My Journey with Him

A Prayer to Mama Mary

by Dine Racoma (September 08, 2008)

Mother of Jesus

Greatest Mother of all

Mother of mine

Humbly in thee I call

When trials come my way

You are there to call on to

Your hands gently holding mine

I find real comfort in you

I draw on your strength

A Mother who was witness

To her Son’s sufferings

Bearing them all in her chest

And I always keep in mind

Jesus must have loved you

The most, being His mother

Here on earth, in heaven, too

That is why through you I ask

Protect my family and friends from harm

That lurk in this world, sometimes

Even in the guise of a loving arm

Protect my country from all ills

Man made and called by nature

Show our leaders the right way

For Filipinos to have a good future

Cover our world with your loving arms

This I ask and the rest of your children, too

No wars, no strife, no colors, no race

That people may be one in peace so true

Thank you, dear Mother

For being always there for me

I love you, dear Mother

And so, does my family.

~ o ~

This one is for the kids in the Legion of Mary, the Senior Officers of the Legion of Mary, and those who are searching on how to pray the rosary (English and Filipino Version and different languages as well). :)

This is also a campaign for all Filipino, living in the Philippines and in other parts of the world, to pray the rosary for world peace. This is a prayer project to enlist One Million Filipinos to pray five decades of the Holy Rosary everyday from October 10 to May 30, 2012, each day from Monday to Saturday dedicated to one nation in the world while the Sunday Rosary is reserved for our own families and nation, the Philippines.

Please log on to http://millionrosesfortheworld.org for the country to be prayed and for the specific intentions.

PRAYER OF COMMITMENT

“A Million Roses for the World: Filipinos at Prayer, Peace for all Nations”

Almighty God, we adore you and we praise You for blessing Mary among all women and creating her full of grace.

Through Mary, we received Jesus your Son whose birth has made all things new for us here on earth.

We seek your blessing through her praying her hands, so that peace may reign in the world and harmony may be established among all nations.

I commit to pray the rosary every day, as much as possible with my family, for each and every nation on earth so that war may end, famine may cease, terrorism may stop, justice may reign and only your love and mercy may prevail.

I commit to live in the state of grace, to avoid all occasions of sin, and to receive Holy Communion as frequently as my situation may allow, so that your name be glorified and all peoples may kneel down before you, God of Peace, in worship, adoration, and thanksgiving, now and forever.

Amen.

Imprimatur:

The Most Rev. Socrates Villegas D. D

Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan

~ o ~

LINKS on How to Pray the Rosary:

HOW TO PRAY THE ROSARY

MYSTERIES on Praying the Rosary

TAGALOG PRAYERS for Praying the Rosary

ENGLISH PRAYERS for Praying the Rosary

ROSARY prayers in other languages

~ o ~

And most of all, this one is for you Mama Mary, along side God’s only Begotten Son Jesus Christ, who is entrusted to your caring and loving hands, and whose passion you shared created everything new: eternal salvation for us sinners which will bring us one with the Almighty God the Father. :)

“There is no greater love than this, to give one’s life for one’s friends; and you are my friends, if you do what I command you. I shall not call you servants any more, because servants do not know what their master is about. Instead I have called you friends, since I have made known to you everything I learned from my Father.”

- John 15: 13-15 Christian Community Bible (Catholic Pastoral Edition)

For my long lost friend, found after sixteen years. :)

What I remember most about you:

1. You shared with me your food. :) You were so generous for sharing your own food, even though most of the time I had none to share. You did that so you and I could save our pocket money or “baon” which was only Php5.00, and then we would put it in your small pocket or “tampipi”. :)

2. I remember they were messing and calling you “Eden Cheese” because of your name. But in my mind, it’s kind of appropriate to call you that, not to mess with your name, but because your smile reminds me when someone takes a picture and says, “Cheese!!!” Yeah, you have a beautiful smile. And I remember your infectious laugh and giggle, too. :)

3. Do you know that I really, really, really admire your hair back then?:) It is so full, wavy at the ends and it’s really beautiful when the sun touches your hair and then it turns dark-brown. :)

God heard our prayers when we were trying to find each other.

Always remember the joy we felt when we did find each other; only Him could give us such joy. :)

Your house may have burned in the past, and all your childhood memories have been lost, but the memories you’ve shared with me, even for such a short period of our time, will last for a life time. :)

Now, I’m ready to share new and awesome experiences with you again! ;)

I love you Eden Marie, always. :)

And yeah, thank you, Lord, for letting us cross our paths again. ;)

The Artist, the Writer, and the Love Between Them

By: Mary Olivar

One year ago, I asked my artist friend to make a piece of artwork out of the title above.

At present, I haven’t received the finished accolade.

Last night, I got my pen, sat down, and scribbled the words for it. And … voila!

A masterpiece delight.

Here it goes:

He may have suffered from paranoia

Lingering with paints and color on the board

Draw there, line here, twist it

Still, he’s breathing frantically

She’s nowhere at sight

The sun was about to hide

She’s searching for the last rays of it

To end the enormous thought in her heart

He draws the eyes, the ears, the nose

And blends it with different color

He wasn’t satisfied with the stare

He remembered the kiss

The soft palette of red

In her cheeks and into her lips

They hear the giggle and the silent laughter 

As the bell were ringing loudly

She smiled sheepishly as she walked home

She’s finished writing the love letter

The sunset affirmed her dwelling

Just in time before it fades

She remembered the breeze of the sea

They played together, had fun wearily

And the night brought her cold

He protected her with a prayer

The knock on the door leapt my heart

It must be her

She opened it silently

And still, I was breathing and waiting

The look on his eyes puzzled me

I moved forward

I’m used to it, those thousand times gaze

Then I heard the words

I showed her the finished arts

Her eyes brightened, smile widened

I received the same words too

And handed me her love letters

I read the scribble and look her into eyes

Then we remembered the kiss

The soft palette of red

In her cheeks and into her lips

The warmth and the comfort of it.

~ o ~

The drawing is for Rieko, my sister in SFC. :-)

The inspiration for this drawing is a poem from the Official Newsletter of Christ the King Parish “The Scepter”, our parish. :)

JUBILEE FOR THE MONTH OF THE FAMILY (June)

If a child lives with criticism,

he learns to condemn

If exposed to hostility, he learns to fight

If exposed to ridicule, he learns to be shy

If exposed to shame, he learns to be guilty

If a child lives with tolerance,

he learns to be patient

If he lives with encouragement,

he learns confidence

If a child lives with praise,

he learns to appraciate

If a child lives with fairness,

he learns justice

If a child lives with security,

he learns to have faith

If a child lives with approval,

he learns to love himself

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship

He learns to give love to the world.

~ o ~

Then Jesus called a little child, set the child in the midst of the disciples, and said, “I assure you that, unless you change and become like little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes lowly like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and whoever receives such a child in my name receives me.

Matthew 18:2-5 (Christian Community Bible: Catholic Pastoral Edition)

Children are gifts from God. And anything coming from God is inherently good. If we have given such gifts, love them as God loves us unconditionally. :)

Remember a child’s nature: joy, sincerity, humility, simplicity, and trust.

Treasure these as God treasures them.

Remember how to be a child.

After all, everyone of us is still a child: a child of God. ;-)

Happy Sunday! ;-)

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, 

“Though your sins are as scarlet, 

They will be as white as snow; 

Though they are red like crimson, 

They will be like wool.

- Isaiah 1:18 NASB

This drawing is inspired by a video shared to me by a new-found friend. This video is a skit based on the song of Lifehouse, “Everything”. My friend said that every time she sees this skit, she cannot help but cry. And true enough, when I first watched this, my tears were overflowing.

I knew, at that time, that it was no coincidence that I was given the opportunity to watch that video, as it summarized all that happened in my life.

I am currently twenty-six. But a lot has happened in all aspects of my life. In all those aspects of my life, I was yearning for something. Something that would fill my being. As I was finding that something, like a lamb who’s lost and got separated from the flock, I became a prodigal daughter.

I tried to find that something in my relationships, work, money, vanity.

I got distracted by those aspects of my life, not realizing those things that matter most.

I leaned on my strength and pride, believing that I was in control of everything.

One day, all those aspects that I value and love most, were taken away from me.

It came to a point that even my pride and strength were crushed.

I had none.

Right then, Someone showed me that when I had none, I gained everything.

I gained Him.

It was He who became my strength, my refuge, my healer, my rock.

I was afraid, but He gave me courage.

I was physically weak, but He send many people to help my weak body.

I realized then that He was always there every time I fell, for He was the one who lent His hand without reservation, removed the dirt in my hands and knees, wiped my tear-stained face, and hugged me tightly with joy.

I thought that the cross I was bearing was too heavy, and I was asking why me. 

But He really did not stop bearing everyone’s crosses.

When all the waves toss you back and forth, and you think that there is no hope, He was the one holding you, making you rise above those waves, like nothing happened.

Yes, He is the loving shepherd who will not get tired of finding a lost lamb of His flock.

And with that, I am a lost lamb, now back to my Shepherd’s arms, and who’ll never cease to love Him, because I am His. :)

To end this post, here is Lifehouse’s “Everything”. :)

~ o ~

Everything by Lifehouse

Find me here

Speak to me

I want to feel You

I need to hear You

You are the light

That’s leading me

To the place where I find peace again.

You are the strength, that keeps me walking.

You are the hope, that keeps me trusting.

You are the light to my soul.

You are my purpose…

You’re everything.

How can I stand here with You and not be moved by You?

Would You tell me how could it be any better than this?

You calm the storms, and You give me rest.

You hold me in Your hands, You won’t let me fall.

You steal my heart, and You take my breath away.

Would You take me in? Take me deeper now?

How can I stand here with You and not be moved by You?

Would You tell me how could it be any better than this?

And how can I stand here with You and not be moved by You?

Would You tell me how could it be any better than this?

Cause You’re all I want, You’re all I need

You’re everything, everything

You’re all I want, You’re all I need

You’re everything, everything

You’re all I want, You’re all I need

You’re everything, everything

You’re all I want You’re all I need, 

You’re everything, everything

And How can I stand here with You and not be moved by You?

Would You tell me how could it be any better than this? 

How can I stand here with You and not be moved by You?

Would You tell me how could it be any better than this?

How can I stand here with You and not be moved by You?

Would You tell me how could it be any better than this?

Would You tell me how could it be any better than this?

~ o ~

When I was in Japan, I used to accompany a close friend of mine to her church. We were one of the volunteers in her church that were assigned to take care of the toddlers ages three and below. That was the time that I realized and confirmed that I really love children. After our shifts, we would go to my church on the other side of Tokyo. Afterwards, we would just go to a nearby mall with a very nice scenery of green grass field, man-made sculptures, mellow lights, and a wide variety of trees and flowers. We would just buy something in 7-11 to warm up our stomachs while we sat in front of that view, with the rain usually pouring. And we’d just talk. That was how I usually spend almost all of my Sundays in Japan.

One of those usual Sundays, in her church’s service, I first encountered Fanny Crosby, a blind hymn American writer. Her disability did not discourage her; she wrote thousands of hymns dedicated to our Lord. What I remember most about her was her statement regarding her blindness.

“Mother, if I had a choice, I would still choose to remain blind … for when I die; the first face I will ever see will be the face of my blessed Saviour.”

The eyes are the windows of the tangible and intangible things around and inside us: the outside world and our souls. However, most of the time, we try to make these windows like a one-way mirror. We tend to see things as they are: the tangible aspects weigh more, such as the physical beauty, problems, race and financial status. These things are very easy to acquire and are very easy to vanish because they are temporal. Yearning too much for those things can lead us astray, and blind us to things that cannot be seen by the naked eyes. We also tend to shut ourselves to others, afraid to be vulnerable for pain and suffering.

In these situations, most of the time we fail to see the intangible things that matter most: intention, motive, honesty, forgiveness, selflessness, patience, hope, faith, and above all, love. A love that is unconditional and selfless, and will stay beyond the end of time.

Experiencing that kind of love enables us to believe in all those intangible and essential things. And that love only comes from a Father who sacrificed a very precious and perfect Son so His children maybe given the greatest gift: eternal life with Him. 

Life here on earth is never easy; it is a constant battle between good and evil. But like Fanny Crosby, who does not, in any way, yearn for temporal things, and has faith on her Father, like a baby trusts his parents, I can close my eyes and smile, knowing that Someone is wiping my tears and healing me. That Someone loves me so much no matter what and who will be waiting for me in the end of time. That love also enables me to love and forgive despite of the circumstances. :)

With this, the inspirations for this post are “Heaven is The Face” by Steven Curtis Chapman and “You Are More” by Tenth Avenue North. :)

~ o ~

Heaven is The Face by Steven Curtis Chapman

Heaven is the face of a little girl

With dark brown eyes

That disappear when she smiles.

Heaven is the place

Where she calls my name

Says, “Daddy please come play with me for awhile.”

Chorus:

God, I know, it’s all of this and so much more,

But God, You know, that this is what I’m aching for.

God, you know, I just can’t see beyond the door.

So right now…

Heaven is the sound of her breathing deep,

Lying on my chest, falling fast asleep while I sing.

And Heaven is the weight of her in my arms,

Being there to keep her safe from harm while she dreams

And God, I know, it’s all of this and so much more,

But God, You know, that this is what I’m longing for

God, you know, I just can’t see beyond the door.

Bridge:

But in my mind’s eye I can see a place

Where Your glory fills every empty space.

All the cancer is gone,

Every mouth is fed,

And there’s no one left in the orphans’ bed.

Every lonely heart finds their one true love,

And there’s no more goodbye,

And no more not enough,

And there’s no more enemy (no more).

Heaven is a sweet, maple syrup kiss

And a thousand other little things I miss with her gone.

Heaven is the place where she takes my hand

And leads me to You,

And we both run into Your arms.

Oh God, I know, it’s so much more than I can dream.

It’s far beyond anything I can conceive.

So God, You know, I’m trusting You until I see

Heaven in the face of my little girl,

Heaven in the face of my little girl.

~ o ~

You Are More by Tenth Avenue North

There’s a girl in the corner 

With tear stains on her eyes 

From the places she’s wandered 

And the shame she can’t hide 

She says, “How did I get here? 

I’m not who I once was. 

And I’m crippled by the fear 

That I’ve fallen too far to love” 

But don’t you know who you are, 

What’s been done for you? 

Yeah don’t you know who you are? 

You are more than the choices that you’ve made, 

You are more than the sum of your past mistakes, 

You are more than the problems you create, 

You’ve been remade. 

Well she tries to believe it 

That she’s been given new life 

But she can’t shake the feeling 

That it’s not true tonight 

She knows all the answers 

And she’s rehearsed all the lines 

And so she’ll try to do better 

But then she’s too weak to try 

But don’t you know who you are? 

You are more than the choices that you’ve made, 

You are more than the sum of your past mistakes, 

You are more than the problems you create, 

You’ve been remade. 

You are more than the choices that you’ve made, 

You are more than the sum of your past mistakes, 

You are more than the problems you create, 

You’ve been remade. 

‘Cause this is not about what you’ve done, 

But what’s been done for you. 

This is not about where you’ve been, 

But where your brokenness brings you to 

This is not about what you feel, 

But what He felt to forgive you, 

And what He felt to make you loved. 

You are more than the choices that you’ve made, 

You are more than the sum of your past mistakes, 

You are more than the problems you create, 

You’ve been remade. 

You are more than the choices that you’ve made, 

You are more than the sum of your past mistakes, 

You are more than the problems you create, 

You’ve been remade. 

You’ve been remade 

You’ve been remade. 

You’ve been remade. 

You’ve been remade.

~ o ~

Jesus Walks on the Sea

Matthew 14: 22-33 (New King James Version)

26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.

27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 

28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 

29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.

30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 

31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to 

him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 

32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 

33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

~ o ~

I am amidst the storm and crashing waves.

You know very well my heart’s pain and plea.

The waves keep on tossing me.

You know when I am about to give up.

Still, Your hands never let me go.

I am nearly drowning.

I don’t know why, Your understanding is far beyond mine.

I don’t know Your plans for me.

You love me no matter what.

Let my unworthy tears wash Your wounds.

Let them flow for the sins You redeemed that You don’t even deserve.

The storm still does not cease.

My hands are about to let go.

My eyes are blinded by the anger of the sea.

My body is bruised on every side.

Never let me go, Lord,

For I love You,

above anything else

For I am Yours,

and Yours alone.

~ o ~

My inspiration for the drawing is Tim Hwang’s Walk on Water and Thank You for Saving My Life. The second song was introduced to me by a stranger in the retreat, who later became a dear friend. I gave her the draft of my drawing on ”Stand Still and Let God Move”. I believe Martin Nieverra has also sung the said song. To you my dear friend, thank you for introducing me to Tim Hwang’s song.  It had led me to create this drawing. Thank you Tim Hwang for letting your voice an intrument of inspiration as I draw. 

Thank you, papa, for fighting for me through and through, because above all, I am your daughter. Thank you, my beloved, you know what you have done. Yours is a love that does not yearn for any prestige.

~ o ~

Walk on Water by Tim Hwang

Unanswered questions

I look but nothing’s here

This searching of what I am becoming isn’t clear

But You never give me up

All my failures

And all the mess I make

can never separate me from the love You give

Your plan has no mistakes

I hear Your voice,

and that’s enough for me to rise again

I will rejoice, in perfect strength I gain

Even through the storms and crashing waves

The goodness of my God will keep me safe

So I’m taking steps on the water,

for Your hand is holding me

Every move I make will testify

Your miracles that none can deny

So I’m taking steps on the water

I no longer am afraid, You are with me

All my failures

And all the mess I make

can never separate me from the love You give

Your plan has no mistakes

I hear Your voice,

and that’s enough for me to rise again

I will rejoice, in perfect strength I gain

Even through the storms and crashing waves

The goodness of my God will keep me safe

So I’m taking steps on the water

For Your hand is holding me

Every move I make will testify

Your miracles that none can deny

So I’m taking steps on the water

I no longer am afraid, You are with me

Jesus, You wipe the tears away

Now I see it’s a brand new day

Jesus, You are the only way

I’ll trust and obey

Even through the storms and crashing waves

The goodness of my God will keep me safe

So I’m taking steps on the water

For Your hand is holding me

Every move I make will testify

Your miracles that none can deny

So I’m taking steps on the water

I no longer am afraid,

Yes I’m taking steps on the water

I no longer am afraid,

You are with me (yes You are with me Lord…)

~ o ~

Thank You For Saving My Life by Tim Hwang

You found me

At the bottom of a bottle

Drownin’

In the deaths of my sorrow

A stranger

Gone too far to forgive

Dying with no will to live

Then you held me

So close to your heart

And you told me

It’s gonna be alright

You’re the reason

That I’m still alive

These are more than

Just words that I write

This is love that we’re making

There ain’t no mistaking

For you I’ve been waiting

Thank you for saving my life

You came to me

Put your hand in my hand

Salvation

From my demons within

Escape from a definite end

When like you said

I could win

Then you showed me

What life should be like

Cause I have you

Right here by my side

You’re the reason

That I’m still alive

These are more than

Just words that I write

This is love that we’re making

There ain’t no mistaking

For you I’ve been waiting

Thank you for saving my life

This is the way it should be

You’re opened my eyes

And now I can see

This is the way

I wanna stay

For now

For the rest of my life

You’re the reason

That I’m still alive

These are more than

Just words that I write

This is love that we’re making

There ain’t no mistaking

For you I’ve been waiting

Thank you for saving my life

Thank you for saving my life

~ o ~