Photos From Here and There

A park ? Definitely not. This photo was taken in sprawling church compound of Chair of Saint Peter in Bangkok. JM explored the church grounds after morning mass.

Woops ! Attempting to do a high jump ! Not high enough boy !

We had lunch on top of this bamboo bench , not so comfortable though. The eating place is located in a floating market.

JM posed in this photo with the bell tower (not so common in new church building architecture) as a background. This is the first time he has seen a bell tower.

A boat peddling spicy fried fish balls in a floating market.

Easter's Altar Servers

Led by the cross bearer, John Michael.

The Resurrection

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.

John 20:1-9

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL !

Birthday Photos

JM looks like a young man now at 12 years. I still can't believe he has grown this much !

He decorated his birthday cake with multi-colored candles.

His cake with 12 lighted candles glowed beautifully in the dark.

After early morning mass offered for his birthday.

Have a wonderful birthday JM !

Happy 12th Birthday !

Birthday Blessings for John Michael

Watch over John Michael, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and guide him wherever he may be. Strengthen him when he stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise him up if he falls; and in his heart may your peace which passes understanding abide all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JM ! WE LOVE YOU !

Today's Photos

We went to the Peninsula Plaza to buy science books from Asia Books but had to wait because we arrived too early.

The cafe at the lower level of the Plaza was also closed. But we had a chance to look at the yummies the chefs were preparing for breakfast.

JM poses beside this miniature vintage car on display at the Victorian Museum Gallery.

Photos taken at the Pensinsula Plaza, Bangkok.

The Parable of the Adulterous Woman

"Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her."

John 8:7

At the Foot of the Cross

Jesus I run away from your cross

leaving you there hanging

between desolation and rejection.

Draw me to you

that I may be one with you.

Jesus I stand at a distance

for fear of being swept up

into your embrace.

Call me to you with a voice that I will

recognize and answer.

Jesus I stand at the foot of your cross

like a parched land waiting for the rain.

Let me thirst for your love

as much as you thirst for mine.

Jesus I hang on to the wood of my cross.

Help me to let go to reach out in love as you did .

Gilles Côté

The Week That Was

It's been a really busy week. The last week of the academic year for a foreign teacher like me ended today. But a lot was accomplished to be able to qualify for a week long holiday. Booklets, worksheets and teaching materials were prepared for the upcoming summer course, participation in a language fun camp , the continuing search for my son's summer activity and the never ending home chores. I always sleep like a baby at the end of the day. The good thing is I survived it all ! Now, I'm looking forward to this weeklong break that I truly deserved. Wish me a good and safe holiday !

An Old Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY !

Happy Birthday !

It's my sister's Belle birthday today !

Birthday Blessings

Instead of counting candles,

Or tallying the years,

Contemplate your blessings now,

As your birthday nears.

Consider special people

Who love you, and who care,

And others who’ve enriched your life

Just by being there.

Think about the memories

Passing years can never mar,

Experiences great and small

That have made you who you are.

Another year is a happy gift,

So cut your cake, and say,

"Instead of counting birthdays,

I count blessings every day!"

By Joanna Fuchs

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !

The Prodigal Son

He said to him, 'My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.'

Luke 15:31-32

Floating Market Photos

We passed by this talad nam (floating market) which is still in the process of development for a quick lunch and to look around for things to buy. The blue plastic net used for sun protection was not enough to block the scorching heat of the sun. So, we requested for a giant umbrella to make our stay more comfortable.

We had Thai food for lunch and we lingered a little bit more to have a look around the place.

JM briefly posed for a souvenir photo in the Thai style wooden bridge.

And had fun playing around before we left the place. We'll definitely be back sometime in the near future when this floating market is fully developed.

Lenten Practices

1. Listen to someone you would prefer to ignore.

2. Surprise someone with an extraordinary kind act or word.

3. Pray and offer some sacrifice for the Pope.

4. Find a way to help a homeless person.

5. Spend 10 minutes praying before the Blessed Sacrament.

6. Make a good confession.

- from The Magnificat Lenten Companion

The Parable of the Fig Tree

And he told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener,‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’ He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’'

Luke 13:6-9

Sun Protection

Summer is here with us once more. The scorching heat,humidity and the discomfort of this season is something each one of us has to bear.But we can definitely protect ourselves from the dangerous UV rays of the sun and save our skin from damage. Take a look at this sun protection article from Hello Magazine and be guided on how to protect your skin not only this summer but the rest of the hot, sunny days year round.

Long, Hot Summer

Summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.

Henry James

Milestone

Six years ago, this little boy graduated from kindegarten at the age of six. I remember those first two years of his school life, the cries and the refusal to be left all alone with his first teacher and classmates, the afternoon naps he would take after lessons in the mornings, counting 123's with his chubby, little fingers and his struggles to write ABC's correctly. Unfortunately, I can't hold on to these moments forever. Eventually, he will grow up.

That same year, the little boy entered his first year of primary schooling. For a child like him who grew up not knowing a bit about Thai language, studying in a bilingual school was a big challenge. Slowly and painfully, he learned and adjusted well. We were there all the way to support him during his six years of primary schooling.

Today, he finally completed his six years of primary education . Time flies and children do grow up. It seems only yesterday that I was with this cute five year old, coaching him to write, spell, read and color pages of his coloring books. I now have with me an 11 year old, soon to turn 12 boy who is even taller than me and will enter his high school freshman year by May this year. I'm now looking forward to six years of his high school life and here's wishing you JM a bright and successful future. We love you and God Bless !

How to Make Palm Crosses

Watch this video on how to make palm crosses or go to this site for step by step instructions on how to make crosses using palm fronds.

Dancing to the Tune of Beat It

A fun and hilarious video of the Norwegian alpine ski team. Enjoy it !

Lenten Reflections