the Virgin Mary first appeared to Juan Diego, a peasant, as he was crossing a hillside near present-day Mexico City. She appeared as a dark-skinned woman who spoke Nahuatl, Juan Diego’s native language. This woman asked Juan Diego to build her a little house, a casita, on the hill. Twice Juan Diego reported this to his local bishop, who didn’t believe him. The second time, the bishop asked for proof of the apparitions.

Early on the morning of December 12th, the lady appeared again to Juan Diego and told him to gather some flowers at the top of the hill – a strange request because flowers were not in season in December. Juan Diego did as he was instructed, and found an array of Castilian roses. The lady helped him arrange them in his tilma (cloak), and he returned to the bishop with them as evidence. As Juan Diego presented the tilma to the bishop, the flowers tumbled out and the two men discovered a life-size image of the Virgin Mary on the inside of the cloak. This image is known as Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, has united us. Not only the whole population of the Americas, namely the Indians, the American Indians, and the Mexicans. She who chose Juan Diego, and all the visionaries to whom she appeared. She is the mother of the humble and poor. She is truly a loving mother to all of us. I am home now to our church, and being close again to our Blessed Mother, and of course to our Lord Jesus. Like a priest said, Mama Mary lead us to Jesus. To Jesus, through Mary. Our Lady of Guadalupe is called the patroness of life, her image shows she is pregnant, and remember how she healed the uncle of Juan Diego, she really values life... human life, so I believe that was the reason she was given that title. If you want to know more about Our Lady of Guadalupe, please do watch the talk of Fr. Chris Alar, MIC on YouTube. 

God is Good! I Got Married!

     Every long lost dream led by me to where you are. Others who broke my heart, they were like Northern stars, pointing me on my way into your loving arms. This much I know is true. That God  blessed the broken road, that led me straight to you. Yes, He did.

  October 11, 2020 was an unforgettable day for me. After waiting impatiently for this month to come, on this day, I married the love of my life. I admit that I didn't like him at first, things have changed. I have waited all my life for this moment. 

I was heartbroken because of a person before, it is not because of love that I was heartbroken, because love is a good thing, and it comes from God. It is man that is cruel. Every pain that I felt, and tears that I have shed before was washed away now. Anyway, I thank God that I met someone like my husband. When we conversed a bit longer at work, I already felt a connection between us. He may not be my ideal man physically, (I am more attracted to chinito guys) but he's more than I could ever ask for. We were similar in a lot of ways. 

This year has been a blessed year for me even if it is not so good for everyone of us because of the pandemic. When he proposed to me this year, on the 28th of May, the day of his elder sister's birthday also, like what he told me, it indeed changed my life. 

Standing in front of the altar, reciting our marriage vows, feels surreal. I thank God for making all of these possible. Even if the first day of our married life as a husband, and wife was not that smooth. 

I would like to take this time to thank the ever supportive family of my husband. Thank you to his parents for supporting, loving, and raising a good, responsible, and a loving son. Someone who is very respectful, and who honors his parents, and very loving to his mom. One character that I look for in a guy is that he should be loving to his mom. Because it will reflect on how he will treat his wife later on. I also would like to thank his siblings for being a good elder, and a younger sister to him. Thank you for accepting me. Thank you for your generosity. May God bless all of you more! I am also proud that he is wise in terms of financial matters, and very orderly in the house. I also love that he loves music. Almost all the positive qualities that he has, I have prayed for in a future husband. I really never thought that I would meet my future partner at work, but like my late aunt said. I did! 

I also would like to thank my immediate family member. To my parents, and especially to my Dad, I know it has been a long time prayer and wish of yours to see your daughter get married someday. Thanks also to my nephew who is the representative of my older brother, and his family. Thank you also to my relatives who greeted me/us.

Thank you also to our wedding suppliers namely,

Ivory and White Bridal Store (for my gown, the groom's suit, and other bridal accessories, veil, arrhae and cord.)

Erin Shop PH and Micka Fabulosa online shop (for our wedding souvenirs)

April's Cup-Cakes and Muffins (for our lovely powdered blue, 3 tiered-layer wedding cake, and for our post-nuptial single-layer naked cake.)

The New Albergus, Inc. (for our family, and wedding sponsors food)

Studio Namu (for our pre-nup, and wedding photos and video)

To our dear aunt, Mrs. Jane San Diego, for the engagement and our wedding rings. 

Thank you also to The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, also known as The Manila Cathedral, Mother of all Churches, Cathedrals and Basilicas of the Philippines. To Fr. Kali Llamado for interviewing us in our canonical interview, and to Fr. Junbim Torres, OSA, for officiating the mass of our wedding. Also, to the head of the office section services Ms. Donna. 

Last but not the least, to our Almighty God the Father, for making this day possible. For this match was written by you. We ask that you continually guide, us, bless and protect our marriage, this we ask in Jesus name. Amen.

I almost gave up in finding the one meant for me. As they say, good things happen when you least expect it. Also, be nice to everyone. For you may never know he or she could be the angel in your life. This is just the start of my journey, and I know God will be always on our side, with the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary. I came back home, and He has given me more than what I deserve. A loving God, who loves his prodigal son, and daughter unconditionally. 

Diary of St. Faustina: Divine Mercy in My Soul

         I first read the diary of St. Faustina when I was still in my teen years. I got her diary from the store of a local Divine Mercy  promoter here in my country. When I was young, the Divine Mercy prayer, called "the 3'o clock habit," was often aired in a few local channels. Now, only one local tv channel remains in airing the Divine Mercy prayer, but the airing was halted in that lone local network because they were not granted the permission to renew their franchise. Anyway, I'm still saying the prayer, and even playing the video prayer at work. As they say old habits die hard, and this is one habit that I don't want to stop. 

Maybe, most of you dear readers of this blog of mine knew that I got sidetracked for once in my life. I left our church for quite a while, and joined a Baptist (Protestant) gathering before. But do not worry I already returned to our church, and had a reconciliation with the help of a priest through confession. The devotion to the Divine Mercy helped me the most. Most of my collections of Catholic books were gone but there were a few I have kept. Among those that were gone was the diary of St. Faustina. She was still not a saint when I got that diary of hers. I just bought another one, a new edition of her diary, and in this diary we can see that she's already a saint! Time really flies fast! The cover of her diary was also changed. Before, the cover was her photo (painting version), now, we can see the image of the Divine Mercy, aside from St. Faustina's whole image. 

I bought this diary of hers from the Marian Fathers here in the Philippines. That is where I got the beautiful original Divine Mercy painting poster that I posted in our door post, and the Divine Mercy laminated prayer cards. I gave away the laminated card to my office mates, boss, and to the family of my fiance.

I have read a bit of St. Gemma Galgani, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, and St. Therese of the Child Jesus, diary. Those diaries that I mentioned above (diary of St. Gemma and St. Margaret Mary), were a bit hard for me to digest because of the writing style, it's in old English. If you're like me, maybe you will prefer to read St. Faustina's diary. I admit that the written numbers on the side of every diary entry of hers is not that appealing. Anyway, the important thing is the message of her diary, and that is the love and mercy of our Lord Jesus for us. I was reminded by the late Msgr. Severino G. Casas, H.P. message to me before. He said that in reading diaries or autobiographies of Saints, the church grants an indulgence. So it is a good practice to read wholesome, and good books that is not only enriching to our mind, and heart, but also to our soul. Let us pray, that through this we may learn to draw near to God, and love Him more, and more each day. 

+ Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!