“If you think you can do a thing or think that you can’t do it, you’re right.” (Henry Ford) - Daily Bible Reflections January 31,2015

IMPOSSIBLE IS

NOTHING

Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1

       I have a 14-year-old special son named David who doesn’t take no for an answer. When you tell him it’s impossible, he’ll tell you how it can be done to make it possible. He challenges my creative juices when he asks for something. The things he likes are stuff you won’t find in the stores. Like the set at The Price Is Right, including the Big Wheel itself!

       For his 14th birthday, he told me he wanted Mario of the Mario Brothers fame to visit him. If not, he’d go to Italy and visit him instead. I tried to convince him that Mario was not a real person but he wouldn’t listen. I knew he was in for a disappointment. But when I shared this with some friends, one of them said she had a Mario costume! So David got his birthday wish — with me as Mario. (The things we do for our kids!)

       I guess that’s how we have to be with our God — having that confidence in His ability to answer us and not giving up when it seems impossible. Sometimes, we unknowingly insult our God by thinking that He can’t do this or won’t do that.

       By the way, David is visually impaired. All he can see is my ability to be his super-mom. Ronna Ledesma (ronna_ledesma@yahoo.com.ph)

Reflection: “If you think you can do a thing or think that you can’t do it, you’re right.” (Henry Ford)

Abba, I am put to shame by my son’s faith in me. May I have the same unwavering faith in You even if I don’t see my answered prayers yet.

St. John Bosco, priest, pray for us.

God has a purpose for everything that happens in our lives - Daily Bible Reflections January 30,3015

LUPANG ARENDA

You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what He has promised. – Hebrews 10:36

       “When will this end?!”I complained as I got up from a fall that submerged me in floodwaters. My things were all wet and floating. This was part of the sufferings we endured living in L.A., or Lupang Arenda, in Taytay, Rizal. Flashfloods caused us to evacuate to a three-story Korean school nearby, where the inadequate facilities and the crowded situation didn’t provide much relief. Transportation was scarce so I had to walk to a nearby barangay to get a ride to work.

       During those trying times, I couldn’t help but ask God how much longer I would have to endure such difficulties in life.

       But God is faithful. L.A. is presently undergoing a lot of road work and development to solve the flooding issues in the area. Despite all my hardships, I realized God’s purpose in making me live here. He uses me in L.A. to proclaim His Word and to propagate the Holy Rosary in honor of Mary. I initiated the Block Rosary Crusade where Mama Mary’s statue visits every household. Aside from teaching others to pray, we conduct Bible studies and share how Jesus works in our lives.

       By the time you read this, we will already have our weekly prayer meeting, called The Feast, in L.A. by His grace. Beth Corral

(bethcorral_0330@yahoo.com)

Reflection: God has a purpose for everything that happens in our lives.

I am ready, Lord, to do Your will!

St. Hyacintha of Mariscotti, pray for us.

God has blessed us in many ways. May we learn to share these blessings to others - Daily Bible Reflections January 29,2015

BEACON

“Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand?” – Mark 4:21

         My son, Miggy, has autism and he has found his passion in painting. In 2013, his therapists approached me and asked if they can feature Miggy’s paintings to start an NGO that will encourage kids like Miggy to continue with their passion and to inspire others, with or without disabilities, to develop the talents that they have.

       This campaign involves selling Miggy’s works for charity. It was a very hard decision for me. Miggy’s paintings are not intricate but they cannot be duplicated, not even by Miggy, because every painting was created depending on Miggy’s mood. Parting with it meant parting with a piece of Miggy.

         But then I realized I cannot be selfish with Miggy. He has been teaching our family a lot things that we take for granted and, as one of the NGO organizers advised me, others should have that opportunity, too. Others should be able to look up on their wall, see a painting of Miggy, and never be discouraged by their trials in life.

       Miggy is my lamp and he is where he can shine and be a beacon of hope to everyone who sees that light. Mae Ignacio (maemi04@

aim.com)

Reflection: God has blessed us in many ways. May we learn to share these blessings to others.

Lord, thank You for the blessings and may we learn to share them with others in Your name.

Be diligent at your job and strive to give more than what they expect from you - God Whispers January 29,2015

Be diligent at your job and strive to give more than what they expect from you.


Be your best,
God


P.S. When you excel, opportunities will run after you.

Appreciate the good work that others do. Compliment a co-worker, a household help, a child for a job well done - God Whispers January 28,2015

Appreciate the good work that others do. Compliment a co-worker, a household help, a child for a job well done.


Be kind,
God


P.S. Be generous with your praises and stingy with your criticisms.

How you relate with your own family reflects how you relate with others - Daily Bible Reflections January 27,2015

LIKE FAMILY

“Who are my mother and my brothers?” – Mark 3:33

       When I was young, I’d always get sick. But each time it happened, I’d always have my personal doctor on call — my mom. She always attended to my needs and made me feel safe and secure. Despite her busy schedule as a physician, she never left the house without first giving me the attention and comfort that I needed.

       As I grew older, I got the chance to observe directly how she relates to her patients. And I discovered the secret why they love her and remain loyal to her.

       She takes care of each patient just like how she would take care of me. She treats each one like she would her own child, sibling or parent. For her, everyone deserves the same concern and empathy.

       Now that I’m following her footsteps as a doctor, I aspire to do the same — that every patient God entrusts to me, I will take care of like family. Didoy Lubaton (christianlubaton@yahoo.com)

Reflection: How you relate with your own family reflects how you relate with others.

Lord, may I see family in everyone I meet, and may they see You in me.

St. Angela Merici, virgin, pray for us.