40 Days of Reflection - Thursday, Second Week of Lent

"Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with Jesus" (Lk 9:32)

I couldn't remember the number of times, people around me would catch me sleeping!

It doesn't matter if everyone was noisy, if the music was loud, no matter what was happening, during a lecture, while praying the rosary, while watching movies, if I couldn't contain it anymore, I'd be getting my zzzz's! 

The funny part was, I missed it. I missed what happened in between my zzzz's and the stories that were taking place. Upon waking up, there was always this feeling of frustration, because I wouldn't be able to turn back the time. I missed it!

Peter and his friends may have felt the same thing! The great news for them, was they were still able to see the high moment in Jesus' life.

May we be fully awake, alive, alert and enthusiastic all the days of our lives... but not. There will always be ups and downs in our lives.

We can be assured though that during our ups or downs, God is always awake, alive, alert and enthusiatic with us because He loves us dearly.

NAMASTE.



   

40 Days of Reflection - Wednesday, Second Week of Lent

"And behold, two men were conversing with Jesus, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem." (Lk 9:30-31)

I dropped off my daughter's friend to her house, confident that I knew the way home, I drove an uncharted path. 

The kids enjoyed the surroundings, while I drove straight, chose between left and right roads, and ended up nowhere near our house!!!

After what seemed to be forever, we were back to where we were before! We just circled the entire location!

Wasn't that fun?! 

It could have been a magical, enlightening or joyful event had I seen a familiar sight but it got frustrating when I was left with more crossroads, and choosing left, right or straight?! 

Kids shouted different directions, and I was left, with doing what I had to do - turn the wheel, without any sense of direction!

Blessed were Peter, James and John for they witnessed the Transfiguration. I'm sure the mystical experience inspired them for the rest of their lives.

Right before their eyes, they had seen which direction they needed to go; which person they needed to follow; what their future looked like with the glory shown to them!

It would have done me good, had I stopped, explored my surroundings first, or even asked for directions, instead of what I did! 

Just like in living life we know Jesus is the way to follow, and yet many of us, still take so many twists and turns, living life aimlessly, in circles...

I know what happened a while ago was a waste of time, a waste of gas.. but in the end, a lesson learned.

It felt great to be back on track...

NAMASTE.

P.S. Could we just stop and reflect on the direction of our lives today?

40 Days of Reflection - Tuesday, Second Week of Lent

"While Jesus was praying, his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white." (Lk 9:29)

♫Transfigure us, O Lord, transfigure us, O Lord. 

Break the chains that bind us, speak your healing word, and where you lead, we’ll follow. Transfigure us, O Lord.♫

This was one of the songs we sang last week during the mass. A beautiful song.

It was Jesus who transfigured in Mount Tabor but the song is a prayer for our transfiguration.

To transfigure... to change, to metamorphose, to convert, to transform...

Hard to digest, I know. I feel it is too overwhelming. But, if we'll be specific, follow the one-day-at-a-time rule, one bad habit to change at a time, then it would somehow, make sense in the end.

Transfigure us O Lord, fill our minds with gratefulness, appreciation and patience..
Transfigure our hearts Lord, that it be filled with love, peace and kindness...
Transfigure us O Lord, according to Your will.

As we pray this everyday, maybe we'll find ourselves dazzling in white, sharing heaven with Jesus... someday.

NAMASTE.

40 Days of Reflection - Monday, Second Week of Lent

"About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James and went up the mountain to pray." (Lk 9:28)

Mountains…

October 19, 2006 

This piece is a revelation... I wrote it more than 6 years ago and it still touches my heart whenever I read it...

My Story

When I was younger, I was really having a hard time trusting, sharing, and giving even a part of myself to others – I have friends.. so many.. but never a best friend.

I was like that because I was afraid to get hurt, I fear rejection and I wanted to be always in control – If I lose that – I panic and just like a rose, I protected myself with thorns.

I have learned early in life to put a hardened shell around me so that even if I will hear people comparing me with others, criticizing me or making fun of me then I’ll still be whole and intact.

I have become so focused. I was self-centered, close-minded and lived a life on my own, mine alone. 

Yup! That’s me!

Now this guy, He’s a constant companion, He’s a friend, He’s older than I am, He’s tall and He’s handsome, and am secretly falling in love with Him, haha.

And who wouldn’t be? He’s always there for me, whenever I have problems He’s always the one who would listen, if I need anything He’d give His time, His effort, His presence, His love. He’s very simple and yet when He speaks you will be drawn to Him.

There were so many times that I would resist and resent Him. Imagine it took me a long time to put on that shield and He’s interfering my security wall – but He’s so persistent and He doesn’t seem to care – no matter how many times I would reject Him, no matter how many times I’d make fun of him in front of my friends, at the end of the day, He would always knock at my door and join me in whatever I am doing. Ideal, right?

He loves mountains and I do too. 

One day when we were up there – yup it was so magical and captivating! It was late in the afternoon and I was already feeling cold and tired, we sat side by side and then I leaned on His shoulders and then He started to speak. 

He told me how He has seen me grow and how attached we have become, as He was talking my heart started to beat faster and I started to sweat, He held my hands and told me how much He loves me and that no matter how many times I would reject Him, and no matter how childish and selfish I am, He loves me in spite of all that!

And right there and then I felt the thorns being pluck one by one. 

Right there and then I  felt the hardened shell breaking. And since I could feel His deep sincerity – I just couldn’t help but cry and hug Him as I told Him how much I have grown to love Him as well. And He has become my best friend ever since.

I am a different Gemma now.. I have learned to open myself to love and be loved in return. I don’t climb mountains anymore.. but in my heart I still do.

It would have taken me a lifetime before I can break that self-centered, untrusting and unloving me had it not been for that Man, who loved me. 

He has seen and is still seeing my inner being. He is still seeing me differently from His perfect perspective. Who up to this time and forever loves me still.

For another I am nothing. I am not worth the friendship or the love.

For another I don’t matter. But for Him, I am everything.

And guess what, you are everything for Him too!

I  hope as I still try to get to know more of Him, for me to love Him fully (lifetime process hehe) , I hope you do too, get to know more of this Man, this Man who has opened Himself for us and loves us.. extremely!

By the way, His name is JESUS. My Bestfriend.

40 Days of Reflection - Saturday, First Week of Lent

"When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from Jesus for a time." (Lk 4:13)

This is a breather! Just like how we sigh (as a form of relief) after battling with the negative thoughts in our minds.

I guess that's the more challenging one... our thoughts - especially negative thoughts controlling our minds. Because, if we let those in, we just have allowed the devil in. again.

Scary huh?

We live in a place where we really have no control of what will happen to us, what other people think of us, how society delimits us... but how we react to every event in our lives makes the difference. 

It is actually our response to what life throws at us, that would give us freedom, growth or the opposite.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. - Philippians 4:8 

Today, let's purify our hearts and our intentions.

NAMASTE.


 

40 Days of Reflection - Friday, First Week of Lent

"Then the devil led Jesus to Jerusalem, made him stand on the parapet of the Temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written: "He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you." and: "With their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone." Jesus said to him in reply,"It says, "You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test." (Lk 4:0-12)

What could Jesus have been thinking when the devil asked him to throw himself down, for he would, anyway, be rescued by the angels of God? 

Wasn't that hilarious? Of course, Jesus didn't need to prove anything to the devil!

We shall not put the Lord, our God, to the test.

But how many times have we questioned God about His plans for our lives? How many times have we tested God?

I remember, when I was in elementary, Daddy, an OFW then, would be away for two years and then he would come home for vacation for a couple of months. I grew up fearing him, because I didn't know him much when I was a kid.  

So, just to test if he loves me, with all my guts, I'd ask for money. Lol. 

I remember, I asked him for 50 cents one time. He asked what I'd do with the money, I said, I'd buy some candy. He looked at me in the eyes, I looked back, he sought for coins in his pockets and gave me what I wanted.  

It was a victorious feeling, mind you!

I love to read books, so I'd always be in my room, reading books. I would know Daddy was in the house already, because he'd be calling or asking for me.

My daddy loves me!

Just like God, our Father.

Time and again, He's always showing us how much He loves us.. too many times!

Not just this Lenten season, but everyday, let's return the favor, and show God how much we love Him, by our words and deeds.

God is knocking at our hearts. Let's open it for Him.

NAMASTE.

40 Days of Reflection - Thursday, First Week of Lent

"Jesus said to the devil in reply, "It is written:'You shall worship the Lord, your God, and Him alone shall you serve." (LK 4:8)

Today, during the communal prayer, the leader said, "Lord, we hope, we have faith that is deeply rooted to You. No matter the trials, tribulations, fears, anxieties and worries that we are facing today, may we just hold on and remember that it is You we serve, and this sacrifice is all for you."

Let us just remember that. We were born to serve the Lord and His people. Whatever talents and gifts we have, were all given, to glorify His name.

Because, at times, we do forget.

Today, let us remember why we are here on earth.. to serve God and glorify His name.

NAMASTE.

 

40 Days of Reflection - Wednesday, First Week of Lent

"Then the devil took Jesus up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant. The devil said to him, "I shall give to you all this power and their glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours, if you worship me." (Lk 4:5-7)

I just realized that the first week of Lent is all about the devil's temptation to Jesus.

Honestly just reading about it, makes me want to jump to next week's reflection already. But just like Jesus, I need to overcome temptations too, no matter how enticing, endearing and lovely it is!

Funny how the devil tempted Jesus with subtlety. "I shall give you all this power and glory!" Lol! Jesus had it already, right?

I'll give you this and that if you do this and that for me. Hello!! let's wake up people, because sometimes, what "they" are tempting to give, we have already!- and sometimes we don't even know!

Just like many people would remain victims to their situations and circumstances, as if blaming others and "temptations" around them would solve it!

I think it's about time that we take control of our lives, to have the presence of mind and to know that GOD already has given us everything we need to be happy, successful and fulfilled in this world. 

We just need to look within. 

Today, in the silence of our hearts, let God speak.

NAMASTE.

40 Days of Reflection - Tuesday, First Week of Lent

“The devil said to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, “One does not live by bread alone.” (Lk 4:3-4)

Funny, but I am really starving right now! My lunch time has been moved two hours later for some grand reason! Lol!

Now I can imagine Jesus being tempted by the devil, such a good timing, since he was fasting! But God cannot be tempted at all. He is the son of God. Period.

What about us then?

Maybe if we are given this magic power to command a stone to become bread (literally), I am sure we would have overdone it already! See how people hoard things?

.. and yet no matter how much material things we have, how much food we have on the table, how much power we have, it all deemed useless if we've no one to share it with and if we've no love in our hearts.

Yes, one does not live by bread alone (literally and figuratively).

As for me, at this moment, time to eat!

Today, let's thank God for everyday blessings.

NAMASTE.

40 Days of Reflection - Monday, First Week of Lent

"Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan River and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry." (Luke 4: 1-2)

I chanced upon this video a few hours before reading the reflection for today. 

Armed with the Word and Spirit of God, Jesus won over the temptations of Satan for 40 days.

Day in and day out we are facing temptations; inner and outer battles over choosing the right thing to do; or not.

Maybe, just like, what the little kid did in the video, we could also light our own little candle, make a difference, and be the change we want to see in the world.

... then we would also be a step closer to Jesus and his ways.

Let's do a little act of kindness today, and everyday!

NAMASTE.

40 Days of Reflection - Saturday after Ash Wednesday

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6: 19-21)

I've always been simple. I dress simply, I wear no jewelries, no fancy bags, no fancy shoes. I simply am a pants, shirt and rubber shoes type of woman!

One of my friends is my total opposite. She'd be very pretty with all her jewelries, accessories, designer bags and shoes. I love how she dresses as well, plus she owns a car!

Funny, but whenever I'd see her, I'd tell myself, if I'll have my own car, then I'll be like her!  

Since, I won't be walking from our house to the gate of the subdivision just to find a transportation, I won't be sweaty anymore! :) Then, I'd be wearing pretty skirt, with matching shoes and bag! For sure, I'd have my own sets of accessories too!

Well, years after, it happened! Now, I have my own car! The weird thing was, nothing changed! I'm still the same pants, shirt and rubber shoes me! Lol!

I guess some things just never change.

... and it's OK. For through the years, material possessions have not blinded me on what really matters most. Friendships and relationships. 

Today, let's hug our loved ones.

NAMASTE.

40 Days of Reflection - Friday After Ash Wednesday

"And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you." (Matthew 6:5-6,16-18)

  
Times change, how we live out our religion now is very different from how they did before. Whilst people from Jesus’ time had been very vocal and showy, we have become secretive, reserved and quiet.

So maybe, this Lenten season, we could make a little difference by encouraging, reminding and motivating people to fast, to abstain and to pray whenever we can.   

Let us be active about it so we can help strengthen each other with our faith.

While browsing the net, thinking of my concerns – yes, the me, myself and I issues,  I chanced upon this website called Our Catholic Prayers  and was stunned to read prayers and petitions of other people.

It was an eye opener for me.

It is true; the grass isn’t greener on the other side of the fence. It is just a perception. In reality, it is not.

Today: Let us PRAY FOR EACH OTHER. 

“Pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16)

NAMASTE.

40 Days of Reflection - Thursday After Ash Wednesday

"So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you." (Mt. 6:2-4)

Lent... 

My memories of Lent growing up was simply... 

Ash on forehead on Ash Wednesday...
Palm Sunday, entering the Holy week with palms blessed in the church... 
Maundy Thursday, when we'll have the Visita Iglesia, 
Black Friday, processions, watching of the passion of Christ, and the big celebration on Easter Sunday.

... and all these days, trying to remember NOT to eat meat and just eat at least one full meal on Fridays... and making excuses along the way!

This year, I'll try to follow the guidelines in the black book, given by our church, Sacred Heart Cathedral, here in Gallup, NM. I'll also be writing my reflections for 40 days here in My Dailies.

This will be a first for me. 

God, I know, is stretching me, just like a rubber band stretched will not return to its original dimension...

 

Today, let us SPEND SOME QUIET TIME WITH THE LORD.

NAMASTE.

RIP Uncle Rudy

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

 

- Maya Angelou

 

 February 7, 2013

Basta si Uncle Rudy, masarap kasama, kasi patawa palagi... sa mga ilang beses na bumibisita sya sa Lucena, nag eenjoy kami kausap sya.. last time ko sya nakausap sa phone parang nung kasal pa ata ni Don-Don.. hindi ko na tanda..
Hindi man lang po tayo nagkita ulit.. (pwera dalaw po ha?) mamiss ka namin.. God bless your soul Uncle, we love you. Rest in Peace po :'( 

February 13, 2013 (cremation)

It still breaks my heart knowing that I'll not see Uncle Rudy again.. he was a simple man with a big heart. We didn't see him often growing up, but whenever he visited or whenever we would see each other... I didn't realize until now, how he's really been putting seeds of kindness, love and happiness with his presence. I'll miss you Uncle Rudy... Thank you for the short but happy memories with you :'(

May you rest in peace.

AMEN.

Aloe Vera Experiment - Day 15

My acne breakout started before the year 2012 ended. 

During that time, I was really getting frustrated with the oiliness of my face! I was using Proactive Acne System then, but time just came when my face stopped responding to its Benzoyl Peroxide content. Sad. :(

So knowing I could return online purchases after 30 days of trial, I experimented on different brands! Clinique, Body Shop's Tea Tree Oil products, Life Cell, Neutrogena... in the last quarter of the year!

PLUS, some more factors: the stress and late nights on graduate studies, the dry and cold weather here in New Mexico and the unusual amount of MILK consumption the last month of the year...

RESULT: My face rebelled and declared WAR! Lol!

Points to ponder:

1. I think it would have done me good if I experimented on the products and then gave my skin some time to breathe before applying another chemical! But then again, now I am giving up on CHEMICALS!!! See related post here! Toxic chemicals to avoid posted here!!! Let's go organic, herbal and natural!

2.  I am not a milk drinker but last December I was feeling lazy, since my husband was having his grand vacation, see post here! I just ate cereals and milk for breakfast and lunch for almost a month!!! It may have been the chemicals given to cows to change its hormones so it will keep on producing milk --- and whatever that is, caused me ACNE!!! 

Bottom line, an ORGANIC milk may cost a dollar or more, but worth it!!! than buying ordinary milk.

Back to my story,

For some divine intervention, I happened to read through the benefits of ALOE VERA and this company called L'BRI. So I took the risk, AGAIN! (got nothing to lose that time, it has been a month and my face was getting worse!) So, I tried their sample pack, it was free, I just paid for shipping and handling. 

credit

(I actually bought the actual products even before the sampler pack came in! I just knew I had found my solution! Talk about mind-setting!)

Anyway, here is the result after 15 days of use!!!

I am so loving it!!!

I am still hoping my acne scars will get healed too, it still has the nasty marks but my acne is almost 85% dried up!!!

Let's wait and see some more... I'll post my skin's progress on the 30th day! (Feb. 24, 2013) 

For now, here's me!!!! 

See the skin difference too? My face is getting lighter!!!

Life is good!!!


NAMASTE. 

Related posts:
Aloe Vera Experiment - Day 1
I can heal my ACNE


(check their site here, email Caty and tell her you read my story!.. I'm not getting any here -monetary wise-  just sharing the love :)

You could wait some more though... I'm waiting for the clearer, better, nicer, baby face .. wish? hehehe

Who knows? right?

Happy!!!

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Disclaimer
The information on this site (gemsdaily.blogspot.com) reflects the insights, first-hand experiences and opinions of the owner. Please do not substitute it as medical advise. Be sure to consult your doctor about your individual situation. 

To date, the owner is still researching and experimenting on natural, organic and herbal products that work best for her and maybe could work well for you too! :)
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