The Promise

~ linked to Duane Scott's Unwrapping God's promises ~

My guardian angel...

I remember I met her when she was already two years old. I was so excited to see her after living in North Africa for sometime.

I came back for good when she was four. She literally stayed with me when I was sick for several months...

She was only six when she led me to teach catechism to her playmates two years ago. It eventually became a dream come true in our street last year.

I do believe God speaks to us through the little ones.

-----

Last week's rain gave us 'bonding time'. Classes were suspended for a week, so we took out our board games from The Catholic Toolbox (click to view)



Bible Reviews 
(click to view)

 Since she lives with me, she gets to play the games first. We used Bible Reviews for the younger children in our Catechism class and for the older ones, the Sacraments (in preparation for those who will be receiving their First Communion on December). 

Who is this?
I realized that most of them were not familiar with the Bible stories.

I asked Belle which story this Bible character belongs to...

Belle: Tita (Aunt), please give me a clue...it's at the tip of my tongue :P

Me: Okay, his name starts with letter J.

Belle: I knew it! Is it Jipeto? (Geppeto)...

Me: Since when did Pinocchio's father join the Biblical scene?

Belle: Since the whale swallowed him up?



-----------
The Bible Reviews reminded me of Jesus' journey with the two broken-hearted souls He accompanied along the road to Emmaus.

It was a long walk from beginning of time ~ through the Old Testament we call SALVATION History to the New Testament which culminated in the Paschal Mystery...

A story retold ~ commemorated and remembered...
    ....and encountered EVERY single day in our lives...

~ the story of Salvation ~ and God's covenant ...

-------

After familiarizing herself with the stories, we prayed for the flood victims we've watched earlier on the television.

Last Friday, the sun shed its splendid rays and for several days after that, we were again enveloped with cloudy skies but...


I believe in God's love...

and

His promise...



to each one of us...

"How sweet to my taste are Your promises..."
~ Psalm 119, 103


-------
My gratitude to The Catholic Toolbox who allowed me to post the images of Belle with their boardgames. They also have a FB page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Catholic-Toolbox/116071361782634). I take most of my inspiration and lessons for my Satur-dates here. Check it out :)

Comments

  1. JANUAugust 17, 2012 at 12:30 AM

    :-)Nice bonding you both have.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa TandocAugust 18, 2012 at 6:16 PM

      It's not always but those rare moments make them more precious :) Thanks Janu :*

      Delete
  2. IreneAugust 17, 2012 at 3:07 AM

    What a wonderful bonding time with your niece, Melissa. Belle is so blessed to have you as her aunt because she is learning a lot from you. The sun shone yesterday morning here, too, but it rained again in the afternoon.

    Take care always and God bless <3 :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa TandocAugust 18, 2012 at 6:18 PM

      Oh, I'm off to read your post ~ I saw that flood entered your house? I hope things are better now there...lots of love Irene and keep safe :*

      Delete
    2. IreneAugust 20, 2012 at 1:06 AM

      Yes, flood got into the house, but thank God nothing was damaged. It's strange that it floods anywhere now. And then there's another active low pressure area. I hope it's not as bad as typhoon helen. Stay safe, too Melissa! <3

      Delete
  3. Amazing_GraceAugust 17, 2012 at 3:53 AM

    Beautiful bonding you two have. Thank you for sharing it with us. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa TandocAugust 18, 2012 at 6:18 PM

      Thank you very much Mam. You are an inspiration to many :) God bless you!

      Delete
  4. Martha Jane OrlandoAugust 17, 2012 at 5:03 AM

    Little Belle is a wonder, Melissa, and so are you. I'm so glad you share such a special relationship and that you are guiding her in her spiritual growth.
    Love and blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa TandocAugust 18, 2012 at 6:20 PM

      She gives more Martha and I guess God has many words only little children could unlock with their very pure hearts...

      Lots of love always!

      Delete
  5. DebraAugust 17, 2012 at 6:06 AM

    “I do believe God speaks to us through the little ones” – me too.
    If you want to know the truth Melissa, I heard something once that, as radical and odd as it may sound, I believe to be true. That is, we should be disciples of the children. Not all children, but the ones who are angels.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa TandocAugust 18, 2012 at 6:21 PM

      Ooo how do I know which ones Debra? My mom says teaching 'some' kids is futile...how could that be?

      Delete
  6. RimlyAugust 17, 2012 at 8:44 PM

    You are so good with kids soul sis. I wish I was half as patient and good with them. Beautiful the way you two bond. God bless you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa TandocAugust 18, 2012 at 6:22 PM

      Thanks soul sis... I'm developing such a great virtue LOL! Thanks God for the gift of children ;)

      Delete
  7. AnonymousAugust 17, 2012 at 9:06 PM

    Dearest Mom, God has given you a heart which can bind with anyone. You are so full of love!
    -Portia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa TandocAugust 18, 2012 at 6:23 PM

      Ooo dear daughter ~ that isn't the case always... but I'm learning everyday to embrace myself and everybody...

      Delete
  8. JerlyAugust 18, 2012 at 12:52 PM

    I am reading the childrens bible old testament; a story a day during prayer time. I realsie the stories are so interesting and I am just as eager for prayer time. I join u in prayers for all those who suffered in the flood

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa TandocAugust 18, 2012 at 6:24 PM

      What you just shared is so beautiful Jerly. That's a very good practice...

      Thank you very much for your prayers..

      Delete
  9. Melissa TandocAugust 18, 2012 at 6:17 PM

    Shukran jazeelan Izdiher ;) It is :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Zainab ZainabAugust 19, 2012 at 5:46 PM

    its a beautiful and classy post.agree with what debra said.i know i am too late sorry sister:),hey your new profile picture is so charming you are looking beautiful,stay blessed and happy:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa TandocAugust 20, 2012 at 6:51 AM

      Oh Zarnab! EID MUBARAK sadiqy!

      I wish you peace always and everyday... there is no time in commenting :) You could even come here after a year if you find it helpful...

      I am so glad you liked that picture :) It was taken in 2010. Shukran.

      Delete
  11. Zainab ZainabAugust 19, 2012 at 5:48 PM

    hey how to foolow you as i dont use face book nor i am link user:(guide me its an honor to follow you:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa TandocAugust 20, 2012 at 6:52 AM

      I saw that you were able to connect through google :) Shukran ;)

      Delete
  12. sulekkhaAugust 19, 2012 at 7:38 PM

    Beautiful post by a wonderful person. Love your bond with Belle.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa TandocAugust 20, 2012 at 6:53 AM

      Thanks Sulekha :) We bonded again yesterday watching a movie :) It's always fun with her.

      Delete
  13. Jessica MAugust 19, 2012 at 9:30 PM

    Beautiful post...she is an angel indeed. You are both so very blessed to have one another. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melissa TandocAugust 20, 2012 at 6:55 AM

      Hi Jessica sis... most of the time, we'd ask 'what if my sister married another person...then we wouldn't have Belle. I believe there are no accidents and everything fall into the right place. But how we manage our decisions afterwards depend on us...

      She IS an angel indeed. I feel more blessed to have her in our family.

      Delete
  14. ♥●• İzdihër •●♥August 20, 2012 at 3:22 PM

    Hope u doing great, my sis.

    ReplyDelete

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