It's getting colder here in Southern California. Christmas is in the air. Christmas is my favorite holiday because I love shopping and giving gifts. I love decorating for Christmas to make people smile.
I keep myself away from gift shops nowadays. I'm stocking up on canned goods, warm blankets, socks and other donation items - not just for sending to the Philippines, but those who are homeless in our backyards. The crisp breeze that used to get me excited about the holiday season now leaves me worrying about those who have no homes to shelter them from the cold, those who do not know where to get their next meal or have no change of clothes. One of our friends here in Orange is helping out such an individual, he is trying to help the young man get back on his feet. It is inspiring to watch. We helped him by finding resources, but it was so wonderful to know that our friend had such a golden heart and he taught us valuable lessons about giving by example.
While visiting another friend yesterday, she asked me why do I think the typhoons are so devastating in the Philippines nowadays. She said she had sent monetary help, an amount greater than she would usually give for a donation because she pitied the people who have been affected by the typhoons. When I watch the Philippine news I am awed at the sheer devastation, people are left with nothing - except their families and their inspiring faith that God is still blessing them because they are still alive. I have never been prouder of the Filipino people than when I hear those whose homes have been destroyed, swept away by flash floods or tornadoes declare their faith in God to provide for them. Wow! We are a strong and resilient people, we smile because we know God loves us despite the poverty, the natural disasters and the tragedies. Life is a gift and as long as we have God with us, we will be ok.
I feel that God is reminding us of what is truly important. I feel that God is awakening our innate goodness and love for our neighbors. He is teaching us the true meaning of Christmas - when God gave his only Son to save the world. He is teaching us how to love others - how to give hope to those who have lost everything. He is teaching us that He will never forsake us and will take care of us always.
So smile and give thanks for life and for God's love!
An Extraordinary Bedside Manner
I just wanted to share what this amazing Filipino nurse is doing to comfort his patients - he sings to them. A member of the choir that sung with the Philharmonic Orchestra in New York, Dominic, uses the talent God gave him to share God's love with the sick. Doctors and fellow nurses laud his very compassionate bedside manner in this feature news story.
Thank you for teaching us compassion by example, Dominic - and for finding a way to use your gift in a profession that won't normally need it. God bless you for your angelic voice and generous heart!
By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North
Haven't posted a worship song in a while. My sisters shared this with me, it is a beautiful and timely video of the most important thing to remember when faced with tough times.
Hope this video blesses you as much as it has blessed me!
A Forgotten Promise
After our monthly singing engagement at the St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Los Angeles yesterday, we went to take food to my mother-in-law in Pasadena. It was there that I met this amazing individual, her name was Estrella, which is literally translated as "star" in the English language. She is a Eucharistic minister that gives holy communion to the elderly including my mother-in-law every Sunday.
Now I have friends who are Eucharistic ministers and my mother-in-law has told me that this lady was very nice to her, but yesterday was the first time I actually observed the process. Estrella celebrated a shortened mass, going through the profession of faith, giving the gospel readings and then communion. She patiently explained what the gospel was all about to my mom and listened to her stories. I liked her a lot as I continued to observer her.
After the communion, she shared stories about her volunteer work with us, her devotion to the Divine Mercy and God's providence in her life. She told us she was going to study to be a CNA because she wanted to be able to change overworked healthcare workers' attitude towards their patients - teach them by example the power of prayer and compassion. Her drive was very inspiring - what a beautiful life mission. She said she wanted to finish her chaplaincy here in St. Joseph in Orange. I hope she does so that we can spend more time with her, she already came at a time when one of our family friends need her advice most regarding his mother and she's very eager to help. She was so refreshing to talk with we spent hours just sharing!
She reminded me how I wanted to do volunteer work when I was younger, how wonderful it felt and stirred a longing in me that I had almost forgotten. When I was in sixth grade, I joined a prayer-based club in my school where we gathered weekly to pray for others. I loved it at first, but felt that I wanted to do more so I talked with our adviser and asked if we could do outreach trips so that we're not just praying, we're physically helping too. The next year, the club was converted to an outreach club - we went to a school for handicapped children and taught catechism. Because of the mental ages of our students, this often consisted of just showing them God's love through us. It was one of the most fulfilling, most unforgettable experiences of my life and I promised myself then that I'd find a way to that again as a constant activity in my life. Talking to Estrella made me remember my promise to myself, made me remember that part of my life I am missing right now - volunteering, not only in faith-based activities but in physically going out there and sharing God's love with someone who desperately needs it. And I know I don't have much time to share, but maybe I should just go out and do it no matter what - then maybe I will find that "happy me" again for good.
Have a great new work week!
Speak No Evil
My father is the epitome of humility. He is a very smart man, he holds a very important role in our church and he is a healer - but he never let these get to his head. He is never boastful, rarely gets angry and tries hard not to speak ill of others.
It is very easy for us to dismiss a person for their faults, closing our hearts to understanding and sympathy. As I grow older I find talking about other people negatively very unpleasant. Every time I hear people talk negatively about someone, I feel a poisonous venom enveloping my soul. And the more negative talk I hear or participate in I feel my soul rotting like it has a disease that is slowly killing it. So please forgive me if I sometimes stay away from certain conversations.
I feel that even if a person hurts you - no matter how much - you must always leave room for forgiveness and understanding. You may need some time to do this, but taking time is better than closing the door forever.
Turn the other cheek. This was very hard for me when I was younger. More often than not, I got even instead of turning the other cheek. But boy was it difficult! I was not at peace, I was constantly thinking of how to get back at the person that I got no rest. It is not worth it. You are only poisoning yourself.
Open your heart to understanding, to forgiving and to loving - what an amazing difference it makes! You breathe easily, you are free. You are at peace inside. And you have room for a lot more love to give others - once all that garbage is thrown away. And I assure you love feels a whole lot better than hate or negativity!
Share God's love today and watch it grow.
