Day 359: A Roden Family Christmas

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year to remember the birth of a very special baby...the Messiah, our Savior Jesus Christ, who was sent by our heavenly Father to redeem us from our sins. In years past, I've been engulfed by the commercial value of the season, only looking at the lovely decors, lights and presents and never truly understanding the real reason for celebration. 


In recent years, I've been gradually stripping off the material girl in me and trying to live sufficiently on the most basic of necessities. I find that I can be happy as long as I can make my family happy - by simply being wifey and Mommy. I find joy in preparing gastronomic delights for them, seriously looking forward to their verdict ala "Iron Chef". "You're a good 'cooker', Mom!" is always music to my ears. 

This year, there is no tree, no decorations, lanterns nor garlands...in fact, you won't find wrapped presents anywhere. Even the kids were conscious about prevailing economics and did not ask what they were going to receive but focused on what they could give.  On Christmas day, the most they got were loot bags of candies and small party favors. Their Titos gifted them with shirts that they were obviously very thankful for.  And yet, their joy was not any less compared to Christmases past. If, at all, they seem to have more fun this year, being surrounded by family.



It is all about family...love and togetherness...the very reason of Christ's humble birth. May your own Christmas holidays be filled with Christ's love, joy and peace.


From our family to yours....MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Day 47: Good Samaritan

My son came home from school today carrying a sealed shoe box with his name scribbled on top.  He said that his entire class received a shoe box each and that they were gifts from God.  With much excitement, he opened the box and it revealed the following:

• a large box of crayons (48's)
• a Hotwheels Monster Truck
• a Lightning McQueen colored marker set
• a set of modeling clay
• a pair of socks
• 2 packs of dental floss
• a twin pack of Spiderman toothbrushes
• a Vaseline lip balm
• a small rabbit stuffed toy
• a children's book on Perseverance
• a pack of Bubble Yum
• a pack of Nerds candy
• a handy pouch with a pad of stickers

A closer look on the box revealed marks on the packing tape that says "Samaritan's Purse: Operation Christmas Child".  On the flap is a label indicating the word "BOY" with a check mark on the age range - "5-9 years old".  Before allowing my son to open the goodies inside, I confirmed with his teacher first if my son was indeed the recipient of such gift.

I did a quick search online for the name on the box and this is what their website says - "Samaritan's Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world."  One of their ongoing projects is called Operation Christmas Child wherein people pack shoe boxes with goodies for needy children and distribute them worldwide.   The organization aims to bring happiness to children and their families by living the life of the Good Samaritan.

And so, Jarred was right...it was indeed a gift from God. Thank you, Lord!