Monday, December 31, 2007

New Year's Resolution

Spend More Time with Family & Friends...
Make plans to meet up with friends foran evening of comaraderie at a favoriterestaurant or take the family to one ofthese popular places for family fun.Work shouldn't always come first!

New Year's Resolution

Get Out of Debt.....
Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of peoples who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances.It's a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead.

New Year in Kaiserslautern

I mentioned in my previous blog that I will be away to visit friends in Ktown. Yesterday we arrived here in Ktown safely and soundly. I thanked the Lord for bringing us safe to our friends' house. We had fun yesterday seeing again our friends here in Kaiserslautern.

This is my first time spending New Year away from my husband. But even though I spend it away from him, of course he is still in my thoughts. I am just thankful that my husband is not strict allowing me to go anywhere I want. In short, he is a very understanding and kind person whom I am always proud of.

Again, I want to thank all my friends for the priceless friendship you gave me. Your friendship is always treasured. I also want to thank my husband who is always being there for me in good and bad times. Lastly, I want to thank the Lord Almighty for the endless blessings He gave me and my family for the past years.

Again and Again, I wish everyone a Wonderful New year always full of love, more blessings, peace, happiness and good health always for the year 2008.

Bible Verses for today

He Is the Friend who sticks closer than a brother...
O You who hear prayer, To You all men come. Iniquities prevail against me; As for our transgressions, You forgive them. How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You To dwell in Your courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple.
Psalm 65:2-4 NASB


The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
Proverbs 15:29 KJV


But I call to God, and the LORD saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.
Psalm 55:16:17 NIV


Thanks be unto God for his wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

New Year Greetings

The festive season is upon us, and whether you're enjoying your holiday in the snow or sand, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all you friendship and wish you and your family a holiday that will be filled to the brim with special memories and excitement for 2008.

A VERY HAPPY, EXCITING AND BLESSED
NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL!!!

Sunday, December 30, 2007

My husband's Birthday

Yesterday was my husband's birthday. He have to go to work and already went home at night since he had to work 12 hours...Pity to my husband, it's his birthday but he have to work..So we just spent together a dinner with Snitzel (like a breaded pork) and vegetable salad.

My husband is not a materialistic person. He is just a very simple, down to earth, understanding, supportive and responsible one. I could not ask for anything more. I am blessed to have him in my life. I believed that he is one of my greatest gift. I am so proud of him.

Last night, he saw my gift on our bed. He was surprised that I bought a gift for him. I told him that he can open it after we take our dinner. He was more surprised upon opening it because it was empty inside only with one paper. Here are the words in that card;

"Zum Geburtstag Viel Glueck"

Liebe Schatz,

Ich wuensche dir zum Geburtstag
viel Glueck, Liebe,
Zufriedenheit und Gesundheit fuer immer.
Ich liebe dich mein Schatz...Danke fuer alles!!!
alles Liebe....deine Ruby


some ritter sport and yogurette chocolates, a card and an empty box

I also right on the other side of the paper in English this words;

I might not give you any
material and worldly things...
but rest assured that I can give you all my love,
care and respect, and attention..
I am offering everything including myself
to you in this empty box, all my love and the joy,
peace and happiness that no world can offer...


my bday gift to my husband


He was touched by the words I had written. He also told me that I am his greatest gift. I am hoping that next year will be better year for both of us, as we had also been to a lot of trials and testings for the past years. Anyway, we are happily married for more than 4 years now.

Crazy New Year's Resolutions

Good morning dear readers...New year is inevitable...One more sleep and tomorrow midnight comes another year in our life..I am just hoping that it will be a better one for all of us...My only wish is to always have a good health for me, my family, relatives, friends and to all who read this blog. I really appreciate your time visiting me here.

I got this crazy New Year's Resolution in my email...of course, I also want to share it with you before I leave today to visit a very close friend. Sounds really crazy, so its better to take the opposite of it!!! Have fun!!

New Year's Resolutions You Can Keep
===================================

Have you broken your last New Year's Resolutions?
Well, here's a rather crazy list that you can keep.

1. Gain weight. At least 30 pounds.

2. Stop exercising. Waste of time.

3. Read less. Makes you think.

4. Watch more TV. You've been missing some good stuff.

5. Procrastinate more. Starting tomorrow.

6. Stop bringing lunch from home: Eat out more.

7. Get in a whole NEW rut!

8. Spend your summer vacation in Cyberspace.

9. Don't eat cloned meat.

10. Create loose ends.

11. Get more toys.

12. Get further in debt.

13. Don't believe politicians.

14. Break at least one traffic law.

15. Avoid airplanes that spontaneously drop 1000 feet.

16. Don't swim with piranhas or sharks.

17. Associate with even worse business clients.

18. Spread out priorities beyond ability to keep track of them.

19. Wait around for opportunity.

20. Focus on the faults of others.

21. Mope about faults.

22. Never make New Year's resolutions again.


adapted from MountainWings

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Bible Verses

He Leads - We Follow.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.

Psalm 32:8,9 NIV



The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD:
and he delighteth in his way.

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down:
for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Psalm 37:23,24 KJV

__________________

The mind of man plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.

Proverbs 16:9 NASB

__________________

He keeps the feet of His godly ones,
But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness;
For not by might shall a man prevail.

1 Samuel 2:9 NASB

__________________

Blessed are the undefiled in the way,
Who walk in the law of the LORD!

Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
Who seek Him with the whole heart!

They also do no iniquity;
They walk in His ways.

You have commanded us
To keep Your precepts diligently.

Oh, that my ways were directed
To keep Your statutes!

Then I would not be ashamed,
When I look into all Your commandments.

Psalm 119:1-6 NKJV

__________________

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift:
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
is the object of our faith; the only faith
that saves is faith in Him.


Vocabulary from Rob Kyff

Hello everyone!!Just wanted to share this one....guess it's quite interesting to add to your vocabulary...Anyway I will be out to visit a friend tomorrow to spend a New year there till a week..I will try to update my blog if I have time..I wish everyone a happy and blessed New Year!! Have some fun!! Best regards!!!

When Nouns Become Adverbs

"I don't stay up nights worrying," said John Lennon in 1965. "Summers I used to cover Missouri," wrote Thornton Wilder in 1934. "I went over there afternoons," wrote Ernest Hemingway in 1929.

Why do we sometimes use nouns -- "nights," "summers" and "afternoons" -- as adverbs like this? In fact, this usage is a linguistic fossil, a remnant from the early history of English.

Today we use the genitive case of a noun to indicate possession, as in "night's coolness" or "summer's warmth." But in Old English, the genitive case could also indicate that a noun or adjective was being used as an adverb.

In Old English, the genitive was formed by adding "-es" to a word. (It wasn't until the 1600s that printers started replacing the "e" with an apostrophe.)

So the genitive of the Old English adjective "daeg" (day), for instance, was "daeges," which had not only the possessive meaning "of the day," but also the adverbial meanings "during the day," "on the day" and "what happens in daeges, stays in daeges."

(A "missing link" between the possessive genitive and the adverbial genitive can be found in archaic adverbial phrases, such as "of a day" ("during the day") and "of nights" ("during the nights"). William Shakespeare uses the latter construction when his character Julius Caesar praises "fat, sleek-headed men . . . such as sleep o' nights.")

Adverbial genitives, though lean and hungry, still survive in modern English. That's why we say, "I work days," meaning "I work by day," as well as "I leave early most Saturdays," "Winters I go to Florida," and "Sunday mornings I like to sleep late."

This practice of adding an "s" sound to a noun or adjective to indicate its use as an adverb also lives on in the non-standard folk formations "somewheres," "anywheres" and "nowheres," and in standard adverbs such as "nowadays," "unawares," "sideways," "backwards," "onwards," "upwards," "afterwards" and "towards."

Those last five "-ward" words were formed by tacking on the suffix "-es" to the Old English adjectives "backweard," "onweard," "upweard," "afterweard" and "toweard," and both forms of these words still survive -- "backward/backwards," "upward/upwards," etc.

Other ghosts of the adverbial genitive are "once," "twice" and "thrice." In these words the modern "-ce" spelling reflects the original "-es" spelling.

One last question: If John Lennon didn't stay up nights worrying, why did he sing about "a hard day's night"?

New Year's Resolution p4

Fit in Fitness.....
The evidence is in for fitness. Regular
exercise has been associated with more
health benefits than anything else known
to man. Studies show that it reduces the
risk of some cancers, increases
longevity, helps achieve and maintain
weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood
pressure, and even improves arthritis.
In short, exercise keeps you healthy and
makes you look and feel better aside having fun from it..

New Year's Resolution p3

Quit Drinking...
While many people use the New Year as an
incentive to finally stop drinking, most
are not equipped to make such a drastic
lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy
drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do
much better when they taper gradually,
or even learn to moderate their
drinking. If you have decided that you
want to stop drinking, there is a world
of help and support available people's
Alcoholics Anonymous offers meetings
throughout the greater places or area.
There is also a group for Parents of
Teenage Alcohol and Drug Abusers. There
are also a number of treatment-based
programs, as well as support groups for
families of alcoholics.

Friday, December 28, 2007

New Year's Resolution P2

Tame the Bulge....
Over 66 percent of adult young and adult
are considered overweight or obese by
recent studies, so it is not surprising
to find that weight loss is one of the
most popular New Year's resolutions.
Setting reasonable goals and staying
focused are the two most important
factors in sticking with a weight loss
program, and the key to success for
those millions of Americans who made a
New Year's commitment to shed extra pounds.

New Year's Resolution P1

Enjoy Life More
Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles
of millions of People, it is no wonder
that "enjoying life more" has become a
popular resolution in recent years. It's
an important step to a happier and
healthier you! Consider one health's
holistic healing center for products
designed to bring balance to your body,
mind and soul. Or just get out and try
something new! Take up a new hobby or
try your hand at skiing. Go to a theater
performance, or head to the local spa.
offers a wealth of artistic and
recreational activities to meet just
about anyone's wishes.

adapted from friendster (sangay)

It's Not a Joke

NO JOKE

It is unfortunate that some people take this day as a big joke. On this day, they pull on a trick on some unsuspecting people. They exploit other people's innocence.

Today is not a big joke. It is no joke for parents to lose their children. It is not joke for children to be killed. It is no joke for Mary and Joseph to flee in the middle of the night to save their newborn Son from the sword of Herod. Please do not spend this day making practical jokes on anyone. The day today is written in red, written in blood; it is not a joke-day today.

The Holy Innocents who were massacred thousands of years ago by a mad king continue crying today. They are the aborted infants, the abandoned babies, the children caught in crossfires, the boys and girls who are exploited in many horrific ways. Their cries pierce our hearts. We cannot but be disturbed so as to act on their behalf.

Today's feast is not a day for making practical jokes on each other, as many people think it is. It is a day to stand with those caught in the crossfire between good and evil. Not again should we allow them to suffer. Never again should we remain indifferent to their plight. To save them is to save Jesus. Fr. Bobby T.

REFLECTION QUESTION: The cries of the Holy Innocents can still be heard today.

Forgive me, Jesus, for my indifference to the cries of the innocent. Forgive me, Jesus, for not saving You in the person of the dying children. Show me how I can help them and help me to defend and protect them. Amen.

St. Anthony, hermit, pray for us.

adapted from Kyregma



Blog Treasure Award


I would like to thank my new found beautiful friend Joy for awarding this to me . Very much appreciated because it makes me proud knowing that someone thought about my blog as a treasure...Guess all my Blogger friends already have this award if not you can grab this then!!! Happy New year!!!

Our Wonderful Provider

Just got this wonderful Bible verses in my email today..I want it to share to anyone who reads this blog!!! Take care everyone and have a wonderful New Year to come!!

Our Wonderful Provider!

So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:31-34 NIV

__________________

He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant. He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.

Psalm 111:4-6 KJV

__________________

"You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied And praise the name of the LORD your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; Then My people will never be put to shame. Thus you will know that I am in the midst of
Israel, And that I am the LORD your God, And there is no other; And My people will never be put to shame."

Joel 2:26,27 NASB

__________________

Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift:
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
is the object of our faith; the only faith
that saves is faith in Him.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Wedding Anniversary

In line with anniversaries, people would always associate it with precious wedding anniversary stones such as:

1st Anniversary - Gold Jewelry
2nd Anniversary - Garnet
3rd Anniversary - Pearls
4th Anniversary - Blue Topaz
5th Anniversary - Sapphire
6th Anniversary - Amethyst
7th Anniversary - Onyx
8th Anniversary - Tourmaline
9th Anniversary - Lapis Lazuli
10th Anniversary - Diamond Jewelry
11th Anniversary - Turquoise
12th Anniversary - Jade
13th Anniversary - Citrine
14th Anniversary - Opal
15th Anniversary - Ruby
16th Anniversary - Peridot (evening emerald)
17th Anniversary - Watches
18th Anniversary - Cat's Eye or Chrysoberyl
19th Anniversary - Aquamarine
20th Anniversary - Emerald
21st Anniversary - Iolite
22nd Anniversary - Spinel
23rd Anniversary - Imperial Topaz
24th Anniversary - Tanzanite
25th Anniversary - Silver Jubilee
30th Anniversary - Pearl Jubilee
35th Anniversary - Emerald
40th Anniversary - Ruby
45th Anniversary - Sapphire
50th Anniversary - Golden Jubilee
55th Anniversary - Alexandrite
60th Anniversary - Diamond Jubilee
65th Anniversary - Blue Spinel
70th Anniversary - Sapphire Jubilee
75th Anniversary - Diamond Jubilee
80th Anniversary - Ruby Jubilee

adapted from Aileen (bisdak family)

Bisdak Friends - Blogsites

Special thanks to Carlota for engineering and repairing my blog. Below are the blogsites of some Bisdak Member Family engineered by Carlota. A happy and prosperous New Year to everyone!!


Vickie-BonBon - MahalKaayo
Lily - An Angel’s Journey
Lily - Bavarian-Angel
Glorie - Glorie’s Solitude
Angel - Carlson Clan and Adventure
Frenchie-Amy - Moi et mon univers!
Ruby - Simply the best
Norm - Yesterday Today and Tomorrow
Malou - My Haven’s Corner
Ylan - Ylan’s Refuge
Ivy - La vida es hermosa
Anna - Anna’s Daily Journal
Monica - Blog Princess
JoyDob - Everyday Life

Crisly & Maviev

Tag from Ethel thanks Lollipop..passed to Joy

Tag from Ethel thanks Lollipop

The rule: When you get tagged, you have to add your name below the person who tagged you and by doing so you are letting the list grow.
Please copy paste all the links HERE
Limadang.com
RamblingMoo.com
blogginginmypyjamas
Chinneeq
Dora-zooropazoo
Babyshern
HiPnCooLMoM
Rachel’s Soulful Thoughts
When Silence Speaks
Dancing in Midlife Tune
Underneath it All
I am Dzoi
Hobbies and Such
moms…..check nyo
Choc Mint Girl
Amel’s Realm
My Thoughts
Rusin Roundup
Juliana’s Site
Max
Rooms of My Heart
Mariuca
A Great Pleasure
MondayMorning
LadyJava’s Lounge
Colin aka Cotojo
NafaSG
Hanna
My Life My World
Mommy’s Gibble Gabbles
Author’s Sweet Life
La Place de Cherie
Chez Francine
Confessions of an Army Wife
Bless Sanctuary
So cute lovely pixels
Kikay

Simply the best

Now i tagMadel Ruby Jaze Glorie Lutchi Butchay John Ozlife Kookie Femikey Amy Pinaymama Jackie Julai and Marga

Times of the Year


Life is the greatest gift what everyone can have. We are all lucky to be in this world, seeing its grandeur and beauty. There are still a lot of things that we need to discover in this beautiful world. I know, I still did not experience all the beauty the world has to give but I am very thankful to be here. I am always thankful waking up everyday seeing the beauty of nature outside our window.


Spring time where flowers and tress start to bloom again.
these are flowers in our garden


First snow in our place.
taken in our garden last nov. 15, '07


I took a glimpse outside our window this morning. It is a cold, foggy and gray winter here in Germany. Others find this weather very depressing especially if they grew up in a tropical country. It was snowing a bit last night since the roofs of our neighbors' houses are filled with snow. I also find it sometimes very depressing especially when I think of the sunny weather, blue sky and sea in the Philippines. Sunshine always give me energy. I am feeling like a rechargeable battery every time I am going home to my country.


The beauty of autumn time.
Colorful leaves/trees in our surroundings.

Summer time during our vacation in Allgaue in 2006.
view of the Alpine mountains


I believed that each season of the year has it's own beauty and story. Whatever season it is, we should find time to enjoy and savour it's moments that this season brings. Spring or Autumn time and Summer or Winter time, this is still a beautiful world to live in. How lucky we are to be in this world!!

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Technorati again!!!

Add to Technorati Favorites

I'm getting Technorati today

Technorati Profile


...I am getting Technorati today...hope I can get something useful from it..

Christmas Dinner

Lily, Jasmine and me having xmas dinner


in Lily's apartment with our adopted daughter


in Lily's house...me and my hubby


Christmas dinner at Martin's house

Yesterday, we spent the evening with the Martin family. Lily's husband prepared an American Christmas dinner with ham, breast turkey, stuffing, some roll bread etc. As usual, the kulit Jasmine is there. She always wanted to get people's attention. Lily gave us some Christmas presents. Thanks a lot Lily and family. We also gave them some. As Jasmine was opening her gift, she expected to have some toys. Since I knew that she already have a mountain of toys, I gave her a pair of clothes. Being not contented with her gift, she also opened the gifts of Lily and James.

That was a very nice evening having dinner with them. As usual, I am not in diet, so I ate a lot. Until later, I felt bad again because I had a migraine attack. Instead of staying there longer, me and my husband decided to go home earlier.

Special thanks to the Martin family for the very nice evening we spent with you. Thank you too for being a friend.

Christmas in the Dust

I had no Christmas spirit
when I breathed a weary sigh,
And looked across the table
where the bills were piled too high.

The laundry wasn't finished
and the car I had to fix,
My stocks were down another point,
the Dolphins lost by six.

And so with only minutes
till my son got home from school
I gave up on the drudgery
and grabbed a wooden stool.

The burdens that I carried
were about all that I could take,
And so I flipped the TV on
to catch a little break.

I came upon a desert scene
in shades of tan and rust,
No snowflakes hung upon the wind,
just clouds of swirling dust.

And where the reindeer should have stood
before a laden sleigh,
Eight Hummers ran a column
right behind an M1A.

A group of boys walked past the tank,
not one was past his teens.
Their eyes were hard as polished flint,
their faces drawn and lean.

They walked the street in armor
with their rifles shouldered tight,
Their dearest wish for Christmas,
just to have a silent night.

Other soldiers gathered,
hunkered down against the wind,
To share a scrap of mail and dreams
of going home again.

There wasn't much at all
to put their lonely hearts at ease,
They had no Christmas turkey,
just a pack of MREs.

They didn't have a garland
or a stocking I could see,
They didn't need an ornament
they lacked a Christmas Tree.

They didn't have a present
even though it was tradition,
the only boxes I could see
were labeled "ammunition."

I felt a little tug
and found my son now by my side,
He asked me what it was I feared,
and why it was I cried.

I swept him up into my arms
and held him oh so near
and kissed him on the forehead
as I whispered in his ear.

There's nothing wrong my little son,
for safe we sleep tonight,
Our heroes stand on foreign land
to give us all the right,

To worry on the things in life
that mean nothing at all,
Instead of wondering if we
will be the next to fall.

He looked at me as children do
and said it's always right,
to thank the ones who help us
and perhaps that we should write.

And so we pushed aside the bills
and sat to draft a note,
to thank the many far from home,
and this is what we wrote:

God Bless You all and keep you safe,
and speed your way back home.
Remember that we love you so,
and that you're not alone.

The gift you give you share with all,
a present every day,
You give the gift of liberty
and that we can't repay.



~Author Unknown~
adapted from: Mountain wings
God Bless our Troops!!

PERFECT LOVE

I just read this song from a friend...and she asked for a title in it...so I suggested the title

"Perfect Love"


I'm held by your love
Upheld by your strength
On your shoulder your bore me
By your faith I stand.

Cherished by you Oh Lord
Treasured in your side
So close to your heart
Affirmed in your hand.

So awesome is your love
So mighty is your hand
On eagle's wings you carry me
Your grace shall be my strength.

So perfect is your love
You sacrifice your Son
Amazing love reached out to me
With joy to you I come.

Not by my wisdom
Not by my strength
Gently you guide me
Lead me by hand.

Total surrender
Jesus I am yours
Now and Forever
In Christ I now stand.

adapted from: aileen

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Making Christ Real..

The era in which we live out our Christian faith is the era of God present with his people, present in human form, human acts, human abilities. The Incarnation, once begun, has never ceased, and never will. God's choice to take on human nature, human flesh and blood and mind and feeling is as real and immediate now as it was in Bethlehem. The humanity Christ claims today is ours. The flesh and blood, the hearts and minds he claims as his are our own.

So in a very real sense God's people must not only celebrate the Incarnation, God's people must be the Incarnation. We must, each of us, be Christ incarnate, Christ in the flesh, for every other human being. Those whom we will meet today, tomorrow, at home, at work, on the street, depend on us to make Christ real, to give Christ human form and human life.

*And the Word became flesh and made his
dwelling among us.....John 1:14

Monday, December 24, 2007

Christmas in Germany


White Christmas in Germany




It is really very different celebrating Christmas here in Germany compared to Philippines. But wherever we are, the spirit of Christmas must always be there. It should not only having gifts and other material things but most of all the celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.

Today, me and my husband visited his twin sister in the hospital. It is very sad to know that she celebrated Christmas in the hospital. But my husband's twin sister was very happy to see us there. We just hope and pray that everything will be well again soon with her.

Along the road, I took some photos which are very nice. I am not really a professional photographer but I love taking pictures. Whatever my camera catches, that's it. I am just happy doing it. A simple happiness that can't be bought with money.

I am sharing then the photos I had captured today, the white Christmas in Germany. Wish you have fun. Happy holidays!!!!


p.s. sorry wrong cam date again!!!

Contemplation-A Basic Human Right

...to guide our feet into the path of peace. Luke 1:79

Humanity received a mission other than doing, producing and accumulating goods, information and power. Humanity has received the mission of being more intimate with the One who is being itself, to the point of union.

We work in order to rest. Our labor make no sense if they are not energized and motivated by the ultimate goal of our Christian life, which is to rest in God, to repose peacefully in God, to be one with God.

Respect for Sabbath is a commandment. We discover in fulfilling our Sabbath duties to rest our identity as children of God. The least known and most important human right is the right to contemplation. But contemplation is never easy as it looks. It is the fruit and sign of a personality in harmony with itself and with God.

By dint of looking for peace many have lost it! Their hearts of flesh have become hearts of stone. Peace of heart is the desire of all but the experience of a few.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!!!

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Happy Holidays!!!

A MERRY AND BLESSED
CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL
ESPECIALLY TO MY FAMILY,
RELATIVES AND FRIENDS!!!
WISHING YOU TOO A WONDERFUL,
PEACEFUL AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
GOD BLESS US ALL!!!

Bible Verses

Messiah would suffer at the hands of sinners

For Unto Us A Child Is Born...

Prophecy Fulfilled in the Person of Jesus of Nazareth

-------------

Messiah would suffer at the hands of sinners to redeem them.

Prophecy:

"I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting."

Isaiah 50:6

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fulfillment:

"Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands"

Matthew 26:67

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him."

Mark 15:19,20

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

He would be rejected and despised by His own people.

Prophecy:

"The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner."

Psalm 118:22

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fulfillment:

"Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lords doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof."

Matthew 21:42-43

_____________

We need a Savior because we are sinners,
and the wages of sin is death...

Thanks be unto God for his wonderful gift:
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
is the object of our faith;
the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

Bible Readings

1 Samuel 1:24-28

Every child born into the world is a gift from God. Children have a right to life and thus we should always seek to accept them and love them for who they are. There can be a danger that we might punish a child for the sins of the parents – this is never acceptable. Let us always seek to provide a good environment for children to grow and make the decisions that will allow them to become responsible members of society and disciples of Jesus Christ.

24 Once he was weaned, she brought him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the LORD in Shiloh. 25 After the boy’s father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli 26 and said â€Å“Pardon, my lord! As you live my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the LORD. 27 I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. 28 Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.” She left him there.


FOCUS ON GOD

When two persons who are greatly blest meet, what usually happens? They engage in a very lively exchange. This is what happens today in the Gospel. Elizabeth, even in her old age and barrenness, conceived. Mary, despite her young age and virginity, conceived as well. Both women were not only greatly blest; they were blest even beyond imagining. Today, the Gospel focuses on the meeting of these two unimaginable blest women and their exchange was so lively that Elizabeth's child even jumped in the womb while Mary rejoices unto her soul.

Mary's canticle,the Magnificat, highlights their rendezvous. The Magnificat, in turn, highlights what God has done. The canticle focuses on God's action on behalf of His People, Israel. God's action underscores His fidelity to His promise of mercy to Abraham and his children forever. How greatly blest we can really be if in every meeting we have with anyone highlights God's works in our life! Instead of talking about other people's lives, speak about God's action in our life. Discern with everyone we meet how God moves in our life. Focus on God's faithfulness to us rather than on the infidelity of others.

Christmas can be a whole year round celebration if we proclaim everyday with everyone how God comes and enters into our life. Christmas should not be reduced to a mere annual commemoration of the Lord's birth. It must be a daily experience when we focus not on our selves nor on others but on God. Fr. Bobby T.

REFLECTION QUESTION: Christmas is primarily God's gift to us, not our gift to God.

Thank You, Jesus, for choosing to come to us and becoming part of our race. Help us to bring You to anyone we meet each day in our life. May our life always be a song of praise and thanksgiving to Your fidelity to us. May we ourselves be the proof of Your faithful love. Amen.


adapted from Kyregma

Saturday, December 22, 2007

GETTING TO KNOW THE SAINTS

Saint Peter Claver

Peter Claver (c.1580) was a Spanish priest under the Society of Jesus. He had a strong desire to serve as a

missionary in South America. When finally given the chance to set foot on his mission, the young priest was surprised to see shiploads of African slaves brought at the seaport of Cartagena. He decided to stay at the port and attend to the sick and suffering in the crowd. He would give them food and medicine, and baptize the babies and the dying. For 40 years, he remained steadfast in his duty. Father Claver was always patient and trusted God. Despite the discouragements from slave owners and criticisms from many, he never failed to visit his converts even after they left Cartagena.

In 1650, the priest grew ill. He only stayed in his room and could not hear Mass. Almost everyone forgot about the priest. And when he died on September 8, 1654, it was only then that the people realized they lost a saint. The people gave him the title, the Apostle of the Slaves .

Saint Peter Claver was proclaimed a saint by Pope Leo XIII in 1888.

http://www.daughtersofstpaul.com/saintday/m9.html#BM3

GETTING TO KNOW THE SAINTS

Saint Hadrian

Hadrian was a martyr during the early fourth century. He served as a Roman officer under Emperor Maximian at the imperial court of Nicomedia. When he witnessed the martyrdom of 23 Christians, Hadrian could not control himself and cried out, Let me be counted as one of these, for I too am a Christian. As a result, he was immediately put in prison and tortured to death. His wife Natalia, who disguised herself as a boy, remained faithful by his side. Finally, when her husband was sentenced to die on March 4, 304, Natalia stood witness. Hadrian s body parts were axed and his remains were thrown into fire. A rainstorm came and extinguished the fire, thus, allowing Christians to give him a decent burial.

http://www.saintpatrickdc.org/ss/0908.htm#lawr

CHRISTMAS AND THE EUCHARIST


Let me suggest why people make so many happy visits during Christmas. God was the first to have made a visit on Christmas day. He visited us, His beloved creatures. His visit was such that He took upon Himself our fallen nature and appeared as one like us in all things, but sin.

However, God was not content with a passing visit. He stayed with us. Christmas is Jesus coming to us. The Eucharist is Jesus staying with us.

While God was the first to have made a visit on Christmas, Mary was the first to have welcomed Him. And with God in her womb, Mary went in haste to make her Christmas visit. The Gospel today paints for us that beautiful visit of the Blessed Mother to her cousin, Elizabeth. She, too, was not satisfied with a momentary visit. She stayed with Elizabeth about three months, attending to her cousin̢۪s maternity needs, before she went home. Mary, with Jesus in her womb, is like Jesus in the Eucharist. She came, she stayed, and she served.

The same thing should happen as we receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. Our visits should be visits that bring Jesus to the people we visit. Then our visits become Eucharistic as we linger to attend to the needs of the people we go to. When this happens, we ourselves become Eucharistic. If Christmas is Jesus coming to us while the Eucharist is Jesus staying with us, Christmas is receiving Jesus while the Eucharist is becoming like Jesus to others. It is not a choice between the two; rather one should flow to the other. Christmas has its fullest meaning in the Eucharist.

Welcoming Jesus in Bethlehem must necessarily lead us to bringing Jesus everywhere.

God has visited us. We surely owe Him a visit. The church is His house; we can always find Him there. But His favorite address is the least of our brethren; we always have them with us.

God stays with us. He truly is Emmanuel, God-With-Us. The Eucharist is His real presence. But we, who receive Him in the Eucharist, are likewise His Body.

We are His presence, too.

Christmas is Jesus being born to us. The Eucharist is us becoming Jesus to others. Fr. Bobby T.

REFLECTION QUESTION: Christmas is Jesus coming to us while the Eucharist is Jesus staying with us.

Jesus, You are truly Emmanuel, â€Å“God-with-us”. While we remember annually Your birth on Christmas Day, we celebrate Your presence in our midst up until today through the Holy Eucharist. As we receive You in the Holy Eucharist, transform us and make us Your loving presence to others who either visit us or are visited by us. We pray, maranatha, come, Lord Jesus! We pray, make us become more and more like You. Amen.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

NEVER GET SICK AGAIN!!!!

I want to share this to you guys as this sounds
quite informative.


HEADACHES : FISH (PROTEIN)
Eat lots of fish as fish oil helps to
prevent headaches. So does ginger
which reduces inflammation and pain.

HAYFEVER : YOGHURT
Eat lots of yoghurt before pollen
season.

STROKES : TEA
Prevents buildup of fatty deposit
on artery walls with regular doses
of tea.

INSOMNIA : HONEY
Use Honey as a tranquilizer and
as a sedative.

ASTHMA : ONIONS (RED)
Eating onions helps ease
constriction of bronchial tubes.

ARTHRITIS : FISH
Salmon, tuna, mackerel and
sardines actually prevent arthritis.

UPSET STOMACH : BANANAS,
GINGER : Bananas will settle an
upset stomach. Ginger cures
morning sickness and nausea.

BLADDER INFECTIONS :
CRANBERRY JUICE : High-acid
cranberry juice controls harmful
bacteria.

BONES PROBLEMS :
PINEAPPLE Bones fractures and
osteoporosis can be prevented by
the manganese in pineapple.

PMS : CORNFLAKES
Women can ward off the effects of
PMS with cornflakes, which help
reduce depression, anxiety & fatigue.

MEMORY PROBLEMS : OYSTERS
Oysters help increase your mental
functioning by supplying much needed
zinc.

COUGH : RED PEPPER
A substance similar to that found
in cough syrup is found in hot red
pepper.

BREAST CANCER : WHEAT
BRAN, CABBAGE : Wheat bran
and cabbage help maintain
estrogen at healthy levels.

LUNG CANCER : ORANGE,
GREEN VEGETABLES : A good
antidote is beta-carotene, a form of
Vitamin A found in orange & green
vegetables.

ULCERS : CABBAGE
Cabbage contains chemical that
help heal both type of ulcers.

DIARREA : APPLES
Crate an apple with its skin. Let it
turn brown and eat it to this
condition.

CLOGGED ARTERIES :
AVOCADOS
Mono-unsaturated fat in avocados
lower cholesterol.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE :
OLIVE OIL, CELERY : Olive oil has
been shown to lower blood pressure.
Celery contains a chemical that lowers
blood pressure too.

BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCE :
BROCOLLI, PEANUTS : The
chromium in broccoli and peanuts helps
regulate insulin and blood sugar.

ATTACH TO REFRIGERATOR
DOOR, WALL OR THE
BULLETIN BOARD FOR HANDY
REFERENCE.
NEVER SICK AGAIN

Wake Up Call...

I went early to bed last night. Reasons..got stomach cramps and headache..Result..woke up so early today. My husband usually wakes up early around 4am when he go to work. As my husband's alarm rang this morning, it also woke me up. I tried to go back to sleep again but I can't any more.

He just told me last night that he was never been late in his whole life in going to work. I was kidding him that I will give him an Early Bird Award. He just laughed. As I don't feel like sleepy any more, I grabbed something for reading. This is now what I want to share to you. It's very nice and worth sharing as this is also happening to me.

Tried by Fire
Read Psalm 66:1-12
---------------------------

You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined....Psalm 66:10

"The main end of life is not to do but to become," F.B. Meyer said. And for this we are being prepared everyday. As silver is being refined by fire, the heart is often refined in the furnace of sadness. The psalmist said in his sorrow, "We went through fire". (Psalm 66:12)

The refining process maybe painful, but it will not destroy us, for the Refiner sits by the furnace tending the flame. He will not allow us to be tried beyond our endurance; it is for our good.

We may not understand why we have to endure such misery year after year. The ordeal seems endless and pointless. Our days are wasted, or so it appears. We feel as if we are doing nothing of lasting significance.

But God is doing what matters- we are refined. He is placing us into a crucible in which we acquire patience, meekness, humility, compassion and the other "quite" virtues, our souls naturally lack.

So don't be afraid and don't fret, Your present trial, as painful as it may be has been screened through God's wisdom and love. The Refiner sits beside the crucible tempering the flames, monitoring the process, waiting patiently until His face is mirrore
d in the surface. - David Roper

"The fire of testing can produce a shining testimony"


Wednesday, December 19, 2007

TWENTY THINGS TO REMEMBER

I want to share this to all of you...guess this gives some insights on our day to day living.

1. Faith is the ability not to panic.

2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you prayed, don't worry.

3. As a child of God, prayer is kinda like calling home every day

4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.

5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so he can untangle the knot.

6. Do the Math. Count your blessings.

7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.

9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.

10. Laugh every day - it's like inner jogging.

11. The most important things in your home are the people.

12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.
(Preach it!)

13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open. Come on in.

14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.

16. We do not remember days but moments. Life moves too fast so enjoy your precious moments.

17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise it's just hearsay.

18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.

19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.

20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting. Leave gentle fingerprints on the soul of another for the angels to read. I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.

.......adapted from Mountain Wings


Jesus Will Rule in Our Hearts!!!

picture I took inside the St. Johannes Church in Neumarkt


A Belen, the Holy family statues in Neumarkter Christmas market


May He rule from sea to sea....Psalm 72:8


Each December, Santa reappears, and children wish that Santa ruled "from sea to sea". Each Advent however, those of us who are older and hope for more than the fulfillment of our Christmas wish-list renew our longing for Christ, the Son of God, the King of Justice, the Hope of all Humanity. Eagerly we wait for the day when "there will will be no harm or ruin," when Jesus will rule in our hearts, in laws, in customs, in education, in politics and most of all in our families.

The One who can truly bring the peace and love of the Christmas season doesn't have a North Pole address. He is much closer and more faithful than Santa Claus, who only appears once a year. He is found where we least expect him, every time we need him- in the mangers of our lives.

But don't let His poverty and hiddenness fool you. "He shall rescue the poor man when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him......The lives of the poor he shall save." (Psalm 72:12-13)

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

What a Nice Day today!

shopping stores in Neumarkt..very colorful!!

back of St. John's church, built in 1586

the altar of St. John's church in Neumarkt

Gothic style ceiling...see that very big post..really magnificent!!!

The altar of Hofkirche in Neumarkt

The Hofkirche, built in 1418

Last Sunday, my Brazilian friend called me that she want to meet me in Neumarkt. We agreed to meet today, Tuesday. She wanted to show me the house they had just purchased. It is located in the center of Neumarkt where a lot of businesses are. She wanted to make a Bistro or somewhat like a Fast food in the first floor.That was also a furniture store before. It is a big house where the second and the third floors are also apartments. I really felt happy for her.

We also went shopping around. Everytime we meet in Neumarkt, we always go eating in a Chinese buffet restaurant there. Not a bad idea because the buffet only cost 7 Euro excluding drinks. Of course compared to Philippine buffet, this is quite expensive. In Germany, this is I guess the cheapest buffet I always go into.

Josi, the name of my Brazilian friend have to hurry going home because she still have to take care of her two sons after school time. We really had a nice day since the sun was also shining even if it was very freezing cold.

To burn up the foods I had eaten in the buffet, I went alone walking. I had been hundred of times in this city especially when I attended the German language course before. I used to drive here everyday to attend the course but had never been inside the churches. There are a lot of historical churches here in Neumarkt. I went inside today to the two big churches , the St. Johaness (St. John) and the Hofkirche.

They also have a small Weinachtsmarkt (Christmas market) there. Compared to Nuremberg's Christmas market, Neumarkt is very small but it was still nice there.

I attached here then, the photos that I made in today's escapades especially the churches there.

These Busy 'Days To Come'

* In days to come.....Isaiah 2:2

This is just what we're thinking about as Advent begins, isn't it? All of the "days to come" from now until Christmas. For many of us, the struggle will be the same we've gone through in years past: trying to hold the line against the pressures to entertain, to be entertained, to purchase gifts, to cook, to decorate. They are intense. We know we should be attending to our spiritual lives above all, preparing the way for the Lord in our own hearts.....but when???

In days to come.
Notice what Isaiah says will happen "in days to come." Not: you will do things that will please others. Not: you will achieve and accomplish. Not: you will earn God's favor. No, in "days to come" God will give a great gift.

Perhaps that clear a path through the busyness. In days to come, we might let go, listen and let God work wonders.

Lord in days to come, fill my heart with joy.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Important Reminders Before leaving the House!!

As I am writing this blog, I am watching at the same time, a German TV Program, Galileo. I just want to share to all of you some very important reminders especially before leaving at home. I really like this program since it gives the viewers very concrete information or happenings in relation to our day to day living.

To avoid burnings/fire in the house be sure to check all electrical equipments. Be sure to unplug it. These includes cooking machine, burning ovens, irons, etc. According to Galileo's test regarding the Top 10 cause of fire in the house is putting water to a very hot burning oil. So please especially to women who usually do the cooking, never leave oil in the pan when cooking. It can also cause fire.

It's Christmas time now, obviously most people have Christmas lights burning at home even overnight. Be sure to turn it off before sleeping. Do you know that the only daughter of Senator de Venecia in the Philippines was dead because of fire in their house. The cause of the fire were the Christmas lights. As much as possible, don't leave burning candles near the Christmas tree with Christmas lights. This is also very dangerous and belongs to Galileo's Top 3 cause of burnings.

To those who are cooking with gas tank, please always turn it off after using. This is especially during summer time, when people use it for grilling/barbeque.

I really appreciate watching the TV program Galileo as this also reminds me of very important things. That's the reason why I also want to share this to all of you guys especially to all my friends out there. I am hoping that I give you some insights to save your long earned investments and most especially our dear loved ones. Merry Christmas to all of you!!! Wishing you too a happy, bountiful and debt-free New Year!!!! God bless us all!!!

It's Freezing Cold Again!!

really very beautiful!!!..my Bromeliads before in Mindanao


me in year 2000. model of my plants kuno!!!

small garden of our house in cebu.no place for planting it's all water around



different plants like san francisco, orchids, roses,mayana,cactus etc. in my garden



euphorbias.. took this picture after the big ones were sold
since I am leaving midsayap
and will be assigned to epcibank cebu in 2002.



imported varieties of san francisco from bangkok,thailand

that's me again modelling my Cherub's garden (name of my garden before)

hundreds of varieties of Bromeliads, family of pineapple plants.
I had before thousands of them.


As usual, I went shopping for groceries today. This is already my routine every week. As I go outside the house, it was really freezing dry cold. I went inside my car, turned on the engine and saw that the temperature was -3 degrees centigrade. Oh well, I have to accept it that I already live in a very cold place. But I guess, the weather now here in Bavaria, Germany is very better compared to US and Canada where they are having ice storms.

I was a bit scared seeing tonight in TV Nachtrichten (news), Canada's weather situation. It is snowing right now very hard there. Even the vehicles cannot drive on the streets because of heavy snow.

As I went shopping, I saw some flowers in the grocery store. I really love these flowers as I have thousands of them back before in the Philippines. These are especially the Bromeliads family of flowers and the Euphorbias. Aside from my work before in the bank, selling plants and flowers is my sideline. That was my hobby turned into business. Won't you believe that I earned more money in my plants and flower business compared to my salary in the bank. Besides that I really had fun in doing it, I also earn money.

I also attached here the photos of my plants back before in Midsayap.
Got to go now, it's sleeping time!!!

p.s. will attach later the photos from the bromeliads once I upload it.

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