This Time of the Year

It's a wonderful cold breeze brought about by the season and the warmth of having family and friends together... 

Back home in the Philippines, this season has been in full swing since the -ber months have entered. Parols lined out in the streets, decorations extravaganza, the playful lights (I remember watching year by year a new lights set up at the CCP Complex whenever I go home by bus), the fluffy and tasty bibingka and sweet-that-melts-in-your-mouth puto bumbong after every Simbang Gabi which I can only satisfy my craving for once a year.  These are the little things that I miss from home and remind me 'tis the season! Coupled with my Mama's natural decor designing skills and master-planned Noche Buena.  It's always a full-blown feast in the PH, it doesn't matter if you have much as long as you have your family around the tree. (And by family, that includes our pet dogs and cats :> ) Meanwhile, in the Middle East, I am comforted to see Christmas decors up in Hotels and Malls, to hear carols from our Kababayans and greetings from our non-Christian friends and colleagues. I too give myself a little help by firing up my 8tracks with happy + Christmas songs (It gives me the feels...)

This is the first time celebrating Christmas away from home. (May tatalo pa ba sa Pasko ng Pinas?!) The season's spirit has delayed sinking-in to me, as I have only got to put on my Santa hat to do some Christmas shopping on Christmas day!! Putting away all the longing for family (friends included) and scrambling for gifts, is resetting yourself to the true reason of the season. No matter where you are or what you're going through - this is a time (more than ever) to be grateful to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for coming into our lives. PocketFuel has written it best. Isn't this a wonderful time to reflect and get fired up more for the coming year that's just a stone-throw-away? 
I hope you find meaning at this time of the year and exciting things to come in 2015! xxx

My Friend

 

I'm not just a Christian, I'm a Catholic. No matter what religion you're coming from - be it Islam, Hindu, Orthodox, Sikh, Shinto - I believe there is one powerful God watching our lives. The movie "God's Not Dead", isn't just a Christian movie catering only to a particular sector of the world's religions but is a very insightful, engaging, mind-boggling (if I may say) film that tickles your brain and makes you look deep into your self of who you are, where you're from and where you're going. With the setting in a University where the main character is a Freshman with a great love for God, debating and presenting arguments with his Atheist Philosophy Professor, relived in me my College life and how exciting it is to be in a 'think tank' room exchanging thoughts and insights. The movie was amazing in crafting it in such a way that it's relatable to different kind of people.

 

This wasn't only a movie to me but an experience that strengthened my faith in God. I personally believe that one's religion or belief is an individual choice. Your faith is a personal relationship you have with God. It's been quite some time since I last went to Church before seeing this movie (unexpectedly and unintentionally) with my cousins last night. I would've even chose to sleep on them. But again... I really do believe that things happen for a reason. And the reason I've acknowledged from this is that God made me want to remember that He is my Lord and Saviour. Jesus is my Friend.

 

 

And before putting myself to sleep, I opened my tiny Bible app in my iPod feeling so inspired. I want to share the open verse that popped up highlighted in green...

 

"For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male

nor female - for all of you are one in Christ" Galatians 3:27-28