January 2. We celebrated our family Christmas party with my husband’s grown up children, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, a friend, and our son. The house was filled with the sound of chatter, laughter, the aroma of pansit, pies, green bean casserole, corn souffle, and pork steak with onion. The small nativity scene with a lighted star on top adorned the table shared with the statues of Divine Mercy and our Mother Mary at our entrance. Later, we had our traditional meal which started with a prayer followed by the opening of gifts. The grandchildren enjoyed flying their drones, courtesy of Sonny. The grown ups, on the other hand enjoyed listening and singing karaoke. My husband, Roy sang My Way and Besame Mucho. His voice was so cool that we asked for more. But what stood out that night for me was the joy in my heart enjoying music and the fellowship . Later, when it was just me and my husband, I sang and danced to my heart’s content. I rediscovered God’s gift to me of a good voice. I am glad to be able to share it this coming February during our Diversity Night in school. Sharing our gifts is a chance to acknowledge the Maker and thank Him for bestowing on us our talents.
Another thing I’ve gained an appreciation for and need to practice more often is the spirit of gratitude and rejoicing. It is something that I want to intentionally remind myself to do more often if not at all times.
Prayer: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit and bless the person reading it right now. Grant her a happy Spirit so that your Glory will be reflected through her. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.
Here is a sampling of things that make me happy. Praise God! Thank you dear Mother Mary for walking with me in this journey called life and for sending wonderful people my way. Thanks to all my readers. May God bless you a hundredfold this 2016!
Pope Francis raises the host during the Papal mass at the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.
Mi familia. My family.
Family
My mom and sister
The simple joys of life like tasting taho.
Travelling back to your country and going back to your roots.
Posing with my family and co-legionaries of Mary in Jan. 2015 in the Philippines. “Those were the days my friend…” and now we have literally grown sideways or otherwise and have kids.
More of my co-legionaries of Mary and family in our old house in the Philippines.
Singing karaoke with a twist with family in the Philippines.
With family, enjoying the peaceful view of the Everglades in Florida
Exercising with Pugsy or just being silly.
Whoo. Whoo. Another year of life. Priceless.
Ice cream, buko, and bonding. Priceless.
Getting IN TOUCH with the tree. Only in the Philippines.
All by myself and loving it. Priceless.
Appreciating God’s gift of nature in Thailand. Amazing.
What a backdrop! Praise and thank you Lord for the beauty of Thailand!
Ready to offer flowers for our Blessed Mother.
Our Mother and Her Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Praise and thank you, Lord for coming into our lives.
The chance to talk with friends and visit the elderly in a relaxed setting. Priceless.
The gifts from the sea. Praise you God for nourishing our bodies and our souls.
A gift of good cooks and nature’s bounty. Ang sarap! Yummy!
Bright colored treats for those with sweet tooth, the young, and the young at heart. Smile!
Basic comfort after a long trip in the countryside of Thailand. Oooh la la la….
Laughter and frisson with our four-legged friends. Omg! Only in Thailand!!!
