I Want to Praise You Lord

Ave Maria :-)

Now that was a back to back if there ever was one Nope not Back to Back Musical concert... but back to back spiritual treat -- Actually a total treat for the mind, body and soul...for By God's amazing grace -- 'found myself traveling first to Cebu City for the Kalag-Kalag ( celebration of Catholic feastdays All Holy Souls Day and All Saints Day -was there from Oct.31 left Nov 3) barely had time to check on Lola and Josh and the home... and then planed in to Bukidnon ---yesss far-away Bukidnon - where thru a friend's kindness saw and visited the Benedictine Monastery --- oh dear that's another story in itself.

May I dwell first on the Mandaue  family recollection?

didn't want to go home just becoz a kind soul dangled a free trip ---- ka sayang kon way mahitabo --- (a pity if nothing substantial happens ) Blessed be God becoz for the clan substantial refers not just to material blessings but to gatherings where we are able to recieve spiritual infilling --- to share about the Lord's goodness in a very casual relaxed setting ...  casual and relaxed kasi hahaha it's like aunts and uncles and nephews nieces down to apos gathering for the event in a home.

I address this to the young ones there and hope their aunts can print copy paste tho' am hoping you guys happen to see this on your FB page:

To the Precious Fourth Generation present at Mandaue Recollection 2016 ( Nathan Crissy, Jasmine, Julia Owen Iris Simon, Justine Vianney, little Aaron, Mau Abi Ambrose Mika Maeko, Norinne, Richard sorry if I missed anyone) 

You guys probably wondered what we were doing... why we prayed so much...had some teachings and sharings about our Catholic faith...had time to share with each other personal reflections on the Lord, or His Word... and share about our journey in life.... why we made big fuss ...mega effort learning , singing those praise and worship songs... then realizing too at the end while singing and dancing --Hey this is actually F-U-N  Loving it.... ahh that's the Holy Spirit teaching us how to worship God...click the link

https://www.facebook.com/mvpuno/videos/10208963363495505/

Dont look at me nor your parents lolos lolas... this thing started way back from your Great Grandfather Ramon and Great Grand Lola Filomena... both devout Catholics who dearly loved the Lord Jesus and tried their best to show this in the way they thought, talked ...lived.

They say your Great grand Lolo Ramon was a real gentleman.  Let's see... in the dictionary a gentleman is defined as a :chivalrous, courteous or honorable man... oh my sounds like a possible hero right? men like that are hard to come by these times... often we hear and see braggarts even violent men who don't think twice of abusing and hurting others esp the poor and powerless in society. So your Lolo was a true gentleman kuno. I didn't meet your Lolo Amon... but rely on his children's stories about him. I think it's real cool to remebered that way.. He didn't have to preach like a priest or missionary but the way he took care and loved his children and related to others -- that was enough to prove he also knew and loved Jesus. He was Christian. 

As for your Lola Filomena -- oh my -- she was a strong woman -- a woman of faith --also a disciplinarian ... very prayerful... very playful and funny too --- guess we could say she started the ball rolling... meaning she taught her children and apos so early on that it's SOOOOO Important to know Jesus Christ in a personal way and to have a loving relationship with Him -- that kind of friendship that affects us..and changes us for the better.AMEN

That kind of friendship with God that makes us realize we are so special diay ( so precious in the eyes of GOD ) and that we mustn't waste gyud the life and gifts God has given us. It's alright to have your goals in life but to make sure we never get separated from the Lord along the way. that's utterly disastrous. 

So children everytime we have this kind of gathering we never know where Jesus will place us/ or what He will give to us --usahay we meet sa Bohol...sometimes in a beach..., a farm... last time in a resort for the last  reunion ---  I'm too blest and excited because your aunts and uncles have been affected by the same fever... like a fever but for Jesus...you might say In love with Jesus... 

To my beloved aunts and dear Uncle Alex...to the dear cousins who made it to Mandaue.. to those abroad who nonetheless prayed for us .. to Mark and Aunt Nelly who offered successive masses I think from Oct 31 till Nov 2 that sure shielded us Tita --- to all who helped naku whether thru prayer or deed... haaay let's just thank God for the gift of faith and love and all these opportunities granted to us so that we all grow deeper in faith and love for Christ.  

BTW children and cousins... love isn't fun if it's just restricted for the ones we easily love like our immediate family, spouse , siblings --- whatever it is God has poured in our hearts has to overflow to others... that's what I am excited about dear Nathan -son of Roy... gentle Owen who patiently manned the computer and the music... Abi who willingly led cousins to prepare this little dance for Jesus --- we are sinners true...we have our failings and weaknesses big time true again but Still when our Lord Jesus transforms us in His Love we find ourselves changing and then doing wonderful beautiful things in His Name and for His glory...It's a lifelong process but well worth it.

Sorry ang haba nito... I treasured the simple mealtimes with my male cousins Boting Andy Jbon and dear Rizza Jessica preparing meals ...
 
hearing noon mass with Boting at the Our Lady of Fatima church ...walking with Rizza a.m and praying the rosary with her -- imagined her walking with her late mother-inlaw tia Litang... Rekrek clowning together with Jbon Andy Roel Imelda late at night - gipangkapoy na mi kaayo pero cgue pangatawa ( tired but still laughing)...was so strengthened by the sight of Menchie Molly Tess Veny singing joyously ( missing too the rest of the cuzzies)  ,,and then the macho boys joined in and decided it was more macho and definitely cooler to just worship the Lord (todo na toh) ... the young ones listening and absorbing (You are awesome Lord)... Norinne and Richard were there ...they could not hear physically what was going on But Still so One with us - they knew it was a gathering where Jesus was the topic -Praise the Lord.. Twas hard for Yul Benjie and Boots to sit thru whole sessions becoz they were ill but God provided them the grace to be strong enough... that sacrifice only obtained more blessings for all.

The Good News is ( and this is for everyone on FB who happens to read this)  you don't have to wait for the next recollection or need to join a seminar or retreat (coz work or responsibilities might prohibit you)...dont be sad... because right where you are Jesus can come to you , give you the help and healing we all need. Everyone could use a little help from our Lord and Saviour. Just sincerely pray to Him from your heart and yes do try to read the bible or learn more about our Catholic teachings , they are a big help. 

The more we know and learn about our faith the more we will appreciate it and build our life accordingly.  Amen. See you sa sunod... Go and spread the Good News of our salvation... Praise the Lord!  

Love and prayers, ta mye