Christmas

A few Christmases back, I greeted an aunt 'Happy Holidays' via email and I got a gentle reminder and lecture on how I should never greet that way because Christmas is not about celebrating the holidays but the birth of Jesus Christ our savior, hence I should always say 'Have a Merry Christmas' and yes that is writing CHRISTmas and not just the shortened Xmas - I have been doing so eversince. 

Today as I scroll thru and browse my social networking accounts I have noticed that never once did I come across a greeting saying 'Happy Holidays' or 'Merry Xmas' and it made me lovingly think of my aunt and that gentle reminder slash lecture years ago.

Thank you auntie for that and Thank you dear God for giving us the greatest gift of salvation with the birth of your son Jesus!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

2nd night

family is the theme of last night's simbang gabi homily...

  

                             

Simbang Gabi

Today marks the start of the Simbang Gabi, and while some so because they believe a their wish would come true after completing the nine day series, I believe there is more to that as we ponder on what Father Troy asked us in tonight's mass: "bakit ka nag-si-simbang gabi?"

Simbáng Gabi (lit. Night Mass) is a devotional nine-day series of Masses practised by Roman Catholics and Aglipayans in the Philippines in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary in anticipation of Christmas. Simbáng Gabi, which translates to Night Mass, is held from December 16 to December 24 and is usually done as early as 3 to 5 o' clock in the morning. On the last day of the Simbang Gabi, which is Christmas Eve, it is called Misa de Gallo, which literally translates to "Rooster's Mass". *

 

*info from wikipedia

 

Change my heart, Oh God

Our dear Household leader shook things up a bit the past HH meeting and told us to choose one song each for our worship. While perusing the pages of the Glory book, the lyrics of the song Change my Heart, Oh God caught my attention and though I do not know its tune I choose it nonetheless because the lyrics is akin to my personal prayers as I pray for guidance, grace and a clean heart.

                              
     
                         

Following Christ and embodying him is not easy - everyday is a challenge but as this song becomes my prayer may I continue the walking the right path...

and for all of this May God be Praised!!!

Dreams

It is often difficult to console a friend who grieves the lost of a family member. 

I myself just wanted peace and quiet and could not quite handle being asked "how are you doing?" countess of times in a day - I know people mean well but it can be too much to bear as it seems like every question asked is a reminder of the loss that I've had.

A few days ago my household sister's father passed away.  I could not possibly even imagine how heartbreaking it is but I somehow I know what it is like to be grieving inside yet putting a brave face for the world. I know what its like to try hard not to let the tears fall and let others see your vulnerability. I know what its like to get lost in your own thoughts and questions. I know what it is like to suddenly be emotional at the smallest thing that would make you remember.

Today as we were on the way to church we talked about dreams - specifically dreams about our dearly departed. We talked about our own interpretation of those dreams and the comfort that they somehow bring.

I know what its like to loose someone...the pain fades but it does not really go away. Today while staring at the church' stained glass window my thoughts drifting back to those dreams, I realized something - I'd like to believe that those dreams are God's way of answering our questions, giving us the assurance that we need and reminding us to put our faith in him and trust in his grand plans...

... and for all of this May God be Praised...