A birthday prayer

Dear God,

I have noticed changes in my hands lately and it bothers me. The wrinkled skin on my knuckles become thicker and no matter how much lotion I applied, it always look dry. And it dawned on me, " I am a year older!" Oh yes I really am! (It shows in the hands)

Though, I dreaded wrinkles, arthritis, osteoporosis and illnesses associated with aging I am thankful for having reached this stage. Thank you for giving me a life, for a wonderful family and faithful friends.

Thank you for the many chances, for catching me before I fall ( i almost). I thank you for the job, it may not be a perfect job I always wanted (because there is no such thing) I am grateful for the new learning, for the new people i have met along the journey (personally and virtually), people who somehow touched my life in their own little way.

With all humility, I ask for forgiveness for the things i have done and the things I have failed to do. Albeit, i cried a bucket and deeply hurt, today, with all sincerity, I forgive all the people who have hurt me because I realized I dont want anger consume me for the rest of my life.

I know that thank you is not enough for all the graces you have bestowed upon me since I was born. I will always lay my heart desires to you.. with big hope. And in your time, with faith and confidence, all my wishes will come true specially that one wish i so earnestly ask of you.

Thank you for another year. I am a grateful heart.

Amen.

Let's go green, Spinach anyone?

{via}

I am picky eater when I was a kid, i hate vegetables and anything with sabaw. My mom is to frustrated because im too skinny and Im under weight despite taking appetite booster, that time I am taking Nutroplex (don't try to guess my age, lol). When i went for a vacation at my relatives house, I was forced to eat veggies because Im too shy to tell them what I want to eat, that's my first taste of veggie, pinakbet it is! Masarap pala and the rest is history.

One of my fave veggies is Spinach. I super love spinach soup specially when i have colds. I do love salad too. Last weekend we tried oven baked tilapia rubbed with olive oil, salt and black pepper, few thin strips of ginger and wrapped in Spinach, we baked it for 10 mins and viola! yummy.

Spinach is rich in vitamins C, K, E and folate and according to the research done by US Department of Agriculture, spinach packed and refrigerated under brightly for 3 days has a higher level of vitamins I mentioned above because it continue to photosynthesis even after picked(this also applies to other green leafy veggies) so supermarket is a perfect environment because lights are 24/7 (RD 7/10 issue).

Care to share your spinach recipe?

rejoice in finding the lost

I was lost and found my way back! My way back to blog world. This blog been idle for months for 3 reasons: (1) busy with work (2) nothing much to talk about except work and i dont want to exhaust you & (3) too lazy.

Since the last time you heard from me, except those who are in my facebook list, I eat, I pray (and i lost love). I got hooked by Elizabeth's search for "balance". I drooled and craved for Italian food, imagined my self praying and scrubbing the tiles of the Ashram and hoping to replace a lost love (anywhere, even if i'm not) in Indonesia, and I want to meet the medicine man and his magic picture.

Today, I attended the (anticipated) mass at my favorite chapel, St.Pio Chapel in Libis. I discovered this chapel (that looked like a church) when i was working in Eastwood.

{Photo Credit}

The place is beautiful and solemn, I was amazed at its grandeur, that I lost for words describing it (i want you to find it for your self here). I been there many times and still, i feel like crying during my every visit. Many devotees of Padre Pio went there everyday. After every mass, there is a veneration of Padre Pio relics. You can write your petitions as many as you want, there are 2 drop boxes, one inside the chapel and the other one is in the garden at the back.

The place is so peaceful. When i first saw it, i told my self I want to get married here (but im not sure if they allow weddings there) . For me it is a perfect place for spiritual enhancement and soul searching.

This Sunday's gospel is about God's love for all of us, even those who've gone astray. God rejoices when a lost soul find its way back. I've lost my way many times, but with His love, I managed to trace the path back and i'm grateful for that.

Have a blessed Sunday everyone.

Pray, Hope and dont worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and
will hear your prayer. Prayer is the best weapon we have, it's the key
to God's heart - Padre Pio