A Night to Remember...

I never thought that there will be one unique night in my life that the man I love and adore would ask me to marry him and give me the most wonderful material I've ever received! Yes, it was the proposal night! 

Every proposal has its own story... But I tell you, this one is so intimate. I mean, this is between the two of us - at a romantic place on a romantic date (Feb 14, 2014).

I appreciate being pursued. Well, most of the women feel so great every time we feel that we are loved and cherished. The highlight of the wedding proposal would be the reality that you will be engaged then be married! Honestly, I've been waiting for this to happen (though not really expectant at all haha!). 

And now, I am getting more excited with the wedding day as well as the "married" life - I believe that's the more important one. I can't wait to spending forever with my God's best (being confident that he's the one whom God ordained for me). I feel so blessed for having a night to remember...

The Man Behind the Woman

I always love to affirm how  God is so brilliant in designing relationships – I’d love to make “kilig” as well to other couple’s own sweet story.  And now I am talking about my own unique love story. I’ve elaborated on my recent posts that God’s women are princesses, daughters of a Heavenly King who were pursued and fashioned with love. Hence, a pursued woman deserves a pursued prince. 

God doesn’t want her daughters to settle for less. He wants the best for us, a man He also pursued - bounded with love and significance. I will not try to do a “story telling” thing to tell everyone when, where  and how I met him. What I am focused and grateful for is about the testimony that he is an answered prayer, molded and progressed by God.

Without further ado, I would love to describe him in 3 qualities that influenced me.

1.) A servant leader – I can proudly say that He is an example of a servant leader who leads according to what God has impressed him. I like to see in him the perfect example that Jesus did while he was with his followers. He was ready to do the service and became the foot washer instead of being served as the son of God.  I am praying that he will be continuously guided to a higher purpose – committed and courageous to lead. I can see a picture of Godly-led head of the family in the near future.

2.) Encourager – Over the past 6 years, I’ve been encouraged entirely by this brave man. Career, personal issues, emotional and spiritual instability – name it! As if I got a guidance counselor instantly. LOL! What amazed me most were the times that God made him strong while I’m weak. Apart from the companion I got from my Heavenly King,  his untiring and passionate encouragement made me a woman with a firm and a clear outlook in life.

3.) A man of action – Yes, he is a man who can accomplish things quickly and efficiently. A man of initiative and optimism. The Lord bless him with godly wisdom as he takes the step toward his life’s purpose.

Without so much sugarcoated words, I just want to appreciate him for walking behind and beside of me. As the saying goes, “Behind every successful man, there stands a strong woman” I can switch it like this – “Behind every blessed woman, there stands a godly and pursued man”.

Philippians 1:3  Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.

Delved into the Richness of Baler

Bear with me if I had inserted a travel post here ;) I just can't keep the remarkable weekend getaway I had with my brethren and the superManly himself. Since I am addicted to travel documentaries and blogs, I myself would like to experience the actual fulfillment when you get to see a fresh view with great adventures. A few weeks ago, my friend Remsy has invited our Life Group to try Baler, Aurora. When I heard the place I was not hesitant to say yes to the invitation, of course I invited my superman to go with us (I am confident that the getaway will be more fun if we will be with him, naks! apart from the fact that we need an additional driver, lol). The preparation lasted for just a couple of weeks because we believe in the saying that an outing will push through if it will be planned on a shorter period of time. I guess that's proven so true!

I woud like to express the amusement with a number of pictures we had taken from the trip. Thanks to Manly and Teacher Tinay for the photos :) #photocredit. Sharing some views on our way to Baler and the destination itself.

Concluding this is a lake extending Pantabangan Dam

On our way to Baler proper, a very peaceful lake has welcomed us. We believed this is the extension of Pantabangan Dam - it's situated in Pantabangan area. We didn't see the actual Dam as we took the new and long road unknowingly. Road trippin' indeed! We do not know what lies ahead of us. Getting more excited for the next nature that will cheerfully greet us.

Relying on GPS and "pwede po magtanong" stop overs, we reached Baler after more than 2 hours of straight and 3 hours of zigzag road plus 20 minutes of pauses to ask for the correct direction. We didn't consider it as an arduous journey at all. Laugh times and bullying moments made the journey a fun!

After settling a room for the overnight stay, we have decided to try the waterfalls first. Baler locals said that there are 3 water falls to choose from but 2 of these require strenuous effort so we have decided to just go in Caunayan Falls that doesn't require trekking.

Oh rough road was worth it! See the breathtaking Caunayan Falls below. I've collated our photos - the water is super cold and clear! I tell you, you'll get tossed out from the powerful streams.

Baler beaches were described as one of the "top surf spots" in the Philippines. We will not allow to miss the happy waves that Sabang Beach could offer. Two of our brethren had the courage to try it. The waves were not that scary - fair enough!

Inah, Mai and Randell having fun with the happy surfboards...

Swimming was fun regardless of the painful impact of waves on our bare bodies haha! Joke! We actually enjoyed watching the professional surfers...

Sabang Beach

I tell you, you can't see any night life in Sabang Hotels. So what?! We will not get bored, Teacher brought UNO cards to celebrate an entertaining night in Baler. Some of us were not familiar with this card game - through Teacher's great effort in introducing the game mechanics, we made it! Losers will be punished. You can't believe what's the consquence. How about drinking a bottle lid of tuba vinegar. Ayiiii! (I am one of the losers, so I have experienced the awkward taste)


Playing UNO Game before calling Saturday a day - ManSelle and Inah were the losers of 3-round game.

Food trippin': having a taste of first hand Buko fruit which has a first hand price haha! Lunch on the second day at Gerry Shan's Place located in Baler town proper was awesome as well! Food really taste good with an affordable price. It was indeed a satisying meal for all.

Before heading home, we got the chance to see Baler Museum. Very historical... Award winning movie "Baler", will tell it all.

Museo de Baler

"Kulitan" was the highlight of the weekend, we may say.. Travelling with these guys was crazy! I can still remember why teacher has been K.O as you can see below. It was Remsy's fault haha! She got drunk from the tubas that Remsy brought for pasalubong. lol! Laughing a lot made our journey a remarkable one.



PACPS DGroup



Thank you PACPS for the experience. So blessed to have you! We do not know each other for a long time but our bond through Christ has made us thicker. 



Thank you Guys for the great company! :)

Otso- the Magic Number!


Till next time Baler! We will miss your beautiful morning sunshine!

Sunrise lying in Sabang Beach, Baler

 GLORY TO GOD!

A Love Beyond Description

I was inspired to write about God's love through the "What is Love Series" being conducted in our local church (at His Life City Church) for the whole month of August. It covers the extravagant, healing, assuring, empowering and overflowing love of God.

I can feel it! Those warm embrace, pronounced acceptance and the overwhelming spirit. It all boils down to the lavish love of God - a love that does not need to be earned.  

Sometimes we don't feel lovable. There are a lot of battles in our mind that would tear us down. We even tend to delve into our mistakes and swim in guilt that the enemy may impress us. Oh that's really horrible!  But God doesn't want us to dwell in our failures and shortcomings. His sufficient grace has covered all that could hinder us to walk straight toward Him - all we need is a heart that is willing to surrender. Let us remember that God has demonstrated his love for us: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

How can we define God's love? How we comprehend His ways?
There are no words to describe how much He loves us. The moment God created us and gave His only Son Jesus to save us, we already experienced a love beyond description. God's love can forgive even our hearts refuse to forgive our own weaknesses. We are always appreciated even we feel unimportant. Amazing grace! How can we refuse such love that is unconditional?

Feel free to grasp the stretched arms of God. He adores us and nothing can be compared to His love.

Psalm 136:26
    Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.

The Longing of her heart!

I would like to create circles through Hannah’s life – my favorite woman character in the Bible who is well known as the “The Mother who prayed”. Hannah’s sorrow, longing, desperation and faith placed a mark in my soul.

Getting familiar with Hannah, here’s the anecdote…

Hannah, a beautiful name that means “grace”, was a very ordinary woman who lived in an extraordinary time – a wife, mother and homemaker. She was married to a man named Elkanah who dearly loved her but he also had another wife. The other wife, Peninnah, had children but  not Hannah – “the Lord had closed her womb” a barren woman. The story begins in 1 Samuel 1:1.

Heart’s desire – Grace – Desperation – Purpose

Amplifying the circles with these points I learned from her journey as a woman – Hannah, a woman of prayer.

Heart’s Desire

What was her heart’s desire?

Since she was a barren woman, she begged and wept bitterly and prayed for a son.

1 Samuel 1:10 “In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly.”

She was driven to prayer by the lack of a child – it was a great sorrow to her. She entered into the Lord's tabernacle to pray  for her deepest need. She even made a vow before God, a promise to God that if she bore a son, she would give him back for God's service. Hannah followed through on that promise and God was honored.

Like Hannah, we have our own unique desires. We strongly wish for something. Are you aware that God knows our deepest desires? He’s just waiting for a drive to pray – an approach before His throne.

Psalms 37:4 says.. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Hannah delighted herself in the Lord and God has blessed her with a son named Samuel – her deepest longing.

Are we getting what we want through our own strength and out of God’s will? Let’s examine our hearts.

Grace

Hannah’s life is a living example of grace and how we receive it.

Grace means to find favor even though it hasn’t been or deserved. Hannah didn’t do anything to receive God’s blessings. She simply cried out to Him to help her and had faith that He would – the grace of God did the rest.

Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.

God’s grace is enough! His love is free of conditions – we just need to rely solely upon His grace!

Desperation

Hannah’s prayer was true pleading to the Lord, with many tears – out of a desperate heart.

1 Samuel 1:5-16 “Not so, my Lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”

Hannah poured out her heart to God and asked with great desperation. God found her heart – God was pleased in her desperation which was surrendered in prayer.

Hannah’s perseverance is astounding! She never stopped praying and never doubted God’s abilities. She kept praying through her pain.

"Desperation meets Faith"

When desperation meets faith

The curse is broken

A closed mind is open

Words of healing are spoken

When desperation meets faith

Jesus moves with compassion

Something good starts to happen

When desperation meets faith

Purpose

For many such “barren women”, life could have no purpose for them. God will use us and our lives for His greater purposes. God used Hannah’s barrenness to meet her in the midst of her trouble.

As I have discussed in my previous post, we are closer to God when we are brokenhearted. Hannah grabbed this opportunity to become closer to God and experience His unfailing love. God closed her womb to see what would produce – it was indeed God’s power! We can stand up like Hannah - just seek, surrender to God and allow desperation to show.

God delights in our prayers when they are spoken from the heart.

God can find such a heart!

Listens Through my Heart..

"Lord, I can't say it in words....
Can you please just listen through my heart"..

That's my attitide toward God at times.. when I feel I can't express what's inside me.

I always blow a whisper of prayer to God. Amazingly, He listens and understands.
I can't express how surprised I am whenever He does ordinary miracles to satisfy my heart.

A God who sees and understands.. A God who knows our deepest sadness and desires.
The fact that God is our creator so He owns everything - even our heart.
He must know what, why, and how do we perceive things and situations we encounter each moment of ourlives.

How do I explain? How do I describe?
I just thought about the intense of "God's pursuing love".
Thank you Lord for the indescribable love I know that is mine.. :)

Here's a song for you my God... I also don't know how to express my gratitude, love and praises to you - just listen to my heart ;)

~ ~ ~
How do you explain
How do you describe
A love that goes from East to West
And runs as deep as it is wide
You know all our hopes
Lord, You know all our fears
And words cannot express the love we feel
But we long for You to hear

So listen to our hearts
Hear our spirits sing
A song of praise that flows
For those You have redeemed
And we use the words we know
To tell you what an awesome God You are
But when words are not enough
To tell You of our love
Just listen to our hearts

If words could fall like rain
From these lips of mine
And if I had a thousand years
I would still run out of time
So if You listen to my heart
Every beat will say
Thank you for the Life
Thank you for the Truth
Thank you for the Way
 
And listen to hearts (oh, Lord, please listen)
Hear our spirits sing (and hear us sing)
A song of praise that flows (a song of praise)
From those of You have redeemed (from those You have redeemed)
And we will use the words we know
To tell you what an awesome God You are
But when words are not enough
To tell You of our love
Just listen to our hearts

So if You listen to my heart
Every beat will say
Thank You for the Life
Thank You for the Truth
Thank You for the Way

Casting Crowns — Listen To Our Hearts

PRINCESS - Daughter of a Heavenly King

During my naive years I have loved watching Princess Sarah, Snow White and Cinderella.. I'm amazed on how a princess can be.. Oh, I'm still hooked on Tangled as well. All were just a fancy and a vision.

Recently, while I was browsing some spiritual books for women, God allowed me to discover a book entitled "His Princess.. Love Letters from your King". This is a compilation of letters from our Heavenly King. I am looking forward to having a hard copy of this very heart-whelming material by Sheri Rose. You can get a daily letter online here Today's Love Letter. Let me share the particular letter which initially helped me identify my royalty ;)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
My Princess... my chosen one,

I chose you before the foundation of the earth to be My princess. You are royalty even when you don't feel like a princess. I will wait for you until you are ready to start living the amazing plans I have for you. I know you don't know where to begin or how to become what I've called you to be, so let Me teach you day by day. Start by recognizing who I am: King of kings and Lord of lord. The Lover of your soul. When the two of us meet alone together, everyday I will show you how to let go of the things in your life that are holding back from the blessing I want to give you. Remember, My child, just as I have chosen you, I have given you a choice to represent Me to the world. If you are willing, I am here to give you all you need to complete your calling.

 

Love,
Your King and Lord who chose you

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

As I reflect and seek my worth as a woman and a daughter, God impressed me that He has chosen me - His precious princess who fashioned me with love. The discovery that I am a royalty is a "wow!" Who can profess that an ordinary woman can be a princess? I thought everything would just be an imagination. I thought this is just a fantasy - present in my dreams.

It's impressive how my Heavenly King sees my needs and desires, how he pursues and satisfies my heart. What a great joy when you discover and accept that you are a unique princess - daughter of a Heavenly King - God's chosen and special possession...

1 Peter 2:9

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the
praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light".