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Apr 28, 2006

Our Lady's Message of April 25, 2006

Photo courtesy Medjugorje in Bosnien Herzegowina



“Dear children! Also today I call you to have more trust in me and my Son. He has conquered by His death and resurrection and, through me, calls you to be a part of His joy. You do not see God, little children, but if you pray you will feel His nearness. I am with you and intercede before God for each of you. Thank you for having responded to my call.”

Copyright Children Of Medjugorje

Apr 25, 2006

Glorious chatting

That's the title of an email I received from a friend recently. As I'm a frequent chatter online, I'm totally interested in the conversation, and am pretty impressed too. I somehow, after reading this conversation, dream that God could talk to me through MSN or Yahoo Messenger or whatever chatting software available. I would do anything to chat with Him... IF I have that opportunity. Okay, so here's the conversation. I hope you like it as much as I do. It's long, but worth the read.


---~~~---~~~---

Meaningful MSN Chat....with God
God: Hello. Did you call me?

Me: Called you? No. Who is this?

God: This is GOD. I heard your prayers. So I thought I will Chat.
Me: I do pray. Just makes me feel good. I am actually busy now. I am in the midst of something.

God: What are you busy at? Ants are busy too.
Me: Don't know. But I can't find free time. Life has become hectic. It's rush hour all the time.

God: Sure. Activity gets you busy. But productivity gets you results. Activity consumes time. Productivity frees it.
Me: I understand. But I still can't figure out. By the way, I was not expecting YOU to buzz me on instant messaging chat.

God: Well, I wanted to resolve your fight for time, by giving you some clarity. In this net era, I wanted to reach you through the Medium you are comfortable with.

Me: Tell me, why has life become complicated now?

God: Stop analyzing life. Just live it. Analysis is what makes it complicated.

Me: Why are we then constantly unhappy?

God: Your today is the tomorrow that you worried about yesterday. You are worrying because you are analyzing. Worrying has become your habit. That's why you are not happy.

Me: But how can we not worry when there is so much uncertainty?

God: Uncertainty is inevitable, but worrying is optional.

Me: But then, there is so much pain due to uncertainty...

God: Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.

Me: If suffering is optional, why do good people always suffer?

God: Diamond cannot be polished without friction. Gold cannot be purified without fire. Good people go through trials, but don't suffer. With that experience their life becomes better, not bitter.

Me: You mean to say such experience is useful?

God: Yes. In every term, Experience is a hard teacher. She gives the test first and the lessons afterwards.

Me: But still, why should we go through such tests? Why can't we be free from problems?

God: Problems are Purposeful Roadblocks Offering Beneficial Lessons to Enhance Mental Strength. Inner strength comes from struggle and endurance, not when you are free from problems.

Me: Frankly in the midst of so many problems, we don't know where we are heading...

God: If you look outside you will not know where you are heading. Look inside. Looking outside, you dream. Looking inside, you awaken. Eyes provide sight. Heart provides insight.

Me: Sometimes not succeeding fast seems to hurt more than moving In the right direction. What should I do ?

God: Success is a measure as decided by others. Satisfaction is a measure as decided by you. Knowing the road ahead is more satisfying than knowing you rode ahead. You work with the compass. Let others work with the clock.

Me: In tough times, how do you stay motivated?

God: Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you have to go. Always count your blessing, not what you are missing.

Me: What surprises you about people?

God: When they suffer they ask, "why me?" When they prosper, they never ask "Why me?" Everyone wishes to have truth on their side, but few want to be on the side of the truth.

Me: Sometimes I ask, who am I, why am I here. I can't get the answer.

God: Seek not to find who you are, but to determine who you want to be. Stop looking for a purpose as to why you are here. Create it. Life is not a process of discovery, but a process of creation.

Me: How can I get the best out of life?

God: Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear.

Me: One last question. Sometimes I feel my prayers are not answered.

God: There are no unanswered prayers. At times the answer is NO.

Me: Thank you for this wonderful chat. I am so happy to start the New Day with a new sense of inspiration.

God: Well. Keep the faith and drop the fear. Don't believe your doubts and doubt your beliefs. Life is a mystery to solve, not a problem to resolve. Trust me. Life is wonderful if you know how to live.


God bless!

Apr 23, 2006

Thoughts on Divine Mercy Sunday

"Not in the beauty of the colour, nor of the brush lies the greatness of this image, but in My grace." - Our Lord to Bls. Faustina.

I'm supposed to be in my study room reading my notes, preparing myself for the last paper on Tuesday. But I gave myself half an hour to get this post done... I won't be able to concentrate if I leave my thoughts unposted.

So did you faithfully join and pray the Novena of Divine Mercy for 9 consecutive days? I... did not. I only made it through until the 4th day. *sigh* What a shame.

And I remembered my promise to God -- going for confession on Divine Mercy Sunday. That would be 8 more hours from now and I'll be off to Mass. Confession has never been easy to me. I have never been able to shake off nervousness, no matter how hard I prayed and how much I tried to.

I've been accumulating more sins since Lent. I did things I'm not supposed to do, and I feel extremely guilty as I had my conscience examined just now. Yes, I'm ashamed of my deeds. I must have hurt the Lord so deeply. *sob* I even thought of not going for Communion but then my heart and soul would be craving for the Spiritual Food the whole week, and that would make me fall into sin even more easily. But I don't dare to meet Him! I've been such a troublemaker and so unfaithful... where should I put my face?

This line caught my eyes as I flipped through the booklet 'The Divine Mercy: Message and Devotion' just a while ago:-
Come with faith to the feet of My representative... I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest... I Myself act in your soul... Make your confession before Me. The person of the priest is, for Me, only a screen. Never analyze what sort of a priest it is that I am making use of; open your soul in confession as you would to Me, and I will fill it with My light...
And it changed my mind too... Like it or not, I have no choice but to get my sins confessed. I'm feeling like a decaying corpse right now! I want my soul to be restored! I don't want to keep the decayed rubbish inside me!! I want the fire of love continue to burn with zeal for Jesus! Lord, help me!

Another verse that I like to share here:-
When you go to confession, to this fountain of mercy, the Blood and Water which came forth from My Heart always flows down upon your soul... In the Tribunal of mercy [the sacrament of Reconciliation]...the greatest miracles take place and are incessantly repeated... Here the misery of the soul meets God of mercy...
Lord, shed Your light on me so that I can see what disgraceful sins I've committed, and I ask also for Your blessings so that I detest them and confess them well.

For all of you who are also preparing to receive God's mercy, all the very best and you are remembered in my prayers.

Lord have mercy!

Apr 22, 2006

Sick video clip!


I was browsing online when I came across a message board with the topic 'Jesus Christ: Musical'. Out of curiosity and also of my love for Him, I clicked to read the discussion under that topic. To my dismay, I saw this video clip and it is the most sickening clip I've ever seen in my whole life. It is indeed an insult to our Lord!!!

Well, the presence of this clip only proves one fact - we have a sick society and a sick world who are in real need of the Healer. Don't you agree?

Let's pray for whoever that has produced this clip.

Apr 16, 2006

Today is also...


... the birthday of our beloved Pope Benedict XVI!!!!! He's turning 79 today! Here's a site (in German, though) where you can send him birthday greetings.

HAPPY 79TH BIRTHDAY, DEAREST POPE BENEDICT!!!!

He's Risen!!!


He had no Servants, but they called Him MASTER
No Degree, but they called Him TEACHER
No Medicines, but they called Him HEALER
No Armies, but Kings feared Him
He won no Military Battles, but He conquered the WORLD
He committed no crime, but they CRUCIFIED Him
He was buried in a TOMB, but is ALIVE today.
He is Humble, but will always be EXALTED
His name is JESUS CHRIST
He is our only HOPE & SAVIOUR!!

- author known to God


Have a Joyful and Blessed Easter!

Apr 15, 2006

The Empty Tabernacle

[Post inspired by Holy Saturday reflection from The Presentation Ministries.]

As I arrived in church just now I noticed something -- the empty tabernacle. I stared at it for a while. For that very moment, I felt so lost and so empty inside. I did not know if I should genuflect or not before sitting down, but after thinking for a while, I decided not to. There wasn't Eucharistic presence in the church, for what and to whom should I bow down in adoration?

The empty tabernacle represented the empty heart of mine. I realized right then that I need Him right here in my heart, for He is the driving force of my life.

"We who are living our Baptisms to the full are so joined to Jesus that we miss Him terribly when we are deprived of His presence. When we have centered our lives on the Mass, we miss His presence in the Eucharist so much because we love Him so much." (Presentation Ministries)

Did you feel the same way too? Did you miss Jesus when you saw the empty tabernacle tonight? Or did you even realize that He is missing?

Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Indeed, it does. If I had not noticed the empty tabernacle tonight, I would not have known how important He is to me, how much I have loved Him, how much I have needed Him.

As you get to church later for Easter Vigil, remember to let Him know that you love Him too.

The Servant King

Again, I know it's somewhat late for me to post this but still, I find it to be rather inspiring. Here's what on my mind, something the priest mentioned during the Holy Thursday homily...

"Jesus did not say that it is wrong to have the desire of being great. He did not reprimand His disciples for arguing among themselves who was greater than the other. Instead, He showed them (and us) the right way to greatness -- to humble oneself for the service of others. In other words, if anyone wants to be No. 1 and above all others, he will have to be a slave to all."

Apr 14, 2006

Good Friday...

My heart has been broken yesterday as I listen to the homily of Christ's Last Supper and the beginning of His Passion. I wasn't able to stay for the Eucharistic Adoration after Mass. I reached home feeling dissatisfied, went up to my room, sat on my bed and stared at the ceiling with my mind full of the images of the Crucified Jesus until I finally fell asleep.

I woke up in this morning about 9.30, did a little reflection on the readings last night and started doing my revision (final exam this coming Monday!). After an hour, a call came from a church friend asking me why I wasn't there at the choir practice. Okay... seriously no one told me about any kind of practice. I waited for my dad to come back from wherever-he-was and off I went to church. And there... I was pissed off. Obviously I was 1 hour late because I was only told of the practice an hour ago, yet these people laughed at me for being 'so early'. Worse still, the teens even 'presented' me with the song "all hail queen Audrey...", which made me screaming at them: "Hey! There's only one Queen and that's Our Lady!" And since then I feel really down. I'm supposed to be doing revision right now, but look, what am I doing now? Sitting down blogging and reading blogs... Oh Lord, I'm really sorry if I've placed more burdens on Your Cross!

Also, a reminder for all who are reading my posts... Today is also the beginning of the Divine Mercy Novena.

It's time for me to join the Novena in church, follows by Good Friday service.

Have a blessed Holy Week.

Apr 12, 2006

Buy not... the book from Hell

Thanks God I've been given the chance to read this post. Thank you, Georgette, for posting this.

DO NOT BUY THE BOOKS ENTITLED CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD AND CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD FOR TEENS!!!!
[Please read the original post first before you continue reading the rest of my post]


Here's a very small part posted by Georgette found in the book "Conversation With God", a question about the forgiveness of sin, which the answer given by this 'god' really pissed me off:

"I do not forgive anyone because there is nothing to forgive. There is no such thing as right or wrong and that is what I have been trying to tell everyone, do not judge people. People have chosen to judge one another and this is wrong, because the rule is "'judge not lest ye be judged.'"
Okay... so you said that there's no such thing as right or wrong. But you also said that it's WRONG to judge one another. Now I'm confused... of all things you've mention, which are RIGHT and which are WRONG???

So all of you out there who are book lovers... please beware. If you have the books, you should know where they belong (the trash bin!).

Medjugorje is real!


Here's the story shared by Sister Emmanual, a testimonial by her friend from the US. Worth reading and contemplating upon...

“In July 2004, one month before the most awaited celebration of my marriage in the Church, I was attending mass regularly after a 35 year interruption. The preparation for my children’s Baptism (10 and 14 years old) was progressing smoothly, and I was slowly discovering more and more spiritual readings. I had heard the messages of the Gospa and dug out an old Bible that belonged to my father. I then placed it on my bedside table intending to start reading it.

That night, I had an incredible dream. My husband and I (we had been in a civil marriage for the last 12 years) were in a sailing boat, one of those live- aboard types. It was on automatic pilot, since we were both very busy inside the boat. There was always a lot to do down below, and none of us really wanted to be stuck at the helm for hours. We would pop our heads up from time to time, just to make sure there was no immediate danger lurking somewhere, but soon we would be back inside, busy with more pressing things.

And then all of a sudden we were hit with bad weather. We were taken by surprise. The boat was tossed right and left, up and down and we were very scared. Then an even bigger wave hit us and the boat flipped onto its side. We were terrified. But the boat did not sink, it stayed on its side and drifted with the storm until it ran aground on an gorgeous sandy beach. We climbed out of the boat bewildered and still under the shock of what had just happened.

There, on the island, a beautiful Lady was waiting for us. With extreme gentle care, she took care of us. She put our boat back into shape, she repaired every sign of damage, and then she said to us: ‘You cannot continue on your journey with nobody at the helm. I will put somebody at the helm for you. And also, it is not reasonable to launch into such travels without a good map’. So, she gave us a very large book and bade us farewell. We sailed away and when I opened the book, it was the Bible.

A year later, my Bible was still on the bedside table, mostly unopened. That summer, I received an invitation to join a Bible study group that was launching a program called “Bible Time Line.”

Since then I have been reading the Bible more and more, every chance I get. I turn to it constantly and I have come to understand the daily Mass readings much better. I share with my children all my discoveries as soon as the opportunity arises (I have put a white board in their bathroom, and there I write a Scripture verse every time something particularly strikes me They love to discover the new writings that appear regularly).

I believe the Gospa saved me twice. The first time when she called me to Medjugorje in April 2003, and the second time when she gave me that dream that lead me to discover the Word of her Son Jesus. Dear Gospa, my mother from Heaven, I thank you!"

So what do you think? Do you still doubt Our Lady?

Photo courtesy Medjugorje.

Apr 10, 2006

My personal view on Medjugorje

When I first read of this post I was really upset. I don't understand why this reader have to do that. Is it really necessary?

If I were a non-Catholic and I read about this kind of disagreement that happened in the Catholic church, I would be laughing and thought: "They say they are the one true and universal church, but look what happened, they themselves have problem believing in the woman they claimed to be their Holy Mother, and worse still, there are even people who 'boycotte' blogs/posts that display Her messages! What a joke!"

Well, that person's action was really uncatholic.

When I first heard of this place called Medjugorje and Mary's messages, I was sceptical too until I noticed that all of Her messages are aimed at leading Christians back to Her Son. And that was when I firmly believe that the apparitions are real. Some people from my parish have been to Medjugorje, some are planning now for a trip there next year. I have also heard of the amazing stories brought back from Medjugorje, and I actually have hoped to make a trip there one fine day.

It may not be officially approved by the Church, yes, but would there be any harm if we believe in the apparitions and Our Lady's messages? For me, it is wiser to just believe and take up Her messages and put Her requests into practice, because by doing so we can grow closer to Jesus... and most importantly, I'd love to go straight to Heaven to see the One I love face to face.

I've got an article about the recent miracle that happened to a woman, but I don't have time to post it this time (next post, I promise). Moneybags has posted his beautiful sharing and view on Medjugorje, a must read.

For my post to come, I would be talking about Naju, Korea. [Am in a hurry, the library is closing!]

God bless!

Which Narnia Character Are You?

I'm a fan of Narnia, and so when I found this from my friend's blog, I didn't hesitate to take the test... and I'm Susan!!! Oh gosh... this is so unbelievable! I am motherly???? No way...! Take this test and let me know which character you are!



"As Susan, you are mature and respectable, yet with your 'motherly' role you can be quite bossy. Still, you can always be trusted to be loyal and faithful."

Apr 7, 2006

What Lent Really Is

*Updated
"We have to understand what makes the value of Lent! It is not so much about making many sacrifices or imposing a thousand renouncements on ourselves. No, this is not what Lent is. Rather, it is following the example of Jesus with humility and simplicity. It is a matter of doing everything according to our heart. Whatever the renouncements or penance I choose, the value of my offering resides in the love with which I offer it. Besides this, may no one know what I am offering anything up for Lent. The Gospa is also asking that, ‘In your homes, kneel down and pray the Sorrowful Mysteries for my intentions.’

Above all, it is important to free ourselves from everything that troubles our hearts. This is what pleases our Lord and the Gospa the most. Everything else, sacrifices and offerings, are for the purification of our souls.The Lord does not expect us to do many things, but He looks at our hearts and at the quality of the love we put in all things. He also expects our joy. Then He is happy, much happier than when He receives forced sacrifices. What is forced is not very valuable.

Another beautiful thing is to follow Jesus in His Passion and live with Him all the moments that He suffered for us, when He offered Himself for us. We should gradually get closer to Him in His suffering.During this Lent, we can ask the Lord to renew us and give us a new life, so that by the end of Lent we will be a new person. It would make no sense to remain the same at the end of Lent! I should ask for the grace to be better at the end of Lent than I am at the beginning. This is the most beautiful fruit of Lent.” - Vicka, March 14
© Children of Medjugorje 2006


I know this post is a little too late, since we're now at the end of Lent and beginning of Holy Week. But then, this may not be only for Lenten reads. Should we not do these every moment of our lives?

Apr 3, 2006

My 4th Week of Lent


Not so bad I guess. Besides having to face two unreconciled friends (and feeling guilty when I was with the other), I have been sitting in front of the computer most of the time and rushing through my assignments (thesis, to be exact) to meet the deadline (1st draft - 10 April). Once in a while the s*** word appeared. Oh well, I'm totally stressed out and have been eating quite a lot this week. Hopefully I didn'nt gain any weight (I really wish I'm slimmer!). =P

However... I forgot my night prayers and daily reflections, and the worst thing is, I just figured out that we're at the end of Lenten season but I haven't been to Confession!!!! (I'm sorry Lord!!!) Next week is Holy Week, so I don't think I'll be able to make it to the Confession. I'll most probably make it on the Divine Mercy Sunday. Lord, help me to make it!

This week, there are things which I really need to do for this last week of Lent: 1) Fast on one meal a day; 2) Steal time to pray wherever I am, whatever I am doing; 3) Practice patience, humility and chastity; 4) Put my trust in God fully... and whatever things that come into my mind this week. Keep me in your prayers, please.

Alrights, have to pack and go to the uni now. God bless your 5th Week of Lent.

Apr 2, 2006

In loving memory of Pope John Paul II


It has been one year since he left us. All I can say is that I still miss him as much. Dearest John Paul II, how are you doing in Heaven? =)

Here are some articles written by
A Catholic Life that are worth reading:

John Paul Lives On!
John Paul Lives On (Part II)
John Paul Lives On (Part III)
John Paul Lives On (Part IV)*updated


Let us specially ask him to intercede for us today as we remember him in our hearts and minds. I'll miss you, John Paul, always until we meet in Paradise!

Your favourite?


I wonder if there's anyone out there who's as crazy as me. Here's my favourite Pope John Paul II's photo, what about yours?? Owwhhh... isn't he adorable...? Ahh.. I miss him. *sigh*

Apr 1, 2006

How do you know it's Him?

The similar question was raised by Ales Rarus some time ago. The Bible warns us about false Christ. But how do we distinguish between the real and the false Christ?

Today's Gospel (John 7:40-52) speaks of this very situation during Jesus' time. "Would the Christ be from Galilee? Does not scripture say that the Christ must be descended from David and come from the town of Bethlehem?" Our parish priest, during the homily, said that Jesus was rejected because the Jews knew too much about Him and they were too familiar with the scripture. If you are Frank Peretti's fan, surely you'll know about his novel called 'The Visitation', which depicted the same situation.

Now, back to the main question. If there were someone who claimed himself as the Christ, how would you intend to find out whether he's real? What questions would you ask him? What criteria would you look for? Or maybe, let's twist the question the other way round. If you were one of the Jews in Jesus' time, would you reject him too?

Tough questions, eh? At least they are tough for me. I would most probably ask him this question: Lord, do you still remember what was the gravest sin I've ever commited?

Or perhaps, the only way is to let the Holy Spirit leads.