labor of love

Among the things (concerning the wedding) that we really want to go hands-on is the invitation. As I have made money making invitations for others in the past, I thought I will surely go DIY with mine should my "schedule" come. And now that we're "here," we did it LOL---Labor of Love!

We kind of splurged on the invites (while Ate Emma gifted us some amount--thank you sooo much te!) but we thought it is worth it. We want to let the people know how excited we are to spend the late-afternoon-to-evening with them in God's presence. 

=) 

I wonder how the rich father felt when He sent out invitations for the wedding of His Son... Matthew 22:1-14

The original plan on the invitation was an Air Mail envelope (i love snail mails!) packing a vintage letter. We disregarded the idea when Gen wanted a book-type version as he wanted it to be coherent with what we're going through--a journey. It should somehow carry a message or tell a story. And I surely loved the idea, too! We kept it simple (hmm...) as we only wanted to send our love and hearts.

Anyhow, we need to get these out ASAP.

Son-day to last

Here are some shots we took having a teal-colored roll up door. During our vintage glam session, we designed to have it in Paper Tree. Unfortunately, we got there late. The store was already open when the team arrived. We ended up having the shoot at SM---place really hot and the day was humid at the time. And the guards shooed us away. Haha. 

The first Sunday to forever is finally here. Barely one month more to go, we're already very honored to serve the Lord together (it has been quite a while since "together" but it's really different now that we are in one place). Our morning started by praying for a sick child that was brought by her mother to church. The toddler just had colostomy and needs more medication. Gen prayed for the him after we talked and extended help to the young mom. We also met a couple who's getting married a month after us. And we are starting a cell group come Saturday! Weeee! After the second service we spent the lunch with Anne. I am so blessed with how Gen brings things to the table just to help me comfort one of my precious girls. We devoured Isaiah 54 (one of our core passages) with Anne then off we went to grab sundaes or Cornetto. To no avail. =( That means we need to schedule another afternoon for that (diba, Anne?)!

#LovingGodLovingPeople

invitation sneak peek

text by: gen | layout by: rej

I'll be getting the first five copies today...

I really hope it will turn out good...

#jitters

new phone wallpaper---ayeee!

i'm prepared to not-have a perfect marriage.

and i prepare more on having a happy marriage.

(#purposefulmarriage --yes =))

"Do two walk together, unless they have agreed?" -Amos 3:3

can there be a day?

[photo taken by: rhea annie tulio]


Here is Gen's first poem. (written 01 January 2009)

We now have the answer. 

#Godisthoughtful

 

there is a day in a moment,
there is a moment in a day yet
can there be a day that you are not a moment?
i flood my day so you can't stay,
still i fail so i ask anyway,
can there be a day that you're too far away?
thinking i could run today and turn my back,
so quickly i'm filled with lack and so again i ask,
can there be a day that your picture dims blurred in black?
i am a blind eye inside your heart...
a captive of your charm, a slave by your radiance.
can there be a day that i don't think of you?
can there be a day that you don't invade the minutes of a day?
can there be a day that i don't wait to watch your icons play?
can there be a day...? how i wish there was a day...
oh i desperately need that day that you don't stay in a day...
oh i wish there was a day...
but it never came...
it never comes...
it never will... unless a day turns into...
...a lifetime or sadly a plain yesterday.

can there be a day where you remain in that day...
...and you stay because you choose it that way?
can there be a day when you speak of what i crave you to say?
yes, i believe there can be a day...
...but it's just a day where illusions spray.

i hope you don't mind if i stay with you in a day,
so i could ask you one last time if i may...
can there be a day when the day i talked about today...
...is the same day that you experience everyday?
can there be a day? may it be... Today.

this eagle-ish bride

I started the day with a few collaborations with my potential bosses. #peaceinandthroughHimwhoarrangesourfuture

Then off Bem and I to downtown. We checked the buckles (which we requested NCCC's textile department to order from Manila, and they kindly accommodated us. Kudos to the store! #freeplugin =D) and they're finally here. We can soon work on the wedding favors. #excitedmuch

To spill some beans, I paid for the shoe orders I made online. Hehehe, I am so girly--and my spontaneous shopping days are soon over. (With that, I resolved to respect my future husband in the way I manage the finances. Hmmm, I must say, I'm a breed of a bargain-shopper and investment-shopper. From the mixture, I love it when papaps muse at me: "you make wise-buys!" Okay, enough for now. We'll talk about that in a different blog entry sometime later.) Nonetheless, I also promised myself to [indulge] if need be. So the purchase made a third of my day! =D

Along the way, Bem and I checked on the new opening of ukay-ukay stuff. I got a blazer! Haha. And I got Bem one, too--his prize for patiently tagging along. ;)

I grabbed a snack on the way home. (rice, adobong lechon, beef soup/broth and minatamis na saging = merienda noh?!)

Second "third" of my day.

Just after we got home, I had to sneak a power nap and rush the preps to attend Joverly's (eagerl) wedding at Insular Waterfront Hotel.

I had a great bonding time with AJ and Aivee (three generations of discipleship). I had the chance of inquiring the photobooth services since we also planned having one (and I have layout ideas already). So glad to sharpen my haggling skills and get it at a good price with the paper frame included (my first inquiries from other service provides cost much higher). Woohoo! Favored! Lagi nalang favored! Si Lord man gud bah! =D

Third third.


Soli Deo Gloria!

I delight greatly in the LORD;
   my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
   and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, 

as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,

   and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

For as the soil makes the sprout come up

   and a garden causes seeds to grow,

so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness

   and praise spring up before all nations.

-Isaiah 61:10-11

The Bride and the Groom are among the rare creatures
that are pleasing to the eyes. Almost incomparable.
And Isaiah compares that to slavation.
Salvation makes us beautiful.
(if not for God's saving grace,
we will not be here in this season together.
God has saved us from ourselves, our past and our tendencies.
We now understand how important
for two people to have a personal encounter with God,
before entering marriage.
Apart from that, there is no glory.)
Salvation is our glory. And this is only done by Jesus' blood on the cross.
It is like the beauty in a wedding.
Amazing noh?
Conscious sad diay si Isaiah sa mga weddings before noh?
Weddings are head-turners.
It is powerful enough to take us out of our busyness
to chance at two lives beautifully remade to
walk love's journey, for God's will and praise.
...
If the groom takes the lead spiritually (other areas follow),
it is a beauty to behold.
If the bride is bedecked with jewels (grabeh diay sauna noh?),
it is beauty, royalty, and grandness.
It keeps everyone breathless. And God delights at that.
...
God ordains things and events
to show forth His praise and glory!
He causes things!
...
And here we stand proclaiming
"Jesus is our Reason!"
-Gen and Rej

perfection defined

[link from ate rhea annie tulio]

God desires a blameless, spotless bride for His Son. Somebody who is practically perfect. As I walk through this bridal season, I am humbled by the many realizations (revelations in Christianese! =D) God graciously unveils. 


He knew that the Church, the Body of Christ as the Bride of Christ, walks in compromise many times, faltering even in the least details so He unconditionally gave His Son (Romans 5:8---while we were yet singles sinners, Christ died for us!) to wash us clean. It was the Father who paid for the ransom, it was the Son who paid for the beautiful white dress of the Bride, it is for her to keep it untainted until the time her Bridegroom returns. Then she can walk the aisle of grace, everyone amazed at her beauty, mesmerized by her perfection.


But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 1Corinthians 15:10 NIV

I'm taking a break from the layouting task I asked myself to do. Doing the invitation is not easy. But to say the least, we are actually having fun. This is something so-me-and-the-groom at the wedding. At least, we have one theme to focus on. This should stop us from entertaining other equally great ideas we see in the internet. What we're being challenged more is the text part.

While being spontaneous, I talk a halt (Gen left for some errand---yes, online collaboration) as I face the dilemma of whether to include the note on the matter of gifts. Although we would welcome house necessities as presents, Gen and I are soon leaving for Luzon to start ministry there. We need to lessen the stuff to pack. And being certain with that, and as per advised by closest friends, we need to note that we prefer monetary gifts.  And since we are not including the traditional money dance, it somehow fair enough to slip envelopes in the invitations. At least, it will keep the amount a secret. It seems like we are doing our guests a favor already, right?

So as I was trying to find a spot for this matter, I rushed to Google for help. Invitation experts (yes, this phrase was there, I actually didn't know there are those kinds of professionals) say that although guests would usually bring gifts, giving presents is optional; and it is rather unethical to even mention them in invitations.

So,what do you think?

And I'm now happy for being rid with the challenge keying-in the kindest words so that we won't sound uncouth and too bold. The guests are free to bring presents. And as for ourselves, we are already very, very delighted of the truth that God has gifted us to each other for a lifetime. 

God is thoughtful. This is a perpetual musing in my heart.

À Dieu soit la gloire!

Being in love with the vintage flair since high school (I usually dye my DIY stamp-covered notebook), I only realized I do not just love its aesthetic side, I have been carrying a burden for France. It alsmost started as a joke way back when we were called to cite the nation where God would send us as missionaries, PI is the only place I think of. I never see myself leaving the Philippines for work or even missions. Brutally. But when papaps asked me at our staff meeting (in 2004---my first year being staff, then I left for a secular work, and then came back as the calling was stronger than any effort to hush it) where would I go besides the homeland, I blurted France! Ouie, ouie!
I have read an article how European churches are being converted to mosques and that not many young people are passionate for God in these countries. I might as well go and minister to the place. Honestly, the burden is as ever fresh as it was first planted in my heart. France might be a little long away from my current schedule, or it could be close to God's calendar, who knows?! One thing is certain as of now, we (Gen and I) are very much eager to start touching places and carry the spirit of revival to any place as long as there are people--hello to Kabacan, Mati, Samal and Tibungco (Urdaneta, of course!) for our first few stops before the literal going-into-the-world mode.

Forgive the old soul in me, and lemme tell you, it's a new wine being poured to new wineskin that's going on. Many times, we move our thoughts away from the wedding preparation and Gen would lead me to pray (my, it's really long! peace! =D) and ready our hearts more for the long term things that God is calling us to do. 
November Twelve is just one big day that will lit the many, many big days of our lives together! #SoliDeoGloria

no bridal shower for me

I easily fell in love with this chic cake. And I honestly mull over having something like this for the bridal shower. I actually sent this pic to a dear cake-maker, Ms. Novie Tacugue, and she, too, loved every bit of it. Who wouldn't be?
Nonetheless, since I decided not to have a bridal shower--an intimate event with friends where they shower you gifts--those that are actually extra intimate--we have to forego this piece of sweetness. Realizing that I would have more of a despedida-de-soltera night---where you bid farewell to singlness, it's better to come up with something that is purposeful but still fun, inclusive rather than exclusive.
With one reason in mind, I can surely attest, I want to end a season with worship, in worship to God for blessing me richly lived single years. I have so much to say. I have so many stories to tell. And yes, so many learnings to detail. All these things point to one thing--one accummulated loud praise to my Creator and King. Definitely, one night will not suffice. I might as well write a book, noh? 
I love the season of singleness. If only I can extend it. But they say, you can't overstay in one place and still have the fullest measure of the next phase for they are not impenetrable. I have to be found ready and able at the time I am expected to. So, here I am, Lord.
Since Gen share the same heart, and wants to do the same, we have realized we needed to throw a simple engagement party together when he arrives. Although we have been engaged since February, this is no longer an event to announce it, but more appropriately said, it is to seal one season and gift from God that we have truly enjoyed. At best, we can both express our gratitude to friends who have encouraged us to go through the process in worship, obedience, purity and full faith. It can also be a time to share our love story to the young people in church and leak to them our treasured lessons. In our little way, we hope in God, that His work in us will further in everyone their commitment to Him.


This is a precedence...
I can see that many more committed young people are soon to be wed.
Praises!

the ninong/ninang agenda

We agreed to have seven pairs (3 from me, 3 from her, 1 common) ... but right now we still have ten on our list... wanna help doing the pick? #there-is-a-requirement-though =D

Rej and I were very careful about this one. Our first criteria in picking a ninong/ninang is the testimony of the marriage. Who wouldn't want to witness and be modeled by a God-ordained and God-blessed marriage?! Of course we're aware that we're incapable of finding perfections in marriages. But we do honor couples who have stood firm in their faithfulness to God with their vows of sanctifying their marriage to give glory to the Lord as they minister the Gospel and make God's love known through their genuine love and intentional fidelity to their only spouse. #plusablessedparenting

We also wanna be strict at picking those who can really attend the wedding ceremony--we never want them to miss witnessing our sacred vows being sealed in the Lord's presence. Bu have you ever thought of cheap presence wrapped in a cheap signature? Well, this happens when you invite your principal sponsors, they show up on the wedding day... they sign their best signatures... but will miss the way you live your marriage and raise your family for the rest of their lives! The Principal Sponsors should never be counted as decorations of a wedding because they weren't meant for the event but for the marriage and family life of the couple. #notethiswell

At the end of the decision-string, it really brings persistent delight being sure that we can go to them (selected Ninong and Ninang) and be accommodated genuinely as if we really are a son and a daughter to them. #anytime #anywhere #anyhow =)


And to note, right now, we already feel blessed at the list we have. Woohoo!

can't be any happier

Here's a video from Kuya Rey of soulzoundzdezign. It's really very nice noh? The wedding looked very vintage yet fab already. Thanks to Kuya Rey's save the date video--all glory to God for the edged skill and competent creativity. (You can also watch other videos at the website).


When the skill evaded us this time, I'm glad Kuya Rey is there! I can't be any happier now. So blessed to be cousins with you!

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*

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!

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.”

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. =)

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)

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! =) =)