Friday, January 30, 2009

Obama's Change?

12:23 PM 7 Comments

A while ago I had read an article entitled "Obama's Change, Orders Money Be Given to Pro-Abort Groups Abroad" by Chaz Muth from The Tablet. *silence*

So where should I start? Should I start by retelling what I had read? Or should I start by asking why and then try to comfort myself by making up excuses to justify what President Obama did? Well, either way I am sure you'll get my message...I am disappointed!

Last January 23, President Barrack signed the executive order reversing the Mexico City policy. The order will reverse the ban that was first instituted by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. THis action will now allow the federal government to freely provide aid to programs that promote or perform abortion overseas.

"What a terrible way to begin a new administration, with an abortion business bailout that will exploit women in developing countries for political ends," said Charmaine Yoest, president of Americans United for Life Action, a Washington-based pro-life activist organization. "We should not export the tragedy of abortion to other nations, and we certainly shouldn't do so via the hard-earned dollars of American taxpayers."

When I first came here in America two years ago, I was really shocked of how openly Abortion Clinics are listed in the Yellow Pages. One year ago, I was worried when a doctor convinced my mom to have an abortion. Now, the President of a powerful country decided to help third world countries, which means Philippines is also included, to kill their babies.

Here we are experiencing an economic crisis and there goes President Obama who had just decided to use the money of the taxpayers of America to be given to organization who had renamed killing to "pro-choice" to make it more pleasing to their ears.

I am really disappointed. Why not use the money to provide counseling for pregnant women or even provide them with aid such as infant milk and baby clothes? Sigh.

I hope President Obama heard the testimony of this girl before he had signed that order. Please finish the Part 1 and Part 2 below...I want to thank Lori for sharing this video on her blog.




Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Come Holy Spirit, I Need You

6:29 AM 4 Comments
Whenever I am depress, sad or miserable I tend to stay away from spiritual counseling or even to talk about my problem or even my blog. I know that worrying about my problems is a sign of having a little faith and, for me, that is a shameful thing to admit. I believe in Him and I know He had already planned something that is best for my soul.

I just think that if I will share it to others, my pride will just take over my being and advices will be too painful for me to digest. I don't mind letting other people know that I am having problems but normally, usually and most likely people will start to give their advices instead of just lending an ear.

That's why whenever I am in a difficult situation I try to deal with my weaknesses by myself and with the help of God. I tell my Father everything and just cry before Him. I really hate to have negative feelings because I know that those things are not from Him. I need to have some quiet time with myself and with God so I can freely show my sadness, weakness and shed my tears so that later on I can figure out that I am wrong. Through that way I can be able to think straight and allow my heart and mind to be open enough to hear words of wisdom, comfort and advices.

Brothers and sisters, I would like to humbly ask for you to include me and my family in your prayers. Please help us lift our petitions. Please help us pray for my dad's retirement benefits that may the Philippines army and government will already give what is due for him. Please also include our immigration status and that I will also be able to continue my studies and be a nurse soon.

Heavenly Father, I would like to thank You with all my heart for the things that You have given to me. Thank You for my life and the life that You have chosen for me to live. Lord, sorry for my weaknesses and for my sins. Father, please help me to be patient so I can wait for my prayers to be answered and that I couldn't make a wrong decision because I lack patience. Please also teach me acceptance and understanding if You have planned other things for me. Lastly, I pray for a humble heart and heart that will never forget You no matter what happens. Amen.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Angels for Protection, Prayers as a Weapon

5:54 PM 6 Comments
Diane, a young Christian college student, was home for the summer. She had spent the evening with friends sharing and laughing about their combined college experiences. Diane hadn’t planned on staying so late, and when she looked at the clock at noticed it was past midnight, she wished she had kept better track of time. She had to walk home.

But it was a small town, and she only lived a few blocks away. As she started on her way, she silently asked God to protect her as she walked underneath the tall elm trees that lined the neighborhood streets. She decided to take a short cut — the alley — would shave off about five minutes on her walk home. But halfway down the alley, she noticed a man standing at the end of the road . . . as though he were waiting for her.

Diane grew increasingly uneasy and continued to pray for God’s protection from harm and danger. As she neared the end of the alley, she felt as though a blank of comfort and security were wrapped around her. She also had the unusual sensation that someone was walking with her! When she finally reached the end of the alley, she walked right past the man and arrived home safely.

The next day, she read in the newspaper that a young girl had been raped in the same alley just 20 minutes after she had been in that same spot. Knowing it could have been her, she began to weep. After thanking the Lord for protecting her, she decided to help this young woman by going to the police station and describing the man she saw.

The police asked her to look at a line-up of suspects. She immediately pointed to the man she had seen in the alley. When the man was told he had been identified, he broke down and confessed. The officer thanked Diane for her involvement and asked if there was anything they could do for her. She replied that she wanted to ask the man a question. The officer took her question to the rapist: “Why didn’t you attack the girl you saw about 20 minutes before the other girl passed down the alley?”

“Because she wasn’t alone,” the rapist responded. “She had two tall men standing on either side of her.”
**********
A while ago our housemate came home from his work with blood all over his face and his pants were really dirty. He said he was mugged in the street a block away from our house. Two men attacked him from the back, hit his leg and dragged him on the floor. When the muggers saw some people coming out from a house nearby, they ran but unfortunately they succeed in getting his wallet.

We already called 911, the NYPD officers came with an ambulance. He is in the hospital right now but thank God he is not badly injured from what happen.

A part of me started to worry because I only walk every Tuesday night going to church but then I was comforted by my faith that God will send me angels to be with me when I am alone or even Jesus will be there to walk with me. After thinking about what happen to our friend I immediately remembered the story above. My prayer will be my strongest weapon against bad people and I believe God will also cover me with His precious blood. I know that God can make me invisible in the eyes of enemy.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

The Tongue of The Righteous

3:53 PM 4 Comments
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirs up dissension,
but love covers over all wrongs.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
14 Wise men store up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city,
but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
16 The wages of the righteous bring them life,
but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.
17 He who heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
18 He who conceals his hatred has lying lips,
and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
19 When words are many, sin is not absent,
but he who holds his tongue is wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver,
but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
21 The lips of the righteous nourish many,
but fools die for lack of judgment.
-Proverbs 10:11-21

"The words we say may have long-term consequences. Our comments, our compliments, and even our harsh criticisms may stick with the hearer for decades."- Dave Branon, Our Daily Bread

*Silence*

Where should I start? I mean it is true because a lot of hurtful words and things that other people have said about me that not only humiliated me but also had crushed my self-esteem. I am actually still trying to help myself cope about it but then I believe that I should not focus my reflection to what had hurt me. I know that I already forgive them and that I wanted to forget everything but I still wasn't able to divert what happen in to a positive thing that can help me grow. T_T

On the other hand, this reading had made me start to think about the things that I had said to other people. Did I hurt somebody through my words? Have I inflicted this kind of pain to other people? If so and if by chance you can read this, I am really sorry.

Sometimes we can say things that we don't mean that much. Sometimes our choice of words to express how we feel, anger, disappointment or even happiness, is not appropriate nor can send the message that we want other people to get.

Just like what my mom always tell our family, if you have nothing good to say then don't speak.

The tongue is a small organ
that creates either discord or harmony.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Prayers, Hopes and Changes

8:51 AM 8 Comments

Yesterday, the regular tempting catalog from Macy's had arrived and there they had featured their for-the-home products such as the bedroom furniture collection, the living room furniture collection and many more. My mom told me to throw the catalog because we are not planning to buy anything especially nowadays but I joked and said that I would just like to look at it so I can start planning for my own home and that I can save earlier.

As I was looking at it and expressing my admiration to the things that I have seen, my mom joined me in my "planning". Then she said, "Lord, these things are really nice. Are you going to give us a chance to be able to buy these? Please Lord give us a chance...". Then she continued with a "Oh shut up Jocelyn! There are even people who doesn't have electricity in their homes." pretending to be God answering her cries. Then mommy answered herself, "Yes Lord. I understand.".

She then said to me, "Isn't it shameful to ask for something big when you know there are other people who are less fortunate than us?". We laughed and then she proceed to make her lesson plan and then I finally threw the catalog.


My mom would always remind us not to compare our selves to people who we think are greater than us but rather we should try to look at the situation of the less fortunate so that we can see how lucky we are for having things that they don't have. Not only that, my mom would always remind us to remember the sufferings of Jesus when we start to complain about certain things. When we start to complain about long walks she would tell us to remember how far did Jesus walked while He was carrying the heavy cross.

When I was suffering pains and had to undergo 2 operations, I just tried to imagine the pains that Jesus had to suffer for me and then I was able to endure it-yes, I cried but I didn't said I would give up.

Now, with the crisis that we are experiencing, with the challenge that my family have to face and with the situation that I am in, I know that we can only make it through Jesus. We should be thankful that we are still breathing and that we should never lose hope (talking to myself). I really pray that 2009 will be a good year for my family.

Moreover, we should also pray for President Obama that he may be able to find a solution for the crisis that America is facing. I really pray that he would be able to keep his promises because a lot of us are definitely depending on this country. I can't wait for the Inauguration Day. I can't wait for the change.

God bless President Obama. God bless America. God bless the Philippines. God bless all the leaders of every country. May God bless us all.

Charice to Perform on the Inauguration of Obama

7:57 AM 3 Comments

Yes, Charice is going to Washington D.C. to sing at US President-elect Barack Obama’s inaugural on Jan. 20. But before that, she will regale her own countrymen with a performance on Jan. 15 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in a formal gala marking People Asia magazine’s ninth anniversary. It was reportedly Oprah Winfrey, said to be Charice’s manager, who got Charice included in the list of artists performing at the historic event. Oprah is close to the Obamas. She campaigned for Barack in last year’s US election.

Charice is one of People Asia’s “People of the Year 2008” awardees, the youngest ever to receive the prestigious award.

To quote from the magazine’s special anniversary issue, “Charice is the only Filipino who has guested on Oprah, Ellen and Good Morning America. She is also the only Filipino to have sung a duet with Celine Dion and among the few to have shared the stage with Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Alicia Keys and David Archuleta, among others.”

- PhilStar, FUNFARE by Ricardo Lo

Isn't it great? I can't believe a Filipino will be included in such a historical event. I always loved her even from the first time I have seen her in a competition when she was, I think, 8 years old.

Watch her duet with Celine Dion...

Introduction


The duet

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Daily Devotional '09

3:31 PM 0 Comments

This year, one of my goal is to read the scripture and meditate about it daily. That's why I decided to make an online journal, the Daily Devotional '09, to motivate myself not only to read but to take time to reflect and put my thoughts into words. I plan to post my own reflections to the verses provided by Our Daily Bread everyday. It would not be easy for me as I am really not a daily reader of the Bible. But then I know I just have to make a change and make 2009 a special year for me and my relationship with God. I just have to level up things and step closer to God.

Just like how people who aim to lose weight maintain a journal, I would also like to keep one to help me stay motivated no matter what happens.

I haven't updated the blog that much yet and I lack some days which I would just post very soon but I would be glad and honored if you would come and visit it.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

The Blessings I Had for My Birthday

8:45 AM 10 Comments
December 29, 2008..my 20th Birthday..

I made an entry before that was supposedly a way for me to thank the people who made my birthday special but I chose not to publish it because I got too emotional. You all know how much I miss my friends and also how desperately I want to go back to school. I had a mixed emotion during that time and I was really crying while I made it. ^_^

Anyway, the best gift that someone can give me is not the most expensive things that they can buy but it is the sincerity and effort that I can feel from their gift.

On the day of my birthday my dad, my mom and my younger brother Phillip woke me up with a singing stuff toy, a bouquet of white and red roses and a cake.


Then my boyfriend, Gil, uploaded some pictures in my friendster account...they were holding a sign that says "Happy Birthday Baby ko" (happy birthday my baby)



and here's a slideshow that my friends and classmates in the Philippines made for me...Biang (Phoebe or Ngay) had the idea and Cherry made it...thank you so much! I miss you and I love you all!



bday pj '08 from ewan dikoalam on Vimeo.



Thank you for making my birthday special!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Be Not the Reason

8:03 AM 3 Comments
I believe that each one of us is responsible for our own actions. We sin because we give in to the temptation to sin but God said in Romans 16:17, "I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them." God doesn't only acknowledge the "temptation" but He is also telling us to stay away from them. Proverbs 12:26 says "The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray."

But how about if you are in a situation wherein you just can't avoid them?

In the Philippines or I guess even here in America not all Catholic churches have dress codes. It is very annoying and unnerving to see woman who wears mini skirts, shorts, body-fitting clothes, revealing outfits and also man who seems to be like going to the beach or malls. I can also clearly remember to see young people who sits as if they were watching a movie. Also, I couldn't forget the people who sat in front of us last week, I guess, who talked and laughed about other things. Isn't it disappointing?

How about seeing young couples in public places displaying their affection? It is really hard not to talk about them especially when they are kissing from the moment they enter the train until the last stop and you are with somebody who is equally irritated like you. Isn't it we sin through our thoughts, deeds and words?

I know I shouldn't mind them but I just hope these people would also think about the people around them. It is not just about not wanting to sin but also being them a sore to my eyes and a pollutant to my mind. They cause my mind to wander when I am in church. The kissing love birds also causes me to have a stiff neck. I don't want to see them kiss. Couldn't they notice that?


Thursday, January 8, 2009

Blog Love

11:50 AM 4 Comments


Yey me! I got another blog award. It's from
http://fliploveusa.typepad.com/.
It's an honor for me to receive an award from a blog
that I also love.

Now, it's my turn to pass this award to some bloggers.
This time I will pass it to my new blogger friends.

Check out their blogs and see why I love them..

Shooting the Breeze
I Whisper to God
Encouragement from my Heart
Day of Praise
My Road, As I Travel It

Here's the rules:

1) Put the logo on your blog
2) Add the link of the blogger who shared the award with you
3) Pass this award to bloggers whose blogs you love
4) Add your link to the list of participants below
5) Leave a message on the blog of the blogger who passed this award

The Dancing Inmates

8:53 AM 1 Comments
I made a post about the dancing inmates before but I'm sure not all of you have seen them, so here they are again...The Cebu City, Philippines' Dancing Inmates..

"There are sick people who think that dancing is a form of cruel punishment! Since when was dancing categorized as punishment? My fellow citizens of the world, CRUEL and VIOLENT forms of punishment are a thing of the past. If we make jails a living hell for the prisoners, then, we might just be sending out devils once they are released and re-integrated to society."
-Byron F. Garcia





Visit there youtube channel..http://www.youtube.com/byronfgarcia

Thursday, January 1, 2009

The Bucket List

11:31 AM 8 Comments
I just finished watching The Bucking List a while ago. It was really an inspiring movie about friendship and true happiness. It is a story of the corporate billionaire Edward Cole and working class mechanic Carter Chambers who have nothing in common except for their terminal illnesses. They met in the hospital and became good friends.

Edward who seem to have everything in life has nothing except for his wealth. He had been through a lot of divorces and has a missing daughter. While Carter is a quiet man who works hard for his family. He's been married for 40 years to his wife and has two sons- a lawyer and an engineer and a daughter who is a violinist.

While sharing a hospital room together, they decide to leave and do all the things that they have ever wanted to do before they die according to their bucket list.

They began an around-the-world vacation, tried race car driving, skydiving, climbing the Pyramids, and going on lion safari in Africa. Along the way, they discuss faith and family, and learn from each other that Carter has long been feeling less in love with his wife and that Edward is deeply hurt by his estrangement with his only daughter, who disowned him after he sent some people to "take care of" her abusive husband.

In Hong Kong, Edward hires a prostitute for Carter, who had remained faithful to his wife for the 40 years of their marriage. Carter declined the prostitute finding that the love he had for his wife is still strong. He asks to return home, and in gratitude for helping him, he tries to reunite Edward with his daughter. Edward lacks the courage to face her, however, then he angrily storms off. Carter returns home to his wife, children, and grandchildren.



The family reunion was short lived for Carter's cancer had spread to his brain. He had a surgery but the procedure was unsuccessful. At Carter's funeral, Edward said that his friend had saved him. His life with Carter was one of his bests.

Edward then had the courage to face his daughter. He was not only accepted but also he was introduced to his granddaughter, fulfilling his goal to "kiss the most beautiful girl in the world".

Later on Edward also died and had his ashes placed inside a can,just like Carter's. The cans were placed side by side buried in Mt. Everest.



Carter truly had saved Edward for "When he closed his eyes, his heart was opened."

Obey the King

9:22 AM 4 Comments

Last night, I had received Ecclesiastes 8 and 9 as verses for me and my family to live by for 2009. The reading answered all my questions and worries about the things that are happening right now. God had made things clear for me.

There are times in our life when we ask God why are we having miseries, problems, difficulties, whatever you called it that makes you wonder "Do I deserve this?". Don't get me wrong, I wasn't asking that question with a nagging voice. I understand and trust God about the things that He had planned. I don't doubt his decisions but there are just times that I would want to see how He can see things.

I definitely believe that everything in this world, bad or good, are done with God's permission. Unbelievers would often say why do bad things happen to Christians and good things happen to,how the earth define as, bad people. I had also read a comment that said if God cares for His children why would He allow some women to be pregnant when He knew that they will just kill the baby. The list goes on with questions about why God would allow people to do bad things and how does He analyzes things.

Day and night I went without sleep, trying to understand what goes on in this world. I saw everything God does, and I realized that no one can really understand what happens. We may be very wise, but no matter how much we try or how much we claim to know, we cannot understand it all. Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 I thought about these things. Then I understood that God has power over everyone. Ecclesiastes 9:1 So be happy and enjoy eating and drinking! God decided long ago that this is what you should do. Ecclesiastes 9:7

When you start to think that you deserve something that you don't have and have something that you don't deserve, think about this verse from Ecclesiastes 9:11 that says "The fastest runners and the greatest heroes don't always win races and battles. Wisdom, intelligence, and skill don't always make you healthy, rich, or popular but time and chance happen to them all."

And just hold on to His promise for He said, whoever obeys His command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure. For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man's misery weighs heavily upon him. Ecclesiastes 8:5-6

Thank you Father for correcting my wrong ways and for reminding me that the only best thing to do to face life is to obey the King. I will surely work hard to be an obedient daughter as long as I live.