Feliz Natividad ... from the bottom of my heart ...

 
I find it hard to begin this entry without mentioning the recent tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. To recall, a heavily armed man walked into a Connecticut elementary school and opened fire, leaving the whole nation in grief at the loss of twenty young school children and six adults. My heart cries out to every parent, grandparent, friends and neighbors shattered by this senseless act. As difficult and tender as this topic may be, I would like to imagine Christmas being celebrated joyously by these little ones, this time, surrounded by a throng of angels with our Maker on High. Dave Checkets, a lay minister for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, overseeing ten LDS congregations including the one in Newtown expressed, "… little children are alive in Christ. Though the nature of the crime is the essence of evil, our faith tells us that these children burst into the presence of God and are safe in His arms.” (Benedict, J. (2012, Dec 18).  Jeff Benedict: Witnessing grief and compassion in newtown. Retrieved from http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765618130/Witnessinggrief-and-compassion-in-Newtown.html?pg=1) 

 
How
comforting 
it is
to
know 
that – 
They 
are 
all 
safe 
in 
God’s  
arms.





Our neighborhood was recently petrified by a shooting incident that fortunately ended peacefully. I have nothing but gratitude - first off, for our safety. Anything that keeps my family safe and together is a great blessing. 

Family – my favorite F word. We have our own share of challenges but we are stronger than ever! 
It is my prayer that whatever we all go through in life, let’s not give up on – Marriage and Family! 


Extending family further, we have a community of church members who watch after another. I am pleased to be a member of Relief Society, a worldwide organization for women that believes in “Charity never faileth”. 

Through compassionate service, welfare and organizational related meetings and activities, Relief Society prepares women for the blessings of eternal life by helping them increase their faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and help those in need. Along with other auxiliary organizations, Relief Society women help organize gatherings and parties such as our recent Ward Christmas party which was attended by church members, neighbors and friends. It was joy for me to capture spontaneous moments that bring a spark of magic of the season.

Another F word I like is – Friends. It’s great to be out with a good company of friends. I hardly go out but when I do, I make sure it’s worth my time. I thank our many community leaders and organizers who keep the community united in many ways.

This year, I was able to participate and volunteer in many Filipino events, parties and dance presentations: 

I especially dedicate this segment to Mr. Mike Canlas, our Art Director. 
 
Kulturang Pinoy Ensemble
International Folk Festival in Sandy.








Celebrating with one of our own ...
Annie Parson's 25th Year Anniversary.
Along with the array of selection of traditional Filipino dishes, the party also served a delightful platter of entertainment - traditional Filipino dances accompanied by a live ethnic beat.

Wendover Day Trip

Wendover Related Post




Talking about photography … I gained many friends from my photography gigs. I appreciate all my models, volunteers and supporters. For the World Wide Web for all the inspiration, tutorials that unveil tips and tricks of this fine art. Thanks for many artists/photographer friends who have been generous in sharing their expertise in the field and whose works brought  inspiration and courage for me to, at least, try. 

I would like to thank my participants in my recent studio photoshoot. Thanks for your time and generous tips and compliments. 

We all celebrate Christmas in many ways. The best part of it all is how many of us do it in thanksgiving for all our blessings. One of my nieces celebrated her 14th birthday today.   My brother told me that all she wanted was a simple dinner and a movie date with the family. She also requested to spend the rest of her special day visiting the elderly in their neighborhood and bring them presents - a wish surely made come true by the proud parents of this young lady. This season brings a lot of heartwarming stories and the best ones are always authored by the little ones. As I was putting more presents under the Christmas tree, I saw a slight change of the positioning of the nativity scene. The wise men and the shepheds were turned toward the figures of Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus. I asked my daughter if she moved the figures. She said she did because ... "They have to see Jesus". I heard many similar stories from many families of their pure little angels doing the same. What a heavenly sent message because this season is indeed about seeing the Savior whose birth brought light to all mankind. 

 

May we all see it just like how children do. Merry Christmas to you all!