Category Archives: Faith

[ Mandaluyong Preschool ] School Hunt is Over

Exploring the City, Faith, Family, Promo

Our search for Noah’s school is over. We’re sending him to Kites & Strings Learning Center in Mayflower St., Mandaluyong City. We’ve been looking at pre-schools in Mandaluyong for years but it’s only recently that we decided where to send our 3-year old for Nursery.  There are a lot of pre-schools in our area but most of the really good ones have tuition that start at 90K. We live in Mandaluyong – San Juan and Manila boundary so we have a lot of choices.

Just a 2-minute walk from our house is Jose Rizal University. Five minutes is Don Bosco Mandaluyong and Don Bosco Sta. Mesa Manila. There’s also my alma mater, St. Mary’s Academy of Sta. Ana Manila, but they don’t offer Nursery classes. I’ve always imagined sending him to my old school at least for pre-school but we decided not to send him to a Catholic institution. I have nothing against it but we’re not Catholics, we’re Born-again Christians, and we don’t want him to be confused this early.

We thought of sending him to his dad’s old pre-school, OB Montessori in Greenhills, that or the Manila branch, but I heard tuition is around 80k. There is no way we would pay that price. Josh also went to the International Christian Academy for a year. It’s a good school but it’s in the South. Never mind. Ateneo, where he studied Prep until College, doesn’t offer Nursery classes. So much for those schools.

Five-minutes from our house are some of the best pre-schools in Mandaluyong and San Juan area. They are the ones that I often read about in Mommy forums. Here are some of the pre-schools in Mandaluyong we shortlisted:

Maranatha Christian Academy is a Christian school but it easily got a thumbs-down from my mom-in-law because our churchmate had a very bad experience with that school. Kiddo Academy is a bit far from us but I liked that it’s located inside a condo and parents are allowed to view the school’s CCTV cameras remotely. Kingsleigh is inside a mall so it’s dangerous for me. As for the rest of those in our list, they are very near our house but tuition are very expensive.

And then I remembered Noah’s playschool. He joined the Toddler Classes at Rainbow Room Learning Center in Tivoli Gardens along Coronado St.– where I grew up. Also an expensive school but because it’s near my old house, we thought it’s okay if we enroll him there, after all I’d be visiting my grandmother more often. Last year, tuition was around P55,000 so we expected it would increase a bit this year. Price range is okay for us. Even better because a branch nearer us would be opening at along Martinez St. (formerly Nueve de Febrero St.) although we were pining for the Hulo branch already. I already expressed our intent to enroll Noah with his Teacher Rom and even thought of letting him join the summer programs.

But God had other plans.

We dropped our top choice because our home church…IS finally opening a school. Our church is where Joshua and I met, nurtured our friendship, grew together in love, developed our relationship, and are still serving and attending.  It used to be just a dream for me and the other church members but God, in His goodness, mercy, and grace, are making more impossible things done.

Everything happened so fast. I have no idea how the pastors and the school staff are doing it right now. All I know is that God has given our church a vision and He is now making greater things happen.

My home church, International Charismatic Service, In Christ our Strength, has been greatly blessed, allowing us to open a  school. We’re starting small but with the resources God has been giving us, it seems to be bigger than we’ve imagined and prayed for.

The church office has been transformed to a Pre-school. The area used to be our Sunday School too but now it’s back to being a place where kids can learn more about God and His people. It is perhaps where Joshua and I first met.

It was only last week that I got to visit the school. But prior to checking it out, I already chocked upon seeing the new Children’s Church upstairs. The church office has been moved to the 2nd floor so the children’s room became smaller. I went inside the messy Sunday School alone. I looked around and tears welled up in my eyes. Tables and chairs everywhere but I could spot the beauty in it.

THIS IS IT. I thought. I grew up learning about God here. Joshua and I both discovered our faith in this same room, in this same church… and now, our son Noah will start to learn about this Great God of ours– in this same blessed place.

Last Sunday, we dedicated Kites & Strings Learning Center to God. That was after we dedicated the new church office. Yes! God is good! All these and more, less than a year after we opened the 180 Activity Center.

Kites & Strings Learning Center
Kites & Strings Learning Center

For a while, we even postponed our search because we thought we would be moving. I never really expected that God would end our search this way. It was an answered prayer.

We have more than a month to prepare and pray for this new school. I know in my heart that it was God who is making great things happen in our church.

I am glad that my family– Joshua, Noah, and I– will be part of this new endeavor. We see this as a journey— a journey towards learning– not only for our child but also for us parents heeding to God’s call to train Noah in the way he should go (Proverbs 22:6) and to bring him up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

“He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast,   whose spirit was not faithful to God.”
(ESV, Psalm 78:5-8)

 

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Kites and Strings Learning Center

Kites & Strings Learning Center
Ground Floor,  ICS Worship Center
Address : Mayflower St., Greenfield District, Brgy. Highway Hills,
EDSA CENTRAL, Mandaluyong City 1554

Contact Nos : 6321093 ~ 6315265

Courses offered:

NURSERY – 3 to 4 years old
KINDER – 4 to 5 years old

 MAP TO KITES & STRINGS LEARNING CENTER

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At a Crossroad

Faith, Family

crossroadSometimes I feel we’re at a crossroad. You know those times when you’re just waiting for something challenging or good to happen. We’re not in a deep crisis but husband and I, well…mostly me, are being challenged to the core. I know other people are experiencing worse but it’s making me crazy. Every. Single. Day. Thinking about other people and the burdens they need to carry make my heart cry.

I asked God to help me bear one Fruit of the Holy Spirit this year: PATIENCE. God has been answering by giving me a few tests. He’s sending patients my way too.

I remember the last time I felt this way. My husband just got promoted while I was freed from pain. I asked him why such things are happening, he replied “Maybe it’s for your dad.” True enough, a few weeks later, he has gone home to be with His creator.

I could still remember those last few weeks with him. How God prepared us…how he prepared me for his death. It was a crucial point in my life. Of course, it was a September. Always a special month.

I really could not define my feelings right now. All I know is, God is with me. He is sovereign. And just like the past seasons in my life, He will carry me through. I know in my heart He is about to make something happen.

I only need to wait.
To be patient.
To be obedient still to His word.
To remain faithful.

To LOVE.

As early as now, I’m warning myself: Be ready to be blown away by my Lord.

Taste and see that the LORD is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Psalm 34:8

Update: A few minutes after posting this entry, I heard my husband playing “You’ll Come” from Hillsong’s “This is is Our God” Album on guitar. He has no idea that the song is speaking to me right now.



You’ll Come

I have decided I have resolved
To wait upon you Lord
My rock and redeemer shield and reward
I’ll wait upon you Lord

As surely as the sun will rise
You’ll come to us
As certain as the dawn appears

You’ll come let your glory fall
As you respond to us
Spirit rain flood into our thirsty hearts again

We are not shaken we are not moved
We wait upon you Lord
Our Mighty deliverer my triumph and truth
I’ll wait upon you Lord

Chains be broken
Lives be healed
Eyes be opened
Christ is revealed

Keeping Christ in Christmas: Jesus is the Reason for the Season

Faith, Family, God's Word, Motherhood

“I’m participating in the Keeping Christ in Christmas Blog Carnival, hosted by Raising (& Teaching) Little Saints, Truly Rich Mom, and Arma Dei: Equipping Catholic Families. We’ll be sharing different ways, tips, stories and real-life experiences that will help us focus on Jesus as the Reason for the Christmas season. Please scroll down to the end of the post to see the list of carnival entries.”

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Majority of people around the world are counting the days ’til Christmas. Everyone I know is already on holiday mode, looking forward to last-minute shopping, wrapping gifts, doing the grocery, cooking, dressing up, and finally celebrating that  special day when everyone is expected to share more love than usual.

For us Christians, we know the reason for Christmas. That is–the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But do us people who can celebrate Christmas still think and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas? Admit it, most of us get excited about the coming holidays because of the 13th month pay, for some extra Christmas bonus, the thrill of decorating, the cool breeze, the chance to dress up, and a week-long vacation for some. Christmas has become too commercialized that even Christians take for granted the real meaning of the season. We know it, yes, but we do not make it a priority.

CHRIST is the Reason for This Season.

Christmas is a time of commemorating the birth of Christ. And who is this Christ? Jesus, the Messiah. The Savior and Lord of the fallen world. God, the Father, sent His one and only Son, to give us an everlasting life, because He loves us so much (John 3:16).

Jesus became man to do the Father’s will (John 6:38).   Christ came to this world to be our salvation. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Sin has its consequence and that is death but God loves us so much that He has given us eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).

Man has become separated from God but there is Jesus–the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:16). It is only through Jesus that we can come to the Father and be reunited with Him in heaven. It is by His grace that we have been saved, through faith, and not because of who we are or what we have done, but because it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Oh what a beautiful gift! The Gift of Salvation which started on a manger one holy night in Bethlehem. It may be hard to fathom that the King’s Son came to this world, born in manger, to a young but faithful and obedient couple, Mary and Joseph. But because God loves us, He offered Jesus to give us eternal life. God’s Plan of Salvation started on Christmas day.

Christmas is the time we can declare louder that “Jesus is Lord”. God’s plan of salvation calls us to believe in our hearts that God raised him from the dead for us to be saved. Not by our good works or the amount of money we give to the church as offering, but our hearts who believe, and with our mouth that we profess our faith and are saved (Romans 10:9-10).

The essence of Christmas is CHRIST. Christianity is about being a follower of Jesus Christ. Him alone and no one else. Holidays may be the best time to preach this Good News–that a sinner can be made free and righteous through our faith in Jesus Christ. But really, we must make every season an opportunity to share His love not just to those who are closest to us, but also to those people we think are not deserving. God’s love is unconditional and that is the kind of love we should also be giving.

As Christian parents, it is our responsibility to teach our children The Greatest Story Ever Told. Christmas is a perfect opportunity for us to teach our young ones our faith. As a mom to a 3-year old, I need to make sure that my son recognizes that we have Christ in our family. This year is his fourth Christmas but it’s only now that he can begin to understand what Christmas is all about.

And how do we that?

(1) We tell him The Story of Christmas. What better way to get him interested in listening to us tell the story of Jesus Birth than this LEGO Christmas Story book.

The Christmas Story: The Brick Bible for Kids

We’re not robbing him off the joy of getting to know Santa Claus but as early as now, we’re not teaching Noah that gifts come from Santa Claus. We’re not gonna lie to him about Santa Claus and we’re not gonna make him believe that he is real. Instead, we’re trying to teach him who Jesus is by reading him The Christmas Story and praying with him.

Our son may still not fully grasp the meaning of Christmas but it’s not too early to build a foundation of faith. The faith we have will be the greatest heritage we could leave him. It’s only by God’s grace that we can be the kind of parents God wants us to be.

(2) This is the first time we’ve set up a Belen at home. My mom gave me this wooden Nativity scene that was previously owned by my sister’s mom-in-law. More than the beauty of this wood sculpture is the story behind it– the birth of our Savior.

Displaying this Nativity scene is another opportunity where we can share the story of Christmas to our son.

(3) Simplifying Christmas is another way that we remain true to the Reason of the Season. We only have few decors this year at home and most of them are DIY Christmas Decors and because we decided on a Spend-less Holiday.I mentioned this already but  you see during Christmas time, people tend to be selfish and excited with the gifts that they would receive. Christmas isn’t about the “I” (that’s you and me) receiving gifts but it’s about celebrating the Real Reason for this Season– His name is JESUS.  This year, we’re going thrifty by not spending too much on gifts. Some of the gifts I prepared are even handmade and personalized. I think gifts become more special that way.

(4) Since Christmas is also a time of giving, we’ll be giving away Noah’s old but usable toys to other kids. I’ve already sorted his toys and clothes but haven’t decided on whom to give to or where to bring them. We also intend to give some of my and husband’s clothes to people who need them more. We both work from home so we don’t really need a lot of clothes.

(5) Kids are welcome. Christmas Caroling is one tradition of Filipinos during Christmas. Some cities in the metro may have banned Christmas carolers in the streets but I feel we need to keep this tradition especially for the kids. I am excited for Noah to be the one to give coins to the kids. We’ve started as early as the first week of December actually. I’ve prepared coins and some candies and chocolates to give. Kids are welcome to sing in front of our house but of course, I still have to be careful and wise in giving. As much as possible, I take note of the kids’ faces so we know we’re not being fooled. I know giving and sharing must be from the heart and without any questions but we still need to exercise wisdom. If other houses are shooing these kids away, our family will try our best to at least give them something. I’m not promising that we will give to every kid who comes our way but we will try our best to be more kind, loving, and understanding.

(6) For this month, our church pastor’s sermons are focused on Experiencing God. Last Sunday, our church choir gave a very beautiful musical presentation entitled “Experiencing God” by Gary Rhodes and Clare Cloninger  based on the Experiencing God book by Henry Blackaby. We wanted Noah to join the children’s choir but we weren’t able to bring him to the practices. We’ve been playing the song “My Abba’s Child” for him to sing along since September. He knows the song but it’s been a busy working December for my husband and I so we regret that we weren’t able to have him join. It would have been nice and heartwarming to see Noah up there like when his dad and I used to do when we were still part of the Children’s Church. He only got to join one practice but that was enough to make me cry.

Next year, we’ll see to it that he joins the presentation. By then, we hope that he understands that singing for God is one way of worshiping Him. For now, we’ll continue playing Christmas songs and letting him sing along with us.

(7) Christmas parties are inevitable. Others may get excited in all the food they can partake or all the booze they can finish but for us Christians, it’s important that we celebrate in more meaningful ways. Parties are opportunities to connect with friends and relatives. Use such time to relate with people on a more personal level. Do away with the gossip and senseless fun. Criticisms, hatred, and envy should have no place if you want to keep Christ this Christmas and every season of your life.

On Christmas Eve, we’ll celebrate just the three of us at home, just like Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. We’ll use that time as another opportunity to experience God as a family who loves and worships the Lord. This is a tradition we intend to keep.

Here’s another song recorded by my husband:


What Child is This

What Child is this, who laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here,
The silent Word is pleading.
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Full Lyrics HERE

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth.
Philippians 2:8-10

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Here are the links to the other blog carnival participants. I hope you’ll take the time to visit them and leave a comment on their posts!  The list will be updated throughout the day, so please do come back and check on them. God bless us all!

O Holy Night

Faith, God's Word, Music

Christmas is just around the corner. However, not everyone now is looking forward to celebrating it.

Despite the atrocities we heard over the weekend, we believe that there is still a God. I am deeply saddened by the senseless killing of 20 innocent children and six adults in Connecticut. I’ve cried so much because I could feel the pain of the parents and I couldn’t imagine losing my own kid.

We ask “Why?”. We’ll never have our questions answered but all I know that my God is sovereign.

I know life must go on but I also believe major changes need to be made. I’m not giving any suggestions to the government and other parents but I’ll start with myself first by thinking more of the things that really matter.

May we not lose faith in God. May we not lose our hope in Jesus, Our Savior. As Christmas day approaches, may we remember the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who died on the cross to save us from our sins.

Here’s another popular Christmas song my husband recorded a few years ago. I’m posting the lyrics here. Read the words and see the beauty of His coming to the world.

O Holy Night
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O’er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

The song talks about how the world has become sinful and our need for a Savior. God sent His Son to save us from our sins. Jesus who became man, understands how it is to be human. He feels our pain having suffered Himself on the way to the cross. He Himself faced rejection, hatred, and even experience physical pain many of us won’t even experience.

Now, we are called to live a life pleasing and holy to God and to love one another. It will be a life-long challenge but His grace will enable us.

For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us!
He’ll take over  the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor,  Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness.
Isaiah 9:6 (The Message)

The Brick Bible: Noah’s Ark Book Review

Faith, God's Word, Noah's Ark

I purchased The Brick Bible’s Noah’s Ark book early last month from Amazon together with the New Testament and Old Testament of The Brick Bible by Brendan Powell Smith. I was too excited to get a hold of the books but wasn’t able to find time to make a proper review. A number of friends told me to be wary of the books because of the numerous bad reviews specifically on the LEGO Bible: it’s very graphic, violent, and blasphemous. Because of the many mixed reviews, I became more curious since it’s another version of the Bible and upon reading a few pages of the New and Old Testament LEGO books, I discovered that some pictures are really not appropriate for kids. What is appropriate or not may be subjective but as a mother of a 3-year old, there are photos in the book I wouldn’t want him to see just yet.

The Brick Bible is absolutely a new “spin” on the Bible stories written. It’s a graphic illustration of the many Bible stories that we have learned traditionally, with the use of LEGO bricks and mini figures.  I haven’t finished reading the Old and New LEGO books because I gave my copy of The New Testament and the story of Noah’s Ark to my nephew (through his parents). The New Testament is for his parents’ review but the Noah’s Ark, I gave it to him directly as a birthday gift.

I’ll focus on reviewing the Noah’s Ark Lego book first since it’s the only one I’ve finished reading so far.

The Brick Bible: Noah’s Ark

The Noah’s Ark book was Smith’s first published LEGO book.  This one is kid-friendly—it’s a children’s book. I can say that this book is safe for the kids to read simply because it’s the famous story of Noah and the Great Flood. Anyone who grew up playing with LEGO bricks would appreciate Smith’s storytelling with the use of building blocks. What a great way to get the kids to read this Bible story.

Rev. Wanda M. Lundy, Director, Doctor of Ministry Program at New York Theological Seminary wrote the foreword as a letter to the parents. I like the fact that Rev. Lundy explained the realities of life and that how the book could possibly make children ask many Why’s in the story. “Why did God make the people drown?” “Why would God kill people?” etc. If discerning adults could ask the same questions and are having a hard time answering them, surely, the kids will also have a hard time understanding the story. Parents have the tendency to shield their children from pain, hurt, and tragedy but while it is normal and the right thing to do, parents are also called to embrace the realities of life’s many joys and pains and be able to explain them to their kids.

Rev. Lundy suggested many ways on how to read the book with children and use the time to communicate with them. Kids may have questions on the more difficult areas but it’s up to the parents to choose what to focus on. She further recommended that reading the book could be a good time to assure the kids that their parents will be there through bad times.

The Letter to Parents’ page explains why and how The Brick Bible’s Noah’s Ark is appropriate for kids, contrary to some reviews and feedbacks. In my opinion, it’s up to the parents how to guide their children and be prepared to be asked many questions.

I don’t know what else to say about this book but while I was reading, I could not stop saying “cute! cute!” because the illustrations are too cute. I guess it’s the novelty of the famous bricks being used to tell a story. Who doesn’t love LEGOs?

Noah's Ark The Brick Bible
Front cover of the Noah’s Ark book in hardbound
Noah's Ark The Brick Bible
Colors are very vivid
Noah's Ark The Brick Bible
You can see that Brendan Powell Smith worked hard on this
Noah's Ark The Brick Bible
An activity page at the back
Noah's Ark The Brick Bible
Back Cover

PRICE: $12.95
SHOP: The Brick Bible Website | Amazon

Available in the Philippines at Hobbes and Landes for P1,200

You can buy directly from Brendan Powell Smith to get a signed copy of the book.

READ OTHER REVIEWS:

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“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest,
cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.”
Genesis 8:22

My Mommy Notebook (Part 2)

Faith, Motherhood

Who knew parenting could be so challenging? I was faced with this challenge only this year and I know it’s only the beginning. At times, I’m at lost for words not knowing the right way to deal with my son. I thought I knew how from observing other parents before me but it’s different when you’re already in a particular situation to calls for a time-out and discipline.

That is why I try to learn from reading. I’ve started My Mommy Notebook a couple of months ago but it’s been a while since I last shared. Here’s the next set of “Mommy Tips”  I gathered from various books I’ve read.

My prayer now is for young mothers like me to be interested in nurturing the spiritual lives of their children. It’s never too early to start them in loving and living for God.

  • You can plan and plant the future of your children by way of preventive praying.
  • Into fitness? You can use exercise time as time of worship to God. Anything you do can actually be a time of praise and worship to the Lord.
  • Decide not to get bitter. Get better and God will give you a new beginning.
  • You can be a wife of noble character. Begin by making a small change today.
  • Ask God to give you wisdom when you talk to your children about being pure before marriage. Explain to them the Living Word of God.
  • Plead the blood of Jesus for protection for your families, every morning, and every night.
  • You can always plan for the future of your children, your families, but God’s plans will always prevail. Allow Him to show you the path.
  • A mother should be responsible in providing a spiritual heritage for your children.
  • Follow His priorities for your lives and you can be sure He will be pleased with you.
  • You cannot redo your past or remake your nature but God delights in changing you. Allow Him to help you become more and more like Jesus Christ.
  • Cherish the simple and be humble as the King Jesus was.

I wish to become a good homemaker but I think that becoming a good mother should be a priority. Those two are different. You can beat Martha Stewart as a domestic diva but not be a good mother. There has to be a balance. It’s hard I tell you. This journey into godly motherhood in this day and age is a challenge but I know our Heavenly Father will be there to help me. I hope other moms realize this need too.

Any mommy tips you want to share?
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Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.
Psalm 126:5-6

PS: I’m going to the Yes Mommy: How to Talk so your Child will Listen and Understand seminar. Who wants to join me? 🙂

DIY Christmas Decors

Faith, Family, Living, Motherhood, Personal

This year’s theme is Thrifty Christmas for us. Since my husband and I work from home, we don’t receive any 13th month Christmas bonus. While others are enjoying their month’s worth of salary or probably have already spent them, we are treating Christmas expenses under miscellaneous. Hehe.

I haven’t done any Christmas shopping yet. I said I’d start decorating on the 3rd week of November but failed to do so. I only started yesterday. It finally hit me that I can no longer procrastinate because before I know it, Christmas has passed.

I also planned on buying a Christmas Tree this year– a bigger one, something taller because we only have a 3-feet tree.  That would mean I have to buy more Christmas decors from balls to garlands to Christmas lights. That meant I have to spend again. But since doing DIY crafts “relaxes” me, why not make our own Christmas decors? It would require some time but doing such is some form of me-time. I enjoy getting ideas from everywhere, cutting, pasting, etc. I have lots of art materials left from Noah’s Jollibee LEGO Party so I decided to do one each day and so far, I have made these:

 

DIY Paper Snowflakes Christmas Decor

I’ve always wanted to learn how to do paper snowflakes. I searched for instructions on how to and found the Instructables. It was so easy to do I made a dozen within 30 minutes. I placed these snowflakes on our window.

I haven’t checked if neighbors would be able to see these snowflakes from outside but from our living room, they look really nice. Husband and son both loved the Christmas window decor! Noah said they’re “amazing”. Hihi. The first day.

Next is this ABC Christmas Tree. I was looking at Christmas wall decals for ideas when I thought ‘why not make it educational for the toddler’. This Christmas tree wall art isn’t finished yet because I need to put details inside each card: numbers, shapes, and colors.

DIY ABC Christmas Tree Wall Decor

ANYARE SA “I”?

I posted this on Instagram earlier and a friend asked what happened to the letter “I”. I lost the letter. I must have thrown it by accident. And then I thought it could be a great conversation starter. You see during Christmas time, people tend to be selfish and excited with the gifts that they would receive. But Christmas isn’t about the “I” (that’s you and me) receiving gifts but it’s about celebrating the Real Reason for this Season— His name is JESUS. Actually, not just this Christmas Season but Every Season.

Christmas is a celebration of His birth. Why celebrate? Because He is our Lord and Savior. His birth, His life, and His death and resurrection are reasons to be joyful this Christmas. Without Him, we are nothing.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

I haven’t decided what to do today but I finally brought out our old Christmas decors from storage. I washed the mini Christmas tree already so I guess we’ll just decorate it later. I put up some decors already, tested the Christmas lights, changed the curtain and pillow covers I scored from ARQ Curtains during the last Bodega Sale.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t be shopping a lot this Christmas, I can’t stop you from doing what you love. Haha! Just keep it to a minimum and think about your purchases, be wise, be practical with your gift-giving, save a portion of your 13th month, and give to those who are less privileged.

Let’s put CHRIST back in CHRISTmas.
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Have you started decorating your house for Christmas? Any DIY Christmas decors and tips you want to share? 🙂

And oh, here’s my first Christmas gift to you: Somewhere Over the Rainbow