Pray for Japan

Prayer is the one of the most powerful actions we can take when we are in troubles.
Especially now that Japan's in bad situation, and suffering so much.
Let's pray for Japan.
Let's pray for their fast recovery, after experiencing the record breaking (intensity 8.9 or 9.0) earthquake followed by consecutive aftershocks, the fire of refineries and factories, the killer tsunami, the blast in Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (still chain reactions occurs) that sending radiation up to alarming levels, a threat to human health .
They're in total damage.
They need our prayers "to restore their difficult situation to peaceful days as soon as possible" (as BYJ said).
They need our prayers to heal their wounds and pains physically, mentally and emotionally.

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Pray a Rosary

The rosary is a devotion in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a prayer of hope.
The word rosary comes from Latin word - garland of roses, the rose being one of the flowers used to symbolize the Virgin Mary.
The Rosary has been prayed for since the 17th century.
It has been recommended by Popes from Pius V, 1504, to our present Pope Benedict XVI.


Me, it's been a part of my daily routine to pray a Holy Rosary of Blessed Virgin Mary every morning.

The classic style is longer that others use it as necklace.

But I made a shorter, bracelet style that can be wear too after praying.

To those who doesn't know yet how to pray a Rosary, here's the guide...

How to pray a Rosary:
1. Make the sign of the cross; say the Introductory Prayers and the Apostle's Creed.
2. Say the Our Father.
3. Say 3 Hail Marys for an increase of Faith, Hope and Charity.
4. Say the Glory Be To The Father.
5. Announce the Mystery for the day to be meditated upon; pause for a while;
announce the intention for which the decade is offered then say the Our Father.
(see the list of Mysteries at the bottom)
6. Say 10 Hail Marys while meditating on the mystery that has just been announced.
7. Say the Glory be to the Father and the Fatima Prayer.
8-18. Repeat steps 5 to 7 for each the remaining four mysteries,
while for my bracelet style I just repeat the steps 5 to 7, 5x for the 5 Mysteries.
19. Pray the Hail, Holy Queen,
Recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin,
Say the Closing Prayer.


The Sign of the Cross:
In the name of the Father of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Introductory Prayers:
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

O Lord, open my lips.
And my mouth shall declare Your praise.
O God, come to my assistance.
O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever, Amen.

The Apostles' Creed:
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day He arose again; He ascended into heaven,and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen

The Our Father:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name: Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: but deliver us from evil. Amen.

The Hail Mary:
Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen

Glory Be to the Father:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.Amen.

The Fatima Prayer:
"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Your Mercy".

The Hail, Holy Queen:
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy! our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley, of tears. Turn, then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus; O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary;

Lord, have mercy on us, Lord have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us, Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us, Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Holy Mother of God, pray for us.

Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.

Mother of Christ, pray for us.

Mother of divine grace, pray for us.

Mother most pure, pray for us.

Mother most chaste, pray for us.

Mother inviolate, pray for us.

Mother undefiled, pray for us.

Mother most amiable, pray for us.

Mother most admirable, pray for us.

Mother of good counsel, pray for us.

Mother of our Creator, pray for us.

Mother of our Savior, pray for us.

Virgin most prudent, pray for us.

Virgin most venerable, pray for us.

Virgin most renowned, pray for us.

Virgin most powerful, pray for us.

Virgin most merciful, pray for us.

Virgin most faithful, pray for us.

Mirror of justice, pray for us.

Seat of wisdom, pray for us.

Cause of our joy, pray for us.

Spiritual vessel, pray for us.

Vessel of honor, pray for us.

Singular vessel of devotion, pray for us.

Mystical rose, pray for us.

Tower of David, pray for us.

Tower of ivory, pray for us.

House of gold, pray for us.

Ark of the covenant, pray for us.

Gate of heaven, pray for us.

Morning star, pray for us.

Health of the sick, pray for us.

Refuge of sinners, pray for us.

Comforter of the afflicted, Help of Christians, pray for us.

Queen of Angels, pray for us.

Queen of Patriarchs, pray for us.

Queen of Prophets, pray for us.

Queen of Apostles, pray for us.

Queen of Martyrs, pray for us.

Queen of Confessors, pray for us.

Queen of Virgins, pray for us.

Queen of all Saints, pray for us.

Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us.

Queen assumed into heaven, pray for us.

Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.

Queen of Peace, pray for us.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord!.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord!

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. .

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Closing Prayer:
"O God whose only begotten Son has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, Grant that we beseech Thee while meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may both imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord Amen."

Grant, we beg you, O Lord God, that we your servants, may enjoy lasting health of mind and body, and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, be delivered from present sorrow and enter into the joy of eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

May the divine assistance remain always with us. Amen
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
May the Blessing of Almighty God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, descend upon us and remain with u always. Amen.

The Mysteries of Joy
For Mondays & Saturdays

1. Annunciation
2. The Visitation
3. The Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ
4. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

The Mysteries of Light
For Thursday

1. The Baptism of Jesus
2. The First Miracle at Cana
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God
4. The Transfiguration
5. The Institution of the Eucharist

The Mysteries of Sorrow
For Tuesday & Fridays

1. The Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. The Crowning with Thorns
4. The Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ

The Mysteries of Glory
For Wednesdays & Sundays

1. The Resurrection
2. The Ascension into Heaven
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
4. The Assumption of our Lady
5. The Glory of all the Saints with Mary as their Queen

HJC Monhtly Exercise

Happy Joggers Club
March 12, 2011
Held in Lisiada, Bustos, Bulacan

]

Just Smile

Smile Away

by: W. D. Nesbit

The world is full of number of things,
I am sure we should all be as happy as kings.

So smile away! folks understand what by a smile is meant,
It's worth a million dollars and it does not cost a cent.

If we sigh about our trouble, it gains double everyday,
If we laugh about our trouble, it's a bubble blown away.

Every gentle word you say,
One dark spirit drives away.

Every deed you do,
One bright spirit brings to you.

Don't forget that sometimes one needs to have smiling faces around.

Remember To Smile
~ Eva May Young @ SkyWriting.Net~
3-2-06

A smile can light a candle
In a lonely heart,
It's like a sunny morning,
That warms a new day's fresh start.

Like a new mother's smile that cradles
Her baby with pure love,
Or a father's smile when he gives his young son,
A new baseball glove.
When we think about the world's sad woes,
The hungry and the poor...
We often do what is expected,
But a smile will open the door.

There's problems with acceptance
Of so many strangers on our shore,
But a warm smile can often lighten,
Someone's day as never before.

Sometimes a smile is like a rainbow,
Shining through a misty cloud,
That cheers an aggravated soul,
In the midst of an unseeing crowd.

Remember to smile today,
Every where you go...
It may not solve all the problems,
But it will soften life's not so gentle blows.

A smile is good medicine,
It can turn dark days into blue:
And when you see the sun come out,
You know God, our heavenly Father,
Is smiling down on you.

That's why I smile often... he, he, he...

Smile
~ Leona I. Miller @ Poems4Today@webtv.net~

Smile as you greet someone today

You may not know what burdens they bear
Uplift them as you continue on your way
A smile lets them know you do care.

Smile as you answer the telephone
Even though you know not who calls
They may be discouraged and alone
You may cheer as in their ear it falls.

A voice sounds happy when you smile
It may help to brighten someone's day
They will feel much better in awhile
A smile quickly chases a frown away.

Your face won't hurt from the wrinkle
It's only a charming smile line to show
A smile costs not even a small nickle
Keep smiling even though lines will grow.
Remember daily ~ to smile.

Like looking in a mirror, if you give a smile you're likely to get one back!

Try Smiling
By Poet Unknown

When the weather suits you not, Try smiling.
When your coffee isn't hot, Try smiling.
When your neighbors don't do right,
Or your relatives all fight,
Sure 'tis hared, but then you might Try smiling.
Doesn't change the things, of course- Just smiling.
But it cannot make them worse- Just smiling.
And it seems to help your case,
Brightens up a gloomy place,
Then, it sort o' rests your face- Just smiling.

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.

My Purple

The second color in the list of my favorite ---

Purple,Violet, Lavender or Lila in other countries,
Morado (as my grand mother called it because she's half Spanish)
紫 (Murasaki) in Japanese,
보라색(po-ra-saek, po-ra-pit, ja-ju-saek, ja-jut-pit) in Korean,
紫色 (zǐsè) in Chinese Mandarin and
紫色 (jísīk) in Chinese Cantonese
Paars in Dutch,
Poni in Hawaii,
Corcra in Irish,
Ungu in Indonesia,
สีม่วง(see-muang) in Thai, and
in our very own language it's Ube.

Purple- the 7th color in the rainbow. a mysterious warm and cool color.
Queen Cleopatra of Egypt's favorite color.
The color is traditionally associated with both nobility and royalty in many cultures.
Purple robes were worn by royalty and people of authority or high rank.
Can boost a child's imagination or an artist's creativity.
The mourning color for widows in Thailand.
Purple Heart is a U.S. Military decoration given to soldiers wounded in battle.
In Feng Shui : Yin, spiritual awareness, physical and mental healing

She's in Purple

The latest fashion for my baby.

She's attending one of their school activity wearing a purple spaghetti strap cocktail dress, but she's so conservative that she don't want to show her shoulder so I made an additional short pop sleeves bolero to terno the dress.

I just accessorized it with some beads and sequins.
I thought of putting some swarovski sew on crystals but I have no time to travel to Manila to buy.

How do you like it?

As a Single Parent

Sometime, I'm reflecting with some bitterness about how my life was being eroded away by endless minor tasks. The daily routine and housework. Sometimes doing the job of a carpenter, doctor, interior decorator, tutor, manager, payments collector, accountant, dressmaker

gardener
electronic technician

choreographer

and etc....etc...etc. Sounds like "a jack of all trade" ..^_^..

I felt so completely beaten and demotivated. I can’t seem to find enough energy inside and can't find longer time for my hobbies and passion anymore. Sigh....

But then at the end of the day, after receiving hugs and kisses from my children and seeing them lying and soundly sleeping each on their own bed and healthy I was filled and refreshed. All my exhaustion and tiredness was vanished.

As a single parent, (I keep on saying this) the only treasure I have are my children.

And this is my prayer:

Dear Lord
Thank You for giving me more strength and courage
When I'm tired and ready to give up
You always remind me that You're always with me
and
possesses me with Your love
that my daily actions will not be in vain.

EDSA Revolution 25th Anniversary

Today, my country - Philippines, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the so-called bloodless revolution, called EDSA People Power’s Revolution. A political upheavals occurring in EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue) in 1986. A significant national event that has been engraved in the hearts and minds of every Filipino.

In Edsa highway now around 50thousand people (more or less), politicians, celebrities, media, ordinary persons, rich and poor are joining the celebration, attending parties and participating some programs.The center of the celebration is in Edsa shrine. After the mass was held there,the program started.They even did the renactment of some sence of the actual even.

I could still remember that time, it's just a month and a half that I gave birth to my eldest. I thought it's gonna be an all war in the Phils. already. I was so afraid, so worried for my son, I don't know where to hide him if everything comes worst. I saw soldiers and tanks everywhere even here in the Bulacan (even after several years past you could still see the marks of tank trails on asphalt roads.) But thanks God, He heard the Filipinos calling Him that time. It ended in a short time bloodless.

Please read the link for the complete history:
http://www.philippine-history.org/edsa-people-power-revolution.htm

These songs would be continuously played every year during Edsa Revolution's anniversary as it reminds us of the finest hours of the Filipino People, showing the world how to bring back democracy through peaceful means.

Magkaisa- was composed by Tito Sotto of the fame Pinoy comedy trio "TITO, VIC AND JOEY" who also became a Senator.

Cr: YT byjsoria30ver2

'Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo,' (The Gift of the Filipinos to the World), was composed by Jim Paredes of the APO Hiking Society shortly after the revolt in 1986 in honour of the People Power Revolution which toppled the repressive dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.

Cr: YT by kenjigraphics

The Edsa Shrine

The Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA, or more popularly, the EDSA Shrine is a small church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila located at the intersection of Ortigas Avenue and Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Quezon City. The shrine, built in 1989 originally to commemorate the memories of the People Power Revolution and its peaceful outcome, stands on the site of two peaceful demonstrations that toppled Philippine presidents Ferdinand Marcos (the People Power Revolution or EDSA I) and Joseph Estrada (the EDSA Revolution of 2001 or EDSA II). It is officially called the "Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace" or "Our Lady of Peace Quasi-Parish", although these names are seldom used.

Source: Wikipedia

The Laban sign is a Filipino hand gesture made by extending the thumb and index fingers pointing up, leaving the other fingers closed to create the letter L, hence "laban" (or "fight" in English). It is sometimes mistaken for the "loser" or the "raised gun" gesture, and is generally given as a demeaning sign.

The gesture was popular in 1983 during the funeral of Ninoy Aquino, and in the People Power Revolution in 1986, and it became popular again during the funeral of President Corazon Aquino. This sign was also a common signature of Noynoy Aquino's campaign during the 2010 Philippine elections.

Source: Wikipedia

Note: Our President Binigno (Noynoy) Aquino III now is the only son of the late couple: Sen. Binigno (Ninoy) Aquino,Jr. and Pres. Corazon (Cory) C. Aquino.

Read all about Sen. Ninoy : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benigno_Aquino,_Jr.
Read all about Pres. Cory: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corazon_Aquino

Why Yellow - color motif came from the yellow ribbons that were tied around trees to welcome the return of Ninoy Aquino from exile in 1983. The inspiration came from the song “Tie a yellow ribbon.” But sadly the time he stepped down from the plane he was shot to death.

Yellow accessories