My Favourite Things

Ave Maria:)

All systems go for the season of Advent..what a beloved season, even if this is a season whose roots are in Christianity yet ..it is so powerful, it virtually infects, affects even peoples of different denominations.The joyful anticipation, hope.. the generosity that goes around in full circle -so palpable - you'd at least wonder what is the source of it all? Never mind if there is blatant materialism on the side... some are bound to abuse the season for vested interests.

 Perhaps if we preached the crucified Christ , full-blown adult God-Savior, hearts would automatically put up that resistant-discerning mode --- gingerly considering the radical proposition of Jesus -- Son of God who empties himself, willing to save mankind by first agreeing to enter into  human state and later on offer his very life thru a despicable death... But on the other hand ..if a soul were exposed to the humble birth of Jesus in a manger..the sight of Joseph and Mary.. a family just like ours..with real needs.. with real challenges..with crucial decisions to make.. that paves the way for the heart to take a close second look at this babe--> the Christ-child.

what is Advent all about?

In the Catholic Church, Advent is a period of preparation, extending over four Sundays, before Christmas. This refers, 

first of all, to our celebration of Christ's birth at Christmas;

 2)

 second, to the coming of Christ in our lives through grace and the Sacrament of Holy Communion; and 

3) finally, to His Second Coming at the end of time.

Our preparations, therefore, should have all three comings in mind.

 We need to prepare our souls to receive Christ worthily.

So How sad then to not have an inkling that this is the proper way to celebrate Christmas, tinsel and merriment, shopping and parties, these are but perks but not the essence of it 

  ... To experience a real Christmas  we must first  enter into the spirit of Advent . Praise the Lord!

Have you heard of the old Julie Andrews song: Sound of Music movie:

My Favourite things? it starts with the line: "Raindrop on roses and whiskers on kittens; Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens;... round paper packages tied up with strings..these are a few of my favourite things: oh dear Julie with the glorious , pure voice..thank you for sharing your talent to the world.

Hey... I'm sure we each could come up with a list of our favourite things..and not just for Christmas.

Let me try and go down memory lane for my own favourite things thru the years

Admittedly some remain cherished in my heart..while others ,I can do without..or at least just have a fond remembrance of it.. but no longer harbouring that : "I must have it..I must do it mental/emotional state" Thank God for the healing. hehe.

Tita Mye's list: (forgive me , if it'll turn out too bohemian...)

1) for the longest time ever.. maybe at least 15 yrs... ballroom dancing

It mustav' coincided with mid-life crisis hahahaha... seriously, music by itself kills me, especially music I love -- ballroom presents variety: latin, boogie, waltz, tango, rhumba, disco..all of which lift our spirits -- and when coupled with the dance form --ooh-la-la--paradise on earth.... God must have gotten dizzy watching me spin on the dancefloor... don't look now, but there was a time I needed my daily/weekly ballroom fix .... towards the last few years, decided to be serious and train for amateur competition.. hahaha, you may laugh now-- oh boy , watta crazy time.... if I won't dance now and sweetly give way to other sisters on the dance floor during parties, it's becoz I've enough ballroom hours in my life, so help me God.

2) syempre naman music -- there were the endless piano lesons with my late mother Lydia. there were my uncles including my father Ramon..playing oido piano, jazzy pieces, old standards -- dear Tio Nino, Uncle Dave -- a maestro on the guitar, even Uncle Bishop Mons would regal us with is rendition of Granada or the impossible Dream... later on around 12 or 13, a cousin Cely Japson taught me my first guitar piece: Our Day Will Come --- hahaha --the ebginning of my personal relationship with the guitar  ..." No one can tell me that I'm too young to know,I love you so..our day will come...." And music especially gospel music stays in my heart forever..thank You Lord. They say in heaven it's perennial worship music..as the angels and saints give glory to God non-stop... lookin forward to that.

3) uhhh ..ice cream? remember the Old Magnolia House on Aurora blvd: where students would order the yummiest Chocolate Parfaits, Peach Melba banana splits... Ice cream is such a comfort food... cakes too... baaad for the figure and blood sugar, I know, I know...

4) Movies.. I love all genres except horror and gory films or psycho thrillers.. I have enough thrillers in my life to have to watch fright films during my rest hours.

5)as of last 5 years... the computer: internet, making powerpoint presentations.. blogging, but you already know that hahaha... what can I say, addiction to this--computer use-- can make or break us... so may the Lord give us a prudent heart.May extended hours on the computer not destroy us or our relationships with others.

6)being an only child ..I actually love peace and quiet and am not frantic if I'm by my lonesome self-- if at all -- I have to make an effort to go out and mingle with people..as this is what God requires of us --to fellowship with others.... otherwise, alone with a good book, or tv movie is enough to while the hours happily.

7)non=stop bonding with beloved friends or cousins/relatives/ community brothers and sisters..... this is awesome, it is so cheap.. in fact it is free... you just need a telephone or face to face encounter..and bingo: Joy is in the air.. I'm sure Jesus invented this as He too had great bonding time with Mama Mary and the apostles --His buddies for sure

8)my late mother and father, Lydia and Ramon

9) my husband Dilbert and son Josh

10) daily prayer:the rosary meditated, holy mass if possible or visits to the Adoration chapel, pouring over the bible for the latest treasure find of wisdom and joy.....the prayer meetings.....! 

I haven't listed other things traveling, cooking,flea markets (ang cheap ano?)... or basically staring at trees and the skies seated on a monobloc chair with a footstool -- try it, it is so soothinggggggg.... libre pa.:-)

ALl these favourite things..whatever they may be..may they serve to lead us to what or Who must be our Most Favourite Being of All : our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

thanks for reading till the end..Let's enjoy the Advent season...God bless you dear Swee'peas... te mye E-mail me your own top 10... or whichever comes to your mind first... it makes you smile.

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Spiritual Fullness in Christ

 ⁶ So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, ⁷ rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

 ⁸ See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces^[a] of this world rather than on Christ.