Wednesday, July 30, 2014 Isaiah 53:4-5 (NIV)

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Isaiah 53:4-5 (NIV)

Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

UST's Abdul admits Tigers 'lack focus'

UST's Karim Abdul (L) goes to the basket against Adamson's Matthew Aquino (R). Photo by Mark Cristino for ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA, Philippines – University of Santo Tomas (UST) center Karim Abdul believes the Growling Tigers' ongoing struggles in the UAAP Season 77 men's basketball tournament are due to a lack of focus.
The Tigers have a 2-1 record in the men's tournament but both wins have come by the slimmest of margins, and last weekend, they were once again on the brink of defeat against an untested Adamson squad.
"I think it's lack of focus, I think that's all," Abdul said after the Tigers escaped with a 50-49 win over the Soaring Falcons.
"I can't really say what the problem is," he added. "I think we have the potential, we have everything to be a top team. I guess we just have to focus more."
The Tigers were the losing finalists last season, bowing to the De La Salle Green Archers in three hard-fought games.
They are expected to contend again this year despite the loss of main gunner Jeric Teng, but so far, they have not shown the firepower that made them such a dangerous team in seasons past.
Abdul, who has been the rock of the team in the paint since he came into the league, could not give an answer as to why the Tigers lack focus.
"I don't really know. It's individual for each and every one of us," he said.
The center echoed UST coach Bong dela Cruz's refrain of having to work harder in practice.
"We just have to go back to practice and correct our mistakes, and individually (we have to) see what each and every one of us has to do better next game," Abdul said.

Winless UP Maroons now 'grasping at straws

UP coach Rey Madrid. Photo by Mark Cristino for ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA, Philippines – University of the Philippines (UP) head coach Rey Madrid took the blame for his team's disappointing 71-85 loss to Far Eastern University (FEU) last weekend and acknowledged that the squad is "grasping at straws" so far in the UAAP men's basketball tournament.
"That was on me," Madrid said of the loss, which saw UP keep in step with the Tamaraws in the first half only to get blown out in the third quarter.
"I inserted a new set of five, hoping that they could buy time for my starters. Nag-backfire siya," Madrid said of his tactics in the third period.
"Learning sa akin ito. Short of a blunder 'yung ginawa ko sa start of the third quarter. That's just it. It was a mistake on my part," he stressed.
The Fighting Maroons, who entered the season with expectations of winning at least three games, have dropped to 0-4 and all their losses have come via large margins.
"We are just grasping at straws right now," admitted Madrid, who was appointed the UP head coach midway through Season 76. "We just try to learn as much as we can and not get down too much, not to get discourage, not to get frustrated."
"I know we're doing really bad, but I hope we can put something together before the first round ends and be more competitive in the second round," he added.
A big challenge for Madrid now is keeping his players' morale high despite their poor performances, and the coach said he "can use all the help I can get."
"I just want them to be together right now, kasi that's the biggest challenge right now for us," he said. "We're not a great team, we're not a super team, but we still try to compete at this level, so the best we can do is hold on to each other."
UP will next face last season's losing finalists, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, who are not performing up to their usual standards, and were on the brink of defeat to the Adamson Falcons last weekend before pulling out a 50-49 victory.
UST's struggles are of no consolation to Madrid, however.
"Independent ang look ng one team against another team," he pointed out. "We cannot judge, because malakas ang team na 'yun eh. We don't base it doon sa (game against Adamson)."

First-timer Mommy D steals scene on SONA red carpet

MANILA - "First time ko talaga!"

Dionisia Pacquiao exclaimed this in her interview with reporters Monday on the red carpet at the Batasan Pambansa, where the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Benigno Aquino III was held.

Dionisia Pacquiao walks the SONA red carpet at the Batasan Pambansa on Monday.Photo by Jonathan Cellona for ABS-CBNnews.com

Dionisia Pacquiao walks the SONA red carpet at the Batasan Pambansa on Monday.Photo by Jonathan Cellona for ABS-CBNnews.com

"Masaya ako na maka-attend sa SONA!" she said.

The 65-year-old, the mother of Filipino boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, wore a white terno with apple-green, floral details designed by Gin Villamayor.

Pacquiao, who is endearingly called in showbiz as Mommy D, gamely posed for cameras and made several stops to accommodate interviews.

Aside from Pacquiao, several other celebrities walked the SONA red carpet, including Assunta de Rossi, Alfred Vargas, Heart Evanglista, and Richard and Lucy Gomez.

#AskBarbie: How to do a 'no-makeup' makeup look

Question from Sharon Nuevas via Facebook: “Good am, paano mag-apply ng makeup for daytime, yung parang no makeup?”

*****

#NoMakeup, #NoFilter. These trending hashtags indicate that natural, "no-makeup" makeup look is now preferable over a too made-up face. These days, less is actually more. But while a naked face may be acceptable in casual settings like at home or in the gym, the no make-up look is the way to go for the office, day-time errands and trips to the mall.

Professional model and makeup artist April Tanhueco of Makeup Redefined shows us how to do a natural makeup look for mestizas and morenas.

Star Magic’s Yana Asistio from the movie “She’s Dating a Gangster” is our model for mestiza look, while triathlete/Zumba instructor, Tal Uy-Chan is for our morena look.

Steps and techniques for both morenas and mestizas are the same. But note that the colors and tones for foundation, powder, correctors, lipstick, eye shadow and blush-on will vary.

A. Preparation: clean and moisturize face, lips and neck

1. Make sure to start with a clean, bare face. Use alcohol-free facial wipes to really clean your face from any dirt, oil or makeup residue. Remember to also wipe your lashes to remove that stubborn mascara.

2. Evenly apply a thin layer of water-based moisturizer. This will help keep your makeup stay on for much longer and make it look more natural.

3. Don’t forget to also moisturize your lips.

B. Base: Foundation, correction, concealer and powder

1. Foundation

Next, you have to even out your skin color by applying foundation all over your face and neck.

Three things to keep in mind: First, make sure you choose the right foundation. Pick the one that is closest to your skin shade and undertone. Shade refers to the lightness and darkness, while undertone refers to whether your skin is cool, neutral or warm. Choosing the wrong one can make your face look greyish or unnatural.

Second, make sure to apply just enough. You don’t want a thick foundation because it will look cakey. Note that most foundations dry up easily so blend immediately and evenly.

Third, don’t forget to apply foundation along your jawline and down to your neck as well. Forgetting to do so will make your face look unnaturally polished as if it’s not part of your body.

For this tutorial, April used Makeup Forever #117 on Yana, and #153 on Tal. But you can also opt for other brands like Kryolan, MAC, and Loreal, whichever captures your skin tone and color best.

2. Corrections

All of us have imperfections and we can easily fix that using correctors to neutralize the color. Use soft orange to correct bluish eyebags; yellow highlight to cancel deep red and purple caused by bruises; muted green to neutralize redness from insect bites and acne; pink highlight to cover grey and brown eyebags and scars; and extra highlight for areas that left indents on your face.

3. Conceal

To achieve a fresh look, special attention must be given to your under-eyes so apply concealer that is two shades lighter than your foundation.

4. Set the base with a powder

Using a powder brush or sponge, set your foundation with a powder of same shade. Keep blending to make it look natural.

C. Contour

Contouring is very important because it will define the depths of your facial bone structure.

Start with a powder that is two shades darker than your foundation. Using a contour brush, apply diagonally, from the hollows of your cheeks towards your ears. You can make a fish face to help you find the right area. Also apply contouring to your jawlines, temple and edges of your forehead.

D. Blush

Because you want to achieve a healthy and natural-looking blush, try to think of how your cheeks look like after a vigorous exercise. That’s the shade you should choose for your blush-on.

As a general rule, fair-skinned ladies should go for shades of pinks, while dark-skinned should go for corals and peach.

Apply the right shade of blush onto the apples of your cheeks. It’s the area directly above your contoured cheeks. Smiling will help you find this area easier. Blend this well by brushing in a circular motion across your cheeks.

E. Eyes

Natural eye makeup should be light shades of pastel colors for mestizas or earth tones for morenas.

Apply a light eye shadow all over the eyelid; light pink for mestizas, light brown or light peach for morenas.

Apply a darker shade along the crease to define the eyes; darker pink or light brown for mestiza, and light to medium brown for morenas. The crease is the part from the outer edge of your lid, unto the area along your brow bone.

Using a black or dark brown pencil, lightly line your eyes. Apply a very thin line right at the edge of your lash line. To add a natural definition, apply on the lashline as well. You can do that by looking down, and lifting your eyelid.

Next, curl your lashes well and apply a moderate coat of mascara. If you have ample lower lashes, apply mascara.

F. Eyebrows

Using either a brow pencil, or brow gel or brow powder and a slanted brush, fill in your natural eyebrows just to add definition. You can add a curve shape towards the tail to really open your face. Use small, feathery stroke instead of strong, long strokes. Again, this will make your face look young, soft, fresh and natural.

Check if your brows are symmetric by tilting your chin upward when looking at the mirror. Your brows don’t have to be 100% identical. Just strike a balanced feel to it.

G. Lips

Finally, finish with a lipstick shade closest to your natural lip color; pinks for mestizas, and peach-browns for morenas. You can also opt to swipe tinted gloss on top, or just go for a tinted gloss alone. Tissue off the excess lip product

H. Finishing touches

You are almost done, but not quite. Clean up the under eye by brushing powder. To brighten the face, apply an illuminator powder at the edge of your cheeks. Blend your makeup once more by brushing all over your face in a circular motion. Just think beautiful thoughts, add a genuine smile, and you’re ready to take on the world!

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About the author: Filipina beauty queen, writer and media personality Barbie Salvador believes that fashion, fitness and lifestyle are vital life aspects that are not only fun and enjoyable, but are tools every Filipino needs to reach one’s peak potential.

Got a fashion, fitness or lifestyle question? #AskBarbie

Twitter:@barbiesalvador

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When to fire your financial planner

MANILA, Philippines - Breaking up is never easy. This is true not just for couples, but also with your financial adviser.

ANC On The Money's resident financial adviser Salve Duplito noted that Filipinos have a hard time with "break-ups", mainly because Filipinos are so connected with each other.

"The Filipino culture of relationships taking precedence over common sense has a big bearing on how we deal with financial advisers," she said.

Most of those who call themselves financial advisers are insurance agents. Duplito noted that a lot of times, one buys financial products out of "hiya" or to avoid disappointing people.

Most Filipino financial consumers do not even look at the fine print because they trust the person selling the product, particularly when they're friends or relatives.

When this is the case, Duplito noted that firing the person is a huge problem.

When and why should you cut ties with your financial adviser?

Duplito cited some red flags that tell you it's time to say goodbye to your financial planner:

1. If you're being sold expensive products that don't match your goals.

2. If your planner does not disclose risks.

3. If your planner is a salesman in disguise.

4. If your planner has no knowledge of the financial planning process and can only help you only with bits of it.

5. If your planner is unreachable when you need to talk.

6. If your planner doesn't listen. While he/she may know more, in the end, it's your money.

7. If there is breach of confidentiality agreements.

8. If he/she is chasing returns and wants you to move from one investment to the other.

How to fire your financial planner

There is no easy way to fire your financial planner, but Duplito said the best way is to simply "cut clean."

"Let me warn you, your planner is going to make it difficult for you to do that because she will ask you to stay. If you're worried, you can't handle that, it's alright to notify your adviser in writing," she said.

In writing the letter, Duplito said you should keep it short and concise.

"There is no need to indicate your reasons. If she insists, be firm and keep the conversation short," she said.

If your planner is managing your accounts, Duplito said you should indicate in the letter that he/she should transfer all controls to these accounts.

Once this is done, you should change passwords immediately.

"To avoid making the same mistake, if you're planning to hire a replacement be sure you sign up only with someone who provides a contract that clearly states terms of reference, fees and charges, confidentiality agreements among other things," Duplito said.

When dealing with an insurance agent or investment solicitor who does not normally draw up an engagement contract, Duplito said you should require the agent to disclose all risks, fees, charges and commissions at the beginning.

Why OFWs in Israel should invest in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – Israel is becoming a fast rising destination choice for Filipinos who are seeking job opportunities overseas.

Filipinos constitute one of the largest groups of immigrant workers and they are earning good money.

But according to Yuval Mann, director of Israel Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, overseas Filipino workers in Israel should be smarter with their money because of Israel’s high cost of living.

He said that because Israel is a small country with only a few companies controlling majority of the market, prices of goods are expensive.

“The cost of living in Israel is very high because it’s a much smaller country than the Philippines,” Mann said on ANC’s “On The Money.”

The spending pattern in Israel is also different because of the high cost of housing.

“Israelis spend less because they have to spend a lot of money on housing and rent,” he said, noting that this is not the case on the Philippines.

“What you have here in the Philippines that is a very big advantage is the possibility of owning your own house or to have a condo, it’s a buyer’s market here, where in Israel it’s the opposite,” Mann explained.

Most workers in Israel are helpers, while some are involved in the agriculture and construction industries.

Mann observed that Filipinos who work in Israel are able to save more because they only either send their money home to support their families or to buy real estate in the Philippines.

He said that Filipinos earning and living in the Philippines end up spending more because of the family culture.

“The Filipino habit is to share with the family, which is nice, but it’s hard to know where the money really goes,” said Mann.

Israelis, on the other hand, are at a disadvantage in terms of saving money and buying real estate because of the high living costs in their country.

“The opportunities to save and invest in the Philippines are endless. It is a buyer’s market, and real estate is always an option,” Mann said.

PPA expects Manila ports to be decongested in August

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) expects faster movement of imports and exports in Manila ports, once empty containers begin to be removed next month.

PPA says this can leave 30 percent of the port area free, allowing trucks to move in and out.

At its worst after the Manila truck ban left container vans stuck in the port, overcapacity resulted in zero space to move.

The PPA says three vessels sent by international carriers will arrive at the ports starting August 3 to move out the "empties" to Subic and Cavite, among other places.

It adds the recovery period from congestion is pegged from 3 to 4 months.

Various businesses and business groups say port congestion has contributed to faster inflation as well as slowdown in sales, manufacturing and exports. - ANC

silent termite"

MANILA, Philippines – A wealth manager describes inflation as a "silent termite" that erodes a person's savings and investments.

But while inflation is something that's beyond investors' control, there are investment strategies that can be employed to beat inflation.

“The way to beat inflation is to come up with a portfolio that’s made up of several things, some of them less than inflation, some of them higher than inflation,” wealth manager Mario Miranda told ANC’s “On The Money.”

Miranda said a typical portfolio would be 10 percent in money market fund, earning 1 percent; 70 percent on corporate bonds that earn around 4.5 percent; and 20 percent in the stock market.

Miranda noted that average return in the stock market in the last 10 years has been about 20 percent, with a conservative outlook of about 10 percent.

“If you look at a portfolio of 10 in money market, 70 percent in bonds, and 20 percent in stocks, that would come up to be about 5 and a quarter net, so that’s a portfolio that would be beating inflation as of this time,” he said.

However, Miranda noted that this sample portfolio is for someone who is “above average” and “moderately aggressive.”

A slightly average person will be barely beating inflation while a conservative person, who most likely will not invest in stocks, will be below inflation.

“A portfolio has to be tempered by the customer suitability test so you will know the risk aversion is,” Miranda advised.

“I am trying to make people unlearn that you need to be conservative as you grow older. Your risk profile may evolve because you get wiser as you get older and understand the risks better,” he added.

Miranda explained that inflation and interest rates affect bonds because bonds “are driven by the fact that they promise to pay a fixed rate of interest and as such, their price actually changes as interest rates go up and down.”

The stock market is likewise affected by inflation and interest because interest from borrowings is a major factor in a company’s profit or loss.

The difference between inflation and interest is that inflation is backward-looking while interest rate is what investors earn in the future.

Miranda noted that the struggle is that you have to protect inflation in the future and find interest that’s hopefully one or two percentage points higher.

Friendship Q.

Friendship consists in forgetting what one gives and remembering what one receives. – Alexander Dumas

Friendship Q.

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one. ― C.S. Lewis

Friendship Q.

True friendship comes when the silence between two people is comfortable. – David Tyson Gentry

Friendship Q.

Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend. — Albert Camus

Friendship Q.

Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together. – Woodrow T. Wilson

Friendship

The language of friendship is not words but meanings. – Henry David Thoreau

Friendship Q.

Like Thought Catalog on Facebook.

Friendship Q.

True friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island… to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing.

Friendship Q.

True friendship is when you walk into their house and your WiFi connects automatically. – Author Unknown (Internet, probably)

Friendship

Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity. – Khalil Gibran

Friendship

True friendship is when you walk into their house and your WiFi connects automatically. – Author Unknown (Internet, probably)

Friendship

Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity. – Khalil Gibran

Walt Disney

The Gift of Family Life

Magic Mirrors

Lilo & Stitch

A Place To Go

The Most Important Thing

It's Like a Fairy Tale

Want To Promote World Peace?

“What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.” ~ Mother Teresa

Who Love You No Matter What

“Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones you accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you you no matter what.” ~ Unknown

Tuesday, July 29, 2014 James 5:14 (NIV)

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

James 5:14 (NIV)

Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.

Prayer

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy

How to pray the Rosary

El Rosario Santo

Mysteries of the Rosary

Stations of the Cross

Prayer Requests

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Prayer Request - Pray for Us

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.

Philippians 4:6

Stations of the Cross

Opening Prayer

ACT OF CONTRITION

O my God, my Redeemer, behold me here at Thy feet. From the bottom of my heart I am sorry for all my sins, because by them I have offended Thee, Who art infinitely good. I will die rather than offend thee again.

Joyful Mystery of the Rosary

The Annunciation of the Lord to Mary

1st Joyful Mystery

I was in prayer: it was evening. I was praying towards Jerusalem because my people prayed three times a day, morning, noon, and evening facing Jerusalem. I was praying for the Liberation of my people. I was praying that soon the Messiah would come to take away all hatred: to take away all sins from my people. As I was praying, there suddenly appeared an angel. At first I was afraid because it was the first time an angel had ever come to me. When I heard him say "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" I was very confused at this greeting and yet I was very humbled that an angel would call me full of grace: that I had gained favor from God: that I was called to bear His Son. I asked the angel how this could happen? I am a virgin: I had intended to be a virgin the rest of my life even though I agreed to live with Joseph. The angel assured me, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you: the shadow of the Most High will enwrap you and the child to be born of you will be called Son of God." At that instance, I remembered the prophesy of Isaiah. The prophesy of the Messiah. The prophesy that He would be a suffering servant. A servant rejected by His own people and yet raised by God. Knowing that, I said, "Behold the handmaid, the servant of the Lord: be it done to me according to Your word."

My children, be always open to seek the will of God in your life no matter what it is. Never be afraid of God's will. God's will always does contain suffering but God's will also brings peace. God's will contains Joy. Pray to the Heavenly Father: pray that He will give you the grace through my prayers to accept His will in all things. Place yourself at God's disposal and He will do great things for you and with you.

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The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth

2nd Joyful Mystery

As soon as I realized by Gabriel's message that Elizabeth, my cousin, who had been barren for a long time and who was yet now old, had nonetheless conceived, I was prompted by God's grace to go to help her in her need. She was in her sixth month: I went from Nazareth to Judea. I was only pondering the message that the angel had given me. It all seemed so wonderful that God would use me for His kingdom; for His glory. As I arrived at Zechariah's house, I greeted Elizabeth. I had heard that Zechariah had become mute: he had doubted the Lord: he doubted that God could work a miracle in his life. As I entered and greeted Elizabeth, Elizabeth shouted for joy and said, "Blessed are you among all women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Who am I that the Mother of my Lord should come to me." Out of Elizabeth's mouth came the confirmation of Gabriel's message: that I had conceived the Son of God and later all ages were to proclaim me as blessed as the Mother of their Lord; the Mother of God. I began to sing the hymn of praise that came from my heart. I was so filled with God's Love that I had to share my Joy with Elizabeth and her house hold.

My children, never doubt that God can work a miracle in your Life even if things seem humanly impossible: all things are possible with God. Trust Him, trust Him my children. As I visited Elizabeth out of love, I wish to visit you out of love. I wish to come into your situation whatever it may be: to be present with you and to pray with you and for you. God will manifest His power if we believe. Elizabeth told me, "Blessed are you who have believed that the Lord's words would be fulfilled in you." Trust in the Lord. I am with you to pray with you. Offer this mystery to the Heavenly Father that He will also work a miracle of grace in your life: ask the Heavenly Father for the gift of faith and absolute trust in His work. I am praying with you and for you.

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The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ

3rd Joyful Mystery

Joseph and I came to Bethlehem because there was a decree that all should go to their ancestral town to be registered. In obedience, Joseph and I went. God even used the oppression of the Roman government to bring about your salvation: because in this time of oppression, my Son, your Savior, was born. We looked for a place but there was no room in the inn: the town was so full. What was offered us was a stable not too far from where the shepherds were guarding their flock. It was soon that my Son was born: that the King of Kings would be born a pauper. It was soon that the very Word would be made flesh. Joseph left me in the stable and went outside for a while thinking that he was not worthy to be present at such a great miracle. While he was thinking, the moment came when my Son was introduced to the world. Because of the immensity of Love that the Lord had filled me with, I felt no pain at His birth. There was pure joy at the coming of my Son. I held Him in my arms: He was the very Savior of the world. A while later, Joseph came in, he saw me with the Child and he was also filled with wondrous joy. As some time past, the shepherds that were near the stable also came. They knew about the birth of my Son: the angels had told them. Heaven was rejoicing at the birth of my Son.

My children, look upon the greatness of your Lord Who has loved you so much as to come down to show the immensity of His Love for you. Show your immensity of love for Him: be humble, be grateful for what you have, be it little or great, and whatever you do have, use it in a way that will give pleasure to my Son. See the face of my Son in those in need, those in want, and respond in love to Him. Pray to the Heavenly Father in this mystery for the gift of simplicity and for the woes of the poor and I will pray with you. I will ask the Father to give you the grace to be generous with those less fortunate.

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The Presentation of our Lord

4th Joyful Mystery

In obedience to the Law of Moses, forty days after my Son was born, Joseph and I went to Jerusalem to present my Son before the Lord and to redeem Him with two turtle doves. I was presenting to God, the Father, your Redeemer in anticipation of the sacrifice He would make on Calvary for your salvation. When we entered the temple, there was a holy priest by the name of Simeon. Simeon took the Child into his arms and said, "Now Lord You can release your servant according to Your word in peace, for my eyes have seen the salvation which You have raised for all peoples to see: a light of revelation to the nations and the glory of Your people Israel." Then Simeon turned to me and said "Blessed are you, woman: but behold this Child will be the fall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign to be opposed and your own heart will be pierced so that the hearts of many will be exposed. " Simeon was talking about my destiny: a destiny that would be so intimate with my Son.

My greatest pain, my children, is that people reject my Son: people reject His message of love and peace. People reject His message of repentance and holiness. My children, ask the Heavenly Father that He will make you holy in all things. Take away from your life whatever is displeasing to God so that your worship at mass and your worshiping prayer will be acceptable to God the Father. I will pray for you in your time of worship. I will pray for you so that your prayer may reach the Father.

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Finding Jesus in the Temple at age 12

5th Joyful Mystery

Jesus was twelve years old and Joseph and I, as custom dictates, wished to take Him to Jerusalem for the Passover. We went and we were filled with joy to worship God with His people. After the days of Passover were done, Joseph and I went back to Nazareth in the caravan of family members and friends that we came in. Joseph went with the men and I with the women. The children were either with their fathers or mothers. Both of us thought that Jesus was with the other. When evening came, Joseph and I came together and we did not find Jesus neither among our relatives nor among our friends. So we decided to go back to Jerusalem to look for Him. My heart was torn in two: the sufferings predicted by Simeon were already starting. "What happened to my Son?" I questioned. It took us two days to go back to Jerusalem and on the third day we found my Son in the temple. He was among a group of elders, rabbis, and He was reading the Law with them. They were discussing the Law of Moses: He astonished the elders who marveled at His insight to the Law. As I was hearing Him, there was an amount of joy: joy to hear my Son teaching. God was giving me a taste of what my Son would be doing during His earthly ministry. I ran up to Him and said, "My Son, why did You do such a thing? Your father and I with so much sorrow have been looking for You." Jesus looked at me with Love and yet with conviction and He said to me, "But why were you looking for Me? Did you not know I should be about My Father's business." At first, I could not understand such a response: and yet I did. My Son was aware of His vocation: He had to fulfill what He was created for. He was created for God: He was created to obey His Father in all things. I watched Him grow into maturity: I watched Him love and His love was only a reflection of the Father's love.

My children, do not cling to anyone that you love. Everyone has a mission, especially your children that God has given to you. Pray for religious vocations. Pray for vocations to the priesthood. Pray that Christian families will be obedient to the Father. Pray for the unity and the strengthening of all Christian families that they will truly bring the Kingdom of the Father to this earth.

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Joyful Mystery of the Rosary

Monday & Saturday

1. The Annunciation of the Lord to Mary
2. The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth
3. The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ
4. The Presentation of our Lord
5. Finding Jesus in the Temple at age 12

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Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary

Tuesday & Friday

1. The Agony of Jesus in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Jesus is Crowned with Thorns
4. Jesus Carried the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of our Lord

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Glorious Mystery of the Rosary

Wednesday & Sunday

1. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
2. The Ascension of Jesus to Heaven
3. The Descent of the Holy Ghost
4. The Assumption of Mary into Heaven
5. Mary is Crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth

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Luminous Mystery of the Rosary

Thursday

1. The Baptism in the Jordan
2. The Wedding at Cana
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom
4. The Transfiguration
5. The Institution of the Eucharist