ABC STARS Inspires

Do you believe in God? He asked me. Then, I said, "yes, I do". He told me whatever they did that was hurtful to you will all come back to them. I thought to myself no I don't want that... Then, He told me talk to them. Then, they will be your friends. I spoke to him. Then, he reached out. Then, I left. I met a man of peace. Then, I became a man of peace. Funny, how life can be... When I decided to be a hermit, people from my past and present keep popping up out of nowhere. Someone once said that you do not meet anyone by accident, it was meant to be. Living in a foreign country was freedom for me. It was freedom because I am naturally shy and an introvert. And, that is not a disorder, a social trait.  In the same way that being outgoing and an extrovert. Better explained as apples and oranges. Being anti-social is a disorder on the other hand.  Shy is normal. When I listen to people I process their statements outright. The ...

(By jlzc, November 24, 2018) Exactly three months have passed since I had a mild M.I. On the eve of my birthday I was on the brink to eternally lie Together with the beloved departed enthralled on High. But The King has a different mission for me than now to die. Why others have to go on and others stay on, a mystery still. Dreams and choices we make or a higher design to fulfill? What lies ahead we could only surmise and deign to be blessed, With patience, perseverance and unlimited generosity of heart! In 2018 in support of the clergy and consecrated persons we labored. A wounded heart renewed, what yearnings shall now be favored? Facing my golden year 2019 dedicated by the Church for the youth, Perhaps greater compassion for the emptiness that we seek to soothe. On this eve of the Solemnity of Christ the King, an offering I chose. To give all gold with a heart as tender and mystical as the Rose!

Ascension Press  and  Ascension Presents   in collaboration with  Inspires   give you this riveting magnum opus.‎.. Condensed Reflection by James Z. Carpio Someone told me once that, "James, you will be a writer for the rest of your life". And, I thought to myself she's right. Why? There is no retirement age for writers. The only thing that would stop me from being a writer is myself. If I decided to stop or an illness will be a hindrance to my career or I die. I remember my own father who wrote poems for his Christmas cards. His friends always looked forward to his poem each Christmas season. Then, he stopped. He stopped because his inspiration went away. My mother died. As for myself, I do not know why I still write. The only reason I could think of is God has a Clear Vision in my Life and that is to keep on writing. With God, I find it easy to write. He is my Inspiration. Someone once told me to c...

Passion inflames! Heart is renewed. The beat beckons. Football resumed!

(By jlzc, November 10, 2018) “Sunrise, sunset... Sunrise, sunset... Swiftly, flow the years. One season following another, laden with happiness and tears.” i Just barely a month from the time of dear Nerisa’s passing away, All Saint’s Day, All Soul’s Day, then your time on Nov. 4, a Sunday. Mama-Lola Nena, who, like a child spritely revels in her zest for life, Refused to go with Nerisa when fetched, terminal illness in spite! She wants to live on for her dear Rani and Redelsa and her grandchildren. Being with them in growth and travel; Ah, she considers simply HEAVEN! For Migara, it is overcoming our weaknesses towards immortality. For AB, Kuya Migara’s rare hug and smile is already so heavenly! For Mommy, amidst pain and suffering Lola’s sweet smile in peace. For Papa, winning cases for the oppressed crying out for justice! In this valley of tears, all these joys are but heavenly glimpses. But for Mama-Lola, Heaven now, is full communion w...

When my mother asked me if I wanted to go to the San Jose Seminary, I hesitated, I wanted to, but, I was too shy. Little did I know that she will be gone in a couple of years. Now, I know that she only wanted  my best interest and the vocation of the priesthood would have made me secured for life. In the past ten years, I thought and entertained the idea of becoming a priest but I knew that my intellectual abilities would not be able to digest Theology anymore. I would had been the third priest among the eleven Carpio brothers. That is my biggest regret in my life. photo credit: paval hadzinski Peregrination of relics of St. Jan Boska | 7 via photopin (license) License: (license)  

(By jlzc, November 1, 2018) This All Saints Day, I wondered: Where do the spirits go? Gave me the goose bumps as I stood where waters flow. Many childhood stories grim and happy we came to know. Legend, fiction, or reality, different scenarios would show. To the light, full of hope, or to the darkness and gloom! To churches, cemeteries, ships, hi-ways, houses or a room. To unexplored places where the mysterious abound and loom. To salvation and eternal happiness or suffering and doom. Circumstances of death may be in agony or in peace. Or crimes and extra-judicial killings crying out for justice! Where ever near or far our feet excitedly take us to roam, Restless souls, our hearts always long to go back home! Reunited in glory with the Groom, in communion with Saints! A heavenly banquet, my mind in a picture, rejoicingly paints! photo credit: translator, artist, Renai...