8 Special Gifts

In this season of austerity, Christmas should not always be about material gifts. The best gifts are those which maybe heartfelt and sometimes unseen. Here are some gifts you can freely give not just on Christmas but everyday.

1. The gift of Love - Everyone has a deep need to be loved and it is one of the best gifts we can give and receive, may it be expressed in different languages. We all have the capacity to love because He first love us.So freely share the Love. Its the only thing that matters.

2. The gift of Time - Quality and not quantity time. Giving time equates to saying "You are valuable to me". Sometimes, people just want to be given importance. It is giving someone undivided attention. The gift of time and togetherness also equates to Love.

3. The gift of Forgiveness - This is actually a 2-way gift since it benefits both the giver and receiver. When you release forgiveness, you let go of an emotional burden that you carry when you bear grudges. Forgiveness is a decision more than a choice when it involves the emotions. Forgiveness brings a blessing both to the giver and the receiver.

4. The gift of Kindness -  Random acts of kindness are always highly appreciated. A nice gesture, a word of comfort, a bright smile and a little help goes a long long way. Very rewarding gift as well as it gives back.
 
5. The gift of Friendship - No man is an island, we all need somebody in good times and in bad. It takes time and a relationship to make friendships last. You don't need many friends, you just need the real ones and its such a blessing to have this gift.

6. The gift of Laughter - One of the best gifts we can give is to share joy and happiness to others. As they say, Laughter is the best medicine. It can cure a cold or improve a mood, it can brighten up a day and make you feel light. I love to laugh. It is sheer delight. =)

7. The gift of Self - When you put others before yourself, consider their needs before your own then you are giving a gift of you. Selflessness equates to love.

8. The gift of Prayer - While there are times we can't do anything to help or we can't find the right words to say at the right time, this is the best gift we can ever give someone.

Indeed, the best things in life are free. So are the best gifts. May you have a Wonderful Christmas! Cheers!

Ways to beat the Holiday Blues and tips for a Stress-free Christmas Season

The consumerism of Christmas and the stress that goes with it can really get to us if we don't watch it. We are all faced with different circumstances that may cause the blues. It takes you a usual longer time to get from point A to point B these days and those annoying cab drivers who are picky with riders don't help either. We may be faced with different stresses but we always have a choice. Here are some ways I want to share to beat the holiday blues and have a stress-free Christmas :

1. Think about the real essence of the season and Thank Him - The reason for the season is bigger than any of our circumstance and there is No Greater Love than His love for us. That is enough reason to be thankful and joyful as we celebrate the birth of His son who died so we may live. Focus and fix our eyes on the Celebrant.

2. Exercise - Do some sporty stuff, hit the gym or at least the treadmill.  Exercise will reduce anxiety and stress. Physical Activity stimulates various brain chemicals that will improve your mood and make you feel good and happy. Plus with all the eating that comes with the season, exercise is beneficial to help you not gain a pound. =)

3. Be kind to yourself - 'Me time' is very important to me and I think so is to everyone else.Its all a matter of balance and not depriving yourself of sleep. Pamper yourself. Get a massage, a facial, a manicure/pedicure. Go to the Salon to change your look by all means.  Sometimes, its what it takes to beat the blues.

4. Count your blessings - There are so much to be thankful for in life. What are you thankful for today, this week, this month, this year, throughout your life?  Make a list so you may always be reminded of Gods goodness in your life. An attitude of gratitude spells out the difference. Make someone happy too, express your gratitude. Even a note or just saying thank you can brighten up your and someone else's day.

5. Share your blessings - There are so many who needs help. When you have an overflow, sharing it with others comes naturally. As you empty yourself out and pour heaps of blessings to others so you are refilled. Nothing beats seeing the smile you put on someone's face. Pray for them, give what you can.

6. Play Christmas Songs - That is what I am doing as I write this. Play Happy Christmas songs that will remind you of good times and not sad times. Sing along with the songs. It will definitely pick up your mood.

7. Spend time with Happy People - Because their joy is contagious and chances are, they will rub it off on you. Its the same when you hang out with toxic people. Ain't it true, Spend time with the people who matter, who loves you and who you love. It will make you happier. Laughter is always the best medicine.


My other tips would include( I do this and will continue to do so in the next Christmasses )

8. Plan ahead - Plan your schedules, plan your Christmas Dinner Menus way before the Holiday Season starts.

9. Order out or Potluck - You don't always have to slave in the kitchen when you have dinner parties. Its important that you relax and enjoy your guests as well. Sometimes, I just cook pasta and order a chicken dish and BBQ and get dessert.  Planned Potluck is the way to go nowadays. I ask people to bring a specific dish, drink or dessert for our get togethers. When there are quite a number of guests that we are inviting, its a better option to have the meals catered. Less stressful even for the staff.

10. Shop ahead - Grocery Shopping i mean. The Supermarket is one of the craziest places to go these days. Literally because the lines are so long. Everyone is preparing for their own celebrations too.

11. Shop for gifts all year round - I hate last minute shopping. I feel as though I am not able to give the best gifts when its not well-thought of and bought rushed.  Better yet, keep a gift box or a gift closet at home where you can store what you buy ahead.

12. Decorate ahead - While I know for some they put up their tree after thanksgiving. My tradition is to start decorating first week of November. When the house looks Chrismassy, its easy to get on the spirit. And if you are like me who loves Christmas - it is definitely a pick-me-up.

So there... I hope that this has been helpful. May you enjoy the holidays. Merry Christmas! Cheers! =)

A time to live and a time to die...

I heard of such sad news tonight that one of my dear friends who I haven't spent time with for quite a long time passed away.... and once again I am reminded how our time on Earth can be very brief.

I thought of a conversation with my dad earlier tonight when while watching tv, He asked if I believed in predestination. I said of course, all days of our lives have been predestined even before we were born. God knew beforehand the plans He has for us, even when and how we will die.

Our life is a gift and to show our appreciation to the life-giver, we ought to make our lives count that He may be glorified. Enjoy life but stay within bounderies. That is how to live free and peaceful. Its so true that we ought to " Dance like no one is watching. Love like you've never been hurt. Sing like no one is listening and live like its Heaven on Earth." Leave no room for regrets! =)

Thankful...

Today is Thanksgiving Day (at least in the U.S.) and while its no big deal here as we don't celebrate Thanksgiving, I would like to take time to reflect and write down things that I am thankful for...

I am thankful for Gods love, grace, faithfulness, mercy and help. Thankful that He sent His son to die on the cross for my sins... I was undeserving but I know am deserving because I have accepted Him in my life and in my heart.

I am thankful for the 'new life' He has given me. A new life of freedom, of second chances to make things right and live a life of obedience.

I am thankful for all the blessings. God has blessed me with much in the past, even now and I know that He will continue blessing my life for all of my days. I am thankful for my family, my friends, my future family, his provision for a comfortable life, for my health that is getting better ( I will be healed in Jesus name). 

Indeed, I am overflowing because of everything He is giving me that I am able to pour it out to the people around me...

Just remember that when things are not going the way you want it, having a sense of gratefulness will certainly put things in a brighter, better perspective. Its always good to count your blessings. Happy Thanksgiving! Cheers! =)

Its all about Grace...

Lately, I've been struggling with my inner demons. Having a general feeling of hopelessness about some things, days when I feel that my prayers don't get pass the ceiling, a feeling of enviousness why I am still waiting while the others have gotten the answers to their prayers. There are so many things I don't understand, I'm not in control of and a lot of "why's" haven't been answered. It sometimes just feels tiring. I just feel that its not fair and yes, I do feel a 'little tampo" to the Big Guy up there.

But He is ever-loving, ever understanding and a patient Father. He can tolerate the "Bratinella" in me. And He is ever-faithful too. I feel condemned and undeserving for He still talks to me. During my quiet time, He impressed to me that if things are not the way they are then I will not be able to feel, understand and receive the GRACE! Its all about Grace.... Now I feel rotten with guilt being a brat but I am oh so thankful. =)


"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect for weakness". Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. ( 2 Cor. 12:9-10)

Countdown to year end...

Oh my Gawrsh! Only 30 days to go before Christmas. The nights are breezier and longer, the traffic seems to get worst too. Hahaha. The tree has been put up and the unit is already decorated, I am almost done with my Christmas shopping although I haven't started wrapping yet BUT I honestly don't feel it  yet. BOO! I know, right? There is just so much to do, many loose ends to tie up before 2010 ends...

I don't really feel good about it. After all, Christmas is about "HIM", its not about me or getting what I want. I hope to come around feeling the Christmas spirit soonest, just letting things go and enjoying it. Its going to be a different Christmas definitely because my sister and her family will not be spending it with us and its our first without my grandfather who passed away last month but nevertheless, I am hopeful that this will be a happy one as well. I guess its all about learning to ride with the waves and coping with change when things are beyond your control...

What do we value as a family? ...

I saw this post from a Pastor in my FB and it made me think of this. What are the core values that we have as a family? Just like any organization which has a mission/vision statement, a family should also have something to live by that glues them together. I thought of asking my dad but somehow, never got to talk to him about it but I asked my siblings for their inputs. Here is what we came up with :

1. Unity - Dad always reminded us time and again that we should always be united in making major decisions concerning the family specifically. What should work should work for the good of all of us not just one of us. We are each others greatest ally, not enemies. We've got each others back covered. We are Team "V".

2. Loyalty - Our allegiance and devotion belong to each other first and foremost. We may not always agree on the same things but we know where our loyalties lie and we will stand by each other no matter what circumstance, good or bad. We draw strength from each other.

3. Time - No matter how our lives get busy and how far we are from each other, we give each other time. Giving time is another way of saying " You are valuable to me" and spending time equates to showing how important we are to each other, that we are a priority to one another and that we put a premium in family togetherness. We never miss out on occasions, Sunday dinners, spontaneous eat outs or malling, travelling, webcamming, text or a phone call.

4. Humor - The secret to enjoying each others company is our capacity to make each other laugh. We like being together even if we don't do anything special. It is always fun.

5. Generosity - Our dad is a generous dad and he gives the best gifts. He is also generous in extending help to those in need. He raised us not to be selfish and greedy. We are encouraged to share. Bawal madamot.

6. Love - We have so much love for each other that it overflows. This is where our security and affirmation comes from and we never let a chance pass that we are unable to express it in different forms. We are imperfect people, we all have our individual faults but its the love that makes us forgive and accept each other.

These are the things that I think we value as a family. We are blessed to have each other. Someday, when I have my own family to raise with thy beloved, I will impart these and more to my children ( the more has yet to be resolved... hehehe).