It’s December 26 here in MNL! I can’t believe Christmas is over! We just got home from visiting relatives and am so tired. The girls (my sisters) are asleep and Dad too…but Mom is busy preparing what to wear tomorrow. They’ll be leaving for Batangas in a few hours together with my aunt, uncle and sis.

Christmas this year has been busy and fun! Since my sisters and Dad had colds, Mom and I had to do all the cooking for Christmas eve dinner. There’s a service in church on Sunday morning and we went to visit relatives after. The day was filled with laughter and fun. My cousins and I had a great time joking around and talking about a lot of things. I was the noisiest. I think I’m the happiest “cousin” today. LOL :)

 

But amidst all the hype, all the carols and all the laughter…deep in my heart I’m searching for more. I know Christmas means so much more.

For the weeks that has passed, I desired in my heart for the Christmas eve dinner to be offered to Him. My heart broke at the thought that people—including me, of course--forget why they’re partying and cooking, and eating after all.:)

I wanted to cook for Him and prepare like how we prepare for family members who celebrate their birthdays. I wanted this year’s Christmas celebration to be different from all other celebrations we’ve had. I wanted to make “handa”  for Jesus and not for us.

 

So yesterday, when the salads were done and  I was making the last item on the menu, I was praying and I said “Lord, it’s already You’re birthday!” I was excited because it’s the first time I wanted to intentionally make food for Him. And since I never asked Jesus what He wanted for His birthday, I began to ask.

 

And then I realized the food I was making wasn’t what He desires. He wanted more than the celebration. He longed for more than my preparation and the party hat.

 

Because…

He wanted me. What He wanted was me.

 

I stopped right there to let the thought sink in and tried my best to hold back the tears. For while I was busy preparing, while I thought of bringing the most thoughtful offering… deep in His heart, Jesus just wanted to spend time with me. No other Christmas gift from me would matter to Him-- if my heart is busy,if I am far away.

 

And so today, I am humbled and my heart rejoices as I quiet my heart and pray. This is what my heart is longing for after all. I want to spend time with Him, too--on His birthday.

”Happy Birthday, Lord. Merry Christmas!”

Photo Source:

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I saw this quote on Pastor Tim Dilena’s Facebook and I find it so funny!

 

When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings with toys at Christmastime. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs? —G. K. Chesterton

 

I really didn’t know Chesterton had this sense of humor. LOL But I was struck with the truth in this short word.

At Christmastime, we rejoice and celebrate. We delight in pretty lights and beautifully wrapped gifts. We are thankful to those who thought of us, those who remembered us to bake us a sweet treat or buy us a good toy. And sometimes we forget the God who has blessed us with the things we need the most, with what’s really essential.

 

It’s so sad because God fades in the background at Christmastime, when it’s supposed to be His day, when it’s suppose to be His celebration.

 

But we can change that, right? We can go back to basics of it all and rejoice because we have a God who loves us and takes care of us.

 

I may not have much on my Christmas stockings (well, I’m already 24 years old. lol) and it’s my tiurn to fill Christmas stockings for cousins, nephews and nieces but God has filled my life more than I have ever asked Him to. He has filled my life with love and hope and I am so, very grateful.

 

Merry Christmas!

Photo Source:

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I can’t believe how time flies really quick… it’s 4 days till Christmas and the year is almost over! Wow!

Before I begin with my stories and updates, I would like to apologize (I’m really sorry) for being absent from the blog for so long and without notice. I know I should’ve dropped a note or something. Yay!

Honestly, early in the last quarter of the year, I was struggling in my heart (will tell you about it in another post), but it was also the time when God came so unexpectedly, and in an unbelievable way. He has done great miracles and renewed my hope and enlarged my faith. There were things I waited for a long, long time and for a while I even doubted that God would make it happen.

But now the waiting is over. I mean, there are still a lot of things I’m waiting and hoping for…but at this season of my life, I cannot doubt that God makes things beautiful in His own time.

Sometimes, that “time” seems like forever in coming, but when it’s here, when it’s “now”, you just can’t believe how God moves and He just surprises you. First because you know it’s undeserved, second because you know it’s out of His overflowing, passionate love. I feel so bad for the time I resented and doubted. He has never forgotten. When He denies something, it is always because He has something better—no, grander—in mind, or maybe it just isn’t time yet.



This Christmas, my family and I, we’re celebrating in a different  way, in a way we haven’t done before. We celebrate with bigger faith. With rejoicing. Because our hearts know that God keeps His promise to His people. We know that He is beauty. We know that He is faithful. We know that His promises are true.

I really got so much to tell you. And I’m also excited because I know the Lord will also do for you what me and my family has experienced before the year ends. We just have to hang on wherever situation we’re at because it’s true that the sun always shine in the morning. Rejoicing always comes in the morning.

How are you celebrating Christmas this year?

What are your holiday reflections? What could Jesus be telling you through the season?

Merry Christmas, my dear friends!

I`m sorry for not being around in a like a couple weeks. I went for a holiday break and I must say that it`s really been a good one although it`s one that`s unconventional and which I didn`t expect.

 

Anyway, here`s what I`ve been up to during my Christmas break.

 

1. Shopped for Christmas Decorations. I didn`t realize there are A LOT of good stuff in the Philippine market! Our was going around Our Home with my sister and we couldn`t get enough of all those crystal decors you find in western interior design mags (which was way too expensive, by the way, so we just stared at them!). Had a great time trying to fit with a budget. I love the challenge! Makes you think more creatively and resourcefully.

 

2. Attended Simbang Gabi (Early Morning Christmas Services). Our church made a Christian version of the Filipino tradition and held it for 5 days but I only got attend four because on the 4th day, I had flu and I couldn`t get up from bed at 4am!

 

 

3. Did a little Christmas shopping. My Mom and Dad gave me a treat and I bought a pair of wedges and the 2011 Diary I`ve been wanting to have for Christmas!

 

4. Christmas Dinner in Nanay Tess` house. Her family isn`t with her for Christmas so my fam decided to spend the Christmas Eve dinner in her house. It was a bit weird not to prepare dinner in our own house but it was so great knowing that we made her happy last night.

 

This year`s celebration was not like the traditional Christmas my family had been doing for years, but sure is one of the most meaning because we lived the day to make other people smile. Just like the same night Jesus came to the world putting others above himself—thinking about us.

 

So how`s your Christmas? What`s your story? How did you see Jesus in your holiday celebrations? I would love to hear from you!

Just to inspire you, here are kitchen photos from Crate and Barell.

 

I was just wondering what if you grab this look and Christmas is over. Well, maybe you can use the greens and reds alternately. Anyway, the colors look modern so they would look good even when standing alone.

 

I found a lot of good stuff on Crate and Barell. Great place to shop.

Have fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All images from {Crate and Barrel} via {79ideas}

 

 

Here’s Part 2 of the Christmas Décor Ideas Series. Happy CHRISTmas!

 

 

Stop in the hurry of Christmas and listen for the angels’ song

Stand in the quiet and hear His voice

 

With your heart, hold on to Jesus

For the hope He brought is living on

And the song that warmed the winter night

Still changes lives

 

 

Joy to the world! The Lord is come

Joy to the world! Let your heart prepare Him room

We receive our King

Let heaven and nature sing!

 

1. Tulip centerpiece from Country Living. This looks really, really lovely!

2. Starry, pink Christmas balls used as fillers for a fruit tower.

3. Hot Pink Christmas Table setting. Noticed the silver berries? Silver, Crystal and Pink always look good together, don’t they?

4. Modern Christmas mantle from House To Home.

5. White Mini Christmas Tree also from Country Living.

6. I find this candle design from Martha Stewart very creative. The frost on the glass containers look sweet and .classy. Something I would want to decorate my home right now! ;)

7. Christmas Tree ornament idea from Country Living.

8. Tropical Christmas. I like how fresh flowers is used here. Also from Country Living.

*Lyrics from the song “Joy” by Avalon.

 

More photos coming up.

See you in the next post. Thanks for dropping by.

Happy Holidays!

I love the holidays because it is when the prettiest things come around—lovely decors, good food, huge gifts. And of course, the prettiest gift came on the first Christmas: A Beautiful Savior.

 

Here are a few of the lovely things that comes around during Christmas: Decorating Ideas I found in design websites and I hope this helps as you look for inspiration to decorate your own homes and spaces.

 

Just don`t forget that all the preparation and the celebration is all about the One who was born for us on that night. We don`t know the exact day God gave Jesus to us, but we`re celebrating His birthday on the 25th anyway—because we want to remember that day when His love was made perfect in us.

 

Pink, White and Light

 

1. Elegant Flower Ornament. I really love unique ornaments like this. Classic!

2. Cedar Chandelier. I`m making something like this for Simbang Gabi.

3. I really love these clear Christmas balls. Modern and elegant!

4. Christmas Tree Motiff: White, Pink, Silver and Clear. Sooo girly!

5. Fireworks-inspired twinkler that would brighten up any room. This will definitely look great in a Kid’s room. We`ve got a pink cabinet like that in the photo and adding this twinkler will definitely make the kids love it even more.

6. Japanese-inspired Parasol lamps. Even if there`s no snow in the PI!

7. Butterfly Wreath.

Part 2 coming up!

Merry Christmas!

It has been a long day. You wouldn`t believe how sleepy I am now but still trying to keep my eyes open. I`m waiting for my sister `cause she`s gonna prepare for a short talk in church tomorrow about Jesus and Santa and I`ve found a lovely video which she might find helpful and extremely cute—which you might also like to see.

 

So here it is.

 

 

I hope you have a good time tonight, if you`re having dinner or you just got home from a night out with friends or family or if you`re busy preparing your Christmas stuff.

 

Let`s always remember that Jesus is the heart of Christmas and we`re celebrating because of His awesomeness and coolness, because of His amazing love and grace.

 

W HY JESUS IS BETTER THAN SANTA CLAUS.

Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh.
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year.
JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies.
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited.
JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa ...
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap.
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl,what's your name?".
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and
He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly.
JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO.
JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry" ...
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys.
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but...
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree,
JESUS became our gift and died on a tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back in CHRISTmas, Jesus is the reason for the season.

We`re planning to decorate this weekend or in the next coming week, but still don`t have an idea how to do it! The past years, we adorned our huge palm tree in the garden with rain-like lights and it was fabulous. Thanks to my Uncle for the idea.

 

I was looking up on Martha Stewart`s website tonight  and I found this lovely things you can do with Christmas lights. If only we`ve got a big yard, I would do all of these in there!

 

Note: Remember to make sure you`ve got quality lights to avoid fires.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

                                                         Light Tree for walls

 

                                                                     Snowflakes

 

                                                                     Barn Lights

 

                                                                 Shooting Stars

                                                        Don`t you love this?!!

                                                                   Candy Cane

 

 

All photos are from the Martha Stewart website.

Instructions are also found there.

It`ll soon be Christmas and I`m in the lookout for creative decorating ideas we could use in church and also at home.

 

I found this really cool and resourceful idea for Christmas on Recaptured Charm. Perfect `cause we`ve got a lot of tea light candle left overs from last month`s acoustic night.

 

Well, all you need  are empty jars, frosting spray, and creativity!

 

 

And you`ll end up with this:

 

View the instructions here.

Beautiful, isn`t it?

 

Hope you`ll have a great time preparing for the holidays!