Monday, March 31, 2008
Meditation
Luke 1:26-38
Readings
The Annunciation of the Lord"Nothing will be impossible for God." (Luke 1:37)
We all have issues in our lives that we assume are utterly impossible. The coworker who has to have his way. The money needed to meet financial obligations. The parent who drinks too much. The spouse whose temper erupts uncontrollably. Cancer. Alzheimer’s. Addictions.
Well, today is our day to exult. It’s our day to celebrate the God who can do all things—including and especially the impossible!
In a show of false humility, King Ahaz declared: “I will not ask! I will not tempt the Lord!” (Isaiah 7:12). May we not repeat his folly! We are children of the God of the impossible. We can face what we can’t imagine, undaunted by contradictions of need and possibility, because Almighty God is on our side! Consider the exchange between Mary and Gabriel in today’s Gospel. She was shaken by his announcement, but the remedy was: “Do not be afraid” (Luke 1:29-30). Don’t let fear make you give up hope. Instead, remember the astounding power of the One who created you, the One who loves you.
Talk to God frankly, as Mary did. It’s okay to tell him your fears and concerns. It’s okay to admit doubts and confusion. Let him relieve your anxieties about the impossible. Give him the chance to dispel any unbelief in his power—and his desire—to take care of you. Make time for him to give you wisdom and understanding for the difficult situations. You just may be surprised by what happens!
Then, like Mary, humbly place yourself at God’s disposal. Do it especially when you have nothing available for the situation. Give God room to be God, the all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving Father of—you! St. Leo the Great once wrote: “Majesty humbled itself, power became weak, and eternity mortal.” A man, Jesus, died because he was a man, but was free of death because he is God. The incomprehensible became comprehended; the eternal became finite; the Lord of the universe became servant to all creation. If God could manage that, he can handle the stuff in our lives!
“Father, you know me. I want to know you, for whom nothing is impossible. Help me today to believe in your desire and ability to do good in all the situations I believe are impossible.”
Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10; Psalm 40:7-11; Hebrews 10:4-10
Allow me to tell you...
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Meditation
Acts 3:11-26
Readings
“God has a plan.” How often have you heard these words, or even spoken them yourself, when you have had to confront tough issues? Maybe it’s a serious illness, or a business deal falls through. Perhaps a neighbor’s child has a substance abuse problem, or a relative unexpectedly loses her job. When we don’t understand why good people suffer, or when the mystery of living in a fallen world just doesn’t make sense, we fall back on the truth that God is in control. But sometimes even this truth can ring hollow. We may find some help by looking at Peter’s sermon in today’s first reading. Peter didn’t gloss over the deep pain and disappointment the disciples felt at Jesus’ unjust death. But he did point out that even though members of his own people handed Jesus over, God used Jesus’ pain—and the injustice of his situation—to bring about a far greater good. Peter said that this was how God “brought to fulfillment what he had announced beforehand”—the healing, restoration, and refreshment of his people. In the midst of such suffering, it was next to impossible to believe that a greater blessing could come; but come it did!Sometimes, we just need to keep walking through the events or circumstances that cause us pain. The truth that God has a plan can offer little comfort at the time, but faith can supply what experience lacks. Sometimes we simply have to wait patiently to see how that plan will unfold, knowing that somehow God will win and we will be comforted. By making the small, daily choices to stay close to God in prayer, our perspective will begin to change. So instead of just asking “why?” ask, “What do you have in store?” Then see what happens.
Maybe that afflicted neighbor needs a friend to walk beside him through his trial. Maybe the jobless relative would benefit from a note of encouragement and assurance of your prayers. Who knows? Maybe you will be lifted up as you take time with the Scriptures to see how God has walked with his people and brought them through their suffering to blessings and peace!
“Lord, you are Almighty God. I know I can trust you, wherever life takes me. Help me to stay close to you and receive assurances from the Holy Spirit that you are indeed in control!”
Psalm 8:2,5-9; Luke 24:35-48
God has kept no secrets. He has told us that, while on this yellow brick road (of life), we will experience trouble. Disease will afflict bodies. Divorce will break hearts. Death will make widows and devastation will destroy countries. We should not expect any less. But just because the devil shows up and cackles, we needn't panic.
Our master speaks of an accomplished deed... "It is finished" (JOhn 19:30). The battle is over. Be alert. But don't be alarmed... The manuscript has been published. The book has been bound. Satan is loosed for a season, but the season is oh-so-brief... Just a few more scenes, just a few more turns in the road, and his end will come.
I've been in a 'cooking' mood lately :) and what better way to celebrate EASTER than by learning a new recipe! Thanks to my friend Maricor for coaching me make this menu...
+ mashed potato with butter
= shepherd's pie!
Had my bi-weekly check-up today. I was able to take a look at our youngest. Good thing i had my digicam and Doc Mae was kind enough to allow me to take a snapshot of my baby on the ultrasound monitor. Here's Baby Miguel @ at 8 months AOG :)
good morning birthday boy! it's gonna be a great day!
lunch @ jollibee while picking up the cake at red ribbon, foodah
so excited! to eat the cake!!!
and enjoying some more with Lolo!
night time na...
while the grannies are having the time of their life in room 102...
more swimming!
yodi2 @ the jacuzzi
You get impatient with your own life, trying to master a habit or control a sin --- and in your frustration begin to wonder where the power of God is. Be patient. God is using today's difficulties to strengthen you for tomorrow. He is equipping you. The God who make things grow will help you bear fruit.
Dwell on the fact that God lives within you. Think about the power that gives you life. The realization that God is dwelling within you may change the places you want to go and the things you want to do today.
Do what is right this week, whatever it is, whatever comes down the path, whatever problems and dilemmas you face --- just do what's right. Maybe no one else is doing what's right, but you do what's right. You be honest. you take a stand. You be true. After all, regardless of what you do, God does what is right: He saves you with HIs grace.
*taken from my fave: Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado p.95
did u know? this is the very first food
glad they liked my crepe :)
dili hawa hangtod mahurot ha ..
my love na love na uji with kuya tian2
mga misis and kiddos
nag birit ug 'like a virgin'
mao ni ang virgin hahaha
the best part of the evening
sleepy na uji?
our daddy is in Singapore. He'll be coming back to get us after a few weeks... take care daddy we love you!
