It’s been more than a month since I last posted here. Life happened. Yet again. Haha. Christmas Rush has extended until this month. It’s February and I still feel stressed. Stressed but in a very good way.
I don’t know where and how to start there are just too many things to share. I shall start posting photos here from the albums saved on my desktop. I am in the process of backing up and decluttering my files (and our stuff too) so here goes… đ
It’s Thailand’s SM MOA. It’s the biggest mall in Bangkok today. I was there during the week it first opened back in May 2012. Last November, I finally got to bring my husband and son together with my mom. First stop was IKEA for lunch and some shopping. I bought a lot of stuff at IKEA for home and other people but nothing for me.
I visited another Cath Kidston store and I was overwhelmed with the items but mostly with the price. Hehe. I didn’t buy anything because by the time I got to the store, I was already feeling guilty spending about 4,000 Baht (around P6,000) in IKEA alone. I had to stop myself from grabbing something and bringing out my credit card. Husband was with me so I was too careful. Haha!
“Iâm 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.â
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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). Â 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 âJesus is Lordâ. 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 isnât about the âIâ (thatâs you and me) receiving gifts but itâs about celebrating the Real Reason for this Seasonâ 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.
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 youâll 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!
Sharing is caring. I’m not part of this Blog Carnival of the Work-At-Home-Moms group I’m a member of because I failed to write one and missed the deadline but I want to share the numerous great tips provided by the other mommies.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
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? đ
The year is about to end and I’ve started listing down the things I’ve accomplished and learned. It will be one long list but I can now tell you that the year 2012 made me realize that parenting and disciplining your child isn’t as easy. Taking care of your kid is very much different from raising him up. I, together with my husband, have finally faced the challenge of disciplining our 3-year old Noah.
I realized I cannot just rely on what I know or learned from our parents because everything is different now. All I know is, I still need to hold on to God and trust Him that I can become the kind of mother He wants me to be. By Grace.
I started My Mommy Notebook and shared with you a few tips and my reflections on Disciplining Children with Love. It’s been a challenging year because my Noah is one hyper active kid. Josh and I both work from home and while others think it’s one amazing setup, it has its advantages and disadvantages.
To learn more about parenting, we read books. Husband and I read a book separately and then we meet over breakfast or lunch to talk about what we just read. I have my Moms devotional book that I so treasure. There’s the Bible to read and remind me. Oh the nuggets of wisdom you can find in this book are just too many–all helpful!
And next week, I’m going to attend a seminar on intentional parenting: the Yes Mommy: How to Talk so Your Child will Listen and Understand Workshop. Reading will not be enough and it’s interesting to meet other women who are in this same journey.
By Manila Workshops & Optimommy
DETAILS Date: Saturday, December 15, 2012 Time: 9:00 am to 4:45 pm Venue: COWO – Ground Floor, Suntree Tower, #27 Sapphire Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Rates: Regular rate of Php 1,400 / participant Early bird rate of Php 1,200 / participant (PAID before Dec. 1, 2012 or via Okayokay.com until Dec. 10)Group discount of Php 1,000 for 3 or more participants * Lunch and afternoon snack included
It’s been two months since I started bloggingagain and it’s been very fun! Life has become more exciting and I’ve been meeting a lot of people. It’s interesting to connect with other people who have the same passion as you. I’m excited to meet the other moms. I can’t say that I’m a certified mommy blogger because I have so many interests that I write about. I’m more interested in writing gadget and tech news now so I can’t commit full force with mommy blogging. I guess I’ll just say I’m a blogger who is a wife and a mother who is a bit of geek inside. :p
Would you like to attend the Yes Mommy: How to Talk so Your Child will Listen and Understand Workshop with me? It would be more fun if my current mommy friends from highschool, college, and church come. Let’s? đ
UPDATE: Good news! You can join the workshop with a 50% discount on the workshop fee. Just type in OptimommyREAH on the discount code section when you register. See yah!
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Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
On this first day of the Christmas month, allow me to share a song from that one Christmas album I share every year:
A Christmas Album by Joshua Padla
My husband recorded a Christmas album years ago. I can’t find the original cover but this one I made last year. I’m thinking of designing a new one for this year and give away. đ
Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Joshua Padla | Listen HERE
I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of his music. I’m his number 1 fan! đ
“When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.â Genesis 9:16
Special thanks to ClaudRod for making this Noah Lego Logo
We decided earlier that we would be having a small party at home for Noah this year. A small party meant our immediate families, a few relatives, and some friends. But when I finished the guestlist, the number totaled to 70. That’s still a lot for a small party. I planned on inviting them to our house by batch: families for lunch, relatives for merienda, and friends for dinner. That sounded not too practical as I knew I’d end up very tired and would be spending more. Then, I thought of getting a hotel suite and just inviting them over. That didn’t seem convenient to everyone but would be cheaper for us.
And then I remembered how Noah enjoyed the Jollibee mascot at his cousin Jam’s 1st Birthday Party. It was the first time that I really witnessed him have fun at a birthday party. Actually, that weekend he enjoyed three birthday parties that made me decide to finally schedule a kiddie party at Jollibee. So we did.
There were 70 guests and most of them were family, relatives, Joshua’s bandmates, my best friend’s family plus my mom’s friends at church. This was a “small” party so I wasn’t able to invite our churchmates and most of my friends. (Ang dami pa rin! Sorry, guys. Bawi kami sa 7th Birthday party. Planado na. Haha! Joke.) Continue reading Noah’s 3rd Birthday | A LEGO Jollibee Kiddie Party→
Two weeks too late. I figured it’s easier for me to share photos of our recent travel instead of writing about them. I’ll be posting different photoblog entries for each part or each day of our Bangkok trip because there are just too many. I’ve shared my UNIQLO Siam Paragon and Cath Kidston Bangkok shopping experience already but allow me to share more. đ
Off to the Clark Airport….
Thank you Lolo Abe for driving us to the Clark Airport! Happy Birthday!Sunday NLEX Driving
Planning a birthday party for Noah led me to a website that featured The Last Supper with Lego Minifig characters. I started saving the photos because I didn’t want to forget about them. I was so amazed at the details. I had no idea then that The Last Supper was only one of the many Bible stories illustrated with the famous LEGO bricks.
I was trying to search for something Lego and the Bible and got the surprise of my life to see that a Lego enthusiast named Brendan Powell Smith came up with The Brick Bible series. The Brick Bible for Kids – Bible pictures books for the young LEGO fan.
Honestly, I wanted to cry, shout for joy, when I discovered these LEGO books. My son Noah is in a Lego phase so mommy is getting crazy too. And what a special coincidence that I’m planning a LEGO party and then these new books were about to be released this October-November.
I wasn’t expecting to see the Noah’s Ark Brick Bible here in the Philippines this early but I saw one at Hobbes and Landes in Greenbelt 5. Josh couldn’t understand my excitement so I explained to him why. I was contemplating on getting one but I thought it would be cheaper if I buy from Amazon.
I don’t have the books with me yet. I had the package sent to someone in the US who’s arriving tomorrow— Friday! One more day before I get my hands on these books. Yey!
This is the first time I bought items directly from Amazon. I’m impressed with the shopping experienced from searching to buying and customer service. I’m excited!
Here is a trailer of the new LEGO Books:
Brendan notes on his website that “Items sold on this site are not official LEGO products, and are not authorized, sponsored, or endorsed by The LEGO Group.”
These are not licensed by LEGO but I’m sure Ole Kirk Christiansen won’t mind. I will show you the books soon. đ
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. ”
2 Corinthians 9:8
