"INVESTING IN LOVE?"

https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/investing-love-gm165743185-13028120

I had a brief conversation with young people one afternoon this week.  My attention was focused with "Angel" (not her real name...our student leader... I like it so much talking with her).  She mentioned about investing in a relationship with a person.  I suddenly said "when you invest, you expect a return...an income".  

When you "invest" in a relationship with a person, the relationship will become a business transaction.  The questions would unconsciously be "How much will I be getting from this?  What possible return will my relating with this person bring me?  or When will I get a total "return" from my "capital investment".

What followed in the conversation was the fear of pain from where I responded "Pain is part of the package of living.  A lot of young people do not like it that is why some go as far as hurting themselves to stop living".

So, let's go straight to the point and illustrate.  When you invest, you get to expect that the person may return the same to  you.  You may even expect to get more from what you give.  

It is not what love is.  It is simply giving and not expecting any return. It does not yield to justification or explanation why you love.  "You just give, even if it hurts or it becomes very painful, and you give a little more"... It makes you "bleed" to the bones (hahahah gross right).  

It purifies you until you become the best version of yourself (oh divah pang beauty queen ang dating).   Until such time when loving another person becomes natural for you to do  ..until you become the expression of Love yourself.    

Just try it...you will witness it happening...in you...

Knowledge Or Wisdom - Which of the Two Do You Have?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GcD33yma-8

Knowledge Or Wisdom - which of the two do you have?  I just listened from a talk (youtube video) delivered by Bishop Fulton Sheen on How to Improve Your Mind.  And the amazing thing that he mentioned at the end of the video says : "Never ask help from someone who does not live a good life...since Wisdom is a product of being good or living the good life".  

Looking at it in that perspective, Bishop Fulton Sheen pointed out... that wisdom is a product of living a life aligned with God's will and purpose for man. He gives us the message to simply do the right things for others by living the life of love for God and others.

We may have known of many learned and knowledgeable individuals in the field of professional practice (teachers, doctors, lawyers, businessmen etc.) and  the church (priests, pastors, etc).  However, the impact of sharing their knowledge does not sink deep or reach the heart.  We do not feel the depth of words that come out from their mouth.  

How do we acquire wisdom?  I happen to talk with a colleague and friend named Jerwin over lunch today and he mentioned how his mother may not have gotten that highest degree of education but is so full of wisdom in her words. Thus, she must have lived her life well remaining true to her calling as wife and mother.

More than anything, living life well is a product of a highly established union with God.  This calls for a regular time spent in prayer and worship.  There is a need to connect and reconnect everyday.  There is a need to be refueled and be refreshed since we all get tired in the journey. 

We need God in our life.  Not connecting with God, and embracing a life centered on the self will make the self as the only reference to making decisions, excessive self love and self centered perspectives.  The "I" becomes the center.  Dr. Wayne Dyer shares of the "EGO" which stands for "Edging God Out".

This time, we are being challenged to consider and look straight into the eyes of this respectable man of the Catholic Church who was known for his WISDOM in his teachings during his time.  We can truly learn so much from him. 

At this point, we can assess ourselves as to whether we are at the knowledge level or we have transcended to having wisdom in our state of life.

To quote :  

"Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895-1979) is arguably this century's most widely acclaimed and best-loved Roman Catholic prelate. A master of the media, spiritual leader, and witty, literate, urbane teacher, Sheen had a far-ranging impact on American culture. There remains in his spoken and written words a keen insight into the universal human condition, and the universal quest for the Divine in the ordinary".

Reference :

Sheen, F.  From the Angel's Blackboard: The Best of Fulton J. Sheen.  Retrieved from the web : 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/731524.From_the_Angel_s_Blackboard

The Rescue for Cats and Kittens

the Mother Cat "Zola"  adopted by Ms. Lovely Adanza delivered 5 beautiful kittens

I thought of myself not being able to hold back my attachment for cats.  I questioned myself many times over.  How I wish i could just simply vanish the feeling. But when I see them neglected and not being taken cared of, the pain is unbearable. Yes, I cry seeing them hurt.  

When I was a kid, I and my sister Gay brought cats and kittens to bed.  They sleep with us.  We always heard mama with her high pitched voice trying to stop us from doing that.  Sometimes I brought home stray cats to mama's dismay.  But how can I stop a "child" within from feeling such compassion for cats or dogs?

Last year, before transferring to a new residence, I fed stray cats in the neighborhood.  They just come morning and night to be fed (more than 12 of them).  I and another kind neighbor shared in the responsibility of feeding all of them (including a stray dog that come with us to Church when we heard mass during Sundays).  

Where I currently work, I still do the same.  I feed them with cat food and some milk.  And, it reached at rescuing them and finding "adoptive parents" for them (crazy ha).  In this blog, I would like to honor some generous individuals who have such huge hearts who came to take care of them.  

1. Cutie (Ms. Nora Gerasmeo) is a teacher and sooo soo loves cats.  She came to the office with the two kittens below.  Sadly one did not make it.  She calls the other one "Mao" which luckily had her adoptive mother cat at Cutie's home.  Actually, "Mao" sleeps with them (on the bed...wwooow) together with all their cats in the house. What a grand, grand time!!!:-) 

Ms. Nora "Cutie" Gerasmeo ..adopted two kittens

2. Vin Theodore Gerebise is the son of my friend Ms. Lyleen Fabria.  They came to office full pack (as a family) to pick up "Orange" (the name of the kitten).  They had "Orange" checked up immediately at the nearby Veterinary clinic after picking her up which gladdened my heart at how concerned they are as a family to the kitten.

Vin Theodore Gerebise's "Orange"

3.  Leah Carcueva is a Senior High School teacher who volunteered to take home one of the kittens too.  And oh don't be shocked...the kitten below likes to sleep anywhere in the house ( that is why the photo below)  She is simply having the grandest time sleeping and so well fed:-) 

4. Truly, I was anxious of mother cat.  She got pregnant immediately. Everyday that she visits me at the office, I felt the tension within with her bulging tummy ready to deliver her kittens. I was just so glad that my Professional Education student Ms. Lovely Adanza volunteered to take her home.  And voila!!! after two days she delivered her 5 lovely kittens.  Lovely's kids love them so much that they did not want them given away.  

Ms. Lovely Adanza as in super dooper adopted the mother cat 

'The Mother Cat named now "Zola" 

And, just this afternoon (June 7, 2019), I was informed that there are three (3) kittens running around without their mother cat anymore (mother cat is "missing").  And so, my heart for kittens popped up.  The kittens below really, really need a home.  Anyone can message me if you are interested.  

the three new kittens with already "missing" mom

I will not stop finding them a home.  I have slowly embraced my role.  It is my heart that I cannot stop.  It is without question.  I am just simply submitting to it.  

I do believe there a lot of individuals out there who so love cats.  And, I am soo grateful that through Facebook, I was able to find them -  To Ms. Cutie, Vin Theodore and Ms. Lyleen, Ms. Leah and Ms. Lovely...  Thank you very much.  God will continually bless you with your generosity.  My love and prayers for all of you.

We Are All Angels In Disguise

https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/3787233-angels-in-disguise

I was driving one afternoon out of the university.  The traffic was so tight that I felt like I had no way to go further than go back to the parking lot of the university.  Despite of that I whispered silent prayer to just make go through it when suddenly i saw the traffic flow stopped in front of me.  A saw a man in white shirt riding a motorcycle blocked the two lanes.  Looked at me sharply and signaled me through his eyes conversing through mine giving me a "Go" signal. 

I was like a child, obeying to that signal.  I swerved forward...goose skinned.  I was checking on him while he moved away so fast without looking back at where the car that I'm driving is located.  Well, I thought of an angel again.  And that week, I had lots of those encounters such as when I left my wallet at the grocery cart at the parking lot when someone called me up and raised in the air ...mmmmyyyy waallllettt  (ooohhhhh) with everything in it including my intestines, lungs and heart (just joking). 

And then, I left my ATM card at a cashier in one department store.  I realized the next day only that I don't have it when i was about to purchase some items in the grocery at another mall.  I still got it full and complete given to me by that beautiful supervisor of the grocery store information counter (SM uptown). Thank you Lord with shouts of Joy and Gladness... 

But gadanghag lang gyud ko  ( I was just very careless)  hahahhahaha.  Yet, the message.   I was being reminded by God with the presence of His angels in many different forms.  That HE IS ALIVE humans disguised as angels.  

And, my story did not end that way.  I returned the same favor to a driver who hit my car.  An old driver from Maramag Bukidnon carrying heavy loads.  He did not look at his mirror and suddenly turned his direction towards me (driver's side).  All those that ride with him "chorused" with their shouts of shock and "horroooor".  At my end  i was "hoorrrored" (hahhahaha) by what happened.  I don't want to make this story long.  I forgave him which I think shocked him "to the max".  I stated "  manong, let us solve this problem.  I will contact my insurance. Just pray that everything will be covered".  I asked for his number and in matter of less than 10 minutes, we were both back on the road.  

I'm sure it made him happy.  At my end, it felt more than that. PEACE.   I felt so at peace.  At that time, I was not certain with how much insurance would cover. The most important thing was that, I did not make life difficult for that man.  Did I suffer?  A little bit when i was questioned related to money by someone.  But i found my peace again...with the realization - Money is not everything.  My relationship with God is what I value the most.  

God will take care of me...I am sure of that...In fact He makes Himself so busy attending with me and my needs now ...:-)

Amen to that...

A toast to everyone who work it out to become ANGELS IN DISGUISE for others. I tell you ...Angels...they manifest their presence by letting us "loose" from our difficulties.  By making life easier for others (without question).  We can do the same...:-) 

Suddenly I feel The Need To "Rekindle" Blogging

Wives, Mothers and friends on Life's True Journey ( naa diay false? hahahahha)

I felt the many opportunities to write again for my blog site.  Yet, I did not.  It is not that i lost the motivation to write.  It is the fear of being judged.  I thought of varied reactions from people.  I thought how best intentions could be misinterpreted.  I admit I allowed myself to be carried away.  I simply hid myself from prying eyes.  Instead, I posted messages already crafted by creative individuals.  I chose images and messages that could define my heart.  Or simply define my values (not really with the intention to hurt anyone).

Then, suddenly someone today,  my long time friend and prayer partner Vilma reminded me that.  It was like a subtle yet strong invitation to write again.  I felt the grace  when we conversed.  We were sharing our stories of struggles and victories with life.  We were sharing how encounters with challenging individuals that have become the "acid test"  with our character,  values, faith and beliefs.  We were recalling how our friendship has found its strong ground in our service to God previously when we were active in our Catholic Christian community, our workplaces and community (like Church involvement).   We were sharing our life as wives and mothers and the prayers that we've said to God over and over again for our loved ones and other people who may be needing prayers.

It was a brief yet rich encounter.  It was that special moment that made me realize to recount God's blessings again and not focus on life's tragedies.  To decide to grow, embrace life, and  my faith in God who can only define and redefine my daily journey.

Truly, I needed the push, the affirmation to simply go through the breeze and say yes to writing again.  And, I thank my dear friend and prayer partner Vilma ...my "soulmate" in my Christian journey so that I will able to bravely traverse life again in the spirit of openness and total surrender to whatever there is to come...

To God be the Glory...Halleluiah!!!

PS :  To go back blogging is like "New Year"  ...so shall I say "Happy New Year in May" for me ...and everyone...

Mikaela's Activities - Homeschooling and Socialization

First and foremost, every time I open up homeschooling arrangement with my friends, they would specifically express their concern about socialization. Homeschooling is an exclusive arrangement.  It is schooling that happens at home but not exclusively that.  That is why Mikaela connects with a school named Think Preparatory Uptown as one of here venues for socialization.

The logo of Think Prep Uptown

From research, socialization need not be many people or kids.  In fact we adults, we do quality socialization with few individuals only.  Thus, one or two quality socialization with other kids will build them up well.

with her friend Carmela at the Church

With Mikaela, she goes regularly to one of SM's playhouses in the city.  She climbs, crawls, hops, shots balls, slides, connects with other children during play and  I could hear her giggles, shouts and laughter when she engages there. 

At home, I especially designed her work/study area so that she would be comfortable at performing her tasks during all academic and non-academic activities that we made her engaged in including her unlimited daily speech training/therapy (I made it sound like it is easy but it is not, yet we thought of doing it especially for the girl).

The study/activity area at home

Mikaela engaged in the activity

The Bulletin for academic practice

Mikaela also does Montessori type activities such the regular chores of folding her own clothes, putting plates on the table, eating by herself, brushing her teeth, fixing the bed and putting back toys in the bin,  a little of mapping the floor (hahahha we need to buy the smaller map) and sweeping the floor. 

Well, life is not boring with me around ha...we both dance together and I play the horse while she stays at my back with her giggles and shouts (unlimited ahahha).  She prays too...in fact, she can now memorize "Angel of God" with her sometimes twisted pronunciation sometimes.  She joins family prayer every night and even reminds us her parents of prayer time.  And ohhh the unlimited sketching that she passionately does (she is the amazing artist).

Starting to frame Mikaela's work

...a lot more to say in just a matter of 5 months (she did many things already) of this semi homeschooling...I will be sharing more about how we dealt with her when she becomes emotional in the house (well take a look at her sketches...you may notice how emotional intelligence has started to shape) ...

Homeschooling happens any time of the day (huhu sometimes it happens dawn time for the girl...she sometimes wake up 1am and sleeps 4am...books are made available on the floor for her to explore)

The Semi Homeschooling Arrangement

Someone asked me, one time, what semi homeschooling arrangement is.  Actually, I invented it.  I don't know if there is such a thing.  I only heard of homeschooling and the regular school arrangement where the kid has to actually go to school. The semi homeschooling was a concept that came out when we decided not to make our daughter proceed to grade 1 yet after her graduation in kinder last April 2018.

Crazy, right?  But I would say that I and my husband are not the regular parents that get pressured with what is commonly done (actually at first we were pressured thinking that what is, may not be the best for our kids).  Given our daughter's speech delay (not language delay) we had to explore all means possible so that she could be responded well with her need.  

So we started the semi homeschooling arrangement for our daughter.  Why semi homeschooling?  We integrated life skills and academics at home and her socialization with a preschool (owned by my friends Carla and Dennis Medrano)- Think Prep Uptown.  

The concept homeschooling started when I was yet pregnant with my daughter.  I happened to read and research more about it from the concept of homeschooling done by Bo Sanchez and his team together with their principles of practice in homeschooling and I loved it (to the bones hahahahah). 

The principle states of the following for the child :  be able to explore his / her passion, learning style, learning pace, does not use fear and punishment to motivate, use test to gauge child's capacity, nurture a love for learning, ordinary life events as classroom (so wide and smart, right), make work and service essential to the formation, strengthen family relationship and share one's faith and values to the child.  

I and my husband Michael are idealistic.  We know our daughter's shortcoming, and we found a way to best respond to her needs.  We saw her already with regular school. From our researches, we thought it would be too early to engage her with grade 1 competencies so she might as well go through with homeschooling yet find a school where she could engage in other activities and part of socialization.

Please note that this is an experiment while we wait for her to be ready for grade 1 (as I thought).  As an academician myself, I tried to :

1. name the  homeschooling (without yet registering it)
2. vision and mission
3.  Principles of Homeschooling
4.  Curriculum Guide (patterned after Dep Ed)
5. Daily modules aligned with the curriculum

I and my husband arranged the delivery of instruction (actually, he took professional education for this).  She also follows the daily schedule stated below (though not so strictly since Mikaela likes to really explore more by herself and we highly respect that.

From here, I would say that direction is on and has taken its toll since we started.  More to say for the next blog and the tasks that the girl does...:-) 

...truly, I find her so amazing...beautiful...etc. heheheh and God amazingly surprise us parents through Mikaela's responses and subtle transformation ..every single day...:-)  

Note :  Remember ...this is yet an experiment:-) Homeschooling is not common here in our place...Cagayan de Oro City..Philippines...

What's On Your Mind : A Mental Health Awareness

"You are Not Alone"

I was surprised by a group of senior high students at our university when they got inside our office bringing a green ribbon that says "YOU ARE NOT ALONE".  This was a project that they did after they joined a seminar on Mental Health Awareness initiated by Mr Jerwin S. Borres, the Assistant Head for Non Academics and Formation of Students of the USTP - Senior High School unit. 

"What's on Your Mind".  So many thoughts, perceptions, inner dialogues could happen inside our mind.   One may believe that they are real.  Even events in the past tend to be repeated (inside our mind).  They could trigger intense emotional response which may either make or break a person.  

USTP - SHS Students with Hannah Homiguera, Students Governing Council President and Mr Jerwin S. Borres, the Asst Head for Non-Academics and Student Formation 

The participants of the seminar/workshop were the USTP senior high school students ( more than 600 of them).  This was facilitated by two (2) Registered Guidance Counselors, namely, Ms Mercelyn Tanog (Head of the USTP Guidance office and Mr Rustom Salvana, a college faculty.  It was an intense encounter as students were allowed to express how they feel about varied realities in their lives such a relationship with family members, opposite gender, studies and many more. 

USTP - SHS Students Places Green Ribbon "You Are Not Alone" to a College student 

The thing is, the struggle is real.  Some felt like giving up and the seminar has exulted them making them hope and find meaning and reason to continue living. 

Hello there...I have my Green Ribbon, too

From the seminar/workshop, the students wanted to share such hope to other students who may be experiencing similar struggles.  They distributed green ribbons to college students sending the message of emotional support to them.  

At my end, being a Principal of the Senior High and having observed varied emotional upheavals of adolescents, I support and say "YOU ARE NOT ALONE".   

Ms Hannah Homiguera, USTP - SHS -
Governing Council President 

PS.  I thank our active student Leader Hannah Homiguera and the team of students leaders for supporting Mr Jerwin S. Borres in his initiative to implement this cause for young people. 

 

How Should We Erase the 'Filipino Time' Mentality

https://www.christianfilipina.com/
forum/thread.php?id=47521

 I was interviewed by a group of computer engineering students two days ago.  They are testing a cell phone application, an alarm that can sound at random prior to the final time set to wake up (for example).  I then asked them what my role is in the creation of the application.  They mentioned being interrogated by their professor related to how this could respond to the "Filipino time" concept interpreted as "always late" in the psychological perspective.

So the main question that they asked for me to respond was: "How could we erase the 'Filipino time' mentality?"  given my background in psychology.

My answer sounded like this:

http://primer.com.ph/tips-guides
/2016/02/15/expat-guide-filipino-time/

The "Filipino time" may have sprung somewhere in the past... handed down from generation to generation.  We may not know exactly who started such a concept ( i did not dare read more about this).   The psychology behind the formation of behaviour may have come from a reinforced and repeated practice that may be acknowledged and accepted everytime it occurs or happens.  

To change a behaviour is a personal decision.  I was also getting the impression that the app seemed to reinforce further the behaviour at not waking up immediately due to the randomized alarm prior to the final waking up.  So how would you be able to solve "Filipino time" practice of adolescents? Your application has to ignite and motivate the person setting the alarm to wake up immediately.  Randomized alarm set will defeat that purpose.

https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts
/filipino-time-with-steve-and-james-
steve-9pTtyx73FDM/

For the student researchers, they were so desperate to solve the concern/challenge thrown to them by their professor.  They even wanted to add a feature of the app such as the use of either reinforcement or punishment whenever the person will not still with the time set to wake up. However, I told them punishment may change the behaviour but the motivation to do that is out of fear compared to the positive approach to changing a behaviour or attitude.

My dear readers, our attitude could be changed by personal decision.  Others may be giving us information or ideas how to go about it but the action comes from us.  I further told the students to continue with the project.  They can experiment also on the use of either positive reinforcement or those that may challenge personal accountabilities (for not waking up or coming to agreed meeting time).  However, the emphasis and focus are on the establishment of personal discipline and commitment with time.   Having positive reinforcements also may form behaviour.  But a person cannot be dependent on this all the time to change oneself.  It should be that even without the reinforcement the person continues and firmly resolves to stick with what is agreed upon, upholds personal discipline and shows up or wakes up on time.

Does this make sense to you?

The Need to Make Children Love Learning in School

My dear friend Ann told me this afternoon how her daughter has become pressured at school to do spelling.  Oh her daughter is a kinder 2 pupil ( she skipped Kinder 1) and she is 5 years old.  Ann told me that her daughter does not like to go to school anymore everytime her teacher made them engage in spelling.  

My curiosity made me ask Ann further.  "What about her classmates?"  The answer was "they cry". And I thought "wow"  aaammmmmazing (did I say the right word?).  Or, shall I say "madness".   And I exclaimed out of anger and disgust "they are actually trying to kill the love of learning that could come out from a young innocent child.  

What could the school be trying to prove?  The school may be thinking that engaging the child in a hardcore academic experience may train and harness their brains and may show to the world its so-called "prowess"  with its high academic standards thinking that they could extract the geniuses in those kids...

I am a mother of a 6-year-old girl named Maria Mikaela who started kinder in a public elementary school at 4 years old.  She was admitted since she was then going to be 5 years old a month (July 2017) after the start of school.  I was truly worried about her so early start (given her developmental delay - speech) since she should be 5 in September (she was born premature).   However, I wanted so much to challenge my little girl by engaging her with the new experience.  

  

Don't get me wrong.  I am not thinking of making my daughter compete with other children.  I am focusing on her progress against her previous performances.  That is all.   I was just so glad she had a very nice and understanding teacher named Caroline who was all the way trying to patiently provide her with experiences.  However, my daughter resisted many of those in the classroom which made us decide to do it our way in the house ( I could share some more on this) with an effort to be consistent with the Department of Education curriculum for Kinder.


My point... After hearing it from Ann and watching videos about the new trend and interpretation of the new education curriculum, I am worried as a mother for my daughter and all others kids who may possibly be seeing school as a frightening place to go to for learning.

Dear teacher:  Let us think of making children love to go to school and learn.  Let us make them engage in activities that may bring them closer to realities in life (more on this later on). 

PS:  My daughter graduated from Kinder at 5 years old last April 2018.  She should have started grade 1,  last June 2018 at the age of 5.  However, I and my husband insisted that we wait until she reaches 6 years old.  Instead, we are currently engaging her in a semi homeschooling arrangement and socialize ones or twice a week in a preparatory school (Think Prep Uptown - Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines).

THE MIRACLE OF THE PETALS OF THE BLESSED MOTHER MARY

March 3, 2018.  This was the date when we held our second month of the 2000 Hail Mary Devotion.  Due to varied commitments by those who previously participated, only a few were able to make it.  One of us named, Ms. Iris Tabimina decided to recite such devotion privately due to conflict of time with preparations for the exam  (she's graduating from Law School).  She never wanted to stop doing the devotion. 

At first, I felt like teasing Iris with such decision since I could hardly imagine doing it alone due to my first experience of dizziness approaching the end part of the novena ( felt so sleepy that I dozed off to a brief relaxing sleep). However, Iris pushed through stating that she would start earlier (2am) and targeted to finish 10am.  Thus, we did a simultaneous praying -  us at the office while she did it at home.  

During the recitation, I never felt anything extraordinary except the feeling that I was so attuned while we did it compared to the previous month even and despite the temptation to doze off to sleep to almost the end part of the devotion.  At my end, I thought I could write immediately and start my month declaring how we did it last Saturday.    However,  I never felt the inspiration to write after that, except to relax.  

And, just this morning (Monday, March 5, 2018), I received such great news from Iris sharing what happened last Saturday at her house.  She related that in the middle of saying the 2000 Hail Mary, she dozed off to a brief sleep.  When she woke up, she could not believe what she saw floating inside the flame of the candle...a beautifully crafted petal/rose.   From that site, she got her phone and took photos out of it (check photos above and below).

Yes, what you are seeing on the photos  are petals/ a rose - like figure.  Seeing that was like a consolation given her sleepiness.  It made her feel the excitement, joy and an inspiration from a religious experience of God making his presence felt through the cool, subtle presence of the beautiful Blessed Mother Mary.

In my heart, I felt God through the Blessed Mother sending her message of consolation to all of us through our co teacher Iris.  I felt the struggles of my day having to do so many things and yet deciding still no matter what to engage in the devotion.  The drive of all those who decided to be present despite their busy life was affirmed by the presence of the blessed mother.  The sleepiness, dizziness, tired bodies that briefly bounced from time to time to sleepiness and be awakened to fully engage.  All these, I believe are prayers.  The body may be tired but the human spirit is fully awake to partake in the mystery of the God's presence through this powerful devotion to the Blessed Mother.  

I pray that many will come to participate in their own ways and initiative in this devotion.  I pray that many communities will rise and pray this devotion every first Saturday of each month all the days of their lives.  And so the Blessed Mother may not only send her petals of affirmation but her "Love petals" for the conversion of hearts. 

God bless everyone:-)  

PS.  We thank all of those who participated in the second month of this devotion - Dioscora, Marivic, Mark, Mars, and Ann Tonette with Iris Tabimina who shared her "The Miracle of the Petals of Blessed Mother Mary".  

LIFE AND WORK BALANCE EQUALS...

https://www.coloursofnature.com/9-tips-for-a-work-life-balance/

At times do you feel and sound healthy?  Do you feel your life goes along well?  Do feel you are able to balance your life such that you are able to manage things that you are engaging in your life.  I will make myself as an example. I am currently engaging in the following :

       1.  Family life – wife and a mother

      2.  Conducting tutorial, emotion management and speech therapy to my little girl and assessing her progress in these areas  ( in partnership with my very hardworking and dedicated husband)

       3.  Monitoring a senior high school

       4.  Conducting faculty observations

      5.  Teaching college students in Behavioral Management and career guidance and counselling

      6.  Writing another textbook

       7.  Helping college students in research

       8.  Preparing my research for international publication

       9.  Conducting counselling to special cases only

       10.  Assisting a preschool in curriculum development

      11.  Giving random talks and workshops to specific groups or organizations in the community

       12.  Organizing a prayer group: 2000 Hail Mary Devotional Group

I could add up the list. You may be overwhelmed seeing the list. Majority of the items in the list are not done every day (some are done ones a month).  It is family and work that eat up most of my time.   However, the intention to help and at least do an act of kindness  ( actually I go beyond my one-act quota in a day…and I get to report that to God at mass) each day comes in the way.  Oh, I forgot to include in the list that I and my husband adopted 10 stray cats feeding them three times a day (every single day).  And I and my husband feel so blessed doing this.

I may be “tired and weary”  yet a happy and fulfilled soul who simply desires peace and quiet at times in God’s arms.  Please don’t get me wrong …I get this every day with my husband…:-)…I so love his warm embraces every single day.  But, someone like me who underwent spiritual retreats, recollections and silencing moments wants to go back to some moments that I once or many times had. 

Life and Work balance.  I facilitated this topic to some groups in our community. With my engagements, I am being reminded many times to do this.  But then this topic for me is simply equated with God in a moment of true silence in prayer.  That for me is a balance.  Yes…GOD equals – LIFE AND WORK BALANCE.