It's Your Sixth Birthday

But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. (Mark 10:14)

Dear Anika,

Happy 6^th birthday! I am really proud of what you have become and what you have achieved.

You are growing more and more beautiful, gracious and kind. Though, we still need to work on the obedience part but you are getting there. You are finally recognizing the people in authority over you.

There are three things that I want you to remember as you are in the threshold of leaving your toddler years behind and as you enter Grade 1.

1. Your worth is more than your gold medal. I know how excited you were with your first medal in school but let me tell you this – this award and hopefully the awards that are yet to come should never define who you are. It’s good to be rewarded but I want you to know that you are not Anika the first honor or the gold medalist. You are Anika who is loved by her parents and more importantly you are God’s precious little princess.
2. Do not ever stop pursuing your dreams. Sometimes God allows for us to take a pause in our pursuit of our dreams and passions or sometimes God allows for us to change the course of our lives. When this happens, pause and learn what God is teaching you and then go back to pursue your dreams. Go and be the best doctor! Go and be the best ballerina!
3. Lastly, love others. You are an only child (so far) and in most cases, the only child thinks that the world revolves around them. But no, that is absolutely false! Give your extra toys/books/clothes to the poor. Defend those who are being bullied. Comfort your sad friend. Make friends with special kids. Many are in need of love and you have so much love to give. So give it to those who are in need.

I hope in 10 or 20 years, you have completely embraced these values. We love you very much and you can be assured that whatever happens, we have your back.

We Love You Forever and Always,

Mama (and Papa)

Your Advice to Taylor Swift

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (Ephesians 5: 25-27)

Dear Anika,

Blank Space crying scene, photo from Mashable

Just like any other little girl, you adore Taylor Swift. I don't blame you because she is talented and very pretty.

Just like all the other kids, you memorized all her songs.

But what is amazing about your Taylor Swift worship is you did not only memorize her songs but you also wanted to know what her songs meant.

After my long explanation, this is what you said and I quote, "Mama when Taylor Swift comes to the Philippines you have to really tell her to find a man from CYA."

All I could do was laugh because not every 5 year old would think that way and give that advice.

To my non-CYA friends I know this is a jargon to you. Sorry. CYA stands for Christ's Youth in Action, it is a national Catholic movement for college students who worship and love God with all their hearts. They are trained to become leaders with the right values.

Sunset Boulevard, Dipolog City September 27, 2014

So what is a man from CYA like? Based from my own personal experience (ahem ahem yes I married one), he is someone who loves God above all else. He has a missionary spirit - he will go wherever God leads him. He will make sure that his family (that's us) will go to heaven with him. He walks in the ways of the Lord, not perfect but he is guided by the principles of what would Jesus do. Respect and fidelity are up there in his virtues. And he lays down his life for the people he loves.

So my dear Anika, I hope one day you will follow your own advice to Taylor Swift. It does not guarantee a perfect marriage, but you can be sure that he will love you with all his heart and he will help you become holy just as our Heavenly Father is holy.

Happy Valentine's Day my little one.

And to the man from CYA I married, thank you for loving us with all your heart.

With Much Love,
Mama

#TaylorSwift