Kiss of Death or the Kiss of Life?

Ave Maria:-)

Wow..seems like years since I last blogged Was carrying on at the speed of light, work, work, church... family -- uhmm not necessarily in that order -- until God by His infinite wisdom and mercy granted me a splendid , timely gift -- haha---> a pesky head-ache, the only way for me to keep still, rest... pray more... then when God permits , write--praise the Lord.

An aunt and uncle flew in all the way from the U.S. Uncle Ric and Tia Ludy -- I love them not just because they are first degree relatives - but because they were instrumental in helping me join the charismatic movement or Catholic Renewal.

Here's the strange part -- my dear uncle and aunt have become Christian ..and I have remained Catholic to the bones -- our common denominator acknowledging that we must have this personal , loving relationship with Jesus Christ (relating to Him as a divine Person, as our Lord and Saviour -- seeking His Will and asking for the grace to obey Him at all times  -  -- to love , study and be immersed in the Word of God -- to live the life in the Holy Spirit ( which really is nothing more than simply  experiencing what early Christians had -a vibrant faith experience and discovering the gifts we are given through the Holy Spirit and actually using them every single day of our life... taking the New Way of Life Christ has introduced --- yes,  ever so seriously. ) and finding a Christian community to nurture our faith.

This was a sweet encounter, we only had a few hours at Junjun and Jackie's home -- a few cousins came by... and we were treated to Jackie's delicious feast. she cooks like an angel.

Mona and Ed were so sweet , they drove for Uncle Ric and Tia Ludy ... Rex Sammy came with the two handsome , talented boys, Franco and Martin.. then Eric came with his three children. Dilbert accompanied me. Hmmmm.. I loved  even just looking at ageless Tia Ludy, wearing a hairdo that she says Uncle Ric did for her -- yep he is her hairdresser Hahahaha, only a Gaviola female can convince a husband to give her a haircut - 

the way she wants it.so funny.

If Tia Ludy could have her way, she would have wanted to talk , share stories non-stop for hours -- but ahhh..it's  2012 -- everyone is much older -- so while we were watching the dvd movie she brought ... she and later Uncle Ric had some shut-eye while watching the dvd - poor guys mustav' been so tired ---- zzzzzzz

I was deeply touched when she shared about how her 3 sisters were doing - tia Fe seems to be the one strongest --after her heart procedure ...then Tia Rosie and Tia Dinday stricken with cancer..both very brave and admirable.

If only the U.S. were a bus ride away ..would be there with them... we think that when we visit the sick, we bring them consolation..yet what we often don't realize is how the sick , especially when they are surrendered to the Will of Jesus --how they are empowered by the Lord to be the ones to give to us.... and what is it that they could possibly give from their sickbed? It is FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE in God Almighty.

 When we suffer the most whether this be from lingering illness, a critical relationship, poor finances, whatever trial it is ---  we can use these in our favor --- by offering them to the LORD, praying as Jesus and Mary  and countless saints have prayed "Thy Will be done...oh God, thy Most Holy Will be done in my life. "

To think that we didn't even have a whole straight month to be with each other -- I'll remember  Tia Dinday and Tia Rosie as a little girl ( in my mind they were like beauty queens..wishing I could grow up and be half as beautiful as them) ..but my stronger memories are of them when they went home for a vacation for family reunions-- they might have been in their forties?  -- when Monsignour and Pappy and most elders were alive..oh  those were reunions were so filling -- not in food , well yes there was lots of food... but we were filled with so much love, acceptance, forgiveness - a sense of belongingness  -- and went home strengthened in our faith in God and each other - It helped very much seeing the elders united in prayer and conviction - it helped that Monsignour was there to offer mass for us - and even without him saying mass... just the sight of him...sometimes leading us in prayer , either him or one of the aunts --most possibly Tia Litang  --- when elders would congregate -- the younger ones would follow suit -- seeing / learning how and what family was all about...gosh I'm in a time warp)

 Tia Ludy and Uncle Ric lived in Subic decades ago -- the four sons so young then ... and don't laugh but would always remember their fridge with the vanilla ice cream... got closer to them when I was a teener -- by that time we'd be able to share stories about life and love, heartbreak and all...It's amazing how you don't need 20 years to make a connection with people... love and friendship can happen even when we are unprepared for it.

So that is where and how my heart aches because my beloved aunts are not just aunts but dearest friends... we share the funniest stories, laugh and giggle till kingdom-come...   when you are related by blood, I think you find a part of yourself while bonding with the cousin , nephew or elder relative. Talking and spending time with them keeps us in touch with our roots, hearing and witnessing their strengths and weaknesses make us   realize  our own  gifts and vulnerabilities.

We must cherish each other while there is each other because we won't always be here... this is not our real home.. we called and meant for heaven ... and as many of our loved ones have safely made it there it's best we too be on our journey.

My dear family..take a good look at your life right now...

a long hard look at how life has unfolded... the growing up years... the joys and possibly some traumas in our youth... the dreams we had  back then... and which dreams /goals were attained.. which ones remained but a dream.

the relationships we have built both within our families and amongst friends. The talents, abilities... resources , life experiences so unique that were given to us by the Author of Life... it is time to take stock of where we are - the good accomplished , and the failures as well  --- yes... as we journey.. it is not enough to build and make our material dreams come true.. not enough to build and nurture our families... not enough to gain success , fame..riches.

All these will not last. all these are lent to us so that this life , this earthly life becomes one filled with God's goodness, an expression of His love ..and so that when we have shared as much of God 's love and goodness as we can..that we may peacefully close our eyes , take our last breath and surrender our self to the Lord.. in an embrace that lasts unto eternity.

In Bisaya ..we have this wonderful word "gara" -- as when one is filled with joy and vanity and pride --- we've had our fill teasing each other endlessly and making light of life -- but it is time to move beyond "gara" .... to be grateful for the gift of life , all the  blessings..yes even the pains, trials we've experienced that we may say..we indeed "lived life to the fullest".. come...It is time to prepare..and to prepare well.

No...I am not frightening you about the Kiss of Death ... rather I want you to savor the Kiss of Life , here and now...and later the perpetual
 Kiss of Life when we behold and live in God's presence for all eternity.

Mwah...take that.......... missing you all... and praying for you daily..........let's keep praying for each other's safe journey in life.........................Jesus loves you , te mye 

do let's hear mass more often and recieve dearest Jesus in the state of grace... regular sacramental confession is the best beauty treatment ever... no kidding.

"I Am the Bread of Life

(John 6:24-35)God Himself becomes our bread and our truth....The seed of eternal life lies within them...