Jeffnaman's Xanga

Single not so blessedness...

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 06:44:10 GMT

Single not so blessedness...

   Do you ever notice that blogging yourself here makes you think that everyone is reading it? I often wonder why we tend to share our thoughts to everyone. Is it because we needed to express how we feel or something we needed to let it out as if Xanga is another person you are talking to? I don't know, I am just curious. Well, most man don't keep a diary and write their secret-up-to-date event everyday like women would do. Don't get me wrong, its not bad at all and I believe some men would have that type of hobby but definitely not me at all. For example like right now, I am blogging because I feel like I needed to just blog and express what I have in my mind by keeping my fingers hitting the tab and keys as being dictated by what's inside of my mind, however, I don't do it everyday. I feel like I am talking to my computer as if he is my friend. It doesn't even respond to me nor care to what I have to say and think. Does that makes me or you crazy? Crazy in regards to talking to someone who doesn't respond at all as if talking to a wall. Now, that's scary crazy in a way.

    Technically, this blog has nothing to do with the title at all. I am just going with what's inside of my mind and translating it to my ten fingers by pressing different keys (i know its redundant) to create a single word and make it a sentence. There's got to be a reason why am I blogging because if there is not then I am wasting my time and should be sleeping by now. Yeah, this is a dumb blog...seriously. It doesn't make sense at all. Maybe after all, I am the scary crazy because my computer could careless what I type in or not. For that, I should just sleep and be rejuvenated for tomorrow. That way, my mind would be straight up and blog to a much well thought, serious, and worthy reading. Perhaps, a single not so blessedness title will have a better content and relatable. Therefore, I conclude that blogging not just here in Xanga do give us a need to express on what we feel and how we feel regardless of who and what the intentions are for. It could be for venting purposes or just an expression of joy that must be shared to everyone or another type of "diary". After all, depending on who is reading this blog I am compelled to say that I have no idea what the heck I am talking about. For that, let's all laugh it up. Oh Life is great!

"People become so caught up in their own way of communication to the world even to their loved ones that does not involve personal conversation suffers depression. A healthy communication is through personal connection that involves touch (not in a sexual content), eye to eye, and a physical presence that lays a positive ground where assurance of safety and compromise are involved." - Naks Naman Talaga LOL

Updates?

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:46:43 GMT

what in the world am I up too...

    Hello Xanga world!!! It's been a while I have not been paying much attention in this site nor blog constantly. No worries so long as Xanga remain alive will be forever devote myself to this site even if one or two or none would read my blogs. With all other popular people connection sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Multiply, Myspace, etc., etc., clouded the subscription number. Make no mistake Xanga, I will remain loyal! hahaha

    So...what have I been up to in my life? Well, the past two years has been really great with tons of ups and downs. In 2008 was a depressing year for me unlike this year of 2009 it has been more of a blessing personally. Lots of blessings. Okay, totally random...I want to begin from last years events in a chronological form as possible.

what a mess...

Beginning of last year was very hard for me to swallow because I met a girl who I thought "is" the "one". I must say that I fell on the trap because it turns out that it was a rebound. Don't get me wrong, she's a great person and I admire her hardworking effort in regards to her career. She is a very well stable and bright. Make the story short, everything didn't turn out the way I thought it would be after two months of unofficial "dating". Of course I was hurt emotionally. Though, one thing that hurts me the most is that I felt that my life was tainted in regards to being pure singleness. I say it because I never had a girlfriend in my whole because I believe that there is someone for me out there that God has made for me and I in her. Also, I never messed around in regards tos serious relationships, however, I admit that I have gone to a few "dates" or I'd like to call it "hang outs" with her. Granted that if I wanted to be in a relationship would not be a difficult to do but I won't settle for that...I want the person that God has prepared for me. However long do I have to wait, I'd do it as I have been. I praise God for the gift of patience because it gives me more time to be molded and to spend time with my family. I often say to myself, "how can I share my life and love her to the fullest if I don't have a better relationship with my parents and to my siblings, lest, to say to God first?" I must build up that relationship first...it's a prerequisite. Since it wasn't formalize the attempt of courtship, I guess I can still say that I am pure in everything in regards to gf/bf realm.

Then, about a month after being broken hearted and all that stuff, my family's house went to foreclosure. The economy was downhill from the getgo as mortgage companies began to lose grip as if it was a domino game. Unfortunately, our house was one of the victim of countless of foreclosures. The thing that hurts me the most is that it was my family's first ever house here in America. The countless of sweat, blood and sacrifices that my parents had put into came to nothing. It sucks and I am helpless. The value of the house is much lower than it was originally bought. Then dad was laid off and mounting bills continue to rise to the point it was beyond repair. Mom can't provide the whole entire bills and I can't for sure since I didn't have the income to rescue the house. Dad and mom decided to let it go. Mom moves to Houston where my other brother lives while dad continue work in the state of Wisconsin. I was forced to find my own place and was able to settle in one bedroom apartment. It was very hard to let go but sometimes you just have to. Yes, the place will forever be miss but greater things will come.

On top of what was mentioned above, I was pissed off towards the community I served on. Half of my life was and is being molded in the community of Couples for Christ especially in the YFC and SFC. Due to the unreconciled differences that affected many members to either leave, choose sides, and trying to be mediator was no use of mine. It affects me greatly because I believe this is the community that I am ought to serve. To have the division and chaos mixed really took a toll in my perspective in serving CFC community. I was inactive for the whole entire year or two. A few of us tried to rejuvenate the community particulary the SFC but to no avail. I went to a different direction hoping to be active in my parish but that too never really happened. I was mad, upset, and discontent of everything that had happen not knowing what the outcome will be. Fortunately, I remained calm and kept my communication open to the community with the help of my fellow members/circle of friends. It allows me to attend mass almost daily and pray the rosary daily.

Then, my brothers' ongoing nasty divorce leaving four very young children in a broken family. As a guy who preaches and believes in family unity never would I thought that it would happen to my family. It proves me wrong and the devil won at that area (so he thought). It was very difficult for me to mediate the fact that I have no business at all to fix it except to provide moral support and constant prayer. I remember hearing a priest saying during homily that "being a mediator is not the easiest thing to do." Well, WORD! I feel like the whole world just fell on me hard that I was flatten to the ground wondering why am I still breathing. I just thought problems after problems just kept coming and I have no way out of it no matter where I go. I cannot see the light in the end of the tunnel...it was pitch black.

Not done yet...I am sure the devil was enjoying it. I was depressed and fat! With my own mounting bills not knowing how to pay for it just pushed me to the ground even more. With monthly car payments, a student loan, credit card bills that had at least 30% interest fee on each due to several late payments and not having a secure job aka my career job seems it was the end of my life. At times, I would say to myself that someone just drill a hole in my head because I cannot take it of it all. To sum it up...I wanted to commit suicide! I was inches away that I would just either hang myself or stab myself. I just thought it would end all of my problems. Yes, it was tough going through trials and at times to the most extreme and seemingly impossible to overcome.

I must admit that 2008 was one of the darkest moment in my life. Almost all of my new year's resolution of 2008 were dead and unfulfilled leaving empty promises. However, in spite of all the cobble stone of pressures in life, depression, uncertainty, giving up and confusion of the events were somehow a blessing. I say it because I am a much better person had I not gone through trials even if seems impossible to be still. I know better now and I also know that God has a plan; a much greater plans beyond comprehensible. God is full of mystery and nothing can outweight and understand His ways. He is God and He remain one true God the Lord of all the heaven's and earth!

hello 2009...

So, as I begin to reveal what blessings and events had I experience so far in this year of 2009 and what is yet to come is just uncontainable to think of it. God in His majesty and truth will never miss a deadline to what He promised to His people who believes in Him. Before I can elaborate on the events, I want to share one thing what the priest had said in the beginning of this year when I attended a mass in St. Therese shrine. The priest said to "be not afraid". I don't know what it was but I remember vividly hearing it and somehow changes my perspective in life. I made a decision to live freely and happy in spite of what may come in life. Great Pope John Paul II in his own very first word when he became the Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church in 1978 challenged every humanity to "be not afraid." Jesus Himself said to "be not afraid." I must ask, what am I afraid of? What's holding me? Nothing! Fr. John Corapi seals the deal of this year's event when he said that "if love is great, beautiful and wonderful, why not share it? love is a very personal special gift from God Himself". So, be not afraid to go out and share the love to your family, friends, strangers, and the person you are praying for, to yourself, to the world and especially to God Himself. These are my challenges and duties that I need to do.

Beginning of this year, I made a promise that I will only have three major new year's resolutions. One of the resolution is to be fully active in SFC again while the other is to start venturing my career path as a police officer one day. Then, I decided to do novenas for a specific reason of my third resolution. At first, it was supposed to be just five different novenas but after finishing the fifth novena, I was enthralled to add four more to complete an 81 days. Why 81? I thought of 9x9 since there are 9 days per novena prayer. I had 9 different novena so it'd make sense. So, I ended up doing nine straight novenas. After finishing the ninth different novenas, I felt I should just do novena everyday for the sake of lost souls in this world and the conversion needed as Mother Mary had begged us to do. Well, as long as I live I will continue to do novenas everyday aside from praying the rosary.

So far...

January: I started my novenas as mentioned above with St. Joseph in the lead because I wanted to be like him as a future husband/father someday. I won't elaborate but God affirmed my line up. It was followed by St. Francis of Assisi, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Jude and the Holy Spirit. Then, I got a bouquet of roses in which I won't elaborate much either. Since last year, I would come in front of St. Therese giant carve wood with some of her relics sealed in a small glass container asking her to send me flowers. Lo, and behold, she did =). One thing I can say is that it is the same flowers (17 total) that it is still in the vase with the textures and colors intact as I am typing right now. Miracle? Maybe, but I do know that it made me smile whenever I look at it. I never really shared it to anybody. So, never hesitate to come to St. Therese. Not bad to really start the year =). Oh, how can I forget, drove my mom to houston for 19hrs without sleeping...yeah gotta love our mom. Also, I was tapped to be one of the household heads in the SFC here in my area. Marched for the Pro-Life event for the first time! (not sure what month that was but it was very cold indeed).

February: My work schedule changed. From midnight shift to afternoon shift which a lot better. I don't know how I manage to work midnight shifts for 8 months but I did it somehow. I like my work schedule now except I still have to work on weekends which kinda stinks at times. All good though cos God hook me up whenever I needed a weekend off or switch shift. Then, I was able to visit my cousin in Orange County, CA for the very first time. I was there for a total of four days. The weather was beautiful and the sun was out the entire time I was there...it was just perfect. I was able to meet new SFC members and friends and being reunited with good old YFC/SFC friends. Had a great time with my cousin, went to mass almost everyday and into the Cathedral, travel all over LA and eat wherever, lunch and dinner with few of the two of my most inspiring and important ladies in my life that I had served with...it's priceless all together!

March: Spending time with family of course...went to Holy Hill Church a few times. Back in service to my beloved SFC. Was tap to lead the Christian Life Program for the SFC. The crazy thing is that God cleared all my four consecutive friday to retained my service in leading the CLP. It was humbling of course but it was a challenge too while it taught me to be patience and self-control. My counterpart was another inspiring and a very dearest friend Yvette plus Charlene haha. Great job guys.

April: Tending the SFC CLP throughout the month. I love my household members. I have gained lots of respect for and of them. I am humbled by them and as responsible leader for them. It's weird because we all feel like we have known each other since childhood because we're very comfortable with our company and we get along very easily. I really praise God for that. Also, reunited to my old mission team from Minnesota, though, it was a bittersweet get together since one of the sister had passed away due to cancer illness. We all believe she is in a better place now in Heaven. Nonetheless, it was a great time to be with each other. Also, my brother graduated finally for nursing. Soo proud of him. Nothing is too late.

May: I was asked to serve in the YFC pre-conference. It was truly amazing to be back and serve with the people you try to lead when they were younger. It's a great witness how much to see the fruit of its labor. Some of these youth have grown so much and are now taking the lead to the next generationl. Then, more time with family and I feel that my relationship with my family are getting better and better and we are all getting along and getting closer and closer. I guess that's what happen when you are living in your own self. It's just a great feeling to have my whole entire family gathered in one place once or twice a year...such a perfect moment indeed.

June: Started training for my venture in becoming a police officer. I told myself that I will get there whenever and however...I will get there. Be part of one of the finest officer. Will be taking my test next week and I'm gonna give it my all. If I make it great, if not, at least I tried. One thing for sure is that this is not a one time thing but it's the beginning of this great journey in becoming a police officer. More testing coming up and applications are in line...training in every way is taking a heavy toll on me but no pain no gain. Fr. John Corapi once said, "if you can't get to the battlefield, how are you going to fight?" WORD! That is why training is essential in every way. Mother Teresa once said, "it's not how successful you should become instead as long as you just keep on trying". WORD too!! haha. Also, I can enthusiastically and proudly say that Edelissa and Alane had graduated. Super proud of them and I am happy to witness it. I love them very dearly. So far, that's what's happening in my life.

To recap (yes guys, I do recap just for this exception hahaha): In spite of what I had gone through in life, there is a light in the end of the tunnel. God has been great to me and I cannot deny the fact that I am blessed and that He is fully alive and present. I am humbled by His availability through the presence in the Holy Eucharist wether be in mass or in adoration waiting to open my door as He knocks. He is great indeed and good. Of all the things that I have gone through, I have become more mature in my faith and as a person. Yes, I will make many mistakes and shortcomings but I have gained wisdom to determine what's right and what's wrong. I learned how to take chances and risks in life, responsible and fully independent person and yet dependent in Christ. Life is too short as I say often but I dare to choose life regardless.

As I end this blog, I want to clarify the outcome of my downtime in life of last year. The "girl" and I ended the fiasco in a good note. Eight months since we part ways, we are able to iron everything out. I was honest to her and she apologized. To me, it was a conclusion on that part of my life. Yes, my bar is set even higher and nothing would I settle for less. In regards to the house, it's officially foreclosed and we barely visit to our old house. We get emotional sometimes when we drove by but we are in a better thriving to betterness now. With my service in Singles for Christ, I could never be happier. It's like a great drama that the ending ends up in a good note. The bad guys are dead and the good ones lives one OR the good ones died in exchange for the freedom and prosperify of all. Lots of emotion/passion/fear/confusion/anger but in the end of the day, it came out just okay. Fully serving and will continue to do so til God directs me somewhere. My brother's situation is in a much better ballfield now. My brother and his ex-wife are in good terms and that they shared the utmost care for their kids needs and affections. Both got remarried not with each other and remained family friends. With the chaos and darkness that lurks in my life last year, I am grateful that I never pursue what I tried to contemplate in taking my life down. I am forever grateful and that I realized I have a purpose in this world. I was saved not of me but by the GRACE of God. God is really great and forever good! Sorry for the long blog but I sure hope that you choose Christ.

Still to come...a wedding of my two beloved and an old school best friends...my circle of friends in August. A trip to Denver, Colorado a week later. Then, September comes will be in Maryland for the SFC Conference...that I am excited too. Lastly, at the end of this year, a trip to the Philippines for our 10th year high school reunion. I'll be traveling alone and that I am excited the most. I have no clue where am I going to find the money but I know God will provide and make the way. Then next year's summer will be a wedding to my brother in Cebu, Philippines. I know that God has greater plans for me and many things are yet to be revealed but whatever it is...I want to live one day at a time yearning for simplicity in my life. God bless you!

   "Be not afraid" - Pope John Paul II

It'll be a great summer...

Fri, 22 May 2009 05:53:54 GMT

So yeah...

As I was driving on my way home from work, I was listening to one of the Christian radio station here in Chicago. The radio commentator said something during the in between songs as if she was speaking to me directly. I was very nonchalant listening to the radio cos I was paying attention to the red light when all of sudden it came clear to my ears that got me really inspired and hopeful. She said that, "I am going to make a pact with you that this summer will be a different summer and will make it a memorable one." Then she goes on by saying, "deal? okay, shake hands. That's a deal" Now, I don't know what it was but I felt as if this is something that I can actually do. It did excites me after hearing it. Euphoria? Maybe but I felt God is using her to tell me to really look forward this summer. I don't know what summer will be like nor what to expect but I am going to enjoy it and I can feel it. I know one thing that it'll be a very busy, again VERY BUSY especially with the wedding preparations, conferences, job hunting, not to mention SFC , work, and cubs game. Well, I just wanted to share it. I encourage you to really look forward this summer by making it different and a memorable one. God bless.

Hope and Patience...

Mon, 11 May 2009 19:42:54 GMT

April 2, 2009 Meditation...

I meant to post this mass reading meditation a while back because it really struck a cord on me about hope and patience. It is funny how God would speak to you when you needed answer of any lingering questions in your life. At times when you are in the middle of uncertain events, crisis, bewilderment, anxiousness of what you hope and prayed for seems eternity. Impatience and lack of trust would affect our hope which in turns to hopelessness. However, God in His ultimate love wants nothing more than our trust in Him. His grace gives us the strength to believe in what we hope for that accord to His will. The thing about us is that we give up so easily. As Mother Angelica once said, "if you pray for something, believe that you received it." Let our hope be place in Christ hands. Here is the meditation on April 2, 2009 mass reading. The character are based on Abraham and Sarah's journey in Christ.

Meditation: Genesis 17:3-9

If you had to wait a long time for something, even for something important, would have the patience of Abraham and Sarah?

When Abraham was seventy-five years old, God promised to make a great nation spring for him, even though he was childless (Gen 12:1-4). Now Abraham is ninety-nine, Sarah is ninety, and God is telling them to get ready! Then, at just the right time, Isaac is born, and from him and his descendants come God's chosen people, Israel.

Some waiting is filled with eager expectation, like anticipating the visit of a close friend after many year's absence. However, having to wait for something that we really want can be distressing, especially if we're uncertain if or when it will happen. We may grow restless, anxious, and doubtful, or feel trapped and impatient. But when we let these feelings get better of us, we're like a bird that madly hurls itself against the bars of its cage - we only make the problem worse.

Waiting on the Lord isn't supposed to be an exercise in frustration; it's an opportunity to exercise our faith! Take Abraham as your model. Abraham put his trust in God and saw beyond his circumstances, believing that God could accomplish whatever he promised. We have inherited that promise, which God fulfilled for us by raising his only Son from the dead. Nothing is impossible for him. But as Abraham's story shows, sometimes the impossible takes a bit longer!

What are you waiting for right now? Perhaps you've been praying for someone who is in a desperate situation with health or finances, or perhaps you are in such a situation yourself. Perhaps you've been praying for the conversion of someone who is far from God. If you have done what you can, trust God to do the rest! You may not see what you're looking for right away, but that doesn't mean that God has abandoned you. He is at work even now, forming you more deeply during this time of waiting. He knows what is best for you. Abraham and Sarah are proof that no matter how long you have to wait, God's time is always the appointed time!

"Faithful God, forgive my impatience and my lack of trust. Help me to rest securely in your plan and to wait with expectant for whatever you bring me."

The power of three...

Mon, 04 May 2009 08:07:27 GMT

The power of three...

I
   I meant to share this to everyone about the beauty of the greatest gift of God about hope, faith, and love. Hope because it places your worries and expectations to God even when it seems all things failed, unrepair and unachievable. Faith because it reverses every probabilities and curiosities in life into reality of God's mighty power (through Him nothing is impossible). Love because it completes all that were mentioned above. Without love, hope and faith cannot exist. To love brings hope and faith. A person cannot expect to love without hoping and believing to its specific intention of love. Nor, a person cannot have faith and love of something without hoping and yearning its intention. The three most powerful and greatest gift intertwined together. No more or no less, its equal. Hope cannot exist when you do not love what you hope for. Faith cannot exist without love because it has to have an intention to believe of something. Love and intention goes together. Likewise, without faith and hope, love cannot exist in itself because pure love comes in believing and yearning. Though love is the greatest of the three as Christ Himself taught us, hope and faith completes the real meaning of love.
      Jesus Christ is love BUT He too is faith and hope. In order for us to love Christ, we first have to faith and believe in Him. You cannot love Christ without believing in Him first. For a person to believe in Christ must have hope in Him. To hope is to believe as to believe is to love. When love is expressed, hope bridges the intention in order to allow faith completes the transaction of a response from the intended party or parties. Once again, faith, hope, and love must always be together.

II
    The same can be said to the Holy Trinity where the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is one. No more, no less. Three are equal but one. It's the oneness of the Trinity. The Father and the Son are one together and due to their oneness of their love, it created another person which is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the love between the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is the outcome of its divine love that reaches out and connects to every single human being. Since the Father and the Son is divine, the only way to be in oneness with every human being is through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit transcends into every human soul since human beings are mortal. The Holy Spirit is God in itself. It is not a messenger nor a helper but God in itself. We as human beings should not be afraid to call out the name of the Holy Spirit because the Holy Spirit is the one that guides us, purifies us, moves us and leads us to the oneness of the divine Father and of the divine Son. The Holy Spirit is a gift to us from above. The Holy Spirit is what seal the oneness between the divine Father and the divine Son. That is why they are are called Holy Trinity. The same can be said that the Holy Spirit is what seal the oneness of every human being to the infinite love of the Father and of the Son.

III
      Faith, hope, and love cannot exist together if one is not present. The Holy Trinity is not complete when the Holy Spirit is not believe as God in itself. Likewise, a family cannot be called a family if both parents are in the same gender whether be raising a child or not. It threatens the entire sacredness of a true definition of a family, least to say, the whole entire humanity from this present generation to the many generations to come. It slowly degrades the moral and ethical perspective of the people while it gives a sanctuary of permissiveness and the notion of a slippery slope. Permissiveness do a lot of harm and damages when its intention counteract the purity of moral and ethics of what it means of a family. It definitely violates the holiness of what family should be. True family consist of a father and a mother and a child or children. However, some married couple cannot conceive a child due to physical complications or at rare times its God's purpose not to be able to conceive a biological baby. The fact is that the status of being married is in itself pure and valid. One thing to remember is that family consist of a husband and a wife not in the same gender. The most beautiful artwork God ever painted for us is the Holy Family. It is truly a symbol of pureness in life. Christians or non-Christians, believers or nonbelievers can look at the picture of the Holy Family as a guide of what family should be.

I hope this gives you guys a few hindsight or something to think about. At times when you feel in doubt or challenged by world's negative influences in regards to the issues above, step back and ask God's wisdom to remind you. All of the above is what I have learned throughout my years in serving the Lord. I yearn to learn more about Him and His teaching. Never be afraid to present Christ to everyone's heart. God bless you.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:03:06 GMT

A message from Fr. John Corapi...

Yesterday I saw something that struck me as out of place, or, perhaps, just the normal secular distortion of religion—imagine that! It was a passing note on a news broadcast, I believe, noting that “the somber and dark period of Lent has now begun.” I think they may have been comparing it to the mayhem and general debauchery that often takes place in certain places prior to Lent at Mardi Gras.

My dear friends, Lent is not a “somber and dark period.” I think at times, even among Catholics and other Christians, that notion has drifted about. Lent is the most hope-filled time we have, culminating in the blaze of glory that is Easter. It is the period of preparation for the Lord’s Paschal sacrifice. It is a time for penance and prayer, alms giving, and other works of virtue and charity. Most of all, it is a time to recall God’s infinite love and mercy for us, manifested in the life, mission, death, and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We recall, at all times, but especially during the holy season of Lent, that “even if our sins be as scarlet, they can be made whiter than snow, washed by the Blood of the Lamb.” Perhaps some of the folks that think Lent is a “somber and dark period,” also think that the sacrament of Penance or Confession is also somehow in the same category. How wrong they are. The great sacrament of Reconciliation is a sense perceptible manifestation of God’s love and mercy that effects (causes to happen) what it signifies. It takes away the guilt of sin. It reconciles the sinner (that’s every one of us) to God. It unburdens the heart, mind, and soul. In short, it is a cause for the greatest joy! Lent is filled with the Light Who is Christ.

Have a blessed and joyous Lent, knowing that God’s mercy and love are there for all of us—and GO TO CONFESSION!

God bless you,

Fr. John Corapi

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:39:38 GMT

A bailout? what? huh?...

I was about to take my first bite during dinner when I heard the news reporter stating that the porn industry is asking a bailout from the government. Honestly, I almost lost my appetite when I heard it. I mean a bailout from the government seems unethical and immoral in any sense. I understand that the economy is in turmoil right now both in the US and abroad but asking money from the government is outrageous. This really angers me because the fact that the money that the government use to bailouts any struggling companies are the money are from the taxpayers.

The fact that porn industries are earning at least US$10 billion annually. I repeat, US$10billion annually and yet they are asking an amount of US$5 billion from the taxpayers money. That is US$5 billion! So outrageous! One of the reason they need a bailout from the government is due to a low of consumer demand. Arguably that any porn industries will never lost any customers unfortunately because there are countless of hormonial people in this world who cannot resist their desire towards sexual demand. I am not against to any porn industries implementing any of their businesses whatsoever because of their freedom of press but the fact that an industry who made US$10billion is just not right at all. Though, I believe that porn industry should be abolished personally. Practically, it is just impossible but hopefully I am proven wrong.

Any industries who promote pornography has a lot of negative aspects and outcomes. It causes a lot of division towards marriage couple and it destroys the sanctity of marriage. Unfortunately and sadly to say that the divorce rate here in the US climb up to 52%. That is 3% more from the past 2 years. One of the key players of this treamendous climb is due to pornographic assertions. Asides from that fact, there are also countless of children being traffick worldwide particularly in the third world countries. These children are being use towrads prostitutions, sex slavery, and given false hopes to those who are descent and innocent children. It is a damning and disheartening act of these low life CEO's who only care about their company and income. They could careless about the lives of the many innocent who were given a false hope. Many performers in the porn industries suffered a lifelong brokenness in life when realizing it. It also fuels to many teenagers engaging into sexual intercourse to some as young as 5 years old. I mean, that is 5 years old. This has to stop!

While I was completing my degree in Criminal Social Justice almost two years ago, I had taken various classes from sex offenders to juvenile crimes to name a few. Interestingly, there are many events that had happen that are unimaginable. Countless of victims who's lives are ruined throughout their lives because of these predators who fantasizes what they see in a porn movie. Porn movie is definitely a vessel for these people who engages it wether they know it or not. I want to conclude this blog by sharing you what I think a very unfortunate and a sad true story about a father and his own daughter. Hearing from this story from a former Chicago police (CPD), former teacher and a mentor tighten my desire to combat human trafficking. This really open my love to the very least fortunate and uninformed people who's lives where taken advantage. I do believe in hope and recovery but when porn industries continues to promote their business will be a long lasting battle.

There was a father who was taking care of his own daughter. The mother went for grocery shopping early in the morning. While the mother was away, the father was engaging into sexual intercourse for his own daughter. What really is crazy is that the daughter is only six-months old. True, a six-months old. When the mother arrived from the grocery store, she found her husband and the father of her own daughter engaging into sexual intercourse. She was frozen because of what she saw but was able to call a police. Soon as the mother called the police, her husband left the house and was staring straight to her own six-month old daughter helpless. The daughter's u know was filled with human feces. Not long after the father left, police arrived. The first police responder was shocked what he saw. He told us that he (the police, my teacher) might have shot the father of what was being done to his daughter. The police broke in tears because at that time, he too had three younger daughters. It was a heart-wrenching event and a sad, sad, sad true event.

The reason why I am sharing this because this is the reality behind curtains. We hear lots of news where coaches, teachers, police officers, clergymen, etc. engaging into sexual intercouse one way or the other. Least to say, fathers allowing their own children to be sold for sex in exchange for money or any means. This is sad but its real. I hope and pray that there will be an end to this. Do not be afraid to report to the authority if suspicious act is being made. Name can be remain unanimous when reporting. Trust me! A bailout from the government to the porn industry is just not gonna cut it hopefully.

"Isn't life worth living for?" - Bishop Fulton Sheen

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 17:14:36 GMT

kids these days (talk about pressure..not haha)...

I remember one time when my neice was with me in the car telling me what she really dreamed of. She said by saying, "Uncle Jeff, do you know what I really dreamed of?" I responded by saying, "what is it?" "That I will have many more cousins," replied of her with a movement extending both her arms sideways. She was only 5 years old at that time.

So, yesterday they were over at my apartment when my oldest nephew walk by me at the kitchen area asking when will I ever get married. I replied by saying soon jokingly. Then he pressed on by saying, "I never heard you dated anyone? You have to start dating now uncle?" I felt being blind sided by the the question while he was telling me all this things. And then he went on by saying, "I already dated someone when I was in third grade." "I beat you already with dating thing." I said to myself, "what the heck did this all idea came in?" Ohhhhh, kids these days...where do they get all this influences hahaha.

Well, I just thought of sharing it cos I thought it was really funny. Merry Christmas to all of you and a blessed new year. GOd bless to all. Jesus is born.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:17:11 GMT

My response to Mama Mary...

I came across to a discussion about Mama Mary's role in the world. I was fascinated because it was a devout Protestant who blog it. It was refreshing how they put a lot of positive emphasis about Mama Mary's role and how they acknowledge her important yes to God. Though, there were some differences in terms of the comments responding to the topic for both Catholics and Protestant but nonetheless, it was exciting to me to the fact that they are actually talking about her. Well, I could not resist but give my token of knowledge as well as my enthusiam with our beloved Mother Mary.

Here is my response:

Wow, I am impressed by this blog. I am happy that the thoughts of Virgin Mary is being brought up. I love all the comments above because it truly shows that people are looking into the life of Mary. Some I may not agree with but nonetheless, it is refreshing to know how people look at her someway or the other.

I am a devout Catholic and I look at her as my real mother too, though I have a biological mother. Growing up with a mother who is devout Catholic and a father who is devout Protestant sometimes brings interesting perspective. My dad however never forced us (children) where to follow but he consistently brings about his side of belief. My mother on the other hand never talks about her faith but continue to pray the rosary every day. Both never clashes but reserved their mutual respect. It all boils down to us where we should follow. Fortunately, we decided to follow the Catholic faith. Least to say, we built that children and father respect in terms of our faith. Though my dad is vocal as always in his faith but we practiced respect as we grew up.

In regards to Mama Mary, we do not worship to Mary but we preserved her in a very special way. I cannot fathom to be chosen by God to carry a baby who was and is the Savior of all. A Holy and God of Himself Jesus Christ. Mama Mary in her humble attitude accepted not for fame but in obedience to God. As she state, "I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to Your Word" then she continue to by saying, "from now on, everyone will call me blessed." Blessed in the essence of an agape love will she not only a vessel but a tabernacle of Jesus body, soul, and divinity. That's undescribable honor given to Mama Mary. I believe we ought to give her a respect regardless what you and I view at her. The fact that she is the Mother of Jesus, we ought to respect her as Jesus respect His own beloved Mother.

In regards to St. Joseph or I like to call him papa Joseph have a similar role and yet different as his wife. God choose Joseph to emphasize what a family should be. An ideal family that consist of a husband, a wife, and a child or children. That is why they are called a Holy Family. However, Joseph was not only a "fill-in" in the picture of an ideal family but he had major important role throughout the conception of Jesus into Mary to Jesus public ministry. St. Joseph responsibilities as many husband ought to do is protect his wife and the child she was carrying. Imagine how Joseph's thoughts and feelings running in his every vain knowing that if they are captured, there is a chances that Jesus will be kill. When Mama Mary where overly fatigue as they escaped in their own town to find a safe haven, I bet Joseph gave every strength he had to make sure his wife will be okay and the baby she is carrying. He knows what the stakes are but he persistently pressed on to get to a safe place. From dry places to a multiple crossing heavy current rivers to begging many houses for a safe delivery to no avail and yet he continued on until they found a barn to finally deliver the baby born Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. St. Joseph as the foster father of Jesus ought to have our respect in his courage, obedience and love for his love of his wife and his own foster son Jesus Christ. I believe Jesus honor His own foster father as he honor His own mother Mary just as written in the fourth commandment, "honor thy father and thy mother."

To clear some misconceptions of St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary, they never had any other children aside from Jesus Himself. None, in the bible nor any historical letters that support the notion of their marriage as having other kid(s). It would dispel the reality of Christ Jesus being born as the ONLY Son of God. Because Jesus was fully human too and that His mother is fully human shares flesh and blood to Jesus. Believing that Mama Mary and Joseph had "other" kids and that Jesus had brothers as mentioned in the bible must not look at literally. In those days up to this present times, Christians often calls each other brothers and sisters but it does not need to be in the same biological parent. Well hope this clears some of it.

We may not agree in a lot of things but one thing we can agree for sure, that is we can respect each others belief and point of views. Have a wonderful Christmas everyone and blessed new year .

...i meant to say that Joseph was probably afraid that they will get captured since King Herod at that time ordered his soldiers to kill every first born child. That is one of the reasons why they had to leave their own town. Btw, we should uphold our Christian belief to fight and stand for the preservation of life and the sanctity of marriage as Jesus commanded us. We have an obligation as Christians to stand any moral disfigurement whether being Catholics, Protestant, Baptist, including those who practice Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, etc who shares the value of life and justice. Let us unite and joined forces! Stand and be counted that is for Christ favor.

"...blessed are you amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus"

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:48:18 GMT

Bittersweet...

There are probably countless of people here in America felt a bittersweet like I did. After watching the news that Sen. Obama had won in the presidential election to be elected as the 44th President in the United States of America was truly a historic moment. Having a first African-American to lead in the greatest nation in the world is something that generations to come will be talking about. To capture the moment of his face after receiving his speech and stood at the podium for few more minutes waving and thanking those who were at Grant Park was very moving (yes, including myself) knowing that the barrier of racism had been tear down (at least that's what I hope) by seeing all types of nationalities were at the crowd present. It is a remarkable accomplishment indeed after 50+ years how African-American had struggled. It truly symbolizes not only to the African-American community but to all types of nationalities. It is indeed a historic moment and I am happy to witness it.

In spite of the historic moment having Sen. Obama being elected to be the next president of the United States of America gives me a sour stomach because of where he stand some of his belief. I have presented my views before and during the election and will continue to do so when confronted that I will not be silent where I differ where Pres.-elect Obama promise to do so that goes against my belief or to the Catholic teaching. This is America and this is what is great about America that you are entitled for your free speech and views as long as you do not do harm any physical means to the other party. For that gift, I am so blessed and grateful for the Lord as millions of US citizens here and abroad are grateful.

Yes, I am afraid and I am more fearful of what this future will come about for this next administration. I have been supportive to some of the democratic policies but one thing that I have and will never could agree of is the moral issue of life in the cause of abortion, sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, death penalty which should be the central issue of every election. Though, I would give Obama-Biden administration the benefit of the doubt that they will hear our cries and voices when an issue about proctecting defenseless people. However, I also believe that there is a reason of everything and I hope God in His omnipotent power changes the heart of the Obama-Biden administration in regards to life. I was never shocked of the result of this election instead I kept having flashes from those aborted babies that I have seen as well as the entity of marriage between a man and a woman and other issues that relates to the pro-life movement.

Truly, my heart aches thinking about the sacredness of life and the sanctity of marriage because it is in a great danger but I know that I am assured that God will provide every necessary means to stand and defend life to those who yearn for it. As Sen. McCain once said that "differing issue will continue to be fought on" but we can move on and support the new elected president. True, I can give my full support and will pray for this new admistration but I will not be silent fighting for the sanctity of marriage, abortion, capital punishment when in danger. It will be very interesting to know what this new administration will do but I hope they will hear the many voices of those who protect and preserve lives especially those most defenseless human beings.

I sure hope to myself and the countless defender and supporter that we will not be carried away for any rhetorical plans to this new admistration when the sacredness of life is being threatened. I beg you whoever you are to defend life! God is in our side and He has a greater plan to each one of us beyond measure as long as we anchored our lives to Him. God never losses and were never defeated instead He conquered Death! We live in a very cultural environment that the essence of life God gaves us is in great danger. WE CANNOT ALLOW THIS COUNTRY NOR THE WHOLE WORLD TO BE A CULTURE OF DEATH. Let us continue to fix our eyes on Jesus for He already promised our place in Heaven. Indeed, a bittersweet feeling but I have hope. A hope for a greater vision of God's plan and what He intends to do in this country. May God bless you, the new elected president, this country and the whole world.

"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and in His grace gives us unfailing courage and firm hope, encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good." 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17