Smile As You Pray.

Hiiiiiiiiii!!! Ah, I know it has been so long since I've last blogged, and I have no good excuse for it..so let's get started yes?!

-> This Lenten season happened to be more than what I expected. I have witnessed a cocktail of emotions. First starting off with my elections.

I never really shared this on my blog, nor have I been keeping this blog up to date day by day. The story in a nutshell goes a little something like this: I am currently Class President and I know I have potential to take a higher position. Granted, I ran against a great competition and fell short. I fully take the blame for not putting myself out there enough. I think I felt weak going into the competition and it might have gotten the best of me. I definitely did not prepare myself well enough to fight a battle that should have won. All in all, the experience itself is still kind of numbing, but I got through this with the help of so many great people. My friends saw a more kind side of me and made sure they pointed that out to me. It warms my heart to know that they noticed, because I sure didn't. There were a few things that happened along the way, and despite of the outcome, I find myself praying for whomever chose to switch faces so suddenly. So with this experience, I felt as if I handled it very well. I'm not bitter towards the results, but I'm thankful that it happened. Now, I'm moving onward and upward in Life. I'm ready for whatever it is that I'm supposed to encounter.

-> 'No Meat' Fridays
This is a subject close to my heart. During this Lenten season, us Catholics understand why we sacrifice a day to fast. I think no matter the age, if you are capable of doing so, you should. It's just that simple. Last Friday, my high school had a luncheon called the "Top Dog" luncheon. It is basically a lunch for teachers who features one student for their outstanding attitude and/or achievements in their class. This time around, it was Chinese food: Chicken Fried Rice, Veggie Fried Rice, Sesame Chicken, and Broccoli&Beef. As a part of Student Government, we were allowed to partake in the event as we served the teachers and students. I was a little surprised to see teachers take in the whole bunch..wondering if they believed in what I believed. Besides the point, I have some friends who were Catholic, that shared the same beliefs. One came across to say "just because you eat meat does not mean that you're not Catholic. Eating meat or not doesn't mean anything". Coming from this person, it didn't come as a surprise to me..but I don't think it was a smart remark to make..but I guess everyone's entitled to their own opinion. Another said "man, I'm craving this so much..I'm honestly not gonna abide by the rule, it's whatever". I started to question, were they being "bad" Catholics by giving into temptation, or did they feel pressured to give in? Either way ..I know they were aware of it, I guess they don't take it too seriously to truly find a deeper meaning of Lent other than "giving something up" and "not eating meat". In another situation, my friend said " aw man..I can't eat meat today. *five seconds later* But my mom did say it was okay for me to eat it". It kind of shocked me to hear it from this person..but a person will do to their dismay.

I guess this shocked me because I don't think they understand that deeper meaning of fasting. To sacrifice ONE day. To better ourselves, our minds, and our bodies. To reflect. Now I'm not too sure if they take it all that seriously. I pondered that thought throughout the day, and it doesn't really bother me all that much anymore. All I can do is accept them for who they are, and love them as my brothers and sisters of God. I could take from this experience that I should not have to worry about this situation too much, but be able to pray for them. From these two experiences, I know the only thing I can change to make a difference in is, to say a little prayer. So to extract from all the busyness of this blog, prayer has gotten me through the hills and valleys that I faced. And, from this, I hope that you can find it in your heart to pray for all whom you know, will meet, and will never meet.

Respectfully yours,

Emme.