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The Parable of the Lost Sheep: A Lesson in Love and Worth

Life has a way of making us feel lost sometimes. Whether it's a mistake, a wrong turn, or a season of doubt, we all have moments where we feel disconnected. But there’s a powerful message in Luke 15:4-7 that reminds us of something beautiful: we are never too far gone to be found, and our worth is immeasurable.

In this passage, Jesus tells the story of a shepherd who has 100 sheep. One day, he notices that one is missing. Instead of staying with the 99 that are safe, he goes after the lost one until he finds it. When he does, he joyfully carries it home and celebrates with his friends and neighbors. The shepherd's love and care for that one lost sheep is a picture of God's deep, unending love for us.

What does this mean for us?

It means that no matter how far we’ve strayed, we are always worth seeking. We may feel insignificant or lost in a world full of people, but God's love values each of us so much that He would go to great lengths to bring us back. We are never alone, and we are never forgotten.

This story also teaches us about joy—God rejoices when one person returns. It’s a reminder that every soul is valuable. In a world that sometimes feels focused on numbers and success, it’s comforting to know that our worth isn’t defined by the crowd, but by the love of the One who created us.

So, whenever you feel lost or less than enough, remember the shepherd and his lost sheep. You matter. Your journey is seen. And there’s always a welcoming embrace waiting for you, no matter where you’ve been or how far you’ve wandered.

Let this story inspire you to believe in your worth and know that you are never too lost to be found.

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Katingala and Kahibulong: The Story of Faith in the Sto. Niño

In the heart of the Philippines, a story of faith, wonder, and miracles has stood the test of time. The tale of the Sto. Niño—a representation of the Holy Child Jesus—is deeply woven into the fabric of Filipino culture and spirituality. This story, filled with katingala (astonishment) and kahibulong (wonder), continues to inspire millions to this day.

The Origins of the Sto. Niño

The journey of the Sto. Niño began in 1521 when Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in Cebu. As a gesture of goodwill and faith, Magellan gifted the image of the Sto. Niño to Queen Juana, the wife of Rajah Humabon, after their baptism into Christianity. This moment marked the introduction of Catholicism to the Philippines, a faith that would grow to become the spiritual cornerstone of the nation.

However, the story of the Sto. Niño didn’t end there. After Magellan’s death, Cebu faced tumultuous times, and the fate of the Holy Child’s image became uncertain—until a miraculous event years later.

The Miracle of the Sto. Niño

In 1565, Spanish explorers led by Miguel López de Legazpi arrived in Cebu. Amid the ruins of a burnt village, a partially charred wooden box was discovered. Inside was the image of the Sto. Niño, completely unharmed despite the devastation around it. This miraculous survival was seen as a divine sign, reinforcing the faith of the early Filipino Christians.

For the people of Cebu, this was no ordinary occurrence. The discovery of the image amidst the ashes became a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and divine protection—a moment of katingala and kahibulong that cemented the Sto. Niño’s place in Filipino hearts.

Faith in Motion: The Sinulog Festival

The devotion to the Sto. Niño gave rise to one of the Philippines’ most celebrated festivals—the Sinulog. Held annually in Cebu, the Sinulog Festival is a vibrant expression of faith and gratitude. The name “Sinulog” comes from the Cebuano word sulog, which means “current,” reflecting the dance’s flowing movements that mimic water currents.

Dressed in colorful attire, dancers perform this prayerful ritual to honor the Sto. Niño. The festival’s lively parades, rhythmic drumbeats, and heartfelt prayers symbolize the deep connection between Filipinos and their faith. It’s a celebration not only of history but also of the enduring presence of the Sto. Niño in their lives.

The Sto. Niño: A Source of Miracles

Countless stories of answered prayers and divine intervention are attributed to the Sto. Niño. From healing the sick to granting protection during calamities, the Holy Child is seen as a powerful intercessor. These tales of faith, passed down through generations, remind devotees of the boundless possibilities when one believes.

Lessons of Katingala and Kahibulong

The story of the Sto. Niño is a testament to the enduring power of faith. It invites us to marvel at life’s wonders and trust in the divine even amidst uncertainty. The katingala at the miraculous survival of the image and the kahibulong at the blessings it bestows continue to inspire Filipinos worldwide.

As we reflect on this story, let it remind us of the strength found in faith and the miracles that unfold when we hold onto hope. The Sto. Niño’s story isn’t just a piece of history; it’s a living testament to the astonishing and wondrous ways faith can transform lives.

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Never forget the works of God

In our busy, fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the miracles around us. From the beauty of a sunrise to the quiet strength we find during difficult times, God's works are everywhere—yet, we often forget to pause and acknowledge them.

The Beauty of Gratitude Gratitude is more than just a thank-you; it’s a way to shift our perspective. When we take time to reflect on God's works in our lives, we see how His grace weaves through our successes, challenges, and even our mundane routines. Each answered prayer, unexpected blessing, or moment of peace is a testament to His presence.

Trusting in His Plan Life isn’t always smooth, and there are times when we feel lost or uncertain. During these moments, remembering God's works reminds us that He has a plan for us. The struggles we face often lead to growth, and the delays we encounter may be paving the way for something far greater than we imagined.

Finding Joy in Simple Miracles Not all miracles are grand. Sometimes, they are as simple as a kind word from a stranger, the laughter of a loved one, or the strength to get through another day. Recognizing these moments helps us connect with God’s continuous work in our lives.

How to Keep the Reminder Alive

Practice Daily Reflection: Spend a few moments each day to recall the blessings you received, no matter how small.

Stay Grounded in Prayer: Prayer isn’t just about asking; it’s about acknowledging and thanking God for His constant work in your life.

Share Your Faith: Talk about how God’s works have touched you. Sharing your experiences may inspire others to find God’s presence in their lives too.

"Never forget the works of God" is not just a phrase; it’s a mindset. It’s about keeping our hearts open to the miracles around us and remembering that God’s love is a constant, even when life feels uncertain.

Let us hold onto this thought as we move forward, finding strength and joy in every step, knowing that His works continue to guide us.

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Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth, Challenges, and Joy

As I look back on 2024, it’s been a whirlwind of a year—a mix of trials, triumphs, and memorable moments with my loved ones. Here’s a glimpse into my journey:

Starting the Year on a Challenging Note

The year began with me recovering from an injury that tested not just my physical strength but also my mental resilience. It wasn’t easy to stay positive, especially with financial pressures piling up despite the help from insurance and a company loan. However, I’m grateful that the operation was successful, and I’m steadily working towards paying off the loan by December 2026.

Family Time and Travel Highlights

One of the most uplifting moments was flying back to my hometown in April, even though walking was still a struggle. I reunited with family, including a 1-day road trip to Divine Mercy in Cagayan de Oro, filled with laughter and scenic views. A serene stopover in Claveria left me eager to return someday.

The months flew by with school reunions, reconnecting with old friends, and work trips to Bacolod and Iloilo. Despite challenging weather and a rocky boat ride, I enjoyed bonding with colleagues and fraternity brothers over good food and even a "virgin mojito."

December Festivities and Special Celebrations

The holiday season was packed with joy and activity. On December 25, I celebrated my baby nephew Zen’s christening as one of his godmothers. It felt so special to celebrate this milestone on Jesus' birthday—truly a blessing! The New Year’s celebration was equally memorable. We welcomed 2025 at home with family, eating grapes under the dinner table at midnight for good luck. It was a fun and unique tradition that added to the festive vibe.

On January 3, we marked another milestone: Baby Zen’s first birthday! It was a lovely day spent at the beach with family and friends. The kids enjoyed swimming, the adults bonded over food and drinks, and the day ended with everyone sharing leftovers—a family tradition that’s close to my heart.

Back to Reality

By January 5, it was time to head back to Cebu and return to work. Although the holiday blues hit hard, I’m motivated to dive into 2025 with a fresh perspective and goals to achieve.

Grateful for the Journey

Looking back, 2024 taught me to embrace life’s unpredictability and lean on the love of family and friends. Despite the bumps along the way, I’m grateful for the memories made and lessons learned.

Here’s to a brighter and more fulfilling 2025!

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Pain made me Pray, but Prayer made me Powerful

Pain was my teacher. It pushed me to my knees, and in that place of surrender, I found something greater than strength—I found prayer. 🌌🙏 What started as a desperate cry turned into a powerful connection and prayer lifted me higher bit by bit. Now, I stand healed and stronger, knowing that prayer turned my pain into power. 💪✨

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"I Forgive People by Forgetting Them": A New Kind of Letting Go

Forgiveness is one of those complex, deeply personal choices we each approach differently. Some people confront it head-on, seeking closure and understanding. Others, however, find peace by taking a simpler route: "I forgive people by forgetting them."

This approach to forgiveness is both powerful and freeing, even if it seems counterintuitive at first. Let’s explore how and why choosing to "forgive by forgetting" can be such a transformative choice.

The Power of Letting Go

Forgiving by forgetting means choosing to leave the past exactly there—in the past. Rather than rehashing painful memories or trying to reconcile someone else’s actions, this philosophy suggests that peace can come by gently fading those memories away. Imagine it like closing a book you no longer need to read, leaving it on the shelf, and moving on to new and more fulfilling stories.

When you choose to forget rather than confront, you’re letting go of the energy and time that resentment or hurt can demand. It’s a way of saying, “I don’t need to relive this or understand every detail. I choose to focus on my own growth.”

Why Forgetting Can Be a Form of Healing

For many, forgiving someone is usually a long, emotionally complicated process. But the idea of "forgiving by forgetting" takes a different approach: rather than giving closure to the other person, you’re giving yourself closure. By simply letting people or painful situations fade out of your life, you’re not denying the pain you felt, but you’re also not letting it control your future.

Forgetting, in this context, isn’t about pretending things never happened. Rather, it’s about releasing the burden of painful memories that no longer serve you. It’s a conscious choice to clear out mental and emotional space, allowing room for new and positive experiences to come in.

The Balance Between Forgetting and Burying

There is a difference, though, between forgetting and burying. True forgetting in this sense is about detaching—letting the past dissipate. Burying, on the other hand, implies ignoring something and storing it deep within, where it can later resurface. This can lead to unresolved issues that might reappear unexpectedly. So, while "forgiving by forgetting" is a powerful tool, it’s still important to make sure you’re not avoiding necessary healing.

If there are lessons to be learned from a past experience, acknowledge those lessons before letting the rest go. Sometimes, it’s helpful to consciously acknowledge how someone hurt you, give yourself permission to feel those emotions, and then, gradually, release the details and feelings associated with that person.

Choosing Yourself Over the Past

One of the most empowering aspects of "forgiving by forgetting" is that it focuses on your own peace and progress. When you let go of the emotional baggage tied to someone, you’re choosing yourself over lingering pain. You’re giving yourself permission to move forward without the weight of resentment, allowing your future to be shaped by new, positive influences.

Instead of constantly carrying around memories or feelings from people who may have hurt or disappointed you, you let them drift into the background. You’re not choosing to forgive for their sake, but for your own. And sometimes, forgetting is the kindest, most liberating form of forgiveness you can offer—to yourself.

Final Thoughts

If you’re someone who naturally moves on by forgetting, you’re already a step ahead in the journey of self-preservation and personal growth. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to forgiveness, and each person must choose a path that best suits their own peace.

"Forgiving by forgetting" may not be for everyone, but it’s a valuable reminder that letting go doesn’t always require confronting or resolving every emotion. Sometimes, simply moving forward—and leaving people or memories behind—is the greatest gift you can give yourself.

In the end, forgiving by forgetting is a form of resilience. It’s about prioritizing the present and future over the past, ensuring that no one else has the power to weigh down your happiness or freedom. So, if forgiving by forgetting works for you, embrace it. After all, life is too short to carry memories that don't serve you.

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No matter where I go or what I do, I’m still the same me. The things I feel are missing don’t change, even if my surroundings do. We sometimes think that moving to a new place, finding new hobbies, or changing something on the outside will make us feel whole. But the truth is, the feeling of being incomplete often sticks with us, no matter how much we try to distract ourselves with new scenery.

That constant sense of "something’s missing" can be frustrating, like a hunger that never goes away. But maybe that feeling is just a part of who we are. It’s easy to think that we need to find the missing pieces to be truly happy, but the reality is that we’re all a little incomplete in some way. And maybe that’s okay.

In fact, this sense of lack might be what drives us to grow and keep searching for meaning. Instead of seeing it as something negative, we can embrace it as part of the journey. After all, it’s our imperfections and the things we’re still searching for that make us who we are. We’re all a little unfinished, and that’s what keeps life interesting.

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Sometimes, people don't even realize they're being spoiled by their own expectations. They want every conversation and relationship to be perfect, and when things don’t go as planned, they get disappointed, lose interest, and blame the other person for not being "who they thought they were."

This is a cycle of self-sabotage. To have real connections, we need to accept people for who they are. People have pasts, disagreements happen, and sometimes things can feel a little boring—that’s all normal. But too often, people ignore these realities in their search for perfection, quickly moving on to the next "exciting" person when things aren’t 100% thrilling.

This mindset of entitlement is pulling people apart and making everyone a little more jaded. Ironically, these same people say they want lasting friendships or love, but what they’re really looking for is someone who’s perfect and always makes them happy, which just isn’t realistic. In the end, what's keeping us from what we say we want is our own impossible standards.

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The bad stuff is easier to believe

I've realized it's so much easier to believe the bad stuff. Negative thoughts can be loud and overwhelming, and when we hear something bad about ourselves, it tends to stick—even when it’s not true. Meanwhile, the good things can feel harder to accept because we question them. But just because something’s easier to believe doesn’t make it right. I’m learning to focus on the positive, both in myself and others. Life feels lighter and brighter when we let the good in and stop letting the bad weigh us down.

I’m not perfect, and I don’t always make the right choices, but I try my best to own up to my mistakes and keep learning from them. My journey is my own, and I love every part of it—my past, my decisions, and where I am today. With faith, I trust that I’m always growing and moving toward something better.

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When you life for a strong purpose, then hard work isn't an option. It's a necessity

Being a single parent is one of the toughest decisions I made in my life, but it also gave me a strong sense of purpose. My goal is to ensure my son is well provided for, and that responsibility motivates me every day. I work hard because my purpose is clear: I am my family's provider, and I want to make a difference in their lives.

When you live for a strong purpose, hard work becomes a necessity, not just a choice. It’s no longer about just getting by; it’s about achieving something meaningful. For me, working hard doesn’t feel like a burden because it’s tied to something I deeply care about—my family. With this purpose in mind, I know that each effort I make is bringing us closer to a brighter future. Hard work, driven by love and purpose, makes all the difference on this journey to success.

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If you're not getting any wiser then whats the point of getting older?

Getting older is about more than just adding years to our life; it’s about learning and growing along the way. If we’re not gaining wisdom from our experiences, then what’s the point of aging? Each year brings new lessons and opportunities to become smarter, kinder, and more understanding. Life is a journey of growth, and getting older should mean we’re improving ourselves. Wisdom helps us make better choices and live more meaningful lives. So, as we grow older, let’s also grow wiser, appreciating the knowledge that comes with each new chapter of life.

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Your mother did not raise you with a wolf on your chest so you could howl over losing a man.

Life may bring pain, but it's essential to remember that we have the strength to keep moving forward. Our mothers taught us to stand firm, face challenges, and not let a single loss define who we are. Rather than crying or mourning over someone, we should embrace our inner strength and self-worth. We are strong and capable of overcoming any heartache, just as our mothers prepared us to be. They raised us to be resilient and independent, not to crumble over the loss of anyone, especially a man.

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Happiness can always be recollected in tranquility. - Victoria 2016, #Season1 #Episode3

Happiness is a feeling we all enjoy, but it doesn't last forever in the moment. However, we can always remember happy times when we're calm and peaceful. Even when life feels busy or stressful, we can think back to joyful memories and feel better. In tranquility, we have the time to reflect on those special moments, which brings happiness back to us. This reminds us that happiness isn't gone once the moment passes—it stays with us in our hearts, ready to be remembered whenever we need it most. Quiet reflection helps us keep happiness alive.

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I just realized we're like the moon and the stars—always together, even when we're far apart.

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My Love Horoscope - September 2024

Expect the unexpected when Uranus, your rebel home planet, goes retrograde in stable Taurus on September 1! You might be reconnecting with an ex, reevaluating your priorities, or even undergoing a sudden change in your relationship status. It might not seem like it, Aquarius, but the Universe is guiding you toward a more fulfilling path. #trusttheprocess

On the sixth, an erratic Mercury-Uranus square twists the lines of communication, so it’s very possible to get your signals crossed. You might experience unexpected connections with unconventional people or spark interesting conversations with a current partner, but that yellow caution tape is always flapping around in the background.

When the sun trines Uranus on September 19, your uniqueness is obvious. This is a great time to put yourself out there and attract partners who appreciate your independent spirit and intelligence. If you’re attached, reconnecting with your partner on a deeper level is magical. You’re each your own person, but you work well as a cohesive team.

On the twenty-second, the sun entering Libra puts the focus on partnerships. Unity is important now, so you’ll be looking for someone who treats you with respect and agrees with a lot of your opinions and beliefs. If you’re already with someone, enjoy peaceful deliberations and negotiations. Volunteering somewhere together makes a great date activity.

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