Farah Trofeo-Ishizawa

Short-Cuts
By: Farah Trofeo-Ishizawa

First Cut –
Happy New Year to all the readers and fans of Jeepney Press.
How did you spend your holidays? Did you celebrate here in Japan or somewhere else?
Did you feel that the year 2012 went so fast? Or, is it just me who thinks that way?

Second Cut –
Anyway, looking back, 2012 was a beautiful year for me and my family.
That is because we celebrated the Golden Wedding Anniversary of our beloved mama and papa last October 2012.

Third Cut-
Can you imagine yourselves being with someone for 50 years or even more?  I hope your answer is "YES." Seeing my parents renew their marriage vows in front of our very good friend and mentor, Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD, made me feel so happy and proud. For us children, our parents are truly our role models.
(Photo: Pa and Ma—1962 and 2012)

Fourth Cut-
Love and marriage—the importance of both seems to have dwindled through the years. But for those who believe in the sanctity of marriage, I encourage you to continue living and believing in it. For those who may be having problems right now, reflect on how you and your partner talk and treat each other. Do you still talk to each other and laugh together? Do you still trust and respect each other?

Fifth Cut-
If you have trust, honesty, and respect, you will be okay. But the moment that you have traces of doubt, and when your suspicious minds get you rattled and anxious, it is time for you to do something before it is too late.

Sixth Cut-
A happy relationship with love, trust, respect, honesty, and all the other virtues won't be complete without "forgiveness."
Can you say "sorry" when you are at fault? Or does your pride keep you from saying this word. Again, let me quote Fr. Jerry: "Humility is the key to forgiveness. Without humility, we cannot accept our mistakes, and without humility, we cannot accept others’ mistakes. Pride is the single biggest block on the road to reconciliation and forgiveness." Also, "never go to sleep or end your day without forgiving each other."

Seventh Cut-
Let me end this with a beautiful and very well known quotation from the greatest book we Christians know:
1 Corinthians 13:4–8a (English Standard Version)
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for
knowledge, it will pass away.

Have a beautiful year everyone. God Bless –Mama Mary loves us !