Tag: faith

Posted in faith, prayer, prayers

Pride according to the Bible

Posted on by M Artisans

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

1 Peter 5:5

The biblical definition of pride is “an inordinate love of one’s own excellence.” In fact, pride was Satan’s downfall. He chose his pride and placed himself of equal with God the Father. Satan was destroyed because of pride and so he wants us to suffer the same demise.

Pride goes down to the very core of worry and anxiety, revealing a lack of trust in God. It has been called the cancer of the soul, the “beginning of all sin.”

When does pride becomes a sin?

Pride becomes sinful when it’s excessively self-focused. Sin of pride refers to a high or exalted attitude – the opposite virtue of humility. In the bible, synonyms are insolence, presumptuousness, arrogance, conceit, high-mindedness, egotism.

It becomes a sin when we are too proud and self-elevating. When we are proud it’s like we are saying that we know better than God and that we don’t need Him anymore. It’s a form of rebellion, putting our own desires and plans ahead of what God designed for us.

More Bible Verses about Pride

  • Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
  • To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, even behavior and perverse speech. Proverbs 8:13
  • Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed. 1 Samuel 2:3
  • Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Proverbs 13:10
  • Will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless. Isaiah 13:11
  • You have been deceived by your own pride. Obadiah 3
  • Pride leads to disgarce but wuth humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

There are six things that the Lord hates, guess what Pride is included in the list…

Proverbs 6:16-19

16  There are six things the Lord hates,
     seven that are detestable to him:
17         haughty eyes,
        a lying tongue,
        hands that shed innocent blood,
18         a heart that devises wicked schemes,
        feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19         a false witness who pours out lies
        and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

A simpler version from CEV (Contemporary English Version) –

There are 6 or 7 kinds of people that the Lord doesn’t like; those who are too proud or tell lies or murder, those who make evil plans or quick to do wrong, those who tell lies or stir up conflct in a family or community.

Posted in Catholic faith, prayer, prayers

Prayer to St. Pedro Calungsod

Posted on by M Artisans

After Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, Calungsod is the second Filipino to be declared a saint. He’s also known as Peter Calungsod and Pedro Calonsor. Was a Visyan migrant, sacristan and missionary catechist who, along with the Spanish Jesuit missionary Diego Luis de San Vitores, suffered religious persecution in Guam for their missionary work in 1672 (Wikipedia).

Feast day: April 2

Canonized: October 21, 2012

❤

Posted in Catholic faith, prayer

Going to Simala Shrine Cebu

Posted on by M Artisans

The Simala Shrine is a Catholic pilgrimage site in Cebu. In my opinion, it is the Cebuano version of Lourdes Grotto in France. We have been in Lourdes and Fatima, Portugal a couple of times pre-pandemic and this local site has the same level of holy experience and devotion.

This sacred place hosts the Our Lady of Lindogon, the local title of the Virgin Mary in Sibonga, Cebu. It was built in 1998 by the Marian Monks of Eucharistic Adoration (MMEA) from Pampanga.

Simala Shrine is believed to be miraculous by devotees of Mama Mary after it is attributed to the healing of those who were afflicted with dengue in 1998.  The image reportedly shed tears first in 1998 and the latest on September 8, 2016. It is quite unique amongst the images of Our Lady, this one wearing pink instead of blue.

It is also famous for its castle-like design, huge infrastructure atop the mountains of Sibonga. The shrine is associated with numerous miracles, with many answered petitions showcased in their musem.

crutches, wheelchairs and objects of those healed and answered

The church dedicated an area (& museum) to store items like crutches and wheelchairs used by devotees who were healed after praying at the Simala Shrine. They also have letters, stories, and photos thanking Mama Mary for her intervention.

There are 4 ways to pray ask for your petitions here in Simala;

  1. Halok (kiss) – halok is Cebuano for kiss, here you will line up and kiss the image of Mama Mary while praying for your requests. You will be asked to take off your shoes as you line up and enter.

2. Pray in the adoration chapel – there’s the beautiful chapel where you can opt to sit or kneel.

3. Pray under her mantle (holy image) – you need to line up again for this one, it’s a symbolic representation of Our Lady being Our Mother and ready to intercede for us.

4. Light a candle – light a candle in the open area outside the chapel for your prayers. You can use color-coded candles based on your intentions.

Here is the list of colors and their specific prayer requests:

  • White – Purity, guidance, or the right path
  • Black – Praying for loved ones who passed away
  • Green – Prosperity or success (financial or business, passing exams)
  • Gold – Healing or good health
  • Orange – Reconciliation with partner/enemy/family
  • Pink – Blessing or forgiveness
  • Yellow – Peace, strength, courage, or hope
  • Red – Love
  • Gray – Deliverance from evil ways/things/spirits
  • Brown – Vocation
  • Blue – Perseverance
  • Violet – Achievement

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.

♥️

Posted in life, psychology

What it means to be considerate?

Posted on by M Artisans

Coming across vlogs “showing off” their lifestyle rendered some deep thoughts and reflections. There’s a Filipino term called – “malasakit“. Uniquely Filipino because there’s no exact English translation. It is a Filipino value of caring and acting on the needs of others.

Be Considerate

Being considerate is synonymous to kindness. It can come in different forms and sizes. When you think of others before yourself, considering their feelings, concerns or priorities before your own. Begins with sympathy and thoughful rumination.

Being nice is a broader term – like civility. Being considerate entails a real and active interest on other people. There’s more effort than just being nice or civil.

There are 7 habits of Considerate People.

1. They practice empathy

Empathy is described as sensing what people are feeling

– Goldman Madel

It is different from sympathy, as empathy involves shared perspective or emotion. Considerate people not only feel for (with) others but actively see the world beyond themselves. Treating people with respect and compassion.

2. They smile often

Pexels.com

There’s a saying that kindness begins with a smile. Smiling evokes a positive emotion and reaction. In Positive Psychology, people are encouraged to smile more. You feel good and affect others, too.

3. They are intuitive of other people’s needs

From my Emotional Social Intelligence (ESI) class, there’s Cognitive Empathy. It is the ability to understand what another person might be thinking or feeling. When you walk in another person’s shoes and make them feel they are valued – that’s consideration.

Pexels.com

4. They mind their manners

Being polite doesn’t begin and end with saying please and thank you. It is way more than that. The golden rule – treat others the way you want to be treated.

5. Be emotionally intelligent

Emotional and Social Intelligence – is the ability to be aware of your own emotions and those of others in the moment, and use that information to manage yourself and your relationships (ESI UC Davis).

ESI is not a soft skill and is now in the Top 10 most important workplace skill needed for success (World Eco Forum 2020). It is twice as important as technical and cognitive skills combined.

6. They are patient

Patience is difficult to have these days especially when attention span is shortened to a few seconds. Being patient comes with kindness, as you “consider” other person’s situation or reason.

Pexels.com

7. They apologize (when needed)

One of the traits of a toxic individual is – non admission to mistakes. Apologizing when you’ve made a mistake instead of passing the blame is crucial when being considerate.

Pexels.com

❤

Posted in life

How Great Thou Art (lyrics)

Posted on by M Artisans

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing; 
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; 
That on a Cross, my burdens gladly bearing, 
He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!”

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

🙌🙌🙌

Posted in prayer, prayers

Prayer of Protection Against Evil

Posted on by M Artisans

Prayer For Protection Against Evil

Heavenly Father, You have promised that when we dwell in the secret place of the most High and shelter under the shadow of Your wings you will guard and guide us, protect us and keep us – for You are our refuge and our fortress and You alone are the one in Whom we place our trust.

Thank You Lord that no matter where I go Your hand leads me, and Your right arm upholds me.. for You are before me and behind me, You are above me and below me You are at my right hand and also at my left. And You are within me.. indwelling in my heart by the power of Your Holy Spirit, Who is my ever present Help in time of trouble.

Father, I pray that You would protect me and my family from all the evils that are lurking nearby and from those that would seek to harm us. Uphold us and keep us safe from all the evils that encircle our lives. Put Your hedge of protection and safety around us we pray, and place a guard at our doors and protects us from all that pass by our gate. And Father, keep our hearts from fear but rather fill us to overflowing with Your perfect peace that passes all understanding. Thank You that You are indeed our refuge and strength. You are that ever present Help in time of trouble – therefore in Your strength we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the middle of the sea. – for You are with us wherever we go. Thank You in Jesus name, Amen.

Posted in faith, life, motivational, prayer

How to be content with your life

Posted on by M Artisans

For those who’ve been following me in IG, one chronic side effect of my treatment or symptom management is depression. It can also be brought by illness itself, either way am 😦

We’ve all had this feeling before – sadness, dark cloud above your head, low days, lonelines… I cannot describe this state in the most positive way possible, an overall feeling of doom, zero inspiration and motivation.

Truth is no one could completely grasp one’s feelings and emotional well being with depression. Help starts with you. It takes massive effort yes, but it’s worth the try…

Please remember that – your current state is not forever, this (too) shall pass.

How to be content with your life?

  1. Change your perspective – the easiest way to be content with your life is adjusting your perspective. Instead of being stuck with the past or obsessing over the future, focus on Living in the Present.
  2. Be Grateful for what you have – though our life may be miserable today but try thinking of the things you have and how lucky you are compare to other people. This also includes – to stop comparing yourself with others. As the old saying goes – “the grass is greener on the other side” – the things we don’t have seem better than the things we have. This is the biggest obstacle in achieving happiness. Because there will always be someone who is happier, healthier, richer than you. But why look? If it’s only going to make you more miserable and unhappy.
  3. Appreciate the little things – Every detail in your life counts. We may take for granted this little things because we are too focused on the negative. Daily reflection, write a journal, a walk outside for some fresh air. Making a habit of reflecting will help you think rationally when a problem arises and will keep you from being blind-sided by problems that are lurking in your life.

One thing that really helps me is – FAITH. I can’t imagine myself being in the center of all these without Jesus. To be able to believe in something greater than us is the most effective coping mechanism for people who are suffering.

Yes it’s okay not to feel okay, if you need to cry then do it…

David Spiegel, MD, the medical director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, reminds us that “Happiness is not the absence of sadness.”

Let me share these beautiful songs… Allow Jesus to be with you, to cry with you and feel with you…

Happy are the people who are sad now,

God will come near to help them.

Matthew 5:4 Easy

I will be still and

know You are God.

Posted in prayer

New Year’s Prayer

Posted on by M Artisans

Prayer for the New Year

Dear God,

Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for all that you’ve allowed into our lives this past year, the good and the hard things that have reminded us how much we need you and rely on your presence filling us every day.

We pray for your Spirit to lead us each step of this New Year. We ask that you will guide our decisions and turn our hearts to deeply desire you above all else.

We ask for your wisdom, strength, and power to be constantly present within us. We pray you would make us strong and courageous for the road ahead.
We pray for your protection over our families and friends. We ask for your hand to cover us and keep us distanced from the enemy’s evil intent; that you would be a barrier to surround us, that we’d be safe in your hands. We pray that you would give us discernment and insight beyond our years, to understand your will, hear your voice, and know your ways.

Amen

– Debbie McDaniel (revised)
Posted in faith, prayer

Worry Ends where Prayer Begins

Posted on by M Artisans

This year has been the most difficult for me. The emotional impact of endometriosis is so immense and it’s more debilitating than physical pain. 

Perhaps I’m in no position to render advice, and this may appear to you as superficial and ordinary. But I know God can touch us in many ways than we can imagine. He reaches out to us even if we fail to remember Him. 

God remembered us when we were down, His love never quits. – Psalm 136:23

When we hold on to worry, we give it life. Jesus told us these exact words…

Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34

Do you know that God doesn’t want us to carry our burdens? He asks us to lay them down at the foot of the cross. He wants us to surrender our heavy loads to him. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Come to me all who are weary and burdened,and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

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Posted in Catholic faith, prayer

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal – Novena Prayer

Posted on by M Artisans

Novena Prayer

O Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of Our Lord Jesus and Our Mother, penetrated with the most lively confidence in your all-powerful and never failing intercession, manifested so often through the Miraculous Medal, we your loving and trustful children implore you to obtain for us the graces and favors we ask during this Novena. If they be beneficial to our immortal souls and the souls for whom we pray; (here mention your petition).

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us, who have recoursed to Thee (3 times).

Our Father, Haily Mary, Glory Be…

A personal favorite of mine, this perpetual novena is short and sweet that I can pray on a regular basis. Hope you find this helpful and ask Mama Mary for her intercession. The shrine in Paris France is a special place for me as a pilgrim or devotee of Our Lady.

For physical Novena cards, I found an online shop (not sponsored) that sells beautifully crafted prayer cards –

❤