Happy Easter!

The Princess is now at a stage where the "Whys" are starting to fly here and there. . .

Why she shouldn't put her fingers in her mouth
Why she can't play with the Rosary
Why do I have to use a sanitary napkin
Why she shouldn't eat that "stuff" from her nose
Why she has to love her baby brother

and the questions just keep coming. . .

Last Good Friday, we went around our City to see flagellants whipping themselves.  Some of them do it as an act of repentance for the sins they've done and some do it as a form of religious devotion.

I tried to explain to her (in a way that I hope she would understand) that they do this because they want to say sorry to Jesus.  

Princess:  Why?

Me: Because they did something bad and Jesus wasn't happy.

Princess: Why?

Me: They did something bad because. . . .(and I stopped, not sure of the answer!).  

And I wanted to tell her that God created us in His own image and likeness.  And that He loves us so much that He gave us the gifts of free will, intellect and choice.  But sometimes (probably most of the times!) we don't put these special gifts to good use that's why we fail ourselves and ultimately, we fail God for the choices we make.  But I have to make it simpler! 

It was not an easy thing to explain to her.  But it was a question that I wanted to ask myself too.  Why do we keep on doing bad things?!  So right there, while inside the van, in the middle of a busy street, I got a few minutes of personal reflection and repentance.  Thanks to a toddler who simply asked "Why"? 

As we celebrate Easter today, I wish that you find in your hearts the meaning of Easter in your life.  It may mean a new beginning, a chance to be a better person, a healing you've been praying for. . . or something that puts Hope and Love in your heart.  Whatever it is, I wish you a joyful heart today and always! =)

Happy Easter!!!

Happy Easter!

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When I was young, Easter was all about frilly dresses, the Easter bunny, Egg hunts and candies!  But now I know that Easter means more (much more) than those things.  

This joyous celebration signifies a new LIFE!  Jesus showed us that after going through all the pain, suffering and death. . . He rose and came back to Life.   

May we be inspired by this thought. . . that when life beats you down and you feel like quitting . . . remain hopeful because each new day means new beginnings, another chance at living your Life! 

Happy Easter!

Sorry. . .

Growing up, two of the earliest words my parents taught me were "Thank You" and "Sorry".  I said "Thank  You" when I got gifts, when my parents let me play in the rain, when Mom bought me a new dress or when Dad treated us for ice cream  . . . but somehow, saying "Sorry" just didn't come easy.  My elder brother and I used to fight a lot (okay, sometimes I start it! Hehe) and I have to get that "evil look" from my parents (they don't have to say a word at all!)  before I can say. . . .THAT word.

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And then as I grew older, I realized how important and powerful this word was.  This word can make someone feel better, can make YOU a better person, it can make you humble and it can even mend a broken heart (depends on the person I guess, hehe) and I've learned that saying "Sorry" makes a big difference in any kind of relationship. 

I've brought the same lesson in my relationship with God.  I try my best to make Him happy but I know there are times (most of the time) that I come short.  Sometimes I get distracted during mass or I forget to say my morning and evening prayers.  But I would like to believe that I have a personal relationship with Him in my own special way. . . that saying SORRY comes easy because I know He listens and doesn't judge.    

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I am SORRY Lord for hurting you and for the countless times I took you for granted. . . And THANK YOU for showing us the Greatest Love of all. . . We are truly humbled by your unconditional love. 

John 3:16 

For this is how God loved the world: he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

Travel Light

When I was still working, I always want to travel light for my business trips.  Traveling light for me meant packing enough clothes to wear (I already plan what to wear each day), one pair of shoes (I try!  Haha!) that would match all my work clothes . . .but STILL, I use a regular-sized luggage, haha!  Confession to make ---The extra space is for a "just in case". . . for "new stuff" I might get during the trip (read shopping, hehe)  

Just want to share with you an article I read in The NY Times which is really helpful for travelers.  It shows how a flight stewardess can pack her stuff (good for 10 days) in a Carry-On.  All of us have different travel needs/essentials but I think we can learn a thing or two from her.  (I usually fold my clothes but I'm rolling them now!)

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The article is in a slideshow.  To view it, please click on this link.

While writing this post, a thought just set-in. . ."traveling light" doesn't only apply to the trips that we take but also how we live our lives.  Life is a long journey.  Travel light and let go of the things that hurt you in the past.  Leave the pain that can't make you move on, the worries that weaken you and the fears that undermine your growth.  Let go and Live. .. and Be Happy =)

Have a blessed and meaningful Holy Week!