Footprints' Letter

Anak, medyo mabagal akong magsulat ngayon dahil alam kong mabagal ka ring magbasa. Nandito na kami sa Estados Unidos para bantayan ang bagong biling bahay ng kapatid mo. Pero hindi ko naibigay sa iyo ang address dahil dinala ng dating nakatira ang address para daw hindi na sila magpalit ng address.

Maganda ang lugar na ito at malayo sa Manila. Dalawang beses lang umulan sa linggong ito, tatlong araw noong una at apat na araw noong pangalawa.

Nakakainis lang ang mga paninda dito katulad nun nabili ko na shampoo dahil ayaw bumula. Nakasulat kasi "FOR DRY HAIR" kaya hindi ko binabasa ang buhok ko pag ginagamit ko. Mamaya ay ibabalik ko sa Walmart at magrereklamo ako.

Noong isang araw naman ay hindi ako makapasok sa bahay dahil ayaw bumukas ng padlock. Nakasulat kasi ay "YALE", eh aba namalat na ako sa kasisigaw ay hindi pa din bumubukas. Magrereklamo din ako sa nagbenta ng bahay, akala nila hindi ko alam na SIGAW ang tagalog ng "YALE", wise yata ito!

Mayroon nga pala akong nabili na magandang jacket at tiyak na magugustuhan mo. Ipinadala ko na sa iyo sa "Federal Express" medyo mahal daw dahil mabigat ang mga butones kaya ang ginawa ko ay tinanggal ko na lang ang mga butones at inilagay ko na lang sa bulsa ng jacket. Ikabit mo na lang pag dating diyan.

Nagpadala rin ako ng tseke para sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo, hindi ko na pinirmahan dahil gusto ko na maging anonymous donor. Nakakahiya naman kung ipagkakalat ko pa.

Ang kapatid mo palang si Jhun ay may trabaho na dito, mayroon siyang 500 na tao sa ilalim niya. Nag-gugupit siya ngayon ng damo sa memorial park, okey naman ang kita above minimum ang sahod.

Nakapanganak na rin pala ang Ate Baby mo, hindi ko pa alam kung babae o lalake kaya hindi ko pa masasabi na kung ikaw ay bagong uncle or auntie.

Wala na akong masyadong balita. Sumulat ka na lang ng madalas.

Love, Papa
P.S. Maglalagay sana ako ng pera, kaya lang ay naisara ko na ang envelope. Next time na lang ha?

CHALLENGE
Filipinos are known for their magnanimity. Whenever they walk in foreign lands, their thoughts will always include all their love ones. They will communicate often and even find ways and means just to send something for their love ones. Communication can solve and resolve distances of the hearts.

WALK WITH THE LORD
Lord Jesus, when time and distance separates me from my love ones, may I find consolation that You are always between us, bridging and filling in the gap. Amen.

WALK WITH THE WORD
May the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are out of each other's sight. (Genesis 31:49)

Double Footprints

A crusty old man walks into a bank and says to the teller at the window: I want to open a damn checking account." To which the astonished woman replies: "I beg your pardon, sir; I must have misunderstood you.What did you say?" "Listen up bitch! I said, I want to open a damn checking account! right now!" "I'm very sorry sir, but we do not tolerate that kind of language in this bank." Having said this, the teller leaves the window and goes over to the bank manager to tell him about her problem customer.

They both return and the manager asks the old geezer: "What seems to be the problem here?" "There's no damn problem, sonny," the elderly man says. "I just won 50 million bucks in the damn lottery and I want to open a damn checking account in this damn bank!" "I see," says the manager thoughtfully. "And you're saying that this bitch here is giving you a hard time?"

CHALLENGE

Footprints that capture the fine lines of our feet means steady footing. Likewise, a steady faith amidst troubles ensures a peaceful living.

WALK WITH THE LORD

Lord Jesus, when challenging situations walk towards me, help me to remain stable in my faith in You. Amen.

WALK WITH THE WORD

For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, since he is a man of two minds, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:7-8)

Footprints' Luck

The story is told about an interviewer who asked: “What would you do if one morning you woke up and found beside you $1 million?” The American responded that he would go on a world tour. The Japanese said he would put up a luxury hotel. The Chinese said he’d put it all in stocks. The Filipino said he’d sleep again, so that when he woke up he’d have another million!

CHALLENGE
It is amusing that some people finds luck rather easily without exerting any effort at all.  But what do we do after that? Do we look up to God to utter our gratitude? And do we look sideways so we can share this luck to those in need? 

WALK WITH THE LORD
Lord Jesus, help us to walk with total trust, that as we do our best you will do the rest. Amen.

WALK WITH THE WORD
You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by the works. (James 2:22)

Footprints' Choice

Three brothers: Yson, Aboy and Karlo are the eldest among 7 siblings. They had their first baby before the plan to get married, (with their baby's respective mother of course). Though it didn't occur at the same time, it was a blow for their parents. They cannot do anything but accept the situation as fate. The brothers, who were dependent on their parents are now working at their best for their respective families. Although they had accepted their fate in life, it is a learning experience that sometimes it takes a 'blow' before we realize the importance of making the proper choice.

CHALLENGE
The location is marked once the foot prints are made.  Before and after we make our choices, we are responsible! Only when we become responsible, things would then become right.

WALK WITH THE LORD
Lord Jesus, bless all the choices I have made and those I will be making in the future. If my past decisions are wrong, put them right in your mercy and forgiveness; if they are right and according to your will, preserve them with you grace. Walk with me, Lord, as I responsibly face the choices of my life. Amen.

WALK WITH THE WORD

"Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong." (1 Kings 3:9)

Footprints' Psalm 23

Are you familiar with Psalm 23: The Lord is my Shepherd? Read and compare with this new version ...

"The TV is my shepherd, I shall not want. It makes me lie down in the sofa, it leads me away from faith, it destroys my soul. It leads me in the path of sex and violence for the sponsor's sake. Yeah, though I walk in the shadow of Christian responsibilities, there will be no interruptions, for the TV is with me. It's cable and remote control, they comfort me. It prepares a commercial before me in the presence of my worldliness; it anoints my head with humanism and consumerism. My coveting runneth over, surely laziness and ignorance shall dwell in the house and I shall be watching TV forever."

CHALLENGE
Media has so much influence on the minds and hearts of the people, especially on the young. Be aware of what kind of foot prints we feed into our children/young ones. We help in shaping their future but someday as we grow old, our future will be affected by how we shaped them. 

WALK WITH THE LORD
Lord Jesus, help us to properly shepherd our children, always according to Your will. Grant us the grace to constantly walk in the light so as not to be blinded by worldly brightness disguised as darkness. Amen.

WALK WITH THE WORD
You were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Behave as children of light; the fruits of light are kindness, justice and truth in every form. (Ephesians 5:8-9)

Foot Loose

I was cleaning our cabinets when the chair I was standing on glided because of imbalance. Then blag! resounded in the house but sad to say, no one came to the rescue. The one who heard thought it was just a big thing that fell (Oh my!).

Whenever I passed by that cabinet, that incident becomes vivid again. I realized that with that kind of fall, it is a wonder how I escaped from having broken bones and limping limbs; and luckily missing that open door of the lower cabinet from hitting my nape just an inch.  I have recovered from the impact of that fall, but not from the saving impact of the hand of God and of my guardian angel.

CHALLENGE

Where we place our feet may not always be secure for we may be unsure how sturdy is underneath.  That is why it is always good to look and cling to what is above.  In life, we need faith in God to be secured in life.

WALK WITH THE LORD
Lord Jesus, thank you for that fall (but Lord, I am not implying it will happen again). Once again you have proven that You are always near me and instructing my guardian angel to protect me. Amen.

WALK WITH THE WORD
"See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared." (Exodus 23:20)

Single Footprint

Who says being single is lonely, boring and burdensome?  One of my sisters is now at her ripe age but still unmarried (at the moment). Often, she's at home together with my younger sister and niece. With our parents living abroad, petitioned by my other sibling, she took the responsibility of being the father-mother in the house, forsaking to practice even her own profession. She accepted her fate in joy and steadfastly fulfills her many roles despite difficulties and pressures. Seeing her happy and contented, I realized that being single might be her call and vocation in life.

CHALLENGE
People can be lonely even if they are in the midst of joyful environment and comfortable conditions. A normal thing in life but do we realize that we are just invited to a deeper self-knowledge and a leap of faith?

WALK WITH THE LORD
Lord Jesus, bless my sister and all those single men and women whom You call for a 'special vocation'. May they realize that by their generous acceptance of their fate in life, their loneliness will be turned into joy; and by their dedication and love, they will never feel alone. Amen.

WALK WITH THE WORD
When Jesus saw the Mother and the disciple, He said to the Mother, "Woman, this is your son." Then He said to the disciple, "There is you Mother." And from that moment the disciple took her to his own home. (John 19:26-27)

Footprints' Bonding

In summer 2005, I had the opportunity of visiting my parents, sister and her family in United States. I stayed with them for more than a month, and each one of them set aside their own jobs and lightened their busy schedules just to give me the best experience of my stay with them. They toured me around beautiful places, mostly churches, and even crossing Canada. It was a joyful and warm experience bonding with them, and meeting old and new friends as well.   Back to the Philippines, I thought that was it - I am here again and they are there! But then, I felt different. I still have the 'after glow' of my bonding with them.

CHALLENGE
Families are God given gifts.  Near of far from them, they will remain part of our wrappings. Others, discouraged of this gift, may wish to have a different family, but God, in His wisdom, has actually given the best gift  already.

WALK WITH THE LORD
Lord Jesus, thank you for my love ones, for being part of them, and they for being part of me. We may not always walk side by side or hand on hand, but let our hearts be tied with each other forever. Bless, guide and protect me, all my love ones, and the families all over the world. Amen.

WALK WITH THE WORD

"May God be gracious and bless us; may He let His Face shine upon us." (Psalms 67:2)

Saint's Footprints

September 28 is the Feast day of St. Lorenzo Ruiz and his companions, the Dominican priests. They were canonized martyr saints in 1987.  St. Lorenzo is the first Filipino canonized saint. He was born in Binondo, Manila, married and with 3 kids (2 girls and 1 boy). He served in Binondo parish as sacristan and escribiente; and had learned the doctrines of faith under the guidance of the Dominicans. Records show that he fled for his life because he was suspected for a crime. He joined the Dominican missionary priests as they sailed to Nagasaki, Japan. It was there that they suffered inhuman tortures until death for the sake of their faith in Christ.  St. Lorenzo was hanged upside down, with half of his body buried underground. And before he died, his executioners asked: "If we grant you life, will you renounce your faith?" Lorenzo answered without hesitation: "That I will never do, because I am a Christian, and I shall die for God, and for Him I will give many thousands of lives if I had them. And so, do as you please."

CHALLENGE
St. Lorenzo was willing to offer a thousand lives if he has them for the sake of Christ. What a shame when we cannot offer a little sacrifice or renounce a single, little thing for the sake of Christ.  

WALK WITH THE LORD

Lord Jesus, St. Lorenzo Ruiz gave us the example of fortitude and commitment to the faith even in the midst tortures. As I walk daily, experiencing the tortures of pressures and problems, may I never bargain or compromise my faith in You. Amen.

WALK WITH THE WORD
"Through Christ you have been granted not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for Him." (Philippinas 1:29)

Unsure Footing

Dan Torres is from Bicol who was so afraid and cautious because of his illegal immigration (TNT) status in America. His friend assured him that it is alright and encouraged him to go around using his car, and to do shopping a the same time. His added instruction was to phone him in the office if problem will arise.

At the shopping mall, he got nervous when the cashier asked him if he has a "Visa Credit Card" or "Master Card" for he thought he was asked for his visa. Hastily, he stepped out of the mall and dropped by at the gas station. The guy asked him to "pay first" and he thought that the guy was asking for his papers. So afraid, he ran, and finding a pay phone called for his friend. Raising the phone, he got scared when he heard "AT & T can I help you" for he thought he was already known as TNT. Out of the phone booth, a man stands there and he was asked, 'Are you done?" Dan was already perspiring for he thought the man knew his name. The guy, noticing his state, encouraged him, "Hey, be cool, man, are you a tourist?" Finally, Dan fainted in fear because he thought the guy even knew his surname (Torres) and that his was from Bicol.

CHALLENGE
It is a grace to walk on foreign land/s. Many are longing for it but the opportunity is lacking. But the challenge is - what kind of foot prints do we leave behind?

WALK WITH THE LORD
Lord Jesus, whenever I walk and/or stay in foreign land/s protect me from all dangers and anxieties. Secure me in the knowledge that you are always with me, and that I am 'being sent' for some purpose. Amen.

WALK WITH THE WORD
"Place all your worries on him since he takes care of you." (1 Peter 5:7)

Footprints' Daily Schedule

WALK WITH THE LORD

Monday Wash Day

Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so I may serve you with perfect humility through the week ahead.

Tuesday Ironing Day

Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected through the years so that I may see the beauty in others.

Wednesday Mending Day

O God, help me mend my ways so I will not set a bad example for others!

Thursday Cleaning Day

Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart.

Friday Shopping Day

O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal happiness for myself and all others in need of love.

Saturday Cooking Day

Help me, my Savior, to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness!

Sunday The Lord's Day

O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please come into my heart so I may spend the day and the rest of my life in your presence.

WALK WITH THE WORD

"Let his presence pervade all your ways and he will make smooth your paths." (Proverbs 3:5)

The Master's Footprints

• Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
• Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher
• Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
• He had no army, yet kings feared Him.
• He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
• He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
• He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
• I feel to serve such a Leader who loves us!

WALK WITH THE LORD
Lord Jesus, as I walk in this life may You be my all. Amen.

WALK WITH THE WORD
I say to the Lord, you are my Lord, you are my only good. (Psalms 16:2)

Footprints' Ways

• People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered; LOVE THEM ANYWAY

• If you do good, people will accuse you of self-ulterior motives. DO GOOD ANYWAY

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. SUCCEED ANYWAY.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. BE HONEST AND FRANK ANYWAY.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. DO GOOD ANYWAY.

The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds. THINK BIG ANYWAY.

What you spend year building may be destroyed overnight. BUILD ANYWAY.

Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU’VE GOT ANYWAY.

CHALLENGE

There will always be a challenge to be Godly different!

WALK WITH THE LORD
Lord Jesus, your ways and examples are absurdities to the modern world; help me to walk the way you walked, even if there are many blocks on the way. Amen.
WALK WITH THE WORD
"Let us do good without being discouraged; in due time we shall reap the reward of our constancy." (Galatians 6:9)

Unique Footprints

The story is told about a farmer’s wife who gave birth to twin girls. The first one they named “KATE.” The second one, for want of a better name, they named “DUPLICATE.”

CHALLENGE
Our footprints will always be UNIQUE! Let's create a DIFFERENCE!

WALK WITH THE LORD

Lord Jesus, I praise and thank you for allowing me to walk on this earth, for my uniqueness; and for the personal love you have for me which surpasses all knowledge. Amen.

WALK WITH THE WORD

"Before I formed you in the womb I Knew you." (Jeremiah 1:5)

Speedy Footprints

For those who speed on the highway, here are few hymns for you:

• 45mph…………..God Will Take Care of You

• 55mph………………..Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

• 65mph………………..Nearer My God To Thee

• 75mph………………..Nearer Still Nearer

• 85mph………………..This World Is Not My Home

• 95mph………………..Lord, I’m Coming Home

• Over 100mph………Precious Memories

CHALLENGEIt is good to be cautious how we journey in life, but let us not lose track that it is more fulfilling to leave a meaningful music behind.
WALK WITH THE LORD
Lord Jesus, as I walk towards the fulfillment of my goal, may I never forget Your desired direction for me. Amen.

WALK WITH THE WORD
"Teach me, O Lord, your way, lead me along a straight path." (Psalm 27:11)

Precious Footprints

Parents, guardians and all those involve in the formation of the young (or ‘old’) are like diamond cutters. If they make the right cuts at the right proportions, they can produce precious jewels. If they make the wrong cuts because of insensitivity, neglect or recklessness, they can shatter the precious stone forever and come up with worthless pieces of glass.

CHALLENGE

The foot prints we make can be an attraction or distraction to others. They can place their feet over ours to follow what we tread on. Let us be careful where and how we set our foot prints.

WALK WITH THE LORD

Lord Jesus, as I walk to help in weaving the life of others, teach me how to cut and trim at proper proportions and at proper time. Amen.

WALK WITH THE WORD

"As a clay in the potter's hands so are you in my hands." (Jeremiah 18:6)

Footprints of every moment!

People are constantly on the go! Upon waking up 'til sundown, we always walk around to do our daily routines or itineraries. At times just mechanically as if success is always at the end or in the corner when those things are met or done. We tend to do so many things but do we find meaning in doing them? In our day to day living, how many of us stop, to look and listen to our trodden paths, whether these are good or not so good? Do we capture the lessons from there or are we just captured by them as if nothing happens?

CHALLENGE
Foot printing is to learn the mutuality of being captured by our experiences and of capturing the lessons therein.

WALK WITH THE LORD
Lord Jesus, as I walk through my everyday life, teach me to capture the lessons of every moment, and may these lessons capture me so deeply to lead a better life. Amen.

WALK WITH THE WORD"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." (Proverbs 16:9)