Moments_My Year End Prayer 2007

Incoming Year 2008

"Lord when I lose hope because my plans have come to nothing,help me to remember that Your love is always greater than my disappointments and your plans for my life are always better than my dreams."

Amen

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Christmas 2007

 

Christmas is not about material gifts, but about the gift of being present with those we cherish, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime."

Merry Christmas EveryJuan!!!


#Christmas,
#MerryChristmas,
#MerryChristmas2007,

#istariray23moments,

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Moments_What Happens in Heaven

This is one of the nicest e-mail's I have seen and is so true:

I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels.
My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, "This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are Received."
I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.

Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.
The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them."

I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.

Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment Section," my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed. "How is it that there is no work going on here?" I asked.

"So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments ."

"How does one acknowledge God's blessings?" I asked.

"Simple," the angel answered. Just say, "Thank you, Lord."

"What blessings should they acknowledge?" I asked.

"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy ."

"And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity."
Also ......

" If you woke up this morning with more health than illness… you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day ."

"If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation....you are ahead of 700 million people in the world."

"If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world ."

"If your parents are still alive and still married...you are very rare ."

"If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair."

Ok, what now? How can I start?

If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.

Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you want, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are.

ATTN:

Acknowledge Dept.: "Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people to share it with."

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Moments_Don't give up

One day I decided to quit...

I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality. ..
I wanted to quit my life.
I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.

"God", I asked, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"
His answer surprised me...
"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"
"Yes", I replied.
"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.
I gave them light.
I gave them water.
The fern quickly grew from the earth.
Its brilliant green covered the floor.
Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.
In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.
And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said.
"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.
But I would not quit.
In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would
not quit." He said.

"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared
to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. ..But just 6
months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.
It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.
I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

He asked me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots".
"I would not quit on the bamboo.
I will never quit on you."
"Don't compare yourself to others."
He said.
"The bamboo had adifferent Purpose than the fern.
Yet they both make the forest beautiful."
"Your time will come", God said to me.
"You will rise high"
"How high should I rise?"
I asked.
"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.
"As high as it can?" I questioned.
"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
I left the forest and brought back this story.
I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.
Never, Never, Never Give up.
For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

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Moments_Where the wedding ring should be worn...

Why should the wedding ring be worn on the fourth finger?
There is a beautiful and convincing explanation given by the Chinese.....

Thumb represents your Parents
Second (Index) finger represents your Siblings
Middle finger represents your-Self
Fourth (Ring) finger represents your Life Partner
& the Last (Little) finger represents your children

Firstly, open your palms (face to face), bend the middle fingers and hold them together - back to back
Secondly, open and hold the remaining three fingers and the thumb - tip to tip

Now, try to separate your thumbs (representing the parents)..., they will open, because your parents are not destined to live with you lifelong, and have to leave you sooner or later.
Please join your thumbs as before and separate your Index fingers (representing siblings)...., they will also open, because your brothers and sisters will have their own families and will have to lead their own separate lives.

Now join the Index fingers and separate your Little fingers (representing your children)...., they will open too, because the children also will get married and settle down on their own some day.

Finally, join your Little fingers, and try to separate your Ring fingers (representing your spouse).
You will be surprised to see that you just CANNOT....., because Husband & Wife have to remain together all their lives - through thick and thin!!

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Moments_What does love mean?

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, " What does love mean? " The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think :
_____

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."
Rebecca- age 8
____

"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."
Billy - age 4 (I love this one)

_____

"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other."
Karl - age 5
_____

"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs."
Chrissy - age 6
__

"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."
Terri - age 4
____

"Love is when my mummy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."
Danny - age 7
_____

"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mummy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss" Emily - age 8
____

"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."
Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)
_____

"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,"
Nikka - age 6 (we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)
_____

"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday."
Noelle - age 7
___

"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well."
Tommy - age 6
____

"Love is when Mummy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken."
Elaine-age 5
_____

"Love is when Mummy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford."
Chris - age 7
_____

"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."
Mary Ann - age 4
____

"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones."
Lauren - age 4
_____

"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." (what an image)
Karen - age 7
_____

"Love is when Mummy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross."
Mark - age 6
_____

"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."
Jessica - age 8
_____



And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.


The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbour was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbour, the little boy said,

"Nothing, I just helped him cry"

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Moments_The Real Ones and The Fake Ones

FAKE FRIENDS: Never ask for food.
REAL FRIENDS: are the reason you have no food.

FAKE FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr/Mrs
REAL FRIENDS: Call your parents DAD/MOM

FAKE FRIENDS: Never seen you cry.
REAL FRIENDS: Cry with you

FAKE FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.
REAL FRIENDS: Keep your shirt so long they forget it's yours.

FAKE FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
REAL FRIENDS: Could write a book about you with direct quotes from you.

FAKE FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that is what the crowd is doing.
REAL FRIENDS: Will kick the whole crowds that left you.

FAKE FRIENDS: Would knock on your front door.
REAL FRIENDS: Walk right in and say &IM HOME

FAKE FRIENDS: Are for a while.
REAL FRIENDS: Are for life.

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Moments_Thankfulness

Thankfulness - A way of life

Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Eph.5:20

We take most of life for granted. It is often only in difficult times or in crisis that we do not. It is usually at such times that we truly have been appreciated that we have been helped or have survived. However feeling thankful should not well up in us only at hose times. It should characterize our whole way of life.

We truly possess only what we are thankful for. What we take for granted is something that we do not really have; it slips through our fingers. The things that we are thankful for are the things that we endow with meaning. These things can be the momentous, or small and seemingly insignificant. We can be thankful not only for the gifts of life and health, friendship and safety but also for kind words, a beautiful sunset or that things went well at work.

Gratitude is thus an acknowledgement that so much of our life is really a gift. These gifts come from God's generous heart through the loving hands of others. Life itself comes from Him and so does joy, well-being, safety, meaning and purpose. In being thankful, we not only please God and give others their rightful due, but we weave a more beautiful pattern into the fabric of our life with others.

Thankfulness puts melody in our hearts and helps us to see the source and giver of life. Gratitude helps us to rightly define ourselves and to see ourselves in a proper light. For we do not make all happen; we are simply recipients of so much from the Father's hand. We are not wholly the makers of our own destiny; we have been given so much by others. When we have the eyes to see, our whole way of life can be marked by thankfulness and thus by a new inner joy....

Lord, give me the eyes to see the blessing that You constantly give to me so that my life may be characterized by thankfulness to You for Your grace, blessing and mercy... Amen.

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Moments_They come for reason

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. 

When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. 

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. 

They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. 

They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. 

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. 

Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. 

Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. 

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. 

The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. 

They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. 

Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. 

Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

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Moments_Our Tomorrow

What we are today is the by-product of what we decide yesterday...

"... if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands...,

I will give you a long life." 1Kings 3:14

A lot of people measure their worth by their work - both position and possessions. It has become the norm in making important decisions in life.

Are you faced with tough times that require stringent decisions? What standards guide our decision-making processes? 

God's way, as we know it, is straight. Yet the more that we grow in our Christian Faith the more that we see the road we travel has curves, bumps, and junctions.,

In our journey, we are confronted by the crossroads of life. Should we take the left or the right turn?

Some may even have taken the U-turn. Nevertheless, if we trust God for directions we shall meet with imminent triumph.

King Solomon was faced with various challenges. Yet it was during the tough times of leadership when He made the finest choice unprecedented in history (1kings 3:1-15). When confronted with the "CROSSROADS" of life like Solomon, we should:

1. Acknowledge God in the midst of Confusions;

2. Satisfy Him by choosing the right Decisions;

3. Keep His Word demonstrated through Applications.

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Moments_Starting all over again...

I have been into so many free blog sites that could cater to my blog...

searching...searching...

until I found one...

though finding that one still urges me to look for another one that really suits what I needed...

then I stumbled upon this site...

hope this would be my new home and all...

#Blog,

#Blogger,

#istariray23moments,

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Happy Father's Day!

"A father's love is a melody that resonates deep within the hearts of his children,
creating harmonious memories that last a lifetime."

#Ama,

#Tatay,

#Papa,

#Dada,

#Daddy,

#Papi,

#Papito,

#Padre,

#Father,

#FathersDay,

#HappyFathersDay,

#istariray23moments,

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Happy Mother's Day!

In celebrating Mother's Day, we also recognize the diversity of mother figures in our lives - grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and friends who embody maternal love and care.

These women may not be biological mothers, but they play vital roles in nurturing, guiding, and loving us just like a mother would.

Mother's Day is an opportunity to extend our appreciation and gratitude to all maternal figures who have made a positive impact on our lives.

#Nanay, #Ina, #Mommy, #Mom, #Mama,

#MothersDay,

#HappyMothersDay,

#FurMom,

#DadMom,

#ShouldBeMom,

#SoloMom,

#NewMom,

#GrandMom,

#ChosenMom,

#ExpectingMom,

#istariray23moments,

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Concieving

Just got out from Las Piñas Doctors Hospital and indeed can't believe the result of my medical exam...

As per the doctor, it is already a month now. 

Surprised though excited... I can't explain- I guessed mixed emotions... the doctor said loud and clear that I was indeed anticipating...

Wow! I'm going to be a mommy soon... Dom is so excited and started guessing the gender of our very 1st baby...

He started formulating names for a baby boy and a baby girl...... 

My mind is moving faster ahead of me now...

Lord, please be upon me... help me to carry on...

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Baguio City's PanagBenga Festival 🌺🌼🌸

Up in the picturesque mountains of Baguio, we found ourselves amidst the beauty of nature and culture, accompanied by our youngest, Precious, and our sister, Apol, who had been there for weeks, tending to our dear Sunshine.

🌺🌼🌸 🌺🌼🌸 🌺🌼🌸 🌺🌼🌸 

Our purpose?

To immerse ourselves in the enchanting Baguio Flower Festival, also known as the "PanagBenga Festival."

The experience was nothing short of magical - from the sweeping vistas to the lively parade, the melodic tunes filling the air, the kaleidoscope of vibrant costumes, and the sight of children dancing joyfully in the streets of Session Road.

It was an awe-inspiring spectacle, a tapestry of colors and sounds that left us spellbound.

Having witnessed this wondrous event before with Sunshine, I had made a promise to myself to return with my cherished siblings this year. And there we were, the four of us donning matching shirts, unplanned yet delightfully coincidental. It was a heartwarming moment, a testament to the unbreakable bond we share.

As the festivities continued for a month, we found ourselves fully engaged, seldom seen at our usual abode. Days were spent exploring the streets of Baguio and its myriad attractions, starting early and ending late, all while wrapped in the gentle embrace of the cool mountain weather, a stark contrast to the sun's radiant glow.

Here are some cherished moments captured during our time at the festival. Each frame holds memories of laughter, wonder, and the joy of togetherness, a testament to the enduring magic of the PanagBenga Festival. 📸✨

🌸✨ Embracing the Beauty of Nature and Culture at Baguio's Panagbenga Festival! 🌸✨

Get ready to be enchanted by the breathtaking sights and vibrant festivities of the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio! As the city comes alive with the arrival of spring, it is transformed into a colorful tapestry of flowers, music, and merrymaking, captivating the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

The festival, which translates to "the season of blooming," is a joyous celebration of the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the region. The streets burst into life with elaborate floral floats, adorned with the most stunning blooms imaginable, parading through the city in a dazzling display of creativity and artistry.

But the beauty doesn't stop there! The air is filled with the sounds of lively music, traditional dances, and the infectious laughter of people coming together to revel in the spirit of unity and community. From street dancing to art exhibits, the festival offers an immersive experience that honours the traditions and customs of the Cordilleran people, showcasing their deep connection to the land and its bountiful flowers.

As the festival reaches its peak, visitors are treated to a sensory extravaganza, with a grand street dancing parade featuring vibrant costumes and exuberant performances that reflect the stories and legends of the region. It's a sight to behold, one that leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of all who witness it.

The Panagbenga Festival is not just a celebration of nature's bounty; it's a testament to the resilience, creativity, and spirit of the people of Baguio. It's a time to come together, embrace the beauty that surrounds us, and rejoice in the harmonious blend of culture and nature.

So, join us as we immerse ourselves in the magic of Panagbenga, where the sweet fragrance of flowers mingles with the warmth of the sun, and the spirit of camaraderie blooms like the most precious of petals. Come and be a part of this unforgettable celebration, where every step taken is a dance, and every flower petal is a promise of joy and renewal. 🌺🌼🌷🌸✨

#PanagBenga,

#PanagBengaFestival,

#Baguio,

#BaguioCity,

#istariray23Laboy,

#istariray23travel,

#istariray23photography,

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Moments_My Prayer Lately

Lord, enlighten what is dark in me, strengthen what is weak in me, 

mend what is broken in me, bind what is bruised in me, heal what is sick in me,

straighten what is crooked in me, revive whatever peace and love have died in me...

With these, I pray in Jesus' name.

Amen

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The Departed 2006

**"Unveiling the Gritty Masterpiece: 'The Departed' (2006)"**

Directed by Martin Scorsese

Screenplay by William Monahan

Based on Infernal Affairs by Alan Mak & Felix Chong

Produced by

Brad Pitt

Brad Grey

Graham King

Starring

Leonardo DiCaprio

Matt Damon

Jack Nicholson

Mark Wahlberg

Martin Sheen

Ray Winstone

Vera Farmiga

Alec Baldwin

Cinematography Michael Ballhaus

Edited by Thelma Schoonmaker

Music by Howard Shore

Production Companies

Plan B Entertainment

Initial Entertainment Group

Vertigo Entertainment

Media Asia Films

Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures

Release dates: September 26, 2006 (Ziegfeld Theatre) / October 6, 2006 (United States)

Running time: 151 minutes

Country: United States

Language: English

This is another good movie with big Hollywood names as full cast, let's dive into Martin Scorsese's crime thriller masterpiece, "The Departed." Released in 2006, this film features a star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg. Let's explore the various aspects that make this film a must-watch.

**Plot and Themes:**
Set in Boston, the story follows two moles, one in the Massachusetts State Police, Colin Sullivan (Damon), and the other in the Irish mafia, Billy Costigan (DiCaprio). As they each infiltrate the opposing sides, tensions rise, leading to a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, identity, and morality are expertly woven into the narrative, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

**Character Portrayal:**
The stellar performances by the cast bring depth and complexity to their respective characters. DiCaprio and Damon shine in their roles as conflicted moles, while Nicholson's portrayal of the ruthless crime boss, Frank Costello, is both chilling and captivating. Mark Wahlberg's supporting role as Staff Sergeant Dignam adds a layer of grit and authenticity to the story.

**Cinematography:**
The gritty, urban setting of Boston is captured beautifully through Scorsese's direction and Michael Ballhaus's cinematography. The intense action sequences and suspenseful moments are expertly framed, immersing the audience in the world of underground crime.

**Musical Scoring:**
The film's soundtrack, composed by Howard Shore, complements the on-screen drama with its pulsating rhythms and moody undertones. The music enhances the tension and emotion of key scenes, adding another layer of intensity to the storytelling.

**Quotable Quotes:**
"I don't want to be a product of my environment. I want my environment to be a product of me." - Frank Costello. This iconic line reflects the central theme of power dynamics and influence within the criminal underworld.

**Life Lessons:**
"The Departed" serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deception and the blurred lines between good and evil. It prompts viewers to question their own moral compass and the choices they make when faced with difficult circumstances.

**Awards and Recognition:**
The film was a critical and commercial success, winning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Scorsese. The performances of the cast were also lauded, solidifying "The Departed" as a modern classic in cinematic history.

"The Departed" is a gripping and thought-provoking film that continues to resonate with audiences years after its release. With its compelling storyline, powerhouse performances, and expert filmmaking, it remains a standout in the realm of crime dramas. So, if you haven't already experienced this cinematic gem, make sure to add it to your watchlist soon.

🎬 🌟 📽️ 💕

#Movie,

#Pelikula,

#TheDeparted2006,

#TheDeparted2006Movie,

#LeonardoDiCaprio,

#MattDamon,

#JackNicholson,

#MarkWahlberg,

#MartinScorsese,

#EnglishMovie,

#AllTimeFavoriteMovies,

#iSTariray23AllTimeFavoriteMovies,

#istariray23moments,

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