WE HAVE ENOUGH...

July 15, in our formation, our monk spiritual director was asked, “What do you pray for yourself?”

He answered, “Honestly, I don’t pray for myself anymore, I pray for the needs of others…” 

That moment, I saw in him that he is contented with what he has. Wow, could that be possible? Can one not want anything for himself?

In this modern world, that seems to be impossible. We are so exposed in the latest gadgets, newest models of cellphones, ipods, beautiful cars, houses, etc. We aspire for careers that can bring more money in our bank account or luxurious vacations here and abroad. We seem to be always on the go wanting to achieve one thing after another, dreams after dreams that become bigger each time....

Wanting nothing for oneself...could this really be possible or our spiritual director is just kidding us and maybe he is living in a dreamworld? But....if it is so, I would like to know how....

That question and his answer in our formation left a mark in my mind and from time to time, it surfaces and my wonder comes back. 

Yesterday, an inspiration came to me: 

“If I become contented with what I have,

then I will stop whining and stop wanting so many things.

I will begin to be grateful to God for all that I have.

All that will come to me,

I shall appreciate and see as bonus gifts from God,

His extra blessings.”

As I try to take a look at what I have, I discovered: "Hmmm, yes, it seems there are so many things I should be thankful for...I just don't notice them."

I have food for my every meal, even for my snacks....

I have a roof over my head, even my own room...

I have my own computer to do my blogs, talks, research, studying, check FB, etc...

I have my cellphone to communicate and text inspirational messages...

I have my family who loves me and will always be there to support me....

I have my friends who cares for me, too and are willing to listen and do things with me...

I have my Church who never tires to reach out to me and teach me about God...

I have God who never abandons me, even if I'm unfaithful to Him from time to time, still He loves me...and there are much more...

What I need, especially the most valuable things in life are already with me. All those I desire to have, mostly are just wants, not needs...I can even do without them....

In Matthew 6:25-34 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%206:25-34&version=NASB ) Jesus said God provides all we need, we just have to seek heavenly treasures rather than worldly gains.

We are already blessed with what we truly need, we just don't see them because our eyes are upon the things we do not have, and what we don't have is what we want, though we don't need them really.

We seek happiness from them, that we forget to be contented and grateful with what we have, but if we will just take some time to survey our physical, mental, emotional, spiritual possessions....we will find out that what we truly need are already there. Whatever will come to us are just additional, bonuses from God...If we will just learn to be contented, then we will have a grateful heart and see everything else as gifts and surprises.

 

Simplicity is one key to a happy living...we just want too much, too many...but really, we already possess what we truly need to be happy, we just have to stop, dig in deeper, and take a look.

Have a Grateful and Contented Soul!

-luisadelacruz

THANK YOU FOR READING MY BLOG (My 100th Post)

Dear Readers of The Essence,

A beautiful and blessed day to you!

Today, I am posting my 100th post on this blog. I wanted it to be special and so I thought of addressing it to you, my dear readers.

I probably know only a few of you, and I don't even know how many times you had visited my blog to browse and read my posts. You don't know me either, just maybe only about what you had read here. But I recognize the fact that every time you click your computer and end up reading my posts, you are sharing your time with me and I am sharing the content of my heart and mind to you, as well as my life and what I believe in. During these moments, somehow the boundaries of time, place, culture, age, etc are transcended.

I would like you to know that I appreciate this connection that we have and your giving me of your time. My prayer is that each moment you read a post here in 'The Essence,' God is blessing you by touching your heart and your life. Thank you for letting me enter the door of your heart and allowing me to walk through or pass by your life.

My posts may be just like little drops of water in the ocean of your life, but may it create beautiful ripples to you, your family and your friends...ripples that are more beautiful than what big waves can create.

We may never know each other personally, but somehow in spirit, where you are and where I am, we have become a part of each other. Without you, my dear readers, my blog will not continue to exist. Just one person reading this is enough for me to go on posting because I believe in the value of even just one soul being blessed...and it is a gift from God that there are more of you giving your time to read and hopefully chew on the content of my posts.

May we continue to journey in life through this blog. Again, I would like to thank you.

Jesus peace be with you. God bless you and your love ones.

With the Love of Jesus,
Luisa De la Cruz

LET'S STOP BEING CHILDISH...

Inspiration:       Matthew 8:18-22

One day, I saw a little boy walking on the sidewalk, crying, stomping his feet. He was following his father who was carrying his younger child. The little boy stopped from time to time, hoping his father would stop and give in to what he wanted, but to no avail. His father went on walking, taking glimpses to check if his son was still following him. 

Today, as I reflect on the Gospel, I remembered this scene. I was like that little boy when I started my faith journey. Oh, I was such a baby, wanting to obey Jesus, but I didn’t like what He asked me to do. I would spend weeks or months crying, rebelling inside, and telling Him, “I can’t do that. Di ko kaya yan. Iba na lang pagawa Mo (Ask me to do something else). Boo-hoo-hoo-huhu!” 

With my tantrums, I stopped from time to time hoping Jesus would stop leading me to where I didn’t like, but He just took glimpses, gave me encouragements and all, He never stopped walking and I never stopped following. 

Looking back now, I smile, it’s a good thing He never stopped and gave in to my tantrums. Now I follow Him without them. He changed me through the years and I learned to surrender to what He wants and trust Him with His peace in my heart…

To follow Jesus is to entrust oneself and all the worries in the heart. It’s a decision to fully trust Him no matter what may come. 

So now, let’s stop being childish and start being a trusting child to the Living God.        

Have a Jolly Heart!

-luisadelacruz

LET'S TAKE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED....

Inspiration:   Matthew 7:6, 12-14

The easy life? Oh, everybody wants it, and I mean everybody. 

We want a good life, enjoying the leisure it offers. We wish to ride the best car, live in the best mansion, swim in the best resort, buy the best our money can buy, have the best family ever, eat the best food…yummy!!! Kung pwede nga lang wala nang (If it's possible, hopefully, no more) problems, no more tears of pain, no more death…haaay, sarap ng buhay (what a life)! 

Many choose this road of life, right? 

Hmmm…Ummm…My question is “Did Jesus, the Son of the Holy God, the King of all kings, the Master of all….did He live like this? Did He choose this path? 

Jesus lived as a carpenter. Hew grew in an ordinary family. He left everything for His mission. He lived among the poor and the sick. He walked the path to Calvary. He lived His purpose. 

Come to think of it, He deserves to live the easy life we so desire, but Jesus chose the road less travelled for the Father and mankind….

Oh, it’s not bad to wish or live an easy life, but along our way, let us keep in mind to do God’s will for us, and if needed, let’s take the road less traveled to do our share in God’s Master plan for mankind.  

Have a Pure Heart!

-luisadelacruz

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL...

Inspiration:       Matthew 7:1-5

“Mirror, mirror on the wall who is the fairest of them all?”  This is the famous line of Snowhite’s stepmom…

Mirrors, magical or not, they reflect our visual beauty. Kaya nga (That's why) every day we face our mirror to see if artistahin na ba ang itsura natin (we look like like an actress or actor), hahahaha! 

But did you know that it’s possible to use the mirror to deeply see yourself? You can sit or stand in front of it, look yourself in the eye, deeply look into your heart and seriously have a talk with your inner self….Weird?? Scary?? Nah!!! 

But, on second thought, it’s scary for us if we won’t like what we will discover about ourself….the “who we truly are” thing reality….

In Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is saying look at our log in the eye first, before at the speck in others’ eyes…So, before judging others, kasama dito (including) your family and loved ones, stoooop!!! 

Look at yourself first in the mirror and say, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, what do I need to change in me to make me beautiful inside and out?”…And let your inner eye see who you truly are. 

Well, seriously, you know what I mean…Have a joyful week, my friend!          

Soar High With God!

-luisadelacruz