A Spirit of Joy and Humor

What I love about being with my wife---especially on mission---is that we laugh a lot! Sure, we have problems and challenges; bills to pay, work to finish, daily errands ... an unending list; but the joy of telling each other stories and getting amused by on our own quirks are what keeps the marriage interesting, merry -- fun! 

Benedict XVI wrote in one of his books: “One of the basic rules for the discernment of spirits could be formulated as follows: Where joylessness rules and humor dies, we may be certain that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, is not present” 

May our marriages be filled with belly-laughter; moments of unforgettable fun; and true happiness in each other's hearts; for surely there the Holy Spirit is truly present! Make peace right away and let the joy of the Lord fill your home.

Serve With a Smile

Mother Teresa was a symbol of the joy of God amidst difficult service. Often, when the service gets challenging and extremely difficult, our worries overwhelm us.  It either leads us to a depressed state, discouragement, or reluctance. Here are some of my reflections about serving with joy:

1. Sin robs us of our true joy

Sin entices us to pleasure, and we mistake it for joy. Since sin separates us from God--the ultimate joy giver, we are led to misery. Union with God is true joy.

2. See challenges as opportunities for growth

In life, we easily remember the times when we faced trials-- and the lessons that were derived from them.  In these times we are to stand our ground. 

Exodus 14:13  But Moses answered the people, “Do not fear! Stand your ground and see the victory the LORD will win for you today. 

Ephesians 6:13  Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground.

God will give us His victory. Growth is about desiring God's victory in our lives.

3. Serve with a smile

1 Thessalonians 5:16  Rejoice always.

Philippians 4:4  Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!

Joy is not dependent on our circumstances, but it is dependent on our relationship with God. If God is in our hearts, then even amidst crisis, this joy is complete. This joy in the Lord can even be our strength.

Nehemiah 8:10  ...Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD is your strength!”

Let us therefore serve and work in the Lord's vineyard with a smile. Christians are marked by their joy. 

Life to the Max

At 11:44am on August 29, 2012 our 3rd child, John Maximilian S. Llaban greeted the world. Max is a "Holy Land baby." Seeing him grow will always remind us of our experiences in the pilgrimage.  We praise God his safe and normal delivery.

My prayer for Max is that he may live life to the fullest, to the max, for our Lord Jesus.  May he embody the posture of John the Baptist, always humble and preparing the way for the coming of Jesus.  I pray that he may also reflect on the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe, declared by Pope John Paul II as "Patron Saint of our difficult century" and known as an Apostle of the Consecration to Mary.

Thank you Max for blessing us with your glowing presence and for the immeasurable joy you give to Sev, Kaitlyn, your Mom Michelle, and I your father.

So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma. (Ephesians 5: 1-2)