certified bookworm

[so sorry, poor camera]

As much as we're preparing for the wedding, we both knew we wanted ourselves prepared for the demands, responsibilities and stresses of marriage. I guess reading books about marriage is among the things I need doing. So here I am, trying to devour one despite full-packed days.


Let me know the beauty, let me know the ways. Let me see the glory, let me see a glimpse of those days.


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national heroes' day

The best thing that could ever happen tonight is spend time with some of the gorgeous friends (more than disciples, they are my friends--sarap!) I know. We headed to Villa De Mercedes and endured the 45-minute travel from the city. And guess what, I was opportuned to serve them by my very skillful driving at 30kph. An accomplishment at that speed, yes!

Arriving at dusk, I thought I needed to check on the person-in-charge by texting her our arrival, I jumped out of the van. Unknowingly, I locked the entire vehicle with the key inside! =( 

We panicked.

We had to call everyone we knew who could possibly bring us the spare key. My, another 45 grueling minutes of waiting. We could not eat. No one could swim. All our stuff were perfectly inside. Suddenly, we were prayerful in hopes of a miracle or a hero. We took out pins. No luck. We checked on possible opened windows. Clear from passages. We were sad. I was guilty. 

Things happened so fast. 

Then came a driver from a family who were also at the resort. He helped us on the quest of opening the vehicle. Nothing happened until he had to go. He was comforted that somebody is bringing us the spare key in another hour or so. Weng, Jing and I were still trying to unlock the back door. But before he left, he checked the driver's seat door and used his own key. Click. Jing's eyes turned bright. She opened the back door!!! =)

No.

The front door was opened. The guy was shocked himself. We sped at him and screamed with joy at his face. He was startled all the more. We were shaking him and thanking him and screaming again! He had a fake smile. He could not believe his key opened the Starex van. Then, we were interested with his name. We got his number (so we could keep contact and invite him to church). And yes, before he finally left, we managed to take a photo with him! Then, somebody from the group told him he's our hero that night. Second to the Lord. We believe it was just a coincidence and an answer from the Lord. Mind you, the key could not open the car when tried again. It's like a once-and-for-all kind of thing. Salvation, ha!

On with the fun night, we they ate dinner. Then off to the pool. Picture perfect chill for the girls, and a hotseat moment for Blessy. How we miss her. The night is sweet.

And then the bridesmaids' meeting. I wish all eighteen are complete. Could be a lot of chaos and fun and sisterhood. #loves But even with the eight that night, they add so much meaning to this wedding.

We envisioned. We made assignments. We had a great family time. 

For a musing, these girls do not know they are heroes to my own heart in my moment of waiting. Being there as disciples help save me from wrong decisions. Of course, the waiting was more about the Lord. But I could never deny the fact that knowing that there are girls behind me is a lot of encouragement and safety for a heart that is also prone to hurt and brokenness.

Thank you, Lord, for disciples, sisters and friends. You are thoughtful, as always. =)

made for honor

Just a quick post to let yall know that I had a great posh time with my favorite, Ms. Delight C. Lagat. Holidays are the best!

We picked new blouses and some late-gifts for our parents.




We also discovered these miniature versions of mango cheesecake and banana-chocolate (seems banoffee to me). So little for so much. ;)

So maid-of-honorly of her, she helped me get two apocathary jars for the wedding.

We're home now & getting ready for a night w the rest of the girls.
=)

Hebrew 10:23-25, Ha! ;)

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a date with sleeping beauty

The lanterns are here (we wanted to fly sky/fire lanterns on the wedding; it symbolizes the joy of celebration; and it something we can print our prayers and dreams). Needs a bit of makeover, though. But I'm glad it's gonna happen! It was almost impossible to get them. Although they're available locally and online, they're at a price. We could feed 20 more people for the local cost. But God in His sweet ways reminded me that Blessy and fam are in for a business trip to Beijing. *ting*
Yes, she was able to get a number in purple and aqua. Good thing she managed to squeeze all these within the budget.
#superbridesmaid
#reallyhappy
Thank you very much, Blexiiii!
And now that she's here in Davao, it's mother-daughter/bride-bridesmaid/discipler-disciple/ friends' bond.

We gabbed too much she wasn't able to eat her Bigby's dinner. Toinkz. No, she opted not to, I guess.


We strolled Abreeza and we found lots of feel-good charms. It's good sharing the same heart with a very sweet lady such as this one. I guess I have seventeen more dates to go! ;)

vintage-fy!

Yay, so happy today since Kuya Rey (our always creative and worship-oriented cousin--see their blog here.) offered to edit the photos for us. I have the raw copies already, and I was just staring at them, not knowing where to start as things were flooding my mind. This is such a load-lifting news today, and for sure, outcome will be better than what we can imagine. 

Thank you in advance, Kuya Rey and Ate Minette! :) 

Notes:
-Spent the night chilling with my friend at her sister's birthday (photos here). She and her family's got their tickets for the wedding already. Weee!

at thirty

Imagining thirty years with Genesis. My, that would be lots of disciples, soaking, children (four?), conferences, businesses, money, giving-money and trips abroad. These could only be real with God’s hands over us.

I sound so inspired, eh? Parents celebrate their pearl wedding anniversary today. We are all overwhelmed at the longevity of their bliss and how fresh they dream of more things to come. They have always been a blessing in every way. And I am just so blessed to be modeled by one marriage so proximate as theirs. I am so glad they made the right decision thirty years ago. And soonest, it will be my turn. I am nervous. Yes, nervous, but not scared.

I wish I could word their love story in detail. The truth is, the more we get deeper on the seeking and preparations, the more I get to know my parents’ story’s sweetest deets. (And I realized, there were resemblances in both tales). Although they were classmates back in Bible School, they have been lovers for three years after graduation. (Okay, we’re not the same on that. Gen and I do not have a boyfriend-girlfriend stage (yes, pwede). We had been praying for (round-off ang 2years and eleven months) three years.) Papa (the shy type) offered to send off Mama (a typical sanguine) at the port. That was surprising for mom. But they were friends, so she didn’t mind. But while there, papa gifted her a book entitled “I Love A Girl.” And that said something. Then there was a more meaty dedication on the inside cover. That could have said it all. He then asked mama to tell her parents that somebody is pursuing her (since he could not visit and talk to them personally at their province in Visayas–long travel, financial issues then–but he was sincere). Summer came, they were posted to pastor different churches in distant provinces. And way back when, imagine the mode of communication–snail mail and very rare telegram. So they had looooooots of loooooong letters. Soon, it was August 26, 1981. #happyhappyhappy

Fast forward three decades.

With how we decided to pursue marriage and how we heard God, will let you know in a different blog entry later. I have the tendency to flow. Let’s halt a bit since I have to hit the sheets already as migraine necessitates. And tomorrow, it’s preaching time at the Re-Encounter. Pray with us. Thanks. =)

*sixth of forty*

MOTB

Off we went to check the seamstress. The gown won't look close to this photo, but at least it will have only one strap as I think it will symbolize my one and only love. I'm glad mama doesn't tire accompanying me to the dress shop. And although I chose the entire design, she had lots of very, very useful inputs as to where I get the materials. #soblessed

Yes, mama was very thoughtful to check on the accessories I need to wear (plus I love looking at her choose her pieces for the wedding; I'm so glad that she's excited about it, too!). Because of this, we had lots of trips together at malls granting us a perfect time to have mother-daughter bond. Sigh, I hope she knows how I admire her. She is truly a beautiful woman. Inspiring in every way.

Choosing to own my bridal gown (as I want to wear it every anniversary--whew, hopefully, it will still fit years later!), I will always remember my mother's love in it. I cannot be who I am today firstly because of God's grace and perfecting perfect love, I am so much blessed to receive impartation from a woman who genuinely loves and labors for the Lord. And with that, I am more blessed for she happens to be my mother.

dream with a cost

A personal shot at the hearted-venue.

[Something] on this pavement awaken a girlhood dream. I was entranced.

I’m glad mom and I pursued visiting Palos Verdes today. And by way of math (Really, the season of engagement awakened our skills in Math, Language, Reading, Science, Socials, Literature, TLE, and GMRC—Good news, only elementary skills are required for marriage. But doctorate level of faith and obedience is equally compelled.), we made forecasts for the event.

So, here we are–keeping all the stressors in prayer (third of forty).

God is throughtful, i know!

here.

I guess every Christian couple know this song and considers this as a wedding song. I remembered one tiring night last year when Gen called and  he offered to hum a song to me on the phone. (Did you know we had to ask permission from mama/papa every phone call he makes? It wasn’t their rule. It was ours. We wanted our activities to be known by then. We’re 28 and 27 then and we had to have permitted calls! Weird noh? Pero lingaw. We love the peace in our hearts.)

I was tearful as I listened to the wordless tune. It was warming my heart. And I was thanking the Lord for giving me a true friend and lover in Genesis. I am endlessly thankful and only later did I realize that the humming was choked by the rain in the background. Choppy. Line was then disconnected.

Haaaaaay, sweet things that come from God’s love…

mag-ish

I’m more into devouring wedding blogs since it’s easier to bookmark pages and save photos. So, here are my rejected mags. Sitting on the corner, waiting for me to re-read them. Lots of ideas. Haaaaaaaaayy… And the challenge is to get them into reality at a very lower cost. And yes, today’s the day of more devouring!

Where will "Definitely." be?

Less than three months to go, here comes a great option adjacent to what we consider as the best venue for the “Day.” Palos Verdes come close to Villa De Mercedes. Aside that it’s nearer (Diversion/Maa Road–going Crocodile Park), it has spacious pool-side area for the ceremony. And the big PLUS? They offer an in-door hall for the reception… *big smiles*

Here’s to our visual side: PALOS VERDES

Looks like we’re tilting a bit. We will know come Tuesday. (And please help us pray for favor, okay?) =)

I love the beach-like-factor in VDM, though…

(Notes: @VDM–Separate payments for pool-side, sand and garden usage; Similar rates on food)…

VILLA DE MERCEDES, Toril:

From all the host of things to consider, our primary concern is where shall we say, 

“I do.”

“Definitely.”

my man's suit

Paid for the suit… Gen fitted it last Wednesday, but we waited until today before purchasing it to get a discount. It’s still rather pricey at its remaining cost. But he deserves it. (Several more add-ons needed, though).

Getting it today is one less stress point. Weeee!

This is another favor! God is truly opening doors for US in perfect sequence. #praises

I would have wanted our rings in white gold. Nonetheless, after all the checking on stores, we finally decided to have ours customized in the yellowish side (and yes, the engagement ring is yellowish gold, too). We wanted it simple as it symbolizes our never-ending commitment to serve God together. More than the rings, are hearts are covenanted to our only one love, Jesus Christ. =)

at the realm of willingness

Nine days is swift. Gen’s leaving tonight. =(

Nonetheless, we have to maximize the time left for us to [prepare] for the
big day
start-of-the-big-days! =)

We got the venue booked and we checked out the rings. But the best part of today is praying for  seven random students at USEP since the Eagerlz scheduled a campus invasion. That was our utter worship to the Love of our lives. Praying for people and speaking blessing as we wanted them blessed is one of the cores of our calling. While we were waiting for the other girls to finish, we were musing about our excitement to start the ministry at a certain place God has put in our hearts. #Godwearewilling

I feel compelled about posting a pic of us on today’s looong day:

All right, enough for the cheesy part (I’m a new convert!–Pwede man maging cheesy diba basta gikan kay Lord ang love story?!).

And so the day ends with the fact that he has to leave Davao [alone] *for the last time*…

Nothing is better than a family sending off in prayer.

God remains great! His love endures forever!

Mr. Communication

If you’re single and waiting for the right person to come, make sure you write in your book of dreams that s/he is somebody who communicates well.You wouldn’t want somebody you’ll always be guessing his/her thoughts and surely you wouldn’t want to [beg] to know how s/he feels.

Today (and last Sunday), circumstances proved that Gen is a far better communicator than me (not that I am comparing ourselves–we are teammates as we claim!). But really, I am amazed at how he points things and how he shows me principles in a way that I understand. He frequently asks me how am I doing (or feeling?) and expresses his heart freely. Something that really makes me kilig (I am 28 and nakikilig! Toinkz!) is when he says, “I love you–but that’s always second to the Lord!”

Smitten. (again)

It means both of these:

~There is a love greater than his. Jesus’ love for me will always be greater!

~He loves God more. I come second.

I am blessed. And I honor him all the more for knowing and living these truths. I love being second place. This is the best place so far. And my right place ever.

So, I’m unceasingly kilig and will always [have a crush (=p) on] and [be in-love with] this one Genesis Membrere Supsup. #blush

going legal

Although marriage is God’s design before man thought of formalizing it, we need to comply what the government requires. So, today, we made it early at th City Registrar’s Office to have ourselves enlisted. We were there beaming with delight at the thought that God has brought us this far since the first day we’ve met (December 12, 2008) and the first day we’ve prayed (much earlier than that). The Lord has been faithful. Really faithful.

To Gen and I, marriage is a covenant we make before the Lord. Without Him, our marriage is just vanity. And WITH HIM, our marriage can never, ever be broken. For as a pastor who represents Him at the wedding signs the marriage contract (that’s another paper), he needs to sign the separation, annulment or divorce papers should a married couple want out. But people do not ask the pastor anymore when they decide to do so, they forgot there are three people in a marriage. Knowing that God will never break a covenant He makes, a marriage can never be broken. What peace do we have knowing that choosing to obey God through the covenant of marriage pleases Him. It is a form of worship we will each day and forever keep.

=)

Notes:

Marriage License is at Php 400

Requirements: Photocopies of NSO-furnished birth certificates of both parties, photocopies of 1 valid ID each, photocopy of each’s CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage)

reading heart prints

Before I retire to bed tonight, I decided to reread my old blog post on true-love-waits. Whew, I didn’t know it was that lengthy! I guess I was all too spontaneous when I let my heart write. But really, my heart swells and wells in utter joy of having found so much favor from the Lord–the strength and the reason to enjoy a season of waiting. Once again (well, the frequency is much higher than I could ever gauge), I am left with a heart full of praise–Jesus has done a beautiful work in us. The season hasn’t ended yet. Rather, it keeps me more engaged in the moment allowing the conception of the next. Life in love is life lived large! Jesus, You will always be the very Reason!

mother-in-(law)love

A musing: Before the evening ended at the pamamanhikan, I was very elated when Tita Nars (Gen’s mom) asked me for a hug because I was the one she was praying for a long time and that I would finally be her daughter-in-law. I was tearful. Not many girls are blessed to have a very sweet and prayerful mother-in-law (soon). I said a secret prayer to the Lord, “God, You are so faithful in Your ways. I have only desired that someday, I would get in-laws that I could get along with (Well, in-laws *should* get along–it’s more of an effort, right?). Now, You are giving me those who share the same heart and passion of seeing people saved and prosper in You.”

If I may tell you, during the time Gen and I were so clueless about our upcoming journey, Tita Nars was already praying for us. Knowing that, there was a high intensity of peace that transcended my cloudy thoughts. I could not explain it, but one thing for sure was–I love being prayed for–and I love it sooooo much that the mother of the man I have been considering is praying for me! I knew that we are having a stronger foundation (more than having prayed ourselves) and this would take us to a surer road. Our parents were praying with us! In fact, they were praying for us and our future spouses even before we did (My parents did so even when we were infants–surely there were other infants somewhere on the other spots of the world who are set to walk in the fear of the Lord and those who are called to be servants of God–and they are going to be our future mates)!

I call myself blessed. And I know, you can also walk the same road of favor as you continue to uphold God’s promises for your life. Yes, keep guarding your heart, there’s so much blessing that accompany waiting (which is also defined as obedience and worship)!

Yes, I call myself very blessed–aside from the fact that I am going to be Gen’s wife, I am going to have two amazing, women-of-God-kind of mothers soon! =) =)

vintage casual

Photo taken and edited by Ate Rhea Annie Tulio.

We seemed hard core on the vintage themes that we wanted to project for the e-sessions. We only wanted a touch of the vintage era, but as ideas flowed out, resources also poured. I love how the photos came out (except for the fact that my hair dried too much from all the ironing, perming, moussing and spraying =( ). Well, there’s always a sacrifice to any good result you wanted to get.

=)

vintage glam

This is a take on vintage glam for our e-session. That’s Jason’s hand on the background as he sets my hair. He’s an added talent for this part of the wedding preps. God truly rallies people when we need them.

Once again, thank you guys for helping us out. May God bless you more and promote you all the more!

a sneak peek to the vintage travel e-session

Our first round of shots were taken at the cargo ship deck in Sasa. Ate Rhea and Val were thoughtful photographers while Ate Jingle was very good at checking the details. We are blessed with a great team. Several more rounds coming up on Monday. Tough job.

But to me, doing this is really necessary. #worship #awakeningtalents

ang pamamanhikan

Ours was different in a way that the groom’s father (Pastor Ric) and Genesis need not asked my father (Pastor Ruffy) for my hand. Well, charge that to the trust we all made that God has appointed a time for us to be together and that Genesis and I have decided (and chose–choice is big factor) to obey fully and be [here]. So, to get things a little more formal, we setup a meeting of families at Eden Nature Park in Toril, Davao City.

HOW THE JEWISH DOES IT

Last March, Gen and I have been reading on how Jewish people setup nuptials. Aside from the fact that they also do arranged marriages,
their custom is much closer to how we do it in the Philippines.
our custom as Filipinos is very much similar to how they do it. The groom travels far to meet with the bride’s family. At dinner, he pours our wine and if the prospect bride drinks of the cup, the betrothal is sealed. The two are pledged to be married in a year (at most, two). And while waiting for the day, the bride concerns herself of beautifying and preparing herself all the more in purity. The groom on the other hand goes back to his father’s house. They prepare the marriage tent while only the groom’s father know about the exact date of the wedding.

IN THE SPIRIT

Spiritually speaking, Jesus as the Bridegroom came to offer his lifeblood–dying on the Cross to save us all from our sins. From the conviction of guilt, we are made pure by the shedding of His blood. Hallelujah! And as we partake of that blood, we share in His sufferings, joy and mission. From then on, the believers as Christ’s Body and Church, is betrothed to Him who poured His Blood.–yes, we became Christ’s Bride.

WHAT HAPPENED

Conventionally, Genesis’ fam had to fly over from Pangasinan to meet with us for the said pamamanhikan, but it turned out that we had a  family getaway–yes, a rather good sway from the traditional–and it was something that both families actually needed. We had food, games, hikes, photos, swimming and singing. The presence of God was evident. Of course, we had discussions regarding the technicalities of the wedding and with joined faith, we are certain that God will set things in place.

Later that night, we had the Kingdom Meal–the communion led by Pastor Ruffy and commenced in prayer by Pastor Ric. It was binding. It was joyful. It took us all into a deeper level of faith. Truly, God has His own ways of exalting Himself even in seasons as intimate as this. I thank God for all His interventions for only with His works are these things perfected and given more substance. Praises!

 If you wonder why Gen and I do not have a photo together? Well, I wondered first! No one remembered, I guess. We’re set to have our e-sessions this weekend, anyway!

nerves are perfectly working

@3:56 am, I am wide awake for work. I’m finishing one task today as the next two days, and the rest of the weekend will be spent with Gen’s family here in Davao.

Today, we’re treading new waters in our obedience to God’s call for our life. Nothing mushy. Just  a dedicated, all-out, all-in “yes” to Him who is irresistible.

It’s good to be inside August 10!