3 Things that Cause UNthankfulness

This is just a quick post as I don't want to forget these little things I learned from the Homily of Father Jojo Monis of Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish. The topic he discussed was about the top 3 things that cause us to be "UNthankful." 

1. Taking Things for Granted

Father Jojo said that this is one of the main reasons why we become unthankful - when we forget how blessed we already are. 

Sometimes when huge or even little challenges come into my life, I dwell on them until I feel like I've solved them. Though I pray to God to help me surrender these worries, I must admit that I sometimes have a hard time doing a "full surrender" to His will. 

The homily reminded me that despite my problems, I am still blessed with a loving family and a brand new day to make better decisions and become a better person. All of us are blessed. We just have to make an everyday effort to acknowledge these truths.

2. Envy and Selective Blindness

One day I had a meet-up with my girl friends and we were updating each other on what's going on with our lives. One of my friends said, "Oh have you seen the Facebook account of (some girl's name)? I can't believe she is now a (insert awesome career here). I hope I can do the same thing. She used to be not good in school. I can't believe she's a (once again, insert the career here)."

That conversation got me baffled. I am actually very happy for people who were once struggling adolescents but have now become better individuals. Likewise, I am also happy for myself and my journey through life. Sometimes, I just hope that we don't get too engrossed in this "it's-greener-on-the-other-side" mentality and simply be happy where we are now. Let's all be happy for each others' successes because we all have something unique to celebrate about our lives. Let's choose to see the good things instead of what we feel are wrong in our lives.  

3. The Feeling of Self-Entitlement

"I achieved things without the help of God."

Some of us may tend to think that we are self-entitled of our achievements. Like everything that happened in our lives were solely from our own efforts. No one helped you get to where you are. No one blessed you with your talents, gifts, and opportunities. It's all just you.

Father Jojo reminded us that although this arrogance can well up in our hearts, we should be reminded that there is someone out there bigger than us and taking care of us despite our ingratitude.

I have a friend who seemed to have it all. He's very proud of his achievements because he was top of his class while in university and recently, has passed all tests for a much awaited career promotion. When the time for promotion came, he apparently, was not chosen. He was so used to his success that when he did not get what he wanted, he became resentful of his work and secluded himself from his workmates. 

The call for us in our times of pride and arrogance is to regain the virtue of humility in our hearts. Sometimes there will be things that we will not get in life but this should not stop us from appreciating the rest of what's great about our lives.

Live Life to the Fullest! God bless you! :)

Jacq

My First Guest Blogging experience!

Every time I need a break from the hullabaloo of the outside world, I withdraw myself and visit various Catholic bloggers groups I am a member of. I find it very relaxing and refreshing to read their entries in the peace of my own room. 

Last month, one of the authors from the Catholic Women's blogs I follow proposed we try Guest Blogging on each other's blog.

I definitely said a huge 'YES!' 

Our topic of exchange would be about our personal experiences living out our faith in our respective countries. Rachel is from the US while I am from the Philippines. I personally want to see where living our faith differed and where it is the same. Also, it interests me to know how supportive the society is to us practicing our faith as Catholics. I have posted earlier her experience being Catholic in the US. If you haven't seen it yet, you can click here. 

Now, I am posting a link of what I shared with her. Here is my personal experience living out the Catholic faith in the Philippines as featured in 'Living a Catholic Life'. Enjoy!

http://livingacatholiclife1.com/2014/09/20/guest-blogger-what-its-like-to-be-a-catholic-in-the-phillippines/

You are Light

I was browsing on the internet for tips to eating healthy when I came across this post. I was immediately reminded of the passage Salt and Light from Matthew 5: 13-15 which says,

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house."

Have you gone through some serious soul searching when you asked the heavens, what is my purpose in life? Well, I did. And I believe this Bible passage is telling me much about that. 

You are salt and you are light. Without salt, eating would probably be dreadful. Without the sun, earth would be left an icy wasteland.

Personally, I think the passage is telling me to become a blessing to others. Like salt, I should help make the ordinary things become extraordinary. I should make this journey through life become less burdensome for the people traveling with me. In being light, we are made to guide each other in seeing the truth and seeing God in our journey.

Have an awesome week!

A Gentle and Quiet Spirit

Earlier this week, I was looking for a Bible memory verse that could pretty much some up my life journey for the past week. 

I came across this and realized that despite the urgings of the world for me to focus solely on physical beauty, shopping, make-up, and clothes, God is asking me, just like He is asking all women, to have a gentle and quiet spirit above all things.

Through this verse, God reminded me that all things are passing and nothing is imperishable. What is hidden from plain sight, such as what is in our hearts and the condition of our souls, are what He finds most precious.

Have a great week ahead! 

The Catholic Chic

Your Heart Today

Every Sunday, my family joins the choir for the 6 am Mass at our parish. Today, our choir head chose the song "Your Heart Today." 

I was deeply touched by the message of the song that I wanted to post it so I can share with you guys. Here are the lyrics of the song and the video. Happy viewing!

Your Heart Today 

by Fr. Manuel 'Manoling' Francisco, SJ

sung by Bukas Palad

Where there is fear I can allay
Where there is pain I can heal
Where there are wounds I can bind
And hunger I can fill

REFRAIN:
Lord, grant me courage
Lord, grant me strength
Grant me compassion
That I may be Your heart today

Where there is hate I can confront
Where there are yokes I can release
Where there are captives I can free
And anger I can appease (REFRAIN)

BRIDGE:
When comes the day I dread
To see our broken world
Compel me from my cell grown cold
That Your people I may behold

Where there is fear I can allay
Where there is pain I can heal
Where there are wounds I can bind
And hunger I can fill (REFRAIN)

CODA:
And when I've done all that I could
Yet there are hearts I cannot move
Lord, give me hope
That I may be Your heart today

 (lyrics from elyrics.net)

Love,

The Catholic Chic

Seeing God

Being a Christian blogger, specifically a Catholic one, this is my personal mantra which I believe came from God. When at times I am feeling uninspired or burdened, this statement comes to my mind unintentionally and I feel like it is God telling me to "Stand up, Brush it off, Move forward."

There are many instances when I feel like the world is pulling me out of this blog. But God is telling me to fight for it and use the many secular opportunities coming my way to glorify Him - to use various circumstances, opportunities, and even crosses to proclaim His name.

I hope I always see the world through Jesus' lenses. It may be a challenge, but it is also a talent I'm very willing to master. I have to learn to see God in the most mundane things - like my nail polish or my shoes. For how can I proclaim God in the world if I cannot see Him in the things around me?

How about you? Have you mastered the art of seeing God in everything? And when I say everything, I mean every THING.

Love always,

The Catholic Chic

On Full Dependence and Trust

From The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis

God has blessed me with so much more than I asked for. There was a time when I had more money and material things than I needed. I felt then like I had no need of God and relied solely on myself and my personal success. But when God saw that these were corrupting me, He took them away. 

Now, I believe He is teaching me so much more about financial stewardship. He is also teaching me to value the little I have and to share it with others. I used to be really selfish and I didn't want to give to others. But now, the less material things I have, the more I am able to share.

More than that, He is molding my heart to have full dependence on Him. He gave me supportive parents who understand what I'm going through. He gives us basic necessities, Godly friends and a parish community, and productive hobbies which allow us to meet people to inspire us and vice versa.

And true to the bible, He really does take care of me 100% - even my most miniscule whims, He solves. Would you believe that because of blogging, a skin care brand made me one of their brand ambassadors? God knows that I have insecurities about my acne scars. He knows that because of my small salary, I can't afford skin treatments right now, so He blessed me with sponsorship. I know this is a very small concern compared to the bigger problems of the world; but nevertheless, He still blesses me, no matter how big or small.

“Consider how the wild flowers grow. 

They do not labor or spin. 

Yet I tell you, 

not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, 

which is here today, 

and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, 

how much more will he clothe you—

you of little faith!"

- Luke 12: 27-28 

Truly there is nothing that I could ask for that He does not know and cannot give. May I always be thankful for my material blessings but may my heart never forget its source. May I love the ultimate source of goodness that is Christ above all things.

Yours in Christ,

The Catholic Chic 

Reading Thomas A Kempis

Earlier, I blogged about how Brandon Vogt inspired me to create a Catholic classics reading list. I have now started reading books from that list and I must say, this experience is starting to become a fascinating journey for me.

I have been reading the Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis and it is by far one of the most authoritative Catholic books I've read since the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It contains a lot of wisdom and his words have inspired and sustained me to remain steadfast despite the many turmoils in my life.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants straight answers about the faith and how to live it. Thomas A Kempis does not exactly mince words so prepare your heart for a challenging yet fulfilling reading experience.  

Get a free e-book of this from iBooks or check out your local book stores for hardbound copies!

Journeying with you,

The Catholic Chic 

Jim Caviezel's New Movie: 'When the Game Stands Tall'

  "I am not afraid of my faith." 

- Jim Caviezel

I learned from Raymond Arroyo on Twitter that 'When the Game Stands Tall' has hit screens in the US last August 22.

I have been waiting for this movie to be shown in Philippine cinemas this month but I suppose I'll have to wait until November to watch it.

I have loved Jim Caviezel's performance since The Count of Monte Cristo and The Passion of the Christ. I believe this new movie will be another inspiring breakthrough in Hollywood.

From Google images

Watch the Official Trailer here:

Exclusive Interview

Also, here is Raymond Arroyo's exclusive interview with Jim Caviezel on EWTN. Jim talked about his experience playing Coach Bob Ladouceur in the movie. Enjoy!

"We're not looking for you to play the perfect game, that's impossible. What we're asking of you and what you should be asking yourself is to give a perfect effort of every play from snap to whistle. That you can be depended on. And in life, champions are not made through a lack of adversity. Champions are made because of the adversity." 

- Bob Ladouceur as quoted by Jim Caviezel

Who is this movie for?

Jim Caviezel: "For all those boys who were like me, they didn't think they had a shot, maybe God is calling them to do something greater than they can ever imagine. Boys that want to become men someday, not guys, but they want to become real men."

---

I hope you enjoyed watching the interview as I did. After a whirlwind of CG-laden epic movies, there hasn't been an inspiring movie like this. I hope and pray you would support this movie. 

God bless you all!

The Catholic Chic

5 Ways to Live Your Life to the Fullest

My Notes on Fr. Joel Jason's Talk at the Mercy Cafe

We love because He first loved us.

1 John 4:19

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Last weekend, the Mercy Cafe hosted its 6th talk entitled La Vita e Bella at the Grills N' Sizzles bar at Examiner street, Quezon City. 

The invited speaker was Rev. Fr. Joel Jason, the Dean of Studies of the San Carlos Graduate School of Theology. 

This workshop was very timely because I am also in search of how I could live my life to the full. This workshop gave a fresh perspective because rather than suggesting the usual traveling, rock climbing, or bungee jumping advices I got from other blogs on how to live my life to the full, it targeted my inner self, my heart, and my soul. Here are my notes on the discussion. Fr. Joel started with the 5 Signs You are NOT Living Life to the Full (or you are Dying Spiritually), each followed by specific steps on how to live life to the fullest. Happy reading friends!

Participants with Rev. Fr. Joel Jason

5 Signs You are NOT Living Life to the Full

Sign 1. When Church Services bore you.

When we become bored during our prayer time, worship, doing service in the parish, and most especially when celebrating the Eucharist, chances are we are not focusing on Christ but ourselves. God becomes a rival or competitor in our "Me" attitude. 

When we realize that God is not our competitor, then worship becomes joyful and becomes our life. And when we worship, we become more alive.

There are instances when our ego or the self, fears its disappearance when we surrender ourselves to God. However, Fr. Joel reminded us of the Theodrama of reincarnation, that when the Creator comes to the creature, the creature will be brought to a fuller life. It is a kind of life that the creature cannot achieve on its own power.

How to combat sign 1: Make your work your worship.

Work here pertains to everything you do, from waking up in the morning, brushing your teeth, eating breakfast - everything! It includes your thoughts, desires, words, and actions. 

There should be no separation of what we say from what we do. We have to live our faith. Our whole life will become our worship and we will weld our life to glorifying God even in the simplest, most mundane tasks.  

Make your meal times your worship.

Sign 2. When Noise attracts you more than Silence.

All of us need our silent or alone time. 

According to Fr. Joel, silence is the language of God and of love. We hear His messages to us more clearly when we sit in silence with Him a few minutes a day. 

We speak more calmly with others too if we are at peace with them. If you prefer noise more than silence, then there is a certain possibility that you fear hearing the voice of your own heart and what you truly feel inside.

How to combat this: Give yourself the "Silent Treatment" once a week

Try to not use your cellphone or refrain from going online in your social media accounts. Once you are comfortable hearing the sound of silence, then you are ready to live life fully.

Q & A with the speaker.

Sign 3. When the words of a celebrity attract you more than the words of Christ.

Do you have social media accounts? Check out who you are following. If you prefer to follow more secular accounts than Christian or Catholic accounts, then maybe you need to refocus where you're getting your inspiration and guidance from. 

Maybe it's time to refocus on Christ.


How to combat this: When you voluntarily immerse yourself in the word of God daily (i.e. Bible and the daily readings).

Remember to feed your soul with God's word daily. Your soul needs that most. If we put God's word in our hearts, then sin will have no place in it and evil will not have a hold on our hearts. 

Remember Christ was tempted in the desert three times and he used scripture three times to combat the evil one (Activity: Read Deutoronomy and search for Christ's responses).

Christ has the words of eternal life and words have the power to describe and CREATE reality. Let Christ create your reality. Be immersed in His words (Activity: Read Psalm 118 and be inspired).

Let Christ create your reality and Live a Most Beautiful Life.

Sign 4. When Ambition attracts you more than Mission.

Ambition points to the glorification of the self while Mission aims for the welfare of others. 

Is your ambition consistent with your mission? Is your ambition aimed for service? Do you work for money or out of love for your neighbor? Once our ambitions conquer our life and we neglect to serve others, maybe it's time to do a little rain check and refocus on what really matters.

How to combat this: Perform your profession in the Spirit of Mission.

No matter what our profession is, let's see it as a way for us to become Christ to others. Perform your best out of love.

CFC Full-time pastoral workers enjoying the talk.

Sign 5.  When the Story of the Cross no longer moves you.

When the story of the sufferings of Christ no longer stir us, then how can we become true sufferers with Christ? 

Remember as Christians, we are to die to ourselves for the sake of our brethren. We put them first before our selfish needs.

How to combat this: Acknowledge your God-given gifts and talents, then give them away.

How can I be a true sufferer with Christ? 

The best way to live with Christ is to share our talents with others. All of us have gifts and talents, whether we believe it or not. Always remember that every gift is meant to be given away. Our lives are temporal and the way we share in the glory of the cross is to also share what we have and who we are for the betterment of the lives of others.

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I hope you enjoyed reading my notes. And I sure do hope we see each other on August 9, 2014 for the 7th Mercy Cafe session again at Grills N Sizzles, Examiner Street, Quezon City!

Full-time workers at the Couples for Christ Global Mission Center take a picture with Fr. Joel.

CFC full-time pastoral workers with the host of the event, Mary (rightmost), who is also a CFC full-time worker.

The next Mercy Cafe (session 7) will be on August 9, 2014. If you are interested to join, please check out their Facebook page: Mercy Cafe.

Thank you and May God be with you!

Do you love you?

For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful.

- Psalm 139: 13-14

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I was struck by these videos because they speak so much of the struggle of most women today. I am reminded that we should value how God has made us and celebrate the gifts He naturally gave us. I am reminded that I am not only a physical body but a spiritual being as well. Though we are living in a physical world, what truly matters is our heart and soul.

   

Here are videos from Colbie Caillat, Carrie Underwood, and Rebecca St. James. Enjoy!

Try by Colbie Caillat

Put your make-up on
Get your nails done
Curl your hair
Run the extra mile
Keep it slim so they like you, do they like you?

Get your sexy on
Don't be shy, girl
Take it off
This is what you want, to belong, so they like you
Do you like you?

You don't have to try so hard
You don't have to, give it all away
You just have to get up, get up, get up, get up
You don't have to change a single thing

You don't have to try, try, try, try
You don't have to try, try, try, try
You don't have to try, try, try, try
You don't have to try
Yooou don't have to try

Oooh
Oooh

Get your shopping on, at the mall, max your credit cards
You don't have to choose, buy it all, so they like you
Do they like you?

Wait a second,
Why, should you care, what they think of you
When you're all alone, by yourself, do you like you?
Do you like you?

You don't have to try so hard
You don't have to, give it all away
You just have to get up, get up, get up, get up
You don't have to change a single thing

You don't have to try so hard
You don't have to bend until you break
You just have to get up, get up, get up, get up
You don't have to change a single thing

You don't have to try, try, try, try
You don't have to try, try, try, try
You don't have to try, try, try, try
You don't have to try

You don't have to try, try, try, try
You don't have to try, try, try, try
You don't have to try, try, try, try
You don't have to try
Yooou don't have to try

Oooh
Oooh

You don't have to try so hard
You don't have to, give it all away
You just have to get up, get up, get up, get up
You don't have to change a single thing

You don't have to try, try, try, try
You don't have to try, try, try, try
You don't have to try
You don't have to try

Take your make-up off
Let your hair down
Take a breath
Look into the mirror, at yourself
Don't you like you?
Cause I like you

 

 Nobody Ever Told You by Carrie Underwood

Psalm 139 by Rebecca St. James

Videos taken from youtube.com while the lyrics were taken from Metrolyrics. See more at Colbie Caillat - Try Lyrics | MetroLyrics