The Woman of Faith and the Earthquake...

My blog will not be complete if I will not be writing about my reflection on the earthquake in Japan which took place last March 09, 2011.

My family lives in Fuji, a city in eastern Shizuoka Prefecture. Fuji is the third largest City in terms of population of the 23 cities of Shizuoka Prefecture. Shizuoka is part of the East part of Honshu island, where a magnitude of 7.2 earthquake struck off last March 09, just midday local time.

It was about 12 o'clock noon time... Minnie, my daughter in law and I were about to have our lunch when all of a sudden I felt a sort of shaking...I thought I was just tired and so I had an outbalance after having done the laundry...that day I was domesticated. But I felt it again and so I started to look around and tell Minnie that there is an earthquake. Silence followed... we looked around and saw the things in our place shaking. Our apartment is on the 4th floor of the building so we could really feel it. Though the magnitude was less, my immediate thought that time was to be still and pray.

I was taught "the prayer of the heart" before I flew here in Japan during our Bible Camp. I was in deep silence as I start to listen to my heart and begin communicating my thoughts to God. I started to establish "connection" with Him as I call on Him in prayer.

As I start to express my thoughts in silence, I found myself fearless, with no trepidations whatsoever, so calm.. just expressing my gratitude for the life my Lord has given me. I was in deep prayer of offering our situation to Him. I believe in my heart that God is amazing, that He is powerful who reigns above everything and that there is nothing that He cannot do. In my heart I know Him deeply and powerfully and I know too that He cares and loves me, that in spirit He is with us...I claim that I am God's beloved and that His presence is always with me. I had this thought, that if it His will for things to happen, then this will be done. My faith says...He knows better what is best for me.

As I talk to him I have realized that I really don't care about life anymore. I know that if God will take my life at that very moment, I believe in my heart that by His grace, I have already lived my life with a sense of purpose...that of being a daughter, a woman, a wife, a mother, an educator, a community worker, a friend and a sister to other people here on earth. I am confident that with His Divine Providence I have already done my mission which is to help and make a difference in the lives of other people, our less fortunate brothers and sisters, by touching their lives with the use of my talents, my abilities, and my God-given gifts...I know that the blessings He has given me I have shared and I am fully aware that I have lived a life with compassion for other people because ALTRUISM is my advocacy.

I can have an endless sharing about how faith has withstand the different situations in my life, but what I want to share is...I thank God for my parents' legacy about faith because this has impacted me. I am grounded with this legacy. As I listen to my heart and to my life, I see that its mystery is fathomless. I thank the Lord for the moments He has given me in this journey to life...moments that I consider graces from Him.

I know my FAITH as a woman will continue to LIGHT the paths to my journey. After my experience with the earthquake, my faith has leveled up...it has grown deeper and has made me realize that, "FAITH means being SURE of the things we HOPE for and knowing that something is REAL even if we do not see it." Hebrews 11:1.

Kalokaaa....

gusto ko lang mag sulat ng kahit ano....haha....yung I do not really need to think what topic to write about...yung I will just have a free expression of myself...

hmmmm...is an expression of mine when I chat with friends....haha....so madalas ask nila ako...what does it mean....I will always answer them with..."wala lang...gusto ko lang i type yan po"...it is my expression kung medyo la me maisip sabihin.

hayyyysss...is another favorite expression of mine pag ayaw ko sinasabi. if I do not really agree to the statement of a person. I use it din pag ka halimbawa parang... "la lang...ganon talaga"...ang reaksyon ko.

kalokaaaa...is the expression I use most of the time...hahaha...my colleagues call me na nga "Kalokaaa"...I remember my boss sending me a text message saying ... "I miss you na, Kaloka", another admin also during our chat told me this:"Miss na kita, Kaloka!" whew...some close friends call me "Kaloka" because of this expression of mine...hehe...pag sinabi ko to...talagang feel ko talaga syang bigkasin...I can say this word in different accents, tone, in so many ways... actually with different emotions...hehe...

hayyys...soon I will be back to work...I will surely miss the moments I have spent with my family here in Japan...hmmm....ganon talaga...as in wala me magawa jan po...Kalokaaa...ganito talaga ang buhay...

see how I have used those words...haha...I am fond of using din, "hahaha...ahehe, hehehe, nyahaha, waahhhhh, and hihihi" ...if you notice whenever I make comments haha....I always use these words...I use "hahahaha" pag tuwang tuwa talaga ako...."ahehe" kung mejo yung statement is true...or like ko...and "hihihi" pag playing maldita or pilya (naughty) ako..."nyahaha", pag pa cute ako tumawa...and "waaaahhhh" kapag naman I am napipikon na...or parang I do not like the idea...hahaha...hayyys...kaloka nga.

howell, ano pa nga ba ang mga sinasabi ko minsan?...haha...basta ang alam ko po I am a woman who speaks her mind and who expresses herself with no holds barred...no hang ups and no inhibitions because I will always be myself in whatever situation and under any circumstances.

hmmm...actually wala me po magawa...hayyyys....KALOKAAA...

The Beauty of a Woman....

The beauty of a woman

isn't in the clothes she wears,

The figure that she carries,

or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman

must be seen from in her eyes;

Because that's the doorway to her heart,

the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman

isn't in a facial mole;

But true beauty in a woman,

is reflected by her soul.

It's the caring that she cares to give,

the passion that she shows;

And the beauty of a woman

with passing years only grows.

Through the Path of Enlightenment....

I miss having an in depth conversation...a real conversation which gives light... making me an enlightened being.

Among the topics I love to talk about are "consciousness" and "awareness". Having awareness is the same as having a proper insight which one can use in his discernment. When one is aware and conscious, he possesses an enlightened mind that can sift to the puddle, making him see clearly which is which as he makes choices and decisions.

It is also with this that universal truths will open up vistas...making them come out from behind. Furthermore, awareness makes a huge impact in our decisions. It is with our mind (consciousness) that we become more attuned with what is important in life and what is trivial (does it matter?).

In our journey, life continues, albeit the different perspectives we have ...as we embrace realities with understanding and acceptance and so we become an enlightened being...one is able to differentiate the vast spectrum and so there is calmness in the otherwise troubled existence.

But how about the ego? well...the ego will undoubtedly try to resurface and take hold of every chance it has to survive...I see the importance therefore of one's objective to always be "conscious" and "aware" of the ego's subtle nuances lest one becomes entrapped again in its grip.

It is therefore very vital for one to be always on guard and be aware of this. It is so important until such time that the TRUE self, the I AM, takes firm root and completely envelopes one's being....the I AM...the WHO and WHAT you are....

I have passed through this stage in my life...and the experiences were challenging indeed because I have to take risks and face trials in order to explore...reinvent. ..transcend myself.

But one great thing about it was... my life was further enriched which has been to me a rewarding experience.. . and this is growth I believe...

When one is aware of the changes and is enlightened. ..then he/she journeys through life without fears and without worries... this makes him/her then free to live a life that is meant to be... a LIFE that is FREE.

Bakit Nga Ba?

Bakit nga ba buhay ay ganito?
Hiwa hiwalay ang pamilya ko?
Tuloy ako paroon at parito,
Kaya puso at isapan ko'y naging lito.

Bakit nga ba ganyan ang buhay?
Pag pamilya ay di kasama tila walang saysay.
Sadyang kay hirap nga ang maglakbay
Dito sa ating pinagpalang buhay.

Bakit nga ba ako ay walang magawa,
Sa kalagayan ng aking pamilya?
Lungkot at pangugulila dapat kong maunawa
Para sa aking mga anak at asawa.

Bakit nga ba tayo ay di magkakasama?
Upang mga biyaya ng ating Ama ay pagsaluhan sana...
Kaya dalangin ko sa gabi at umaga,
Na sana darating ang araw na tayo ay magkasama sama.

Sa aking pag uwi puso ko ay malumbay...
Kahit baon ko ang pagmamahal n'yo sa  paglakbay.
Alam kong ako ay mangugulila pa rin pagdating sa ating bahay,
Tanong sa sarili ko ay..." Bakit Nga Ba Ganito ang Buhay?"

We all need to read this one over and over until it becomes part of who we are!

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Try everything twice. On Madam's tombstone (of Whelan's and Madam) she said she wanted this epitaph: Tried everything twice...loved it both times!

2. Keep only cheerful friends.
The grouches pull you down. (keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches;)

3. Keep learning : Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain get idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.

6. The tears happen: Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love: Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge. Dance around the house naked.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. I love you, my special friend.

11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time.

Lost time can never be found.

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle

Thoughts from the Heart of a Mom!

How time flies...two days from now, we will celebrate Mother's Day again....hmmm...I just want to share my thoughts in this blog.  

"Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of life's longing for itself. They come through you, but not from you.
And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
You may house their bodies, but not souls.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The Archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness; for even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable."

- Kahlil Gibran -

I am a lover of Gibran's works and writings. His eloquence and depth in how he expresses his thoughts is no doubt excellent and amazing. I admire this profound and amazing poet because of his style in writing.

Children are blessings from GOD. They are gifts that we should cherish as parents because they come only through us...they are not ours, they are God's. Someday God will bring them home to His kingdom and so while they are still with us, we have to cherish every moment.  We should therefore express our unconditional and undying LOVE, a love beyond compare, a love that is priceless and make them feel our CARE for them before they go.

with Ivan, my youngest child...

As a mother of four children, I feel so blessed because I know that they are the essence of my being a mother. As I come to think of my kids,  I know God chose me to be their mother.  I need therefore to serve my purpose in life because of them. From the moment they were born, I have embraced them with love and care along with the responsibilities. Yes, it is NOT at all easy to be a mom and a parent... Indeed, raising four children is very challenging...hmmm...bottomline is...every child is different and so I have to accept each of them in their unique personality and individuality.  

                                                                                                                                     

In my journey as a parent, sometimes I would encounter trying situations that I really have to hurdle with patience, with understanding and with love. Most of the time, I end up giving my full trust and faith in the Lord especially during difficult situations. Truly, as a mom of 3 boys and a girl is NOT easy, but with the grace of God I know that I will be able to manage because I believe God chose me to be the mother of these kids.  

"I cannot live your life for you." are the words I always tell my children even at their young age. I always tell them that everyday in life, they will have to make choices and decisions and that these will have a bearing on the kind of life they will have at present and in the future. As a mom I am always there to guide them, though in the end, it will still be their call.  Well, I am a mom who is compassionate, gentle and strict when there is a need for me to be one. Hmmm...I am a disciplinarian...I still believe in "old school" and so  I practice it although there are also times that I am a "cool" mom to them.  

As a mom, I let them discover what life is, however, I make sure that they follow some rules in life and that they apply the values I and their father have taught them. Well, I just hope that someday these values will become their convictions and their principles in life. I am just happy seeing some of these values in them...they are polite and respectful to other people...they are compassionate too and friendly. It gives me joy when I see them share their blessings to other people.

In my heart, I believe I have raised them to be God fearing and virtuous children. I know that my legacy , which is to help other people, will forever live in their hearts. As a mom,  this gives me so much JOY and I just thank GOD for giving me these children in my life. Truly, CHILDREN are GIFTS from GOD!

One of the wonderful feelings I have in life is to be a mom.  I always look forward to occasions like Mother's Day, Christmas, my birthday and other special occasions because I feel my value as a mother during these occasions.  

As we celebrate this year's Mother's Day, I can't help but think of my mother.  To my MOTHER who has given me LIFE, THANK YOU for the gift of YOU in my life, I appreciate all the things that you have done for me and the things that you continue to do.  Thank you for listening to my concerns, for teaching me values, for all the support, the care and the unconditional LOVE you give me and my family. I will never be as blessed as I am without you teaching me the value of being grateful for God's blessings. Thank you for rejoicing with me in my triumphs and for sharing also in my loneliness and sadness whenever I am down spirited.  I LOVE YOU, MANG, Happy Mother's Day Po!

                HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOTHERS AROUND THE WORLD.  

Just Trying to Express...

I woke up in the wee hours and had these thoughts in mind...Just want to share them with you....

1. I think of myself as being independent, open-minded, sincere, truthful, loving and caring and most of all...nice and friendly lady.

2. My best strengths are my charisma, my good and effective communication skills, my attitude and character, my wisdom and discernment over matters and circumstances I am faced with.

3. What keeps me going is my passion and zest for life. My desire to make sense and make a difference in my life and in the life of others.

4. If I could do anything I wanted to do, I would go to all people who are less fortunate and address all their needs. If I could only do this, I will be the happiest person in this world because I believe it is in making others happy that we find fulfillment and joy in our hearts.

5. I feel that I am special to someone when he/she gives me time and surprises. I love surprises...one just have to make sure that I will really be surprised. I know I am special because I will be able to feel it.

6. I wish people will see me as a person who is easy to get along with. A lady who is compassionate, nice and kind. . . somebody who has wisdom and intelligence ... and who is happy and contented in life.

7. I believe that nobody's life is entirely free of pain and sorrow. It is about learning to live with them rather than trying to avoid them.

8. I am a person who maintains optimism amidst challenges in life because I am a woman of character. I will always consider challenges as liberating experiences.

9. My goal in life is to be able to serve a life with a sense of purpose.

10. Before my life is over, I want to leave a legacy because I want the goodness in me to continue in this world we live in.

mom in japan

The Child...

reaching for the STAR
the child runs, falls and gets up
a smile on her face

mbg 2/24/11