Running

Finally, I had done second jogging route to East Coast Park all the way from home. My memory could tell me vividly that my record marked six hours when I completed my first route two years ago. But this time, I only jogged for nearly four hours due to sudden rain. It was not satisfying but at least I managed to reach the destination and ran some distance before heading back to home.

On the way, I experienced a little fear as I made the journeythrough the dark paths. But my fear disappeared soon as I reminded myself of God and prayed the rosary. My mind was reciting this verse; "Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord for You are with me." (Psalm 23:4) At least my body sores made me feel satisfied and happy. I will try again next time.

My heart

Finally, I come and understand how to reach my heart. This way, I can communicate with God directly. Thank you, God for the gift of wisdom.

What is my calling from God?

During the three days of retreat in the seminary, I learnt how to discern what I really want to do and what my calling from God is. It is really very meaningful as I was there to learn. Not to enjoy myself. I was really glad to believe that God sent me there because I learnt how to define what my realistic goals were. In my medition, I was thinking of exact picture like the one above.
I remember what the priest said like this:

Instructor: Okay, we are ready. Tell me what you see?

Archer: I see the trees and beautiful landscape.

Instructor: Put down your bow. No shooting today.

(Second day) Instructor: Tell me what you see?

Archer: I see an archery target.

Instructor: Okay. get ready and aim.

I hope I will be able to see and define my goals in the future. What matters is that I am doing everything to please God with all my heart. Everyone told me that they felt inspired and aspired. I agreed with them because I too felt inspired and aspired!

Size does not matter

5 years old Shinnosuke Nohara

Suddenly, an acquaintance of mine posted the statement in her shoutout box in the Facebook. It stated, "My boyfriend may not be tall but he is a spiritual giant!" Wow, what a powerful statement. In the past, I wanted to be tall and big like the giant. Perhaps like Andrea the Giant or Big Show. Not for impressing people but rather I wanted to use the height advantage for useful purpose like transporting the heavy bulk, reaching the ceiling for painting or changing bulb. But I am changing my mind now. I guess it is not bad at all because I thought I may be a short dwarf but my heart is as enormous as the giant. Dear God, thank you for making me short so that I do not have to worry about the girls and marriage! I really mean it. I certainly do not need a girlfriend because I rather have You, my God in my life than seeking a girl in my life. I do not mind if I have to shrink further even to the size of 5 years old child as long as I can have a big heart as spiritual giant's heart. I am already strong enough in physical aspects that I am able to lift the heavy objects triple my weight despite my small size. Perhaps I can train myself to be like Samson. I thank You. I praise You. I love You through Jesus' Name. Amen.

Intense Prayer Life

"Jesus said to the disciples, 'Pray that you will not fall into temptation.'

Then He went off from them about the distance of a stone's throw and knelt down and prayed.

'Father,' He said, 'if you will, take this cup of suffering away from me. Not my will, however, but your will be done.'

An angel from Heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him.

In great anguish He prayed even more fervently; His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

Rising from His prayer, He went back to the disciples and found them asleep, worn out by their grief.

He said to them. 'Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you will not fall into temptation.' "

(Luke 22:40-45)

This time, this paragraph attracted my attention because for myself, it always has been proved true that "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41) Maybe I need to quiet down my requests for my own desires and ask God to do unto me whatever He wants. I just let God have His own desires activated in me. It is the best choice because God is always faithful and good. "In great anguish He prayed even more fervently; His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." (Luke 22:44) seemed to be like an intense prayer to me. I think it is good idea to achieve the intense prayer daily as long as it is in proper order and good for the spirituality. I even thought that Jesus encouraged it as He said, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you will not fall into temptation." (Luke 22:45) That is my own conclusion. But it is quite a challenge because the flesh is weak. For example, there are times I feel fatigued and sleepy whenever I need to pray. Maybe I can try to take one step at one time like fitness training. So if you are reading this post, why not start praying straight away? I think it is the best to ask God to use us whatever He wanted and willed to do. Not forgetting to ask for strength, courage and perseverance. Ok, it is decided that the intense prayer life is going to be my lifetime goal.

Happy Feast Day of our Most Beloved Guardian Angels

Dear Angel of God my guardian dear,

Happy Feast Day to you. Thank you for being there with me all my life since my birth. And thank you for teaching me about the love of God and revealing to me that Lord Jesus is true God and my Saviour. Thank you for protecting me all the way from the dangers and evil. O Holy Angel, I love you and wish to love you always. Please continue to pray for me that I may be made worthy of the promises of Christ and help me to get closer to Lord Jesus and Blessed Virgin Mary, Holy Mother of God every day of my life. Amen.

Yours sincerely,

~Michael Gabriel R. G.