Dear Loved Ones,
Pleasant
Greetings from Sac, CA, USA! The month came with many festive celebrations –
All Saints’ Day, Souls Day, Veterans’, Thanksgiving – so many Blessings to be
thankful for; amid the rainy / cold weather – we truly appreciate them dear GOD!
On our Opus Dei Recollections
/ Reflections, Fr. Gerry and the Talk facilitators discussed on the topics:
Christ the King, and always through Mother Mary; we always Thank you Lord! If
we fall, we always begin again in our struggle for holiness. We must grow in
our friendship with Him. Like soldiers engaged in a battle, am I truly
fighting? While most are complacent, we should be loyal soldiers; speak up for
our Christian values! Know who our enemies are – the Devil; know ourselves:
know our strength, know our weaknesses / defects; in order to fight well! Win
small battles, till the last; do examination of conscience daily:
·
What did I do wrong today? I AM SORRY!
·
What did I do well today? THANK
YOU!
·
What can I do well tomorrow? GUIDE ME!
It is encouraged to do
General and Particular examination daily; it is directed toward acquisition of
virtues and rooting out our defects. Resolutions: We make few / specific
resolutions and fulfill them with the help of God – Father, Son and Holy
Spirit! Through our Blessed Mother!
It is also advised to
develop a Plan of Life: define Essentials, give priorities to activities -
Pray, Be flexible, Advance the Norms, Be realistic – being a Woman in the
middle of the World; Do what you can to Know, Love, and Serve God Better! Do
always the Norms of Life: Cheerfulness, Hard Work, Order!
With upcoming holidays,
considering various family activities to attend, we have a break on our
Catholic Lunch Club meetings, to be resumed on January 2013, at the Red Lion
Hotel (formerly Westlake / Radisson Hotel).
Highlights for the month:
·
Due to the planned Christmas reunion of our multi-located family, we
skipped our usual East Coast Thanksgiving holiday with Sarah and Max. Then storm
Sandy happened, so a trip to NJ was impractical. By God’s grace, Sarah and Max
were safe – their area did not lose electricity, just strong swaying by the
wind felt at their home – they were able to offer refuge to friends take bath /
meals; so blessed! I communicated continuously with family and friends over
Thanksgiving.
·
Serendipitously, my nephew Rigel, Mabel and their two kids (who are
based in Arizona) came for Thanksgiving dinner; we had roast duck, lechon, ham,
etc. (typical Pinoy fare). I put up our Christmas tree hastily for the
occasion, so we had our pictorials amid a festive setting. Thanks for the
surprise visit and wonderful bonding!
·
The tedious shopping on Black Friday – patience on the long queue /
waiting. Although Sean wanted to go Thursday evening, I opted to wait; thus,
after my committed St. Mel’s Adoration time, went to Sunrise Mall to join the
eager crowd; just focused on the biggest reduction , like 50% to be worthwhile;
·
We watched the movies: Skyfall – usual suspense thriller starring Daniel
Craig; and The Life of PI – wonderful story of Faith in God and Survival – so
many wise life lessons, highlighting the voyage out of Manila. I highly
recommend that all the staff and crew of Fairview Shipping watch this movie, in
order to guide them along their journeys!
·
Read 2 inspiring books: Saint Isaac and the Indians by Milton Lomask and
The Enduring Vision by Boyer, Clark, and others.
·
I watched Live over EWTN, the installation of 6new cardinals by Pope
Benedict XVI, including our Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio ‘Chito’ Tagle, the
youngest and considered a strong contender to the Papacy.
Attached are 3 photos 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
