Eternal Peace: Reliving the Legacy

Life is short, but once lived fully and with dignity deserves the highest gratitude and honor from the living and in eternity. As they say, we only live once, and as much as possible, with all our energy or power, we can maximize our potential and live our best lives. It could be a thousand years of 'secret' message of success, but this is still relevant today.

Someone could be living the shortest life on earth and may have gone through all the challenges and obstacles in life. They may have secretly endured the pain and sorrows. However, at some point, we are bound to give up and let life control our fate — our next destination.

Even at the crossroads of life, when we are weak and surrounded by people who are dear to us, we are helpless and powerless, but there is a specific energy that holds on to our life beyond our control. When all we can do is accept one's fate, it burrows the most profound pain to see the suffering. When someone has reached the final moment, all we can do is give a decent and dignified way of letting go. To gather and pray, to reminisce precious moments, and to offer the deepest sympathy and respect.

We may not remember the conversations and expressions, but we can recognize meaningful positive emotions. We will never forget the smiles even through pain — a fighting spirit amidst suffering.

We may remember the events, but we will never forget the laughter, the stories, and the wisdom shared. You were there to witness how we survived our challenges, just like how you survived your battles. You were ahead and have seen several years of transformation in the families and communities you loved.

People may have forgotten you, but we can never forget the greatest gift you have given us. A precious gift that will remain forever, even in generations to come. You are gone but have left a legacy to the faith community, the place you have loved wholeheartedly.

 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish: A Divine Gift is a Divinely-inspired contribution. It all started with your generosity, loving heart, and sense of community. You have seen its development from groundbreaking until a community of religious people comes in. You may not be able to physically witness its growth in years to come, but you will be there to see its glory in spirit. A heavenly place for your loved ones and the people, even in remote areas, will be served and lead in service.

You taught us the virtue of humility and service. You may not have everything to give, but in our hearts, you have provided more than enough to your family and thousands of people. Now, you are in peace and maybe traveling in paradise as your final destination. If there is life after death, you will be the happiest to see your creator and reunite with your loved ones who are long gone before us.

You have given so much; your legacy will be remembered and shared. Divine Light: Our God's Greatest Love may have been your greatest gift and contribution, and the people, in return, have given their most tremendous respect and deepest sympathy to your eternal journey. We have lost you, but you are now on your way to eternal life, away from suffering and pain.

We thank you for your love and care. We love you, and may you rest in eternal peace and the presence of the Almighty God. 

© 2018 Del Cusay

Christmas in Our Hearts 2018: A New Milestone, Self-Renewal and New Beginning

What a year it has been! A recollection of beautiful memories and sad realities. This year 2018, brought a different view and meaning of life; self-restraint and taking control of emotions to a higher level. Now it's time to look back and reminisce on the year that was and my thoughts on how I fair with my plans and decisions.

The previous year 2017, may have been the most challenging ever. Christmas in Our Hearts 2017: The Unexpected Reality would have hit a punch and destruction, but have received a warm embrace and affection from a loving family back home. However, 2018 gave me a new beginning and hope, and I will fight and survive.

I have been more positive all through these years since I have learned to elevate my higher consciousness, but losing oneself along the way also loses the power once established. There are miracles, as I believe, whereas uncertainties would have to be defeated.

Patience, tolerance, and perseverance can mean a lot for higher aspirations. It may not be easy, but it can be embedded in consciousness and applied in business and life.

Personal Development

Since 2011 I have written and shared several personal development stories and quotations. This year I have compiled some quotable quotes from my writings.

• The Road Ahead. I started to share my personal quotes about my life experiences and the wisdom gained through the years. Whenever I get inspired and motivated, I capture whatever beautiful scene lifts my spirit. The Road Ahead is still under construction, with no shortcuts to the best destination.

• The Crossroads. There are setbacks along the journey, and I must feel the agony. My sufferings would have helped me to look back on what I have done and have to pay back. The Crossroads would remind me about the right road and learn not to take the wrong "U" turn. 

• Soulful Sunday. There is something so beautiful about Sunday morning upon waking up. A certain feeling of joy in the heart awakens a blissful spirit. Soulful Sunday is about my reflections and thoughts about significant events impacting my life. 

Those subjects above serve as a GPS, a personal guide for self-mastery and renewal. I gently lift my soul for healing and reconciliation whenever I feel crushed and defeated.

A New Milestone

I said before that when the door closes, another opportunity knocks. In the third quarter of 2018, I acted on my dream to develop and execute my entrepreneurial plans. It may not be prestigious or grandiose, but pushing through and breaking the barriers made me the first step. With my previous corporate experiences, I have developed my dealings with people through customer service and customer experience.

My first venture will succeed and eventually take it to the next level. With the people who tirelessly and continuously support me on my back, I will focus and finish what I have started. It always feels good to create and learn something new. It even challenges us on how to keep it running and moving forward and reaching its peak. 

In this venture, there's no place for giving up, and there's always a will to keep moving. Having more patience and dedication would fuel it to success. 

The World of Entrepreneurship is overwhelming. To have planted a seed and nourished it to grow would be more challenging. We keep on improving and finding ways to make our dreams bound to materialize. It May have been a thousand miles away from expected reality and may take years to cultivate and harvest, but it could be more rewarding and fulfilling. 

A New Beginning 

Before the year ends, some events may have shaken us. 

• Death. A loved one may have gone, but the memories will remain in our hearts. It may be an absence of life, but a beginning of a new incredible journey in the afterlife. It's not about saying goodbye until we see each other again. We give respect and gratitude, honor for a life well-lived, and will forever cherish the meaningful days shared. 

• Birth. A new beginning may be a rebirth or new birth. Just before the celebration of Christ's birth, we welcomed the birth of my nephew,  Matthew, which name means "Gift from God," an angel of God. 

• Hope. When all else fails, one thing that gives us confidence and courage is hoping for something out of or beyond our control. We can never have it all. However, we can achieve our best realities when we hope for the best. We can constantly strengthen our willpower to reach greater heights and let gratitude pave the way to the more meaningful and successful life we ever wanted. Our hopes and dreams are fueled by our passion, desire, and commitment to live our best lives. 

Relationships

Opportunities are endless, and the year 2018 created a tsunami-like reality. Creating health awareness inspires people to commit to a healthier living in an environment with lesser stress and not away from home.

• Family. The source of inspiration and motivation to move on is the family. They support us in our goals and make our dreams come true. I take pride in my family and will forever be grateful for their love. 

• Friends. We cherish the great memories from old and new friends for meaningful friendships. They may not have been connected for years, but pleasant memories connect the gap. We cherish those who have not forgotten us and keep those who remain. There are connections we have to cut and others we would have to build. 

Before the year ends, assessing what life has been and what opportunities we have fought for is a good feeling. There's no perfect year; either we win some or lose some. The battle will always be there as we become more fierce than ever. We will remain grounded in our realities and connected with our families and communities.

As the year passes, our world becomes more significant, and our responsibility will become more outstanding. We will surely win in the game of life with faith in God and other Divine beings.

The Christmas season is closer to my heart, and I never fail to give a reflection since 2011, when I started blogging. This is the season of renewal and recollection. A season of love and a celebration of love and life. 

© 2018 Del Cusay

Devotion to The Miraculous Medal

I grew up in a family significantly devoted to the Miraculous Medal. The Holy Mary: Mother of God in France, revealed the precious medal on November 29, 1830. I remember this devotion to be celebrated by my family annually every 10th day of November -- initially every 27th day of November in celebration of my father's actual birthday; however, it was moved to the 10th of November in the early years of the devotion.

Our relatives, mostly the elderly, are among those who venerate and pray religiously while singing praises of hymn and thanksgiving to glorify Mary: Mother of Christ. They help us through prayers to worship Mary and Jesus and to pray for our intention. The Miraculous Medal of Mary never failed to hear our prayers through her intercession. It is through prayers that healing will happen. Recovery of our body, mind, and spirit. Holistic spiritual healing is granted through the promises of the Miraculous Medal. 

I am a living witness of the miracles of the religious medal of Mary. Our family may have experienced a lot of struggles and unending challenges, but we have remained strong and positive through the years. We have overcome obstacles and trials that would have broken us. However, prayer is a potent weapon to overcome defeat.

I also remember just before graduation when we were given a booklet of the Miraculous Medal by our teacher, who is also a devotee. The prayers helped me overcome doubts and negativity and helped me to pass the board exam with positivity. Through the intercession of the Blessed Mary through his son Jesus Christ our God, we remain prayerful for graces and blessings in our life.

It's been 3 decades already that we are annually celebrating our devotion to the Miraculous Medal, which will continue for years to come. The Blessed Mary never fails to hear us when we ask for her intercession. We glorify her name and give her the highest veneration as the mother of Christ - our Lord and our savior. Just like her message to all of us: "Oh, Mary! Conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."

Blessed Mother Mary, pray for us. Amen.