Truly Rich and Blessed

Newtown, China, The Philippines… The World: People Need the Lord

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I don’t have a lot of words to share with you right now.

Our children returned home last Saturday after spending almost the whole week at my parents’ house.

Before they did, news broke out early Saturday morning (our time) of the senseless shooting that took place in Sandy Brook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. I found myself sobbing uncontrollably at around 4 a.m. on Saturday, reading news reports online. All 20 of the slain children were either 6 or 7 years old. Our own son, Timothy, just turned 6 last October, and realizing this made me weep even more.

Not much later, I read another news report — this time about 22 children and an adult being injured by a man in a knife attack in Henan, China… also at an elementary school. More terrible, upsetting news.

Of course, we who are in the Philippines have also been receiving regular heart-wrenching updates on the plight of the victims of the recent typhoon Pablo (international name: Bopha). While many of us are busy with the “Christmas rush,” thousands of our countrymen are homeless and hungry, victims of Pablo, while families mourn the death of 1,000 (and counting) other people killed during the typhoon.

For us pro-lifers, last week also brought the sad news that the RH Bill has already passed its second reading by Congress, which prompted me to write this blog post about how our God is greater than anything and anyone, and how the coming of our Savior, Emmanuel, is our comfort and hope.

But as I write this post this morning, I have to be honest with you… my heart is heavy. As I see my children and thank God that they are here with me, with us, I remember the parents whose children are not with them. They will never see their kids again, at least not while they’re still living here on earth.

I remember the parents whose children are alive, but have suffered because of these recent tragedies… and countless other tragedies all over the world… at different times.

I also remember the children… those who have died violent, meaningful deaths… by shooting… or by “accidental” or “unknown” abortions brought about by the use of abortifacient contraceptives… I think of the children who have been or still are victims of violence…

And I weep.

I have no words to say. Well, at least not that many anymore.

Other mom bloggers have been able to say something… write something.

So let me share their posts with you here. The posts that have touched my heart the most. Mostly related to the Connectitut shootings.

“Love That Descends to the Abyss of Evil,” to Newtown, CT. — Totus Tuus Family & Catholic Homeschool

Sandy Hook — Faith in Our Families

Mothers Unite in the Face of Today’s Tragedies — World Moms Blog

Guard Their Hearts, For From It Flows the Spring of Life — I Take Joy

How and What to Share with Your Children When Tragedy Strikes — The MOB Society

Yes, it is a dangerous world we live in. Some of us may even call it an “evil” world.

The truth though… at least, in my opinion, is this: People need the Lord.

People need a Savior. People need hope. People need healing. People need love. People need peace.

People need the Lord. Steve Green has a moving song with these words and it has been playing over and over in my head now.

People Need the Lord

Every day they pass me by
I can see it in their eyes
Empty people filled with care
Headed who knows where
On they go through private pain
Living fear to fear
Laughter hides their silent cries
Only Jesus hears

Chorus:
People need the Lord
People need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams
He’s the open door
People need the Lord
People need the Lord
When will we realize
People need the Lord

We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right
What could be too great a cost for
Sharing life with one who’s lost
Through His love our hearts can feel
All the grief they bear
They must hear the words of life
Only we can share

People need the Lord
People need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams
He’s the open door
People need the Lord
People need the Lord
When will we realize
That we must give our lives
People need the Lord
People need the Lord

Words and Music by Greg Nelson and Phill McHugh
Copyright 1983 River Oaks Music Co (a div. of The Sparrow Corp.)/Shepherd’s Fold Music (a div. of Star Song Communications, admin by Gaither Copyright Management) (BMI). All rights on behalf of River Oaks Music Company admin by The Sparrow Corp., All rights reserved. Used by permission.
I pray that God will use me and you — in whatever small way, no matter how insignificant it seems — to bring the Lord to other people, especially those who need Him the most. In our own ways, let us “take His light… to a world where wrong seems right…” and “share the words of life… and give our lives…”

Because people need the Lord.

Filed Under: Connecticut shootings, Current Events, faith, Henan China Stabbing, Newtown Shootings, No to RH Bill, Prayers, Sandy Hook, Tragedy, Typhoon Bopha, Typhoon Pablo, Violence

The Spirit of the Season: Our God is Greater! O Come, O Come Emmanuel!

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I’ve been struggling with whether or not to write a blog post today. Besides the fact that I am very tired and still have work to finish, it is also a sad day for many of us Filipinos as the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) Bill has been passed by congress after its second reading. (I know you probably have your own views about this Bill, but as this is my personal blog, please do allow me to share my own thoughts about it. Salamat! Thank you!)

However, despite being disappointed, I believe that there’s still hope. And I’m not the only one. (Thank you, Atty. Jose Sison, for your encouraging article! Thank you, Cardinal Tagle, for your reminder that “the truth shall prevail!” Thank you, dear Bishops, for not losing hope! Thank you, brave 104 congressmen and women who stood up for God, country and life, for reminding us that there’s still a fighting chance! Thank you, fellow pro-lifers, for not giving up!)

So yes, we move on to see another day. We move on… to continue our fight against the RH Bill… believing in the Spirit of the Season.

Image from the Filipinos for Life website
Translated text:
Mary: I was only 15 years old when I became pregnant.
Joseph: I’m just an (ordinary) worker and my wife and I are poor.
Baby Jesus: I was born into poverty. My future is uncertain.
Holy Family: Is RH (Reproductive Health) what we really need?
Merry Christmas from Filipinos for Life

We believe that our God is greater… than any bill or law, any lawmaker or citizen. “And if our God is with us, then who or what can stand against us?”(Romans 8:31)

And as we wait for His birthday this blessed Advent season, we sing, with joy, with hope, with faith, with love, with peace… “O Come, O Come Emmanuel…” (Thank you, Dianna, for sharing the link to this awesome version!)

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.


Rejoice, rejoice Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, Oh Israel.

Oh come, Oh come, Thou Lord of Might ,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai’s height,
In ancient times didst give the law,
In cloud, and majesty, and awe.


Rejoice, rejoice Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, Oh Israel.

Oh come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save
And give them victory o’er the grave.


Rejoice, rejoice Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, Oh Israel.

Oh come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice, rejoice Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Oh come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.


Rejoice, rejoice Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, Oh Israel.

Oh come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
And order all things, far and nigh;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And cause us in her ways to go.


Rejoice, rejoice Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, Oh Israel.

Oh come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of peace.


Rejoice, rejoice Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, Oh Israel.

Yes, Jesus is the Reason for this season. And for all the seasons to come. 
Next week will be a crucial time for us in the Philippines, as the RH Bill will go for the third reading by Congress, and the second (and if approved, third and final) reading by the Senate. We need all the prayers we can get. We need to pray ourselves. And to act. (On a side note, we should also pray and act to help those affected by Typhoon Pablo {Bopha}, yes?!)
Whatever happens, one thing’s for sure: We who are for the sanctity and dignity of life are keeping Christ in Christmas. Won’t you please join us?
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, 
and they shall name him “Emmanuel,”
which means “God is with us.”
(Matthew 1: 23)


{Not So} Wordless Wednesday: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pray for Us, Especially Our Country and Our Lawmakers!

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Photo from the

Photo from

Related article: A Call to Prayer by HLI’s Fr. Boquet
Photo from

“Mary’s Womb is the meeting place of heaven and earth. “

— Christopher West

Photo from CBCP for Life
Related article: Bishop calls all faithful to Dec. 12 Mass, Congress watch
Photo from

Mama Mary, we ask for your intercession!
Jesus, we trust in You! 

Why should we oppose the RH Bill:
Pls. read related articles below.
No Need for an RH Bill, Now or Ever
Issues on the Revised RH Bill (A Must Read)
Statements Against the RH Bill Amendments
Missing the Point

(And even if you’re NOT Catholic, there are reasons to oppose the Bill!)
Some Secular Reasons for Opposing the RH Bill

Secular Filipinos Against the RH Bill

The RH Bill Decoded via The 700 Club Asia

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This is a rather lengthy video but worth watching! 🙂 Kudos to our brothers and sisters from the 700 Club Asia for doing this! 🙂 May more and more of our Christian countrymen make their voices be heard and stand up for LIFE! 🙂

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If you’re a breastfeeding mom like me (yes, our three year old daughter still breastfeeds!), you’ve probably heard of the “.” If you haven’t, Jenny Ong of Chronicles of a Nursing Mom has written extensively about it on her blog here. Basically, the bill will water down the existing Milk Code, which essentially regulates the advertising of breast milk substitutes, including formula milk.

Since it’s breastfeeding month and all, this is the BEST time to reiterate again why we are for breastfeeding. Yes, there are instances when mothers are unable to breastfeed, or choose not to, and we are definitely not in the position to judge nor condemn them. I, for one, would like to say that I truly believe that God created me as a woman for a great purpose. Being a woman is a gift, and it is something that should be celebrated and treasured. And I believe that breastfeeding is part of that gift.

As women, our very bodies have a divine purpose. God created every part of our bodies for a very special purpose. Below is an eye-opening, inspiring excerpt from the Theology of the Body website (I’ve highlighted the parts I like the most in yellow):

Every fiber of a woman’s being cries out for connection, for relationship. This distinctively feminine orientation has been poo-pooh’d in recent decades, claiming it makes a woman weak and dependent. The solution has been to downgrade her need for relationships and upgrade her ability to accomplish and achieve. However, there’s an undeniable aspect of a woman that can’t be swept under the carpet or deleted from her life – her body…

The structure of a woman’s body is made for union, for connection. The act of intercourse happens within a woman’s body as does the union of egg and sperm. The rapidly forming embryo unites itself to the lining of the womb and remains connected through the umbilical cord. In breastfeeding, the woman and her child are connected heart to heart and flesh to flesh for love and nourishment.

There is no shame in being a woman. Only women can receive new life into the empty space within. Only women can make a gift of self so that others can receive the gift of their very lives. A woman’s body “speaks” the language of receptivity and relationship.

This is me breastfeeding Tim at three months. 🙂 I know I have posted this photo before in older blog posts and articles, but I really have very few breastfeeding photos! 🙁  Sad, huh?! 🙁 Oh well, I’ve taken lots of photos in my heart and mind! 🙂

We are made to receive life and sustain life! To nourish one’s children through breastfeeding is one of the most concrete signs of this fact — God can use us to sustain life! 🙂 Isn’t that something worth celebrating?

I’d like to share with you some of my breastfeeding-related posts:

BFFs Unite — True Breastfeeding Stories: and
Raising Pro-Life Kids — My Natural Birth and Beginning Breastfeeding Story

How to Breastfeed Your Baby in Public
It Takes a Village to Raise (and Nurse) a Child
Truly Rich Tips — How to Get Others to Support You in Breastfeeding
On Extended Breastfeeding — A Perfectly Normal Thing to Do
Truly Rich Tips — My Top 5 Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms

Of course, since relief operations are still ongoing for the victims of the recent habagat and floods in the Philippines, I also want to remind you guys that breast milk donations are still being accepted. I wrote a post about that here, but there’s more updated info on Chronicles of a Nursing Mom here.

Also, if you’re a regular reader of Smart Parenting’s website, a fellow contributor, Abby Manalang-Villarica, shared her opinion of why she is against the Monster Bill. It makes for a good read, and you can find it .

Breastfeeding month isn’t over yet, and there are so many ways we can still celebrate it! 🙂 One of the simplest and best ways? Keep breastfeeding our children! 🙂 (If you are still breastfeeding!)

P.S. There is another “monster bill” that is in Congress now and I’m sure you guys have read my posts about it on Twitter and Facebook and even on this blog. (This document here best describes my stand against the bill.) You’ may have even watched footage or read news articles about Senator Tito Sotto’s recent speech about it. Whatever your opinion about the RH bill is, I hope and pray that we keep not just our minds, but also our hearts, open. For starters, I’d like to invite you to read this article here by Janet Smith, associate professor of Philosophy at the University of Dallas. She writes about not just the effect of contraceptives, but the mentality that comes about with using and promoting them.

Disclosure

Truly Rich and Blessed contains paid advertising banners and some contextual affiliate links. An affiliate link means that I receive a commission on sales of the products or membership sites that are linked in some of my posts. So, if you click on a link and make a purchase from or become a member of an affiliate site, then I may make a commission from that purchase — at no added cost to you! Thank you for supporting Truly Rich and Blessed this way.
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