Faith Good Friday 10:21 AM In my Catholic faith, we commemorate Jesus' passion and death today. Good Friday. Have you seen the movie The Passion of the Christ? It's controversial. It's bloody. It's horrific. At every whip, splatter of blood, Christ's cry in pain and tears in Mother Mary's eyes, I could feel my heart crushing. And I find myself asking God, "Why me, Lord?" Why did you allow Yourself to go through all those pain and suffering to save someone like me? For all the sins I've committed, I deserve such punishment. But, not You. When I think about it, it makes me wonder why we call this day Good Friday. There wasn't good from what Jesus went through that day. That one movie's title is more fitting. Today is a terrible, horrible, no good very bad day. I watched today's The 7 Last Words Good Friday presentation by The Light of Jesus Family. And this is what I've learned. Good Friday It may seem for Jesus' enemies that He was defeated effortlessly today. He did not resist arrest. He allowed the mob to mock him. He didn't fight the soldiers. He didn't flee. He didn't perform any mind-blowing miracle to show off His power and glory. He was seized, scourged and persecuted like a common criminal. What's good about Good Friday? It's good because on this day, God manifested His great love. That while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) Giphy It's good because God sent Jesus to bridge the gap between us and Him that was brought about by our sinful ways. It's good because Jesus showed us the best example of humility, obedience to the Father, surrender and faith. It's good because in Jesus' human form, He exhibited remarkable courage. That while He was praying at the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was in such agony and fear that He sweat blood. Scientifically speaking, hematidrosis or sweating blood generally happens when a person feels intense fear or stress. Leonardo Da Vinci wrote that soldiers sweat blood before battle. This gives me hope. That even when situations get extremely scary, I can carry on knowing that God's is with me and His will I just need to pray and surrender. Good Friday is still good maybe not while it's happening, but because of the promised victory that comes after it. Giphy It may feel like we're defeated by the enemy, but the final battle is not over yet. We have this saying in Filipino, "Ang bida ng pagpapabugbog sa simula." The protagonist of the story---the hero---makes it look like the bad guys are winning at the start. Plot twist! He wins in the end. In our lives, many times it seems the enemy is winning. Good Friday is proof that suffering and setbacks happen. But it is only a set up for our success. Giphy Plot twist: God always wins. Ah, what a beautiful thought to carry in our hearts. Good Friday is a really, really REALLY good day. Your turn What is your Good Friday reflection?
Faith Holy Thursday 10:17 AM Holy Thursday I've said it before and I'm going to say it again: thank God for technology. Today I get to watch The Feast's Holy Thursday retreat. Reflection God's rejection is God's redirection. How many times have you experienced rejection? I think it's one of the most painful feelings in the world regardless of who or what caused it. It feels like somebody grabbed your heart from the inside your chest, crushed it mercilessly and threw it away. You feel helpless. Worthless. It's like all your dreams ended in just one snap. What to do now? What happens next? This is one of my favorite verses: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -Jeremiah 29:11 I like to go back to this verse especially when (1) my plans didn't work out or (2) when I face uncertainties. Like this life in the time of c oronavirus. When is this going to end? What do we do now? What happens after the l ockdown has been lifted? What if clients would stop paying because of this crisis? Too many questions. Even the experts can only give us an estimate. It feels like all the plans we have for 2020 and the years to follow have been put on hold. Is God rejecting my dreams? Are my plans not going to come to pass? Hundreds of questions sure kept me awake during the first few weeks of the C OVID-19 outbreak. I believe right now we are all being redirected to something better. Tenor Better for nature Hey, nature is thriving. People are enjoying cleaner air. Even water in famous Venice canal is now clearer. Animals freely strolling without the danger of humans and cars. Ducks in the streets. Cows at the beach. Deers and goats going around the cities. I don't know about you but I find it lovely seeing that we share this planet with these beautiful creatures. Giphy (A little scary too though because they also spotted a cheetah in India. Predators roaming around your neighborhood is not a good thing.) But live animal markets or meat markets are closing. What environmentalists and animal rights activists have been trying to do for decades, Mother Nature only did for months. Of course it's not over yet. The use of animals as commodity for food, accessories and lab testing is not going to end altogether soon. But it's a good start. People are realizing that growing your food in the garden is more practical especially during a p andemic. We are learning that plants are safer and better alternatives because you'll never find a broccoli with a flu. A carrot does not carry a virus. We're seeing how the earth thrives if we respect other creatures and care for nature. Be still We are so busy with our modern fast-paced life that sometimes it feels as though life is just passing us by. This l ockdown has forced us to stay still. If you're used to juggling many tasks and a busy lifestyle, you may feel restless at first. Just be in the moment. Enjoy this break while it lasts. Indeed there is a blessing behind this challenge. I declare with faith that there is something good that will happen to you and me. Your turn What are you thankful for during this l ockdown? Share you experience of rejection and how it redirected you to something better.
Lux Thinking Aloud Hustle 8:30 AM Hustle I have been working online as a copywriter and content writer even before the C OVI D-19 outbreak. But like the rest of the world, my life in the time of c oron avi rus has been drastically changed too. I've not been this anxious since after my wedding. (Brides will understand) For a few weeks, I was demotivated. I used to wake up as early as 5:30 am before this crisis. Now I can't sleep before midnight and the earliest time I get out of bed is 10:30 am. And only because my husband wakes me. What's happening right now is undeniably depressing. But as I mentioned in my previous post, I could be stubborn. I refuse to let this crisis get the better of me. I dismiss the thought that this invisible enemy will be the reason for my defeat. Not to sound dramatic or anything but after this l ock do w n, I choose to emerge as a winner. So, I decided to hustle again. Giphy Back to the grind I started to journal again. This time here on my blog as daily posts. I became active in my Freelance Tribe again. I participated in the challenges. I read the resources they send. I followed the tips they share. The Digital Marketer is generous enough to make their (expensive but valuable) training courses available for free. It's only for a limited time so I am hoping to finish all the training that I can apply in my online career. I am reaching out to my clients again. Not really to sell anything but to just check on them. Relationship building is crucial in online businesses. And also, I'm sincerely wishing them well. I will be scheduling emails for my subscribers and posts on my social media accounts soon. So if you're one of my subscribers (THANK YOU!) or if you follow me on socials, expect to hear from me soon. 😉 Giphy Shameless plug Follow me on my blog's: Instagram lifeandlove_blog Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/aboutlifeandloveblog/ I also have a vegan Instagram account. Follow vegancopywriter for tips, facts, memes, and beautiful photos of animals and nature. Physical hustle The other day, I was looking at simple yoga poses I can try at home. Sadly, I don't have a yoga mat, and doing it on a hard floor or soft bed is challenging. The first item I will purchase after the lockdown? A yoga mat. For now, I just did some stretching exercises on a ball. It's important to stay physically strong and healthy especially during a global p ande m ic. Giphy Keep hustling If you were like me who was hit emotionally and mentally by the crisis and felt like life knocked you down, here's my hope for you: that you get back up, dust yourself off, and keep on keeping on. This virus will soon be eradicated. This global crisis will soon end. As the saying goes: Tough times never last, but tough people do. -Robert H. Schuller When all this is over, I want to look back and say that I conquered my fears and I am still victorious. How about you? Your turn What is your biggest challenge during this C OVI D-19? How do you keep yourself motivated? What is the first thing you will buy after the l oc kd own?
Faith Trade Off 10:05 AM Trade Off I'm still listening to husband and wife Arun and Lallaine Gogna's Quaretreat every night. This helps me a lot with my mental health. The c oronavirus may only have infected a certain number of people but psychologically and mentally, we are all affected. On this day 8 of my l ockdown diary, they talked about trade off. Is there something you thought was important that during this q uarantine you realize you can trade off for essentials like food, sanitizer and masks? What are they? Best trade God always asks us to trade. In my life, He's asked me many times to let go of what I've been holding on to dearly: my work, old friends, failing relationships, my plans. It's hard. It takes a while. I could really be stubborn. Good thing is that God doesn't give up on us. He is patient and gentle. But He doesn't stop until He brings us safely to where He wants us to be. Until we are cut off from the people who bring us harm. Until we are protected from which we thought was good for us. Today, I remember yet again how blessed I am to have an amazing God. He has my best interest in mind. God's plans are better than what I have for myself. Pinterest This life in the time of c oronavirus may feel like a struggle for me many times but He has something special in store for me, that I'm sure. There is a purpose behind this predicament. There is a blessing behind this burden. There is a beautiful story waiting to unravel, a wonderful lesson that needs to be learned. I am trading off my comfortable life and temporary freewill to surrender to His will. I may not see it yet, but I know the ending will be amazing. For me and for all of us. We just need to trust in Him. After all, He traded His majesty to be with us and be one of us. All because He wants to save us. That is hands down the biggest trade off ever. Your turn What are you willing to trade off or let go? How has this crisis been affecting your mental health? P.S. Yesterday I shared about my fondness for gardening. So today I searched more videos about gardening. It's addicting. And my husband picked a branch of beautiful pink flowers for me on his way home from the groceries. It's a good day. 😊
Lux Thinking Aloud The Simple Life 8:43 AM The Simple Life This qu arantine life is forcing us to go back to the simple life, doesn't it? No excessive shopping, traveling or partying. Gardening My husband and I were talking the other day and thinking how nice it would be to grow our own garden. Just our usual meal staples like tomatoes, garlic, cucumber, carrots and some herbs. I've always been amazed by vertical gardens especially those in the kitchen. Generally, a house with greens and blooms in my opinion is both beautiful and practical. Not to mention refreshing. What do you think? Giphy I don't think I have the patience and the green thumb for starting a garden, but I'm glad my husband has. 🙂 Genuine connection Since I've been watching a lot of Friends lately, I miss those old times when people get together and REALLY connect. I'm lucky to grow up without gadgets. I feel nostalgic remembering that simple life pre-internet. Don't get me wrong. I'm thankful for this technology. I wouldn't have married my husband if not for it. Nowadays, even in family gatherings people are mostly busy with their gadgets. It would be nice to be in the moment and connect with the people around rather than online. Giphy Great equalizer Right now especially because of this crisis, there just seems to be so much noise outside. Do you agree that because of social media, there is more pressure in your life? Do you find yourself trying to keep up with your peers? I hope not. I hope you continue to revel in your quirks, stay comfortable in your individuality and be proud of your lifestyle choice no matter how simple it may be. As long as you're not hurting anyone with your choices, you do you! There's nothing ordinary about you. Remember that. Giphy One other good thing about this crisis that I can think of is that it became a great equalizer. Millionaire, poor, famous stars, ordinary people, young, old, regardless of a person's sexual orientation or religion, they can get infected by the virus. I hope we're coming to our senses now and seeing the huge difference between the essential and the excess. The necessity versus the fancy. I hope we realize now that we are all the same underneath. My life in the time of co ronavirus during this lo ckdown makes me appreciate the simple life I used to know and see things from a different perspective. How about you? Your turn What is your idea of a simple life? What do you miss most about your childhood?
Lux Thinking Aloud Friends and Chosen 10:57 PM Following what I did previously which was Disconnect, I spent today away from the social media. This day is about TV shows Friends and Chosen Friends and Chosen After watching the Palm Sunday service, I binge-watched Friends. I am late in the party, I know. I'm only on Season 5. But I'm happy I did. Especially at this time. Which Friends character do you identify with? My husband asked me this question. I said Monica. Because I like things organized. Though I don't cook, I do love watching cooking shows and daydream of cooking those delicious dishes myself. I took a fun quiz and it says I'm more of a Phoebe. Not bad. I've transitioned to veganism for the same reason Phoebe doesn't eat meat. Giphy We need shows like Friends. During this global crisis, we certainly need to find humor in things. To not forget to laugh. The Chosen is the first-ever-multi-season TV show about the life of Jesus. My husband discovered it through an ad and checked it out. Today we started watching episode 1. It has a different approach compared to other films about Christ. It is more about the people around him. On the first episode, Jesus only appeared in the last part. I hope to see more exciting scenes on this series. Today is the start of the Holy Week. What I got from the message in today's homily is this: God was able to make a big sacrifice because of His big love for us. Giving up Your one and only son is no easy feat. I don't know any parent who is willing to offer their child's life for the good of other people. Especially sinners. Do you want to understand God's great love better? We humans have a limited understanding. We cannot fathom God's wisdom and love. But here's something I can suggest. Watch this video about a man and his son who loves train. WARNING: You will need a lot of tissues. My disconnect post yesterday is perfect timing for the Holy Week. Social media and desserts is what I usually sacrifice during this time. That's nothing compared to God's ultimate sacrifice but it's something. And it really is a sacrifice for me. I'm a sweet tooth. Well, so far Day 6 is much better than the previous days. It made a huge difference not reading the news and checking social media. I think I can survive this qu arantine. I hope you can too. Hang in there. I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel. Your turn Do you also give up something during the Holy Week? What is it? What did you do today that you didn't do during the previous days of qu arantine?
Lux Thinking Aloud Disconnect 7:46 AM What do you do with trash? The answer is simple: You throw it away. But when it comes to toxic friends or abusive partners, the answer could be complicated. It may take us a while to figure out if we should keep holding on or let go. Because, well, relationships are like that. What do you do when something is messing up your life? You don't allow it to get worse. Have you ever hung out with a know-it-all? How did it make you feel? Giphy That is why I disconnected from social media on my 5th day of this l o c k d o w n. Disconnect I like to keep myself updated about the current global crisis. Unfortunately, going online is messing up with my mental health lately. My anxiety level is high. I'm having breakouts. My sleeping pattern has been affected. The devil's having a field trip in my head. Giphy Disconnecting from Social MediaI decided to remove the Facebook app on my phone. Install the News Feed Eradicator extension to remove your newsfeed on your desktop. I also didn't check Twitter and Instagram. Disconnect from the internet and reconnect with yourself. Be honest. How important is your virtual image or social presence for you? Studies show that social media is negatively affecting your mental health.Replace Social Media But don't just get rid of your habit of browsing social media. You will only experience withdrawal from it, and the chances of you getting right back into the habit are high. Replace a toxic habit with a nourishing one. That way, you don't feel empty and desperate. Instead of browsing the internet, here's what you can do: 1. Write down your feelings. Don't worry about your grammar or spelling. Just pour out your emotions into writing. When you finish, you'll feel lighter than when you started. I'm speaking from experience. 2. Keep yourself busy with chores. Yes, that may sound boring or lame, but doing chores can be therapeutic. It takes your mind off your problem, and seeing how clean and organized your surroundings are adds to the calmness. 3. Spend more time with your pets. If you're a dog owner, lucky you. You won't feel alone. They're the best therapists in the world. There's nothing a dog's cuddle can't cure. Gfycat 4. Spend more time with people who matter - and nourish your soul - the most. Even when you're locked together in one place, it's easy to take other people for granted when consumed by your time with your gadget. Disconnect with the people online so you can connect with the people around you. 5. Watch a fun show/movie or listen to good music. Note: fun and good. Because you don't want to replace the toxicity of social media with unhealthy entertainment in another form. 6. Workout. You don't have to do strenuous exercises. A simple stretching for a few minutes will do. YouTube has a gazillion video tutorials on different forms of exercise. Check them out and choose something that suits you. 7. Spend time with the Lord. You can read a verse, listen to an inspirational podcast, watch preaching, or attend a mass service online. Churches now serve through YouTube, Facebook Live, or recorded video. After just one day of disconnecting, I feel much better. No kidding. Giphy When you drown out the noise, you feel calmer. Silence is healing. I may not be 100% okay yet, but at least I'm not depressed and worried anymore about something I have no control over. When you remove the weight you carry on your shoulders, you have more energy and strength to do what matters most. You give yourself more time to be productive. More importantly, you'll hear God's voice clearly. You'll feel His presence more powerfully. His perfect love casts out all fears. (1 John 4:18) Your turn What do you do when screen time gets you anxious? What good habits did you replace your bad habits with?
