My Heart Sings

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Random Thoughts from Father Hershey…

In his Faceboook wall, Rev. Fr. Ehersey Giovanni Sulit posted this: Believe that every storm will end. and after the storm, a new morning begins. Every loss is temporary. God is redirecting you to something better.

Mai: Yes, I perfectly and completely agree. I should know, we can 100% attest to that. we had tests of faith in 2009 - three traumatic incidents happened last year and these really took all material and worldly things away from us. (Please read the stories here. Kindly click this LINK.) But we just believe and hold on. We know GOD has better plans and so everything turns out to be in its best - thanks to all those who were, are and will always be with us - at all times. =)

You are all a blessing to Us - heaven sent. =) God bless everyone. Everybody is GOD’s own creation and has been around us to touch our hearts and change our lives – making us better Christians.

He also had another posts:

Act as if every event has a purpose, and your life will have purpose... Figure out why you needed an experience, conquer it, and you won't need it again... Ultimately, you can only depend on your inner guidance - in other words, follow your heart.

God is infinitely generous... he deals with us not according to what we truly deserve... but according to his gracious mercy.
The joy is in doing your thing - and stretching because you choose to, not because you have to...
Whatever you do for a living is a vehicle to connect with people.
The question is always: "What are you doing with what you have?" While the answer is "not much", nothing gets better... the universe rewards effort, not excuses.
Loving people means giving them the freedom to be who they choose to be and where they choose to be.
Love is allowing people to be in your life out of choice.
Doing what you love is not a recipe for an easier life... It is a recipe for an interesting life... :)
You give your best not because you need to impress people. You give your best because that's the only way to enjoy your work.
Your life will only work when you take full responsibility for your choices. your choice of vocation is at the top of the list... :)
Mary, lead me in the way of total trust in the Lord and allow him to teach me his way of sacrificial love... ;)
Mary, strengthen me when my faith is weak, that I may grow in your firm belief that "nothing is impossible for God"... :)
Salamat sa lahat ng pinadala ng Diyos upang gawing mapagpala ang araw na ito. Mary help me to accept the daily crosses in my life that I might bring life to others... :)
Relaxation is the godly counterpoint to diligent labor needed to balance a simple life.

See, Facebook has done many good things in our lives. Aside from these things I mentioned in my previous Blog Post (you may check it out), FB also allows us to touch a heart and enrich a life – the same way Fr. Hershey does to all of us, his dear friends.

We thank you Padre for your good thoughts that effortlessly inspire us. And with all these, we do “Thumbs Up!” God bless always po. =) We Heart You so much!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Prayers Before the Meeting


My Prayer Collections

(A prayer suitable for a school/college department meeting)


Heavenly Father, we come to you today asking for your guidance, wisdom, and support as we begin this meeting.

Help us to engage in meaningful discussion; allow us to grow closer as a group and nurture the bonds of community.

Fill us with your grace, Lord God, as we make decisions that might affect the students, the staffs, the faculty, the alumni and friends of this academic institution. And continue to remind us that all that we do here today, all that we would accomplish, is for the pursuit of truth for the greater glory of You, and for the service of humanity.
We humbly ask these things in your name, Amen.

(A prayer suitable for a business or work meeting)

Lord, before I go into this meeting, I still myself before you. For you are filled with beauty and light, and care deeply about me.

Help me to listen, before speaking.

Help me to fully understand these people, before making my case.

Help me to value and appreciate the ones I am about to meet, before thinking of my own concerns and anxieties.
May your light enfold me.
May your spirit guide me.
May your grace abound in me.
All these, we pray.
Amen.

(A prayer suitable for a general/regular meeting)

Before we become involved in the routines of our work, we pause to seek inside for strength and wisdom.

Though we are each experienced in the ways of the world, we all of us know too little of the ways of the spirit.

Our community calls us, by appointing us to office, to give all of our worldly knowledge in this meeting; the spirit that moves between us calls us, by a secret whispering in our hearts, to give all that we can of love.

May we find in ourselves the ability to forgive and forget the failures and failings of the past, so that we may be set free from them.

May we be always more ready to see the good and hopeful in any person and any matter than we are to see the bad and the despairing.

May we remember that when we set standards for what we expect of others, we should expect more from our selves.

In our differences may we be kind, in our agreements may we be humble, that those who learn of our work may see the fruits of the spirit working among us.

Amen.

Dear God,
I dedicate this work to You.
Imprint Your mind upon it,
Fly with it unto the heavens.
Use it to shower Your love onto the world.
Thank You for Your faith in me that such a
Glorious mission has been placed in my hands.
Amen.



A Love Story That Made Us Shed a Tear

AN ADAPTATION… Thanks to Mr. Ramon E. Mendoza.

I intend to share this very inspiring story that has made me as well as a bunch of my closest friends cry. And I do hope you can also pass it on… Share this story online, post in your Facebook walls and in your FB notes. And I am telling you, it’s worth every tag. =)

Happy Marriage When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Broken MarriageAgain I observed the hurt in her eyes.

Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly. 


She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why? I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man!

That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.

She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.

The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.
When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.

In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.

This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.


She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.
I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.


My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.

On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.

On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.

On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.
She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.

Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head. Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.

But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.
I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.

She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.
Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.

At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.
That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.

My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband....

The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!
If you don't share this, nothing will happen to you.
If you do, you just might save a marriage.

Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

A CHRIST-CENTERED MARRIAGE IS A MARRIAGE THAT IS SURE TO LAST A LIFETIME.


So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. Matthew 19:6

♥♥♥ Myraine ♥♥♥

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Maria Venus Raj: Major, Major Winner!

Yes, it is a “major, major” Success for all Filipinos. image

To Ms. Maria Venus Raj ---> You are today’s “major, major” Philippine Pride.

Ms. Maria Venus Raj made us all proud – she has put a genuine smile in our face despite the very tragic hostage-tasking incident last August 23 at the Quirino Grandstand - such made the Philippines an infamous country.

She is our “rainbow” after the rain, the good news, and the start of a brighter tomorrow. Two thumbs up, Ms. Raj. :)

Beautiful, sophisticated, confident, witty and charming, you can also make your way to be like her – living a happier, healthier life as well as more gorgeous and slim woman. Here is how. Check the link and be the new YOU.

See and like her “major, major” Facebook Fan Page!

ABS-CBN News Update on “major, major” Maria Venus Raj

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) - She may have failed to get the crown, but Venus Raj, the country's representative to this year's Miss Universe pageant, left something for the whole world to remember -- the term "major major."

The expression, apparently made out of nervousness, is currently a hot topic among Internet users across the globe. As of 5:53 p.m., "major major" is the seventh trending topic on Twitter worldwide.

image During the Miss Universe question and answer portion, Raj was asked by American actor William Baldwin about the biggest mistake that she made in her life and what she did to make it right.

She replied, "You know what, sir, in my 22 years of existence, I can say that there's nothing major major problem that I've done in my life because I'm very confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me. So thank you so much that I'm here. Thank you, thank you so much!"

The 5'9" beauty with a 22-inch waistline, who was a crowd favorite even before the pageant, became the fourth runner-up after the question and answer portion.

It was Mexico's Jimena Navarrete who was proclaimed Miss Universe 2010.

At the time when the pageant was aired live on television, Raj was the top trending topic on Twitter. As of this writing, she went down to third place.

What should've been said?

Despite the so-called slip-up during the question and answer portion, Raj was highly praised by 2 of the country's Miss Universe beauties.

Gloria Diaz and Margie Moran, winners of the Miss Universe title in 1969 and 1973, respectively, noted that being in number 5 at a time when the Philippines is under fire because of the hostage-taking incident in the Quirino Grandstand is already a huge feat.

"She was good, she was awesome. Very positive siya (She was very positive) even after yesterday's fiasco," Diaz told ABS-CBN News.

Moran added, "Being number 5 out of 80 is an achievement in itself. It is a time of celebration, and we need it."

The 2 beauty queens, however, noted that Raj could've done better.

Moran, in particular, said that Raj could've cited her struggles in getting a valid Philippine passport as she tried to win back her Binibining Pilipinas title.

Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. earlier stripped her of the crown due to inconsistencies in her birth records.

"She had difficulty going to the States. She should've talked about that," Moran explained.

Nevertheless, Raj said that she is flattered by the increasing popularity of her "major major" remark during the pageant.

In an interview with a local television network, she said in jest, "At least 'yung major major nakapagbigay ng karangalan sa ating bansa. (At least 'major major' brought honor to the country somehow.")

This may, indeed, be the starting point of Raj's road to stardom.

Congrats! :)

By the way, here are the other Miss Universe 2010 winners – “major, major” beautiful ladies!

♥♥♥ Myraine ♥♥♥

Monday, August 23, 2010

Miss Universe 2010 Winners


With all excitement and thrill, here is the official list of winners:

4th runner-up: Ms. Philippines
3rd runner-up: Ms. Ukraine
2nd runner-up: Ms. Australia
1st runner-up: Ms. Jamaica
Ms. Universe 2010: Ms. Mexico

Winners with their Names

4th Runner Up - Maria Venus Raj
3rd Runner Up - Anna Poslavskaya
2nd Runner Up - Jesinta Campbell
1st Runner Up - Yendi Phillips
Miss Universe 2010 - Jimena Navarrete

♥♥♥ Myraine ♥♥♥


Source: GMA News

RP's Venus Raj 4th runner-up in Ms. Universe competition

Miss Philippines, Venus Raj, was heavily applauded after being declared the fourth runner-up in this year's Miss Universe pageant, participated in by 83 contestants from around the world.

Miss Mexico Jimena Navarrete was crowned Miss Universe 2010, replacing Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez, who gave Venezuela a second consecutive win by taking the title at age 18 last year. The South American country has won six titles since the pageant started in 1952.

Miss Jamaica Yendi Phillipps was named first runner-up during this year's pageant, hosted by Natalie Morales and Bret Michaels.

Miss Ukraine, Anna Poslavska, was third runner-up, Miss Australia, Jesinta Campbell was second runner-up,

The winners were announced after one final strut across the stage in the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas.

Before that, the top five tried their best to impress the panel of celebrity judges in the question and answer portion.

Raj, 22 was asked by judge William Baldwin, "What is one big mistake that you've made in your life and what did you do to make it right?"

"Thank you so much, Sir for that wonderful question," she says and then greets the audience, met by wild cheering.

"You know what, Sir in my 22 years of existence I can say that there is nothing major major, I mean, problem that I have done in my life. Because I am very confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me. So, thank you so much that I am here, thank you thank you so much," she answered.

Raj was almost replaced by Bb. Pilipinas runner-up Helen Nicolette Henson after being stripped of her crown and title when organizers of the Binibining Pilipinas-Universe pageant found "inconsistencies" on her birth certificate.

Raj was advised by former Ms. Universe Gloria Diaz to let it go. Meanwhile, she found an ally in then Commission on Human Rights chair Leila de Lima

The Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. said Raj would be reinstated on the condition that she is able to obtain a valid Philippine passport.

"We have reassessed the situation pertaining to Miss Maria Venus Raj and have decided, for humanitarian reasons, that if she is able to obtain a valid Philippine passport, we will reinstate her as the reigning Bb. Pilipinas-Universe," said the BCPI.

Raj then obtained a valid Philippine passport from the Department of Foreign Affairs, despite saying she should be reinstated without condition.

On August 4, Raj flew to the United States to represent the Philippines, competing with 82 other beauty queens from Albania to Zambia in a pageantry of swimsuits, evening gowns and quick-thinking interview skills in the their quest to bring home the 2010 Miss Universe crown.

The contest, co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC, was judged by celebrities including 2010 Olympic gold medalist Evan Lysacek and actress Jane Seymour.

The pageant started as a local bathing revue in Long Beach, Calif., organized by a swimwear company. It now skips over the world; it was held last year in the Bahamas and in Vietnam in 2008.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

I wish I were Ikariam...

The sound of the sea, a white sandy beach and sun! On a small island somewhere in the Mediterranean, an ancient civilization arises. Under your leadership an era of wealth and discovery begins. Welcome to Ikariam.

Ikariam is a browser based massively multiplayer online game of the strategy genre produced and maintained by Gameforge AG.

The game is set in the era of classical Greece in an archipelago, with players being made tyrant of a small town, which they must expand and lead. It has also received generally positive reviews.

Play now for free. =)

oh well...

I wish I were Ikariam, something that you always...

update,
play around,
make some good clicks,
pay regular visits,
pay attention to,
spend hours of relieving your stresses,
enjoy doing so as it makes you smile and feel relaxed,
and most of all,
let you feel the excitement and the thrill ... yes, just by its presence and existence.

Truly, this is a mere fantasy that I wish I could do to satisfy you and make you happy.

I am quite running out of things to think and ponder on just to make you feel happy.

I am a bit confused on how I can make you love my existence and never feel stressed out and exhausted. :)

I am so sorry if I couldn't be that Someone you wish me to be. Yes, I am imperfect but I perfectly love you more than you can ever imagine.

It's never too late to make it up. After all, I have a lifetime to do so.

God bless you.