The Greatest Love

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with His stripes we are healed." - Isaiah 53:5

Lenten season is a time of fasting and abstinence for Catholics all over the globe. The remembrance of our Lord’s passion and death. They consider this time as a fitting day to practice mortification, penance, and for meditation on the mystery of our redemption.

Is it really a mystery? Christ has shown us clearly through His death and resurrection, that He has won over death, evil and sin. There’s nothing really “hidden” in that.  In abstaining from something, like from eating meat or extravagant food within this season or in anytime of the year, I don’t see anything wrong with that. As long we do it with good intention.

A lot of people now are re-enacting the passion and death of Our Lord Jesus in the streets and especially in the provinces, particularly in Pampanga. It is really indeed troubling.  Curious journalist have interviewed these people and most of them answered that they’re doing this in order for them to atone for their sins, that somehow this “act” will “lessen”or diminish the amount of sin in their lives. In Ephesians 2:8, we are reminded that it is not through our works that we are saved but through our faith. I once heard a pastor, explaining that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are responsible for our own body. So these acts of mortification and inflicting pain in ourselves, doesn’t really glorify our Lord GOD. No amount of penitence or sacrifices can ever pay our sins! The good thing is that JESUS, has paid it all for us! Completely!

This time is an opportunity for us to reflect and meditiate on Our Lord’s passion, death and resurrection, to understand its significance and importance. More than family bonding, and get together,why not, bond by reading the the gospel and study the good news! You can also watch Christian movies like “The Passion of Christ”. Let us use this time wisely. I have nothing against going out and bonding with one another but remember this is not always about having fun or about ourselves! It’s all about HIM!

I am amazed by Our Lord’s great love for us. When I accepted Him in my life that is when I really understood, His sacrifice for us and GOD’s amazing grace to a sinner like me. Like a line from one of my favorite Christian song – “In His suffering He thought of me. He gave His life for me and He made a way for me to know Him!” What kind of love is that? So selfless!”

In closing, I’d like to say a short prayer.

“Dear Almighty Father in heaven, thank You for sending Your only son, our Lord Jesus. For His stripes we are healed. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your great love to us. Thank You for being my Lord and Savior and for not giving up on me. Guide me always everyday.” Amen.

--
(click on the title link below to redirect you to the music video)

 What Love is This? (MV)

You never change, you are the GOD you stay a while
when I'm afraid you calm and still my beating heart

You stay the same, when hope is just a distant thought

You take my pain
and you lead me to the cross

What love is this?, that you gave Your life for me
and made a way for me to know You
and i confess You're always enough for meYou're all i need

I look to You
I see the scars upon Your hands
And hold the truth
That when i can't You always can
I'm standing here beneath the shadow of the cross, 

I'm overwhelmed that I keep finding open arms

What love is this?,

that you gave your life for me and made a way for me to
know you.
And I confess, You're always enough for me
You're all i need

Jesus in Your suffering, You were reaching your thought of me.

Teach My Heart

            Everyone of us is struggling with something, one way or another we all have struggles. We try to remove these things in our lives the hard way, like when we remove dark stains in a plain sheet of cloth. These past few months has been really hard for me. Like Achilles I was hit by an arrow not in my heel but in my heart. My heart is my weak point, like Achilles' heel. So does everyone of us.

               I was not really aware that it has become an "idol", and that desire has almost consumed me. It has even come to a point that I was really affected by that "desire", to the point my relationship with GOD was really affected. It also has become a persistent thought in my head that even my sleep pattern was affected. Selfish desires engulfed me and I have been also acting immaturely over these feelings, and shameful as it is I was really "sourgraping", when I came to know I cannot get hold of that "desire".

              Still, GOD has been merciful and watching me all these time. I thank my fellow Christian brothers and sisters who are helping me get my life back on track. I was rebuked , and it felt like a slap in the face. A rebuke is painful but like the verse in the bible, "Better is open rebuke than hidden love." (Proverbs 27:5). 

               My prayer now is for our Lord GOD to change my heart and teach my heart to focus and fall in love with Him, day by day, like the prayer of St.Anselm, a theologian and a philosopher, that I might find Him in my desire, and that in desiring Him, I might find Him and when I find Him, I will love Him more and more each day. 

(click on the title link below to listen and watch the music video)

Teach My Heart (MV)

Oh Lord, my GOD teach my heart where and how to seek You, teach my heart where and how to find You.

You are my GOD and You are my All and I have never seen You.
You have made me and remade me,
You have bestowed on me all the good things I possess,
Still I do not know You…

I have not yet done that for which I was made….
Teach me to seek You…

I cannot seek You unless you teach me
or find You unless you show yourself to me.
Let me seek You in my desire, let me desire You in my seeking.
Let me find You by loving You, let me love You when I find You.

Teach me Lord, where and how to find You...

Sa Iyo Lamang (Pilgrimsong's theme)

  It is the month of February. In shopping malls everywhere,  love is in the air again. Cute teddy bears, chocolate and heart shaped decorations, pillows and anything with hearts are up and are on display and for sale! Come, February 14, all the people around the world will be celebrating "valentines day" (originated from Roman tradition in honor of St.Valentine). For me, I believe love can be celebrated any day, everyday and in every way. It's just that February has been the customary tradition to celebrate, "love day". I'm sure married couples as well as single people with their "special someone" are excited to celebrate Vday. 

 

           Sorry to disappoint my readers, but I will not be posting about my "someone special" in this blog. I want to dedicate this post to our Almighty Father. I have heard a very beautiful song just the other day while checking out youtube. It is sung by my favoring acoustic singer. Then I said to myself what a beautiful song of praise it is to our Almighty Father! So I then decided to  make it my blog's theme song. So to honor Him this love month, I am posting the lyrics and video below. Pilgrimsong is the title of my blog. Why the title? because, I know I am a pilgrim on this earth. I'm aware this is not my permanent home and what I am feeling, I express it better through songs.  For every entry, I try to make it a point to include a song that goes together with my entry. Now, who says that love songs can only be dedicated to a person?

            I dedicate this song, to my dear Almighty Father. Like a line from a song that goes, "You are my source, You are my hope, You are the light that shines within me, You are the air that I breathe..." This song is for Him. I will never ever get tired of saying, "Thank You", and to sing songs of praise for Him everyday. This is the song of my heart for Him. My blog's theme song.

---

(click on the song title below to view the video)

SA IYO LAMANG

(A Song of Praise song of the Month - October 2012)

Composer: Juvic Ann Capistrano 

Interpreter: Ms. Suy Galvez 

Dinggin mo aking pag-ibig,

sa Iyoý aking inaawit.

Puso koý Iyong masdan,

Ikaw ang sýang laman.

Himig ng pusoý ang alay,

sa Iyo O Diyos, aking buhay,

at hindi nagmamaliw

ang Iyong pagmamahal.

O Diyos, Ikaý aawitan,

bawat ngayon at kailanman.

Bawat himig at tinig,

na aking tinataglay,

sa Iyo, O Ama, lamang.

Sa Iyo nagtitiwala,

Buhay ko't aking magagawa.

Puso koý Iyong hagkan,

sa magpakailanman.

At hindi magsasawa,

awit koý ipadama.

Aking Diyos, 

Ikaw ang aking ligaya.

The Greatest Book of All Times

If I will ask someone what is his/her favorite book. I know that I will always get an answer. We all love to read. During my spare time, the moment that I enjoy doing the most, aside from blogging is reading a good book. Which do you prefer?, Fiction or Non-Fiction, different story genres, from historical romance, classical tale, contemporary, sci-fi, drama, thriller name it, for sure everyone is excited to read!

Can you answer my next question? What lone book has succeeded over the next generation? Stories passed on and treasured until now?  Inspired countless people, changed lives, has all the ingredients you want in a story to make you want to read more (adventure, drama, love story, action etc.). A guidebook for the do’s and don’t in this life and for sure you’ll live a life that’s A ok! So you see it is not an ordinary book.

Ready for the answer?, The answer is ------ the BIBLE! Yes, you are correct if the BIBLE is the book that you have in mind then you’re on the right track!

Isn’t it great, the one book that has everything for you. Just like the tagline of a famous shopping mall here, this book’s got it all for you! It is truly a wonderful book, from our Almighty Father, He is truly amazing and so is His book! A book that is inspired by Him. The bible is GOD’s love letter to us. We have the bible to remind us of GOD’s great love for us. It is our map here on earth. We should know the bible by heart so that we will never lose our way to our Almighty Father. Like what I’ve mentioned before it is our handbook and guide book for living an effective life here on earth. We have a lot of popular contemporary books now, a lot of “how to’s and books for the dummies.” We should not look elsewhere, for most people have overlooked and tried reading other self-help books, when they’re not aware that the book that they should learn and read by heart is just around their house. I remember, one fellow believer told us that you’ll know the owner of a bible if he/she’s truly reading it. The more worn-out your bible is the better! I really felt ashamed before because it was just recently when I started reading the bible. In our bible study in the office, I really felt like an ‘alien’ before because most of my Christian officemates are all well-versed and knowledgeable with the bible. I really have no idea about the other old testament books, the most familiar with me are Genesis and Exodus and that’s it! With regards to the New Testament, I am very familiar with the 4 gospels since, it is very a familiar reading in Catholic mass. So don’t let what happened to me happen to you. Don’t just display the bible, read it for yourself and share the good news with you loved ones!

It’s never too late for you to start reading the bible. Remember, it’s better late than never! Also, I will never forget this saying, that “Ignorance of the bible, is ignorance of Christ Jesus.” It’s true, isn’t it? For how can you say you are a follower of Christ if you don’t know His words. Like our body needs food, so is our spirit – the word of GOD is its food.

(click on the title link below to view the music video)
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Thy Word (MV)

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path

When I feel afraid
And think I've lost my way
Still, You're there right beside me

Nothing will I fear
As long as You are near
Please be near me to the end

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path

I will not forget
Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering

Jesus be my guide
And hold me to Your side
And I will love You to the end
To the end

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path

You're the light unto my path

Book: JESUS and His times

This is one of my prized collection. The title is really hard to find nowadays. I got this because my aunt is a loyal subscriber of Reader’s Digest. I was in high school when she gave this book to me. This is not free, my aunt bought it for me and I really appreciate it because it is quite expensive. She knows I’m always been interested in religious stuffs. I wanted to be a nun before ha!ha!ha! And look where am I now. I know and I’m happy where I am now, for I’m in the truth now.

Well, so much so for that. I really love this book because it has a lot of facts about Jerusalem – I mean Israel in Jesus times. I’m not that familiar with the Israelite culture and history so this book was really helpful to me. And the photos are really nice, paintings, and real artifact photos. Like Ruth, I love GOD and Jesus so I would really love to know more about their chosen people and country. What HE loves, I also love. Just like when a man loves a woman, he would know more about her and know the things she loves, the same goes, vice-versa. So, I recommend this book if you want to know more about Jesus and His times. Maybe, Reader’s Digest will offer this again or you can buy it online, still want to read? Maybe we can read together! He!he!he!

Imagine me Without You

To my dearest Yeshua / Lord Jesus,

         Words can't say how much You mean to me... In my life now... All I can say is like this beautiful song, the words that I can't really say to you are all written in the lyrics of this song, a song of my heart. This is for you. I really and I don't want to imagine my life without you. You are the best thing that ever happened in my life. Thank you for telling me that - "Sometimes it takes a deep hurt to feel a deep need for GOD." Being alive, breathing knowing that I am here reminds me of your goodness, of Your love for me. Thank You for being so patient with me for loving me for what I am. For always being there for me when I want to give up and when no one else understands me, thank you for listening. Most of all thank You for your unconditional love and for teaching me day by day what true selfless love, Your love really means.

         

        Thank You for everything!

 ---

As long as stars shine down from heaven
And the rivers run into the sea
Til the end of time forever
You’re the only love I’ll need

In my life you’re all that matters
In my eyes the only truth I see
When my hopes and dreams have shattered
You’re the one that’s there for me

When I found you I was blessed
And I will never leave you, I need you

Imagine me without you
I’d be lost and so confused
I wouldn’t last a day, I’d be afraid
Without you there to see me through

Imagine me without you

Lord, you know it’s just impossible
Because of you, it’s all brand new
My life is now worthwhile
I can’t imagine me without you

When you caught me I was falling
You’re love lifted me back on my feet
It was like you heard me calling
And you rush to set me free

When I found you I was blessed
And I will never leave you, I need you

When I found you I was blessed
And I will never leave you, I need you oh

I can’t imagine me without you ♥ 

                                                                                        From,
                                                                                        Leah 

Song of the Moment: Arms of Love

I'll always remember His goodness to me. How he sees me through all my fears, failures and pain. I may not be able to say it to Him but I truly honor, revere and love Him in my own way. In the end of my life here on earth, He is my only hope.. I want to rest in His embrace. There comes a time when I'm just so tired about everything.. here.. I just want to rest and lay my head on His bosom and be still, to say all the things that I want to say to Him. Everything that's here in my heart..

This beautiful song is for Him. I truly found love and protection in His, Arms of Love...
--
To my dearest Lord Jesus,

Lord, I'm really glad You're here.I hope You feel the same when You see all my fear

and how I fail, I fall sometimes..

It's hard to walk on shifting sands. I missed the rock and find I've nowhere left to stand, I start to cry..

Lord, please help me! Raise my hands so that you can lift me up, hold me close, hold me tighter..

I have found a place where I can hide. Its safe inside Your arms of love. Like a child whose held throughout the storm, You keep me warm in Your arms of love..

Storms may come and storm may go. I wonder just how many storms it takes until I finally know, You're here always. Even when my skies are far from grey, I can stay, teach me to stay there..

In the place I found where I can hide. Its safe inside Your arms of love. Like a child whose held throughout the storm, You keep me warm in Your arms of love..

Arms.. In Your arms of love..

From:
Leocadia
24th of November, 2007

Love Is...

1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 13

4
Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful;
5
it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;
6
it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right.
7
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8
Love never ends; as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
9
For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect;
10
but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away.
11
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways.
12
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood.
13
So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

The Lord is My Shepherd

This next song is from The Prayers From the Upper Room album. I'm really touched once again! Who doesn't know Psalm 23. Yes, if the Lord is beside us why should we be afraid. He said that we should always trust in Him.
--------------------
Ang Panginoon Ang Aking Pastol

Ang Panginoon ang aking pastol
Wala akong dapat ikapangambang anuman

Luntiang pastulan
Doon hihimlay
Malinaw na batis
Pamatid uhaw
Sa tamang landas ako'y babanaagan
Kay tapat Nya sa akin

Dilim at panganib
Siya ang papawi
Bisig nya'y kapit
Tatag ng dibdib
Ang hain nya nga
Ang sagana ng buhay
Tahanan ko'y Kanyang pag-ibig

Dalangin ko lamang o Panginoon
Ay pagkabagabag ng kalooban
Kung piliin ko man maligaw ang pag-ibig
Tawagin mo at akayin pauwi

Moments: The Word of God in Our Hearts/Reunion

Matthew: 13:1-25
 
The parable of Jesus - The Sower's Seed. The way I understand it and the way it was explained by priests and preachers. The word of God is likened to a seed. It may touch our hearts or it may not. We accept it or we don't. And lastly, we apply it to our lives after hearing it or we simply don't care and continue doing the wrong things.
God, our father is a loving God. Remember our parents only wants the best for us. They always remind us and most of the times we get tired hearing them. We should be thankful for in this way they show to us that they really care. God as our spiritual father knows the best for us.
 
Dear God, I thank you for giving me the chance to be with my family again. It is a blessing to see my father and mother, my brother and his wife, my nephew to be okay. Thank you and may you bless them always!

Moments: God always in our lives

 Matthew: 10:37-42

My reflection on this Sunday gospel is that, God must be always put first in our lives. Whatever we do and wherever we are, we must always include/put Him in our lives. Yes, there are things that are necessary and essential in our human lives. There are things and persons that we treasure and love. In all of these things we should include and put God first.
The word of God doesn't contradict, for in His 4th commandment we should "Honor they Father and thy Mother." We must know how to understand the gospel, there are times when we should not take it literally. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand when you're confused and in need of enlightenment.
Our daily lives may be busy and some might say Oh! I have no time for prayer. We must learn to pray even in the busiest part of our lives. In those seconds, minutes and hours, we can connect and reach Him. Just pause for a short moment and try to talk to Him about your fears, worries, happiness, joy and plan for the day. He will be happy knowing that You share all the moments of your life with Him.
I also want other people to be happy and well.  I know how hard it is to have a burden and sickness, If I can I want to make them all happy and contented too! Enjoy life and see its beauty! For there are some, when they experience in pain they can't see the beauty and enjoy life... I want to be an angel of love and hope.
God is a wonder worker. He gave us all the good things. He wants the best for us and He paints our destiny. There may be times of hurts, trials and despair, times that you want to give up, but don't! He will help you pass through all of these. God knows best!

He is my inspiration... He removes all the clouds of doubts and fears in me. He made me see the rainbow. I Love You dear God!

Moments: Blessings

God is so good! He is a very generous Father! He knows when to give His sons and daughters, presents and blessings! I feel even more His blessings now. I'm thankful because even if I'm a sinner and an unworthy person of His love. He still continues to understand me and He supports me all the way. I want to take this time and say Thannk you God, our Father for the blessings. Please bless us always and lead us by Your hand.

A rainbow for me is for us to be reminded that there's always a brighter day ahead despite of the rain that happened before... It is a reminder of God's love for us His children...

An Endless Love

What's your favorite love song? To whom do you dedicate and offer that song? I remember when I was still a little girl, I heard this beautiful love song... It was a duet. I first, heard this from the wedding of one of my cousins. This is one of songs used in their wedding. I don't know how it happened, just one day I thought of giving this song to our Lord Jesus. Why? I think the lyrics is just right. He will always be my Endless Love, no matter what happens, as time goes by... my love for Him will never change. I admit that I still don't know what true love is at that time. Now, at least I have an idea of what love should be. All I know is His love is unconditional. And for me, that is what a real love should be unconditional and it has no end.

Endless Love

My love,
There’s only you in my life
The only thing that’s bright

My first love,
You’re every breath that I take
You’re every step I make

And I
I want to share
All my love with you
No one else will do...

And your eyes
Your eyes, your eyes
They tell me how much you care
Ooh yes, you will always be
My endless love

Two hearts,
Two hearts that beat as one
Our lives have just begun

Forever
I’ll hold you close in my arms
I can’t resist your charms

And love
Oh, love
I’ll be a fool
For you,
I’m sure
You know I don’t mind
Oh, you know I don’t mind

’cause you,
You mean the world to me
Oh
I know
I know
I’ve found in you
My endless love

Oooh, and love
Oh, love
I’ll be that fool
For you,
I’m sure
You know I don’t mind
Oh you know-
I don’t mind

And, yes
You’ll be the only one
’cause no one can deny
This love I have inside
And I’ll give it all to you
My love
My love, my love
My endless love

Moments: Him, in my life

Sa Piling Mo - Beside You

Nang hipuin Mo ang aking puso
Ako ay nag-iba, nagpanibagong diwa

When You touched my heart
I was changed

Nang malasin ko ang mga sugat Mo
Aking namalas pag-ibig Mong wagas

When I saw Your wounds
I experienced Your love so true

O Kristo, sa piling Mo
Aking napagtanto
Kamatayan ay buhay
Ligaya'y Lumbay
Pighati'y Luwalhati
Kung sa bawat sandali
Ako'y nasa Iyong kandili

Oh, Jesus with You
I realize that
Death is Life
Joy is Sadness
Sorrow is Glorious
If every moment
I'm with You

Nang tanggapin ko krus Mong pasanin
Naging mithiin atas Mo'y sundin

When I accepted the cross that You bear
My desire is to follow Your will

Note: It was 2 years ago when I asked for advice/counseling from a Christian group (700 club). I was having difficulty looking for a job and I was really depressed. They told me what steps to undertake and they ask me to pray along with them. The prayer was short but I was really touched, so while I was saying the prayer with the phone counselor, tears welled in my eyes. The prayer was about accepting Jesus to be my saviour and Lord of my life and that I welcome Him wholeheartedly in my heart. I have nothing against Christian groups/sects. For me, we're all worshiping the same God. Although, we had some disagreements in each of our own church teachings and beliefs. The prayer helped a lot, now as I look back, this job that have until now was indeed a gift from Him! Two months after the prayer I got a job and that was New Year 2004. Indeed it was a beautiful New Year for me! My relationship with Him became even more stronger, there's still some ups and down but I still cling on to Him.

Longing for You, Oh Lord!

This is one of my favorite song. The meaning of the lyrics is really beautiful. The desire decribe in this song is about a person who longs for our Lord God. This is both a prayer and a song. When we sing our prayers its like saying it twice. Let our prayers be a song that comes from our hearts and as we sing from our hearts, as if its like our Lord is singing together with us. Like the person singing in this song may our longings be also the same.

*The original lyrics is in Filipino/Tagalog, I tried my best to translate this song in English. Sang by the Hangad choir and this album is produced by the Jesuit Music Ministry, Philippines. They're my favorite composers/singer/arrangers, when it comes to religious music.

Hangad - Desire

Kung aawit ako ng mag-isa
Awit ko'y awiting nga ba?
Sabayan mo ako, Panginoon,
Sa aking pagkanta

If I will sing by myself,
Is my song really a song?
Accompany me, Lord,
as I sing

Hangad Kang maging tinig ko't hininga
Hangad kong makita ang pagmamahal Mo
Hangad Kang makasabay sa bawat pagkanta
Hangad ko'y hangarin Kita

I desire that You'll be my voice and my breath
My desire is that I'll be able to see Your love
My desire is that You'll sing with me in every song
I desire that You'll be my desire

Kahit minsa'y aking nalilimutan
Ikaw, Poon, ay laging nariyan
Kaya ngayon ang tanging hangad ko
Ay na Ikaw ay laging mapaglingkuran

If sometimes I forget
You, Lord is always there
So now my only desire
Is that I may always be able to serve You

Hindi lang sa pag-awit
Kundi habambuhay
Panginoon, gawing apoy ang puso ko,
Hangaring umaalab para sa 'Yo

Not only when singing
but forever
Lord, make my heart on fire
A desire burning for You

Hangad Kang maging diwa ko't damdamin
Hangad kong tularan ang pagmamahal Mo
Hanagd Kang makasama sa araw-araw,
Hangad ko'y hangarin Kita.

I desire that You become my consciousness & feelings
I desire to follow Your example of love
I desire to be with You everyday
I desire that You'll be my desire

Panginoon, paalabin ang puso ko,
Hangad ko'y Ika'y maging tanging hangad ko...

Lord, make my heart on burn,
I desire that You'll be my only desire...

Because He Loves Me

Yes, that song is indeed a special one for me. I dedicate that song to my Lord Jesus, who says I can't sing a real love song to Him?..
That song speaks of everything that I want to say to Him.
He was always there for me, everytime. He's my inspiration! Even if things fail, He's always there. When I was weak, He gave me strength. I'm everything that I am now because He loves me, He loves me unconditionally. And He knows, He has always a special place in my heart. No one can take or occupy that space. He's my everything. Like a line from a Christian song, - He's my master, healer, guide and friend. This song is for Him. We are all different from one another but still He command us to love one another as true brothers and sisters. We call His name in different language and dialect, Yeshua, Hesus, Jesus... but He's still the same now and forever.

Because You Love Me

For all those times you stood by me
For all the truth that you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you
I’ll be forever thankful, Jesus
You’re the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You’re the one who saw me through through it all

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn’t speak
You were my eyes when I couldn’t see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach
You gave me faith ’coz you believed
I’m everything I am
Because you loved me

You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all
I’m grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don’t know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was loved by you

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn’t speak
You were my eyes when I couldn’t see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach
You gave me faith ’coz you believed
I’m everything I am
Because you loved me

You were always there for me
The tender wind that carried me
A light in the dark shining your love into my life
You’ve been my inspiration
Through the lies you were the truth
My world is a better place because of you

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn’t speak
You were my eyes when I couldn’t see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach
You gave me faith ’coz you believed
I’m everything I am
Because you loved me

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn’t speak
You were my eyes when I couldn’t see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach
You gave me faith ’coz you believed
I’m everything I am
Because you loved me

I’m everything I am
Because Jesus loves me...

About me

To the readers, Let me tell you a bit of info. about myself:

I'm a plain jane. What you see is what you get. I have many "loves" in life. I love food, blogging music and arts. I'm into polymer clay art and currently into paper clay art. You can see most of my art stuffs in facebook and deviantart.

I maintain a food blog and you can check it out at My Food Blog

I also love music. I studied a bit of piano, and guitar when I was in highschool and was also member of our school choir. I also had the chance to study, and I play the organ (electronic keyboards). I also love to sing, when I was 12 yrs. old I had the chance to study at The Ryan Cayabyab music studio (Sunvar Plaza in Makati) and was lucky to have Ms.Annie Quintos of The CompanY as my voice coach. I had the chance to record a song at Pink Noise Recording studio. You can hear my recording at this link My Recordings

I took a preparatory-medicine course during my college days at Centro Escolar University and was able to graduate with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Science.

I also enjoy learning a foreign language. I was interested in Chinese culture/language/arts before. I took a Basic Mandarin summer course at Languages Internationale and took it as my foreign language during my college days.

I'm a former member of Emperor Mandarin Toastmasters (the only bilingual speech club in the country).

At present, I work for the government. I'm a Civil Service Professional Eligible and just recently finished my Masters degree in Strategic Human Resources Management in Miriam College last March 2013.

I also took Basic Chinese 2 at Ateneo de Manila University. In 2026, I tried the online Mandarin beginner's class at University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

I have a published story, in 您好 (Nin Hao) a magazine of Manila Doctors Hospital, May-June 2014 issue, entitled 'My Own Silk Road' confessions of a Chinese culture studies enthusiast. 

I also joined a few religious order. I thought I would be a Carmelite but God led me to a religious order one that I did not really expect that I will be a part of it but along the way of my life's journey God showed me why this is the religious community that God wanted me to be. I am an Oblate Novice now, I was invested last March 2026 and I am affiliated with St. Vincent Archabbey in U.S.A. Apart from that I enrolled my family, my husband and my daughter to the Miraculous Medal Apostolate Association. I am also a member of the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception (blue scapular). I am a Marian devotee.

Forever thankful to God for sending me a good and kind priest, Fr. Donald Raila, O.S.B., our vocation director and my spiritual director. Thankful for my mentor Claudia and also Katherine who handles my studies in my Benedictine formation.

My favorite religious congregations are the Marian Fathers, Chris Alar, M.I.C. Also, I am into studying spiritual warfare and I have read the works of local priest exorcist, Fr. Jose Syquia, Msgr. Stephen Rossetti, Fr. Carlos Martins, C.C., and Fr. Chad Ripperger. I also admire another Filipino Dominican exorcist, Fr. Winston Cabading, O.P. 

I have a lot of big dreams for my life. But now I've decided to surrender everything to God. For Him to direct my life, and may I follow His will for me. Also, I've realized these achievements wouldn't really matter when I die.

I thank GOD for everything. Without His blessings and guidance I wouldn't be where I am now. I offer all my achievements to Him!

To GOD be the glory!

(updated August 2016)