Precious Moments

Children's Day

2012-01-13T12:50:00.024+07:00

Today is the eve of Childrens' Day in Thailand and JM's first in his new school. Classes were cancelled and the rest of the day was spent on fun activities, dancing, games and of course, a really filling lunch for students and teachers courtesy of the students parents.

At my faculty office with my favorite red teddy bear.

Above was my lunch, I had ham fried rice, sushi, pizza, KFC chicken and a delicious desert made of blueberry and nuts.

The grade 8 classroom with the students lunch table.

For students' exchange gifts.

A scene from the campus on Childrens' Day.

Happy New Year 2012 !

2012-01-01T15:48:00.009+07:00

Wishing you all, happiness, health, prosperity,peace and blessings in the year 2012 !

New Years' Day Photos

2012-01-01T09:15:00.018+07:00

We attended the New Years' Day mass at Assumption Cathedral and we saw this beautiful nativity scene on the left side of the altar.

The baby Jesus on His crib.

After mass, we proceeded to the Mall Bangkae for New Years' Day dinner. Glowing reindeers are a sight to behold.

And this giant Christmas tree as well !

JM poses at the foot of the glowing, giant Christmas tree.

New Years' Day dinner at last at Sukishi Buffet.

We had a great time grilling and . . . . . . .

and eating sushi !

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012 !!

Gloria In Excelsis Deo

2011-12-25T15:37:00.011+07:00

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2 : 8-14

Christmas Fun Fair 2011

2011-12-24T09:40:00.018+07:00

Last Day in Ratchaburi

2011-11-29T15:11:00.020+07:00

Ceramic Garden

2011-11-28T23:26:00.020+07:00

Photos taken from Tao Hong Thai Ceramic Factory

Khao Wang Temple, Ratchaburi

2011-11-27T13:52:00.014+07:00

Photos taken at Khao Wang Temple, Ratchaburi.

Nine Levels Waterfall

2011-11-24T23:18:00.011+07:00

Photos taken at the Nine Levesl Waterfall, Suan Pheung, Ratchaburi.

Welcome to Suan Pheung !

2011-11-24T23:13:00.007+07:00

Suan Pheung, my favorite place in Ratchaburi !

The Scenery Vintage Farm

2011-11-24T10:52:00.016+07:00

Photos of John Michael, dad and gradma taken at The Scenery Resort Vintage Farm, Suan Pheung, Ratchaburi

Swiss Valley Resort

2011-11-24T10:32:00.000+07:00

Photos of John Michael, dad and grandma taken at Swiss Valley Resort, Suan Pheung, Ratchaburi.

A Day in Phetchaburi

2011-11-22T12:39:00.025+07:00

Photos taken from Wat Kampang Lang Temple and Hat Chao Samran Beach in Phetchaburi province.

More From Ratchaburi

2011-11-21T21:38:00.009+07:00

Saint Peter's Church, Ratchaburi

2011-11-20T21:33:00.013+07:00

Bears and Christmas

2011-11-20T21:26:00.014+07:00

Photos taken at Robinson's, Ratchaburi

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King

2011-11-20T00:01:00.012+07:00

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

Matthew 25:31-33

Ban Khu Bua Ancient Town

2011-11-19T14:41:00.003+07:00

Photos taken from Ban Khu Bua Ancient Town, Ratchaburi.

King Rama 2 Memorial Park and Museum

2011-11-16T15:24:00.004+07:00

Photos taken from King Rama 2 Memorial Park and Museum , Samut Songkhram.

Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady

2011-11-16T13:00:00.008+07:00

Photos taken from the Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady,
Bang Nok Khwaek, Amphoe Bang Khonthi, Samut Songkhram Province.

Floating Market

2011-11-16T11:41:00.019+07:00

A Thai spirit house guarding the Damnoen Saduak floating market.

We arrived at the floating market rather late, around fifteen minutes to twelve noon. There were a few boat peddling fruits, vegetables, live plants and food.

Longan for sale.

JM, dad and grandma chatting with boat peddler on the side of the canal.

Peace!

Fruits galore at very low prices.

Fruits and live plants on a boat.

A boat full of bananas.

A few boats waiting for customers at past noon.

Thai handicrafts for sale in one of the boats.

Moving on to another part of the market.

Thirst quenching coconuts anyone ?

Photos taken from Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Ratchaburi.

Chom Pol Cave

2011-11-15T22:36:00.006+07:00

Suan Pheung (Garden of Bees)

2011-11-15T22:23:00.003+07:00

Phra Pathom Chedi at Night

2011-11-14T22:13:00.006+07:00

Photos taken at Phra Pathom Chedi, Nakhon Pathom.

Samphran is Flooded !

2011-11-14T10:49:00.004+07:00

Weekend Market Along the Mekong River

2011-11-13T22:48:00.014+07:00

This evening we explored the weekend market along the Mekong River. The food was great, so many products were being sold at rock bottom prices. I shopped till I dropped !

Spaghetti at lunch time, chicken spaghetti at dinner time, plus fish steak and salad and sushi. Delicious !

Pets like this bulldog pup were also being sold at the weekend market.

Chulalongkorn bridge as seen from the Mekong river.

My son takes a view of the Mekong river.

This boat takes passengers to cross the other side of the river.

Early vendors and shoppers at the market.

Here's one really nice activity at the market, painting cartoon characters !

Have a great week everyone !

One Sunday Morning in Ratchaburi

2011-11-13T22:23:00.014+07:00

We attended our first Sunday mass in Ratchaburi at Saint Peter's Catholic Church. Photos above were taken outside the church before mass.

The Immaculate Concepcion Seminary is located in the same compound as the Catholic church.

The compound is owned by the Catholic Mission Center of the Ratchaburi Diocese.

The grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.

We had our first Pizza lunch at the Pizza Company, the only pizza restaurant in Ratchaburi province.

Our seafood pizza.

Ham and mushroom spaghetti in carbonara sauce for mom and JM.

The Parable of the Talents

2011-11-13T00:10:00.006+07:00

For to everyone who has,more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has,even what he has will be taken away.

Matthew 25:29

Loy Kratong Festival

2011-11-10T17:15:00.023+07:00

This night we witnessed the Loy Kratong festival in Ratchaburi province. I looked around to see interesting kratong designs and many were uniquely made. Photos below.

Kratong or float is basically made of banana leaves and trunk, flowers, a candle, incense and a coin of any amount. Nowadays it can be made of anything, from chunks of styrofoam, lottery tickets and bread!

The kratongs above are made of bread, made attractive by food coloring and each designed artistically.

Plain looking kratongs made of bread and decorated with dendrodium orchids and marygolds.

Bread kratongs decorated with paper flowers.

A view of the Mekong River with lots of people joining the festival. Two giant kratongs were seen floating from a distance.

A giant purple,pink and orange colored kratong.

A smaller hot pink kratong.

A kratong replica of the Suphanahong, the king's boat.

JM and dad watching the lions' dance.

I saw a green tree and a . . . . .

pink tree.

More Views of Ratchaburi

2011-11-10T16:15:00.014+07:00

Pretty wildflowers grow near the rice fields.

Evening skies in Ratchaburi with fog beginning to descend in distant hills.

JM and dad pose for a souvenir photo with the city view at the background.

Green rice fields and hills give a soothing relief to tired eyes.

The other side of the rice fields.

Here's the clock tower on top of a hill.

A view of the city of Ratchaburi with the clock tower in the foreground.

Yummy !

2011-11-09T22:47:00.021+07:00

While touring around Rachaburi, we passed by a place famous for bats that would leave caves at around 6 PM to look for food. We didn't really wait for the show, instead the evening market caught our attention. There were a lot of goodies sold at bargain prices. And the foods on sale were tempting. My son bought crispy fried chicken for dinner and for me, I opted for crispy catfish salad and fruit gelatine. Other gastronomic delights we found were too much to bring home for dinner and below are some of my favorites :

Sushi

Pizza

Assorted Meatballs on Sticks

Fruit Gelatine (I took these home for desert.)

Donuts and

Bakery Products

Happy eating !!!

Views of Ratchaburi

2011-11-09T10:34:00.008+07:00

Monkeys

2011-11-08T21:43:00.001+07:00

Monkeys are one of Ratchaburi's tourists attractions. They would welcome visitors carrying bags of corn and bananas by following them and standing up on their hind legs. With the number of visitors that passes by each day, it seems they never get enough of their fill. See pictures below.

All Souls Day

2011-11-02T00:24:00.015+07:00

Deliver Them from Purgatory

My Jesus, by the sorrows Thou didst suffer in Thine agony in the Garden, in Thy scourging and crowning with thorns, on the way to Calvary, in Thy crucifixion and death, have mercy on the souls in purgatory, and especially on those that are most forsaken; do Thou deliver them from the terrible torments they endure; call them and admit them to Thy most sweet embrace in paradise.
Amen.

All Saints Day

2011-11-01T00:01:00.009+07:00

"The glorious company of the apostles praise Thee.
The goodly fellowship of the prophets praise Thee.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise Thee.
All Thy saints and elect with one voice do acknowledge Thee,
O Blessed Trinity, one God!"

Antiphon at Lauds. from the Te Deum

We're Flooded !

2011-10-31T23:16:00.004+07:00

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T00:40:00.009+07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN !!!

Seven Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees

2011-10-30T11:41:00.008+07:00

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,"The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carryand lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.'As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.'You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father;you have but one Father in heaven.Do not be called 'Master';you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant.Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Matthew 23:1-12

Burned Biscuits

2011-10-29T22:13:00.019+07:00

When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. I remember one night in particular when she made breakfast after a long, hard day at work.

On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad.

I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school.

I don't remember what I told him that night but I do remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits."

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and asked if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said "Your mom put in a long hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides... A burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!"

You know, life is full of imperfect things... and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything...

I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults and choosing to celebrate each other’s differences,
is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing and lasting relationship.

So... please pass me a biscuit. And yes, the burned one will do just fine !

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.
Love the people who treat you right and forget about the ones who don't.

ENJOY LIFE NOW - IT HAS AN EXPIRATION DATE!

Landmarks Models

2011-09-14T00:45:00.009+07:00

Empire State Building

Bridge on the River Thames

Religious Images of Thailand

2011-09-12T01:20:00.012+07:00

Sports Day 2011

2011-08-26T13:00:00.031+07:00

JM in today's sports day.

It's sports day in JM's school. We all watched the opening ceremony this morning in the school oval. Above is the parade of colors.

JM marching during parade with his orange teammates.

The orange team cheering squad all set to cheer for their sports participants.

JM having a snack of pork balls in a stick.

Looking at mom at the backdrop of gloomy skies.

JM at the cheering stand waiting for his turn to cheer.

The orange team banner.

The neighboring blue team cheering for their teammates

SMILE ! It been a really good day for all despite the cloudy skies, everyone had fun !

Saint Louis Marie de Montfort

2011-07-20T00:45:00.005+07:00

We never give more honour to Jesus than when we honor his Mother, and we honor her simply and solely to honour him all the more perfectly. We go to her only as a way leading to the goal we seek - Jesus, her Son.

-St. Louis Marie de Montfort

Confirmation Day

2011-05-22T18:06:00.017+07:00

JM had his photo taken at home before leaving for the Confirmation ceremony.

All dressed up and all set to go.

A souvenir photo with his red stole on and the Holy Spirit represented by a dove in the background.

JM, second from the left with the group of confirmants.

First souvenir photo with godparents.

JM receiving the sacrament of Confirmation with his sponsors laying their right hands on his shoulder.

CCD spiritual directing handing over JM's Confirmation certificate and gift.

Confirmation cake.

Second souvenir photo with godparents.

God Bless you on your Confirmation Day JM !

Confirmation Song

2011-05-15T00:14:00.007+07:00

In celebration of John Michael's Confirmation on May 22, 2011.

Making Rosaries

2011-05-11T23:18:00.009+07:00

Helping out in the new family business.

Remembering Mothers

2011-05-08T00:30:00.009+07:00

Remembering Esperanza Cembrano. Mom, I miss you !

Happy Mothers Day !!!

2011-05-08T00:14:00.006+07:00

Confirmation Retreat Day

2011-05-07T22:58:00.019+07:00

Today, JM attended a one day retreat in preparation for his Confirmation day on the 22nd of this month.

His group designed an outfit for the Holy Spirit which competed with other entries in the Holy Spirit Fashion Show.

Photo taken during lunch break . . . .

and enjoying a relaxing time alone in the peaceful environment of the Fatima reception hall.

End of the day photo taken outside the retreat center. God Bless You JM !

The Statue of Liberty

2011-05-02T00:12:00.009+07:00

Home Made Rosaries

2011-05-01T01:03:00.011+07:00

We are now making rosaries, made of precious and semi-precious stones at home. Visit http://heavenlyrosaries.blogspot.com/ to view our products.

Pope John Paul II

2011-05-01T00:03:00.011+07:00

Views from the Chao Phraya River

2011-04-30T00:01:00.007+07:00

We took some photos today at the pier while waiting for the ferry that will took us across the Chao Phraya River. Our destinations, Chinatown and Indian town. JM passed the time by watching speeding boats which carried tourists passengers.

A ferry waits for the arrival of passengers.

A spirit house guards the pier.

Hidden behide these trees are boys having fun swimming along the river bank.

A view of Chinatown from the other side of the river.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

2011-04-29T23:10:00.014+07:00

JM spends his summer holiday at home by assembling models of the world's famous landmarks. Today he worked on the leaning Tower of Pisa.

This is the finished model. Perfect in every detail !

Summer

2011-04-28T00:57:00.006+07:00

Summer is my favorite time
Its a juicy piece of fruit to dine
Its watermelon and corn--
Its a beautiful sun-lit morn
Summer is the best of all
Its jumping rope, and playing ball
Its lemonade and ice tea
Its ants, and bugs, and honey bees
Summer is the most fun
Its a happy, smiling, warm sun
Its chasing butterflies, outside
Its fireflies...at even-tide
Summer is by far, great
Its sleeping in, and staying late
Its hikes, its bikes, and climbing trees
Its bumps, bruises, and skinned knees
Summer is the one, I adore
Its seashells and sea shores
Its buckets, shovels, filled with sand
Its beaches, bikinis, and golden tans
Summer is my favorite season
Without a doubt, and good reason
Its fishing ponds and swimming pools
And best of all there is no school.

by Kelley

Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T11:21:00.007+07:00

Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed; until then they had not understood the scriptures, which showed that He must rise from the dead.

John 20:8-9

Holy Saturday

2011-04-23T11:00:00.008+07:00

EXPECTANCY

Now in the place where He was crucified, there is a garden and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There they laid Jesus.

John 19:41-42

Good Friday

2011-04-22T10:00:00.007+07:00

GOD'S LOVE

It is finished and He bowed His head and gave up the spirit.

John 19:30

O dear Redeemer, you underwent such agonized suffering for me, in order to restore me, may I show you my thankfulness in my penitence for my sin, my ardent desire to fight against sin, and above all in my love for You. I venerate Your cross, O Lord, for by virtue of the Cross, joy has come to the whole world. O Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy and immortal, have mercy upon me. Amen.

Holy Thursday

2011-04-21T13:56:00.010+07:00

WASHING OF THE FEET, THE INSTITUTION AND THE WATCH

VIGILANCE

After Jesus has washed their feet, had put on their robes, and had returned to the table, he said to them, 'Do you know what I have done to you ?

John 13:12

Holy Wednesday

2011-04-20T00:07:00.004+07:00

BETRAYAL

Judas Iscariot,went unto the chief priests,
And said unto them, what will you give me, and
I will deliver them unto you ?
And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
And from that time, he sought opportunity
to betray him.

Matthew 26:14-16

Holy Tuesday

2011-04-19T00:34:00.010+07:00

AUTHORITY

Now has the Son of Man been glorified.

John 13:31

Hot Monday !

2011-04-18T23:51:00.008+07:00

We are now on the first day of the last week of summer school and it was so hot today! JM cools off with a bottle of cold water after lunch and back to his classes at 1:00 PM. Thank God for air-conditioning !

He's been a really good boy and student in the duration of the summer school. Reward awaits him this coming Friday. Keep up the good work JM !

Holy Monday

2011-04-18T00:27:00.002+07:00

ANOINTING AND CLEANSING

Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair.

John 12: 3

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

2011-04-17T01:20:00.009+07:00

The disciples went and did as Jesus had ordered them.They brought the ass and the colt and laid their cloaks over them, and he sat upon them.The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road.The crowds preceding him and those followingkept crying out and saying:“Hosanna to the Son of David;blessed is the he who comes in the name of the Lord;hosanna in the highest.”

Matthew 21:6-9

Saint Basil's Cathedral Moscow

2011-04-16T12:40:00.010+07:00

Saint Basil's Cathedral Moscow

Hope

2011-04-15T09:52:00.011+07:00

Hope looks for the good in people

instead of harping for the worst.

Hope opens doors where despair

closes them.

Hope draws its power from a

deep trust in God and the basic

goodness of human nature.

Hope "lights a candle" instead of

"cursing the darkness."

Hope regards problems, small or

large, as opportunuties.

Hope pushes ahead when it would

be easy to quit.

Hope is a good loser because it

has the divine assurance of final

victory.

Father James Keller, M.M

Founder, The Christophers

Thai New Year 2011

2011-04-08T22:28:00.025+07:00

JM was all set to play water with his water gun in todays Songkran festivities for kids only.

There were several events during the day that interested me and one of these was the sand pagoda competition. The participants in this event were all teenagers. I went around to choose the two best entries. The one above was my second choice, and the sand pagoda below in my opinion . . . .

was the most beautiful !

Really young kids had a lot of fun playing in the inflated playground.

The pole climbing competition was also fun, but it was so difficult to win due to the discomfort caused by scorching summer heat.

Buddhist bathed this Buddha image with perfumed water.

My son inspected his water gun in preparation for the biggest Songkran event . . .

playing with water !

His smile tells, a fun way to cool off during this hot, humid summer is to play water during Songkran. It was a truly enjoyable day for JM and he will join this event again next year !

More Summer School Photos

2011-04-07T23:51:00.007+07:00

JM is enjoying summer course at his new school.

Learning takes place every morning and students enjoy fun activities in the afternoons.

His new school has a lot of interesting things to see and explore.

From botanical gardens, to zoos, sports facilities and more !

Summer course will be over in a week's time and I hope you had fun !

My Son Has Grown Up

2011-04-06T00:39:00.010+07:00

My son has grown to be a handsome 13 year old sophomore high school student.

Time flies ! I want to capture every precious moment while he is 13, knowing I'll miss him as he is now when he's 23. Mommy loves you JM !

Papaya Salad

2011-04-03T00:15:00.012+07:00

Lunch this Sunday was Thai food. We had dry seafood sukiyaki, crispy catfish salad, sticky rice and papaya salad. JM opens his first serving of sticky rice in a basket.

Fresh vegetables went with the meal. I'm not a fan of sticky rice, but I love the way it is served. This is our fresh papaya salad . . . . with no chili of course !

The pond with a Thai traditional sculpture in the middle and two Chinese inspired carvings.

Cold Monday at Summer School

2011-03-28T23:23:00.018+07:00

It's been an extremely cold Monday at school today. Most of the kids attending summer school (It should be called winter school instead.) wore jackets and sweaters except JM. How could my son brave the cold weather that we in Bangkok are experiencing now ? He said, it's not too cold mom, the weather is fine. But not to most of us.

Your smile warms my day JM !

Summer School Photos

2011-03-25T00:21:00.001+07:00

13th Birthday Photos

2011-03-23T12:14:00.010+07:00

Happy 13th Birthday !

2011-03-23T11:37:00.012+07:00

JM's lovely birthday cake. The birthday boy decorates his cake with candles . . . . . . lights them up, Beautiful ! and blows them all ! HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY JM !!

Summer School 2011

2011-03-21T11:33:00.003+07:00

JM is attending summer school 2011.

Pink Adenium

2011-03-05T23:25:00.007+07:00

Ti's the season for Adenium flowers to bloom.

Gemstones

2011-03-05T23:06:00.018+07:00

Rutilated Quartz

Ruby

Peridot Star Sapphire Citrine

Gemstones in box.

Red Flowerettes

2011-02-28T00:07:00.006+07:00

Thanks to the sun and the occassional showers. This potted plant in our balcony now bears red flowerettes.

Orchid Shopping

2011-02-27T23:30:00.011+07:00

Today, we went to an orchid mart to buy new orchid hybrids. I chose dendrobiums, because this specie bears lots of flowers year round, is resistant to harsh environment conditions and inexpensive as well. JM holds two of the dendrobium hybrids we took home.

Pink and . . . . .

and white fragrant cattleyas.

Choco mokara

Pink . . . . . . . . . .

and purple vandas.

Travel Magazine

2011-02-27T00:15:00.002+07:00

A magazine cover I made using MyPictureonMagazine.com.

Take Me Out of the Dark

2011-02-26T21:25:00.003+07:00

Growing in My Garden

2011-02-19T22:39:00.009+07:00

Valentine's Cake

2011-02-16T23:12:00.009+07:00

My Valentine's Day cake with white frosting, glazed with chopped nuts on the sides and topped with fresh fruits . . . partially eaten even before I can take a picture of it.

Happy Valentine's Day !

2011-02-14T09:46:00.005+07:00

Always My Son

2011-01-25T09:15:00.007+07:00

You are my son, a part of me, and that will never change,

No matter what you do in life my love will still remain.

I held you as a baby and I looked into your face,

And I knew then, no other one could ever take your place.

I knew then as I held you, you would grow to be a man,

And anything you did in life I’d try to understand.

I knew you would make choices and would follow your own heart,

I only prayed that in your life I’d always have a part.

I knew some things you did in life would give me so much pride,

But also realized some things would tear me up inside.

I only want the best for you and want you to succeed,

And want you to find happiness with everything you need.

I can only guide you and give you a helping hand,

You will choose the path to take now that you are a man.

Along the road that you will choose, whatever that may be,

Just remember this my son that you can count on me.

I will not try to push you to live life in my own stride,

I only promise I will love you and stand by your side.

I know that you will make mistakes and life is full of them,

But realize my love for you will not let me condemn.

I know this life's not perfect and we do the best we can,

Just realize I love you and I’ll always understand.

I knew one day you would grow up and you would leave my nest,

I will do what I can for you and let God do the rest.

I have held you in my arms and done the best I can,

Now I pray that God will hold you now that you're a man.

Just remember in my heart you are a special one,

And I will always proudly tell the world, "this is my son."

by James A. Kisner

New Year's Day Photos

2011-01-01T11:13:00.028+07:00

Photos taken at Sun Flower Farms, Chair of Saint Peters Church, Phasak Cholasit Dam.

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-01T00:05:00.009+07:00

Prayer for the New Year

O God of new beginnings and wonderful surprises,

thank you for the gift of a new year.

May it be a time of grace for me,

a time to grow in faith and love,

a time to renew my commitment

to following Your Son, Jesus.

May it be a year of blessing for me,

a time to cherish my family and friends,

a time to renew my efforts at work,

a time to embrace my faith more fully.

Walk with me, please,

in every day and every hour of this new year,

that the light of Christ might shine through me,

in spite of my weaknesses and failings.

Above all, may I remember this year

that I am a pilgrim on the sacred path to You.

Amen

Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T16:48:00.023+07:00

The message says it all ! A blessed Christmas and a prosperous new year to one and all !!!

Above is the ancient and elaborately designed altar of Assumption Cathedral, beautifully decorated for the celebration of Christmas.

The statue of Our Lady of the Assumption.

The statue of the infant Jesus on His crib on display for public veneration.

JM poses at the front of the nativity scene.

The nativity scene of Assumption Cathedral, Bangkok.

Another nativity scene located in the compound of Assumption College.

Our nativity scene at home.

A just for Jesus stocking with prayers inside.

My little Christmas tree all lighted up for Christmas day.

My giant Christmas tree and wreath on our staircase.

A Christmas Creed

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I believe in Jesus Christ and in the beauty

of the gospel begun in Bethlehem.

I believe in the one whose spirit glorified a little town;

and whose spirit still brings music to persons all over the world,

in towns both large and small.

I believe in the one for whom the crowded inn could find no room,

and I confess that my heart still sometimes

wants to exclude Christ from my life today.

I believe in the one who the rulers of the earth ignored

and the proud could never understand;

whose life was among common people,

whose welcome came from persons of hungry hearts.

I believe in the one who proclaimed

the love of God to be invincible:

I believe in the one whose cradle was a mother's arms,

whose modest home in Nazareth had love for its only wealth,

who looked at persons and

made them see what God's love saw in them,

who by love brought sinners back to purity,

and lifted human weakness up to meet the strength of God.

I confess my ever-lasting need of God:

The need of forgiveness for our selfishness and greed,

the need of new life for empty souls,

the need of love for hearts grown cold.

I believe in God who gives us the best of himself.

I believe in Jesus, the son of the living God,

born in Bethlehem this night, for me and for the world.

Merry Christmas !

2010-12-25T00:05:00.005+07:00

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

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Key of David, come and deliver the captives from their prison. By Thy coming free us from all that separates us from God. Bring us freedom and redemption; incline us to surrender ourselves completely to God. So all pray for each, and each for all.

Excerpted from The Light of the World by Benedict Baur, O.S.B.

Christmas in Bangkok

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JM at the entrance of the Siam Paragon.

Shoppers looking at and shopping for Christmas and new year gifts.

The side doors of our parish were nicely decorated for this years Christmas celebration.

This giant Christmas tree decorates the front of our parish church.

The altar of our parish with the brightly decorated crib on its right side.

Silver bells, it's Christmas time in the city of Bangkok, JM.

A giant rabbit stands at the entrance of the Christmas carnival at Siam Paragon.

Pretty pink bells along the Paragon's walkway.

A tall gold metallic Christmas tree adorns the entrance of the Siam Paragon.

Giant rabbits guards the entrance to Christmas wonderland.

Christmas carnival !!!

A giant snowman at LH Bank smiles at visitors looking around at the beautiful Christmas presentation.

Snow White and the seven dwarfs were there too !!!

JM in an adorable Christmas home !!

A giant tree adorns the grounds of LH Bank.

Gifts are all over Christmas wonderland !

Merry Christmas from Donald Duck !!!

A giant, blue Christmas tree draws crowds because of its uniqueness !

A very Merry Christmas to one and all !!!

Photos were taken at the following locations : Holy Redeemer Church, LH Bank and the Siam Paragon.

Philippines Helps With the Vatican Nativity Scene

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Gaudete Sunday

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‘See this is our God in who we wait;

He will save us!

He is the Lord

we have awaited Him in fullness

and we exult and rejoice in His salvation.’

Isaiah 25: 9

Rose vestments are worn to emphasize our joy that Christmas is near, and we also light the rose candle on our Advent wreath.

CCD Christmas Pageant 2010

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JM took a moment to pose for a souvenir photo during the 2010 Christmas Pageant. This was the seventh Christmas Pageant he participated in since CCD grade 1.

The birth of Jesus was the highlight of the Christmas presentation by CCD students.

Kings and angels await their turn on stage.

Wishing all CCD families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !!!

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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Mary, Queen of peace, give us Christ, true peace in the world!

Saint Nicholas

2010-12-06T22:32:00.007+07:00

O Saint of love, be a guide for us in our lives, we pray, that we may create joy for each other, as you have done for so many.

Photos from the Dutch Festival

2010-12-05T11:38:00.013+07:00

We took notice of an ongoing dutch festival while we're making rounds of the Emporium. We dropped by to see anything that might interest us this Sunday. Our eyes feasted on fresh and beautiful tulips which don't grow here in Thailand. I took photos of my preferred colors . . . pink and . . . .

. . . . . red !

These giant dutch clogs are filled with assorted colored tulips. JM's legs could fit in these giants.

And of course, we didn't miss the famous dutch windmill.

The wooden shoemaker demonstrated how the famous dutch clogs are made.

Some of polished clogs were on display to look upon or buy.

JM's Christmas Photos

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JM's photos taken at the Emporium, Bangkok

2nd Sunday of Advent

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How beautiful on the mountains

are the feet of those who bring good news,

who proclaim peace,

who bring good tidings,

who proclaim salvation,

who say to Zion,

“Your God reigns!” Listen!

Your watchmen lift up their voices;

together they shout for joy.

When the LORD returns to Zion,

they will see it with their own eyes.

Burst into songs of joy together,

you ruins of Jerusalem,

for the LORD has comforted his people,

he has redeemed Jerusalem.

The LORD will lay bare his holy arm

in the sight of all the nations,

and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.

Isaiah 52:7-10