Myhaven

MIRACLE AFTER MIRACLE

“You are beautiful beyond description;

too marvelous for words,

too wonderful for comprehension

like nothing ever seen or heard;

Who can grasp your infinite wisdom;

Who can fathom the depth of your love.

You are beautiful beyond description.

Majesty, enthrone above!

And I stand, I stand in awe of you.

I stand, I stand in awe of you.

Holy God, to whom all praise is due,

I stand in awe of you.”

My heart continually sings with joys and praises at the thought that I, Alpheratz Gubia Jose, a medical student, daughter, sister, friend, servant, and though a certified SINNER, is a beloved CHILD OF GOD who has been loved, forgiven, saved and blessed with a life-changing experience through OPERATION JABEZ in the islands of Palawan.

Just like the song I cited above, I have been tremendously awed at God’s workmanship in my life. It has been almost a year since I heard of ‘Operation Jabez’ (OJ) from Kuya Arn, a co-member of Christ’s Medical Circle (CMC) in PLM, who had experienced OJ 2007 in Palawan the other year. His stories planted the seed of desire in my heart to join the next OJ and moved me to pray for it since.

My first miracle…

As the date of confirmation came, I realized that my prayer was yet answered. Although my parents have given me their full blessing to join OJ, they set the condition that I should provide for my expenses. I already had plans to save money for OJ but due to inevitable circumstances, I had limited savings then. I thought OJ would become a mere imagination but God must have a purpose because when I least expected it, friends were very much willing to support me financially. This was my first miracle for OJ.

Next miracle…

A few hours prior to our flight to Palawan, I felt terribly nauseated which soon resulted to vomiting everything I’ve had for breakfast. They said it was due to so much anticipation of our trip but I realized it was due to the malaria prophylaxis I’ve taken few minutes before the incident. I thought it was a sign that tested my faith so I prayed. Well, God must have really wanted me in OJ because a few minutes later, my vision cleared and I regained my bodily strength to carry my almost 15kg-luggage.

Miraculous creations…

Inasmuch as I would want to make known the wonderful creations God has shown us all throughout our trips and stay in and out of Palawan, there are no words good enough to describe them. All I know is that I am humbled in awe by the beauty and magnificence of his perfect design of the silver lining of the clouds, the vibrant rainbows, the inviting sunrise, the multi-hued setting sun, the high-towered mountains, the dramatic landscapes, the cool breeze of wind that touched our faces during the heat of the summer, the dazzling oceans and rivers, and the uniqueness of each of His living creatures in and out of the waters. I praise God for a taste of paradise through all these… 

Miraculous fellowships…

Up to this very second, my heart is very much overwhelmed by the warmth and care that the people of Palawan enveloped me with. I am teary-eyed remembering each face because through these faces, I saw and felt the love of Jesus Christ.

There were the happy prayerful souls of Puerto Princesa who, from the first day we reached Palawan made us feel like family. They welcomed us wholeheartedly to their home, community and church like we’ve known each other for years. In fact, I never felt like a visitor or stranger! It was like finding another home with seemingly parents and/or brothers/sisters. They are the very reason why leaving Palawan became difficult; thus our last day together was indeed filled with tears in my eyes.

There was also the thoughtful community of people in Busuanga islands, where we conducted church training and medical missions. I should not fail to mention these people for they too inspired me with their simple yet happy and productive lives. They were so attentive to our needs that we barely felt the difficulties of having on-off electricity and water supply. The community prepared our bountiful meals there. Moreover, they even insisted on eating their meals just after every one of us was through with our food; no matter if we requested them to join us.

And much to my surprise, I found sisters in my so-called classmates in the person of Eisa, Lea, Liz, and Ate Frenche who were with me in my entire spiritual journey in Palawan. Through the companionship we shared, our lives were unfolded and inspired by the Holy Spirit. In fact, we even celebrated Ate Frenche’s second birthday, where she received Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior in the least expected time before leaving Palawan. Indeed, God moves in mysterious ways…

True enough, a tie was bound among us all. And I realized that there is one thing common among us however diverse our persons may be, and this is knowing and loving Jesus. What a precious truth.

Miraculous mission…

One big reason why I joined OJ is to experience medical mission, extend help in any way I can to Palawan people. But OJ was much, much more than medical missions. OJ reaches out not just to an individual’s physical being, but rather gives more importance to spiritual nourishment. At first, I was surprised that I had to undergo church training rather than a medical training. But the Spirit of the Lord revealed to me the real purpose of my stay in Palawan- and that is my mission to live the Gospel.

While listening to the different trainers and immersing myself with studying God’s word, I realized that I have been called to this medical career not for anything else but to be an instrument of God’s healing power for physical, emotional, down to the most important aspect of one’s life- spiritual health.

Then it was our trip to Busuanga islands. With much anticipation, I was still surprised to find not physical hunger in the eyes of Busuanga people, but rather hunger of God’s word. And truly, He already responded before we even prayed for their needs. Unlike most of the busy people in the cities who are allergic to the word of God, we found their community all-ears and all-eyes to every word uttered by the trainers. They had amazingly eager participation all throughout their training unmindful of the heat of the day. In fact they refused break times in between sessions but chose to proceed with the next topics. They were very much excited to begin sharing God’s word to others themselves.

Meanwhile, for our medical/dental missions, four barangays were to be provided with medicines and health care. The medical/dental team was divided into two having one doctor, one dentist, 3-4 medical students and 1-2 volunteers for each team, thus having a manpower of approximately 8 people who needed to attend to the needs of about 170 people in each barangay. To top it all, the medicines brought from Puerto Princesa were so scanty that each barangay was to be given only one box of half-filled medicines. This brought us a serious deal of worries so we prayed really hard for miracles.

But this was the scenario our naked eyes have seen. God had seen a different picture. And His plans were far from ours. Just as when we thought that our manpower was not enough, God used barangay health workers and/or community volunteers to aid in the trafficking and distribution of meds. Thus, more than a hundred from each barangay were not just accommodated and properly treated, but more importantly received the word of God. And just as we thought that our resources weren’t enough for the patients, at the end of the day, we found the boxes remained heavy with excess medicines, as if they multiplied a couple of times. Thus, more medicines were available for the next OJ mission.

In every day of our stay in Busuanga, God showed us that His steadfast love never ceases. And truly, His mercies were new every morning as He revealed to us what He can do in the midst of our scarcity and fears.

And as I allowed Him to make me an instrument as I touch people’s lives, my heart was moved with every smile in their faces as if they were the ones touching mine. I will never forget the teary-eyed girl who was suffering from a congenital abnormality referred to as genu valgum, when I told her how Jesus Christ loves her. And when I embraced her, I felt like it wasn’t me embracing the child, but rather Jesus Himself. Again and again, I stand in awe of how Jesus manifests in different lives, realizing that I too have the same need of His love just like the young girl and the rest of the people of Busuanga and only He can fill us up.

Miraculous trips

                “God will make a way, when there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see. He will make a way.” This song best describes the highlights of our Busuanga trips.

One…

On the day of our rest and recreation after the medical/church missions, we decided to go to Black Island to explore its beauty and swim there. As we were sailing, the waves seemed to have a way of capsizing our boat. Boy, we had no life jackets then and we were in the middle of the sea just in between islands. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, one suggested to drop off 8 people out of the boat at a nearby island, with the intention of fetching them afterwards. The boat still struggled thru the waves but was safely anchored to Black island after few minutes. And in no time, the 8 people also reached the island and we were all off to the beach to savor fun moments.

Two…

                Before reaching Puerto Princesa via Negros Navigation, we had to travel by land via huge jeepney from Busuanga to Coron port in about 4 hours. We left Busuanga at around 2 in the morning so everyone was asleep during the course of travel. About 15km away from the port, we were awakened by a sudden stop that meant we had a flat tire. Well, that was already 4:30AM and our ship was about to leave by 5 so everyone hastened to pray. It is our prayer that our jeepney be fixed and our ship be delayed. As our travel resumed, our hearts were all set in deep prayers. But a few kilometers away from the port, the other tire also gave way so we decided to ride a multicab instead. And guess what? Our ship was delayed. In fact it arrived at 6:30AM. Praise God!

Three…

                Just as we thought that we could continue our interrupted sleep in the ship, we found our accommodations occupied by players of the Palarong Pambansa. And this, according to one of the crew members was due to miscommunication with the ticketing office. Thus, they promised that they’ll do something about it. We were so exhausted that we didn’t care anymore whether our airline seats would still be available or not. All we wanted was a floor area where we can lay our sleeping bags and sleep. But God had a better plan if not the best plan for us. We were all wide-eyed in surprise upon hearing the news that we were actually given, not our airline seaters but business class cabins where we could lie down comfortably in individual beds and sleep!!! Obviously, God didn’t’t want His workers to sleep for 12 hours while seated, nor did He want to see us lying down in the floor like squatters. But rather, He wanted us to savor the comforts of business class cabins!

Thus, again, our travel difficulties paved the way for us to experience the unfathomable greatness of God. 

Miraculous message…

Music is really close to my heart. It is one of my means of expressing myself. Thus, one thing I really, terribly miss in my Palawan stay is our daily praise and worship. Every encounter with God was indescribable, wherein I just find myself immersed in His love with tears flowing down my cheeks in full reverence of His presence while singing worship songs for Him. And as I see myself like a speck of dust in the presence of an immeasurable God, I just feel so complete and united with this loving God and that was all that I needed to begin the day. Thus, every day, I felt like a refreshed soldier of God.

                And just as I thought that that experience was the sole purpose of OJ in my life- to refresh and nourish my soul and give praise to God thru music- God spoke to me unexpectedly revealing more than I could imagine.

                Prior to OJ, I have been asked by Lea regarding my second birthday or my spiritual birthday. I answered several occasions I remembered considering them as turning points in my life of knowing Jesus deeper, but the exact moment was so difficult to recall.

I have been raised in a Catholic Christian family, and this I am very thankful for. Since I was a kid, I already knew who Christ Jesus is. Thus at an early age, I was already a young servant of God or so I thought.

During one of our training sessions with Ate Dianne, aside from deeper learning of the word of God, I was moved by our activity where everyone was asked to relate the story of how he received Jesus. Having no idea of that exact moment in my life, I prayed so hard that I started crying. And through the voice of the Spirit that whispered in my ear came into my writing the very instance that changed my life anew, when God used Fr. Reggie as an instrument for me to accept Him in my life. It was so vivid that I could even feel what I was feeling then. It was such a wonderful surprise when I least expected it.   

*In all these, at first, I wonder, what must have I done to deserve all these miracles, but later on, through my spiritual journey in Palawan, I realized, that there’s nothing about me, none in the least. It is not about me, nor is it about the people in Palawan, not even the noble purpose of OJ. Because, in truth, everything is about God, His unending love for me and His creation.

Yes, Lord, it is all because of you… and I want to fall deeper and deeper in love with you!!! Thank you for the mighty revelations you unfolded in my life and I thank you for deepening my desire to know You more and serve Your people more just like the people You continue to inspire in Palawan. All glory and praise to Your most precious name, Jesus. Amen.

When I think back
On these times
And the dreams
We left behind
I’ll be glad ’cause
I was blessed to get
To have you in my life
When I look back
On these days
I’ll look and see your face
You were right there for me

In my dreams
I’ll always see you soar
Above the sky
In my heart
There always be a place
For you for all my life
I’ll keep a part
Of you with me
And everywhere I am
There you’ll be

Well you showed me
How it feels
To feel the sky
Within my reach
And I always
Will remember all
The strength you
Gave to me
Your love made me
Make it through
Oh, I owe so much to you
You were right there for me

In my dreams
I’ll always see you soar
Above the sky
In my heart
There always be a place
For you for all my life
I’ll keep a part
Of you with me
And everywhere I am
There you’ll be

‘Cause I always saw in you
My light, my strength
And I want to thank you
Now for all the ways
You were right there for me
You were right there for me
For always

In my dreams
I’ll always see you soar
Above the sky
In my heart
There always be a place
For you for all my life
I’ll keep a part
Of you with me
And everywhere I am
There you’ll be

zhel and i have known each other since elementary.. we were not close then as i recall.. we’re both snobs.. *ryt zhel?* but come high school, we found ourselves sitting together every break time, thus we started to become a barkada of 9…with leah, cath, eliza, joyce, rubelh, mine and ralph… happy days…

somehow, times changed.. our schedules got in the way that we seldom meet…

july 2006, we got the frightening news of zhel’s diagnosis of "Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia"… we were all frantic… we came to visit and were told that she didn’t want to undergo chemotherapy, thus, the need to convince her…

in spite of her condition, she passed the Nursing Board Exams with flying colors, grabbing the 5^th place in the overall rankings. She even took the CGNFS and IELTS Exams in the midst of her struggle against cancer and passed them both, with the hope that she could later on practice her profession in the United States.

everyone was much relieved and happy to see that she finally undergone chemotherapy and was successfully responding to it… our house visits became more frequent nevertheless… with the mask and all to protect her from further infections…

however, along the way, zhel had episodes of 50-50 chances survival at different hospitals, nevertheless miracles did happen and she survived.. her wbc in the spinal cord even dropped to zero which was a very great news for a leukemic patient..

until 3 weeks ago, she suffered from stroke resulting to coma and left side hemiparalysis for two days. thank God, she woke up… but she already presented with symptoms such as impaired speech and hearing, anterograde amnesia and occasional seizures. true enough, her cancer cells metastasized in her brain. but on top of it all she remained brave, optimistic and full of life. she was so elated when several of the batch came to visit her in pampanga. her laughters were resounding all over the room regardless of her pains. and we never saw her lose sight of hope although she knew she was losing her memory, having difficulty speaking and understanding our conversations… thus, we all looked forward to her full recovery.. we saw in her the neverending hope of fighting… thus we did everything in our means to make her situation known in order for others to extend whatever help their family needed…

but it was the last time we saw her laugh… the last conversations ever made… the last of her that was full of life…

the next thing we knew, she was critically ill at the ICU of Fe del Mundo Medical center…

we rushed to see her only to discover that she already had a cardiac arrest the previous night and that the only thing that keeps her breathing was the respirator attached to her… she was pronouced brain dead…

tears flowed incessantly… no words are enough to make known the pain of the thought that she’s leaving… we had no choice but to have her final spiritual rites instituted by our friend priest, Fr. Ching of UST… yet, we still prayed for any miracle possible…

we prayed the rosary beside her bed… while holding her hand in prayer, i felt her arm become spastic… we called the doctor to confirm a change in her condition only to show us a flat line in her ecg….

zhel finally said goodbye… it was so peaceful…

zhel, i know you heard us in our prayer… we know how you wanted to fight.. we witnessed all your struggles and sufferings but we also know you deserve to be free from every pain.. now that you’re in the Lord’s presence forever, there’ll never be pain anymore… isn’t that the most wonderful thing in all of this? i pray that you finally find peace with our Creator and that you whisper to our God how we also want to be with Him… i love you zhel… and i thank you for all the days we spent together.. memories full of learning experiences and hope… i look up to your faith and strength and i pray that we too become like you- a brave fighter…

one of the cruelest things and the most painful experience in life is losing someone close to you..

especially when it’s permanent..

there was nothing i could do about it.. it was so sudden that even if it were true, it was still unbelievable..

he, who always made my tomcat days a bliss..

he, who never failed to make fun of me..

he, who showed the best of artistic talents..

he, who always lend a helping hand..

he, who was there to sit around anytime i needed a friend..

he, who loved and lost, and loved again..

he is my friend.. and will always be..

kuyarussell, im praying for you..

i hope you finally see the light and be in peace with our God..

many hearts are missing you now..

we will always keep you in our hearts..

goodbye kuya russell…

The Great Lesson

To encourage her young son’s progress on the piano, a mother took the small boy to a Paderewski concert. After they were seated, the mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to greet her.

Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way through a door marked: "NO ADMITTANCE."

When the house lights dimmed, and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that her son was missing. Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy’s ear, "Don’t quit. Keep playing." Then leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child and he added a running obbligato.

Together, the old master and the young novice transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was mesmerized.

That’s the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren’t exactly graceful flowing music. But with the hand of the Master, our life’s work truly can be beautiful.

Next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You can hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, "Don’t quit. Keep playing. "Feel His loving arms around you. Know that His strong hands are playing the concerto of your life.

Remember, God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.

SAILIN’

Sailing in the cold

With the breeze

Running through

My pores

Loneliness comes at dusk

And as night approaches

A discovery is yet to unfold

The moon as

My witness

Fighting

The tears

Taking the chances

Where no one seemed to care,

To listen

To even look

Silence seemed to echo

Yet no trace of fear

Can be mirrored

I seem to radiate

Inherent power

The strength coming

From within

With no

Reason possible

Only one knows…

Him…

Young King Arthur was ambushed and imprisoned by the monarch of a neighbouring kingdom. The monarch could have killed him but was moved by Arthur’s youth and ideals. So, the monarch offered him his freedom, as long as he could answer a very difficult question. Arthur would have a year to figure out the answer and, if after a year, he still had no answer, he would be put to death.

The honeymoon hour approached and Lancelot, steeling himself for a horrific experience, entered the bedroom. But, what a sight awaited him. The most beautiful woman he had ever seen lay before him on the bed. The astounded Lancelot asked what had happened

The beauty replied that since he had been so kind to her when she appeared as a witch, she would henceforth, be her horrible deformed self only half the time and the beautiful maiden the other half.

Lancelot pondered the predicament. During the day, a beautiful woman to show off to his friends, but at night, in the privacy of his castle, an old witch? Or, would he prefer having a hideous witch during the day, but by night, a beauti! ful woman for him to enjoy wondrous intimate moments?

What would YOU do?

Noble Lancelot said that he would allow HER to make the choice herself.

Now….what is the moral to this story?

The moral is…..
If you don’t let a woman have her own way….
Things are going to get ugly! 

i woke up realizing a tear stain on my face for a reason i am not aware of…

as i cleaned my face to start the brand new weekend, memories flashed into my mind.. and I wished the water would help wash away whatever hurt inflicted in me…

here goes the nostalgic me once more… you see, my contract in pascual laboratories is soon to be terminated.. im not expecting any extension since im about to pursue another path.. (yet, still praying on it)

yes, im sailing away…soon… a decision so difficult to take for granted…

and the thought of leaving gives me a fright…

as i came across a photo of me when i was still 2, i just realized how fun and easy it was to be young… i was able to have almost everything i wished for.. i played, had fun, ate this and that, i entered school, enjoyed this and that, went here and there, bought this and that.. achievements here and there.. affiliations here and about.. practically all in my favor…

the only conflicts I encountered were but petty quarrels and bickering with my siblings, classmates and friends… nothing too complicated as i could imagine.. i was really blessed…

but it can never be always on my favor.. you see, i had my fair share of serious hurts too.. I gained and at the same time lost, worse, some of those I gained were the very same special gains I lost, a hundred percent of it… oh well, i gained friends and knew what love is all about..

before it was just easy keeping friends you know.. you see your friend, you play with him or her, you sometimes quarrel or even hurt each other but after sometime, you cross each other’s path, you’ll even hug that friend and tell stories, then play again like nothing ever happened… friendship… it is plain and simple.. you build one with anyone coming into your life.. some with hesitation, some with pure intent and some with deep enthusiasm..

but keeping one is never easy just like before when I was a kid.. people come and go, yeah.. but i don’t suppose to accept it as it would like to suggest.. I love to keep my friends.. the problem here is.. friendship isn’t a possession.. there are too many circumstances to consider, perceptions to be hidden and feelings yet to be revealed… and anything could really happen along the way.. worse, love becomes a great threat… talk about love.. a very dangerous word…

what am I blabbering about.. I think this goes to nowhere.. well this just goes to say, that growing up suggests a lot of difficult changes.. looking back, my worries only carried me from deadlines in school, catching up with my so-called good grades, meeting up with people in between my busy schedule, accomplishing my commitments to settling conflicts with friends…

but as I age each day, the more I see how complicated it is about life.. our lives are intertwined with each other, yet we still find paths different and much far away from that of ours… and it pains me to see that those relationships I took care of and invested more than I ever expected would simply vanish through my very eyes…

the pain is inexplicable…

its as if im in denial or something… but the only cure to these hurts is nothing but acceptance… a saying suggests that if God gives you something, you must not hold it too tight; so that when He asks you to give it back, it wouldn’t hurt so much… big deal with me…

now as I chanced upon pictures of special individuals who in more ways than one, shaped me, my heart and my whole being… i have nothing left but memories… and undying hope that whatever lost may be restored… and whatever hurt may be healed… as I meet new people along the way, I seem to be afraid.. to fall once more to the pit of confusion and pain..

yet I open myself to whatever possibilities life would reveal to me.. anyway, life is a matter of choice..

with this I rest my case…

There are people who can walk away from you.

And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk.

I don’t want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.

When people can walk away from you let them walk.  Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.

The bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19]

People leave you because they are not joined to you.  And if they are not joined to you, you can’t make them stay.

Let them go!!

And it doesn’t mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over. And you’ve got to know when people’s part in your story is over so that you don’t keep trying to raise the dead. You’ve got to know when it’s dead.

You’ve got to know when it’s over. Let me tell you something. I’ve got the gift of good-bye. It’s the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye. It’s not that I’m hateful, it’s that I’m  faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He’ll give it to me.  And if it takes too much sweat I don’t need it. Stop begging people to stay.

Let them go!!

If you are holding on to something that doesn’t belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to……

Let them go!!

If you are holding on to past hurts and pains……

Let them go!!

If someone can’t treat you right, love you back, and see your worth…..

Let them go!!

If someone has angered you……..

Let them go!!

If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge……

Let them go!!

If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction……

Let them go!!

If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or  talents ……

Let them go!!

If you! You have a bad attitude…….

Let them go!!

If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better……

Let them go!!

If you’re stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him……

Let them go!!

If you are struggling with the healing of a broken   relationship…….

Let them go!!

If you keep trying to help someone who won’t even try to help themselves……

Let them go!!

If you’re feeling depressed and stressed ………

Let them go!!

If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying "take your hands off of it,"   then you need to……

Let them go!!

Let the past be the past. Forget the former things.  GOD is doing a new thing for 2006!!!

Let them go!!

Get Right or Get Left… think about it, and then…

Let them go!!

"The

Battle

is the Lord’s!"

– yet indeed… easier said than done.. how i wish….

"Danielle keeps repeating it over and over again. We’ve been back to this animal shelter at least five times. It has been weeks now since we started all of this," the mother told the volunteer.

"What is it she keeps asking for?" the volunteer asked.

"Puppy size!" replied the mother.

"Well, we have plenty of puppies, if that’s what she’s looking for."

"I know…we have seen most of them," the Mom said in frustration…

Just then Danielle came walking into the office.

"Well, did you find one?" asked her Mom. "No, not this time,"

Danielle said with sadness in her voice. "Can we come back on the weekend?"

"You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there’s always a supply," the volunteer said.

Danielle took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. "Don’t worry, I’ll find one this weekend," she said.

Over the next few days both Mom and dad had long conversations with her. They both felt she was being too particular.

"It’s this weekend or we’re not looking any more," Dad finally said in frustration.

"We don’t want to hear anything more about puppy size either," Mom added.

Sure enough, they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday morning. By now Danielle knew her way around, so she ran right for the section that housed the smaller dogs. Tired of the routine, Mom sat in the small waiting room at the end of the first row of cages.

There was an observation window so you could see the animals during times when visitors weren’t permitted. Danielle walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically to take a closer look. One by one the dogs were brought out and she held each one. One by one she said, "Sorry, you’re not the one."

It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup. The volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up the dog and held it closely. This tim e she took a little longer.

"Mom, that’s it! I found the right puppy! He’s the one! I know it!" she screamed with joy. "It’s the puppy size!"

"But it’s the same size as all the other puppies you held over the last few weeks," Mom said.

"No not size —- the sighs. When I held him in my arms, he sighed," she said.

"Don’t you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told me love depends on the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger the sigh!"

The two women looked at each other for a moment. Mom didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug the child, she did a little of both.

"Mom, every time you hold me, I sigh. When you and Daddy come home from work and hug each other, you both sigh. I knew I would find the right puppy if it sighed when I held it in my arms," she said. Then holding the puppy up close to her face she said, "Mom, he loves me. I heard the sighs of his heart!"

Close your eyes fo r a moment and think about the love that makes you sigh. I not only find it in the arms of my loved ones, but in the caress of a sunset, the kiss of the moonlight and the gentle brush of cool air on a hot day. They are the sighs of God. Take the time to stop and listen; you will be surprised at what you hear. "Life is not
measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath.

– Author Unknown

ONLY TIME

Who can say where the road goes,
Where the day flows, only time?
And who can say if your love grows,
As your hearth chose, only time?

Who can say why your heart sights,
As your live flies, only time?
And who can say why your heart cries
when your love lies, only time?

Who can say when the roads meet,
That love might be ,in your heart?
and who can say when the day sleeps,
and the night keeps all your heart?
Night keeps all your heart…..

Who can say if your love groves,
As your heart chose, only time?
And who can say where the road goes
Where the day flows, only time?

Who knows? Only time
Who knows? Only time