Truly Rich and Blessed

How to Celebrate the Holy Name of Jesus

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Holy Name of Jesus

In the Catholic Church, the month of January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. It is a time for us to be reminded of the power of Jesus’ name, and to celebrate being called to be God’s children.

If you are looking for ways to celebrate the Holy Name of Jesus this month (and beyond, if you like), here are a few things you can do (we plan to do this, too, as part of #LiturgicalLiving and homeschooling):

1. Learn more about why January is celebrated as the Month of the Holy Name of Jesus.

Holy Name of Jesus

You can do this just by checking out CatholicCulture.org. It explains the history of the feast (Jan. 3), and the monogram for the Holy Name.

2. Watch a video about the Holy Name of Jesus.

I found one on YouTube.com, and am sharing it here:

3. Sing a song about the Holy Name of Jesus.

I don’t remember where or when I first learned this song but when I tried thinking of songs that spoke about Jesus’ Holy and Mighty Name, it was the first that came to mind.

I found this other song, too — a beautiful hymn that I hope we can memorize as a family. It’s usually sung during Eucharistic Adoration, so I think it’s perfect for us to learn it together since we hope to go to Adoration regularly as a family this year:

4. Pray the Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus.

Admittedly, we have never prayed this before so I think this month would be a great time to do so. I tried looking for a video that can best guide us and this is the best I could find:

The ambitious-Catholic-homeschooling-mama in me wants to teach the kids the version sung in Latin below but I don’t think it will be possible, ha, ha!

5. Make a Holy Name of Jesus craft.

If you have younger kids in your family (not necessarily your own kids but even your nieces, nephews, etc.), you might want to try making a Holy Name of Jesus craft or two during this month. Here are a few sites that can help you do so:

– Catholic Mom

– Dawn at Home

– Real Life at Home (Coloring pages)

After reading through this list and doing a few (or all!) of our suggested activities, and you find yourself clamoring for even more ideas for celebrating the Holy Name of Jesus, you may want to check out Jen of Happy Little Homemaker’s post here.

Whatever you choose to do though, I pray that you will never, ever forget how powerful Jesus’ name is. I also pray that you will always remember how #TrulyRichandBlessed you are because God has YOUR name carved in the palm of His hand (Isaiah 49:16)!

And if you have a friend or family member whom you think will be blessed by this article, please feel free to share it with them. God bless you!

Christmas In Our Hearts (Plus Ideas for Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas)

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christmas in our hearts

The Christmas season has officially begun and, as of this writing, we are celebrating the Fourth Day of Christmas. Most of our family’s Christmas presents have been unwrapped, though we’re saving some for the Feast of the Epiphany (so the kids can receive gifts just like Jesus did!).

Now, I’m going to be completely honest and tell you that Christmas this year hasn’t been as stress-free (or at least “stress-less”) as I’d hoped it would be! We had a family member coming home to the Philippines on a surprise visit, so adding that factor to the reunions and other gatherings we are expected to attend during these holy-days, our schedule has been kind of crazy so far.

christmas in our hearts

Because of our crazy schedule going from one family gathering to another, we only got to “reveal” the Baby Jesus image in our nativity set in the afternoon of Dec. 26!

Still, I shouldn’t be am not complaining. We are so, so, so very blessed to be celebrating Christmas with loved ones — something that millions, even billions, of people around the world can’t do for some reason or another.

There are so many people out there who can’t even feel the Christmas spirit because they are hurting or hungry or alone or mourning the loss of loved ones or have become victims of natural calamities (like the Typhoon Nina victims here in the Philippines), victims of war, etcetera, etcetera.

So despite facing backlogs related to work, homeschooling, home organization (what organization?!), and the like, all of which I would love to be done with before the New Year starts (Lord, I know You’re a God of miracles! 😉 ), I choose to be grateful. I choose to have Christmas in my heart and share it with others.

I invite you to do the same. Let’s hold Christmas in our hearts not just during the Christmas season but beyond it as well.

Here’s an oldie but goodie Christmas song from Jose Mari Chan that I hope will remind you — remind us — about the true meaning of Christmas, and how to keep Christmas in our hearts:

(I know the lyrics are included in the video above, but I’ll still share them below:)

Whenever I see girls and boys
Selling lanterns on the street
I remember the child in the manger as He sleeps
Wherever there are people
Giving gifts exchanging cards
I believe that Christmas is truly in our hearts
Let’s light our Christmas trees for a bright tomorrow
Where nations are at peace,
And all are one in God

[Chorus:]
Let’s sing Merry Christmas and a happy holiday
This season may we never forget the love we have for Jesus
Let Him be the one to guide us as another new year starts
And may the spirit of Christmas be always in our hearts

In every prayer and every song
The community unites celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ
Let love like that starlight on that first Christmas morn
Lead us back to the manger where Christ the Child was born
So come let us rejoice
Come and sing the Christmas carol with one big joyful voice
Proclaim the name of the Lord

[Chorus:]
Let’s sing Merry Christmas and a happy holiday
This season may we never forget the love we have for Jesus
Let Him be the one to guide us as another new year starts
And may the spirit of Christmas be always in our hearts

By the way, in case you are looking for ideas for celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas or the Christmas season, I found this super useful post from Better Than Eden (which has FIFTY ideas, wow!). Of course, you can also refer to my favorite #LiturgicalLiving sites  and  for more ideas. If you want, you can also check out my old post here.

Again, from our family to yours, we pray you are having a blessed and beautiful Christmas season!

Did this post encourage or inspire you somehow? Please feel free to share it with others. God bless you!

3 Ways to Make Meaningful Memories This Christmas Season

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The Christmas season is about to begin, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who is excited about it. Yes, Christmas is a very special time indeed, mainly because of the One who is the main Reason for the season: the Birthday Celebrant Himself, Jesus Christ.

Christmas is also special because we have more opportunities to make meaningful memories with our loved ones — not that we can’t do so during other times of the year, but the Christmas holidays are extra special, don’t you think so? There is just something different, almost magical even, about the whole season.

Now, I’m sure you all have your own activities and plans for Christmas but please allow me to share a few suggestions for beautiful memory-making, in case you’re looking for ideas:

1. Make Christ the center…

…of all your Christmas merry-making.

le grand cirque in araneta coliseum

Go to Mass on Christmas Day.

Celebrate Christmas all throughout the season, not just on Dec. 25. (Here are some ideas.)

Pray together with your loved ones every day and thank God for the gift of Jesus, His Son.

2. Share your blessings…

…especially with those who are not able to enjoy Christmas like other “ordinary folks” do.

le grand cirque in araneta coliseum

Christmas is a great time for sharing and caring, so involve your loved ones — your family and friends — and reach out to those in need.

Our family plans to perform “random acts of kindness/mercy” somehow on Christmas Day, even if it’s just giving out bread or other food items to poor kids on the streets, or something like that. (I’m actually hoping we can do this every day of the Christmas season.)

3. Have fun…

…with the people you love. Enjoy this precious time with those near and dear to you.

Squeeze in extra time for snuggles over hot chocolate.

Say “yes” to their requests for a family movie night at home.

You might even want to treat them to a special experience, like watching Le Grand Cirque, which is set to dazzle audiences from Dec. 25, 2016 to Jan. 3, 2017 at the Araneta Coliseum.

le grand cirque in araneta coliseum

Le Grand Cirque is a big-scale circus production featuring an electrifying show of acrobatics, aerial tricks, white-knuckle stunts, and precision skills. Its world-class artistes from Europe, Canada, and the United Kingdom have captivated millions of audiences all over the world. Watch the preview below and you’ll see why:

Dubbed by the press as the ‘Next Generation of Cirque du Soleil,’ this heart-pounding Las Vegas-style extravaganza promises action, glitz and glamour. It’s even been described in the press as “a glittering spectacle” that “defies gravity and belief,” and touted to be a “real family entertainment.”

By God’s grace, our family was given two free tickets to Le Grand Cirque — an answered prayer of sorts because Rysse had been asking Anthony and me for weeks before Christmas if we could buy tickets and watch the show. So getting free tickets was a great blessing indeed! (Thank you, Araneta Group!)

le grand cirque at araneta coliseum

Since Baby Titus is currently in his “separation anxiety stage,” Anthony was the one who took Rysse to watch it, as part of their monthly “daddy-daughter-date.” I asked her what she thought of it and this is what she had to say: “My favorite part was all of it; I didn’t want to leave!”

le grand cirque at araneta coliseum le grand cirque at araneta coliseum le grand cirque at araneta coliseum

(Since our daughter truly enjoyed her date with her Papa, I suggest you date your loved ones at Le Grand Cirque, too, if you can — tickets can be bought here. You can also check their  for more details and updates.)

Of course, the aforementioned are not the only things you can do to make meaningful memories this Christmas season. There are SO many other ways; so many other activities! Whatever you choose to do, I hope and pray that you don’t lose sight of the REAL meaning of Christmas, i.e. to celebrate Jesus’ birth.

From our family to yours, may you have a beautiful and blessed Christmas season!

Do you have your own suggestions for making meaningful memories this Christmas season? Feel free to share them in the comments section below. And if you found this article useful somehow, please do share it with others. Thank you!

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huggies dry pants

Photo from the

Some time ago, I was privileged to be invited to the “Feel Comfy, Feed Comfy” event of Huggies Philippines. They introduced their #ComfyFeedingPhilosophy to us moms who were present at the event, and I would like to share what I learned with you, the members of the Truly Rich and Blessed community.

huggies dry pants

Photo from the

huggies dry pants

It was nice to see Jennica and her adorable baby Mori there; we had met previously at , and she is one of the nicest moms I know!

huggies dry pants

With our table-mate, Shamcey Supsup, another nice, down-to-earth celebrity mom whom I was blessed to meet at the Feel Comfy, Feed Comfy event

First things first though… What exactly do we mean by a “Comfy Feeding Philosophy”?

Well, basically it’s all about keeping baby comfortable during mealtime and snacktime (or whenever baby wants to eat). It’s also about keeping feeding time as stress-free as possible for both baby and mommy, because our babies can feel it whenever we are stressing out over one reason or another. (I can attest to this, as a mom of four! A stressed mommy = stressed kids! So let’s remember that we’re too #trulyrichandblessed to be stressed!)

huggies dry pants

I was with our two younger kids at the event so I wasn’t able to take down notes during the talks, but I was able to relate a bit to celebrity mom Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan when she shared about her challenges with her kids when it came to feeding time. She also told us how she succeeded in encouraging her kids to eat more by being patient and taking active steps to make sure they felt comfortable.

huggies dry pants

Photo from the

Of course, when it comes to having a “Comfy Feeding Philosophy,” we should also take into account our babies’ attire during feeding. According to board-certified pediatrician and Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) fellow Jennifer Concepcion-Lim, M.D., who also spoke at the Huggies event, babies’ tummies naturally expand — at times by as much as 40% — while eating.

This is why it’s important to choose the right clothing and diapers that will not constrict babies’ tummies and cause discomfort which, in turn, makes them fussier and more difficult to feed.

Thankfully, Huggies Dry Pants help provide the comfort our babies need, with a 360 comfort fit waistband that adjusts as baby’s tummy size expands while eating.

Anyway, as mentioned earlier, I don’t have any detailed notes but by God’s grace, Mommy Maricel shared the same tips she gave at the Huggies event in the video below, so I hope you’ll find them useful (she also wrote a post about them here, if you want to read it):

To end, please do remember that many experts say that mealtimes are great opportunities for bonding with our kids, even when they are past the baby stage.

Don’t believe me?

Just google “why family mealtime is important” and you’ll come up with different articles to support this statement. (Start with the article here, if you like.)

So, if you think about it, having a “Comfy Feeding Philosophy” from the very beginning will certainly help you make family mealtime more meaningful and precious!

Do you have your own take on the “Comfy Feeding Philosophy” mentioned here? I’d love to know, so feel free to leave a comment! And if you found this article useful, go ahead and share it with others by clicking any of the buttons below. God bless you and your loved ones!

How to Celebrate the Immaculate Conception with Your Family

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immaculate conception

It’s the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8 (tomorrow!) so I thought I would share some ideas on how you can celebrate it with your loved ones.

1. Go to Mass.

December 8 is a holy day of obligation so we Catholics are required to go to Holy Mass. More than fulfilling an obligation or requirement though, let’s attend Mass in joyful thanksgiving for the gift Mama Mary is to us. Without her and her role in Jesus’ life, we Catholics would not be where we are today. There would not even be a Catholic Church if Mary had not been in the picture.

2. Pray the Rosary together.

immaculate conception

The Rosary is a powerful, beautiful prayer which can bless our families in so many ways. It has been known to even help armies conquer their enemies in battle! And remember, the family that prays together, stays together! 😉

3. Sing a Marian hymn.

We learned a Marian hymn recently as part of the kids’ homeschool lessons and plan to learn some more. “Immaculate Mother” would be an appropriate song to sing on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, don’t you think? Here’s a video with lyrics that you can use:

4. Make an Immaculate Conception craft.

This need not be a complicated thing nor a big production. (I am not a “crafty” mom myself, so don’t be pressured in any way to do this!) You can actually just have kids . If you’re up to doing something “more,” you can also try this craft from . Or you might even want to try making a Mary candle.

5. Watch a video.

You can try searching the Internet for videos that explain the Immaculate Conception, depending on the ages of the kids in your family. Here is one where a priest explains it:

And another one by Ascension Press that gives us a peek into the home of Mary:

Since our kids are still young, we will also be watching “Bernadette: Princess of Lourdes” by CCC of America. I was able to buy a DVD copy of it at St. Paul’s a few years ago. Below is a scene from the video:

6. Read about the Immaculate Conception.

Although the Immaculate Conception is not mentioned explicitly in the Bible, we Catholics firmly believe in this dogma. Use this article from Catholic Answers as a reference or reading material for the whole family, to learn more about the Immaculate Conception.

Besides doing all (hopefully!)  of the activities mentioned above, our family will also be participating in our homeschool group’s Advent outreach activity tomorrow for the elderly priests at the Jesuit Health and Wellness Center. We hope that this will be a memorable way to celebrate our Blessed Mother’s feast day!

immaculate conception

We hope that you find this post useful even if you’re not a parent yet — #LiturgicalLiving is something you can do even if you’re still single, or are married but don’t have kids yet. 😉

From our family to yours, we wish you a most blessed Feast of the Immaculate Conception in advance! 🙂

If you found this post useful, please feel free to share it with others. Thank you and God bless!

Disclosure

Truly Rich and Blessed contains paid advertising banners and some contextual affiliate links. An affiliate link means that I receive a commission on sales of the products or membership sites that are linked in some of my posts. So, if you click on a link and make a purchase from or become a member of an affiliate site, then I may make a commission from that purchase — at no added cost to you! Thank you for supporting Truly Rich and Blessed this way.
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