A Letter from Mom and Dad to their children

“In my old age, please understand and be patient with me if, because of my poor eyesight, I break a plate or spill soup on the table. Please don’t scold me. Old people feel hurt easily. I pity myself every time you shout at me. “When I’m hard of hearing and don’t understand what you’re saying, don’t call me ‘Deaf!’ Just repeat what you are saying or write it down. I’m sorry, son (or daughter), I’m really old. “When my knees are weak, take the trouble to help me stand up, just like I did when you were just learning how to stand up and walk. “Be patient with me if I am repetitive like a broken record. Just listen to me and don’t laugh at me or get tired listening to me. Do you remember when you were young? When you wanted a balloon, you would ask for it again and again the whole day until you got what you wanted. I was patient with your demands. “Be also patient with my smell. Old people smell like the soil. Don’t force me to take a bath. My body is weak. I get sick easily when I get cold. Don’t recoil from me. Do you remember when you were young? I took pains to chase you under the bed when you didn’t want to take a bath. “Be patient with me if I am often irritable. That’s probably because of my old age. When you grow old yourself, you will understand me. “When you have time, let’s talk, if only for a short time. I feel lonely at home, nobody to talk to the whole day. I know you are busy with your work, but I want you to know that I long for your company, to talk to you, even if I know you are not interested in what I will tell you. Do you remember when you were a child? I patiently listened to understand your stories about your toys and imaginary friends. “And when the time comes that I am bedridden, don’t tire of taking care of me. Forgive me if I soil my bed and bedclothes. Please take care of me in the last moments of my life. After all, I won’t stay much longer. “On my deathbed, please hold my hand and give me strength to face death. “And don’t worry, when I am face to face with the Creator, I will whisper to him to bless you and help you. Because you loved your father and mother.”

Sulat ni Tatay at Nanay

In time for Grandparents Day, I would like to share with you something that I have heard over the radio DZAS 3 years ago... at talagang naiyak ako sa mensahe...

Sa aking pagtanda, unawain mo sana ako at pagpasensiyahan.

Kapag dala ng kalabuan ng mata ay nakabasag ako ng pinggano nakatapon ng sabaw sa hapag kainan,huwag mo sana akong kagagalitan.Maramdamin ang isang matanda. Nagse-self-pity ako sa tuwing sinisigawan mo ako.Kapag mahina na ang tenga ko at hindi ko maintindihanang sinasabi mo, huwag mo naman sana akong sabihanng "binge!" paki-ulit nalang ang sinabi mo o pakisulat nalang.Pasensya ka na, anak.

Matanda na talaga ako.Kapag mahina na ang tuhod ko, pagtiyagaan mo sana akong tulungang tumayo, katulad ng pag-aalalay ko sa iyo noong nag-aaral ka pa lamang lumakad.Pagpasensyahan mo sana ako kung ako man ay nagiging makulit at paulit-ulit na parang sirang plaka.Basta pakinggan mo nalang ako. Huwag mo sana akong pagtatawanan opagsasawaang pakinggan.

Natatandaan mo anak noong bata ka pa? Kapag gusto mo ng lobo, paulit-ulit mo 'yong sasabihin, maghapon kang mangungulit hangga'thindi mo nakukuha ang gusto mo.Pinagtyagaan ko ang kakulitan mo. Pagpasensyahan mo na rin sana ang aking amoy. Amoy matanda, amoy lupa.Huwag mo sana akong piliting maligo.Mahina na ang katawan ko.Madaling magkasakit kapag nalamigan,huwag mo sana akong pandirihan.

Natatandaan mo noong bata ka pa? Pinatyagaan kitang habulin sa ilalim ng kama kapag ayaw mong maligo.Pagpasensyahan mo sana kung madalas,ako'y masungit, dala na marahil ito ng katandaan.

Pagtanda mo, maiintindihan mo rin.Kapag may konti kang panahon,magkwentuhan naman tayo, kahit sandali lang. Inip na ako sa bahay, maghapong nag-iisa. Walang kausap. Alam kong busy ka sa trabaho,subalit nais kong malaman mo na sabik na sabik na akong makakwentuhan ka,kahit alam kong hindi ka interesado sa mga kwento ko.

Natatandaan mo anak, noong bata ka pa? Pinagtyagaan kong pakinggan at intindihinang pautal-utal mong kwento tungkol sa iyong teddy bear.At kapag dumating ang sandali na ako'y magkakasakit at maratay sa banig ng karamdaman,huwag mo sana akong pagsawaang alagaan.Pagpasensyahan mo na sana kung akoman ay maihi o madumi sa higaan,pagtyagaan mo sana akong alagaan sa mga huling sandali ng aking buhay.

Tutal hindi na naman ako magtatagal.Kapag dumating ang sandali ng aking pagpanaw,hawakan mo sana ang aking kamayat bigyan mo ako ng lakas ng loobna harapin ang kamatayan.

At huwag kang mag-alala,kapag kaharap ko na ang Diyos na lumikha,ibubulong ko sa kanya na pagpalain ka sana ... dahil naging mapagmahal ka sa iyong ama't ina...

Written by Rev. Fr. Ariel F. RoblesCWL Spiritual DirectorSt. Augustine ParishBaliuag, Bulacan

EAGLES IN A STORM

Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks?

The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it.

The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.

When the storms of life come upon us - and all of us will experience them - we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God. The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God's power to lift us above them.

God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure and disappointment in our lives. We can soar above the storm.

Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them.

LESSONS FROM THE STORMS OF LIFE

The storms and trials of life are as sure to come your way as the breath you just took. Some people seem to live in the midst of a storm, but none of us are exempt from at least passing through them. Storms are not fun and often leave us with damage that we have to deal with. It is important for us to realize though, that the storms of this life bring lessons that we cannot learn apart from them. We must work not to get bitter in the storm but rather rejoice that our Father is allowing us another opportunity to learn.

1. The Reasons We Go Through Storms
1. God sends storms to draw us close to Him
2. Satan attacks with the permission of God (Job 1:12; 2:6)
3. Troubles are part of life (Job 14:1-2; 5:7)
2. Storms Give a Better Revelation of Us
1. The disciples were sailing just fine on their own during the calm – “but as they sailed He fell asleep” (Luke 8:23)
2. The storm came and was causing problems but the disciples were still trying to do it own their own – “they were filled with water” (Luke 8:23)
3. When the waves filled the boat and they were in trouble they turned to Him – “they came to him” (Luke 8:24)
3. Storms Demonstrate the Faithfulness of God
1. When the sea was calm and the disciples were sailing they gave no thought to the fact that the Lord was keeping the seas calm
2. When the storm got out of control the disciples were able to see that Jesus was faithful to calm it
4. Storms Give Us a Better Revelation of Christ
1. The disciples apparently did not know that the wind and the water had to obey Jesus (Luke 8:25)
2. This showed them a side of Jesus that they could not have seen without the storm.
3. Those who were not in the storm had no idea what Jesus could do.
4. This event proved Jesus Christ to be God (Psalm 65:5-7)
5. This event showed that Jesus comes to the aid of His own – “he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water” (Luke 8:24)(See Psalm 78:65-66)(Daniel 3:23-27)
5. Storms Give Us a Longing for Heaven (Revelation 21:4)
1. Tears - If we had no tears we could not long for the day when God shall wipe away all tears.
2. Death – If we had no separation in this life we wouldn’t know the joys awaiting us in a land where there is no separation.
3. Sorrow – Without the heartaches, troubles and sorrow we wouldn’t be longing for a land where no sorrow can enter.
4. Pain – If you had no pains, or ailments in this body you wouldn’t know the blessing of receiving a glorified body and dwelling in a land where no sickness can harm you.

Conclusion: Are you going through a storm? Maybe the Lord sent you into this storm so that you will draw closer to Him. Maybe this storm is nothing more than an attack from Satan. Maybe it is just part of this life. Whatever it is, don’t give up. If the disciples had given up before they awoke the Master, they might have perished. They certainly would not have had the revelation that Christ is the Master of the elements of this world. What is the Lord trying to show you? If you’ll trust in Him, the fellowship experienced in the midst of this storm may very well be the sweetest fellowship you will experience on this side of eternity.

Who build our lives?

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business to live a more leisurely life with his wife and enjoy his extended family. He would miss the paycheck each week, but he wanted to retire. They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go & asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but over time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career. When the carpenter finished his work, his employer came to inspect the house. Then he handed the front-door key to the carpenter and said, "This is your house... my gift to you." The carpenter was shocked! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. (Read the facts about the Leaning Tower of Pisa below)

Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building. Then, with a shock, we realize we have to live in the house we have built. If we could do it over, we would do it much differently. But, you cannot go back. You are the carpenter, and every day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Someone once said, "Life is a do-it-yourself project." Your attitude, and the choices you make today, help build the "house" you will live in tomorrow. Therefore, Build wisely!

On August 9, 1173 AD, construction began on a freestanding bell tower that would stand adjacent to a cathedral in the town of Pisa, Italy. The tower would eventually reach the height of 186 feet. It masterfully blended the Gothic and Romanesque architecture signifying its centuries of construction. However, it was not the height, nor the architecture of this freestanding bell tower that would make it famous. After a mere 5 years of construction and three completed floors, construction halted because the foundation of the bell tower started to sink. The 3 meter foundation was not stable enough to support the weight of the tower and it started to lean at a nearly 4 degree slant, to the extent that the top of the tower leans over its base by 17ft! It is that 4 degree slant that made this tower famous - The Leaning Tower of Pisa! Ask any builder and they will tell you that having the proper foundation is essential for any building project. Jesus used a parable to teach this important truth. As you build your spiritual houses, make sure your foundation is stable.

Why is a foundation essential to every building project? Because the foundation is what holds everything up, it’s what holds everything together. No matter what quality of materials you use; no matter how carefully you join the frame together; no matter how skilled your craftsmen may be – if the foundation isn’t solid and stable, your “house” will lack integrity. Over time, cracks will develop in the walls. The windows will stick. The roof will leak. And sooner or later, the storms of life will bring it crashing down, and everything you’ve worked so hard to build will be lost. When you build your spiritual house, the foundation must be solid. And there can be only one foundation for our lives. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1Cor. 3:11).

Even though our homes could be bigger and better - and our lives of righteousness are far from where they could be, we still have the assurance of salvation through faith in Christ. And so we sing, “on Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”

WHY LIFE'S LIKE THAT

On the first day God created a dog. God said, ' Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.’ The dog said: ‘That’s a long time to be barking How about only ten years and I’ll give you back the other ten?’ So God agreed. On the second day, God created the monkey and said: ‘Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I’ll give you a twenty-year life span.’ The monkey said: ‘Monkey tricks for twenty years? That’s a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?’ And God agreed. On the third day, God created the cow and said: ‘You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer’s family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years.’ The cow said: ‘That’s kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I’ll give back the other forty?’ And God agreed again. On the fourth day, God created man and said: ‘Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I’ll give you twenty years.’ But man said: ‘What, only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?’ ‘Okay,’ said God, ‘You asked for it, you've got a deal.' So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

What kind of pencil are we?

I was able to tackle this short inspirational story one Sunday afternoon at Divino's Family when we had our Soulwinning and Follow up (with Sis. Lea and Camille), and I was really impressed by its turn out. It's very timely to share it with you now since the opening of classes has just began. The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box. "There are 5 things you need to know," he told the pencil, "Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be." "One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand." "Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil." "Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make." "Four: The most important part of you will always be what's inside." "And Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write." The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart. Now replacing the place of the pencil with you. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be. One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess. Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you'll need it to become a stronger person. Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make. Four: The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside. And Five: On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties. Allow this parable on the pencil to encourage you to know that you are a special person and only you can fulfill the purpose to which you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot make a change. Let's evaluate ourselves: What kind of pencil are we? Have we been doing our purpose? Am I faithful to my commitment to serve God above all? Or am I making God the last priority and focus on material things in life?

With all your money, you give me a Bible?

A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted. As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold. Angry, he raised his voice to his father and said "With all your money, you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible. Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things. When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. And as he did, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words PAID IN FULL. How many times do we miss Spirit's blessings and answers to our prayers because they do not arrive exactly as we have expected? Jshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Romans 8:25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. TODAY'S affirmation: "Today I look beyond the obvious and allow miracles to be created in my life."

WHICH KIND OF FROG ARE YOU?

I received the following short inspirational story from a friend in a neighboring country through email. Simple as it may seen but it's impact is really touching and heart warming...I could relate to it. Nature gave us two ears and one tongue so that we could hear twice as much as we speak. The characters in the story show the different kinds of frogs: the pessimistic and ill - mannered frogs, the disappointed and discouraged frog and the persistent and optimistic frog. The story goes something like this:

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. When the other frogs saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died. The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?" The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time. This story teaches two lessons: 1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day. 2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them. Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path. The power of words... it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times. Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another. Author Unknown

Now, can you determine which kind of frog are you?

• Are you a fault - finder? Are you happy seeing someone in despair and failure? Do you usually think that others can't? Are your words destructive?
• Do you easily give up and surrender in times of hardships and difficulties? Are your faith good enough to triumph over problems?
• Do you faint not...clinging on God's promise that He will never leave you nor forsake you no matter what kind of situation you are in?

Whether it be true or real, the lesson it teaches is very practical and worth sharing. GOD BLESS!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO RIDE IN NOAH'S ARK?

I came across with the lessons of Noah's Ark story only after the heavy downpour, severe flooding and massive effects of the Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng in the Philippines last year. Though I already knew what have transpired in the Old Testament, I also realized that everything I need to know about life, I learned it from Noah's Ark.

1. Don't miss the boat.

2. Remember that we are all in the same boat.

3. Plan ahead! It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

4. Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.

5. Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

6. Build your future on high ground.

7. For safety's sake, travel in pairs. Two heads are better than one. If you have to start over, have a friend by your side.

8. Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

9.When you're stressed, float a while. If you can't fight or flee - float.

10. Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

11. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting. No matter how bleak it looks, there's always a rainbow on the other side.

13. Take care of your animals as if they were the last ones on earth.

14. When the doo-doo gets really deep, don't sit there and complain--shovel!

15. Stay below deck during the storm.

17. Remember that the woodpeckers INSIDE are often a bigger threat than the storm outside.

Author Unknown. If you know who wrote this, please let me know so I can give proper credit. Thank you and GOD BLESS!

IS YOUR HUT BURNING?

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me? 'Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?' asked the weary man of his rescuers.'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied. (Author Unknown) What can we learn from the story? It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God. God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27) I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)Those who hope in the Lord will renew their Strength. (Isaiah 40:31 I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34) My grace is sufficient (II Cor. 12:9 &Psalms 91:15) I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6) You can do all things (Philippians 4:13) I am able (II Corinthians 9:8) It will be worth it (Roman 8:28) I FORGIVE YOU (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1) I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19) I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7) Cast all your cares on Me (1Peter 5:7) I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30) I will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) So, next time your little hut is burning to the ground, fear not, the substance that appears to be vaporizing before your eyes could be the very rescue action that is delivering you from your secluded island.