A Family Bonding Moment at Gardenia Plant Tour and Workshop

It's been four long months since I have written here. Not so long ago, I made a decision to keep this blog active but for some reason, I always get caught up with "life" and forget that I have a blog to keep. But deep inside of me is a heartfelt cry that says, "I want to write." So here am I, writing again. Hopefully, you are still there to read and "listen".

And what better way to reboot than to write about our family's recently attended workshop. I'm not the kind of person who jumps at every workshop offered. I have three criteria that must be satisfied before signing up: 

1. If I believe it is good (or great) for my daughter and/or our family, that means, it resonates with our family's values, 

2. if the fee is reasonable/affordable or better yet, free,  and,

3. if the venue is accessible. 

If it meets my criteria, then I/we go. If not, then just stay home, haha!

I feel so blessed that my little family and I were able to go to Gardenia Plant Tour and Workshop. I would like to thank Mommy Bloggers Philippines and Gardenia for providing this occasion for mommies and kids to bond and have fun.

It was last Friday, May 4th, when my husband, our daughter, and I went to Gardenia Plant for a whole day workshop. Since we're coming from Laguna, we just went straight to the venue instead of going to Ayala to meet up with fellow moms and their kids, and then be transported to the plant using the vans provided by Gardenia. We arrived at 8:15 in the morning. There were already moms and kids there. We were greeted by Ms. Jolly, Gardenia's Public Relations Officer. 

Ms. Jolly, Gardenia's Public Relations Officer

When the entire group of mommy and kids arrived, Ms. Jolly introduced Gardenia to us, what we should expect for the day, and then led us to the workshop venue. The workshop was only for mommies and kids. However, since my husband accompanied us (and drove for me and my daughter), I asked him to join us, but of course, with the permission of Ms. Jolly. So thankful she said it was fine.

The facilitators for that day were Ate Ara and Ate Leslie. They were fun, accommodating, and perfect for the role. The children were greeted and welcomed to make them feel relaxed and comfortable. Afterwards, they were taught the Gardenia Pocket Sandwich dance steps and enjoined to dance with Gardenia's mascots, namely, Gavin, Patrick, and Selfie.

After that, a mommy-and-kid (insert daddy also here) activity was done - making and decorating a nameplate. The mommy would do the kid's nameplate while the kid would do the mommy's. For my daughter, she had to do two! She found it fun, though! 

Then more fantabulous activities followed such as, kid's game (look for Twiggies), how to bake bread, how Gardenia bread is made, kids' plant tour, parents' plant tour with kids as the tour guide, and a little skit/drama about the importance of go, grow, and glow foods. There were also short lectures on how to wash hands properly and the importance of proper nutrition and balanced diet. The morning session was finished at 11:30 and lunch was served. It was a hearty and sumptuous meal! Thank you so much, Gardenia! 

 The afternoon session resumed with a play-the-role activity at Gardenia's bakeshop. Each kid was given a chance to introduce a Gardenia product and be a cashier for a minute or two. The kids were awesome! They were really into it! Afterwards, moms and kids made rolled sandwiches, polvoron, and cake pops using Gardenia products. The best part? We ate our own creations! Yay! 

Indeed, Gardenia plant tour and workshop was a whole day of fun and excitement not just for the kids but for the parents as well. For our little family, it was so timely, since my daughter and I had just come back from our vacation outside the country. We missed our Daddy so much! What a wonderful way to bond together at Gardenia plant tour!

Believe: My "One Word" for 2018

On the last week of last month, an unexpected event happened. I got sick. Booh! And not just sick; I was hospitalised. Those days were the hardest for us, specially for my 6-year old daughter. For two nights, she slept with my aunt at home without daddy and mommy. It was heartbreaking for all of us. BUT God remained faithful (my one word for this year, 2017). In spite of my shortcomings, He was, is, and has always been faithful to me. I clung to His Word. He promised He will not leave me. And He didn't, not even for a moment.

Fast forward to today, I am very well, by God's grace, and once again, I am ready to share with you my "one word" for the coming 2018. :)

That time I was in the hospital, there was this word that kept tugging at my heart. Then a friend of mine sent me a get-well-soon-praying-for-you message together with this Bible verse: Mark 9:23. I knew I had memorized it before. But something told me that I had to open my Bible and look at it again. "Everything is possible for him who believes."

Source: YouVersion Bible App

Then the word hit me. "Believe". Isn't this what the Lord wants me to do? Cling on to His Word like my life depends on it (and it really does!); trust that He will do what He said He would, and keep the faith.

Believe in who Jesus is (Worth)
Before we could ever believe everything that a person says, we must first know who or what kind of person he is, right? Is he credible? Is he trustworthy? Does he have integrity? 

Well, the good news is, Jesus is who He says He is! Not only that! Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles had said truthful things about Him. Even modern-day believers would also testify that Jesus is who He claims to be. So, what is the essence of believing in Jesus? The Bible says, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9). Believing in Jesus, the Incarnated Word, the One who is obeyed by the wind and waves, would mean salvation of our souls. The very reason why He came in the first place-why we have Christmas.

I believe in Jesus. He is my Lord and Savior. The wonderful thing though is, Jesus wants me to know Him more and believe in Him more. As He reveals Himself to me each and everyday, He wants me to believe His persona, His worth. 

Believe in His promises (Word)
There's a famous saying, "Promises are made to be broken." I'm sorry but I'm not one to believe that. Ever since I was a child. I knew in my heart that promises should be kept. It's one reason why my family says I'm like a child who always believes that whatever is promised to me, I hold on to it until I see that promise is fulfilled.

However, there are times when it comes to the Lord's promises, I am not child-like. Sometimes, it's easier said than done. But if there's one person who can keep his word, no matter what happens, it is the Lord. He never fails. He accomplishes what He says. He's a covenant-keeping God. He doesn't change. His Word is forever, eternal. 

When I was hospitalized, God made me realize how truthful and trustworthy His Word is. Everyday, He gave me His promise, "Do not be afraid." Whenever I looked at my situation at that time, my reality was totally different from my expectations. Yet, the Lord remained true and faithful to His Word. I just had to believe. It was like the Lord was telling me, "Are you ready to walk with me on the water?" And all He needed to hear from me was, "Yes, Lord. I am ready. I believe. I know we can do this." And we did! He never left me, not even for a single moment. All I needed to do was believe!

Believe in what He has done and can do (Work)
Jesus was born to die so that mankind would be born to live. That was what Jesus had done for humanity. He came to save us from sin and death. To believe this is to be entitled to eternal life. 

But Jesus didn't stop there. He keeps doing something in and through our lives, if we believe it. He is not yet finished. He who has begun a good work in us will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (see Philippians 1:6). Because we believe in Him, we can also do things through Him who gives us strength (see Philippians 4:13).

Jesus is still at work today. Through the Holy Spirit, those who believe in Him, are empowered to do great things for His glory. And then one day, everyone who believes in Him will receive the fulfilment of the greatest promise, that is, His second coming. He will take us to be with Him, forever.

I don't know what 2018 holds for me and my family. But I believe in Him who holds the future. When I was a kid, one of my favorite mottos to write in the slam book was: "To see is to believe." However, a greater truth I have known now that I'm older, spoken by the Greatest Man who had ever lived on earth: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29)

What's your "one word" for this coming year? May you all have a prosperous and victorious 2018! May your heart believe that Jesus will do it, just as He says He would! And remember, "Everything is possible for one who believes." (Mark 9:23).

Faithful in 2017 (Word for the year)

In 2014, my little family and I faced quite a difficult circumstance which compelled us to make a very tough decision. My husband resigned from his job. He had worked there for 16 long years. We went to the US to "look for greener pasture", believing that this was God's will for us. We chose to traverse the long and winding path without really seeing what was ahead of us. At that time, I felt like we were defeated and without direction.

Then I remembered my one word for that year: HOPE.

Suddenly, like a bolt of lightning, it struck me: there is hope for me and my family! Yes, we were like walking in an extremely long and dark tunnel, but we didn't give up. I was hopeful. We were hopeful, that after that seemingly prolonged and extended journey in that tunnel, we were not staying there. We were going to see the light at the end of it. And we did! We came back to the Philippines and after almost a year of praying and waiting, he found a new job!

Why have a "word for the year"?
It has been three years now I am in the habit of creating my ONE WORD for the year. This one word has served as my guide or North Star for every year that has come. It somehow helps me focused on where I would like to see myself and my family headed. It reminds me of my purpose, gives meaning and richness and points me to the course that I must take. And for this year, it will not be different. I am ready to establish and live my one word for the coming year.

It was last October when the word "FAITHFUL" kept showing; in my quiet times with the Lord, in the preacher's sermons, and even in chatting with my friends. I don't know why but every time I hear it, it's like it's being stamped in my heart. The more I hear it, the more it is stamped and becomes indelible in my heart. Then one night last week, in the most undramatic scene (while brushing my teeth), I asked the Lord, "Lord, you have been and are so faithful to me. I want to be faithful to you as well. In what area of my life do you want me to be faithful to you?" Instantly, the Lord impressed in my heart where He wants me to be faithful to Him.

Talent

I believe everyone is gifted and talented. It could be one, two or even hundreds. I may just have one but that is not the question. The question is, do I use that talent to glorify God and bless other people? I remember the Parable of the Bags of Gold Jesus told His disciples. A man entrusted his wealth to his servants because he was going on a long journey. One of them received five bags of gold, the other, two bags and to another, one bag. After a long time the man returned and called his servants to give account. The servant who had received five bags of gold returned the five bags of gold with five more, while the servant who received two, gained two more. However, the servant who got one buried the master's gold in the ground. Who got the master's commendation and praise? The servants who traded their golds and earned from them. But the one who hid his was reprimanded and was even called "wicked and lazy servant". So, it's not really how many talents and gifts I've got. It's how faithful I am in using them to bless others and honour my Master.

Time

As a stay-at-home wife and mom, I thought I always have all the time in the world. But I'm mistaken. I don't have time if I'm not using it wisely and productively. There was a time before when a day would pass and I felt like I have not done anything worthwhile; that I just lived for the sake of existence. I felt so purposeless and unfaithful. Each one of us is given the same number of hours in a day, whether we're working in the office or staying at home or working from home.

We all have 24 hours. How we use this precious time is important as well. For this coming year, I would like to be more mindful of the time I am entrusted with. I want to live each day with a sense of purpose and accomplishment; making each day count, making a difference to my daughter, my husband and to every living individual I come in contact with, and being the best person I can be. I believe that's what's being faithful to the Lord for the time He has lent me, means.

Treasure

"Those who can be trusted with small things, can be trusted with big things." I would like to rephrase it and say it in my own words: those who are faithful in big things have been faithful even in small things. I am not rich but I would like to be more faithful in the area of giving to the Lord. I am sure that God is not really after my riches and wealth when He tells me to give to His ministry and share what I have to the people in need. I believe that He is after the condition of my heart. He is training me to trust Him more. He is providing me an avenue to show my faithfulness to Him. Just like the parable I have mentioned above, it's not actually what I have but who I am becoming that He is after. And I firmly believe that that's what matters most.

There you have it, my one word for 2017. I am hopeful that being faithful  to the Lord in the talent/s, time and treasure I am entrusted with, I will also become a blessing to others and be blessed.

How about you? Do you also use "one word" for a year? How does it help you? Please feel free to share your thoughts.

Love that Never Fails

Hello, loves! It's love month again. I can't believe we're already in February. It seems like it was just yesterday when it was the beginning of 2015 and we were in the US. Time flies, whether we like it or not. But as time goes by, things happen; one thing remains constant and reliable though, the unchanging love of God. His love never fails. It never gives up, it never runs out on me, as the song goes. I, you, all of us can depend on it. Sometimes, due to unavoidable and unexpected circumstances, we feel like God is silent. We think He doesn't even care. But believe me, He does. There's this song that really speaks to me whenever I sing it:

God is too wise to be mistaken

God is too good to be unkind

So when you don't understand

When you can't see His plans

When you can't reach His hands

Trust His heart

Indeed, we can always trust the God who didn't spare His own son, but gave Him up for us all - how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things (Romans 8:32)? He has given His beloved Son. His very own. His everything. Because from His heart comes that never failing love, that indescribable kind of love (John 3:16). He loves you. He loves me. He loves us all. Whatever happens, we can trust this love. Because it never fails.

Now, why did I put a picture of a heart-shaped doughnut in this post? It's my way of greeting you all, Happy Heart's Day! Enjoy this love month with your loved ones! 

Victory: My One Word for 2016

Have you ever heard about the "one word"- this is the word that you set for the coming year and make it as your guide. It brings you simplicity and focus so that whatever happens throughout the year, it'll be something to remind you to go back to how you would like your year to look like or what you want to be or even accomplish. It gives you more clarity, passion and purpose for life.

I started using "one word" in 2014. It was "hope". It was also a very trying year for me and my family but never did I lose hope. I remember I always used (hashtag) #hopefulin2014. I was not disappointed. Because hope doesn't disappoint. I didn't lose faith. Because hope enabled me to keep believing. Then came 2015. The Lord impressed in my heart the word "grace". And true enough, His grace is abounding and sufficient. A lot of changes occurred and it was God's grace that saw us through. There were times this year that I felt like we were walking through the tunnel. It was God's grace that served as the "light at the end of the tunnel" that enabled us to continue and hold on. This year, 2016, the Lord has put in my heart the word VICTORY.

It was in September 2015 when the Lord gave me His word that "He will restore what the locusts have eaten." Then the following month, He placed the word "victory" in my heart. It was confirmed then by our church's theme for the year. It was a heart-warming revelation that I was in tears. All I could say was, "Thank you, Lord."

Victory over sin and death (Salvation of my soul).
Because of God's amazing grace and through my faith in what the Lord Jesus Christ had done on the cross of calvary, I receive His gift of salvation. Jesus had already overcome sin and death, it has no more sting in my life. When life is through this side of heaven, my eternal dwelling is with Jesus in heaven. I have also overcome; Jesus has given me victory over sin and death.

Victory over sicknesses and diseases (Physical wellness).
Last year was the year I felt our health was being challenged. It was God's grace and faith in His word that sustained us. Every time I felt there was something wrong in my body, God's word was always on time to remind me that, indeed, Jesus is my Great Healer. This year, I am walking on the Lord's promises that, yes, I have already overcome! My family and I are healthy and well!

Victory over "supply and demand" (Financial breakthrough).
It was also last year that my husband and I were both unemployed. I have been a stay-at-home mom for 4 years now. It was the first time for my husband to be jobless. We took a different route last year, believing that it was where the Lord was leading us. One of life's sweet blessings though, is, when you made a detour, God will always bring you back to where you are supposed to be. And that is because of His awe-mazing grace! This year, my husband is employed again. Slowly but surely, we are making our way to clearing out all debts. We believe that before this year ends, victory is ours! 

How about you? Are you also looking for that one little word of you this year? Or do you have any habit or routine you do at the beginning of the year? Please feel free to share your thoughts.

Happy victorious and blessed 2016 to you all! 

"Why Can't It Be Christmas Everyday?"

Happy "Merry Month of December" everyone! I am inspired by my little love bug to write this post. Two days ago, we have started doing our "Jesse Tree", one of the traditions I would like our family to do every Christmas season. Last year, we did the Advent Calendar while we were in the US. I'll try my very best to share it with you before this month ends.

On the evening of December 1st, we started our Advent study of The Jesse Tree (special thanks to Erica Arndt of Confessions of a Homeschooler for the free printable). She was really excited about the idea and I saw the glitter in her eyes as we were doing it. Then on the morning of the December 2nd, she asked me this thought-provoking question, "Mommy, why can't it be Christmas everyday?" To be honest, I didn't know what to say because I wasn't expecting her to ask that question. I paused for a while then tried to come up with a convincing and gratifying answer. I smiled at her and said, "It's because Christmas is the birthday of Jesus and it's just for one day, just like your birthday." (I know it's not satisfying at all). Curiosity got the better of me so I asked her, "Why do you want it to be Christmas everyday?" Her reasons may be trivial or insignificant (for some of us) but it made me ponder what she said.

"Because Daddy is here and doesn't have to go to work... 
In the eyes of my child, being together as a family is sacred and precious. I remember when she just turned two and I tried to teach her "big A and small a", I used "mommy A and baby a". She looked at me and asked, "Where is Daddy A, Mommy?" At that young age, she believes that daddy, mommy and baby always go together and I couldn't be happier. :)

Since birth until she was three years old, we stayed in an apartment that was just a stone's throw away from my husband's work place. She was used to seeing her dad come home for lunch and after office hours (except on days when he was on business trips). That changed after we came back from the US. We have to stay in my mother's house in the province while my husband works in the city on weekdays. He only comes home every weekend. So everyday she misses her dad. Knowing that Christmas would mean "Daddy is home" made her want to be Christmas everyday.

As adults, how often do we look forward to being together with our loved ones? Hurriedness and/or busyness of life, more often than not, makes us take for granted the presence of our loved ones. We are there and yet not really there. Connected but disconnected. I remember a Christmas advertisement wherein the father longed for his children and he invited them to come home for Christmas. All his children (now successful adults) said they couldn't come so on Christmas eve he ate his dinner alone. Then his children got a sad news that their father died. All of them were in a hurry to go home then found out their dad was still alive, prepared a sumptuous dinner for all of them. He just wanted to be with them so he thought of a way to make them come home. I hope that our loved ones will not have to resort to doing something like it just to get our attention; just to feel our presence.

May we be like a child that wants Christmas to be everyday "so Daddy (or any loved one) is home."

... my cousin and Daddy Jon and Mommy Claire will be here...
My daughter is an only child (for now). In spite of it, she is a people-person. She loves babies, children and even adults that play with her. :) When we went to the US last year, we stayed in my brother's house for 6 months. My daughter got a chance to meet and live with her cousin who is also a girl and an only child (as of this time). As toddlers, they have their sweet moments together and not-so-sweet ones, but at the end of the day they love each other and consider each one as best friend. Since we came back, my daughter never missed a day to say she misses her cousin, my sister-in-law, my brothers and my parents. It went on for 5 months. Nowadays she says it once in a while, but she still misses them. When she found out that my brother and his family are coming for Christmas, she's ecstatic and couldn't wait for the day they will arrive.

Christmas has been so commercialised that many of us look at it as just a typical day that makes you spend. Other people I know would go out of town just to "hide" from their godchildren because they don't have gifts to give them. Is this really the meaning of the season?

May we have the eyes of a child that sees the excitement the Christmas season brings; that looks forward to this special day because of the  message it conveys.

... and CJ (her cousin) and me can play together with my toys."  
Sharing. That's what Christmas means for my little girl. She wants everyday to be Christmas so she can play with her cousin and share her toys with her. Modesty aside, I have always seen my sweet little girl sharing her stuff: food, drinks, toys and clothes.  Just a while ago, she saw one of her favourite dresses. It was a little bit small for her now and she told me, "Mommy let's give this to another children, this is small for me already so she can use it." It melts my heart to hear her say this with all innocence and yet full of sincerity.

Giving and sharing. How come it is so easy for a child to do this? Why does it become hard as one grows old?

May we have the heart of a child that gives and shares without expecting something in return.

We can't make it December 25th everyday but I believe we can make everyday feels like Christmas. Happy Christmas everyone! :)

All I Ever Have to Be

There comes a time when I feel like I would like to do more than what I am doing right now (as a wife and mom); to be somewhere more "exciting"than when I am right now and to become somebody than who I am right now. It's a gnawing sensation that doesn't seem to stop unless I do something about it.

Oftentimes, I find myself living in the past; thinking what could have happened if I had only chosen the other path of the bifurcating road that was in front of me then. I could have been this; I could have done that; I could have been there. What adds fuel to the fire is that, in many cases, I compare my life and myself with others. Why am I not like him/her?

Then this song I learned when I was younger than today (heehee) reminded me of where my perspective should be...

When the weight of all my dreams
Is resting heavily on my head
And the thoughtful words of help and hope
Have all been nicely said
But I'm still hurting, wondering if I'll ever be the one
I think I am
I think I am

Then You gently re-remind me
That You've made me from the first
And the more I try to be the best
The more I get the worst
And I realise the good in me is only there
Because of who You are
Who You are

And all I ever have to be is what You've made me
Any more or less would be a step out of Your plan
As You daily recreate me, help me always keep in mind
That I only have to do what I can find
And all I ever have to be,
All I have to be,
All I ever have to be
Is what You've made me.

It's not about me. It's not about what I do. It's all about Him who has wonderfully created me and purposefully placed me in this world. Like the potter to a clay, He designs me according to His divine will and reasons. He directs me towards the path that He wants me to traverse.

It's not just about the dreams (whether immense or small) that are seemingly sleeping inside my heart but it's about the Giver of these desires and aspirations. It's about being obedient to His call. I may be doing "great" or "more" things in people's eyes but if they're not part of His perfect design for me, then that will mean nothing; those are nothing. And since He lovingly placed those dreams in my heart, He is also faithful to fulfil those through me. All I need to do is to trust Him; obey and believe that all I ever have to do, all I have to be, is what He has made me.

Grace and Gratitude

Grace is such an amazing and encompassing word.

It always gives, overflows and overwhelms.

It's like the evening sun in the coolness of spring; warm and comforting.

I'm one of the many undeserving recipients of God's grace. My heart-cup is filled up to the brim. It is not because of who I am but because of who He is. My soul rejoices. It is saturated with thanksgiving.

Grace from the Giver. Gratitude from me.

Resting in His Grace

What does it mean to rest in God's grace?

Is it do-nothing-and-just-leave-everything-in-God's-hand kind of attitude?
Or perhaps it is like sleeping on whatever bothers you as if it's not even there in the first place?

Neither.

To rest in God's grace is simply to believe that God will fulfill what He says He would after you have done what He told you to do. More often than not though, it's easier said than done. However, we could always look in on the past and see what God had wonderfully accomplished in your life; miracles, surprises, blessings. 

Whatever they are, we can always trust Him to bring about the best... Therefore,

rest in His grace.

How My Toddler Learned to Say "I Am Sorry"

Just like any toddlers, my daughter is not perfect. I mean, she has her meltdowns, is sometimes mischievous and behaves like, well, like a 3-year old should do. But if there's one thing that I'm very proud of is that, at a very young age, even before she learned to say the word, she already knew how to say "sorry".

I can still remember, when she was one and a half year old, whenever I called her attention because she's not "listening" to what I'm telling her - of course, that would make my voice firm and a little louder than usual - she would immediately come to me then hug and kiss me. At that time I didn't know what she's doing or what she's up to. Eventually I realized it's her way of telling me she's sorry for whatever she might have done or for not listening to me. Soon she's able to talk and could "articulate" her feelings of regret. It melts my heart every time she does it.

So, how did she learn to say these 3 precious words? I am not claiming to be an expert in this matter but my experience has taught me that these "steps" (or whatever you may want to call them) really work for us.

Start early. It is never too early to teach our children the kind of values we want them to have.
As early as possible we should exert effort to inculcate in them the beliefs that hold true to us.

Teach by example. It is one thing to say it, doing it is entirely a different thing. Our actions speak volumes to our children more than the words they're hearing from us. As far as I can remember, I didn't tell my daughter at that age to say "I'm sorry" whenever she "offended" me or her dad. My thought at the time, "How will she understand it? Wait until she turns two." However, whenever I did something wrong (that would mean, I got mad at her for no reason or I had misjudged her actions), I was quick to say, "I'm sorry, baby. Mommy, didn't listen to what you're trying to tell her. I'm sorry. I won't do it again. I love you so much." Little did I realize that that left a deep impression in her heart- that there's nothing wrong with admitting you're wrong and it's okay to say you're sorry.

Sometimes the challenge with us adults, or parents for that matter is that, we're too "proud" to acknowledge our own mistakes. We think that because our children are "just kids" and we're the grown ups, we are always right. As a result, we don't say sorry to them and in turn, they won't as well.

Be a good model. Growing up, my siblings and I would say "I'm sorry" whenever we would offend anyone among us or even our parents. Why is that? Fortunately for us, my mother is a good role model. As a result, I have carried that "habit" until now. Being a couple, my husband and I are quick to admit our faults and say "sorry" to one another when we know that we've offended each other. We're unabashed to acknowledge our mistakes before each other and even in front of our daughter. And I believe that made a great impact to our daughter. Remember, in the eyes of a child: If daddy and mommy are doing it, then it must be right.

Commend the act. One of the things I do after our daughter say, "I'm sorry" is hug her. Since her primary love language is physical touch, mommy hugging her after she admits she's wrong makes her feel forgiven and loved. I believe that just like us adults, it takes a lot of courage for a child to confess she regrets the wrong she's done. So appreciating the act will encourage the child to bring out the same positive response when a situation calls for it.

I hope these simple steps help you as well in teaching your child/children say "I'm sorry" and other common courtesies. Can you think of other ways/steps? Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comment box below.

Countdown to Christmas: My Christmas Devotions (Day 6)

Christmas decoration is not complete without the lights, am I right? I mean, a family may not be able to buy and put up a Christmas tree but the colorful and blinking lights is just a must-have. More often than not, after Christmas is over, the tree is boxed while the lights remain until I don't  know when. There's just something about these lights, do you agree?

The photos above show the first ornament that adorns our house to signify that we are excited for this much-awaited season (as well as we welcome it). It really brightens our evenings specially these days when the sun is so eager to bid goodnight. What more, since the street doesn't have lamp posts, they light the vicinity and the path going to our house. There's a sense of "it's good to be home" feeling as I see these lights whenever we come home from the mall or just taking a walk outside.

In John 8:12, Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." What a comfort to know that when the first Christmas happened, the brightest Light of all adorned the whole earth. That Light continues to shine to guide and lead us to the path of life.

Countdown to Christmas: My Christmas Devotions (Day 5)

One of the books I love to read to my daughter is Sam McBratney's Guess How Much I Love You. It's a story about two Nutbrown Hares (Little and Big) who used large measures to gauge their love for each other in answer to Little Nutbrown Hare's question, "Guess how much I love you?" I find the story simple yet so sweet and endearing.

Guess how much I love you? Oftentimes, the measure of love is determined by the price tag attached to the gifts. The season of love, joy and peace has become so commercialized that the focus is no longer on the love and thoughts that come with the gifts... It's saddening. 

Guess how much God loves you? Well, this much: "This is how God showed his love among us: He's sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins" (1 John 4:9,10). 

May our Christmas be established around that kind of love. And may that love flows from you to someone today... It's heart-warming.

Countdown to Christmas: My Christmas Devotions (Day 4)

Patience is a virtue as one maxim says. However as a young girl, I used to be very impatient. I didn't like to wait, I would rather be waited for. Let's admit it, waiting isn't fun, am I right? But you know what? It took a lot of waiting before the greatest miracle of all time happened to this world. Even Jesus had to wait for the set time before He was sent to us by God the Father. And that lapse of time didn't go to waste because our God is an on-time God. He is never late nor too early. "He makes all things beautiful in His time" (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Are you waiting for something today or maybe someone? Remember that delays don't mean denial. God sets the time and the seasons. He knows just what to do as much as when to do it. Bear in mind that when the first Christmas happened, it was "when the set time had fully come" (Galatians 4:4).

Note: You may want to visit My Christmas Devotions for the past three days. Please feel free to leave your comments. Thank you for your love. :)

Countdown to Christmas: My Christmas Devotions

Countdown to Christmas: My Christmas Devotions (Day 2)

Countdown to Christmas: My Christmas Devotions (Day 3)

Countdown to Christmas: My Christmas Devotions (Day 3)

Haha! I got the image from my daughter's The Beginner's Bible. I would have taken a photo of an angel figurine if only we have one. Unfortunately, we don't so I contented myself with what is available for now.

Luke (2:10-11) recorded the greatest and best news of all time: "A Savior has been born!" And this awesome report came from no less than an angel, how cool was that? What could have been the shepherds' reaction? I mean, can you imagine the awe in their faces? They must have been "star-struck", don't you think? The angel said, "A Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord." That joyful news thousands of years ago is still as fresh as today's. Jesus was born to save - save us from hell and destruction.

What news have you heard today? It maybe about a sick loved one, financial difficulty, a broken relationship - whatever it is, please remember: A Savior has been born to you. Come as you are to Him and know that He can save you. Today.

Countdown to Christmas: My Christmas Devotions (Day 2)

 

I believe we are all familiar with this Christmas carol, "O Little Town of Bethlehem". I think, well this is just a wild guess, that song was inspired by this verse from Micah 5:2. Isn't it humbling to know that God chose a small clan to reveal His big plan? Isn't it comforting to realize that we don't have to be a "star" or "superstar" even, for God to see us fit for whatever majestic course of action He is planning to do? That's how He is, that's just His nature. He is in the business of using "the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; choose the weak things of the world to shame the strong" (1 Corinthians 1:27). "So that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 4:11).

Are you feeling inadequate, insufficient or not good enough to be revealed with God's plan? Cheer up my friend and remember the "Little Town of Bethlehem".

Countdown to Christmas: My Christmas Devotions

Happy Christmas! I know it's a bit late already (well, not actually), it's just that I was wanting to have my first post for this month on the first day so I would be the first one to greet you a "Merry Christmas". I got so busy with some family stuff that it took me a while. Lots of ideas for the blog make my head swim. I just don't know when and where to start.

Then one morning I woke up with this thought: I would like to share with you my daily devotion since December 1st until Christmas Day. It's sort of my countdown to Christmas with some Bible verses and meaningful insights.  I will post the verse from the Reading Plans of YouVersion Bible App in my iPhone and my thoughts on that verse for that day. I'm a bit behind schedule but I'll do my best to post the past three days' devotion then post the Day 4, all on the same date which is, by the way, today. Heehee! So here it goes.

Day 1 - December 1st
Matthew 3:3 - "This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him'".

What does it mean really to prepare the way for the Lord? Today as the first day of the busiest and most festive month rolls in, almost everyone seems getting ready to "prepare the way" for Christmas; sending out beautiful Christmas cards written with heartfelt messages, buying special and well-thought gifts for families, loved ones and friends, putting up the tallest Christmas tree and adorning the house with lovely ornaments. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with doing these preparations, may we also remember to make our hearts ready for the true reason why we are celebrating this season. As our own houses are ready for the festivity, may our heart and soul be found willing to receive the coming of the King.

How are you preparing your heart for Christ this CHRISTmas season? :)