ABC STARS Inspires

(By jlzc, October 21, 2018) From the banks of the mystic river of Marikina, Springs out a bubbly soul by the name of Nerisa. The zest of life resplendent in your lovely face, Your presence fills us with much charm and grace. Why such gentle soul could suffer in such a way, Befuddles me as I contemplate life, day unto day. My suffering pales in comparison with yours, If it could compare at all. By will or on course. One of the kindest hearts I’ve known, always in glee. Despite conventions and restrictions your spirit free! This Red October, my heart renewed. I live on. Sad October, your lungs collapsed. You have gone. Is it fate? Is it choice? Or is it a Higher Will? Much had passed. Much to say. A Mystery still...

(By jlzc, October 22, 2018) October 22, 2018, now you are Thirteen. My little girl is little no more as clearly seen. Those eyes long seeking to be independent Have taken in much and become resplendent. You had your wishes, Mommy had to go to Manila To attend to the ailing me, your lola and your tita. How it went for you, at first: a happy Peace and Quiet! Then absence prolonged as we could not go home yet. You missed Mommy, you considered the light of the home! During operation you felt the anxiety of being left so alone. The comfort of your kuya Migara and another present tita, Carried you through as you focused on school work at Jagna. As parents, we strive as much to always be by your side. But the opportune times come that we must stand aside. License: (license) photo credit: beamillion Happy birthday via photopin (license)

Ascension Press  and  Ascension Presents   in collaboration with  Inspires   give you this riveting magnum opus.‎.. Condensed Reflection by James Z. Carpio Never give up. Never lose hope. Do not lose faith. We almost always hear the statement that I have lost faith in humanity. Well, human beings are imperfect, hence, it is understandable that we could lose faith in humanity. Personally, when I had read the book of Saint John Paul II, Crossing the Threshold of Hope, it all made sense to me. Hope is where it all begins. During Advent it is the main theme of the season. People were waiting for The Messiah. When Baby Jesus was born, it became the fulfillment of God's Promise. I believe even though I was not there. Like Thomas, I would falter a bit and doubt. But, I never lost faith in God. Like everyone else I had experienced the effects of the evil that exists on Earth.  Through prayer and my own relationship w...

(By jlzc, October 18, 2018) October 1, 2018, during the triple bypass procedure, I felt nothing as I was sedated, no room for any seizure. Thank goodness that this time, it was UNEVENTFUL. But it is in the aftermath, that all else became painful! Well-wishes and prayers for a FAST and SPEEDY recovery! How could it be when I was told to take it SLOW and EASY? Don’t baby the agony and the pain; rise up and move around! With the bills, my heart beat out of rhythm in raucous pound. Despite much restrictions, infinite possibiities still abound! I cannot travel yet to Bicol or Bohol, hence, literally aground. But I can reach for the stars while in hospital and refuge confines! A Spyrometer a star can do 3000, I also aimed; persistence refines. “In weakness, Power reaches Perfection!” is rather paradoxical. Give ALL til nothing left, in order to follow Him, IS Providential! photo credit: Katrinitsa I...

(By jlzc October 16, 2018) One time, in Jagna, reality concerns, much a bother, You asked me, dear AB, "Papa, Isn't God, Our Father?" "Yes, anak." I heavily sighed. "Then we are rich!" "We own everything!" You exclaimed with a high pitch. "But we should share..." you concluded with reflective concern. Events unfolded and with the ominous heart bypass about a turn, Finances asked to the last drop, leaving us with virtually nothing. But then again, "Isn't God, Our Father?" means just everything!?" Family and friends poured out concern, contributions and prayer. Responding to the vocation, "we are our brothers' and sisters' keeper. The burden became lighter and bearable when in love it was shared. The mystery of God's Providence and Salvation generously bared. Ah, in pain and suffering this sinful Juan finds it so touching and humbling. God, IS Our Father! Juan's ...

(October 7, 2018) September Twenty Nine, On the Feast of the Archangels, I was brought to St. Luke’s QC by their brother’s keepers. In preparation on October 1 for a double bypass procedure, The Feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, the Little Flower. I cannot help but surmise, what grace it is on that day to rest in Peace And to be interred on the Feast of the Rosary would be heavenly bliss! Considering a life with a severe cervical spine injury in constant pain Giving my utmost, though rendered frail and weak, and future uncertain. Faced with the ominous, who am I to contest, a mere troubled and sinful Juan? The Cup shall remain for not so much as my will but Yours, O, God be done! With the prayers of the many little flowers of family and friends in Love as One, You sent Your Archangel Raphael in the healing hands of my surgeon Dr. Stan. Ah, in my pain and suffering, it is best indeed to call on the Paraclete! Utter in faith and prayer “Father, into Your ...

I wish I were deaf sometimes so that I would not have wounds by hurtful words. But, then again, I would not hear the melodious tides of the ocean and the sea. I wish I were mute oftentimes so that I would not hurt people by unkind words. But, then again, I would not be able to speak for other people who are timid. I wish I were blind a few times so that I would not see atrocities of the world. But, then again, I would not be a witness to the grandeur of God's creation. I wish almost always that I had not become a writer because it's difficult. But, then again, I would not have been able to have written these words... photo credit: sean dreilinger cameron and his officemate - _MG_1537 via photopin (license) License: (license)