Falling Plates

20 February 2014

Faith

Falling Plates

The other night I was unable to fall asleep.  I guess it was because of all the stress and anxiety running through my mind about the things I should be doing with my week off from school.  So as I laid in bed, I decided to search for an answer.... an answer to what? I would tell you, but I didn't even know what I was searching for. 

Happiness? How to stop stressing? How to fall asleep faster? I was searching, but I didn't know what I was searching for... 

Then I somehow came across this powerful video on youtube that I have this strong urge to share with you all.  I found this video to be so incredible because I've never saw God's love expressed in the form of falling plates.

Please take a few minutes to watch it... I'll wait! No rush.

Powerful isn't it? Just makes you look at Jesus's love for us and the world from such a different, yet amazing interpretation. Sometimes it is so easy for us to lose ourselves in the many things/events that are going on in our waking life. It is important to relax and just look towards God, for he has the ability to comfort us from all our stresses.  How can we love others, if we are unable to show our gratitude and love for Him and all that he has done for us? 

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love - 1 John 4:8

Sometimes it is so easy for us to lose ourselves in the many things/events that are going on in our waking life. It is important to relax and just look towards God, for he has the ability to comfort us from all our stresses.  How can we love others, if we are unable to show our gratitude and love for Him and all that he has done for us?

As this video literally just takes a few minutes from your time, it can have a huge impact on everything you see or do. Let's not forget why and how we are all here today. 

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus - Romans 8:1 

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Thoughts on Tuesday: Forgiving

11 February 2014

Faith

Thoughts on Tuesday: Forgiving

image via

We've all been there. 

That feeling of pain from a friend, family, or stranger through their selfish and horrible actions. It hurts... and all you can do is just sit there with ugly thoughts about them running through your mind... all... day... long. It sucks... I get it. But what else is there to do besides just sit there feeling angry?

Speaking from experience, I usually end up exposing the ugly hidden far within me. It's rare for a lot of people to see me act this way, but if I feel really attacked and hurt... I sometimes just resort to getting even.  It's wrong, believe me I know.  And don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to justify my actions here, but I sometimes feel it is necessary for the other person to understand the hurt and pain they have put me through.  But it's not always rude and horrible actions from me. There are times where I simply just phase the person out, as I choose not to have that kind of negativity in my life. So the way I respond to people hurting me, can go either way.

But recently, I've been feeling betrayed and often alone from a close person. It's hard. I don't want to lash out my anger at them, nor do I want to phase them out of my life - I love and care too much to lose such important people in my life. In the beginning of the year, I made a promise to myself that I would be more kinder with others... I was definitely in no mood to go back into a dark place. I want to move forward with positivity. So what did I do?

I prayed the rosary to seek a positive path from God.

As a Roman Catholic, praying in general is such an important way of communicating with Him.  He is always listening, no matter how long/how much I am talking/complaining/crying about.  Since today is Tuesday, I prayed the rosary following the Sorrowful Mysteries. I found it particularly interesting when I read the 5th Sorrowful Mystery - The Crucifixion of the Lord.

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his cloths by casting lots.       - Luke 23:34

Such a powerful message Jesus has verbally demonstrated to all of us. This verse is a reminder to us to ask God to extend his forgiveness to our enemies.  As Jesus has asked God to forgive those tormenting him, we need to follow in his example.  Instead of being angry and fight back, we need to pray for those who have abused us - mentally, physically or emotionally; Asking the Lord to cleanse their actions and thinking processing so that this will not occur again upon someone else.

By forgiving others, you are not only forgiving those who have done wrong to you, but you are also re-demonstrating the ultimate example Jesus has shown us.  By doing so, we are not only carrying on the word of God, but we are saying thank you for all the sacrifices that he has done for us.  Forgiving others is just one of the simple ways we are showing thanks to Him - by following his example.

What better way to show others your maturity and strength than by being the bigger person and forgiving what has been done to you.  Sometimes being the bigger person just allows you to move on to live your life with such positivity through your actions, thoughts, and words.

But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you       - Luke 6:27

Thanks for reading!

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Finally Reunited

22 November 2013

emotion

Finally Reunited

On November 19, I turned 19 years old.  As happy as my day was, an unfortunate event happened… Our long time family friend passed away.  It was hard to hear this news as my uncle (that's what I call him) has been apart of my sister and I's life ever since the age of 6.  I'm 19 now, that 13 years our families have been inseparable.

The viewing was last night, which was why I was unable to blog something then, and the service is later today.  As sad as it was, the family was unable to contact old friends that grew up with us as well. So my sister and I decided to pull out our contacts and try to contact our karate family.

Yes, I took karate don't be surprised.  My sister and I started at the age of 6 and we were able to attain our junior black belt.  So that was a huge accomplishment for us, and the friends we made was a bonus.

And last night, for the first time in years, we were all together in one room - and wow it was an amazing feeling.  You know how strong our friendship is when we all talked as if we just saw each other yesterday.  It wasn't awkward at all, it was just emotional because it felt like old times.  Being in that room with those group of people reminded me of my life at karate, and how much I miss doing it with them.

As unfortunate as the circumstances was, I think it sad that it takes a death in our family in order to get all of us to be together.  As happy as we all were, we decided to do a skating party with all of us just like old times.

Towards the end of the viewing, some of us started getting emotional because who knows when the next time is when we will all be together again… lol I'm thinking either Manan's or Joa's wedding (hopefully)! So my sensei wanted all of us to take a photo together to remember this moment, because like I said, it's been years since we have all been in the same room.

Standing up (left to right): Manan, Cody, Linda, Vanessa (ME), Kenneth, Shirley (my mom), Senpei Leigh, Billy, Sensei Ken, Kendra, Amanda, Lauren, Sensei Kim, Joe
Kneeling (left to right): Ashley, Daniel, Tony, Michael

Just looking at this photo makes me smile… I grew up with all of them ever since I was six years old.  We are missing other people, but hopefully we can all meet up for the skating party and really have the whole team there.  I love them all as they all made a huge impact on my life.  Thank you so much for guys!

R.I.P Bernie Sena Cabalse. 

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Commit to the Lord

30 October 2013

everlasting

Commit to the Lord

As a Roman Catholic, it is safe to say that I am a firm believer of God.  I believe in the faith he has for humanity, and I believe in his faith that he has for me.  Moreover, I believe in the love that he has for all his children, whether you believe in him or not, I know he loves every one of us equally.
As a student, it is easy to get all caught up in school or social life and it is extremely easy to just get stressed out and feel all alone.  Whether you are a student like me, or not, I think we can all relate when I say that sometimes we don't feel loved or no one is here to support us.
Unfortunately, I've been experiencing this feeling every so often that I forgot that God is here to help me.  Like I said, it is so easy to get caught up on other things that may be going on in your life that you tend to forget the simple things.  I'm not trying to say God is simple, I'm saying I think sometimes we take for granted the love and care that God unconditionally provides us with.
For the past couple of weeks, I kept finding myself in a position where I am cramming at the last minute to study for my tests.  I don't know what I do with my time for this to happen, but it just does.  I usually always get mad at myself as it is my fault, but I do study at my best with the time that I do have.  I've been so stressed about my marks going up because I have recently decided that I am going to change my career path.  I have been looking into schools that I am eligible to transfer into, and go straight into the nursing program. Believe me when I say that it is such a stressful process.
But what I've come to realize is that I just need to put my trust in God.  He has a plan for me, and if I am meant to do nursing in the future, then I mean to become a nurse.  In the mean time, I'm not saying that it is okay for you to just sit around waiting for God to answer, NO.
He works in mysterious ways, and what I have learnt in the past few years is that he won't begin to help you until you help yourself.  If you help yourself with having God by your side, he will help you get what you want.
We were all brought into our lives here on earth for a reason.  Whether that is to make a difference in someones life or not, there is a reason why you are here.  Maybe it is to become a doctor who helps cure cancer, or perhaps a priest who is here to spread the word and love of God.
As for me, I am still on that search to why I was brought here on Earth.  All I know is that I want to make a difference in people's lives - especially children.  I just have this passion and so much love for children (whether I know them or not), and I just want to help them in every way possible.
My goal is to one day work at Sick Kids Hospital, and aid to the children there to their every needs in order to help them get better.  That is what I want to do and that is what I am trying to work towards. 

"Commit to the lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." - Proverbs 16:3.

Having God by your side will make a huge difference of the success you will endure in your future.  Just a side note, when I say having God by your side I don't mean the act of holding on to a rosary whenever you go to an interview, or praying only 5 minutes before your test (if you don't pray on a regular basis).  I'm talking about you're faith in God.

Anyone can go to church every Sunday and claim that they are a true follower of God.  I think it is about how you act towards one another.  God lives among every one of us.  And how you treat your friend, mother, father, sister, brother or neighbour, is how you are treating God.  If you are disrespecting someone, you are disrespecting God.

Being good to others is having God within you're heart always, and he will reward you for loving him and all his children.

Good luck to everyone out there who is trying to become someone and make their future better.  Hope this encourages you all to love one another and not create problems.  It is in his everlasting love that he will help you get to where you need to be, every time. 

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