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#esurancesave30 Getting a quote from esurance as well since Im up for renewal. Hoping they will really save me 30...or let me win $1.5MM!

On Theology of the Body and the Golden Globes

"Everyday, God rolls out a red carpet for each one of us. Even if the world wants you to think you're not all that, that you're lacking, that you're not worthy and good enough...you are great because you are made in God's image and likeness and you are His creation."

Wish List

1 John 5:5-13; Luke 5:12-16

Scripture:

It happened that there was a man full of leprosy

in one of the towns where Jesus was;

and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said,

"Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean"

Reflection:

Wish lists come with a variety of items. There are physical wishes such as the longing for good health and a long life; there are psychological wishes in that we yearn for friendships and recognition; and, there are spiritual wishes that would include deep union with God and a sense of peace. Our wish lists are long and diverse.

The fulfillment of our desires is thwarted by illness leprosy), by rejection, by sin. All of us need cleansing and purification. If we but ask, we can be assured that Jesus is saying to us today "I do will it. Be made clean" (Luke 5:13b). God's will is that we have fullness of life, indeed, life in abundance (John 10:10).

In order for this cleansing to happen, there are several dispositions needed: humility, courage, and hope. Humility means that we face the truth of our human condition. If we are truly honest, we must admit to the leprosy of our minds and hearts. this illness takes the form of prejudices and bigotry, hardness of heart and insensitivity. We stand in need of forgiveness and healing. No one is exempt.

This cleansing also demands courage, the courage to change. Transformation is painful as we are stripped of what was for what might be. The unknown causes fear. The grace needed here is trust in the Lord. Our god is a God of life and love. We have nothing to fear.

Hope is a third element on our pilgrim journey. The lexicon of hope includes a deep sense of the possible, realistic expectations, and enthusiasm. When the heart is hopeful, great things can happen.

Meditation:

What purifications are needed in your life? Why are humility and courage foundational to the spiritual journey? What are your deepest longings, your most significant wishes?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you will that we be clean and whole. Touch our lives with your healing forgiveness. Strengthen us to face our leprosy, whatever form it takes.

(from the Daily Reflections for Advent and Christmas 2010-2011 by Robert F. Morneau)

You know us inside out, our innermost wants and desires, and most of all our needs. Order our desires so that they may align to your most Holy will. We trust that our wishes are heard and answered in your own perfect time.

On Fear

1 John 4:11-18; Mark 6:45-52

What do you fear the most?

My greatest fear is drifting and never finding out who I am supposed to be and what my purpose is in this life. The past few months, and this day has me unbearably staring that fear in the face, but I can't look away. The fear is taunting me, forcing me to examine my life down to the tiniest detail, prompting me for an answer to the eternal question: Who Am I?

There are days when the answer is crystal clear, like a lovely day in Los Angeles when the smog is absent and the air is crisp and you can see the buildings of downtown in unobstructed splendor, and clearly into infinity in every direction. My heart sings confidently that I am a child of God, and I find my purpose in doing His will. Which brings me to another brick wall: What is His will?

At this, all light and clarity seems to fade and the fog descends. I find myself back on that fork in my life's road where the path diverges. A step in any direction seals my fate, and there is no going back. Any step determines the journey and the destination. But where do I really want to go? I get so lost sometimes. The fear of making a mistake, of not being who I am supposed to be, is paralyzing. A deep, cold-trickling down your back, paralyzing fear. I am frozen on the spot, unable to take one step further. Is my destiny here in this so-called land of opportunity or back home? Is the future worth the expense of the present? Should I just count my blessings, close my eyes, point my finger,spin around 100 times and stop...heading to where my finger ends up pointing?

And then, I hear these words:

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love."

And then I feel all the more terrible for living in fear. For turning my back on love. For not trusting enough. For being afraid, like the disciples in the middle of the storm, seeing Jesus walking on water yet still unbelieving. Am I afraid of unconditional love? Maybe so. I know in my heart God does not stop storms, but instead enables us to walk through them. In this particular storm though, sometimes I cannot hear His voice as if the water and thunder has drowned it.

Still, these words bring me comfort and much-needed hope. Deep down, I believe unfailing love will ultimately bring me to where I need to be, and no matter what step I decide to take, all paths lead to His everlasting arms where no worry or fear or affliction can ever set foot.

Scripture:

We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.

In this is love brought to perfection among us, that we have confidence on the day of judgment because as he is, so are we in this world.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love.

Reflection

The disciples are out at sea and confront a double fear: fear of the stormy sea itself and fear of an apparent ghost. Then, they hear those glorious words that ring down through the ages in the hearts of all believers: "Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!" (Mark 6:50). These phrases were embedded in the heart of Pope John Paul Ii as he traveled the world far and wide and instructed youths that they ought not be afraid.

There is a graced, reverential fear, one that is concerned with offending God in any way. But there are other fears that flow from a lack of trust in God's providential care. What is needed is love, a self-giving that relies on grace and God's abiding presence.

One need but think of a mother who runs into the burning home to rescue her children. Her love drives out all fear and enables her to risk her life in the face of almost certain death. It is this type of love, one that knows no limits, that God gives to us. Jesus rushes into history, into certain death, in order to save us from sin and death. Divine courage does not hesitate before all the evil in the world. As disciples of this Lord, we are invited to follow in his way and live courageous lives. It is in the paschal mystery, this living and dying with Jesus, that we find our joy and peace.

Meditation:

What are the fears in your life? What is the relationship between love and courage? Why is the practice of the presence of God so important in dealing with the trials and temptations of life?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you tell us not to fear. Yet, there are so many dangers on this human journey. Too often, we forget your presence and feel abandoned and vulnerable.. Deepen your gift of faith in our hearts; deepen your gift of trust that fear might be banished once and for all.

(from the devotional: Daily Reflections for Advent & Christmas 2010-11 by Robert F. Morneau)

Lord, help me to dare to love without fear and to trust completely in your perfect love.

Oh Christ!

1 Jn 3:22–4:6, Mt 4:12-17, 23-25

OMG...Lordy! Jeeeessssusss! Susmaryosep! (haha the last one is a Tagalog exclamation/cuss word combining the names of the Holy Family). Sad to think that a great number of people use the name of God only as a swear word. Today is the feast day of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, and it's a great time as any to pause for a while and really think about what we are invoking when we call upon the Lord's name.

Personally, the word "Jesus" is a prayer in itself. Just saying it aloud or even just seeing the letters on a page never fail to bring about a sense of calm and peace, and a feeling of humility that reminds me I am in the presence of something awe-inspiring. The name "Jesus" means "God saves", and was actually a common name in ancient times. For in-depth facts on what "Jesus" truly means, click here.

Reflection:

There are basically two things that are asked of the disciple of Jesus: belief in him and love for one another. Faith and Love! Here are the cornerstones of our spirituality. When we live out these virtues, we participate in the epiphanies of God.

To believe in the name and person of Jesus means that we be attentive to his teachings. There is no better summary of Jesus' instructions than the Beatitudes (Matt 5:1-12) and the last judgment scene. These bookends of Matthew's gospel offer a vision of happiness and a lifestyle that expresses authentic discipleship. Jesus' words are as fresh today as they were thousands of years ago.

To believe is to embrace and live the proclamation of the gospel. This is the work of evangelization. By witnessing to gospel values, we demonstrate our faith. Essentially, that way of life is to hear God's love and mercy in Christ and then to share those gifts with all whom we meet. Proclamation happens in actions as much as it does in words. In fact, living in accord with gospel words means that our discipleship is truly authentic.

Jesus cured. Jesus healed. Jesus saved. It is in his name that we experience God's redemption. Be our illness physical, psychological or spiritual, Jesus is deeply concerned that we be made whole. He came among us to bring life, life that will last. All of us stand in need of healing; all of us stand in need of having compassion for our hurting brothers and sisters.

Faith is expressed in love. By having active concern for others, we emulate the life and ministry of Jesus. By loving, we honor the name of Jesus and give glory to the Father.

Meditation

How deep is your faith, your love? What is the relationship between these two theological virtues? How do you honor the name of Jesus?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, blessed be your name. Open our ears to your teaching; open our hearts to your Gospel; open our hands to express your compassion. Grant us, in your mercy, the grace of love.

(Devotional source: Daily Devotionals for Advent & Christmas by Robert F. Morneau)

The Road of Resolution

Happy New Year! :)

I haven't been this excited at the thought of a brand new year, a clean slate, a fresh beginning. I've gotten quite skeptical about celebrating the new year, seeing it as just a mere technicality...so what if our earth passes the same spot as it completes its 365-day revolution around the sun? How is that cause for celebration?

Curious about New Year technicalities? Read this; if not skip! (“Why do we think about a particular day as a ‘beginning’ of a new year? In one sense, each day is like another, there is not a reason by examining days why one would be held more highly than another. But God recognized the need of people to have a sense of a ‘new beginning’ at times, and this is reflected in the Old Testament. Each week ended with the Sabbath, and the day after the Sabbath was the beginning of a new week. He provided a Jubilee year in which all inheritances were restored, all slaves freed, and a new beginning obtained. He commanded a yearly day of atonement in which one could ‘start over again’ freed from sin until the next year. So today we consider this the first Lord's Day of a ‘New Year’.")

But I am definitely excited for 2011, and for many, many reasons, foremost of which is I am confident that however it will turn out, it is all up to the hands of a master life artist who fashions everything according to His perfect plan. Everyday of late is like Christmas, the present like an actual gift waiting to be opened daily. How can one not live life in hopeful and joyful anticipation at such a prospect? Each day is an adventure!

And now, as I wait excitedly for the New Year's Eve dinner at Tita Mats, I am squeezing in some writing and hoping this will get to you in time to inspire you and me later as I/we try to put to paper all my/our goals and resolution for the coming year. Something novel I've tried to accept and do is to offer up any undertaking to God and ask Mary for guidance. All inspiration come from them, not to mention the power and will to make all things possible. Besides, what are we here for anyway but to give glory to them? Might as well ask them what they want from us, right?

This guide is from my daily 2011 planner c/o MC, one of the most inspirational people I've gotten to know really well this past year and to whom I am always thankful for. She's one of my angels I would say, because it seems whenever I happen to need something, she provides the answers. Long story...anyway, one of my resolutions is to totally use this planner until the very last page. :)

The Road of Resolution (5 R's)

It is good to make godly resolutions, and these steps will help you to keep on the right road with god through the year.

Relationship

Reaffirm your relationship with God.

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)

Review

Look back on the past year and ask God to show you the areas of sin and weakness that might have hindered your spiritual growth.

23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139: 23-24)

Repent

Confess your sin and ask God to forgive you.

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Refresh

Ask God to refresh you and to give you a new vision for the year ahead.

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

-> favorite new year bible verse :)

Renew

Ask God to help you see your life from His perspective, and renew your commitment to His vision and purpose for your life.

2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

There you have it. I think it's as good a guide as any to kickoff 2011 in the right way. :) May this find everyone well and safe, and hopeful and confident at the stroke of midnight. Happy new year!

An Advent Intro

Advent is well on it's way, but I've only gotten around to feeding posts today. Better late than never. I've been meaning to start this blog since Lent! My bad. But this time, I'd like to share the Daily Reflections for Advent from the little book "Waiting in Joyful Hope" for 2010. Pardon the religious jargon, if any. It can get too wordy at times, too, but good bread is one with not too much air. :)

The Christmas season has always been my favoritest time of the year. There's just something in the air, a palpable excitement. It's not only the anticipation of uncovering what lies under the wrapping paper beneath the Christmas tree, but something much bigger. I've only recently realized what this something bigger is. All of us are really waiting for not something we want, but something we need. Christmas is an exciting time because we all await in joyful hope for a savior.

And so...

In the book of Hebrews, we read, "persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith" (12:1-2). What great Advent advice! We are to fix our eyes on Jesus, the one who inspires and perfects the great gift of faith. It is Jesus who is coming again in new ways to call us to be disciples and stewards of God's many gifts.

Yet, we struggle to keep focused. So many distractions bombard our lives to such an extent that we become disoriented, yes, even lost in the cosmos. Even though Jesus comes in Scripture and sacraments, in community and in the poor, in the stirrings of our hearts, we often fail to register and respond to these many "advents."

We need not despair nor be discouraged. Each day is a new beginning; each liturgical season is another invitation to encounter God's grace made present and manifest in the miracle of the incarnation. Humbly we invoke the guidance of the Holy Spirit, a Spirit that enlightens us to see, a Spirit that enkindles us to love, and a Spirit that empowers us to hear and follow the voice of the Good Shepherd. We are not alone on this perilous journey. We travel together as a faith community and we have been promised the gift of the Lord's presence.

A prayerful pondering of the daily readings of Advent is one way of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. Sacred Scripture, God's glorious revelation, is a gateway into the mind and heart of our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. Through gentle contemplation, we "see" God's providential love and mercy revealed in the person of Jesus. It is His coming for which we prepare with wonder and awe. Hospitality is the grace needed; a warm and gracious welcome is our gift to the newborn King.

Mary kept her eyes fixed on Jesus. It was her faith, obedience, and love that so influenced salvation history. Mary's fiat, her graced YES to the angel Gabriel, models for us Advent people the disposition necessary for our participation in the paschal mystery.

As we attempt to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, let us never forget that God's gaze is always upon us. During Advent, we are first seen and, because of that, we are enabled to fix our eyes on the great miracle of the incarnation, the Word of God, Jesus, made man. He came to be one of us, Emmanuel, in our midst.

This is how the Word came to be broken today. :)

#Advent #Emmanuel #Christmas #word #grace #Mary

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: First Sunday of Advent

The Bread:

Isiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24: 37-44

Main Course:

37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark.

Reflection:

Apparently, the people in Noah's days followed a philosophy of eating, drinking and "marrying" right up to the time of the flood.

St. Paul attacks the narrow philosophy that sees good only in eating-drinking-being merry. By spending most of our time with these, our very salvation is endangered. Paul's philosophy is that we build our lives in God through the person of Jesus. When Christ is the cornerstone, our eating, drinking and mirth will be ordered and will lead to peace rather than to chaos.

"Eat, drink, and be merry!" These human activities are foundational and must be respected. But if they are the central values of one's life, trouble is around the corner: obesity, drunkenness, dissipation. If they are experienced in moderation and subordinate to God's way, they are a graced source of appropriate delight and pleasure.

Food for Thought:

How do you handle the desires of the flesh and the desires of the spirit? How does fasing help us to prepare for the Lord's coming?

Prayer:

Lord, as we begin our Advent journey, grant us your wisdom. May we see what is truly important and deeply live your values. Keep us mindful of your presence. May we be grateful for your gift of love and salvation.

Come Lord Jesus, come.

#advent

Messiah Sing-Along

Start: Dec 6, '09 4:00pLocation: 1050 Fremont Avenue, South Pasadena (Calvary Presbyterian Church)

Start the Advent season with some heavenly music from George Frederic Handel's masterpiece--Messiah--"arguably the greatest piece of Christian music ever written." Don't miss this opportunity to sing-along this famous musical piece with choir members from different parishes around the area and be infected with a joyous Christmas spirit through Handel's notes interspersed with glorious Bible verses. Handel pioneered the "oratorio," a musical composition designed to teach the Scriptures by setting them to music. He seems to have immediately understood how important such a composition about the life of Jesus might be, and he set to work on it right away. He finished the Messiah in only 24 days! The Hallelujah Chorus is instantly recognizable, even by those who do not consider themselves members of the Christian faith. It has become a part of our Christian cultural heritage. In almost every community during this Christmas season, there will be performances of Messiah. It is available in a number of recorded versions. Set aside some time this Christmas to listen to Handel's masterpiece. Learn the melodies. Hum along and let the words sink into your heart. Handel didn't write Messiah for music historians or classical music geeks. He wrote it to tell the story of Jesus to ordinary people, through music, the language of the heart. Everyone is welcome to sing-along in the audience at 4 p.m. If you'd like to join the loft choir, you must have attended the dress rehearsal at 1 p.m. Simple reception after the concert at 5 p.m. See you there! :)

#handel #music #advent #messiah #christmas

F is for...

Start: Oct 9, '09 7:00pLocation: Casa Princesa ,Eagle Rock, CA

Feedback, Friday, and Fun! TGIF! Jumpstart your weekend with music, coffee, and friends at: FEEDBACK: AN OPEN MIC NIGHT on October 9, (Friday), 7:00pm at Casa Princesa in Eagle Rock Weekends are for relaxing, but helping out while you're at it makes it even better! FEEDBACK door stubs and food sale proceeds will directly go to the Gawad Kalinga villages hit by typhoon Ondoy in the Philippines. Another storm, Pepeng, is said to have caused even more devastation, although we do not hear much about it because it hit the provinces and far flung areas. But sadly, Northern Luzon is cut off from the rest of the country due to the effects of Pepeng. For those of you who have childhood memories of Baguio, the "Summer Capital" of the Philippines, they say it has been wiped off the map. Let us take time to appreciate the many blessings that we have despite the recession, and remember that we can always make a difference in our own way. So smile, don't slouch at work and invite your boss and colleagues to this event to cap off the week and start the weekend right! Those who replied 'not attending', you can still change your RSVP! And those who said 'maybe', make that a definite yes! :) See you all later! P.S. If you have clothes, canned goods, food items, and things that you would like to donate, please bring them to the event. Thank you!

#sfc #open mic #gk

#philippines

So you think you can dance...

Start: Oct 9, '09 7:00pLocation: Casa Princesa ,Eagle Rock, CA

...or sing, or read poetry, or do stand-up comedy? Even if you've just always secretly wanted to perform in front of a crowd (or if you're shy, do an act with your household!), or simply looking for a fun way to spend a Friday... ...If you're feelin' the spotlight, then this is your night! Grab the mic at FEEDBACK: AN OPEN MIC NIGHT on October 9, (Friday), 7:00pm at Casa Princesa in Eagle Rock (see attached flyer for more details). This event is our way of GIVING BACK to the community and is for the benefit of ANCOPUSA and Gawad Kalinga, in support of their goal of rebuilding a nation through easing poverty in our beloved Philippines. For more information about ANCOP and Gawad Kalinga, please visit http://www.ancopusa.org. If you're interested in performing at the open mic or be part of the service team, feel free to give us a shoutout! Mao -(323)893-0793/ Sharon (562)304-8372/ Dollaire (213)458-6427. Your support is greatly appreciated. Also, sponsorships/donations in any form are most welcome! Click the link to learn more about how you can give back and where your support goes. -> http://www.ancopusa.org/donation/ Remember, this is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! So start picking out your song and invite all your friends, and we hope to see you all on October 9!

#sfc #open mic #gk

Meteor Shower!

Start: Aug 11, '09 9:00pEnd: Aug 12, '09Location: Earth

The Perseid Meteor Shower, aka the best meteor shower due to the frequency of falling stars, is set to put up a show today and tomorrow. Best time to view today between 9-11pm. Happy wishing! :D Read more -> http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/perseid-meteor-showe-5085/

#stars #meteor shower

Calling All Heroes!

Start: Aug 1, '09 07:00aEnd: Aug 30, '09 12:00pLocation: Bolsa Chica State Beach

It's time to put on our hero shoes again and run as fast as we can in the race to alleviate poverty! GK Hero’s Run is celebrating its 5th year at the 25th Long Beach International Marathon! But before we get too excited... ...all who are interested to lend a helping hand is invited to know more about this momentous event at the GK Hero's Run Info Session on August 1, Saturday 7:00am-12:00nn at Bolsa Chica State Beach 17192 N. Pacific Ave, Sunset Beach, CA. GK Hero’s Run will hold a 4 month Half Marathon training program aiming for 500 participants (runners, walkers, bikers, etc) to Run for Love. ** Hero's Run Coaches will discuss marathon training and nutrition tips! ** Meet our partners and vendors, and win raffle PRIZES!! ** Learn great ideas on how to get partnerships to meet your fundraising goal of one GK Home! ** Register for the marathon and qualify to win a PRIZE! HERO'S RUN 2009: LOVE the Poor Lead Others.. be Voices to Empower the Poor What: GK Hero's Run benefits "Gawad Kalinga" (giving care), a movement building self-sustaining communities for the poorest of the poor in third world countries. How: Train and run with GK Hero's Run at the Long Beach International Marathon on October 11, 2009. Through your participation, you will sponsor the cost of building one home for a family in a GK community. Spread the word! Bring a friend or two! Don't miss out on this awesome GK Info Session! See you there! For more information, please contact Maggie Villanueva at (818)413-7851 or visit www.ancopusa.org/herosrun. Kindly RSVP at www.gkherosrunlongbeach.multiply.com! As an official charity of the Long Beach Marathon, GK Hero's Run is a yearly event in which runners raise awareness and raise funds for Gawad Kalinga (GK), an organization that gives care to those in need in countries such as the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (more countries coming soon!) By getting more and more people involved we can truly help the poor in these countries as GK strives to build communities, give them opportunities for livelihood as well as education and values formation for their families.

#gk #love #running

New York with College Gal Pals

NYC ♥♥♥!!! This trip was in the making since me and my college best friends made a vow to see each other in this wonderful city a couple of years after parting ways. So thankful that this dream came true, and it was better than we could have ever hoped for. Every step was truly 'serendipitous'! Got to NY by bus from Boston, and got there very hungry. No friends in sight so I decided to walk around Chinatown and found a tiny dumpling shop with dirt cheap food. Finally, friends arrived and we headed straight to the Met. Got there just in time to catch a guided tour of the upgraded Greek and Roman hall. ♥! After roaming around til the museum closed for the day, we headed for Central Park to dog watch and eat hotdogs. Then off to Times Square, Broadway, the chocolate stores, and Junior's for dinner and the best NY cheesecake (but not really). More walking, I only had 2 days to see all of New York. On to Rockefeller Center, but everything was closed. Along the way, we spotted a hotel which suspiciously looked like the Van der Woodsen house in Gossip Girl. Z was right! We befriended the doorman, and got a tour of the NY Palace hotel. We finally got tired and headed to the Bronx. Back to the subways, waiting for the train that never comes (literally!). Crazy train schedules. Next day, went to see the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn, etc, etc. Was hoping to top off the day with dessert at Serendipity, but the people were rude so we found a cozy cafe called Follow Me several blocks down instead. As Carrie would say, 'Me Likey'! Special thanks to Kuya Ace and Ate Lea for sharing their pad with us! :D

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