Soundtrack of Your Life

Frederick Buechner has a book called Listening to Your Life. We will be doing a lot of that during this retreat. A retreat isn’t a retreat from your life, but from the hustle and bustle of the world so that you can understand your life more and where the Lord is leading you.

So let’s give ourselves every opportunity to “listen to our lives” by examining the recent events in the world and our life, hoping that we can hear what God might be trying to tell us this Holy Week.

Let’s therefore begin by “opening the book of our lives.”

What’s been going on?

How’s it been going for you?

We’re on Year 3 of this global pandemic (!). How have you been holding up?

Take this moment to listen to your life.

If you wish, play this instrumental piece just to slow yourself down and to accompany you in your reflection.

Julian Lloyd Webber

If you had to share what you feel about your life, can you think of a SONG that can best capture the way your life has been going? (It does not have to be a religious song!) Is there a line or two in it that expresses how you feel?

Take a moment here to think about it. Be ready to tell us about your song and why.

Here’s mine: “Secret of Life” by James Taylor. This song from the 70s more or less expresses how I feel about my life these days.

You see, I underwent an unexpected brain surgery last December, where I had to prepare myself for the worst. That brush with mortality was not only sudden and scary, but also quite sobering and soul-stretching. It made me assess my life and what I consider truly important. As these things go, it gave me a fresh perspective in life. Now I am just grateful to the Lord for each day, each breath, each step.

Here’s me a couple of days after my surgery.

The way the song puts it in the first couple of verses says it all for me:

The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.
Any fool can do it. There ain’t nothing to it.
Nobody knows how we got to the top of the hill.
But since we’re on our way down, we might as well enjoy the ride.

The secret of love is in opening up your heart.
It’s okay to feel afraid, but don’t let that stand in your way.
Cause anyone knows that love is the only road.
And since we’re here only for a while, might as well show some style.

If you want to listen to this song, here’s a video featuring a live performance by a much older–and much wiser–James Taylor.

Now, what about you?

What would you regard as some kind of “soundtrack of your life” lately? Feel free to tell us about song and why below under “LEAVE A REPLY” below. Share a link to YouTube or Spotify, if you wish, so we can also listen to it.

Remember: Posts are anonymous by default unless you want them otherwise.

If you’re interested, you can also come back later and listen to some of the songs that our fellow retreatants have posted.

Whenever you’re ready, just click on NEXT to move to the next section.

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416 replies on “Soundtrack of Your Life”

Anywhere Away From Here
– Rag’n’Bone Man & P!nk

We sold our souls &
We lost control with
More doubt than hope

Glass half empty
& discontented
From growing old

Through all the failed attempts at trying to belong
I overthink the obvious when I’m alone…

Bulag sa katotohanan by Racheal Alejandro
I just had to turn a blind because it is only through this that i can save my sanity and peace

It won’t take much longer now
Time makes me stronger
There’s nothing more to say

– One Day in your Life, Anastacia

Lift My Life Up
by Unspoken

You brought me this far so why would I question You now
You have provided so why would I start to doubt
I’ve never been stranded, abandoned or left here to fight alone
So I’m giving You control

[Hook]
I lift my life, lift my life up
I give it all in surrender
I lift my heart, lift my heart up
You can have it forever
All my dreams, all my plans
Lord I leave it in Your hands
I lift my life, lift my life up

Have Your way in me
Have Your way in me

If peace is a river then let it sweep over me
If I’m under fire I know it’s refining me
When I hear You calling out I follow now wherever the road may go
I know You’re leading me home

Do It or Die by Atlanta Rhythm Section
Touch and Go by Rupert Holmes
This is It by Kenny Loggins
Hands Across the Sea by Modern English
Mom by BTS Jin

You’ve Got a Friend
https://youtu.be/kIQK4bCb8Ms
https://youtu.be/3WJ1cf3nrLE

Reminds me that have friends here on earth and up above ( esp dad and my sister) looking out for me and that they are just a call away.
Similarly, I know that my Lord is just a call away and He will be there… even when “people are so cold, hurt you, desert you….
Just close your eyes and think of me, and soon I will be there…
Just call out my name, and I will come running to see you again.

God loves you and we all Got a friend who will not abandoned us, no matter what happen. God is our one true sincere friend in lowest moment of our life. “ when you’re down and troubled, GOD is with you, and in You,!

Five Loaves and Two Fishes by Corinne May

“Take my five loaves and two fishes, do with it as you will.
I surrender. Take my fears, my inhibitions, all my burdens, my ambitions…You can use them all. I hope it’s not too small.”

Kalig-on sa Pagtoo by Koro Vianista

Ang si kinsa nga naminaw
sa mga pulong sa Ginoo
Ipamatuod sa buhat sa kinabuhi mo
Kay sama ka gayud sa
usa ka tawong maalamon
Nga nagatukod sa iyang
balay sa ka dakung bato
Bisan sa kusog nga unos
ug walay hunong nga ulan
Hangin nga makusog magpabilin
kini nga dili matarug
Sama unta niini ang kalig-on
sa pagtoo sa kadatawo
Pangayoon ta kini nga grasya gikan niya.
Apan ang tawong naminaw
sa mga pulong sa Ginoo
Ug wala ipamatuod diha
sa iyang mga buhat
Sama siya sa tawong nagtukod
ug balay sa yutang huyang
Sa kusog nga ulan pagabanlason
ug sa hangin pagatumpagon
Pulong ni Kristo ug buhat
mo ang kalig-on sa pagtuo
Ampingi kining grasya nga
gihatag niya sa kinabuhi mo
Bisan sa kusog nga unos
ug walay hunong nga ulan
Hangin nga makusog magpabilin
kini nga dili matarug
Sama unta niini ang kalig-on
sa pagtoo sa kadatawo
Pangayoon ta kini nga grasya gikan niya.
Kini nga grasya gikan niya

https://open.spotify.com/track/7HrV5SBKgXkDA3Tq4hxOL7

Unstoppable by Sia

The chorus are affirmations that no matter what hurdles or challenges I face, I will be able to overcome it.

“Babangon Tayo,” pamagat ng awiting ginamit ng Nescafé.

Ang awiting ito ang sumasalamin hindi lamang sa aking sarili kundi pati na rin sa ibang mga tao.

Anomang pait ang ating mga dinanas sa nakaraang mga taon, ang pangako ng Diyos na sasamahan tayo hanggang sa katapusan ng mundo ang siyang magiging sandigan ng aking lakas at pananampalataya sa Kanya.

“My world has changed, and so have I
I’ve learned to choose and even learned to say good-bye
The path ahead, so hard to see
It winds and bends, but where it ends depends on only me
In my heart I don’t feel part of so much I’ve known
Now it seems it’s time to start a new life on my own

But where do I go from here?
So many voices ringing in my ear
Which is the voice I was meant to hear?
How will I know, where do I go from here?”

The past 2+ years has been about so much confusion, pain and grief. And yet it has also been of so much healing, growth and joy.

Grieving the loss of loved ones, of a former life and a former self. Letting go of relationships and many parts of the old me. Re-living childhood wounds and working through them when they resurface.

I’ve been in this not so easy journey of being who I am, and accepting who I am. Opening my heart again. Forgiving myself.

The Lord seems to be leading me somewhere. But there seems to be so many other paths that can be taken. I am trying muster courage and trust in life and The Lord to follow the path he is leading me towards. And my prayer is often of discernment.

I never expected that this playlist will be put on Spotify so you might find it hard to look for my soundtrack.
My original song (BGM rather) posted
October has Gone by Kunihiko Ryo

I realized later, that this is more relatable, with my life right now

Merry-Go-Round of Life-from Howl’s Moving Castle by Joe Hishashi

Something More – Lea Salonga

Beyond my eyes can see
There must be something more
Beneath the surface rush of things
There’s something else in store
Beyond this daily strife
There must be more to life
An underlying rhyme in things
I must have known before

TIME AFTER TIME

Sometimes you picture me
I’m walking too far ahead
You’re calling to me, I can’t hear
What you’ve said
Then you say, “go slow”
And I fall behind
The second hand unwinds
If you’re lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall, I will catch you, I’ll be waiting
Time after time
If you’re lost, you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall, I will catch you, I will be waiting
Time after time

Hi father. I totally agree with your sharing to be ‘grateful to the Lord for each day, each breath, each step.’ I’m really glad you’re well after your operation.
During the pandemic, I’ve lost so many loved ones and friends. Some through covid-19, some through other sickness while others through accidents. I’m still grieving for their deaths since during those times, visits to the hospitals and holding wakes were not allowed. It’s hard…you feel helpless and isolated. But during these times, it became so real for me the saying that the meaning of a person’s life is revealed fully only in death. As I grieved quietly for them, I remembered all those moments with them and appreciated everything that they have been in my life…part of my grieving was reading our exchanges on messenger/viber, letters/cards i’ve received from them, looking at our photos…suddenly, all these mundane things became my comfort and solace during these tough times.
I guess the song that best describe how i feel and what i’m going through is Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton…a song cannot replace a life, but it can remind us how precious that life was…here’s the link: https://youtu.be/JxPj3GAYYZ0

Ngayon by Basil Valdez

Chorus:
Ituring mong kahapo’y waring panaginip lang
Ang bukas, pangitain niyang ganda’y sa isip lang
Kung bawat ngayon mo sa ‘yo ay laging sulit lang
Kay ganda ng buhay ngayon

Positivity (Incognito)

“Intuition’s left you, there’s no one left to turn to
Until you hear a voice within your heart
Telling you which way to go, don’t you know?

You have got to learn to please your mind, positively
Try and find a way to spend your time, in positivity”

Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Mine is “dito ba? o dito ba? dito ba? o dito ba? ang dapat kong kalagyan sa ilalim ng araw?…” There is this yearning in me to search for where is “home” exactly, to ask if this is the right job for me, to explore other opportunities, or I should just be still and accept that this is where God wants me to be.

For the past years, I guess I resonate with Go the Distance (Roger Bart) and This is Me (Keala Settle)

This was the best days of our lives
The day we won the greatest prize
Oh how our hearts did soar with pride
Right underneath the Lisbon sky, that was the best days of our lives

The song that has brought me peace and serenity through the Pandemic. I listen to it every night before going to sleep. I believe it has brought me and my family protection.

Aaronic Benediction
English Verse:
May the Lord, May the Lord bless and keep you May his grace and his face shine upon you
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you And give you peace, and give you peace.
(Repeat English Verse) Hebrew Verse:
Y’-va-re-ch’-cha A-do-nai v’-yish-m’-re-cha;
ya-er pa-nav a-le-cha vi-chu-ne-ka;
yi-sa A-do-nai pa-nav a-le-cha
v’ya-sem-l’-cha sha-lom. v’ya-sem-l’-cha sha-lom
Bridge:
This is the way
You shall be blessed From day to day He’ll be your rest
English Verse:
May the Lord, May the Lord bless and keep you May his grace and his face shine upon you
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you And give you peace, and give you peace.
And give you peace, And give you peace.

For the arms to be my shelter through all the rain.
For truth that will never change.
For someone to lean on.
For a heart I can rely on through anything.
For the one who I can run to
Oh yeah
(so do you oh yeah)
For a shield from the storm, for a friend, for a love to keep me safe and warm
(to keep me safe and warm, yeah)
I turn to you (I turn to you)
For the strength (for the strength yea)
To be strong, for the will to carry on.
For everything you do (everything you do)
For everything that’s true
For everything you do
For everything that’s true
I turn to you

“I Turn to You” by Christina Aguilera. It gives me hope and that I always have someone to turn to despite everything that happened, especially just before the pandemic.

That’s the Way of the World by Earth, Wind & Fire.

You will find peace of mind
If you look way down in your heart and soul
Don’t hesitate ‘cause the world seems cold
Stay young at heart ‘cause you’re never (never, never, ..) old at heart
That’s the way of the world
Plant your flower and you grow a pearl
A child is born with a heart of gold
The way of the world makes his heart grow cold.

The last two lines got to my insides intravenously.
Really hit a nerve as i struggle through the malaise
and unease of unfeeling.

River Flows in You -Yiruma
This is how I feel lately. A sense of calm, of peace, joy, & gratefulness.
Thank you God for always delivering me from difficult people and situations. Thank you for allowing me to realize all your graces and to be gratreful. Amen.

Then the rainstorm came over me
And I felt my spirit break
I had lost all of my belief, you see
And realized my mistake
But time threw a prayer to me
And all around me became still
I need love, love’s divine
Please forgive me, now I see that I’ve been blind
Give me love, love is what I need to help me know my name
Through the rainstorm came sanctuary
And I felt my spirit fly
I had found all of my reality
I realize what it takes
‘Cause I need love, love’s divine
Please forgive me, now I see that I’ve been blind
Give me love, love is what I need to help me know my name
Oh I, don’t bend (don’t bend), don’t break (don’t break)
Show me how to live and promise me you won’t forsake
‘Cause love can help me know my name
Well, I try to say there’s nothing wrong
But inside I felt me lying all along
But the message here was plain to see
Believe me
‘Cause I need love, love’s divine
Please forgive me, now I see that I’ve been blind
Give me love, love is what I need to help me know my name
Oh I, don’t bend (don’t bend), don’t break (don’t break)
Show me how to live and promise me you won’t forsake
‘Cause love can help me know my name
Love can help me know my name

The wheels on the bus go round and round…
The doors on the bus go open and close…
…all through the town.

A grateful heart I would always want to have. First song that comes up as a soundtrack of my Life would be Sometimes by the Carpenters.

JUST BREATHE by Pearl Jam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo-UKCxCglg&ab_channel=PearlJam

Yes I understand
That every life must end
As we sit alone
I know someday we must go
Oh, I’m a lucky man
To count on both hands
The ones I love
Some folks just have one
Yeah, others they got none
Stay with me
Let’s just breathe
Practiced on our sins
Never gonna let me win
Under everything
Just another human being
Yeah, I don’t want to hurt
There’s so much in this world
To make me bleed
Stay with me
You’re all I see
Did I say that I need you?
Did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn’t, I’m a fool you see
No one knows this more than me
As I come clean
I wonder everyday
As I look upon your face
Everything you gave
And nothing you would take
Nothing you would take
Everything you gave
Did I say that I need you?
Oh, did I say that I want you?
Oh, if I didn’t, I’m a fool you see
No one knows this more than me
As I come clean
Nothing you would take
Everything you gave
Hold me ’til I die
Meet you on the other side

I will come to you
by Hanson

When you have no light to guide you
And no one to walk beside you
I will come to you
Oh, I will come to you
When the night is dark and stormy
You won’t have to reach out for me
I will come to you
Oh, I will come to you
Sometimes when all your dreams may have seen better days
And you don’t know how or why, but you’ve lost your way
Have no fear when your tears are fallin’
I will hear your spirit callin’
And I swear I’ll be there come what mayWe all need somebody we can turn to
Someone who’ll always understand
So if you feel that your soul is dyin’
And you need the strength to keep tryin’
I’ll reach out and take your hand

Bawat Daan by Ebe Dancel

Maligaw man
At mawala
At umikot man
Sa kawalan
Sa bawat kailan
Sino’t saan
Ikaw lamang ang
Kasagutan
Bawat kanan
At kaliwa
Kung timog man
O hilaga
Ang bawat daan ko
Ay patungo
Ay pabalik
Sa’yo

Leave Out All the Rest by Linkin Park

I dreamed I was missing
You were so scared
But no one would listen
Cause no one else cared
After my dreaming
I woke with this fear
What am I leaving
When I’m done here?

So, if you’re asking me, I want you to know
When my time comes
Forget the wrong that I’ve done
Help me leave behind some reasons to be missed
And don’t resent me
And when you’re feeling empty
Keep me in your memory
Leave out all the rest
Leave out all the rest

Don’t be afraid
I’ve taken my beating
I’ve shared what I’ve made
I’m strong on the surface
Not all the way through
I’ve never been perfect
But neither have you

So, if you’re asking me, I want you to know
When my time comes
Forget the wrong that I’ve done
Help me leave behind some reasons to be missed
And don’t resent me
And when you’re feeling empty
Keep me in your memory
Leave out all the rest
Leave out all the rest

Forgetting
All the hurt inside you’ve learned to hide so well
Pretending
Someone else can come and save me from myself
I can’t be who you are
I can’t be who you are

The Detour ♥️

https://youtu.be/hEywKIQlChc

Your love has held me warmly through the night
And I have seen Your faithfulness with my own eyes

You’ve been good to me, I am safe to hope
I will dare to believe when the way is long and slow
And I am full of doubt but You are kind and close
I will trust the detour is the road

This is my all-time favorite. My favorite song by default.

The storms of life may shake our ground,
a greater peace still dwells in our hearts.
The dreams we build may fall apart,
A deeper hope still runs in our hearts.
Fear no harm, we are ruled by a far greater love,
a far greater love

“I’m beautiful in my way ‘ cause God makes no mistakes
I’m on the right track, baby, I was born this way
Don’t hide yourself in regret, just love yourself, and you’re set
I’m on the right track, baby, I was born this way.”

Due to personal, national and global events, 3 songs come to mind:
1. FAR GREATER LOVE
“The storms of life may shake our ground
A greater peace still dwells in our hearts.
The dreams we build may fall apart;
A deeper hope still runs in our hearts.
Fear no harm, we are ruled by a far greater love,
a far greater love.
… We’re never alone. All else may go wrong,
still will there be a love far greater than our hearts.”

Words by JOHNNY GO, SJ
Music by MANOLING FRANCISCO, SJ
Performed by BUKAS PALAD
featuring CHOLO MALILIN
from the album, FAR GREATER LOVE
Jesuit Music Ministry

2. I AM EVER WITH YOU
“Do not let your hearts be troubled
Do not stay afraid
I’m beyond all anguish all death
I’m risen to life anew
When you feel that you’ve been emptied
And can give no more
Know that I am your breath and I fill your soul.
I am with you, till the end of your days
I am in you, have faith
That I hold you
Even when you let go
And I love you,
You must know I am here. I am ever with you.”

Words and Music by ARNEL AQUINO, SJ
Performed by JUNJUN BORRES, SJ and HIMIG HESWITA
from the album I AM EVER WITH YOU
Jesuit Music Ministry (https://jescom.ph/jesuit-music-ministry/)
https://youtu.be/rF3-OC1Gb8M

3. ROSAS
“‘Wag kang mabahala, ikaw ay mahalaga
Hindi kita pababayaan
Hindi ka naiiba at sana’y paniwalaang
Na pipiliin ka araw-araw
At alam ko ang aking kaya, alam ko ang hindi
Alam ko ang kailangan upang makapagsilbi
Hangga’t may kabutihan, hangga’t may pag-ibig
Liwanag ang mananaig
At hindi ko maipapangako ang kulay rosas
Na mundo para sa ‘yo, at hindi ko maiilawan ang lahat ng anino
Pero sisikapin ko at hindi ako magpapahinga
Hangga’t hindi mo pa magawang muling ipagmalaki
Na ika’y isang Pilipino
‘Wag kang matatakot
May kasangga ka sa laban na ito
Sabay nating gisingin ang nasyon
At alam ko ang aking kaya, alam ko ang hindi
Alam ko ang kailangan upang makapagsilbi
Hangga’t may kabutihan, hangga’t may pag-ibig
Liwanag ang mananaig
At hindi ko maipapangako ang kulay rosas
Na mundo para sa ‘yo, at hindi ko maiilawan ang lahat ng anino
Pero sisikapin ko at hindi ako magpapahinga
Hangga’t hindi mo pa magawang muling ipagmalaki na ika’y isang
Pilipinong may pusong sagutin ang tugon
Pilipinong may tapang na muling bumangon
Pilipinong buo ang paninindigan
Alam ang tama at totoo
Samahan mo ako
At hindi ko maipapangako ang (at hindi ko maipapangako ang)
Kulay rosas na mundo para sa ‘yo (kulay rosas)
At hindi ko maiilawan ang lahat ng anino (oh, oh, oh, oh)
Pero sisikapin ko at hindi ako magpapahinga
Hangga’t hindi mo pa magawang muling ipagmalaki na ika’y isang
Matatag at matapang
At mabuti at mapagmahal na
Pilipino
Pilipino
Pilipino”
𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗔𝗦 (𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑳𝒚𝒓𝒊𝒄 𝑽𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒐)
Performed by Nica del Rosario ft. Gab Pangilinan
Composed by Gianina Camille del Rosario
Arranged by Rap Sanchez
Violin by Matthew Chang
Mixed and Mastered by Rap Sanchez
Song Art & Video by: Cy Jay Abad

I lift my hands by Chris Tomlin. I got sick several times before the pandemic so I lived in fear once it actually hit us and knowing that no one was ready for it made me scared all the more. That pause in my usually busy life is what I needed – “I lift my hands to believe again, you are my refuge, you are my strength. As I pour out my heart these thing I remember, you are faithful God, forever.”

BEAUTIFUL CITY
Stephen Schwartz

Out of the ruins and rubble
Out of the smoke
Out of our night of struggle
Can we see a ray of hope?
One pale thin ray reaching for the day

We can build a beautiful city
Yes, we can, yes, we can)
We can build a beautiful city
Not a city of angels
But we can build a city of men

We may not reach the ending
But we can start
Slowly but truly mending
Brick by brick
Heart by heart
Now, maybe now
We start learning how

We can build a beautiful city
Yes we can, yes, we can
We can build a beautiful city
Not a city of angels
But we can build a city of men

When your trust is all but shattered
When your faith is all but killed
You can give up bitter and battered
Or you can slowly start to build!

A beautiful city
Yes, we can, yes, we can
We can build a beautiful city
Not a city of angels
But finally a city of men
A city of men

[Psalm 121 :1 My help comes from
The one who has rescued me
From fears and darkness that surround me
For all my days I long to walk with you
Until this life is through, I’ll follow
I lift my eyes. ]

I lift my eyes to the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes
from the Lord my God
My Maker, Creator, my sustainer Protector
My defender, my Saviour forever

My help comes from
The one who formed my heart
The one whose promise is forever

His love will keep my heart at peace
When I rest in Him,
my strong tower

His breath can breathe
new life in me
And tomorrow will bring happiness
Every sorrow turns to dancing
And His thoughts towards me
bring joy, overflowing

My help comes from
The one who has rescued me
From fears and darkness that surround me

For all my days
I long to walk with you
Until this life is through,
I’ll follow
I lift my eyes, I lift my eyes
I lift my eyes
to You my Lord, my God

My help comes from
The One who formed my heart
The One whose promise is forever, forever

For all my days I long to walk with you
Until this life is through, I’ll follow
I lift my eyes
🙋🏼‍♂️🙋‍♀️✋

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Laura Mixon Story
I Lift My Eyes lyrics © Laura Stories, New Spring Publishing Inc.

Songwriters: Laura Mixon Story
I Lift My Eyes lyrics © Laura Stories

Rise Up by Andra Day

You’re broken down and tired
Of living life on a merry go round
And you can’t find the fighter
But I see it in you so we gonna walk it out
And move mountains
We gonna walk it out
And move mountains
And I’ll rise up
I’ll rise like the day
I’ll rise up
I’ll rise unafraid
I’ll rise up
And I’ll do it a thousand times again
And I’ll rise up
High like the waves
I’ll rise up
In spite of the ache
I’ll rise up
And I’ll do it a thousand times again
For you
For you
For you
For you

Saan man ako bumaling Ika’y naroroon
Tumalikod man sa Iyo dakilang pag-ibig Mo
Sa aki’y tatawag at magpapaalang
Ako’y Iyong ginigiliw at syang itatapat sa puso

– Hesus ng Aking Buhay

Name your price
A ticket to paradise
I can’t stay here any more
And I’ve looked high and low
I’ve been from shore to shore to shore
If there’s a short cut I’d have found it
But there is no easy way around it.
Light of the world, shine on me
Love is the answer
Shine on us all, set us free
Love is the answer
Who knows why
Someday we all must die
We’re all homeless boys and girls
And we are never heard
It’s such a lonely, lonely, lonely world
People turn their heads
And walk on by
Tell me is it worth just another try
Light of the world, shine on me
Love is the answer
Shine on us all, set us free
Love is the answer
Tell me, are we alive
Or just a dying planet?
What are the chances?
Ask the man in your heart for the answers
And when you feel afraid
Love one another
When you’ve lost your way
Love one another
And when you’re all alone
Love one another
And when you’re far from home
Love one another
And when you’re down and out
Love one another
And when your hopes run out
Love one another
And when you need a friend
Love one another
And when you’re near the end
Love, we got to love,
We got to love one another
Light of the world, shine on me
Love is the answer
Shine on us all, set us free
Love is the answer
Light of the world, shine on me
Love is the answer
Shine on us all, set us free
Love is the answer.

Stay With Me- Theme from the Cardinal
I grow cold, I grow weary, and I know I have sinned,
And I go seeking shelter and I cry in the wind,
And though I grope and I blunder and I kneel and I’m wrong,
Though the rose buckles under where I walk, walk along

‘Til I find to my wonder every task least to see,
Or that I can do it, pray, stay with me.
Stay with me.

*rock

Same person. my life hasn’t improved much this pandemic. It’s like I’ve contracted an isolationism greater than the virus. And I wanna get better.

(Warning completely rcok. not very reflective)
I Wanna Get Better by the Bleachers

“And I’ve trained myself to give up on the past ’cause
I frozen time between hearses and caskets
….

Now I’m a stranger
And I miss the days of a life still permanent…

The Living Years

…I know that I’m a prisoner
To all my Father held so dear
I know that I’m a hostage
To all his hopes and fears
I just wish I could have told him in thr living years…

…You say you just don’t see it
He says it’s perfect sense
You just can’t get agreement
In this present tense
We all talk a different language
Talking in defence.

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It’s too late when we die
To admit we don’t see eye to eye…

Chances by Five for Fighting, Lines from

Chances are, we’ll find a new equation
Chances rolled away from me
Chances are all they hoped to be
It’s a fight with two to one
Lay your money on the sun
Until you crash, what have you done?
Is there a better bet than love?
What you are is what you bring
You got to cry before you sing
Chances lost are hope’s torn out pages
Chances are we’ll be the combination
Chances come carry me
Chances are waiting to be taken
And I can see
Chances are, the fascination
Chances won’t escape from me
Chances are only what we make them
And all I need

We’ve stayed safe in our safe spaces for three years and survived – for many of us.
Yet to bet, to venture out, and to risk is what makes us Alive. Waging on love is never a wasted prospect.

Now that I’ve llistened
Secret O’ Life by James Taylor too.
It speaks of volumes of knowledge of what we need in living!

Arms of Love by Amy Grant

Lord, I’m really glad You’re here
I hope You feel the same when You see all my fears and how I’ve failed…

I have found a place where I can hide
It’s safe inside Your arms of love
Like a child who’s held throughout the storm
You keep me warm in Your arms of love.

Warrior is a Child – I reminds that at my deepest, God is my refuge. Sometimes it is very tiring to be always strong. This song reminds me that when I am not okay, God sees me and embraces me

I am light by India.Arie especially the following lyrics
“I am not the not the mistakes that I have made or any of the things that cause me Pain
I am not the pieces of the dream I left behind
I am LIGHT”
This always reminds what defines me as a person and child of God. I made so many mistakes but God’s love always redeemed me.

Who would have known this would be a history so torn with wars?
The sky seems grayer in our hearts; it’s grayer in our hearts.

I could have sworn it would end in misery,
but the world is turning still,
and we’re also learning, somewhere hidden out there,
something’s greater than our hearts

The storms of life may shake our ground,
a greater peace still dwells in our hearts.
The dreams we build may fall apart,
A deeper hope still runs in our hearts.
Fear no harm, we are ruled by a far greater love,
a far greater love

Who would have known life would be such a mystery?
For the world is yearning still and our hearts keep burning.
We dare to believe there’s something greater than our hearts

We’re never alone.
All else may go wrong,
still will there be a love far greater than our hearts

You Say by Lauren Daigle

I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I’m not enough
Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up
Am I more than just the sum of every high and every low
Remind me once again just who I am because I need to know
Ooh-oh
You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
And you say I am held when I am falling short
And when I don’t belong, oh You say I am Yours
And I believe (I)
Oh, I believe (I)
What You say of me (I)
I believe
The only thing that matters now is everything You think of me
In You I find my worth, in You I find my identity
Ooh-oh

I Will Follow You into the Dark, by Death Cab for Cutie

A dear friend suddenly passed away last week. He played this song once and it was on video. Watching it now, it feels like he’s still here.

When I heard this first in IG stories, I had to look for the complete song because it was my life she was singing about.

Older by Sasha Alex Sloan
I swore I’d never be like them
But I was just a kid back then

The older I get the more that I see
My parents aren’t heroes, they’re just like me
And loving is hard, it don’t always work
You just try your best not to get hurt
I used to be mad but now I know
Sometimes it’s better to let someone go
It just hadn’t hit me yet
The older I get

Sometimes working on it or fixing it no longer works and you have to learn to let go. 😢

https://youtu.be/XSxpwiRHTF0

Conviction of The Heart by Kenny Logins

So many changes have been happening all at once. It hasnt been easy accepting those changes especially since most are uncontrollable. I forgot about this song until I started building a playlist the 1st lockdown of this pandemic. This song kept me at ease. At the same time ponder and realize many uncontrollable changes that I heeded to accept.

City of God

“Awake from your slumber, arise from your sleep
A new day is dawning for all those who weep…

Let us build the city of God
May our tears be turned into dancing
For the Lord, our light and our love
Has turned the night into day

We’re sons of the morning, we are daughters of day
The one who has loved us has brightened our way”

City of God

“Awake from your slumber, arise from your sleep
A new day is dawning for all those who weep…

Let us build the city of God
May our tears be turned into dancing
For the Lord, our light and our love
Has turned the night into day

We’re sons of the morning, we are daughters of day
The one who has loved us has brightened our way”

“ I want to change the world instead I sleep.I want to believe in more than you and me but all that I know is that Im breathing . All I can do is keep breathing… “ – Keep Breathing, Ingrid Michaelson

I might only have one match
But I can make an explosion
This is fight song
Take back my life song
Prove I’m alright song
My power’s turned on

We encounter continuous challenges in our lives. Yet, we keep going, knowing that our inner power comes from the Lord who is with us and within us.

I lost my mother recently, and I keep remembering the song that she used to play whenever she rocked me in her arms as a young child. It’s Astrud Gilberto’s “A Certain Sadness.”

The lyrics really hit me now because I found myself not wanting to look into her eyes so often when I was taking care of her. In her last year of life, she had grown progressively weak, and I just couldn’t bear looking at her. I was exhausted taking care of her, and I hated seeing her sick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYUPHUPgL9Q

She’s imperfect, but she tries
She is good, but she lies
She is hard on herself
She is broken and won’t ask for help
She is messy, but she’s kind
She is lonely most of the time
She is all of this mixed up
And baked in a beautiful pie
She is gone, but she used to be mine

She Used to Be Mine, from The Waitress Musical

Everything that we survived
It’s gonna be alright
Just lucky we’re alive
Got no vision I’ve been blind
Searching every where
You’re right here in my sight
Hands on a miracle
I’ve got my hands on a miracle
Believe it or not, hands on a miracle
And there ain’t no way
Let you take it away

*Miracle, Foo Fighters

You Are Mine by David Haas

I will come to you in the silence
I will lift you from all your fear
You will hear My voice
I claim you as My choice
Be still, and know I am near

I am hope for all who are hopeless
I am eyes for all who long to see
In the shadows of the night,
I will be your light
Come and rest in Me (*)

*Do not be afraid I am with you
I have called you each by name
Come and follow me
I will give you rest
I love you and you are mine

I am strength for all the despairing
Healing for the ones who dwell in shame
All the blind will see, the lame will all run free
And all will know My name (*)

I am the Word that leads all to freedom
I am the peace the world cannot give
I will call your name, embracing all your pain
Stand up, now, walk, and live (*)

Huwag Kang Mangamba
Song by Bukas Palad Music Ministry

OverviewLyricsListen
Huwag kang mangamba ‘di ka nag-iisa
Sasamahan kita saan man magpunta
Ika’y mahalaga sa ‘king mga mata
Minamahal kita minamahal kita
Tinawag kita sa ‘yong pangalan
Ikaw ay akin magpakailanman
Ako ang Panginoon mo at Diyos
Tapagligtas mo at tagatubos
Huwag kang mangamba ‘di ka nag-iisa
Sasamahan kita saan man magpunta
Ika’y mahalaga sa ‘king mga mata
Minamahal kita minamahal kita
Sa tubig kita’y sasagipin
Sa apoy ililigtas man din
Ako ang Panginoon mo at Diyos
Tapagligtas mo at tagatubos
Huwag kang mangamba ‘di ka nag-iisa
Sasamahan kita saan man magpunta
Ika’y mahalaga sa ‘king mga mata
Minamahal kita
Minamahal kita
This song inspires me in my journey with cancer…

You’ve got a friend in Me

Inspite of adversities, Jesus never left my side. Equally, I’ve been blessed and I feel like I’ve been a friend to others.

https://youtu.be/XQan9L3yXjc

Blessings

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things
‘Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we’d have faith to believe
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not our home
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”
This is the first song that came to my mind with regards to how my life is🥰 The Lord is always there in a hurry to be with us …just call upon His name and He will be there to comfort, support and love you…❤❤❤

When you Believe (Prince of Egypt)

“They don’t always happen when you ask
And it’s easy to give in to your fears
But when you’re blinded by your pain
Can’t see the way, get through the rain
A small but still, resilient voice
Says, help is very near, oh “

Pilgrim’s Theme

“Tired of getting tired, of doing what’s required
Is life a mere routine in the greater scheme of things”

I feel tired lately.. physically, and interiorly too. I feel stuck in my job and at the same time feeling trapped in my situation. It feels as if I just go along and have to do the day-to-day tasks just so I can survive and say I’m doing something for my life.

Did I Fill the World with Love…

In the evening of my life,
I shall look to the sunset
at the moment in my life
when the night is due.

and the question I shall ask,
only you can answer
Was I brave, and strong, and true?
Did I fill the world with love
My whole life through?

“Leaves”

I can think of all the times
You told me not to touch the light
I never thought that you would be the one

I couldn’t really justify
How you even thought it could be right
Cause everything we cherished is gone
And in the end can you tell me if
It was worth the try
So I can decide

Leaves will soon grow from the bareness of trees
And all will be alright in time
From waves overgrown come the calmest of seas
And all will be alright in time
Ohh you never really love someone until you learn to forgive

Try as hard as I might
To flee the shadows of the night
It haunts me and it makes me feel blue
But how can I try to hide
When every breath and every hour
I still end up thinking of you
And in the end everything we have
Makes it worth the fight
So I will hold on for as long

As leaves will soon grow from the bareness of trees
And all will be alright in time
From waves overgrown come the calmest of seas
And all will be alright in time
Ohh you never really love someone until you learn to forgive

I never thought that I would see the day
That I’d decide if I should leave or stay
But in the end what makes it worth the fight’s
That no matter what happens we try to make it right

Leaves will soon grow from the bareness of trees
And all will be alright in time
From waves overgrown come the calmest of seas
And all will be alright in time
Wounds of the past will eventually heal
And all will be alright in time
‘Cause all of this comes with a love that is real
I said all will be alright in time
I said all will be alright in time
I said all will be alright in time
All will be alright in time
Ohh, you never really love someone until
You learn to forgive
You learn to forgive
Learn to forgive

From Now On (The Greatest Showman)

Cause from then, rubble
What remains
Can only be what’s true
If all was lost
There’s more I gained
‘Cause it led me back
To you

Life goes on by BTS

Like an echo in the forest
The day will come back around
As if nothing happened
Yeah, life goes on
Like an arrow in the blue sky
Another day flying by
On my pillow, on my table
Yeah, life goes on
Like this again

Discovering BTS and liking their music surprised me. This song lifts my spirit and keeps me hopeful that we will get past the pandemic.

We May Never Pass This Way
Song by Seals & Crofts

We must gather all our courage
Sail our ships out on the open sea
Cast away our fears
And all the years will come and go
Take us up, always up
We may never pass this way again
We may never pass this way again
We may never pass this way again
So, I wanna laugh while the laughin’ is easy
I wanna cry if it makes it worthwhile
I may never pass this way again

Sunlight, oh sunlight
Bring me the love I need to guide me
Shine it deep inside of me
Sunlight, oh sunlight show me the way

Alfie -What’s it all about Alfie?
Is it just for the moment we live? What’s it all about, when you sort it out Alfie. Are we meant to take more than we give? or are we meant to be kind?
and if only fools are kind, Alfie, then I guess it is wise to be cruel. And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie , what will you bend on an old golden rule?
As sure as I believe, there’s a heaven above, Alfie, I know there’s something much more, something even non-believers can believe in I believe in love Alfie, without true love you’ll just exist Alfie. Until you find the love you’ve missed, you’re nothing Alfie..
When you walk let your heart lead the way, and you’ll find love any day Alfie.

. . . I believe

When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You

Stronger by Kelly Clarkson.

The past 12 months have been turbulent and troublesome, and I thought I wouldn’t be able to get through it. I felt mostly alone during that period, even if I had my husband and friends checking in on me. I wondered for a long time how that situation could have happened to me, while the person who caused me this pain and who I felt was an evil person did not receive any negative consequences for this action. While in this dark period, I kept reminding myself that God doesn’t give us trials we cannot bear so I pulled through with prayers, support from my friends and family and finding the positives that arose from that situation. I can’t say I’ve fully recovered from that period in my life but I can say that I’m stronger in willpower and have learned much from it.

Numb Little Bug by Em Belhold

“Do you ever get a little bit tired of life like you’re not really happy but you don’t wanna die. Like you’re hanging by a thread but you gotta survive ’cause you gotta survive”

Life has been okay for me but I know it could be better but I’m still hanging on.

Now I’m looking to the sky to save me
Looking for a sign of life
Looking for something to help me burn out bright
I’m looking for a complication
Looking cause I’m tired of trying
Make my way back home when I learn to fly high
Make my way back home when I learn to…

Learn to Fly (Foo Fighters)

Reflection (from Mulan)

Look at me
You may think you see
Who I really am
But you’ll never know me
Every day
It’s as if I play a part
Now I see
If I wear a mask
I can fool the world
But I cannot fool my heart

Through the years, you’ve never let me down
You turned my life around, the sweetest days I’ve found
I’ve found with you, through the years
I’ve never been afraid, I’ve loved the life we’ve made
And I’m so glad I’ve stayed, right here with you
Through the years

“You remind me I live in a shell
Safe from the past and doin’ okay but not very well
No jolts, no surprises, no crisis arises
My life goes along as it should
It’s all very nice, but not very good…
…Ready to put my love on the line with you
Been livin’ with nothing to show for it
You get what you get when you go for it…”

Just this part of the song of Ready To Take A Chance Again by Barry Manilow and also the song Pilgrim’s Theme.
These songs exactly describe me, not a risk taker, too afraid of the uncertain but there’s a voice that calls within.

“We get by with a smile.”

Lift your head, baby, don’t be scared
Of the things that could go wrong along the way
You’ll get by with a smile
You can’t win at everything, but you can try
– Eraserheads

With the year starting off wrong with Ukraine and the competitive battle between good and evil in the upcoming Philippine elections, with evil seeming to gain a strong foot hold, it’s sometimes hard to keep our spirits up but we’ll get by with a smile.

Since 2020, I’ve been thinking more about my mental health and how it’s high time that we remove our armors and really pay attention to how we’re feeling. Let the light in.

All I Know So Far (Pink)
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGj9oADcyRs

You throw your head back, and you spit in the wind
Let the walls crack, ’cause it lets the light in
Let ’em drag you through hell
They can’t tell you to change who you are
That’s all I know so far
And when the storm’s out, you run in the rain
Put your sword down, dive right into the pain
Stay unfiltered and loud, you’ll be proud of that skin full of scars
That’s all I know so far

I wish someone would have told me that this darkness comes and goes
People will pretend but baby girl, nobody knows
And even I can’t teach you how to fly
But I can show you how to live like your life is on the line

I resonate with “Cool Change.”

If there’s one thing in my life that’s missing
It’s the time that I spend alone
Sailing on the cool and bright clear water
. . . .
Time for a cool change
I know that it’s time for a cool change
Now that my life is so prearranged
I know that it’s time for a cool, cool change.

“The storms of life may shake our ground
A greater peace still dwells in our hearts.
The dreams we build may fall apart;
A deeper hope still runs in our hearts.
Fear no harm, we are ruled by a far greater love,
a far greater love”

What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong and

Heal the World by Michael Jackson

reminding that there’s a greater purpose in life than just ourselves… even if we do occasionally forget..

My song is My Wish by Rascal Flatts

I love this song because it reminds me of my wish for my loved ones.

“But more than anything, more than anything…
My wish, for you is that life becomes all that you want it to..”

I like the song will of the wind. It is about letting go , moving with the flow of life and not to resist. A lot of times we expect things to work out our way. I want to come to that place of surrender and find peace .

Lyrics
The will of the wind, you feel it and then
It will pass you blowing steady
It comes and it goes and God only knows
You must keep your sails on ready
So when it begins, get all that you can
You must be friend, the will of the wind

Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield — the music and the lyrics, provide hope and new beginnings despite the challenges and uncertainties. A timely reminder for me — just had to review my Spotify list.

“Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten.”

The lyrics of this new song released by Abba in 2021 resonated with my journey during the pandemic, that the pandemic disruption helps develop my detachment to certain attachments and reliances in my life, yet in the process discover other aspects of who I am:

I still have faith in you
I see it now
Through all these years, that faith lives on somehow
There was a union
Of heart and mind
The likes of which are rare and oh-so hard to find
…
We do have it in us
New spirit has arrived
The joy and the sorrow
We have a story
And it survived
And we need one another
Like fighters in a ring
We’re in this together
Passion and courage
Is everything”

“Leaves” by Ben & Ben

— Leaves will soon grow from the bareness of trees. And all will be alright in time….

Jeff Buckley’s Version:
https://open.spotify.com/track/3pRaLNL3b8x5uBOcsgvdqM?si=f0f991cef0b34580

Leonard Cohen’s Version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttEMYvpoR-k

Hallelujah performed (and modified) by Jeff Buckley, originally written by Leonard Cohen (may both of them rest in peace).

I guess, the lyrics that had hit home as I read and listened to them once again were:

“I did my best, it wasn’t much
I couldn’t feel, so I tried to touch
I’ve told the truth, I didn’t come to fool you
And even though it all went wrong
I’ll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah”

As much I enjoy Jeff’s rendition of it, these lyrics from Cohen spoke to me much more. Even when things went wrong or not what I expected I guess, I can’t help but still say praise be to God.

Stephen Colbert, while reflecting on the words of J.R.R. Tolkien, used to say the terrible things in his life were like bombs, but he learned how to love the bombs of his life. That despite the fact there were things he did not wish to happen, he could not help but feel thankful for them still. And these were two ideas that could exist in his head. Because of this, I believe this song reflects these ideas the most and why it has been the song of my life lately.

“The Journey” by Lea Salonga

Refrain:
What a journey it has been
And the end is not in sight
But the stars are out tonight
And they are bound to guide my way

When they’re shining on my life
I can see a better day
I won’t let the darkness in
What a journey it has been.

You Learn by Alanis Morissette
You live, you learn
You love, you learn
You cry, you learn
You lose, you learn
You bleed, you learn
You scream, you learn
You grieve, you learn
You choke, you learn
You laugh, you learn
You choose, you learn
You pray, you learn
You ask, you learn
You live, you learn

“I’ll Be There” by Martin Nievera
– “The rainbow will end in the palm of your hand. Don’t ever let it go. When the stars don’t shine anymore. I’ll be there.”

“We Are The Champions” by Queen
— “We are the champions, my friends
And we’ll keep on fighting till the end.”

“In your arms”-Ablaze music

Living in the dark
Broken and shattered
Ready to give up
And accept defeat

But You’ve come to heal me
You’ve come to fill this empty heart
As I come before You
I bow down on my knees

And I lift my hands to you Lord, I surrender
And I place my trust to you Lord, Forever
Take me in Your arms
Take me in Your arms

Show me again how to love You
Teach me to just trust in You
Lord let Your grace fill my heart
And forever in my life be a part

Fr. J, thank you for doing this. The content is 💯💯💯. Very well thought of and it resonates with me. They’re easy to digest. They’re light(er), fun (love how you incorporate songs) but still very meaningful. I also love the layout. They’re very clean and easy on the eyes (which i think helps makes them easy to digest also). May I know the titles of the instrumental songs by Julian Lloyd Webber? Thank you!

I look at life from both sides now, from up and down and still somehow, it’s life’s illusions I recall, I really don’t know life at all…

It’s been a really difficult past couple of months for me, and when I heard this song it really resonated, “Numb Little Bug” by Em Beihold: https://youtu.be/9mVXPLlnSu4

“A little bit tired of tryin’ to care when I don’t
A little bit tired of quick repairs to cope
A little bit tired of sinkin’
There’s water in my boat
I’m barely breathin’
Tryna stay afloat
So I got these quick repairs to cope”

My faith really helped me through. I’m still struggling, but it is my grace alone that I am still here.

For the Good Times by Perry Como esp these lines at the start –
“Don’t look so sad. I know it’s over. Let’s just be glad we had some time to spend together.”

Perry Como is one of the ol’ time favorites in our house and I just lost my brother and Mom last August to Covid plus my Dad to cancer last 2016. I lost an aunt also I was close to last May so it really is so sad but I like the second line that reminds me to be grateful I had them in my life.

Some lines from Better Days Dianne Reeves….

I’d say how can I be sure what is right or wrong ?
And why does what I want always take so long ?
Please tell me where does God live
And why won’t He talk to me ?

You can’t get to no better days
Unless you make it through the night.
Oh, you will see those better days
But you gotta be patient.
(Be patient) oh baby, be patient.

Leaves by Ben & Ben
“Leaves will soon grow from the bareness of trees
And all will be alright in time
From waves overgrown come the calmest of seas
And all will be alright in time
Wounds of the past will eventually heal
And all will be alright in time”

During this Covid times, nothing was sure, nothing was safe. We didn’t know what tomorrow would bring. But this song sums up how our Lord makes me feel especially in this troubled times.
“Safe” by Isa Fabrejas
Under Your grace, Your mercy amazes me
Under Your wings, Your shadow covers me
Your promise of love, where my heart is safely undone
Speak to me Lord, Your servant is listening
Over the noise, I hear You whispering
My hope has come and my heart is safely undone
I found my fortress, in You
And my soul is anchored, with You
My resting place, is in Your name
Forever safe
Speak to me Lord, Your servant is listening
Over the noise, I hear You whispering
My hope has come and my heart is safely undone, oh
I found my fortress, in You
And my soul is anchored, with You
My resting place, is in Your name
I found my fortress, in You
And my soul is anchored, with You
My resting place, is in Your name
Forever safe, forever safe
Forever safe, forever safe
You are never far away
Always reaching out to save
My weakness covered by Your strength
And I am found forever safe
You are never far away
Always reaching out to save
My weakness covered by Your strength
And I am found forever safe
I found my fortress, in You
And my soul is anchored, with You
My resting place, is in Your name
Forever safe
I found my fortress, in You
And my soul is anchored, with You
My resting place, is in Your name
I found my fortress, in You
And my soul is anchored, with You
My resting place, is in Your name
Forever safe

SAFE has been the soundtrack of my life the past 2 years.
Despite the many hardships and heartaches (I lost my parents, one after the other, to Covid last year), this song reminds me to never give up & lose hope because the Lord is with me & for me come what may.

Make You Feel My Love by Adele
From Ashes to Beauty by Worship Central
Let Me Be the Bearer of Your Love by Bukas Palad

1. Beauty and Madness, Fra Lippo Lippi
2. Praise You In This Storm, Casting Crowns
3. Stay With Us, O Lord

Huwag Kang Mangamba by the Bukas Palad Music Ministry

Huwag kang mangamba ‘di ka nag-iisa
Sasamahan kita saan man magpunta
Ika’y mahalaga sa ‘king mga mata
Minamahal kita minamahal kita

The three songs that come to my mind are:
1. With a Thankful Heart -by Don Moen
2. 10000 Reasons – by Matt Redman
3. I am Ever with You – by Fr. Arnel Aquino, SJ
These songs fill me with assurance of God’s ever presence in my life.

This song came to mind 🙂 It’s been tough with the pandemic and all the things that have happened since 2020, but this song just gives me so much hope. It literally gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling – reminding me that all will be well. Somehow, things always find a way of working out

Forever Young

I’m in my early 30’s but somehow it feels like im growing older, much faster. It has been a bit of a struggle dealing with “adulting” and sometimes I wish that I could freeze time. There’s the fear of having more responsibilities, losing loved ones, facing more serious aspects of life and at one point, fearing my own mortality.

This Heart by Coeli
…
This heart
This heart is waiting
This heart
This heart is trying
This heart
This heart is crying
But this heart
This heart is reaching

It may not be now
But it’ll heal
For a while it lost its feeling
But hey if it doesn’t get broken
Maybe it wasn’t love at all
…

This song speaks of how my heart – recently broken and deeply hurting (again) – continues to believe, trust, hope, and heal…by God’s love and grace.

You can’t get to no
Better days
Unless you make it
Through the night (baby)
Oh, you will see
Those better days
But you gotta be patient
Be patient, oh baby
Be patient

All Shall be Well (performed by Bukas Palad) – in the midst of the fear and anxieties and the roller-coaster ride of having family members, relatives, friends, co-workers and up to myself getting affected by COVID, God’s love sustained me. I never lost hope and I kept my faith.

“Spring and a Storm” by Tally Hall

When I was at my lowest point during this pandemic, as all my problems came to a head (this was around this time last year), the message and melancholic feel of this song brought me great comfort.

May I share 2 poems I wrote today. I was moved to write these two poems upon reading the topic or theme for today!

POEM No. 1
Sitting still, doing nothing
(On Maundy Thursday)

I rarely sat on this rocking chair
Behind me was Mary, sleeping
While Joseph held baby Jesus in his arms
Above there was Buddha with eyes half-open

Perhaps it is time to be like Mary
To sleep and take a break
From the bewildering speed
Of daily comings and goings

I go about my day, busy as a bee, they say
At times, feeling consumed by over consuming
Hooked on dizzying posts on social media
Never knowing when to stop scrolling

Perhaps this is the day to be like Budhha
To pause and step back
To look with my wisdom eyes
To see beyond and look within

Perhaps today is the day
That I will sit and rock this rocking chair
Ponder upon my life or perhaps just be still
Yes, be still and just simply, do nothing

c.ariza,3:59,MaundyThursday,14Apr22,Cebu

POEM No. 2
…and Maundy Thursday came
I never, not even once
looked up what Maundy meant
and so it came, the day
I had to listen
to the “mandatum”
“love one another”
what’s next?

c.ariza,4:19,MaundyThursday,14Apr22,Cebu

STILL, a worship song by Hillsong
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father, You are King over the flood
I will be still, know You are God.

These words put me at peace whenever feelings of turmoil, worries and anxietiies try to grip me. And I keep whispering to myself: “BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.”

“Lord, grant me courage. Lord, grant me strength. Grant me compassion. That I may be Your heart today.” (Your Heart Today by Bukas Palad)

As I am into K-dramas, I currently resonate with this song. I GIVE YOU MY HEART from Crash Landing On You

I want to give the Lord my heart for Him to restore it.

Hesus Ng Aking Buhay and Be Not Afraid both from Fr. Arnel Aquino, SJ.
They comfort me through all the difficult and happy times I’ve been through.

Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles

Little darling
It’s been a long, cold lonely winter
Little darling
It feels like years since it’s been here
Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun
And I say, it’s all right

There’s a song Hold On To Me by Lauren Daigle and these lines from the song resonate with how I see myself

…the best of me is barely breathing
…I’m not somebody I believe in
…I am sure I’ve reached the end
…I don’t feel like I’m worth defending
…I’m tired of all my pretending

Fix You by Coldplay

When you try your best, but you don’t succeed
When you get what you want, but not what you need
When you feel so tired, but you can’t sleep
Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can’t replace
When you love someone, but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

I Am Ever With You by Arnel Aquino, SJ has become one of my favorite songs. The pandemic has brought lots of realizations to most and loss of loved ones. This song gives me comfort and hope for a better tomorrow.

Lyrics below:
Do not let your hearts be troubled
Do not stay afraid
It is really I whom you see
I offer you now my peace
I have waited for this moment
To be with you again
In my heart you’ll remain
In your heart I’ll stay
I am with you, till the end of your days
I am in you, have faith
That I hold you
Even when you let go
And I love you,
You must know. I am here. I am ever with you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled
Do not stay afraid
I’m beyond all anguish all death
I’m risen to life anew
When you feel that you’ve been emptied
And can give no more
Know that I am your breath and I fill your soul.
I am with you, till the end of your days
I am in you, have faith
That I hold you
Even when you let go
And I love you,
You must know I am here. I am ever with you.

This song resonates my heart as well, especially the following lyrics:

“And I love you, you must know…”

“When you feel that you’ve been emptied
And can give no more
Know that I am your breath and I fill your soul.

Last year I was caring for my parent who got sick with COVID, while I also battled with the same illness. I thought it was the end for the two of us but God has other plans. My parent and I both survived from COVID. That “death rehearsal ” experience made me more conscious to live life more meaningfully and to not allow the petty things robbed my peace.

STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN

And when I hold you in my arms I promise you
You’re gonna feel a love that’s beautiful and new
This time I’ll love you even better than I ever did before
And you’ll be in my heart forevermore

Nightbirde’s It’s Ok. I’ve learned how to be okay with everything that comes my way. We have been blessed with so much. Truly. Just like Nightbirde who sadly passed away from cancer, I know everything will always be ok.

Breathe by jonny diaz

Breathe, just breathe
Come and rest at my feet
And be, just be
Chaos calls but all you really need is to just breathe.

https://open.spotify.com/track/5gHwf3DYciXuoFWstFswKj?si=H5SkK875TjmzMlN6fyilUA&context=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A3EOXDvYGTynQHUkFaZGoqh

Just be held by casting crowns

“So when you’re on your knees and answers seem so far away.l, You’re not alone stop holding on and just be held. Your world’s not falling apart its falling into plce. i’m on the throne stop holding on and just be held.”

https://open.spotify.com/track/5t35FJYwzRt9MG3ae2O41L?si=i4VN0g_8SACn4xoW1IOI3A&context=spotify%3Aplaylist%3A3EOXDvYGTynQHUkFaZGoqh

A Piece of Sky by Barbra Streisand
from the movie Yentl

“The more I live, the more I learn
The more I learn the more I realize the less I know
Each step I take, each page I turn
Each mile I travel only means the more I have to go
What’s wrong with wanting more?
If you can fly, then soar
With all there is, why settle for just a piece of sky?”

Stand By Me by Ben E. King. When the night has come and the land is dark. And the moon is the only light we see. No I won’t be afraid Just as long as you stand by me

When I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer stage IV and given a very poor prognosis last Feb 2021, Ive been playing this song while thanking God for blessing me a new day. Indeed God’s goodness and faithfulness is so amazing!🙏🌈
The GOODNESS OF GOD
by: Bethel Music

I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In the darkest night
You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God (yeah)
And all my life You have been faithful (oh)
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God (yeah)
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me (oh-oh)
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after
It keeps running after me
And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
(I’m gonna sing, I’m gonna sing)
‘Cause all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God

1. Change In my Life by Rockapella
“A man gets crazy when his world is all wrong
And a heart gets weary when it doesn’t belong
When the road gets rocky, Lord, you’ve got to keep on
Let the new light come shining on through”

2. Talk It Up by Sammy Rae and the Friends
“Because I did the best I could
I got taken down again
But I got fire in my blood
I got sugar on my skin
And I got nowhere to begin so listen I say
Don’t you stop it now come on
Give em all what they came here for
Never been down the same before
Talk it up til’ your face gets sore”

“Lead me Lord” by Gary Valenciano

Lead me Lord
Lead me by the hand and help me face the rising sun
Comfort me through all the pain that life may bring
There’s no other hope that I can lean upon
Lead me Lord
Lead me all my life

Walk by me
Walk by me across the lonely roads that I may face
Take my arms and let your hand show me the way
Show the way to live inside your heart
All my days, all my life

You are my light
You’re the lamp upon my feet
All the time my Lord I need You there
You are my light
I cannot live alone
Let me stay by Your guiding love
All through my life
Lead me Lord

This is Me Trying by Taylor Swift. The pandemic really took a toll on my mental health and for the past few months I’ve been doing my best to recover from anxiety and depression.

https://open.spotify.com/track/7kt9e9LFSpN1zQtYEl19o1?si=f51d270ac8ba41fb

I’ve been having a hard time adjusting
I had the shiniest wheels, now they’re rusting
I didn’t know if you’d care if I came back
I have a lot of regrets about that
Pulled the car off the road to the lookout
Could’ve followed my fears all the way down
And maybe I don’t quite know what to say
But I’m here in your doorway

I just wanted you to know
That this is me trying
I just wanted you to know
That this is me trying

They told me all of my cages were mental
So I got wasted like all my potential
And my words shoot to kill when I’m mad
I have a lot of regrets about that
I was so ahead of the curve, the curve became a sphere
Fell behind on my classmates, and I ended up here
Pouring out my heart to a stranger
But I didn’t pour the whiskey

I just wanted you to know
That this is me trying
I just wanted you to know
That this is me trying
At least I’m trying

And it’s hard to be at a party when I feel like an open wound

1. Amazing Grace (not sure why this has been associated to funerals)
2. The Rose (by Bette Midler)
3. Far Greater Love 🙂
4. Both Sides Now (by Joni Mitchell)
5. Spring Day (BTS)

I saw Side A’s Tuloy Pa Rin among the comments. Yes, that too!

My song is “This is Me Trying” by Taylor Swift. The pandemic really took a toll on my mental health, and I’ve spent the past few months doing my best to recover from depression and anxiety.

I’ve been having a hard time adjusting
I had the shiniest wheels, now they’re rusting
I didn’t know if you’d care if I came back
I have a lot of regrets about that
Pulled the car off the road to the lookout
Could’ve followed my fears all the way down
And maybe I don’t quite know what to say
But I’m here in your doorway

I just wanted you to know
That this is me trying
I just wanted you to know
That this is me trying

They told me all of my cages were mental
So I got wasted like all my potential
And my words shoot to kill when I’m mad
I have a lot of regrets about that
I was so ahead of the curve, the curve became a sphere
Fell behind on my classmates, and I ended up here
Pouring out my heart to a stranger
But I didn’t pour the whiskey

I just wanted you to know
That this is me trying
I just wanted you to know
That this is me trying
At least I’m trying

And it’s hard to be at a party when I feel like an open wound”

https://open.spotify.com/track/7kt9e9LFSpN1zQtYEl19o1?si=f51d270ac8ba41fb

https://youtu.be/JyQwTw-npi0

I Am Ever With You (by Fr. A. Aquino, SJ)

Do not let your hearts be troubled
Do not stay afraid
It is really I Whom you see
I offer you now My peace
I have waited for this moment
To be with you again
In My Heart you’ll remain
In your heart I’ll stay

I am with you till the end of your days
I am with you, have faith that I hold you even when you let go
And I love you, you must know
I am here, I am ever with you

https://youtu.be/JyQwTw-npi0

I Am Ever With You (by Fr. A. Aquino, SJ)

Do not let your hearts be troubled
Do not stay afraid
It is really I Whom you see
I offer you now My peace
I have waited for this moment
To be with you again
In My Heart you’ll remain
In your heart I’ll stay

I am with you till the end of your days
I am with you, have faith that I hold you even when you let go
And I love you, you must know
I am here, I am ever with you

Both Sides Now – “Well, something’s lost but something’s gained in leaving everyday.
I’ve looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It’s life’s illusions I recall
I really don’t knopw life at all

https://youtu.be/JyQwTw-npi0

I Am Ever With You (by Fr. Arnel Aquino, SJ) never fails to make me weep. All throughout these 2 years — with the pandemic, the war, and the nation’s future in the balance — I have swept my anxiety under the rug, not wanting anyone in my family to see it, so I can be strong for everyone. Only the Lord knows the extent of my inner turmoil. But whenever I listen to this song, Jesus reminds me that He is present and attentive to all the world’s madness, even when it seems like He is asleep sometimes.

“Love Someone” by Lukas Graham
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN44xpHjNxE

This song brings back the time I was able to have my duty rotation as a student nurse in the National Center For Mental Health. I chose this song to play for the music therapy session of my patients. It is a song of love, of loving someone and cherishing them.

The time that I spent in the National Center For Mental Health has been life-changing. It made me know myself much more and brought with me the lesson that a person does not need to achieve high honors or accomplish great things to find his true worth. A person’s worth and dignity is intrinsic. The same is how God loves us. We don’t need to do anything for God to love us. He loves us just as we are.

This song always reminds me of that rich experience filled with life realizations, and I believe that this will continue to be my playlist as I fulfill my vocation.

“Brand New Day” by Sting — As we enter the new normal (at work and everywhere else) and a chance at a new leadership in the Philippine government, I feel hopeful we are entering a brand new day!

This version is extra special — Sting at 60 years old (still with his distinct, powerful voice) and Stevie Wonder performing for that extra magic!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu9R4egeg_I

Like a few others, “Both Sides Now” was also the first song that came to mind. These lines hit home: “It’s life’s illusions I recall/ I really don’t know life at all.”

There is also a line from Sting’s songs that captures how I’ve felt lately: “It’s a big enough umbrella, but it’s always me that ends up getting wet.” The songs this line comes from don’t resonate with me, but this line does.

Let It Be. I am at a point in my life when I have been hurt by people close to me – my siblings and close relatives. I have been working hard for us and yet they do not see all the work I put into this. All my life these days are poured into this endeavor but they choose to go with choices that are not right. As much as I want to us to be of one mind & one heart I have no control over them so even if I am left on my own I just listen to the words of wisdom , “Let It Be.” I pray that one day they too will see the light.

My song is “Lead Me, Lord” by Gary Valenciano. The pandemic is a test of faith for me. Each day is a Prayer for direction…a Thanksgiving for waking up and also for completing another day. The lines “show me the way…comfort me…” get me thru each day.

Lead Me Lord by Gary Valenciano. I love very much the lines: Even though at times, I’d rather go my way, help me take the right direction and take your road.”

PRAYER OF RUPERT MAYER
Lord, what you will let it be so
where you will there we will go
what is your will help us to know…

Not the whole song, just the first stanza of My Immortal by Evanescence:

I’m so tired of being here
Suppressed by all my childish fears
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
‘Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won’t leave me alone

These three years of the pandemic has been an endless loop of sameness for me, except for a few scattered opportunities to get away from the routine. I’ve come to get used to it, but there are moments when I feel I’m just so tired of this limited existence. I imagine the “you” in the stanza is Covid and I’m just wishing it would leave us all alone.

I like the song “Hang On, Little Tomato” by Pink Martini. It is about never giving up on yourself and on life. I have sang this song in my head for a number of years now and it always reminds me to keep on fighting

” Footprints in the Sand” This song gives me encouragement in moments of difficulties especially these phrases: The Lord replied: my son, my precious child, “I love and I would never leave you. During your times of suffering , when you could see only one set of footprints, ” It was then that I carried you”

i’ll be missing you…

Thinkin’ of the day, when you went away
What a life to take, what a bond to break
I’ll be missing you
Somebody tell me why
One black morning
When this life is over
I know
I’ll see your face…

https://youtu.be/EN5Ga6OMwhA

You Raised Me Up by Josh Groban

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary
When troubles come and my heart burdened be
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence
Until You come and sit awhile with me.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be.
You raise me up to more than I can be.

The song that immediately came up was Simon and Garfunkel’s “Like A Bridge Over Troubled Waters”, a song I don’t like much. But it just popped up, especially the lyrics,” like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down.”, as if Christ was telling me that over and over. It brought tears to my eyes. You see, I have been undergoing major health challenges since last year. They’re major frightening life altering and even life ending challenges and yet, after a brief initial phase of anxiety, I was given the grace of acceptance, of assurance, of seeing and experiencing God’s love and care each time. Thank you Lord. Thank you so much for being “my bridge over troubled waters”.

Lovely songs!
From Des’ree’s “You Gotta Be”:
Listen as your day unfolds
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Lovers, they may cause you tears
Go ahead, release your fears
Stand up and be counted
Don’t be ashamed to cry
You gotta be
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day

Paramore’s Last Hope reminds me that no matter how hard life gets, a simple spark can always give hope and reassures you that at some point, things will fall into their proper places and make things better.

I surrender…melt me, mold me, renew me. I wrote this song years ago but the message is very relevant during pandemic. Suffering from covid together with comorbidities was a real challenge. Surrendering everything to the Lord gave me peace in the midst of suffering that leads to healing and recovery.

Landslide by Fleetwood Mac

I took my love, I took it down
I climbed a mountain and I turned around
And I saw my reflection in the snow-covered hills
‘Til the landslide brought me down
Oh, mirror in the sky
What is love?
Can the child within my heart rise above?
Can I sail through the changin’ ocean tides?
Can I handle the seasons of my life?
Well, I’ve been afraid of changin’
‘Cause I’ve built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I’m getting older too

I have loved this song by James Taylor for a very long time. Listening to it now at age 60 gave a new meaning to the song and brought tears to my eyes.

“Spring Day” by BTS

“Passing the end of the cold winter, until the spring day comes again, until the flowers bloom — please stay there a little while longer.”

“No darkness or no season is eternal.”

Whenever I feel discouraged, this song lifts me up – BE NOT AFRAID

You shall cross the barren desert
But you shall not die of thirst
You shall wander far in safety
Though you do not know the way
You shall speak your words in foreign lands
And all will understand
You shall see the face of God and live

[Chorus]
Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come follow me
And I will give you rest

Blessed are your poor
For the kingdom shall be theirs
Blessed are you that weep and mourn
For one day you shall laugh
And if wicked men insult and hate you all because of me
Blessed, blessed are you

[Chorus]
Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come follow me
And I will give you rest

[Instrumental Break]

[Chorus]
Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come follow me
And I will give you rest

Be not afraid
I go before you always
Come follow me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suBd_c9oA9w

In the evening of my life, I shall look to the sunset.. The question I ask only God can answer. Was I brave and strong, and true? Did I fill the world with love, my whole life through?

Did I try to fill my life and my world with good, to the extent that I could, not to be embittered and poisoned with negative treatment and the ‘black ops’ and slander I faced?

I like the song With a Smile by Eraserheads. Very uplifting when you hurdle so many challenges and disappointments everday😊

I’ll be Okay by Amanda Marshall

“Life passes so quickly
You gotta take the time
Or you’ll miss what really matters
You’ll miss all the signs
I’ve spent my life searchin’
For what was always there
Sometimes it will be too late
Sometimes it won’t be fair”

The Warrior is a Child

“Lately I’ve been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight
People say that I’m amazing
I’m strong beyond my years
But they don’t see inside of me
I’m hiding all the tears

They don’t know that I come running home when I fall down
They don’t know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
‘Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child

Unafraid because his armor is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I’m amazing
I never face retreat
But they don’t see the enemies
That lay me at his feet”

This song expresses how my life has been the last couple of years, and how I feel right now.

Having survived cancer, people seem to think I’m OK having survived it and doing well. But like a soldier who has been through war, people forget that I have also been wounded by not only physically (surgeries, chemo and all), but all the emotional and mental anguish. People seem to want me to be constantly grateful and happy that I’m alive (and I am!), but deep down I’m also recovering from the blows that cancer has brought my life. Grieving my health, inability to work, giving up specific dreams due to my health, friends who have lost their battles and friends who abandoned me because they can’t deal with the fear of cancer.

My dad has been a cancer survivor for 3 years now, and I do relate when you say that your life had to change and you couldn’t do the things you used to do because of the medical treatments. I pray that you will be able to find purpose in the life that you are living right now and that the Lord Jesus may heal your wounds 🙏

I didn’t have a song of my own so I listened to everyone’s suggestions. I found songs that didn’t resonate and discovered just good songs that uplifted me.

Dream of the Return by the Pat Metheny Group

Isang sipi kung isasalin sa Filipino:
“O, ang malakbay ang kabuuan ng buhay,
ang kalmadong azul o ang tumaob sa gitna ng unos,
di bale kung paano basta’t may daungang naghihintay.”

During this time of covid, we all felt scared, threatened and unsure. We needed a stronghold to stabilize our faith, to strengthen us and make us unwaiver. This song sums it all for me.
“Safe” by Isa Fabregas
Under your grace, your mercy amazes me
Under your wings, your shadow covers me
Your promise of love, where my heart is safely undone

Speak to me Lord, your servant is listening
Over the noise, I hear you whispering
My hope has come and my heart is safely undone

I found my fortress, in you
And my soul is anchored, with you
My resting place, is in your name
Forever safe

https://open.spotify.com/track/43IbCqMcMvZi1v16LFAE3n?si=AVnZbRXORjaIdscjY0tJuw

Don’t Give Up on Me by Andy Grammer , this was used in your retreat last year and since then it has been my love song for Jesus especially because I fail again and again in following him but I know he’s always there to begin again with me

I Will Sing (Don Moen)

Lord, You seem so far away
A million miles or more, it feels today
And though I haven’t lost my faith
I must confess right now
That it’s hard for me to pray
But I don’t know what to say
And I don’t know where to start
But as You give the grace
With all that’s in my heart
I will sing, yes, I will praise, even in my darkest hour
Through the sorrow and the pain
I will sing, I will praise, lift my hands to honor You
Because Your word is true, I will sing
Lord it’s hard for me to see all the thoughts
And plans You have for me, yes it is
But I will put my trust in You
Lord we made Your die to set me free
Oh thank God You did
But I don’t know what to say
And I don’t know where to start
But as you give the grace
With all that’s in my heart
I will sing, I will praise, even in my darkest hour
Through the sorrow and the pain
I will sing, I will praise, lift my hands to honor You
Because Your word is true
I will sing, I will praise, even in my darkest hour
Through the sorrow and the pain
I will sing, I will praise, lift my hands to honor You
Because Your word is true, I will sing, I will sing, I will sing
Oh, we sing to You Lord
Oh, we sing to You Lord tonight
Halleluiah, we sing to You Lord
Oh, we lift our voices and sing to You
Worship You Lord, we sing to You Lord
We sing, we sing, We sing, we sing
Oh, we worship you Lord, oh, thank You Lord
I will sing, oh yes I will, I will sing

My thoughts about the current events in the world and my life made me think of two songs, both about time.

Only Time by Enya
Where did the time go? by Julia Fordham

Time heals. We just need to let it.
In the meantime, remain hopeful and grateful. 🙏🏼

Magpahinga

Kulang pa yata ang bente kwatrong oras sa’kin
Sa mga problema kong mas marami pa sa mga bituin
Ayoko namang magpatalo pero ba’t parang ubos na ubos na ako
Ang sabi mo
Dito ka lang sa’kin magpahinga muna lalabanan din mga dambuhalang
‘Di maubos na problema malapit na pero ‘di rin kasalanang magpahinga

あいのちから (Ainochikara/Power of Love) – Seventeen

When a sad voice reaches our ears
Let’s reach out our hands right away
Let’s show them our warmth

When the cold Winter passes
We’ll come to realize
That as our warm hearts bloom in the shivering cold
We become stronger

Gather our ever growing hearts
The power of love

It’s scary to take the leap in this world but it’s okay
Lets hold hands now
We can greet tomorrow’s sun if we comfort each other

Through it all – Hillsong

You are forever in my life
You see me through the seasons
Cover me with Your hand
And lead me in Your righteousness
And I look to You
And I wait on You

Day after day

When there is no getting over that rainbow.
When my smallest of dreams wont come true.
I can take all the madness the world has to give.
But I wont last a day without you.

Leaves by ben and ben

Try as hard as I might
To flee the shadows of the night
It haunts me and it makes me feel blue
But how can I try to hide
When every breath and every hour
I still end up thinking of you?
And in the end, everything we have makes it worth the fight
So I will hold on for as long
As leaves will soon grow from the bareness of trees
And all will be alright in time
From waves overgrown come the calmest of seas
And all will be alright in time
Oh you never really love someone until you learn to forgive

Both sides now, especially now that it was used for the movie CODA. It’s a song that gains more meaning, different meanings, as one lives through life. For me, at this stage of my life, it is all the ending phrases of a verse that resonates: “it’s love’s illusions/ it’s life’s illusions i recall, I really don’t know love/life at all”. i feel more lost now, now it’s “now what?”. Because now, I don’t know what the next step is when conventional thinking says is that now I should know the way as I lead others in my family. What kind of leader is more lost than their flock?

This was also the song that came to mind first. It just hits you that the number of years we have under our belt do not always mean we have it all figured out. Sometimes, it just highlights how much we do not understand still. Seeing life more clearly and yet realizing how much of it we cannot explain or fathom.

I HAVE YOU by Carpenters

Sometimes, all the world can seem so friendless
And the road ahead, so endless
And the dream so far away.
Sometimes, when I’m almost to surrender
Then I stop, and I remember
I have YOU, to save my day.

Sometimes, after all, you’ve done to save me
Thru the love you freely gave me
Every step along the way
Sometimes, people ask what keeps me going
And in truth, it comes from knowing
I have YOU to save my day.

The year 2021, to borrow Mo. Teresa of Calcutta’s words was a year of Jesus’ Kisses – “all the experiences of suffering, pain, sorrow, humiliation, and feelings of loneliness, are nothing but the kiss of Jesus, a sign that you have come so close that He can kiss you”.

From my family’s breakdown in June 2021 to having moderate COVID-19 in July 2021 and suffering its long haul effect down to the overwhelming conflicts/difficulties in the ministry entrusted to me since the school opened in August 2021… I lost momentum, got drained, felt disoriented, and miss out on a lot of things in my relationships and duties in the community, ministry, and spiritual life. I was withdrawn and became less and less motivated. I found myself also less functional in the process. “Sabog and Kalat” would be the right terms with how I was until January of this year.

The pandemic has been a conducive climate to lose all my grips and control over things, events, and people. Getting up every day was truly a struggle and I became indifferent to everything and everyone. Joviality, which is my best trait, suddenly became a thing of the past, then. And yes, even until now, these are still real “challenges” for me as I am having this online retreat.

But, what saves me? IT IS THE LORD and His abiding love and mercy to me a miserable sinner.

Only the Young by Taylor Swift

Today, I’m struggling to make amends with my boss at the workplace. I am currently learning the work of my head who leave abruptly without formal turnover. I was a given a new team member to continue our work. And since, he is a fresh grad and I’m completely new to learning the new workload, I need time to learn and grasp things. And this is where we do not align with my boss.

He expects me to be completely equipped and knowledgeable even though I am at disadvantage. It was only then my heart ignited with courage when he went on to call out my team member.

At that point, I can no longer afford to accept his unrealistic expectations with minimal resources.

Today, my team are now setting boundaries and gain back our control in our daily work operations.

In My Life by the Beatles. 💕

Whenever I listen to it I recall more about the people and the places associated with them. More memories flood in, pleasant and unpleasant.

Made me contemplate. Made me reminisce. Made me smile. Made me grateful. Made me realize there is only one being I owe my life to.

Dear God, in my life, I love You more. 🙏💕

Healing
Now that we have gotten through
One more fall
I can just admit I’ve got it all
Cause I do
Cause I’ve got you
We’ve crossed these battle lines to many times
It passes through the heart
But it never leaves a mark
Cause Your love just keeps on healing me
No matter how I bruise
If I just trust You
Your love just keeps on healing me
One more clue
One more chance that wasn’t there before
In your arms
No pain can harm the way I’m feeling
Lord I know that Your love is healing
I’ve kicked around those lines in my head
But I’ve never listened to the words that You said
See where its lead
Well I know I have it now
Cause You showed me how
And all I had to do
Was just to keep my eyes on You
Cause Your love just keeps on healing me
No matter how I bruise
If I just trust You
Your love just keeps on healing me
One more clue
One more chance that wasn’t there before
In your arms
No pain can harm the way I’m feeling
Lord I know that Your love is healing
Cause Your love just keeps on healing me
No matter how I bruise
If I just trust You
Your love just keeps on healing me
One more clue
One more chance that wasn’t there before
In your arms
No pain can harm the way I’m feeling
Lord I know that Your love is healing

Mine is not a song but a blessing by John O’Donohue, entitled “For A New Beginning”

In out-of-the-way places of the heart,
Where your thoughts never think to wander,
This beginning has been quietly forming,
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire,
Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,
Noticing how you willed yourself on,
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the gray promises that sameness whispered,
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,
Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream,
A path of plenitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with your life’s desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure;
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk,
Soon you will home in a new rhythm,
Four your soul senses the world that awaits you.

Just As I Am

I’ve had a lot of big dreams
I’ve made a lot of bad moves
I know you could walk away
But you never do

I’ve met a lot of cold hearts
I’ve learned to smile and deceive
I know I’m hard to be around
But you never leave

And I’m not easy to understand
But you hold out your hand

And you say you love me
Just as I am
You always treat me
The best that you can

“Walk with me” by Bella Thorne

But I have walked alone, with the stars in the moonlit night
I have walked alone, no one by my side
Now I walk with you, with my head held high
In the darkest sky, I feel so alive

It feels different when you finally know how to surrender everything to God. I feel no longer alone and more ready for the uncertainty that lies ahead.

Through the years by kenny Rogers

In the ups and downs of life… despite the many difficulties and challenges I have encountered ,I just held on to God’s promise ( and I continue to hold on) that He will be with me always and true enough He never let me down, he never left me through the years. He is indeed faithful. And I can truly say, the “sweetest days I have found , I have found With God… ❤️

I Will Survive

Do you think I’d crumble
Did you think I’d lay down and die?
No, not I, I will survive
Long as I know how to love
I know I’ll stay alive
I’ve got all my life to live
And all my love to give and I’ll survive.
I, I, I will survive.

Last Day on Earth by Tai Verdes

If it was my last day on Earth
If it was my last day
If it was my last day on Earth
If it was my last day
If I close my eyes
And the sun don’t rise
Will I be okay?
If it was my last day on Earth
If it was my last day
If it was my last day on Earth
I wouldn’t be in church
I’m sorry God, but it’s my last day in this universe
I need to see birds and buzzin’ bees
Green grass, evergreen trees
Not seeing people who have been mean to me
And why would I waste my time
All my favorite people need teary eyed goodbyes
Talk, laugh, hug and give a bunch of hard high fives
I did my best man
I gave this thing a good try

Blessings by Laura Story
It reminds me that God is always there for me no matter what the days are for me, even in my bad days, always the Lord is there. Looking back, I see God’s hand everyday. I should be grateful, God has never left me. I need God. He is my companion every single day.
Forgive me Lord if I did not realize right away your presence. Thank you Lord.

God of Silence by Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ

The God of silence beckons me
To journey to my heart
Where He awaits
O Lord, I hear You calling tenderly
To You I come to gaze
At the beauty of Your face I cannot see

To rest in Your embrace I cannot feel
To dwell in Your love hurting but sweet
To be with You; to glimpse eternity

God of night, fount of all my delight.
Show Your light . . . that my heart, like Yours, burn bright.

Be still the torment of the night
Will not encumber you, if you believe
My child this darkness isn’t emptiness
For here I mold your heart
Unto My image painfully you long to see

The self you yearn to be, but fear to know
The world from which you flee in Me find home
All these I give you, if you remain in Me

I am ever here
My child, you need not fear
The dark will set you free
And bring your heart to Me

The God of silence beckons me
To journey to my heart
Where He awaits me.

Warrior is a Child by Gary V

Lately I’ve been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight
People say that I’m amazing
I’m strong beyond my years
But they don’t see inside of me
I’m hiding all the tears
They don’t know that I come running home when I fall down
They don’t know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
‘Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child
Unafraid because his armor is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I’m amazing
I never face retreat
But they don’t see the enemies
That lay me at his feet

“Be Not Afraid”
Be not afraid. I go before you always. Come follow me… and I will give you rest.

“I can’t keep it in” by Cat Stevens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlFJvx_R3k4
“Oh, I can’t keep it in. I can’t keep it in
I’ve got let it out
I’ve gotta show the world, world’s gotta see
See all the love, love that’s in me.”

This is about my life now in the time of this pandemic, in the war raging in Ukraine, in the frenzy of this election season…despite it all, or maybe because of these, I have to let it out!!!!

It was A Good Year by Frank Sinatra. The song goes like this: But now the days are short; I’m in the autumn of the year; And now I think of my life as vintage; Wine from fine old kegs; From the brim to the kegs, it poured sweet and clear; It was a very good year. Just this morning, I was listening to the CD of Ray Charles and this hit me .I am a SC .With God’s grace,I am now like this a happy ,joyful person with a grateful heart.

The song that best captures the way my life has been going is “Won’t Let U Go”. To those interested in listening to the song, just copy and paste the link into your browser:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaL4RBJk1-g

The first few lines of the song so vividly capture the anguish I went through after an extremely heartrending event in my life. And just when it felt like everything was breaking down, God stepped in to remind me ‘…wait, don’t let the fickle light just fade; I know what it’s like to lose all your faith… through it all, know that it will be okay because I’m here to stay… no, I won’t let you go’. For me, the song is God’s way of assuring me of His abiding presence in my life, a constant reminder that He is not going to give up on me, that He will never let me go. No matter what.

Leaves will soon grow from the bareness of trees
And all will be alright in time.
From waves overgrown come the calmest of seas
And all will be alright in time.
And wounds of the past will eventually heal
I said “all will be alright in time”.
Cause all of this come with a Love that is real.
I said “all will be alright in time.”

Leaves, by Ben&Ben

It Is Well With My Soul”

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul

It is well, with my soul
It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well, with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come
Let this blessed assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And hath shed His own blood for my soul

It is well, with my soul
It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well, with my soul

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part but the whole
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul

It is well, with my soul
It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well, with my soul

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul

It is well, with my soul
It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well, with my soul

Last Hope by Paramore and That’s Life by Frank Sinatra 🥺 really kinda confused at life and especially at my age (I’m turning 25 this in a few months) where I don’t know which path to go. It’s hard to feel stuck all the time but the good thing is, my faith keeps me going.

Comethru by Jeremy Zucker
I might lose my mind
Waking when the sun’s down
Riding all these highs
Waiting for the comedown
Walk these streets with me
I’m doing decently
Just glad that I can breath
I’m trying to realize
It’s alright not to be fine on your own

Cold Water by Justin Bieber
~I picked this song because I feel that I am drowning in my school requirements these days. I feel so disappointed with myself because I was a consistent honour student before but recently I got a low score and failed my clinical performance rating. I did my best and I did not miss any clinical duty although I got sick on the first day of our duty. Presently, I feel exhausted and I only have low motivation to finish my school works. Please pray for me.

Here is an excerpt of the song:

Come on, come on
Save me from my rocking boat
I just wanna stay afloat
I’m all alone
And I hope, I hope someone come and take me home
Somewhere I can rest my soul
I need to know you won’t let go

Magpahinga by Ben & Ben.
“Kulang pa yata ang 24 oras sa akin…”

I’ve been overwhelmed the past weeks. A lot of things have been on my plate lately at work and I feel I can no longer function effectively.

I love this song as well! One thing I’ve learned from this song is that it is ok to rest. There’s nothing wrong with setting aside your work for a while and just rest. Prayers for you 🙏

YOU WILL BE FOUND from the Dear Evan Hansen Soundtrack:

Have you ever felt like nobody was there?
Have you ever felt forgotten in the middle of nowhere?
Have you ever felt like you could disappear?
Like you could fall, and no one would hear?
Well, let that lonely feeling wash away
Maybe there’s a reason to believe you’ll be okay

I’ve been in isolation even before the pandemic, due to hurts from other people that I had to deal with on my own. I felt like no one knew the suffering I was going through, that I could disappear and no one would look for me. It was just me and my God.

I’m starting to come out of that place of isolation and I’ve actually even thrived, with a stronger relationship with Him, too. Thank You, Lord, for holding my hand in the dark 🙂

He’ll Carry You by Hillary Weekes is the song reverberating in my mind as i think anout my sister and her family and others who might be facing sadness, fear , loneliness , alienation, physical ailments, financial hardships etc. God is always the source Hope , Love and Peace 🙏🏼

Simply Amazing by Martin Nievera.

Despite the ups and down I have experienced, no matter what, at the end of the day, as I look back, it’s certainly good to be alive!
Looking forward to facing challenges that may come my way. I’m determined to achieve my goals! Bring it on!

Healing by Deniece Williams
“Lord, I know that your love keeps on healing”

A ruptured blood vessel was seen on my head CT scan last Saturday and I underwent another scan this Holy Monday. Praise God, operation is not needed as it somewhat disappeared and healing itself.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind but now I see
Was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed
Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come
T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far
And Grace will lead us home
And Grace will lead us home
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see
Was blind, but now I see

**this sums up the song of my life … every time I hear this song, it never fails to touch my heart. It resonates with how my life has been and despite all the challenges, His grace is truly amazing.

Leaves by Ben and Ben. I feel frustrated many times about how things are going on in the world. In my world too. Especially in our country. I give so much. Time, talent, treasure for the mission. I have nothing to consider my own. Just what is out there. But it frustrates me when people don’t see what we see. When even out of love and radical love you give, it isn’t enough. But as the song goes, “leaves will soon grow from the bareness of trees…” I’ll push on. Maybe with greater love. Maybe with deeper understanding. Maybe with selfless giving. Again and again…

Picture this
What if all it takes is a moment believing
The end doesn’t end, it begins
Picture this
What if all we wanted was there all along
Leading us (leading us)
To a start (to a start)
So hard to see
Picture this
Dare you to see it
Dare you to let yourself want it
Behind everything that I’ve lost I’ve found
What if all it takes is a moment believing?

Oh no, not I, I will survive
Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I’ll stay alive
I’ve got all my life to live
And I’ve got all my love to give and I’ll survive
I will survive, hey, hey

“I Can’t Last the Day Without You” by the Carpenters
This song I can only say to my One and Only Lord.

Blessings by Laura Story
“Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise”.

Your Love by Alamid
but the JMM covers version https://youtu.be/kjDCItWj3-I

“In my mind, I can’t believe it’s true
But in my heart the reality is you
I am all alone without you
My days are dark without a glimpse of you
But now that you came into my life
I feel complete
The flowers bloom, my morning shines
And I can see
Your love is like the sun
That lights up my whole world
I feel the warmth inside”

WHY?
Because I used to put the highest premium on my capacity to think and understand myself, and some concepts and ideas which others find hard to grasp. With my recent experiences with God, however, I was humbled and I realized that it is really possible to experience Him and to be affected by Him as a stronger reality than what my capacity to understand. I continue to pray that He affects my becoming even if I can’t fully understand life and His will for me.

The pandemic has been a good opportunity for me to grow spiritually. I had a chance to join SCC New Evangslization and i learned how to prepare myself to share my faith story. I also learned how to facilitate group discussions and my faith has grown and my relationship with Jesus my Lord has become deeper and closer. I am loved, and know that He has loved me from the beginning. I am clinging to Jesus and the future and myself and all the world is in his hands. I do not fear. He has given me strength.🙏

It’s a cover song by BTS’ Jin that led me to the original by Ra. D

I lost my mom recently, and so far, this is song that’s the closest to how I’ve been living my life these past few years.

For almost twenty years, I was the breadwinner and caregiver, so my life was never really my own. It came to a point where I got tired of my responsibilities and I even resented it. And yet, now that my mom has passed and I am all alone, I realize how much my life is still tied to those I took care of, especially my mom.

It was such a hard life, to take care of someone who grew old and frail before my eyes. I wouldn’t want to suffer that again, but I wish I could turn back time and have my mom back again.

https://youtu.be/mMPsGz0NEKk

The first time I met you
I cried as soon as I saw you
Was it because I was happy?
Was it because I was sad?
I don’t even remember

Since I had nothing to give, I just accepted
Even so, at that time I didn’t know how to be thankful
I’ve been living without knowing anything

I’ve been living all this time all too freely
Mother when I call your name
Why does my heart start to hurt like this?
You’ve given so much You can’t give much more
But you’re sorry because of it
What can I give you in return?

Mother my dear sweet mother
Why are those tears streaming down your face?
The most beautiful in the world
You are my, my dear mother

Now I realize how hard it was for you
You cried a lot because of me
Why was I like that?
How many times was it like that?

Please don’t be so touched by my small gift
Because you’ve given the world to me
I’ll do better, I’ll do better

Mother when I call your name
Why does my heart start to hurt like this?
You’ve given so much You can’t give much more
But you’re sorry because of it
What can I give you in return?

Mother my dear sweet mother
Why are those tears streaming down your face?
The most beautiful in the world
You are my, my dear mother

I way not remember that first image of you, when I had first looked at you
But till my last moments, I’ll remember you
From the bottom of my heart I’ll always love you

Mother when I call your name
Why does my heart start to hurt like this?
You’ve given so much You can’t give much more
But you’re sorry because of it
What can I give you in return?

Mother my dear sweet mother
Why are those tears streaming down your face?
The most beautiful in the world
You are my, my dear mother

You are my, my dear mother
https://lyricstranslate.com

Drive by Incubus

Sometimes
I feel the fear of
Uncertainty stinging clear
And I, can’t help but ask myself how much I’ll let the fear
Take the wheel and steer
It’s driven me before and seems to have a vague
Haunting mass appeal
But lately I’m beginning to find that I
Should be the one behind the wheel
Whatever tomorrow brings I’ll be there
With open arms and open eyes yeah
Whatever tomorrow brings
I’ll be there, I’ll be there

I like this song as well as very well describes where I am now… Thanks Father J and hope you continue to be well and safe…

You bu Basil Valdes.
It is YOU who fills the emptiness in me. I am a frontliner. During the surges and till now, I ask for HIM not only for us but for our patients, too.

I am a survivor. I had breast cancer twice. One in 2006 , a tame type although invasive. Just oral therapy for seven years. Cancer hit again in 2014. Higher than high in aggression. Required expensive chemotherapy – four standard and 18 targeted . Every three weeks that lasted 17 months. Displacing. I live alone but friends helped a lot. A few treasured relatives also did. They made God present. It was so painful losing my hair and my other breast once again. But I fought through because LIFE IS BIGGER THAN MY HAIR AND MY BREAST. My friends – former colleagues in the academe, acquaintances, church mates all battled with me… NOW, It has been eight years that I have felt and functioned as though I am Cancer FREE. I am no longer earning actively, but my life has been spent doing “MIssion” which I never did before. I delivered talks , as witness to WE ARE THE CHURCH in Ermita Church PREX several times. At the height of the pandemic I gave money and fed the hungry garbage collectors in my area occasionally. Later I got engaged in a more sustainable project – feeding the malnourished children in Payatas, and helping to address the Church’s needs and the upkeep of the priest in charge in the Mission area of Payatas. Wealthy or just able and generous friends contribted much to ths Mission that lasted nine months.

I had mild Covid in September 2021, but I suffered the long haul effects of the virus. I lost momentum, became confused, easily tired and I lost motivation to live well, although apparently I was fully functional. I am still wrestling with the many adverse changes the pandemic is doing to our lives . Plus the fact that I am much older now at 70 this year. It is a struggle to get up every morning and feel excited about another day… unlike before. Bone pains, a low zest for living , lack of a sense of clear direction, our economic situation, etc are so limiting . .. Plus the fact that I have grown much older at 70.

My dear friend, as in the song of James Taylor, it says – “it is ok to feel tired and afraid, but we don’t let them stand in our way. We’re here only for a while, might as well show some style and enjoy the ride”.

I pray that you will be given the strength to wake up every morning with a smile.

One Bread, one Body,
One Lord of all.
One cup of blessings which we bless.
And we, though many,
throughout the earth,
we are one Body in this one Lord

Whenever I Call You Friend – Kenny Loggins

“Whenever I call you friend
I begin to think I understand
Anything we are
You and I have always been ever and ever
I see myself within your eyes
And that’s all I need to show me why
Everything I do always takes me home to you
Ever and ever
Now I know my life has given me more than memories
Day by day, we can see
In every moment there’s a reason to carry on”

Looking back, the Lord has been with all through this exciting life. It is whenever i forget that he is friend and always with me that life becomes messier! With Him, every aspect of my life, though complicated, becomes a little more connected and more peaceful! I’m currently amidst chaotic peace.

The Majesty and Glory of Your Name by Tom Fettke and Linda Lee Johnson. When we sang this with our choir recently and reached the words “Oh what is man that you are mindful of him?”I was overwhelmed by the realization and gratefulness that our choir, immediate family and friends…WE, were able to survive this pandemic.

“You’ve got a friend” by James Taylor.
Everytime I feel down or in crisis, I always seek God’s help. He is always a friend to me and comforts me. I always say “Ikaw na ang bahala, You know what’s best for me. I will accept whatever Your will is even if it Hurst my feelings and will endure it.” My earthly Mom and the Blessed Mother is my model…

Same for me.. “You just call out my Name, and you know wherever I am, I’ll come running, to see you again”… The Lord, family, and “real” friends have uplifted me during this time of the pandemic…

What am I Lord that you love me so much?

Got this at a funeral mass a few weeks back. Can’t remember the title of this hymn, though.

My soundtrack lately – “Ikaw Lang Ang Aking Mahal” by Noel Cabangon.

https://open.spotify.com/track/4rdDMCoYHNmRuKjcFGmDX8?si=xSPp6zxqQ9Ww5EwbMtyo0g

Feeling God’s love, guidance and protection, inspite of ongoing pandemic and today for my hope and prayer for Leni – Kiko’s victory for our country.

And I take this opportunity to thank you Fr J for your retreat, “Letting Good…” that really helped me deal with my fear at the start of the pandemic. Thank you Fr J and to your team!

Song: One Moment in Time, written in 1988 by Albert Hammond and John Bettis, sung by Whitney Houston:
” Each day I live. I want to be, a day to give the best of me. I’m only one, but not alone.my finest day is yet unknown”….
This song has given meaning to ” life” – the pandemic has brought uncertainty , still continues to do so. Each day is precious and knowing that I am not alone , with God the center of my being, the company and support of family members,etc , great source of strength. I hope the future days that I am blessed will give me opportunities to be a better person to myself, others and to my Creator.

Each phase of my life, God’s one way of comforting me is music 🙂

Right now, the soundtrack of mine is When I Am Weak by Brooke Griffith.

I had a miscarriage recently. I might seem okay and I’m trying to be okay to move forward.. I know God has a plan.. but there’s a part of me that I think I lost. Yet I’m so thankful of how God is so faithful in all circumstances.

https://youtu.be/68sXGDj7dhw

https://youtu.be/mMPsGz0NEKk

Translation from: https://littleariel13.wordpress.com/2011/06/05/%EC%97%84%EB%A7%88-mom-ra-d-%EB%9D%BC%EB%94%94-han-rom-eng/
English translation

Verse 1 –
The first time I met you
I cried as soon as I saw you
Was it because I was happy?
Was it because I was sad?
I don’t even remember

Since I had nothing to give, I just accepted
Even so, at that time I didn’t know how to be thankful
I’ve been living without knowing anything

Hook –
Mom
By just calling your name
why does my heart ache like this?
You’ve given me everything, you can’t give more
To you who are sorry because of that
what should I give?

Mom
My mother
Why are tears falling like this?
The most precious person
who is more beautiful than anyone else
You are my,
my mother

Verse 2 –
Now I know that it was hard for you
You had cried a lot because of me
Why I was like that back then
how many times I had done it
I don’t even remember

Please don’t be so moved by my small gift
You know you have given me the world
I’ll do well
I will do well

Hook –

Bridge –
Though I can’t remember the first image of yours
Just your last image, I will remember till I die
With all my heart
I love you

Hook –

Credits:
Hangeul lyrics @ gasazip
Romanized + translated by me
TAKE OUT WITH PROPER CREDITS

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