Sister Cristina, a nun, wows the audience and the judges in Italian version of "The Voice"

Sister Cristina, an Italian nun, wows the audience and the judges.

God is good.  He blesses us with great talents that fill our hearts with joy and with love as we journey this life with Him.

This time, it is Sister Cristina, who amazes everybody with her beautiful voice, singing "No One," popularized by Alicia Keys.

The beautiful lyrics of the song, perhaps, encouraged Sister Cristina to memorize, practice and perform this song for Jesus, "No One,"  where nuns are known to be married to Jesus, forever (lyrics source: azlyrics.com).

                                       "No One"

I just want you close
Where you can stay forever
You can be sure
That it will only get better

You and me together
Through the days and nights
I don't worry 'cause
Everything's going to be alright
People keep talking they can say what they like
But all I know is everything's going to be alright

No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I'm feeling
No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I feel for you, you, you
Can get in the way of what I feel for you

When the rain is pouring down
And my heart is hurting
You will always be around
This I know for certain

You and me together
Through the days and nights
I don't worry 'cause
Everything's going to be alright
People keep talking they can say what they like
But all I know is everything's going to be alright

No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I'm feeling
No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I feel for you, you, you
Can get in the way of what I feel

I know some people search the world
To find something like what we have
I know people will try, try to divide, something so real
So till the end of time I'm telling you there ain't no one

No one, no one
Can get in the way of what I'm feeling
No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I feel for you

Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh [x2]

And how beautiful to entertain anyone with this song, with Jesus in our hearts, we see hope in God's everlasting love and mercy, if only we believe and remain in His light ... and see how being with Him and in Him, "everything will be alright." 

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17, we are exhorted to rejoice and be thankful in all circumstances the celebration of life, God's gift to man. and as we become prayerful, "Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

And in Psalm 37:2-4 (source:  usccb.org/bible/psalms): "Do not be provoked by evildoers;
do not envy those who do wrong.a
2
Like grass they wither quickly;
like green plants they wilt away.b

3
Trust in the LORD and do good
that you may dwell in the land* and live secure.c
4
Find your delight in the LORD
who will give you your heart’s desire.d"

[See more of Sister Cristina's songs shared on this link as she finished 'Numero Uno' as the ultimate champion, truly glorifying God in her winning 'The Voice of Italy 2014' in a landslide victory] 

God bless Sister Cristina as she glorifies the Lord sharing her God given talents to everyone that 'ye' may all know, that all good things come from Him.

In everything, may "God's kingdom come; God's will be done, on earth as in heaven," from The Lord's Prayer, the way to pray to God our heavenly Father, as Jesus taught us, we being all His disciples as we may be enlightened and guided to spread His truth in the gospel.

Glory be to God forever and ever. Amen.

Watch Fun VIdeo - Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD) Los Angeles District Picnic and Raffle Fun 2011 July

Another successful picnic and raffle fun fellowship event was held by Bukas Loob sa Diyos or BLD ("Opening one's heart in God") Covenant Community Los Angeles District at Ralphs B. Clark Regional Park, Buena Park, California on July 24, 2011.

Watch this shared fun video that says it all as we continue to keep Jesus in our hearts in everything good that we do, and this time, celebrating God's gift of life with our brothers and sisters in Christ under BLD, and "Jesus Saw Inside of Me" from YouTube video editor as our fitting background music.



Go to this link for: "another video version without the music"

See more related pictures via our picasa galery link below.

'Bukas Loob sa Diyos' or BLD Los Angeles 2011 Picnic and Raffle July 24

Everybody enjoyed the atmosphere of fun and camaraderie among members of the community with  various Filipino delicacies and great recipes served to the delight of those who made sure they did not miss this year's picnic, climaxed with an exciting raffle event.  

All those with tickets on hand were keen on winning the major prizes either for themselves or for their family and acquaintances they represented.  I, for one, would be more than happy to see any of my donors and ticket buyers win any of the cool prizes at stake to enhance my ticket selling credibility one notch higher, won't you agree?  

Ticket entries were handed to Bob Perkovic, Carlito and Evelyn Alvarado who gladly served all paid tickets, put them into the 'tambiolo' before it all started rolling by 5PM.  The grand prize winner was not present, but the seller, Lita Briones, was there to acknowledge and confirm the identity of the winner.

Good for me and John Abe, despite the heat from the sun and from the flaming charcoal, we got the most number of  'likes' grilling great tasting barbeques superbly marinated by Danny Jose.

It was the most sought after food since we began grilling, sometimes, not able to keep up with demand and yes, bias or not, lol, better than the Fil-Am favorite chicken adobo of Evelyn Alvarado and the savory beef steak of Ted and Prescy Najarro, just right after I took over from Bong Uy who had to complete a quorum as he was duty by his BLD tennis buddies.

This gives me an idea, huh.  Danny, Bong, John and I can, perhaps, put up a barbeque business on the sides at downtown LA and with our BLD community ever growing, marketing will not be a problem, lol.  Let's wait and see what Jun and Alice , Boy and Madsy , Hermie and Lina , Ed and Bopeep have to say.

I may have gone too far pulling your legs, but what is good about this community is the selflessness and the willingness of many of its members to share the love of Christ with others, that together with our families and friends, we may all see the light of Christ in this life, while celebrating together and enjoying God's countless blessings as we learn to accept God in Christ Jesus, to lead our life in this journey towards eternity, as we may eventually learn to live and discover the beauty of finding the true path while we may choose to grow together in the spirit.

Soon after that grueling yet humbling and heart warming hands-on training grilling BBQ's as a novice from master John Abe, I started looking for that delicious, nutritious and anti-carcinogenic mouth watering mangoes brought by Lucy Castro and her Mekeni group, but, no way, they were all 'gone with the wind,' lol.  "Parang hinipan ng hangin" ("as though blown by the wind"].

Whatever tastes good never last with the Pinoy taste buds.  That is why in any BLD event, watch your tummy or your waistline before it grows out of healthy proportion.

    

Field games were played among the youth, singles, single parents, ME couples and family members who were all there to have fun, and fun they did have, with soothing and energy giving praise and worship songs from the choice collections of Tony and Tess Roque filling the air. 

Ralph B. Clark Regional Park has a huge area of trees and green grassy lawns were kids and people of all ages can enjoy a refreshing jog, walk or play, or even go camping on tents or hiking along nearby hills.  

Some of the boys happily swung their tennis rackets which they brought along knowing that once you have paid at the entrance gate for a meager  fee of only five dollars a car, you can play the whole day and use the park's facilities for free.

"All is well that ends well."

The BLD picnic and raffle activities on July 24, 2011 may just be another fruitful day among community members, family and friends, that came to pass, but the best part was the love that was shared in Christ Jesus praying that his words of truth will always stay in our BLD hearts as they lighten up our daily journey in this life, and as we continue to yearn for spiritual growth in Christ and be one with God.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17, Saint Paul, after he admonished everyone to live in peace with each other, to encourage the timid to help the weak, to be patient with everyone, nobody to pay wrong for wrong and to always be kind to each other and to everyone else, he said, “Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

[Read on our post:  "Commentary on - "'Jesus Saves' via Christaninsal.overblog.com," on 'Love in Christ,' NDE, Mama Mary and the Saints." as we call for unity in faith.]

----------------------------

Brief BLD Announcements:

[1] Open to all believers in Christ and in the Holy Trinity, we invite you to join our BLD Covenant Community under Los Angeles District, through our incoming Marriage Encounter Weekend in May 2012 (exact date and venue to be announced as soon as available).  For BLD members outside of the LA District and all those who wish to learn more about "Bukas Loob sa Diyos" or BLD, a Catholic charismatic renewal movement in its mission to grow its Christian discipleship among people of any faith or creed irregardless of race, age, education or financial status, please feel free to send an email to BLD DCS in Evangelization Hermie and Lina Villaflor (linav793@yahoo.com).

Another Marriage Encounter is on the works this coming May 2012.  Details will be posted on this site when available.

--------------------------------

[2] BLD Raffle Winners (June 24, 2011 Draw) = >> "Congratulations to the Winners ... and to all Donors and  Organizers!"

1st Prize   50" TV Home Theater Entertainment System   >>>   Grace Cruz
2nd Prize  Laptop Computer  >>>   Loretta Castro
3rd Prize  Digital Camera   >>>   Carlota Capulong

God bless and Godspeed - GHE Admin



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Manny Pacquiao Fights Bringing Pinoy and Mexicans Together, Zyrene Parsad and Cowboy Blondes Sing National Anthems

Fights of Manny Pacquiao seem to have attracted Filipinos and Mexicans together.

The Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito Fight in November 13, 2010 at the Dallas Cowboy Stadium was no exception.  I call it  "The David vs. Goliath Main Event" with the bigger and heavier boxer in Margarito coming out as the underdog even before the fight started.

It was not surprising that many Mexicans who were watching with us at the Habana residence at Kingsley Road, Los Angeles, California, where booting for a Manny Pacqiuao win as you watch on the YouTube video below using the YouTube video editor, with footages I have recorded from the HBO fight on cable TV also showing the pretty lass and popular singer in the Philippines, Zyrene Parsad singing the national anthem and the lovely blondes trio of Dallas Cowboys cheering team.


Above interesting video can always be a prelude to any exciting fight for "Pacman," or Manny Pacquiao, boxing's record holder as Pound for Pound King.

It was a Mexican in Margarito who lost in the fight watched on cable but it was also a Mexican from the friendly and jolly audience who brought home the bacon as the fight ended up with a full 12 rounds lopsided win by the Pound for Pound Boxing King which saw a badly beaten Margarito later on landing in a hospital with a damaged retina and an fractured orbital bone.  

Manny was waiting for the referee to stop the fight going on in the 10th round as there was no way Margarito would have a chance of finishing even with a lucky punch as he was utterly weak and spent.  Was it worth it for Margarito?

He did last the 12 full rounds alright but with a price that could cost him his career for a lifetime.  Lately, though, I read that he was ready to go back to the ring.  Uhhm, well, I hope he knows what he is doing.

Many Filipinos and Mexicans both enjoy the sports of boxing and many of their compatriots have made successful landmarks in the history of boxing.

But what is so special about Manny Pacquiao that Filipinos, Mexicans and many people around the world are magnetized by his charisma, that is on top of his punching power and agility?

I feel it is in the humility of the person that makes a man greater an himself.

In Matthew 23:11-12, Jesus Christ said to the crowd with his disciples, "The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."


Now, Manny is also a public servant as a newly elected Congressman in the Philippines, representing Sarangani Province in the Island of Mindanao.  And I just hope and pray that he becomes a trues servant of his people and a role model as an honest, hard working and a nationalistic politician, not to be tainted by the old "tradpols" (traditional politicians).

It is in this premise, I believe, that he became popular with many people voting for him in Sarangani.

The lure of material things in the world is so powerful that without a very strong faith in God Almighty, one is doomed to fail as Jesus Christ has said in Matthew 6:24 that we cannot serve two masters at the same time. We choose only one … either God or Mammon (money or lust). If we opt to be ruled by material things, power, money or lust, which the evil one prefers, can we ever attain satisfaction and peace in our life?

We have seen many great sportsmen, politicians, celebrities and even pastors and priests fall from grace.  And many have never recovered as they remained enslaved by their pride.

May all men learn from the mistakes of these misguided souls as their body succumbed to sins of the flesh and/or wealth, and to sins of selfishness and pride.

But still, we have a forgiving God.  May the love and truth in Jesus bring light to these men who went astray for with faith in Jesus, there is hope and forgiveness in the renewal of life in one's spirit.

In Romans 6:19-23, Saint Paul admonished the former slaves among Romans now set free, “I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."


One blessed with a good family, a faithful and God fearing wife and children, what benefits him to do evil and become enslaved to sin, and find himself losing everything later on, family, properties, and worse, including his soul as he forfeits life eternal in exchange for a short and temporary period of happiness?

I firmly believe "putting God first in your life and in your decisions makes one great in God's eyes," with peace and true happiness that follows, as many good people can attest to, and who can ever beat that?

In Proverbs 37:4, “Delight yourself with the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

For Manny, I pray that he continues to be humble and steadfast in his faith in God, through Christ our Lord and Savior, and with good works, I can see him blessed.

And one who stays humble, poor in spirit, upright and righteous, is great in God's eyes, and "he will inherit the earth," and his "is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3-5).

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Birthday Fun with Snakes and Other Animals - with God in Us and Easter

(Left photo showing the cheerful Dalton twins at 4 with elder brother, Lyndon, 5)

"Eeeekkks" and shrills can be heard from the thrilled audience of parents and children who attended the birthday party of the adorable Dalton twins, Sharon and Kirsten at their own home in Colleyville, Texas.

It was a live show of pretty tamed and should I say, well mannered snakes, spiders, toads and reptiles which included an iguana and colorful lizards.

All were attentively and delightfully educated with each of the animals' features and characteristics distinctly presented by the show master from Party Pop (Contact number at 214-563-2234), with some catching a closer view if not even touching and handling the stars of the show just to get the feel of these creepy and interesting creatures.

And yes, even small kids excitedly had the feel of the slimy snakes as they bravely took turns carrying two or three snakes at a time on their shoulders.

Lyndon hesitated for a moment until he saw others doing it and there he went for the snakes.


Watch our fun video link above on YouTube "Birthday Fun with Snakes and Other Animals," and our picasa link below to still pictures and to our gallery.

Snakes and other animals birthday fun

It takes a lot of courage to overcome ones fear as it takes a "single step" to start "a journey of a thousand miles," according to the ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu.

Snakes can be intimidating but they can be friendly too as many feast on pests and rodents to help maintain the balance of nature.

Watch another fun video link on YouTube, "Animal Fair and Kids Birthday Fun with Snakes and Others."

And for our kids, there is no substitute to educating them as early as when they are still in the mother's womb, yes, upon conception, to make them strong in their faith as they grow up, away from corruption from this material world, yet, while being competitive as they make good use of their talents to share these with others in the course of being productive members of society, oozing with confidence and never relenting against evil and its many disguises, and learning to thank and praise God for all the wonderful things and blessings in this life guided by love and humility in Jesus.

[Read on our related link as we see the importance of ... "Teaching Children Love and Obedience."]

GOD IN US AND EASTER

While the evil one has often been depicted in the Holy Bible as a snake or a serpent, our Creator has made man the ruler of all His creation, hence, for man not to fear creation but to make good use to glorify God's Holy Name.

With the many wonders of nature in our planet and the perfect harmony around the universe, we take for granted the many miracles that happen around us in prayer, it is but the evil one whom we see rejoicing of our vanity, selfishness, hardheadedness and pride, and refuse to see God from within our spirit as God is spirit.

In John 4:24, Jesus explained to an unbeliever, a Samaritan woman, "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

Sadly, many of us remain blind as we refuse to see the light and the truth in God's love even from the many miracles recorded and attributed to His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who sacrificed and died for us on the cross to pay for our sins that we may have everlasting life as made further evident by his glorious resurrection and ascension, which is the very essence of Easter celebration.

So with the many saints and Mama Mary, the mother of Christ, who have shown us miracles through the love of Jesus.

In Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Knowledge (or Wisdom)."


[Read on our related post on "God's Awesome Works in God's Awesome Creation."]

Whence, with God and through Christ, trusting in him, we shall not fear of anything evil as Christ, being One with the Father, has dominion over all things, seen and unseen.   

“I and the father are one”. In John 14: 11-14 Jesus added, “Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me… I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

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Kellie Pickler's Innocence Wins My Heart on Funny Stuff

Watch this blooper and see how gorgeous popular country singer Kellie Pickler can win your heart.

Projecting her innocence on a question about Budapest in Europe and her humbling reactions just blew Pinoy Blogger with her openness and truthfulness in this funny stuff video.

This can really be funny but it is in one's humility that you see one's greatness.

As in the 8 Beatitudes, Matthew 5:5, Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."

In this example, Kellie Pickler, clearly did not know the answer to the question.  She may have been embarrassed about it on national television.

But, with her truthfulness, passing the right to answer the question to a very confident 5th Grade contestant, Nathan, whom she was supposed to help win in the game, made her win $25,000 in the process.

No matter how popular or how famous you can be, you an be tested many times on your humility. And it is our meekness that God wants us to exude many times in our life, not with foolish pride which may just cause us trouble or can quickly spell ones downfall.

In Matthew 23:11, Jesus said to the crowd with his disciples, "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Through Jesus' Christ's teachings we gain wisdom, and through humility, we gain respect and honor.

As in Proverbs 15:33, "The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor."



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Halloween Treat Scares - Fun to Watch

It's 'Halloween' and it's time to have fun watching scary video stuff.

Some people may see 'Halloween' as based on a pagan ritual that glorifies witches and demons but this blogger does not see it that way.

It is too much malice that we put into our mind that makes other people think it is not good since it is 'devilish.'

Having great faith in Jesus Christ as our Redeemer and Savior make us protected from anything evil. The bottom line is 'so long as we do not do anything against God's commandments and against Christ's teachings.'

We should look 'Halloween' as fun and enjoyable and as something that makes us more confident and strong in our faith with nothing, yes nothing whatsoever, to worry about as long as we know that Jesus Christ is with us and that we believe that God's angels are there to protect us.

We have absolutely nothing to fear as long as we live in Christ, and Christ is in us, that Christ's teachings of love and living in truth will abound.


On the contrary, fun and enjoyment can bring about laughter which 'heals.' And many say 'laughter is the best medicine.'

If it is there to harm or done with malice, and with lack of consideration for the safety of others, then that is another story.

We would not want anybody to get hurt before we try to do scary or funny stuff do we?

Have fun, be responsible and do things safe. This should keep you healthy too.

May we be strengthened and further guided in Proverbs 21:30, "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord."

Use 'Halloween' to glorify God to enjoy God's gift of life with family, friends and neighbors.

Remember, evil cowers in fear as we pray 'in the Almighty and Holy name of Christ Jesus.' Godspeed.

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The Man Behind the Double Rainbow Video

The rainbow signifies a lot of things to many people such as hope, blessings, beauty, splendor, a phenomenon, a miracle sign, an omen or mere colors from rain and light.

But for Paul Vasquez, it is something more than science.  It is a rare sign from God that brings forth joy to the soul as he pours out his emotions while taking this video in awe and wonder.  Read more on our link below.

For this blogger, it is a proof of God's love for mankind and another example of perfection in His awesome creation, as in Genesis 9:13, God said after the great flood to Noah, "I have set my rainbow in the clouds, it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth."  That never again will the earth be destroyed by flood as in Noah's time. 

Read more inspiration from our updated post, "The Shroud of Turin - Burial Cloth of Jesus, Resurrection and NDE's," and take a glimpse of the afterlife through our NDE (near death experience) links.

http://www.aolnews.com/nation/article/paul-vasquez-the-guy-behind-the-double-rainbow-video-isnt-dull/19567314?icid=main|hp-laptop|dl8|link2|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolnews.com%2Fnation%2Farticle%2Fpaul-vasquez-the-guy-behind-the-double-rainbow-video-isnt-dull%2F19567314

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