Dec-24 at 11:AM:  Maligayang Pasko. Kapayapaan ay sa iyo.  Merry Christmas Upper Javier, and Peace be with you.   Philippines is 13 hours ahead of Houston, thus it is early morning Christmas Day in Upper Javier now.  

Hangad ko'y Joy, Faith, at Hope sa ito kahanga-hangang Christmas Day. Narito, isang Kristo bata ay ipinanganak sa araw na ito. Ipaalam sa amin magalak. Noel.  I wish you Joy, Faith, and Hope on this wonderful Christmas Day.  Behold, a Christ child was born on this day.   Let us Rejoice.  Noel.

Dec-22:  I woke up thinking of Upper Javier this morning as I frequently do, and longing for the word of God.  I pray for the Upper Javier community.  Today’s church service focused on Mary’s humility, Luke 1: 46-52.  I was also reading Zechariah’s Song, Luke 1:76-79, in summary..   The child will be called a prophet of the Most High God. He will go ahead to prepare the way for the Lord. He will tell people how they can be saved and that their sins can be forgiven.…

May His light shine ever so brightly in this world as it did one night so long ago.  Merry Christmas and God bless Upper Javier, Dr Angie Broncano and the Community Development team of Harris Memorial College including Rubylin, Tonette, Eduard, Olivia.   A very special Merry Christmas to
Virgene at Upper Javier from St Stephens United Methodist Church.   We pray that God wraps his love and grace around her as she continues to fight serious health concerns.
 

Three days remain til Christmas. 

Dec-21:  Father, we pray for your continued guidance.  Lead us in the direction you would have us serve today.  It's a few days before Christmas.  The rustle of shopping, wrapping, and abundance is a reminder that we need refocusing.  Jesus is the reason for the season. 

Isaiah 9:6 -->  A child will be born to us.  A son will be given to us.  He will rule over us.  And he will be called Wonderful Adviser and Might God.  He will also be called Father Who Lives Forever and Prince Who Brings Peace.

Father, may our work supporting the Philippines mission projects continue to be a blessing in your light.    Amen.

Dec-20:   Friday Fast.   Today was my last day of Fasting for the Philippines disaster relief efforts.  My total today was $18.23.  I had a wonderful experience today, in the form of a headache.  I woke up feeling poorly but knew that God would see me through the day.  When one focuses on others, then our trials become less.  We receive so much more in return than expected. 

My contribution made to UMCOR for Friday Fasting in December totals $75.00.   I am so very blessed.

Dear Lord, Thank you for this day.  Fill my heart with abundance, open my heart for caring, and let me share a smile of hope each and every day.  Father, please wrap those in need with your love and grace, and bless them with a seed of hope.   In your name Father we pray, Amen.

Dec-13:  Friday Fast.   Today was an overcast day with cool temperatures of 55 degrees Farenheit. This is the type of day one might wake up feeling hungry for a hot breakfast, but not today.  I am focused on the Philippines and those in dire need of fundamentals, ie, food, shelter, medicine, & any assistance possible.  Three Navy ships with 9000 Marines responded to the relief efforts.  CNN is reporting today that the death toll has risen to 6000 since typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines on November 8, with 1800 still missing.  Let us not forget the least of these at this Christmas time.
My contribution today is $27.33.

Dec-6:  Total donation on this Friday Fast was $24.00.  After early morning prayer I felt prepared for almost anything.  Today's Friday Fast was a blessing spent in local community service, assisting one Boy Scout "Scott" working on his Community Service badge. We stood outdoors in the freezing cold with a few drops of sleet too!  Other senior volunteers (indoors) organized the collection of non-perishables at the library for the local Food Drive.  This food drive was held for approx 72 families in need.

Nov-30:   I received a new email from Rubylin (Dr Angie's team) re Harris Meml College students' food drive for PHI relief efforts. The repackaged the food items coillected and then traveled to
the communities of Tibiao, Barbaza and Culasi in Antique province, to distribute them to 1000 families.  God bless the students and their community work. 

Nov-29:  This 'Friday Fast' was a blessing, without the sense of needing food.  I was relaxed and confident.  I spent most of the day with family and friends, staying active.  It is interesting that people will choose not to eat in front of you while you are Fasting, even though one is comfortable.  The total donation for today was $26.33.