Coffee Moments with Sam

Looking back at how I first started my life as a career woman, I realized I was extremely focused on myself. It was all about my ambitions, my success, my yearnings… I was beginning to progress in my career when God suddenly changed the course of my journey. A new and totally different path was ahead of me. This would entail sacrificing my dreams and giving up my worldly desires. I found myself following God’s path and everything changed — changed for the better of course. Because saying “yes” to God’s plan for me to be a missionary made me a better person. It was not a perfect life nor did I get the perfect job. I was not spared the heartaches, pains and challenges. For in the midst of it all, God’s perfect love for me was more than enough. I devoted 14 years of my life serving God full time as a missionary. 14 years of gaining new friends, exploring new territories, learning things I never thought I would, experiencing a rewarding life far beyond compare, and more impo...

Let’s face it!  We moms deserve a break once in a while. I remember the first few times I scheduled a “mommy-moment” to relax and unwind. I definitely felt good the first few hours only to find myself feeling anxious the rest of the day. All I could think of was what I left behind at home. There were also times I wished they were with me instead of being on my own.   But of course, the reality is that I need my “me-time”. I tend to be a better person when I am more relaxed and emotionally healthy. Be it a day of pampering, coffee with girlfriends, an out-of-town trip with hubby, or simply reading a good book in a coffee place, a few moments away from our mom responsibilities every now and then can be beneficial to our well-being. So go on… take time off minus the guilt!  Here are 8 ways to enjoy a guilt-free alone time: Read full article:  8 Ways to Enjoy a Guilt-free Me-time

I was so inspired by this letter from Pope Benedict XVI himself when he was 7.  This simple, but very meaningful letter truly affirmed me to "keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas".  I do intend to continue to share this to my children for years to come, and hope that they may discover through the pureness and innocence of their hearts that the the only true reason to celebrate this season is CHRIST. Joseph Ratzinger, 5 (image source: The Catholic World Report) Christmas letter, written by seven-year-old Joseph Ratzinger to Baby Jesus in 1934: Dear Baby Jesus, quickly come down to earth. You will bring joy to children. Also bring me joy. I would like a Volks-Schott, green clothing for Mass and a heart of Jesus. I will always be good. Greetings from Joseph Ratzinger  What these gifts meant (according to CNA - Catholic News Agency): 1. Volks-Schott - one of the first prayer books with the missal ...

To let go is not to adjust everything to my desires, but to take each day as it comes and cherish the moment. To let go is not to criticize and regulate anyone, but to try to become what I dream I can be. To let go is not to regret the past, but to grow and live for the future. To let go is to fear less and love more. - author unknown image source: http://weheartit.com/entry/41455692 # What does it really mean to "let go"...  I had my shares of dealing with it.  I often encounter various situations wherein it is extremely difficult to move on and get on with my life. But one thing I realized is that letting go may be a painful experience, but it is an essential part of life.  Some people believe that we are strong if we keep "holding on".  But in reality, we become even stronger when we learn to let go.   Letting go doesn't mean we are giving up... It means ...

Have you ever wanted something so badly only to realize that it isn’t as good as you hoped it would be? Are you currently waiting so long for something to happen in your life and are already getting impatient?  Have you ever hoped for something but received a different thing?  Do you desire something that’s not really meant for you? Image Credits: silhouette of a girl praying (icarly.wiki) We all desire the best in life.  Most of the time however, we are misguided by our worldly desires.  We confuse “our best” to be “God’s best”.  We can easily fall into the trap of aspiring the most beautiful, most famous, wealthiest, most expensive, most prestigious, best job, the perfect relationship, the comfortable life, the easiest way out… we are made to perceive that the best things in life can only be fulfilled by vanity, money, fame, power, ultimate perfection.      But God’s best is beyond what money can buy or what power can acquire. ...

Image Source: Getty Images stock / Moms Today " I want to go because mommy and daddy is not listening to me", said my 4-year old son.  This really caught my attention, ofcourse.  Earlier, he was trying to convince my husband and I to let him watch videos online.  We allow him to watch only if either one of us can stay with him and screen the videos.  But my husband and I were tied up with a few things to do.  We told our son that he can watch after school the following day and besides, it was almost time to sleep anyway.   But our son insisted.  We tried to explain and reason out...  but did not succeed.  He was quiet for a time.  After a while, he came up to me and said,  " mommy, you said that after I eat and do my homework I can watch"  .  I thought to myself...  I honestly d...

I grew up loving the aroma of freshly-brewed coffee in the morning.  My dad loves coffee.   He would normally start his day with a cup (or sometimes 2), reading the day’s newspaper, taking his time to just sit back and enjoy a quiet moment.  Whenever I would see my dad in his “coffee moment”, I knew this is always the best time to sit down with him and enjoy precious moments to talk.  I cherish these moments with my dad.  This is how I actually first learned to value and savor the taste of life’s “coffee moments”.   A coffee moment is not about the “coffee”, rather it is those precious moments - whether alone or shared with someone else - that bring comfort, warmth, cherished memories, intimate conversations; or perhaps, a time to reflect and simply just to have a break.  Through the years, I discovered and experienced more of these “moments”.  These are moments when amidst our fast-faced, sometimes stressful and ch...

My husband, Noli and son, Mico, taken at Deira City Center Dubai, UAE during Eid-Al-Fitr. 

Today, October 5, is World Teachers Day. I sincerely honor all the teachers who have been a part of my life through the years.   Today is also a celebration of love... of 37 years of blessed union for my parents - my very first TEACHERS. Beyond being my first TEACHERS... my mom and dad are my LIFE MENTORS.   They taught me more than what I could ever learn inside a classroom. The lessons can be difficult to understand at times, but their patience and guidance are more than enough for me to learn so much about life.   They never fail to prepare me for any test.  Their love and prayers have always helped me find the right answers and pass with flying colors.  And in moments I would fail... they make sure I get another chance.  For every mistake I make, there is always that loving and trusting...

We don't often realize the value of something until it is taken away from us.  Let us strive to be better stewards of God's blessings. 

 Instant coffee moment based on today's Gospel according to Matthew 25: 14-30: "For to every person who has something, even more will be given, and He will have more than enough..." - Mt.25:29 photo credits: koinoniannetwork.org Our God is a generous God!  When he decides to bless, he doesn't only give out a portion but more often than not, He opens the floodgates of blessings to all those who deserve it. I believe we are all blessed!  It may come as a surprise... unexpected... sometimes taken for granted or even at times overwhelming. The question is are we being proper stewards of God's blessings?  Are we faithful enough to deserve such blessings? Have we thanked and credited God for all the good things we have received in our life or do we tend to forget about Him when we are enjoying too much? As my husband often says, "Be blessed to bless!" God blesses the people He believes will be a blessing to others as w...