My father's own handwritten note -- one of the sweetest I've ever read!
Dance With My Father Again Luther Vandross
Back when I was a child Before life removed all the innocence My father would lift me high And dance with my mother and me and then Spin me around til I fell asleep Then up the stairs he would carry me And I new for sure, I was loved
If I could get another chance Another walk Another dance with him I'd play a song that would never ever end How I'd love love love To dance with my father again
When I and my mother would disagree To get my way I would run from her to him He'd make me laugh just to comfort me yeah yeah Then finally make me do just what my momma said Later that night when I was asleep He left a dollar under my sheet Never dreamed that he would be gone from me
If I could steal one final glance One final step One final dance with him I'd play a song that would never ever end 'Cause I'd love, love, love, to dance with my father again
Sometimes I'd listen outside her door And I hear how my mother cried for him I'd pray for her even more than me I'd pray for her even more than me
I know I'm praying For much to much But could you send back The only man she loved I know you don't do it usually But dear Lord she's dyin To dance with my father again
Every night I fall asleep And this is all I ever dream
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAPA. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO THE WORLD'S GREATEST! THANK YOU AND I LOVE YOU!
Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. Normally, the act of fasting is done by us, Catholics, during lenten season in order to afflict the soul through abstaining from fulfilling the needs or wants of the flesh. But during the 2004 SHOUT, I came across a new concept of fasting - and that is for a cause.
Fasting for a cause basically deals with the idea of giving up something in order to have or achieve something. The 'something' you give up can be an act, a thing, i.e. foods and drinks, a hobby (or a vice?), or anything you can think of - something practical and realistic. This 'something' is the object of fasting. On the other hand, the 'something' you want to have or achieve is the cause of your fasting. It can be anything that you are looking forward to i.e. an event, a thing, an endeavor, health or healing for someone.
The idea is quite easy. BUT, believe you me, doing it is kind of difficult and straining.
The catch: the object of your fasting should not be something of less impotance to you. It should be something within your comfort zone, something that is part of your system, or someting you have been used to doing or having. Why is it so? It is because of the principle that if you want something, you need to pay a just 'price' for it; and if you really, really want that something, you need to pay a higher price for it. In short, the more important it is to you or the more difficult it is for you to give up, the better - the more effective it will be for your cause.
BUT then again, it doesn't stop there.
Fasting alone is not enough. You have to PRAY while fasting since the latter will be of no use in the absence of former. As for me, I prayed as often as possible for the cause that I am fasting for, much more if I am tempted (praying for my cause during regular riceless meals). As such, not only that I have stormed heaven's gates with prayers for the cause of my fasting, but I have also built a more intimate relationship with my God.
And now that half of my prayers (causes) have been positively answered, I can attest to the power and efficacy of fasting for a cause. Such an act has not just been something that you can do for that 'something' you are praying for, but it can also become a great way to build personal relationship with Him.
I know it's easier said than done but don't just take my word - try it yourself.
"In prose and poetry, the depth of a mother's love has been immortalized times without number, finding as it does, its justification, not in fantasy but in reality."
~Perez vs. CA; G.R. No. 11870, March 29, 1996
A Song for Mama Boyz II Men
You taught me everything And everything you've given me I always keep it inside You're the driving force in my life There isn't anything Or anyone I can be And it just wouldn't feel right If I didn't have you by my side You were there for me to love and care for me When skies were grey Whenever I was down You were always there to comfort me And no one else can be what you have been to me You'll always be you always will be the girl In my life for all times
You're always down for me Have always been around for me even when I was bad You showed me right from my wrong Yes you did And you took up for me When everyone was downin' me You always did understand You gave me strength to go on There was so many times Looking back when I was so afraid And then you come to me And say to me I can face anything And no one else can do What you have done for me You'll always be You will always be the girl in my life
Never gonna go a day without you Fill's me up just thinking about you I'll never go a day Without my mama
Mama, mama you know I love you Oh you know I love you Mama, mama you're the queen of my heart Your love is like Tears from the stars Mama, I just want you to know Lovin' you is like food to my soul
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MAMA. THANK YOU AND I LOVE YOU, TOO.
Finally, I got to watch Fireproof. Been waiting for this. Half a year has passed when I first heard about this flick by way of a trailer. The movie lasted for almost a couple of hours and true enough, more than entertainment, lots of things can be learned from it.
The movie started with a daughter asking her mother if he could marry her father. The conversation was kind of cute and sweet as it portrays the child's innocence and great admiration for her father. Indeed a catchy opening that is perfect for the film's lovely conclusion.
Here are some of my reflections and lines that caught my attention:
Never leave your partner behind (especially in a fire).A fireman was almost killed in the line of duty when his partner left him because of miscommunication. A sincere apology will patch it up. Relate it with marriage/relationship.
Relationships are not always broken; sometimes, we just don't know how to make it work. By analogy, a machine may not be busted but if we don't have an idea how to use it then it is as good as broken.
A real man has got to be hero to his partner before he could be to anybody else or he is not a real man.But how about being a hero to God above all? Would that be great? Definitely.
Death should not be feared if you know where you are going.This must be the legitimate reason why most people, including myself, is afraid to die; not because of anything else.
"The sad thing about the covenant of marriage is that when most people promise for better or for worse, they only mean for the better." Need not say more.
"Marriages are not fireproof; sometimes you get burned. Fireproof does not mean that fire will never come, but when it comes, you will be able to withstand it." As regards the fireproof thing, I agree wholeheartedly.
"How can someone show love over and over again when they are constantly rejected? You can't give what you don't have." A conversation where God was mirrored by the complaining spouse who is about to give up on his attempt to revive his marriage. This really makes sense.
God meant marriage to be for life. You've got to keep your vows. You've got to beg God to teach you how to be a good partner. Relationships are all about love triangle among the two parties and God. Likened to a tripod, the absence of one will result to disaster.
Don't just follow your heart because your heart can be deceived. You've got to lead your heart. Mind over heart? Most probably.
In addition, the movie also showed the role of genuine and fake friends - what they actually say and do to the stuff you share with them. Accommodate them but always be on guard.
Pray, allow God to work, and patiently wait for the magnificent result.
If I haven't told you that you are a good man, you are. If I haven't told you that I have forgiven you, I have. If I haven't told you that I love you, I do.
~Catherine's words to Caleb
The movie ended with a reaffirmation of the spouses' vows - as a covenant and not a contract. Marriage is a sacred institution established by God and one that is meant to last for life.
The Love Dare Book is a must-have for those who are in a relationship, much more for those who have already tied the knot. As for me, I ought to have it before I get married. So, I'm calling out to anyone who is kind enough to provide me a copy of this book as a gift. Thanks to you in advance.
Fireproof Soundtracks
SLOW FADE by Casting Crowns
Be careful little eyes what you see It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings Be careful little feet where you go For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid When you give yourself away People never crumble in a day It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade
Be careful little ears what you hear When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near Be careful little lips what you say For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid When you give yourself away People never crumble in a day
The journey from your mind to your hands Is shorter than you're thinking Be careful if you think you stand You just might be sinking
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid When you give yourself away People never crumble in a day Daddies never crumble in a day Families never crumble in a day
Oh be careful little eyes what see Oh be careful little eyes what you see For the Father up above is looking down in love Oh be careful little eyes what you see
WHILE I'M WAITING By John Waller
I'm waiting I'm waiting on You, Lord And I am hopeful I'm waiting on You, Lord Though it is painful But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead, bold and confident Takeing every step in obedience While I'm waiting I will serve You While I'm waiting I will worship While I'm waiting I will not faint I'll be running the race Even while I wait
I'm waiting I'm waiting on You, Lord And I am peaceful I'm waiting on You, Lord Though it's not easy But faithfully, I will wait Yes, I will wait I will serve You while I'm waiting I will worship while I'm waiting I will serve You while I'm waiting I will worship while I'm waiting I will serve you while I'm waiting I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord
YOU BELONG TO ME By Grey Holiday
You run, you hide As tears fall from your eyes They fall like snow From a wounded soul You hold inside The hurt of great divide The hole is starting to get old
So come back to the light To the love, you will find It’s been here all along So come back to the start And you’ll find in your heart That you always belonged To me
Just take the rope I won’t let it go Give in We can start again I’m life, I’m hope And I’m ready to explode With how bad I want you back home
So come back to the light To the love, you will find It’s been here all along So come back to the start And you’ll find in your heart That you always belonged To me
You’re my daughter, you’re my son You’re the one I long to love And you’ve heard I chose to die Do you know you’re the reason why?
BRIGHTER DAYS By Leeland
Time keeps moving on Through the sunshine and the storm And my dreams are set in stone And someday I’ll be who I want to be For now I’ll wait For the sun to shine again And for now I’ll wait For the rain to pass away
And I’m looking for the brighter days When all my hurts seem to fade away I’m looking for the brighter days to come my way
Faces come and faces go But none seem to look my way And walls have stood and walls have fallen But my heart seems to wait For now I’ll sit at the end of the road And for now I’ll wait At the end of the pathway
I’ll see the sun one day shine upon me I’ll see the sun one day And watch the nighttime turn to morning But for now it all comes back around
And my personal favorite - Warren Barfield's LOVE IS NOT A FIGHT
Other Soundtracks include Third Day's This Is Who I Am and Otherside
Cutting the story short, this quotation speaks it all.
"No amount of success in life can ever compensate the failure in the family."
Exactly five years have past since the last time I saw you, since the last time I touched you. Wish I could turn back time to that very day and the day before that just to have our last conversation. I regret that I was not there when you were still here. Nonetheless, I'm pretty sure that you're happy, much happier right now. My prayers are always with you. And yeah, I'll see you soon!
You're handsome, and I'm such a cutie. Eheh. I so love this photo!
I love you so much, Papa. Hope I could still say this to you while you can still hear me and answer back how much you love me too. But. All I could say now is how much I miss you.
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet." William Shakespeare; Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)
According to Mosignor Moraleda, the celebrant of the mass I attended this evening, there are three names that we carry as we live.
One is the 'name' we inherited from our predecessors. It is the name that our parents inherited from their parents, which will then be handed down to us the moment we are born. It is the name to which we belong in the sea of people here on earth.
The next one is the 'name' given to us by our parents. It is the name by which we are called by others. It is the identity that we are superficially known for; the one that somewhat makes us unique from the rest of the world.
And the last one is the 'name' that we will leave to our children or to our loved ones. It is the name that speaks for what we have done while we were living. It is the name that matters the most. The same name may have been bequeathed to us by our predecessors, and we may have the same name as others have, but the name that we have made out of such names will be the one that will be remembered long after we have departed this world.
The name founded on love is the only name that will matter before the Lord.
And so I quote Stephan Grellet's words:
“I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”
SI KRISTO AMING BANTAYOG BIKOL AT SOUTHERN TAGALOG YFC MAGKASURUROG
Kaibigan, kapatid, kasurog kung tawagin Binubuklod ng iisang puso’t panalangin Bawat isa’y aalagaan at mamahalin At si Kristo ang bantayog at tanging didinggin.
At kung puso ang iyong susurii’t titingnan Purong pagmamahal, walang halong kaplastikan Sa lungkot man o hirap, maging sa kasiyahan Laging nariyan at t’yak na hindi ka iiwan.
Sa pag-ikot ng mundo’t paglipas ng panahon Maraming trabaho’t pagsubok ang naghahamon Na sa bawat lubak, pipiliting makaahon Para maging matatag sa gagawing paglingon.
Upang lalong mapagtibay ang pagsasamahan Iba muna bago ang sariling kapakanan Simbolo ng isang tunay na pagbibigayan Na kahit sinong tao ay kayang patunayan.
Respeto, pag-uunawa’t tanging pagmamahal Ang sa bawat nilalang ang s’yang pinapairal Maging sa taong may pusong sing-tigas ng bakal Dahil t’yak na lalambot din ito pag-tumagal.
Ordinaryong tao ngunit hindi sumusuko Dahil ang pagsuko sagisag ng pagkatalo Pagkatalo sa mga labang ipinangako Laban para sa katarungan at pagbabago.
Gulong ng buhay ay kay hirap maunawaan Ngunit kung si Kristo ang ating pinaglalaban Kailanga’y pusong lubos na naninindigan At mga kasurog na ating masasandalan.
While going over some of my files, I saw this one. I wrote this tula (tagalog poem) way back in 2004; just a couple of weeks after our CFC - YFC STaB SHouT (Couples For Christ - Youth For Christ Southern Tagalog and Bicol Summer House Training) in Camarines Norte. I was a very active member of YFC Albay then. I was really moved by the experience I got from that activity, inspiring me to come up with this literary stuff.
August 8, 2008 – the opening of the most awaited Beijing Olympics and also the most awaited date of lovers Antz and Ting to take each other as husband and wife. At the St. Gregory the Great Cathedral, Antz looked great in an all-white coat and tie attire while breathlessly waiting in front for Ting who looked lovely in her wedding gown while promenading through the nave. Before the altar, the couple looked beautiful together. Having God as the ‘star witness’ of their unending love for each other, the two exchanged vows and rings, kissed and were wed. A simple yet elegant reception at The Concourse with family, relatives and friends followed right after. Hours later, the celebration concluded and the rest of the couple’s life together started.
By the way, I’m happy to be their Bestman (my first time).
A blessed married life to my dear friends, Antz and Ting. Cheers!
FIREPROOF is an action-packed love story that opens in September 2008. A movie that will leave audiences laughing, crying, and on the edge of their seats as they are drawn into the world of a firefighter, his wife ... and a marriage worth rescuing.
Definitely a must-see movie.
My reflection on this movie will be posted here soon after I have watched it.
Jack of all trades, master of none though ofttimes better than master of one. 50% Bikolano, 50% Pangasinense, 100% Filipino. Reviewee. Came from dust and to dust he shall return.
To be acknowledged for who and what I am, no more, no less. Not for acclaim, not for approval, but, the simple truth of that recognition. This has been the elemental drive of my existence, and it must be achieved, if I am to live or die with dignity. ~ Bicentennial Man
Destiny is the bridge you build to the one you love. ~ My Sassy Girl
You're not a loser.. xxx. You're not just used to being a winner. ~ Gridiron Gang
BIBLE (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) ~ The Love Guru
I guess it's hard for people who are so used to things the way they are - even if they're bad - to change. 'Cause they kind of give up. And when they do, everybody kind of loses. ~ Pay It Forward
You got a dream, you gotta protect it. People can't do somethin' themselves, they wanna tell you you can't do it. If you want somethin', go get it. Period. ~ The Pusruit of Happyness
"The people, who were trying to make this world worse are not taking a day off. How can I? Light up the darkness." (Bob Marley) ~ I Am Legend
"Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education." (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.) ~ Stomp the Yard
Sometimes it gets a lot of wrong answers to get to the right one. ~ Dangerous Minds
You are the heroes. You are heroes every day. ~ Freedom Writers
[Pertaining to his daughter] I've got everything I need. ~ Taken
"You look closely enough, you'll find everything has a weak spot where it can break, sooner or later." "Even a broken clock gets to be right twice a day." ~ Fracture
"Sometimes in life there really are bonds formed that can never be broken. Sometimes you really can find that one person who will stand by you no matter what. Maybe you'll find it in a spouse and celebrate it with your dream wedding, but theres also the chance that the one person you can count on for a lifetime, the one person who knows you sometimes better than you know yourself is the same person who's been standing beside you all along." ~ Bride Wars
August 8, 2008 – the opening of the most awaited Beijing Olympics and also the most awaited date of lovers Antz and Ting to take each other as husband and wife. At the 
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