November 21, 2010
The Solemnity of Christ the King
Last Sunday of the Liturgical Year
Incarnation Catholic Church
Priest: Father Mike
http://www.usccb.org/nab/112110.shtml
First reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-3 “Here we are, your bone and your flesh.”
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5 “I rejoiced when I heard them say, ‘Let us go unto the house of the Lord.’ ”
Second reading: Colossians 1: 12-22 “Give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.”
Gospel: Luke 23:35-43 “ ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied to him, ‘Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’ “
Homily
Theme: A closer look into today’s second reading Colossians 1: 12-22
Today’s second reading talks about the affects of Christ.
In St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians, he states that ALL things are created in Him – “whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.”
We know that Christ is pervasive. There is nothing that is untouched by Him.
All will be presented before Christ at the end whether as Savior or as judge.
Christ as King
Requirements to be King:
Kingdom/Land: Christ’s Kingdom = Everything
Authority or Power over people: Christ’s power = offered freely, never forced
Inheritance: Christ’s inheritance = supernatural life
In the second reading, it states “in him were created all things in heaven and on earth.”
Worldly kings impose their power over all their people. Christ did not impose His power over us but offers it to us freely. He knocks but we have to be the ones to open the door and let Him in.
Christ gives us the ability to handle our struggles that we face in life. We can overcome anything that comes our way through Christ Jesus.
We are often deceived by the evil one and chase rainbows that are empty. All our material goods and wealth will not satisfy us.
Christ has everything that we need and more.
The second reading states, “in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell.”
Let the love and mercy of Christ the King be our comfort.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Summary from the Mission at St. Joseph Catholic Church
St. Joseph Catholic Church
Bradenton, FL
October 25-27, 2010
Mission theme: Stewardship is what I do after I say "I believe"... (A Disciple's Response)
Presenter: Fr. Joseph Creedon, Pastor of Christ the King Parish in Kingston, RI Diocese of Providence, member of the board of directors of the International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSG)
Website: www.catholicstewardship.org
St. Joseph Catholic Church Mission Statement:
St. Joseph Parish is a vital Christ-centered family where members are encouraged to participate actively in the liturgical life and ministries of the Parish according to their God-given talents and treasures.
We are committed to promoting a deeper understanding of our Catholic family and to humbly serve in God's name. We invite everyone to share in this mission in the spirit of our patron, St. Joseph.
I had the great pleasure of hearing Fr. Joe speak at St. Joseph's Catholic Church for our mission for the last 3 days. I was expecting 3 days worth of talks lasting at least 3 hours total but instead Fr. Joe spoke for less than 45 minutes each night with about 15 minutes of prayer and/or review of the previous night and 30 minutes on the topic for the night. You ask what can you get out of just an hour and half of spiritual talks? I am here to tell you it was more motivation than you could possibly need to fire up a Church for a great ministry of stewardship.
Fr. Paul (the Pastor at St. Joseph's) spoke to us tonight before Fr. Joe as to why we were having a Church mission now before Advent and not during Lent. He informed us that we will be having a Church mission during Lent as well but St. Joseph's is about to undergo some changes in their ministry and this was they way to inspire the parishioners to be stewards of our faith. He wanted to try and inspire the parishioners to have the heart of a steward with a spiritual mentality. I would say that Fr. Joe was certainly a great choice to do so.
Here are the highlights from our Church mission.
Goal: To capture the hearts of TWO parishioners who then each capture the hearts of TWO more parishioners who then those FOUR capture the hearts of EIGHT more parishioners who then capture the hearts of SIXTEEN more parishioners... (Growth is exponential)
Fr. Joe spoke about the Sacraments of the Church and the necessity to study each Sacrament and return each one to their original understanding. In looking at three of of the Sacraments, he was able to relate each to the role they play in our stewardship. The three Sacraments he spoke about were Baptism (Monday), Eucharist (Tuesday), and Reconciliation (Wednesday).
Notes:
Monday, October 25, 2010
Baptism
Baptism is a sacrament of rebirth. We are reborn in the waters of baptism.
At Baptism, we enter into the order of the faithful.
We need to remember what actually happened at our Baptism and not just the importance of the day/event.
All ministries of the Church are designed to serve the order of the faithful.
We are given our mission and ministry by God himself at our Baptism.
God has a specific task designed for each one of us.
We are not called to be volunteers meaning we are not called to give only when inclined and when we have time but to be stewards.
We do not have to find Jesus. Jesus finds us.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Eucharist
We must understand the signs in front of us.
We must understand the meaning of Passover and understand why Jesus is the Lamb.
In the Old Testament, the blood of the lamb saved the Israelites just as Jesus (blood of the Lamb) came to save us.
Eucharist is our thanksgiving for God's gifts to us.
At Mass and celebration of the Eucharist, we gather together as a community to give thanks.
The Liturgy should be full, active, and conscious participation.
Two reasons for lack of attendance at Mass -- 1) loss of attitude of gratitude and 2) belief that we are not worthy.
We need to develop an attitude of gratitude and realize that no one is worthy to receive Eucharist but it is given to us as a gift.
We need to remember that what we have is not by our own doing but rather a gift from God.
We did not earn it but it was given to us as a gift.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Reconciliation
Reconciliation is the most confused (and confusing) Sacrament.
It is the most misunderstood.
It has gone by different names -- Confession, Penance, and Reconciliation.
Confession and Penance are part of the sacrament while Reconciliation is the effect of the sacrament.
When our words do not match-up with our actions, then we are in need of the grace of God's healing.
We need to let go of the idea/notion that we are not worthy to receive communion during Mass.
There are at least 25 times during Mass that we are forgiven for some of our sins (venial sins)
Jesus' ministry -- "I do not care where you have been. I do not care what you have done. I love you. I forgive you. I have set you free."
It is not failing or sinning that is the issue but getting up that is important.
We need to be able to get up and say to our God "I am sorry" and hear him say, "I do not care where you have been. I do not care what you have done. I love you. I forgive you. I have set you free."
**Note that if you are not baptized Catholic or in state of MORTAL sin then you cannot receive communion as you are disconnected from the Church and our beliefs**
It is through a better understanding of each of the Sacraments that we will be able to better see our task as stewards of faith. We must remember that as persons (from the Latin root meaning to sound through) God sounds different through each one of us. We must do what we are called to do by God. It is our mission as members of the order of the faithful.
Kris and I just registered as parishioners at St. Joseph's Church and we are already active in a few of the ministries there. We are both excited to get in on the ground level of St. Joseph's Stewardship program. As young adults, we know that we will be the core of the Church in the future. We are excited as a young married couple to get our family involved in Church stewardship from the very start even before children. Ten to twenty years from now I want our entire family active and excited about being stewards of our faith and Church.
I am excited to be a member of this Parish family and I look forward to the role that our new family will play in the mission of our Church.
Bradenton, FL
October 25-27, 2010
Mission theme: Stewardship is what I do after I say "I believe"... (A Disciple's Response)
Presenter: Fr. Joseph Creedon, Pastor of Christ the King Parish in Kingston, RI Diocese of Providence, member of the board of directors of the International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSG)
Website: www.catholicstewardship.org
St. Joseph Catholic Church Mission Statement:
St. Joseph Parish is a vital Christ-centered family where members are encouraged to participate actively in the liturgical life and ministries of the Parish according to their God-given talents and treasures.
We are committed to promoting a deeper understanding of our Catholic family and to humbly serve in God's name. We invite everyone to share in this mission in the spirit of our patron, St. Joseph.
I had the great pleasure of hearing Fr. Joe speak at St. Joseph's Catholic Church for our mission for the last 3 days. I was expecting 3 days worth of talks lasting at least 3 hours total but instead Fr. Joe spoke for less than 45 minutes each night with about 15 minutes of prayer and/or review of the previous night and 30 minutes on the topic for the night. You ask what can you get out of just an hour and half of spiritual talks? I am here to tell you it was more motivation than you could possibly need to fire up a Church for a great ministry of stewardship.
Fr. Paul (the Pastor at St. Joseph's) spoke to us tonight before Fr. Joe as to why we were having a Church mission now before Advent and not during Lent. He informed us that we will be having a Church mission during Lent as well but St. Joseph's is about to undergo some changes in their ministry and this was they way to inspire the parishioners to be stewards of our faith. He wanted to try and inspire the parishioners to have the heart of a steward with a spiritual mentality. I would say that Fr. Joe was certainly a great choice to do so.
Here are the highlights from our Church mission.
Goal: To capture the hearts of TWO parishioners who then each capture the hearts of TWO more parishioners who then those FOUR capture the hearts of EIGHT more parishioners who then capture the hearts of SIXTEEN more parishioners... (Growth is exponential)
Fr. Joe spoke about the Sacraments of the Church and the necessity to study each Sacrament and return each one to their original understanding. In looking at three of of the Sacraments, he was able to relate each to the role they play in our stewardship. The three Sacraments he spoke about were Baptism (Monday), Eucharist (Tuesday), and Reconciliation (Wednesday).
Notes:
Monday, October 25, 2010
Baptism
Baptism is a sacrament of rebirth. We are reborn in the waters of baptism.
At Baptism, we enter into the order of the faithful.
We need to remember what actually happened at our Baptism and not just the importance of the day/event.
All ministries of the Church are designed to serve the order of the faithful.
We are given our mission and ministry by God himself at our Baptism.
God has a specific task designed for each one of us.
We are not called to be volunteers meaning we are not called to give only when inclined and when we have time but to be stewards.
We do not have to find Jesus. Jesus finds us.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Eucharist
We must understand the signs in front of us.
We must understand the meaning of Passover and understand why Jesus is the Lamb.
In the Old Testament, the blood of the lamb saved the Israelites just as Jesus (blood of the Lamb) came to save us.
Eucharist is our thanksgiving for God's gifts to us.
At Mass and celebration of the Eucharist, we gather together as a community to give thanks.
The Liturgy should be full, active, and conscious participation.
Two reasons for lack of attendance at Mass -- 1) loss of attitude of gratitude and 2) belief that we are not worthy.
We need to develop an attitude of gratitude and realize that no one is worthy to receive Eucharist but it is given to us as a gift.
We need to remember that what we have is not by our own doing but rather a gift from God.
We did not earn it but it was given to us as a gift.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Reconciliation
Reconciliation is the most confused (and confusing) Sacrament.
It is the most misunderstood.
It has gone by different names -- Confession, Penance, and Reconciliation.
Confession and Penance are part of the sacrament while Reconciliation is the effect of the sacrament.
When our words do not match-up with our actions, then we are in need of the grace of God's healing.
We need to let go of the idea/notion that we are not worthy to receive communion during Mass.
There are at least 25 times during Mass that we are forgiven for some of our sins (venial sins)
Jesus' ministry -- "I do not care where you have been. I do not care what you have done. I love you. I forgive you. I have set you free."
It is not failing or sinning that is the issue but getting up that is important.
We need to be able to get up and say to our God "I am sorry" and hear him say, "I do not care where you have been. I do not care what you have done. I love you. I forgive you. I have set you free."
**Note that if you are not baptized Catholic or in state of MORTAL sin then you cannot receive communion as you are disconnected from the Church and our beliefs**
It is through a better understanding of each of the Sacraments that we will be able to better see our task as stewards of faith. We must remember that as persons (from the Latin root meaning to sound through) God sounds different through each one of us. We must do what we are called to do by God. It is our mission as members of the order of the faithful.
Kris and I just registered as parishioners at St. Joseph's Church and we are already active in a few of the ministries there. We are both excited to get in on the ground level of St. Joseph's Stewardship program. As young adults, we know that we will be the core of the Church in the future. We are excited as a young married couple to get our family involved in Church stewardship from the very start even before children. Ten to twenty years from now I want our entire family active and excited about being stewards of our faith and Church.
I am excited to be a member of this Parish family and I look forward to the role that our new family will play in the mission of our Church.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Love Song
Third Day -- Love Song lyrics
I've heard it said that a man would climb a mountain
Just to be with the one he loves
How many times has he broken that promise
It has never been done.
I've never climbed the highest mountain
But I walked the hill of Calvary
Chorus:
Just to be with you, I'd do anything
There's no price I would not pay
Just to be with you, I'd give anything
I would give my life away.
I've heard it said that a man would swim the ocean
Just to be with the one he loves
How may times has he broken that promise
It can never be done
I've never swam the deepest ocean
But I walked upon the raging sea
Repeat chorus
(Bridge)
I know that you don't understand
the fullness of My love
How I died upon the cross for your sins
And I know that you don't realize
how much that I gave you
But I promise, I would do it all again.
Just to be with you, I've done everything
There's no price I did not pay
Just to be with you, I gave everything
Yes, I gave my life away.
More love than I can ever imagine. More love than I need. More love than I deserve.
I remember when I first heard this song at a Third Day concert. I heard the words. I knew what it meant but I do not think I realized what a true love song it was. It was not like your typical pop song love song. There was no romance. There were no flowers. There were no sweet nothings whispered. I did not see what kind of love song and love story this told.
Now I know that this is the BEST love song I have ever heard. This tells the love story that someone did not just for me but for EVERYONE. He walked the hill of Calvery for us. He walked upon the raging sea for us. Yet we did not see how much he loved us. Then he gave his life for us on a cross. He did and gave everything for us. There was no price that he did not pay and would not do again for us.
This truly was and is a love story.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Shine-radiate-emit
Today while I was at prayer group I had a compelling feeling I needed to share some words that came to me. But due to my own fears and my own inadequacies I did not feel strong enough to share what I had received. As I listened more and more to others share their messages, I became more and more anxious to share what I had received as everything confirmed what I had written. But as I got more anxious, I also got more hesitant. I could feel my heart pounding. I could feel my pulse racing. I wanted to share but there was something holding me back. Mike and Rita kept asking if others had more to share. I kept silent even after I heard more words encouraging to share. I kept the words and the message to myself.
After prayer group I was approached by Maria. I do not know her well. I see her every week at group. In the few short weeks that I have seen her, I have seen a change in her that is amazing. I have seen her grow and become more bold in her faith. It as somewhere I knew she was not just a few weeks before. During group Maria had shared a word that I knew was speaking directly to me. I knew that these words were meant for me to hear. But still my own fear and my own human nature would not let me share the words I had written on my paper. When she approached me, she asked me directly what was the message I had to share. I was not sure exactly sure what she was referring to but in a small I knew. I knew the words she shared were meant for me to hear so I could be more bold and stronger in my faith. I showed her the words and message I had received during group. She asked me why I did not share during group. I told her of my fears and inadequacies and she reminded me that it is not about what I think I need to share but what God wants me to share.
I know now that I need to be more bold in my faith. More bold than I already am. More bold to share the truth that I know. More bold so those who do not believe can believe. I worry that others will see me and think that I am not sincere or genuine. Others will see my youthful appearance and think that I do not have the knowledge or experience to be able to share the word of truth. But Maria reminded me that it does not matter what others think. I should not worry that others do not believe me or in my sincerity. God has given me this faith and this fire and it is up to me to share. It is up to me to get the word out there for others to hear.
I am reminded of the lessons we learned tonight. I need to let the light inside of me burn bright. I need to let His light shine brighter. I need to go forth and witness.
Lord help me to shine-radiate-emit.
The message I wanted to share:
Radiate my love.
Let my love emit from your whole being.
Shine for me.
After prayer group I was approached by Maria. I do not know her well. I see her every week at group. In the few short weeks that I have seen her, I have seen a change in her that is amazing. I have seen her grow and become more bold in her faith. It as somewhere I knew she was not just a few weeks before. During group Maria had shared a word that I knew was speaking directly to me. I knew that these words were meant for me to hear. But still my own fear and my own human nature would not let me share the words I had written on my paper. When she approached me, she asked me directly what was the message I had to share. I was not sure exactly sure what she was referring to but in a small I knew. I knew the words she shared were meant for me to hear so I could be more bold and stronger in my faith. I showed her the words and message I had received during group. She asked me why I did not share during group. I told her of my fears and inadequacies and she reminded me that it is not about what I think I need to share but what God wants me to share.
I know now that I need to be more bold in my faith. More bold than I already am. More bold to share the truth that I know. More bold so those who do not believe can believe. I worry that others will see me and think that I am not sincere or genuine. Others will see my youthful appearance and think that I do not have the knowledge or experience to be able to share the word of truth. But Maria reminded me that it does not matter what others think. I should not worry that others do not believe me or in my sincerity. God has given me this faith and this fire and it is up to me to share. It is up to me to get the word out there for others to hear.
I am reminded of the lessons we learned tonight. I need to let the light inside of me burn bright. I need to let His light shine brighter. I need to go forth and witness.
Lord help me to shine-radiate-emit.
The message I wanted to share:
Radiate my love.
Let my love emit from your whole being.
Shine for me.
Monday, October 4, 2010
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time -- Respect Life Sunday
October 3, 2010
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time -- Respect Life Sunday
Church of the Incarnation, Sarasota, FL
Priest: Father Mike
First reading: Habakkuk 1: 2-3, 2: 2-4 "The rash on has no integrity; but the just one, because of his faith, shall live."
Psalm 95: "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."
Second reading: 2 Timothy 1: 6-8, 13-14
Gospel: Luke 17: 5-10 "Increase your faith" "When you have done all you have been commanded say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.' "
Notes from Homily (Respect Life Sunday)
We can use the life of Christ as our example for respecting life.
Annunciation (Luke 1:31-35) This shows us the very beginning of life. From the very moment of conception, there is life within the mother's womb.
Visitation (Luke 1:41-44) This shows that even in the womb at the earliest stages of pregnancy there is life growing within the mother's womb.
Presentation at the temple (Luke 2:25-32, 36-38) Through Simeon and Anna's interactions with the infant Jesus we see a respect and dignity for the elderly and those who are advanced in years.
The Samaritan woman at the well (John 4: 1-42) It is through Christ's interaction with the woman at the well that we see a respect for all life regardless of gender but especially in the dignity of woman.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18: 12-14) It is through this parable that we learn a respect for those who are lost and seeking to return home again including the homeless and those who have no one to pray for them.
Jesus' interaction with the lepers. It is through this that we have a respect for those who are considered outcasts in our communities.
Jesus' interaction with the poor, downtrodden, and vulnerable. It is through this interaction that we see a respect for the sick and dying.
As we follow and look at the life of Jesus, we see and learn a respect for all life in all stages, backgrounds, status, and situations in life.
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time -- Respect Life Sunday
Church of the Incarnation, Sarasota, FL
Priest: Father Mike
First reading: Habakkuk 1: 2-3, 2: 2-4 "The rash on has no integrity; but the just one, because of his faith, shall live."
Psalm 95: "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."
Second reading: 2 Timothy 1: 6-8, 13-14
Gospel: Luke 17: 5-10 "Increase your faith" "When you have done all you have been commanded say, 'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.' "
Notes from Homily (Respect Life Sunday)
We can use the life of Christ as our example for respecting life.
Annunciation (Luke 1:31-35) This shows us the very beginning of life. From the very moment of conception, there is life within the mother's womb.
Visitation (Luke 1:41-44) This shows that even in the womb at the earliest stages of pregnancy there is life growing within the mother's womb.
Presentation at the temple (Luke 2:25-32, 36-38) Through Simeon and Anna's interactions with the infant Jesus we see a respect and dignity for the elderly and those who are advanced in years.
The Samaritan woman at the well (John 4: 1-42) It is through Christ's interaction with the woman at the well that we see a respect for all life regardless of gender but especially in the dignity of woman.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18: 12-14) It is through this parable that we learn a respect for those who are lost and seeking to return home again including the homeless and those who have no one to pray for them.
Jesus' interaction with the lepers. It is through this that we have a respect for those who are considered outcasts in our communities.
Jesus' interaction with the poor, downtrodden, and vulnerable. It is through this interaction that we see a respect for the sick and dying.
As we follow and look at the life of Jesus, we see and learn a respect for all life in all stages, backgrounds, status, and situations in life.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
A new blog
It has been so long since my last post on this blog. So much has changed in my life. Everything, of course, for His greater honor and glory. I hope to try and post more to this blog so as to continue to inspire others on their walk with Christ.
There will be 4 different types of posts.
1. From notes while at Mass and Homily.
I have been bringing a journal to Mass with me for sometime and taking notes on the readings and Homily. I keep them for myself but I think that others will benefit from what I have learned at Mass each week or when I attend daily Mass.
2. From notes while at prayer groups.
I have been attending several charismatic prayer groups and I often take notes on the prophesy or scripture that is shared. When I am truly inspired, I will post some of the prophesy or scriptures.
3. Songs or prayers that inspire me.
Sometimes a song or prayer will inspire me and I just have to share it with you and see how you can be inspired, too.
4. Anything inspired by God
If I find something that inspires me, then I will share it here so that it may also inspire you.
One of the biggest changes in the last year was that I got married on April 10, 2010. I have started a new blog called A Marriage Full of Hope about our ups and downs in our marriage and the experiences and lessons learned. Please also follow my new blog http://amarriagefullofhope.blogspot.com/ and see the journey my husband and I have ventured on together.
There will be 4 different types of posts.
1. From notes while at Mass and Homily.
I have been bringing a journal to Mass with me for sometime and taking notes on the readings and Homily. I keep them for myself but I think that others will benefit from what I have learned at Mass each week or when I attend daily Mass.
2. From notes while at prayer groups.
I have been attending several charismatic prayer groups and I often take notes on the prophesy or scripture that is shared. When I am truly inspired, I will post some of the prophesy or scriptures.
3. Songs or prayers that inspire me.
Sometimes a song or prayer will inspire me and I just have to share it with you and see how you can be inspired, too.
4. Anything inspired by God
If I find something that inspires me, then I will share it here so that it may also inspire you.
One of the biggest changes in the last year was that I got married on April 10, 2010. I have started a new blog called A Marriage Full of Hope about our ups and downs in our marriage and the experiences and lessons learned. Please also follow my new blog http://amarriagefullofhope.blogspot.com/ and see the journey my husband and I have ventured on together.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Holiday letter 2008
It is a little late for a holiday letter, but I had so much to say that I just did not have time to finally sit down and write it until the other day. I am still behind on mailing it out but I hope to get that sometime early this week. I also waited because so much happened in the last few weeks of 2008 that I wanted to include ALL the changes which occured right up until the very end. I am not sure if this really is a faith blog or not but I do talk a lot about my faith and where I've been and where I'd like to go. Regardless, I'd still like to share it with all who follow my blog publicly as well as anonymously.
So here it is:
Dear Family and Friends,
Hello! This was supposed to be my "2008 Holiday Letter", but now it has become "My launching into 2009 Letter" instead. With the end of the year and holiday season just passing, I got so busy with the hustle and bustle of work and everyday life that I did not get a chance to reflect on 2008 and put my thoughts on paper. So, here we are at the beginning of a new year, and I finally have a moment to look back on the highlights of 2008 and make predictions on the year to come. I cannot believe the new year is already here. It seems as if it was yesterday that 2008 began. I am very excited about the challenges that 2009 will bring,
In 2008, I set out a few lofty goals and although the year got off to a good start, I was not able to meet my main goal of finding the right relationship that might lead into a promising future. I know it seems rather superficial, but I set a pretty high goal of getting into the right long term relationship. I started off the year with a few "blind" dates but none ended up anywhere. I have made a few good friends but nothing more. 2008 as a whole was filled with many ups and downs throughout the year but all in all I think I was able to end the year on a pretty big high note.
Highlights of 2008:
January through March seemed uneventful. I do not recall much going on these first few months other than the usual post holiday celebrations. It was a hard beginning of the year with Mom and Dad in the Philippines during this time. Starting in April is when the excitement started to happen. First, I joined a young adult ministry in Altamonte Springs at Annunciation Catholic Church. At the start, I only attended dinners and participated in activities, but as time went on I got more involved. I am now on the Spiritual committee and the core team for the group. On April 20, my sister gave birth to my niece Miranda Elayne. She was born at Winter Park Hospital at 11:47am. I had every intention of being here in Orlando for her birth, but our little princess had other plans. My sister went into labor fairly early and within a couple of hours our precious angel was born. I made it to the hospital in the late afternoon a few hours after she was born. May was actually a pretty tough month. Despite being my birthday month, I did not have a great month or birthday for that matter. I suffered a bit of depression that month. It lasted a couple of months but I bounced back in late June/early July. At that time I started to get very involved in the Singles for Christ Orlando chapter. I was able to give the Transformation in Christ talk. Things started picking up. In this talk, I was able to give my testimony as to how God had healed me from the pains of the past and other traumatic experiences that I had as a child as well as an adult. Life really started to pick up from there. The next few months I continued to grow in my faith. I continued to flourish and experience even more healing of old wounds. September brought the biggest change of 2008 when I moved into a house with my friend Christine (Tin) from SFC. I enjoy being in a house but I do miss being near my sister and the kids. I am now living in west Orlando near Ocoee which is about 30 minutes from Lalie and the kids. I miss being able to see them after work, but I do try and make time for them on the weekends. In October, I was able to take a short 1 week vacation to Naples to visit family and friends. While there I attended the wedding of two of my good friends Lindsay and Jose. I had the opportunity of being an active part of their wedding day including reading the first reading. It was a great time at their wedding. I enjoyed my vacation to Naples as well. I was able to see many of the old places I used to go and finally visit Palm Cottage near the Naples Pier. I had always wanted to go and I am glad I got the chance. Palm Cottage is an old house owned by the Naples Historical Society. It is a beautiful old home filled with lots of history. I just love old houses like this. October was also the month that I started my online blog. I started an online ministry where I have posted many different views of the same testimony. I share my journey with Christ on the Internet for all to read. I have not been too active in posting there, but please do check it out and follow along my journey of faith. This was also the month I attended the Life in the Spirit (charismatic) conference. At the conference I found a whole new side of Catholicism that truly has deepened my faith. I continue to stay involved with SFC and have had the chance to minister to the youth of Youth for Christ. I did an improv comedy workshop with the kids at their youth Camp. I had so much fun with them that I decided I am going to start writing my one-woman show again with the hopes of performing it either late spring or early summer. Stay tuned for the new blog that will chronicle my writing journey in putting together this show. The last few months of 2008 were quite busy. I have been quite involved with SFC as well as other Church groups. Aside the young adult ministry and SFC, I am now a part of the charismatic renewal group at Church. I hope to get even more involved at Church as well. I am looking to be a parishioner at this new parish. I also want to try and get involved in the contemporary choir there. The last couple of months at work were quite crazy. Just after coming home from vacation I started working a lot of extra hours. I was working an average 53 hours every week for nearly 5 or 6 weeks. It finally took its toll on me and I cut back to just over 40 hours a week. I was still making a few extra dollars working OT but not as much. I was still pretty tired and beat every night after work. I also started to get involved in a social Catholic group started through a Catholic website I belong to. We started with an informal meeting for lunch in November and plan to alternate between Tampa and Orlando every month. We have a pretty good group going. The last few weeks of year have been the best weeks of 2008 and probably the reason I did not write this sooner. I wanted to be able to include the changes and happenings of the last few weeks in the letter. I have made a lot of new friends through the gatherings our small group has been having including a very good friend I have been talking to and getting to know the last few weeks. For right now we are just friends but we get along well and have great conversations. I do not know what is going to happen with that but I am starting to think that meeting that special someone might not have been the plan for 2008 but I certainly have included in my plans for 2009. 2008 was not only a great year spiritually but I am very blessed to have a good group of friends at work as well as outside of work to keep me focused and grounded. I am so lucky to have my friends Johnerick and Christine who have been my rock and support this whole year. I owe much to them and the bonds of friendship we have shared this past year.
So what is in store for 2009? Not only did 2008 bring about spiritual change but I had made some physical changes as well. I was able to lose almost 25 pounds and finally fit back into a size 6 pair of SKINNY jeans. Part of the challenge of 2009 is to keep off the weight and lose another 5 pounds. I want to start exercising more so as to stay fit and in shape. I already lost the weight so now I have to try and maintain it and stay fit. I am so happy that I have lost the weight but the sad part is all my clothes are now 4 or 5 sizes TOO big. I have to work on buying a new wardrobe. I decided that since I was buying a new wardrobe I would try a different look. I have decided to go from the loose and baggy clothes to a more professional and feminine look. I have made some changes in my wardrobe these last few weeks that I hope to be propelled into the future never to look back on the past. I am changing my wardrobe for 2 reasons 1) to replace my now extra baggy clothes into something that fits and flatters my body and how I look 2) to try to hook in that man who may someday be the one for me. I realized that I was not going to go anywhere if I did not make a change. It is going to be a major challenge but I look forward to meeting it this year. For 2009, I also want to build a stronger relationship with God. I want to get closer to Him. I want to have a deeper and more personal relationship with Him. I want to be able to evangelize and claim lives for Jesus Christ. I want to pray and read the Bible more. I hope to do this through my writing – my faith blog as well as my one-woman show. But the one area I want to work on is living my life for God so that others may know and see that in me and want it and desire it for themselves. If doing full time ministry and bearing witness would actually make ends meet and pay the bills, then I would change careers and give my hand at working doing full time mission work with SFC. One of my goals for 2009 is to plan a trip home to the Philippines in December. I will go back to my Mom’s hometown and stay with family for 2 weeks. I really hope and pray that God makes this happen as it will be over 30 years since I have last been home. A lot has changed and I want to connect with family there before it is too late.
I look forward to the many challenges of 2009. I know that through God there is NOTHING impossible. I put all my faith and trust in Him and I know that He will provide for my every need just as He has since the beginning of time.
I wish all of you a blessed new year. I wish for you joy, peace, prosperity, good health, love and happiness which comes from God and God alone.
With Lots of Love,
Eileen Mae
So here it is:
Dear Family and Friends,
Hello! This was supposed to be my "2008 Holiday Letter", but now it has become "My launching into 2009 Letter" instead. With the end of the year and holiday season just passing, I got so busy with the hustle and bustle of work and everyday life that I did not get a chance to reflect on 2008 and put my thoughts on paper. So, here we are at the beginning of a new year, and I finally have a moment to look back on the highlights of 2008 and make predictions on the year to come. I cannot believe the new year is already here. It seems as if it was yesterday that 2008 began. I am very excited about the challenges that 2009 will bring,
In 2008, I set out a few lofty goals and although the year got off to a good start, I was not able to meet my main goal of finding the right relationship that might lead into a promising future. I know it seems rather superficial, but I set a pretty high goal of getting into the right long term relationship. I started off the year with a few "blind" dates but none ended up anywhere. I have made a few good friends but nothing more. 2008 as a whole was filled with many ups and downs throughout the year but all in all I think I was able to end the year on a pretty big high note.
Highlights of 2008:
January through March seemed uneventful. I do not recall much going on these first few months other than the usual post holiday celebrations. It was a hard beginning of the year with Mom and Dad in the Philippines during this time. Starting in April is when the excitement started to happen. First, I joined a young adult ministry in Altamonte Springs at Annunciation Catholic Church. At the start, I only attended dinners and participated in activities, but as time went on I got more involved. I am now on the Spiritual committee and the core team for the group. On April 20, my sister gave birth to my niece Miranda Elayne. She was born at Winter Park Hospital at 11:47am. I had every intention of being here in Orlando for her birth, but our little princess had other plans. My sister went into labor fairly early and within a couple of hours our precious angel was born. I made it to the hospital in the late afternoon a few hours after she was born. May was actually a pretty tough month. Despite being my birthday month, I did not have a great month or birthday for that matter. I suffered a bit of depression that month. It lasted a couple of months but I bounced back in late June/early July. At that time I started to get very involved in the Singles for Christ Orlando chapter. I was able to give the Transformation in Christ talk. Things started picking up. In this talk, I was able to give my testimony as to how God had healed me from the pains of the past and other traumatic experiences that I had as a child as well as an adult. Life really started to pick up from there. The next few months I continued to grow in my faith. I continued to flourish and experience even more healing of old wounds. September brought the biggest change of 2008 when I moved into a house with my friend Christine (Tin) from SFC. I enjoy being in a house but I do miss being near my sister and the kids. I am now living in west Orlando near Ocoee which is about 30 minutes from Lalie and the kids. I miss being able to see them after work, but I do try and make time for them on the weekends. In October, I was able to take a short 1 week vacation to Naples to visit family and friends. While there I attended the wedding of two of my good friends Lindsay and Jose. I had the opportunity of being an active part of their wedding day including reading the first reading. It was a great time at their wedding. I enjoyed my vacation to Naples as well. I was able to see many of the old places I used to go and finally visit Palm Cottage near the Naples Pier. I had always wanted to go and I am glad I got the chance. Palm Cottage is an old house owned by the Naples Historical Society. It is a beautiful old home filled with lots of history. I just love old houses like this. October was also the month that I started my online blog. I started an online ministry where I have posted many different views of the same testimony. I share my journey with Christ on the Internet for all to read. I have not been too active in posting there, but please do check it out and follow along my journey of faith. This was also the month I attended the Life in the Spirit (charismatic) conference. At the conference I found a whole new side of Catholicism that truly has deepened my faith. I continue to stay involved with SFC and have had the chance to minister to the youth of Youth for Christ. I did an improv comedy workshop with the kids at their youth Camp. I had so much fun with them that I decided I am going to start writing my one-woman show again with the hopes of performing it either late spring or early summer. Stay tuned for the new blog that will chronicle my writing journey in putting together this show. The last few months of 2008 were quite busy. I have been quite involved with SFC as well as other Church groups. Aside the young adult ministry and SFC, I am now a part of the charismatic renewal group at Church. I hope to get even more involved at Church as well. I am looking to be a parishioner at this new parish. I also want to try and get involved in the contemporary choir there. The last couple of months at work were quite crazy. Just after coming home from vacation I started working a lot of extra hours. I was working an average 53 hours every week for nearly 5 or 6 weeks. It finally took its toll on me and I cut back to just over 40 hours a week. I was still making a few extra dollars working OT but not as much. I was still pretty tired and beat every night after work. I also started to get involved in a social Catholic group started through a Catholic website I belong to. We started with an informal meeting for lunch in November and plan to alternate between Tampa and Orlando every month. We have a pretty good group going. The last few weeks of year have been the best weeks of 2008 and probably the reason I did not write this sooner. I wanted to be able to include the changes and happenings of the last few weeks in the letter. I have made a lot of new friends through the gatherings our small group has been having including a very good friend I have been talking to and getting to know the last few weeks. For right now we are just friends but we get along well and have great conversations. I do not know what is going to happen with that but I am starting to think that meeting that special someone might not have been the plan for 2008 but I certainly have included in my plans for 2009. 2008 was not only a great year spiritually but I am very blessed to have a good group of friends at work as well as outside of work to keep me focused and grounded. I am so lucky to have my friends Johnerick and Christine who have been my rock and support this whole year. I owe much to them and the bonds of friendship we have shared this past year.
So what is in store for 2009? Not only did 2008 bring about spiritual change but I had made some physical changes as well. I was able to lose almost 25 pounds and finally fit back into a size 6 pair of SKINNY jeans. Part of the challenge of 2009 is to keep off the weight and lose another 5 pounds. I want to start exercising more so as to stay fit and in shape. I already lost the weight so now I have to try and maintain it and stay fit. I am so happy that I have lost the weight but the sad part is all my clothes are now 4 or 5 sizes TOO big. I have to work on buying a new wardrobe. I decided that since I was buying a new wardrobe I would try a different look. I have decided to go from the loose and baggy clothes to a more professional and feminine look. I have made some changes in my wardrobe these last few weeks that I hope to be propelled into the future never to look back on the past. I am changing my wardrobe for 2 reasons 1) to replace my now extra baggy clothes into something that fits and flatters my body and how I look 2) to try to hook in that man who may someday be the one for me. I realized that I was not going to go anywhere if I did not make a change. It is going to be a major challenge but I look forward to meeting it this year. For 2009, I also want to build a stronger relationship with God. I want to get closer to Him. I want to have a deeper and more personal relationship with Him. I want to be able to evangelize and claim lives for Jesus Christ. I want to pray and read the Bible more. I hope to do this through my writing – my faith blog as well as my one-woman show. But the one area I want to work on is living my life for God so that others may know and see that in me and want it and desire it for themselves. If doing full time ministry and bearing witness would actually make ends meet and pay the bills, then I would change careers and give my hand at working doing full time mission work with SFC. One of my goals for 2009 is to plan a trip home to the Philippines in December. I will go back to my Mom’s hometown and stay with family for 2 weeks. I really hope and pray that God makes this happen as it will be over 30 years since I have last been home. A lot has changed and I want to connect with family there before it is too late.
I look forward to the many challenges of 2009. I know that through God there is NOTHING impossible. I put all my faith and trust in Him and I know that He will provide for my every need just as He has since the beginning of time.
I wish all of you a blessed new year. I wish for you joy, peace, prosperity, good health, love and happiness which comes from God and God alone.
With Lots of Love,
Eileen Mae
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