Teach your Kids about Jesus this Holy Week – Here are 5 Lessons from Superbook

Do you want your kids to know more about Jesus this Holy Week season?

Watch the Superbook Holy Week Marathon with your whole family on the Batang Superbook Facebook page LIVE from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, 3:00 PM, and learn these amazing lessons about Jesus this Holy Week.

1. Jesus was baptized even though He didn’t have to.

Jesus got baptized to fulfill the prophecy that He is the Messiah. In the “John the Baptist” episode, when John baptized Jesus, a dove came over Him and God spoke that He is the Son whom God is well-pleased.

Being baptized is Jesus’ way of fulfilling His role as the obedient and devoted Son of God. Jesus’ obedience to God’s will resulted in the salvation of many people.

2. Jesus’ miracles builds faith.

In the Superbook episode, “Miracles of Jesus”,Jesus healed the sick, calmed the storms, and drove evil spirits away! He did all these impossible things because He wants people to have faith in Him as the Son of Godand to help them build their faith muscle.

You can believe that no matter how difficult a challenge can be, Jesus can make things possible.

3. Jesus is a humble King.

In “The Last Supper” episode, Jesus rides a donkey during His triumphant entry to Jerusalem. Later, He washed His disciples' feet. His actions are things that kings never do!

Even though He’s a king, Jesus showed humility. Jesus’ action sets an example for believers to be humbleservants just like Him.

4. We were saved from sin and death by God’s love.

Sin separates people from God, and no one can remove their sins based on their own efforts. Because God loves people so much, He sent Jesus to be the perfect sacrifice for their sins.

Because of what Jesus did, men are saved from eternal death, the consequences of sin. This is God’s perfect love for mankind – taking upon Himself the punishment meant for humans.

5. Jesus is alive!

After three days, Jesus was raised from the dead. Through His death and resurrection, the relationship between God and mankind has been restored.

His resurrection also proved that death is not the end of life and sin has no power over His childrenanymore. If a person leaves this life, he will spend eternity with Jesus in heaven. Jesus wants to spend eternity with everyone, that’s why He commanded His followers to share the story of His resurrection.

Holy Week is yearly observed to remember God’s great love when He saved mankind from sin through His death and resurrection. This is a great time to go to church to pray and reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross.

Help your kids learn more about the Holy Week through Superbook. Watch the Superbook Holy Week Marathon with the whole family on the Batang SuperbookFacebook page! LIVE from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, 3:00 PM.

Source: CBN Asia

Reverb Worship’s “Pansumandali” Gets the Short Film Treatment with A New Music Video Starring Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz.

Shekinah Gram's story of waiting, searching, and eventually finding the One True Love that stays, is brought to life in a new music video - with a special performance by Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz.

Produced by Reverb Worship and directed by Timmy Yee, the “Pansumandali” music video is a bittersweet reflection on how past experiences may inform the way our parents raise and guide us. At the core of the story is a mother-daughter relationship (the mother portrayed by Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz, and the daughter portrayed by Patricia Chu), that starts out strained but is ultimately redeemed through humility, love, and compassion.

“Pansumandali,” the single, was written and recorded by Shekinah Gram. The chorus’ first line, “Sabi ni Mama,” has become the song’s hook, with fans of the song reportedly mistaking it as the title when they first encountered it.

Shekinah herself has a very close relationship with her mother, whose personal experiences of loss, heartbreak, and ultimately finding God inspired the story concept. When asked about a formative memory with her mother, Shekinah answers, “I cannot think of just one. It’s all of the moments spent together - the late night chats over tteokbokki, the spontaneous trips, the weekend window shopping adventures - that I consider to have an impact in my life.”

The faith her mother instilled in her is the same faith she has sowed in her song and in the music video. Shekinah leaves viewers with this encouragement: “I hope that wherever they are in the seasons of life, they will be reminded that there is One Love that does not change or falter. We will always be chosen by a good and loving Father.”

Get to Know the One True Love that never wavers, never ends. Stream “Pansumandali” on Spotify, Apple Music, and all digital streaming platforms. The official music video is now available for streaming via Reverb Worship’s YouTube channel: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8U-avbJ_VI]

For music, motivation and current Christian content, follow Reverb Worship PH on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

Source: CBN Asia

The Purpose Driven Life

I remember how this book changed my life in high school. Reading the miniature version again brought back memories! Buy the original version, and welcome blessings into your life, today. 📖 #shopeesambassador #shopaholicsam #purposedrivenlife #booksam

Mama Mary Loves You

Mama Mary and Her Children Book 7 is finally out! I have an essay here which was written in 2020. A lot of changes have occurred since then but my faith remains the same 🙏🏼 Buy a copy here 💙 @rowiejuanmatti #authorlife @anvilpublishing

Didache 2022

I just received my copy of Didache 2022. This daily Bible devotional makes me feel blessed with the articles and true stories from believers. I have been a Didache reader since I was in grade school, and I just never stopped since this annual book has kept me going. When the going gets tough, I just kept on believing thanks to Didache’s stories. I highly recommend this little book not just to Catholics, but also to Christians of every denomination.

To get your own copy of Didache 2022, buy here! May God bless you!

Unlove

I recently finished reading Unlove: Healing Yourself from Toxic Romance and Love in a Healthy Way by Marjorie Duterte. The inspirational author has been on my radar for quite some time now, but I did not have the courage to read her books- until now. The lockdown has provided me with the perfect opportunity to learn from my mistakes and to improve through reading. This book has worked wonders in helping me let go of self-sabotaging habits that prevented me from loving myself and attracting a God-fearing partner.

It was only when I started working on myself this year that I began to let go of hatred, envy, bitterness, anger, and pessimism. The pandemic has taught me that life is too short. I should start being the best version of myself now in order to thrive in the new normal and beyond.

A huge part of thriving is the social aspect of my life. I have been vocal about my desire for a life partner, but I carried with me negative baggage (hatred, envy, bitterness, anger, and pessimism) which became my roadblocks in my dating journey. However, God has been good to me and He sent me my partner Lorenz this year. Not only is Lorenz God-fearing, but he is caring, intelligent, strong-willed, and tenacious. He has accepted me for who I am whole-heartedly, that is why I wanted to let go of the negative forces that has pulled me down. This was why I bought this book and answered all the journaling prompts at the end of each chapter.

Armed with a pen and my journal. I healed myself through the book’s guide questions. I felt lighter after completing the book and the exercises. It was cathartic.

I highly recommend this book to every woman who has ever been hurt and would like to improve herself. Buy the book here and learn from home today!

Stay safe and healthy, everyone! May God bless us all.

Finding You

I recently read Finding You by Elaine Marie Factor. It is the author’s memoir on her journey inside the convent, and her realizations about her discernment, faith, and her goals in life.

I knew that it was an insightful read, but I was not expecting myself to relate with the author’s struggles inside the convent. This book gave me the satisfaction of knowing that I made the right decision to follow my heart and pursue dating in the hopes of entering married life. Elaine candidly described enjoying the camaraderie with her fellow aspiring nuns yet she struggled with her health issues. She also felt like she could do more outside the convent.

Her realizations were beautifully written, and her heartbreaking loneliness inside one of the holiest places to be in was palpable. I found myself rooting for her whenever she experienced small wins and when she finally made the decision that would dictate the course of her life.

I highly recommend this to any woman who has ever considered entering the convent, and to those who would like to know how it is like to be inside one. This book will teach you about faith, self-love, and fulfilling your goals. Buy it here to also find yourself and be blessed!

Mama Mary and Her ChIldren Book Six

Are you in need of a miracle at the moment? Here is something that might help. I recently read my copy of Mama Mary and Her Children Book SIx which is a collection of personal faith testimonials edited by Cherry Aquino and Rowie Matti. I attended its book launch last September 7, 2019 to support my friend Rowie. Little did I know that this book would reinforce my faith during a global pandemic.

As of this writing, Metro Manila is still on lockdown due to Covid-19. To pass the time, I have revived my passion for reading. After finishing a few books of late, I decided to read this book as I need prayers. I am currently facing some delays in publishing my first book due to the pandemic. I am also feeling cabin fever, and I really wish that I can go out again.

The book features personal testimonials from Catholics who experienced Our Lady’s intercession. I have reflected on those that have touched my heart, and I prayed the Marian prayers interspersed with the essays. I was not expecting much, but I kept an open mind while doing so.

I was surprised when an overwhelming feeling of peace and serenity washed over me as I finished reading this book. I got to sleep better, and I also felt less anxious about my status quo. I realized that the prayers were working.

I realized that Mama Mary’s got my back.

I am no longer worried about the delays in my book’s registration and publishing. My publisher will handle all the legwork for me. I am also optimistic that the pandemic will end soon. I no longer feel sad about being home all day. I am healthy, and that is all that matters.

I highly recommend this book as it is helpful during these trying times. May you experience Our Lady’s mantle of hope upon you. I wish you all the best, and may God bless us all!

My 35 Lessons

Today, I am thirty-five. I am grateful to be in good health and to be filled with love. I am aware that tomorrow is not promised, so I will live each day as if it were my last.

Here are the thirty-five lessons I have learned in the past thirty-five years:

1. Happiness starts with me

2. Happiness is a daily choice

3. Peace is more valuable than a fat paycheck

4. Health is always more important than a lucrative yet unsafe job

5. Education is the best investment

6. Writing is the best way to leave a legacy

7. Journaling works wonders

8. Reading books really elevates one’s imagination

9. Working out everyday is an essential form of happiness

10. Blogging is the best and easiest way to show the world how meaningful my life is

11. Good food is the beginning of wonderful memories

12. Travel is a timeless and priceless form of education

13. Being an only child should not be a source of shame

14. Knowing how to commute is an essential life skill

15. Self-care is a daily conscious effort

16. Prayer is the most pure form of manifestation

17. Blocking mean people is the start of inner-peace

18. I should never be guilty for buying books

19. I should never be guilty for joining workshops

20. Self-publishing my book is a testament to my own strength and resilience

21. Reading the Bible in one year will let you appreciate your faith in God more

22. Volunteering allows me to share my skills to uplift others

23. Life is too damn short

24. Done is always better than perfect

25. Vision boards do work!

26. Feeling good about myself is the best style statement

27. Life is not a race

28. Social media is a way for me to share my life, not to show off or feel insecure about myself

29. Dreams do come true!

30. Never give up

31. I am never too old to have an amazing life

32. Being kind is better than being nice

33. Never force yourself to people who do not believe in you

34. My book is just the beginning

35. I am going to have a bright future ahead of me!

Thank you to my family and friends for believing in me. Thank you to my partner, Lorenz, for never never giving up on us. Thank you, Lord, for still sustaining me.

Let’s go, thirty-five!

June Pink Sisters Visit

I make it a point to visit the Pink Sisters Convent in Quezon City from time to time. It used to be a monthly visit, but due to the pandemic, I could only make it every other month. This visit was particularly special as it was Father’s Day. I made sure that I prayed for the eternal repose of the soul of my late father and grandfather.

I am so lucky to live near a convent that houses sisters of perpetual adoration. If you also have worries and prayers, drop by the Pink Sisters Convent. It is free and calming.

On Grief

Today, I reflected on the significance of grief in my life.

I first experienced grief when I lost my high school best friend Diane in a car accident in 2008. It was devastating to lose a sister-figure at such a young age as we have just graduated from university back then.

Diane was a freshman at Ateneo Law School and had a promising future ahead of her. I mourned the loss of a very good friend. At the same time, I mourned the loss of Diane’s future as a successful lawyer.

It was difficult to move on from that incident because Diane was the designated sensible friend in our group. She was the first person I would call for advice. Losing her meant having to find the answers to my own questions. And by now, I can say that losing Diane has turned me into a self-assured individual.

I mourned the loss of my father in 2019. He died of cancer. By that time, I already knew how to handle grief. It was not easy, but I gave myself space and time to mourn.

There were good days, and then there were bad days. Whenever grief would hit me hard, I would find comfort in productive activities such as workouts and crochet projects. I prayed whenever I felt hopeless. And I thanked God when days were filled with sunshine, and I would remind myself to also do the same in times of darkness.

Grief is simply a part of life. It has taught me how to keep on fighting in honor of those who have gone before me!

No Time To Stop

I am writing this in the middle of a global pandemic. I am still waiting for my Covid-19 vaccine, and I am mostly staying home to keep myself safe. This period has taught me that amidst all the uncertainties in the world, faith can be a powerful tool to carry on.

I started reading the Bible last year when I was experiencing the breakdown of my previous relationship. My goal then was to finish the Bible in one year. I am currently in the middle of that journey, and I have since started a better, healthier relationship with a friend of mine. I am happy because I did not only appreciate the Word of God, I also found myself enjoying it. As for my current relationship, I can say that it is something that I truly prayed for because the person I am with is a good man.

The rosary has also kept me centered during these crazy times. I use a rosary podcast to guide me through this prayer which is instilled in me by rote. The auditory experience has provided an interactive dimension to my prayer time. I sometimes pray the rosary while driving or running errands, so this is also a tool for me to practice more patience. Who knew that prayer could be a sanity saver amidst the pandemic?

Online masses have also been my gateway to the Eucharist during the lockdown. I realized that it is possible to connect to my faith and prayer life through technology. While this cannot replace in-person masses, I am thankful to be able to attend mass from the safety of my home. I am also grateful that social media allows me to hear mass, type in my intentions, and even send offerings through e-money.

I must admit that the beginning of the pandemic has been challenging for me because I did not know how to live my life at home. I coped by promoting my online business, playing the flute, blogging, and watching movies. I also read books to feed my mind. To help our medical frontliners, I made earsavers with local charity Earsavers for Lifesavers and beanies for NICU premature babies with Bayaniyarn. And while I never considered myself religious, the pandemic has taught me that faith can be a lifeline when everything seems topsy-turvy. My daily prayer routine has given me a sense of hopefulness and optimism.

I look forward to better days ahead. I know that things will not return to “normal” as the pandemic has given us a whole new reality to live with. But whatever happens, I know that God and Our Lady has allowed my faith to be my guiding light when the world seems dark and dreary.

I feel lucky to have a strong and enduring faith. I can only keep going on!

Seeing 20/20

The year 2020 has been a roller coaster ride for me. The Covid-19 pandemic has forced me to a home quarantine for several months, which was a drastic adjustment as I was used to going out everyday. I was sad on the first few days, but I focused on working out and practicing my flute again. Eventually, I got used to home life with my mom and our helper.

The lockdown has taught me to be thankful everyday. I realized that life is too short, and with the world on a standstill, I noticed that the past does not matter anymore. Only the present matters, because the future is not promised to us. I decided to make use of my time at home wisely by crocheting earsavers for health care frontliners under the organization Earsavers for Lifesavers. I grew my hair, which was in a pixie cut for years. I practiced my own kind of self-care, by reading books, listening to music, subscribing to podcasts, praying, and participating in webinars and virtual parties. Life became colorful again, thanks to the online events I had.

I also switched from drinking instant coffee to brewing my own coffee at home. I bought a French press, and found a local coffee distributor who delivered choice selections from Sagada and Kalinga. This may seem like a small change, but the results have cascaded into the other aspects of my life. I learned to wait for my coffee to brew, rather than just drinking my coffee straightaway. I appreciated the aroma of strong coffee, and realized that black is better than sugary concoctions in sachets. I learned to take things slow. And I became more awake in the process.

With all the negative news and energy in the world during the pandemic, I realized that my life is the only thing that is mostly within my control. This led me to being more selective with the guys I was entertaining. I decided to stop wasting my time on men who ghost and have shady intentions. Probably the biggest quarantine plot twist was meeting my boyfriend, who was an upperclassman of mine in university. Reconnecting online was a blessing as it made the quarantine so much better. Finding love also made me appreciate how I am as a person. I have so much love to share because I already feel confident in my own skin. Indeed, when I was at home, I got to focus on my truest self, and this led me to really enjoy being in a relationship.

Dating during the lockdown does have its challenges, as most restaurants only allow takeout. This did not stop us from having coffee in the car or just seeing each other once a week. The pandemic made us appreciate the time that we spent together, as this also made us get to know each other better. My favorite moments are when we talk on just about anything while driving around the city.

The Blessed Mother has been my intercessor all throughout the pandemic. I asked her to help me get though each day, and I got so much more than that. I learned how to manage my expectations, emotions, priorities, and to let go of past hurts through my daily rosary. As a result, I became braver to face the future because I know that the present is the best gift I can give myself.

I will look back on the pandemic with affection as this period in my life taught me how to be a lifelong learner with a prayerful and loving heart. With Our Lady’s help, I know that God will continue to help me thrive in an imperfect and unpredictable world.

Sam Lucas graduated with a degree in Humanities from the University of Asia and the Pacific. She is a Human Nature online dealer and Core Advocate. When she was 14, her vision was restored to 20/20 after a trip to Lourdes, France. Her fibromyalgia was also healed after this trip. She has a lifelong devotion to Our Lady.