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

Reflecting on the past year, 2018 has been a year of personal growth and self-discovery. It's a year that has redefined the meaning of life, pushing me to exercise greater self-restraint and emotional control. Now, as I look back, I ponder over the fairness of my decisions and the execution of my plans.

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

Patience, tolerance, and perseverance are not just virtues, but they are also the keys to unlocking higher aspirations. They may not come easy, but when embedded in our consciousness, they can be powerful tools in both business and life.

Personal Development

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

• The Road Ahead. I started sharing personal quotes about my life experiences and the wisdom I have 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 look back on what I have done and have to pay back. The Crossroads would have reminded me about the right road and taught me 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 to keep it running, 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 it begins a new, incredible journey in the afterlife. It's not about saying goodbye until we see each other again. We give respect, gratitude, and honor for a well-lived life and will forever cherish the meaningful days shared. 

• Birth. A new beginning may be a rebirth or a new birth. Just before celebrating Christ's birth, we welcomed the birth of my nephew,  Matthew, whose 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. Our hopes and dreams are fueled by our passion, desire, and commitment to live our best lives, and this hope keeps us moving forward. 

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 less stress and not away from home.

• Family. Family is the source of inspiration and motivation to move on. 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 becomes more outstanding. With faith in God and other divine beings, we will surely win in the game of life.

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 being 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 hymns and thanksgiving to glorify Mary, Mother of Christ. They help us through prayers to worship Mary and Jesus and to pray for our intentions. The Miraculous Medal of Mary never fails 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 to the miracles of the religious medal of Mary. Our family may have experienced many 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 against 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.

For three decades, we have faithfully celebrated our devotion to the Miraculous Medal, a tradition we will continue to uphold. The Blessed Mary, our guiding light, never fails to hear our prayers when we seek her intercession. We honor her name and give her the highest veneration as the mother of Christ, our Lord and Savior. Her message to us was, 'Oh, Mary! Conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee,' is a timeless reminder of her unwavering love and grace.

Blessed Mother Mary, pray for us. Amen.

When September Ends: Timeless Wishes

There's a unique anticipation that fills the air as we approach the 'Ber' month season in the Philippines. It's a time that's eagerly awaited by many, a time when we feel more loving, caring, and excited about the months ahead. We may still have some goals to achieve, but the start of the 'Ber' months is a reminder that it's never too late.

September holds a unique significance for me, as it's the month of my birth. It's a time of celebration, not just for me, but also for the woman who brought me into this world: my loving mother. We both mark our birthdays in September, and it's always a magical time, much like the autumn season. The positive energy in the air fills us with excitement for the future. 

This month, I feel a surge of energy towards my goals and desires. I'm more motivated than ever to turn my ideas into action. It's true, September can be a tiring month, but the sense of fulfillment at the end is unparalleled. Success in life is never handed to us on a silver platter. We have to work hard and sweat it out to fuel our passion and desires. Some tasks may always be challenging, and that's where patience and tolerance come in. But it's when we persevere that we reap the best rewards. We trust the system and are guided to do what is just. And when we overcome these challenges, we feel a sense of relief and gratitude that's hard to match. 

It's time to turn the fantasy into reality, to take action on the dream that's been on hold for too long. No matter how long it takes, I'm determined to breathe life into my dreams; otherwise, they'll remain just those dreams. So wake me up when September ends, because this month is about turning make-believe ideas into action. And as we step into October, the first month of the last quarter, I'm filled with hope that the Divine guides will inspire and bless the venture I'm embarking on. May this be the fulfillment of my most cherished desire. 

© 2018 Del Cusay

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish: A Divine Gift

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish at Sitio Lomboy, Linambasan, Jamindan, Capiz

Six years ago, in 2012, a fulfilled Divine call took place for the groundbreaking of a mission station for the people of Linambasan and nearby Barangays in Jamindan. It was a moment of unity and faith, as hundreds of religious devotees, including many of you, flocked to this sanctuary to kneel and pray, give thanks, and receive blessings from the Divine: our God and in the intercession of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the Mother of Christ.

The year 2012, when humanity was intrigued by the end of the world prophesy, is the same year when a new beginning is about to start in a particular place Divinely chosen. The barangay of Linambasan, strategically located in the town of Jamindan, is one of the largest and is home to strong family ties and religious people. It's just a few miles away from the capital barangay of Poblacion, where people used to celebrate the mass at the Parish of San Sebastian—building a new Parish bringing people closer to their homes.

The Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish is the 3rd in Jamindan after San Sebastian Parish and San Vicente Ferrer Parish. The first 2 Parishes are closer to the people's hearts and attract thousands of parishioners on their feast day. The newly established Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish would bring people closer to the Mother of Christ, our Lord and Savior. When we cry for help, we cling to a mother, and she answers our needs. Just like when we call for a Divine Mother, we would hear our prayer and act on her intercession. The Divine Mother never fails to listen to her child, and she would bring us closer to her son, Jesus, the son of God.

Rev. Father John Denosta left the parish he started on July 4, 2018, after six years of religious service. Sunday Thanksgiving: Graceful Service to the People is a tribute to his love and service to the people. From a mission station, he led the faithful, with the unwavering support of the parishioners, to the new Parish, a bigger home and a beautiful sanctuary. The people revered his fellowship and will forever be grateful for his service.

Divine Light: Our God's Greatest Love
was showered when Lomboy Mission Station began. As a growing religious community, the spiritual service extends to neighboring barangays of Milan, Lucero, Igang, Agbun-od, Agloloway, Jaena Norte, Jaena Sur, and to Pasol-o, San Juan, and Ganzon.

When Fr. Denosta bid farewell, the parishioners welcomed another Reverent Father. The newly installed parish priest, Fr. Jeffrey Estrella, will continue the legacy of service. May the Divine love and light be showered upon him to be shared with the faithful and everyone seeking the spiritual refuge we call our religious sanctuary. It is for everyone and a Divine gift we need to protect and share.

© 2018 Del Cusay

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