Our family went on a trip to Singapore years ago. It's well-known that crime is very low in the city, though there were no policemen in sight. Someone said that they had a CCTV everywhere, and that anyone who does something illegal will be identified. Wow! That's one really good way of policing the citizenry. Maybe around a decade ago, the governor of New York was caught living a second life with the ladies of the dark. Unlike in Singapore, his actions were hard to trace.

Last week, my consciousness awakened to the thought that our life on earth is limited, and that we do not know when our dear Lord will call us. (Yes, I've known this for the longest time, but it just stays as a thought.) Though I try to live life with what I think makes God happy, I realized that there is no urgency in my actions. I act as if I will live a hundred years. In a little over two years I will be 65, and I wondered how I could make the most out of that time. Well,

As All Saints' Day draws near, I am reminded of the "communion of saints" that is mentioned in the Apostle's Creed. These words bring lightness to my soul, a smile to my face, and joy in my heart. Imagine all the saints* we know who are with us during Mass, and I believe, with us whenever we whisper their names. I once thought of researching foods that are related to saints. I thought that maybe St. Patrick liked Irish soda bread. Julia Greenwood in her blog** mentioned tha

Everyone has been on both ends of an advice. What are some of the best advice you have received? Do you remember some of the best advice you have given? Mom often told me to give thanks to our Lord. Her mother taught her that living a life of thanksgiving is the only way to live. An aunt said that it takes only a few seconds to make a call, so not being in touch with our loved ones is inexcusable. How many times have we said we will call someone and procrastinated? My freshm

Asking which is more important - journey or the destination, is like asking which is paramount: is it nature or nurture? One cannot have the best with just one. The two will need to balance each other to bring out the best. Think about it. A journey without a destination is simply being lost... which may be okay when traveling because at least one can enjoy the sights. Focusing on the destination without enjoying the journey can cause one to miss a lot of precious moments

February and October are the busiest birthday months for our family. But October seems to outshine February because of my many devotions to saints who celebrate their feast days in October. Whenever we pray the Apostle's Creed, I love the part that goes, "I believe in the communion of saints..." Being people who lived holy lives for Jesus while on earth, I believe they are enjoying their eternity in Heaven. I also believe that they are given grace to help those on earth... Oc

I thought we'll be celebrating our 30th anniversary this year. Apparently, it will only be our 29th. I was never good at math. God knows best. Hubby is good at it. Our oldest son asked his dad what is the secret to a lasting marriage. (I did not hear the happy part, but I suppose that part was understood. After all, rarely can one last this long at this time and age without being happy.) He said he will ask his dad because I am the vocal one, and I usually provide the answ

A 38-year-old friend with two young sons was diagnosed with breast cancer about six months ago. The previous month, I learned that her cancer has metastasized to the brain. Numerous tumors detected. Surgery was cancelled. Two weeks ago, she passed away. A dear friend's mom was diagnosed with lung cancer and within three months, her mother passed away. Her sister who was battling breast cancer died the following year. She herself was diagnosed with cancer the year after her

It's been a while since I went to confession. I have it on my weekly calendar, but it seems something always comes up when the day comes. (Could this be the case with most things that people, subconsciously or otherwise, do not think urgent or important?) One Sunday, our family livestreamed a Mass so that we could join the celebration as we were in different locations. I chose the shortest one at 30 minutes, thinking that the boys will want something short and sweet. (Anythin

As we celebrate Labor Day weekend, let us remember Mother Teresa who labored countless hours helping the poorest of the poor. September 5 is her feast day. In a way it is similar to the way the laborers worked 12-14 hours daily seven days a week just to bring the basics to their homes. Their protests gave way to the better work environment enjoyed these days while Mother Teresa's deeds brought the plight of the poor to light. On the occasion of her feast day, let us visit a f

Mom passed away on Aug. 27, 2012. She has made her presence felt at least once every year since she passed away. How could I then think that there is no afterlife? At the hour of her death, I heard her bid me goodbye. On the same day, she made her presence felt by our family. Around her first anniversary, she made her presence felt while on a trip she had wanted our family to take for the longest time. On her second anniversary, she "devised a plan" to have me connect with m

August 1 news augurs gloomy days ahead. A dear aunt texted that her daughter's brain tumor surgery has been cancelled. MRI showed numerous growths, and the situation is beyond surgery. She will be moved to a hospice. Her daughter is only 38 and has two young children. Another family friend contracted Covid and has not been responding to texts and calls. A family friend suddenly passed away August 1 after having sniffles for a week. It was something no one thought, not even

It seemed only days ago when I blogged that we have already begun the second half of 2021, and it seems that the holidays are just around the corner. And this weekend is a new month! I don't know what's with me and time. It's something that preoccupies my being. "How have I used my day?" "Am I on track with my schedule?" I want to be able to do a lot of things given the time I have. I've wondered why this consumes me a lot. Last Tuesday, one of the ministries at our church

My father unexpectedly passed away on July 25 fifteen years ago from what began as a bleed in the brain, followed by multiple organ failure, and a fatal heart attack. He was physically very strong, and my sister who is a doctor said on his most recent check-up that he was good for another ten years. He passed within a year after being given a good bill of health. I wonder what he would have asked if he knew death was close at hand? I read that one of the mightiest conqueror

Is the glass half-empty or half-full? These two descriptions are the same. But how we see them affects how we go through life. How we see things depends on our innate personality, our current situation, and habits. Some people are born with a more optimistic view of things. People who have stability in their lives are more positive. Habits that encourage personal development and growth can create a lot of good. These people are usually those who see the glass as half-full. W

We're in the second half of this year! I'm starting to see oranges and browns, greens and reds in the near future. My husband told me Thanksgiving and Christmas are still quite a way down the road. I reminded him that time flies. And if we do not plan way ahead, these wonderful occasions to celebrate and give thanks will come as a jolt. Since high school, planning has been a part of me. I remember having a notebook or a planner where I jot down my goals and schedules. Funny

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 1 [a]There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. 2 A time to give birth, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. 5 A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. 6