Jan-B's Blog

 I listen to my Spiritual coach- my Spiritual Director in Opus Dei and the Priest in my Confession like I did today. For I can't achieve excellence in anything without coaching. I'm a student of excellence in- business, work, family and spiritually. To be excellent in my spiritual life when it comes to my Catholicism. To be an excellent Catholic not committed to mediocrity, if I stop striving for inner Spiritual Excellence. Cause my external is an overflow of my internal I start doing things in a mediocre way. Everything I do as a Catholic must be excellent. But I do many things mediocre. I care for the poor but I could do more. I pray but I could do better. God created us for Happiness and he fills us with great Joy as we strive for excellence especially with my frequent sacraments, communion in mass and confession to a Priest when ready. 

See more clearly that lies beneath the beautiful singing we have grown up to love and appreciate. Anong ibig sabihin ng Assumptionista? A tremendous capacity to love and care. Helped the less fortunate organize Rosaries, recollection, and zoom masses for the sick and departed. Messaged, called, and sent things if only to console the weary in life's difficult journey. Tried to keep children and Spouse close to God teaching them to pray at least praying for them so that faith would keep them strong and fighting the good fight. An Assumptionista mother who actually loves enough to learn that love can never mean I've done enough. A reminder to stay true to what's really essential and enkindle life's values. 

 A pandemic reminds us how fragile we really are that we need God and all our assumption values when we step out of this again. I know they say that the school is only as good as the alumnae they produce. I am proud to say that in all walks of life and fields of work Assumption girls make that difference. Plaid skirts and neckties. Students have worn from prep to high school the blue skirts in the college. Let them know us your plaid and blue. Writing letters to their younger selves, to the wide-eyed and impressionable freshmen. Some important lessons to learn in AC to carry in our hearts the rest of your lives: Love your friends, value your teachers, cherish our Nuns, listen, learn, stay strong, and have fun. Plaid is what will bring you home to the Assumption every 5 years to celebrate the gift of your Assumption education.   

 Uplifting women who lift up others. Filipinas who use their ways and voices for a good cause. Women today and women tomorrow. The Filipina who continues to shine amid challenging times sharing their personal journey not only as head of the family. But everyday, the modern Filipina. Women Power - Defying stereotypes, rising above challenging times, moving forward, winning the fight, using the communication platforms wisely. Women of nature - amplifying voices of the unheard. Together kapatid, let's bring women up, one Filipina at a time. Smiling always cause God is Good, Yes! He is Goodness itself. 

My spiritual reading taught me today to become my best self. I must deny my lesser self to find my true self. Not being efficient doing many things, but being effective doing things that matter. Delayed gratification, an elevated spiritual discipline, and immensely practical skill for my life to improve in many ways. Fasting wrapped up in 2000 years of Catholic genius St. Agustine said conquer yourself and the world lies on your feet. I'm fat, lazy, and mentally weak, a bit of spiritual obesity lazy spiritually falling into a trap of a soft and weak mind and self-denial makes my heart, mind, and soul strong. For if a spirit soars w/ much strength nothing can weigh it down. Accomplished with prayer and fasting. Saying 'no' to myself at least once a day.

 Christ implied the existence of Purgatory. He whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven. But whoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him either in the world to come (Matt 12:32). When our Lord said that sin will not be forgiven in the next life, He left us to conclude that some sins will be thus forgiven. But in the next life, sins can't be forgiven in Heaven. There shall not enter it undefiled (Apoc 21:27).

Mary went to Elizabeth as soon as she was told about Jesus. I would think her talking about it made this Miracle more real. Just like my talking about my Faith makes it more Real. Jesus the ever-lasting light. When I console someone mourning that brings light. When I help someone in need - Jesus Light shines brighter, when I forgive someone who hurts me, the light is burning. When I sponsor a child, the light Grows. When I speak about Jesus the Light shines even brighter. 

 Remember who you are. So, you are no longer a slave but a child and if a child also an heir through God. Galatians 4:7. Congee is delicious regardless of the container. Containers represents our body, homes, clothes, and what people say about us. Doesn't have to be expensive cause most important thing is the lugaw. That's who we really are. As we welcome another Year, we are reminded of these 2 things  1.) I'm a soul carrier. Inside my bowl is an immortal soul that will live forever 2.) I'm a God carrier cause I'm a child of God and nothing can ever take away who I truly am.  I am a child of God. Precious in His eyes.