"The Heart of Christmas..."

(from left-right: my older brother, me, my baby sister, our mom, my eldest sister, my other younger sister and her daughter)

I wish that Christmas is just being with the Family, enjoying good, funny, reflective conversations and savoring everybody's scrumptious potluck Filipino dish.
I wish that buying tangible gifts would be relegated in the background and just giving your best to creating loving, tender memories of grateful testimonials of how much God really love us; all of us. And that would translate to move ourselves to a higher ground" like cooking a meal for the homeless; visiting the nursing home residents and distributing Bibles in jails or just emptying ourselves from the cloak of pride and saturating our thoughts to His Word and promises.
You might think that I'm so full o f it viewed as a quiet hypocrisy but remember, it's a wish. But I don't think it's a wishful thinking, either.
I guess I'm just drained with so much commercial images and auditory bombardment that has led to how majority of us callously spend money we think we have but in reality, can't afford... We even buy things for the "heck" of buying. We can certainly blame the society's "stronghold" playing on our minds not to be "scrooge" but we can only blame our impulses.
 I believe that giving will always be the catalyst of celebrating Christmas only because of Christ's life- symbolical death on the cross...He gave us His life.
Now that we're approaching 2014, would it be that the greatest gift you could give to yourself is to accept Jesus in your heart as your personal Savior and Lord of your life. I sincerely believe it to be true...
Well, I'm just being raw and my thoughts unrestrained. However, my anchor still is in His refuge no matter what my circumstances are.
Wishing you guys a very Blessed Christmas. And Have a Safe Travel back to your Home.

"My Thoughtful "Take-Aways"

 The following quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes is a precursor to my "take- aways" this year.

      "To reach a port we must sail, sometimes with the wind, and sometimes against it. But we must not drift or lie at anchor."

This year has been an avatar ride. I gave myself permission to be a major proponent to alter my ego on building relationships. One day I just felt my life is all a jumble. My pie chart and bucket list for connecting and re-connecting with people stifled my personal growth. My "flip-flopping" emerges a lot when my expectations of people that I know can sail with me for the long haul just drift. I thought some people are just not cognizant and lacking the right perspective of my value as a woman of creativity and sensibility. I could be right on a target.

Giving your heart away to every relationship whether in friendship or romance and still didn't work out is a divine providence. You can't make people to love you the way you want to if they're not even capable of true reciprocity. They're not your anchor; just vessels for lessons learned. Don't stay in your present circumstances. Leave your safe harbor or niche. Be fearless and yet be thoughtful in leaving things behind. Go where God wants you.

I learned that what you make out of life is based on making wise decisions. Never let anyone put you as an option or the last recourse. That would be a heart's transgression if you allow people you love settling you as a" second fiddle or a third wheel." Know your worth. Demand it with grace. I for one believe in setting ultimatums; and boundaries. Don't drift from your real values. You would be happy to realize that your greatest inspiration is staying true to sacred ground. Chastity,  not being compromised. God honors your obedience of His Word.

IN life, nothing is guaranteed; I've heard and seen so many people who have perished this year which has caused  me to move my heart inwardly to a fresh take on living...and my mind, too!

What would I answer to God when He finally asks me what have I done with my life on earth for His kingdom. That would be the absolute "kicker" for me. And it is shameful to say that I haven't been what I'm supposed to be. That I know I could do more but decided just sailing endlessly because some people failed me audaciously. I just hope and pray that I get there to that glorious day with God's grace & mercy. 

Well, I'll be more passionate and logistic about writing and choosing people to ride with me "on the same boat." My avatar for filling the pages with words and humanity will be in consonance with what the Lord puts in the spirit of hope, and the wonders of His love in my craft and in my heart.

I can't thank you guys enough for reading my posts. 

A blessed, productive Monday, everyone!

"Saturday Dog Adventure"

Word Of Mouth...
My sister told me of Vanguard Veterinary Associates, P. C.  that comes to town twice a month. I knew that they're  scheduled to offer vaccinations, microchips, heartworm pills and other health services for dogs & cats exclusively, today from 9-11am .
Call it serendipity...I was in line with about 45 people waiting in the cold. Mind you, it was icy cold for me & Cocoa. There were increments of moments when I wanted to just go home and forget the great deal of money I'll be saving.
Then something struck my "big head." I should look at this as an adventure. Surely, my lens of perspective changed instantly. There was this immense of gratitude to see how many people are waiting to stand in line just to keep their dogs & cats well & healthy for a blessed price. I got to see many different breed of dogs ranging from Labrador Retrievers, Pitbulls, Chihuauas, Terriers, Bulldogs, German Shepherds & I even saw one that looked almost like my Cocoa. Only, this one is leaner and probably younger. That was a stellar moment.
It did make my heart to a flutter; to witness pet owners' sacrifice and a good sense of responsibility. I  had spontaneous conversations to some people; how their life have been changed to subtleness to the simple joys of living with a kindred kennel.
Dogs...they could really warm your heart and teach you to be more humble & grateful. I know mine does!

"Say Something..."

I go to You Tube and browse for new songs and  also listen to "old-time favorites."  In doing so, helps me craft my words. Music will forever be a very private/personal lifeline. There is an unspeakable joy that surges within that is uncontainable, mystical & gives you a unique freedom when you listen to a good song.

All that encompasses a great song is one that moves you and brings you to a better place in your heart where you don't feel stuck and disconnected; but gives you that audacity to be more of you--loving. hopeful & raw.
 
I could still remember vividly when I was in the elementary grade; I would wash by hands containers of dirty laundry by the front yard near the artesian well where you pump water. That would take me hours to finish the task. I didn't care for the heat that hovers my head & skin. The prickling/piercing temp. didn't bother me. My consolation was to have the radio with me so I could listen to the tunes of the Beatles, Air Supply, Bread, Simon & Garfunkel, Barbara Streisand, Bryan Adams, the Temptations and many more great artists of the 70" era. I say, nothing beats the soulfulness of that generation. That gave me the reservoir of enriched memories.

No wonder, it is a lifeline  for me...

So I heard this song. A couple of versions. But I like this one better...

"I need You Lord..."

          
           God's presence that wraps around us, is what we should be pursuing...through it all;
over the mountains, the seas and our darkest nights, He is all we need.

Love the images that convey the heart of God for us. May I go deeper in understanding
His plans for my life...I need you Lord Jesus.

             

"In Everything, Give Thanks..."

                  As we wait for my sister's lab work result, I trust the Lord's report. I'm just a bit disappointed that she won't be able to join us eat my roasted turkey and its trimmings. I would even let her bring her favorite wine.
I know she's in good hands. If she has to be admitted, we'll take the food to her. That way, she won't miss a thing.

This reminds me that while we pursue the business of the day, God's plan get in the mix. Of course, as a child of God, you will always have an inkling where you've missed the mark. And if we're obedient to the Holy Spirit promptings, no sickness or ailment could savage our bodies.

Meditate on  His truth that our bodies are his temple. Know what to inhale & exhale in your life...like going for an adrenalin rush for black Friday sales or stay home and just continue savoring the spirit of gladness in your heart.

Also thankful to those who read my blogs at heart.

Till tomorrow...

You Take Care Always

      

"Birthdays Are Today's Pivotal Reflection..."