Pleasant Greetings from Sacramento, CA! We are now in the cold spell of fall with rains and strong winds to contend with, change of wardrobe, and the layering of outfits.
On our monthly Catholic Lunch Club held on Oct. 15 at the Radisson Hotel, the guest speake
r was Dr. Ross Porter – Psychologist, Educator, and Author – on the topic COURAGE: Warriors, Not Wimps. We live in challenging times that tempt us to fear, worry and doubt. However, this is a time for profound opportunity: for healing, growth, changing the world! This is a time for ordinary people to become extraordinary warriors, not wimps. A popular Catholic radio show host, his inspiring, practical talk focused on the virtue of Courage, especially for our present age – to develop it in our life, and how to transform the world around us – to be a hero in order to get to heaven, and help others get to heaven too! As usual, I got an autographed copy of his book “ .
Highlights for the month:
· Since October is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary: Feasts of Our Lady of Fatima, Lady of La Naval, re-committed to complete the four Mysteries sets of daily Rosary prayers for special intentions - Good Health, Peace, Love, Wisdom, Success in various endeavors, among others;
· Oct. 9 – Invited family / friends for Sean’s Thanksgiving Lunch held at our Clubhouse (with swimming – 11a to 3p). My neighbors Yolanda, Jonna, Joey, Flo helped us with the arrangements as 25 guests came to feast on Fil-Am foods while kids enjoyed swimming to beat the last summer heat as the chilly nights of fall creep in.
· Resumed attending our Tuesday Bible study group (Adventures in Matthew – The King and His
Kingdom, to last till November) since I missed some sessions. Camaraderie had developed as we take turns serving snacks for the group during the lively discussions; During my sharing on the parable of the Talents, my experience is that as early as 5 years old, I remember my father advised me to use God’s gifts so when people ask you to sing – you sing; when asked to recite – you recite; when asked to dance – you dance; I did follow his admonition which somehow developed my confidence. Since my parents were both teachers, I am so blessed to grow up in a very nurturing environment. Now with my a Ph.D., I am still learning – blessed to be using / sharing maybe 20% of God’s gifts, and still in the process continuously.
Fr. Mauricio Hurtado, a Latino who replaced Pinoy Fr. George, who attends our Bible study, shared of his nice experiences with Filipinos (nurses, doctors, professionals) who are sharing their talents and faith in the communities, while the rest of our group agreed, especially in the health care system in America;
· Since we are in the middle of the election campaign season, I did volunteer work for the party I am registered with as part of my immersion on social responsibility in the political system, - attending fund-raising gatherings, info dissemination, collation / distribution of stickers, yard signs and other campaign materials;
· We watched theater movies – a comedy ‘Life as We Know It’ and action/comedy ‘RED’;
· With Sean’s hectic office schedule coming home late midnight on weekdays, we make sure week-ends are quality time for rest/ relaxation, mostly outdoor activities;
Attached are 4 group photos of recent reunions with family and friends. Let us continue to pray for our country and people. Peace and Joy to You and God Bless Us All!
Much love and Best Regards!!!
SUSAN BG
