When God Writes Your Love Story

The Title

I decided to borrow my entry's title from a book (written by the couple Eric & Leslie Ludy). I just thought it was appropriate for this post. Ok, so what is this all about? Hmm... The month of June is almost over but as we all know, it's the month of weddings. I just believe that the most beautiful of weddings happen when it was God who penned the love story of two people being joined together in marriage. Ask me why? As the couple's book puts it plainly, "God is the Author of true love and the Creator of romance." So when it comes to writing love stories, who else is best qualified?

A Wonderful News

First week of May, I got a text message from my friend, Lyn. She said she wanted to tell me something personally, but her work schedule just wouldn't give her the luxury of setting up a meeting with me. She warned me first not to be surprised with the news she's bringing. Well, you've probably guessed it already, she informed me that she's getting married and she's asking me to be one of the secondary sponsors.

Wow! I'm surprised and happy at the same time. Surprised because I wasn't really expecting she's getting married soon, not only because she's a year younger than me (hehehe...) but she hasn't mentioned any hint about settling down before. But then, I haven't seen and talked to her for quite a long time already, so I guess I was not that updated about her anymore.

I'm happy because I've known Lyn for several years already. I've seen how God has been faithful in her life and I've also seen how she's grown to be a mature woman especially in her relationship with the Lord. I remembered when we were both still in the Youth ministry...our weekly meetings, outdoor activities, outreach activities, rehearsals, presentations, camps etc. We both enjoyed and cherished those bonding moments. There were even times when she would sleep at our house and we'd just share stories until past midnight. But most of the time, she does the talking as she would share the ups and downs of her love life. Lyn is really like a younger sister to me. A very sweet sister in fact.

Though I didn't know George as much as I've known Lyn, I could say that he's a very loving and responsible man. I got the chance to be with the both of them during our Family Camp in April of 2003. I saw how they look good together and how one complements the other. I enjoyed both of their company as we joined the different camp activities like games/sports, swimming, eating, film showing, talent night and even in the sessions/discussions and early morning devotions. At first, I really thought that George is a quiet type. Somehow it's true, but as I get to know him I found out that he's a guy with a sense of humor. I laugh a lot everytime he would throw jokes with his face still looking serious. (haha!) I even got used to calling him "P're" because that's how Lyn introduced him to me. Until now, I still don't call him George. (hehehe...)

It wasn't a long engagement for P're, (oops! heheh...) I mean George and Lyn. After almost 2 years of being together, they've finally decided to tie the knot. I'm just so happy for the both of them. I wanted to write about their love story, but that's going to mean a long entry here. Anyway, with all their ups and downs and in everything that they've went through, I can say that theirs is one sweet love story written by the Author of true love and the Creator of romance, Himself.

The Wedding

After almost a year of preparation, the most awaited day has finally come for George and Lyn. Sunday afternoon, 26th of June 2005 at Villa Gloria Resort in Taguig, a simple yet intimate and beautiful wedding ceremony was held. It was Lyn’s choice for their wedding to be held in a garden by the pool side. Indeed, with all the flowers around and floating candles at the man-made waterfalls and at the pool, the place turned out to be truly lovely. God blessed the day with a good weather. It didn’t rain that afternoon.

The guests comprise of George’s & Lyn’s family, relatives and friends close to their hearts, just enough to fill the venue. The wedding coordinator said that all the secondary sponsors and brides maids had to be at the venue by 2pm even if the ceremony would start at 5pm. So I arrived there earlier and then my dad, mom and sister just followed.

I’m still not that used to wearing gowns and stylettos, so I find my attire a little uncomfortable. Plus the fact that I had to wear make-up…oh no, and to top it all, I didn’t like how my make-up turned out (*sigh*). I should have let my sister do it and not the one they hired. Elaine is the expert when it comes to things like these. Better yet, I guess I have to learn to do it myself. Hmm…I just wish I have the patience.

Everyone seemed to be ready by 4:30pm, except for the bride. (hehehe…) Oh well, it’s her day so that’s understandable. She has to be the most beautiful woman on that day. Finally, the wedding started at a little past 5pm. As the groom was waiting at the altar for her bride, I could see how nervous and excited he was. When the bride came with her parents, everyone was silent and all we could hear was Jen’s voice singing“Panunumpa”. As Lyn was walking down the isle, I could see in her eyes how happy she was. It’s as if words were never enough to express how George and Lyn felt at that very special moment in their lives.

The wedding ceremony lasted for almost 45 minutes. The Pastor delivered a very meaningful message for the couple as well as for all of us who are there. My favorite part in the ceremony was when the couple exchanged vows (which they made themselves). I just felt the sincerity in their words and everyone can surely testify how they truly love each other. Many were touched and I, myself was really doing my best not to cry (for the sake of keeping my make-up. Heheh…). I still had teary-eyes, though. Kuya Ariel sang “I will be here” just as the couple exchanged their vows.

George and Lyn made sure that they will hear their favorite songs on their wedding. So Jaypee serenaded the couple as he sang “All my life” while Jen rendered her own version of “Because of you” during the ceremony of symbols. My sister (who’s a first-time wedding singer) also gave a song number as she sang “Love moves in mysterious ways” during the contract signing. The ceremony ended with a duet from Kuya Ariel and Jen singing "Endless Love".

Then, the most awaited part of the ceremony came (you know what I mean. Hehe…). But it’s as if the newly-weds were so shy to kiss in front of many people. It was like a one-second kiss. The guests and the photographers had to request them to do it again a little longer, for the sake of picture taking. They did it a little better this time.

It was picture-taking time just before dinner. Too bad, my digicam ran out of batteries in the middle of the ceremony so my dad didn’t get to take a lot of pictures. Here’s some, though.

Me and my sis, Elaine

The candle sponsors, Josan & Me

Walking down the isle

My mom with the other principal sponsors

Elaine singing

The newlywed, George & Lyn

I was already hungry even during the ceremony since I took an early lunch. The food was good and I wish I could eat a lot but I had to remind myself I was wearing a gown. (*sigh again*)

During the reception, George’s and Lyn’s best friends gave their respective messages. But what really brought tears to our eyes was when their parents gave their message for the couple. Those were messages coming from a parent’s heart filled with unconditional love for their children. Lyn cried the most when her closest sister gave her message. This time, I wasn’t so successful in holding back my tears (Ok, ok…I admit I cry easily). Now who cares about the make-up? (hehehe!)

Then for the fun part (maybe for some)…it’s the boquet and garter toss but with a different style. I usually pretend to be going to the wash room everytime this part of the reception comes (hehehe). But Lyn was doing a roll-call and I wasn’t exempted. So there, for the sake of friendship, I joined the game. I was praying so hard not to get the magic box when the music stops as it is being passed. Thank Heavens, my prayer was heard. I was safe. It was my sister, though, who got the box. Hehehe! Good for her, the guy was a gentle-man. It was a fun game after all. =)

Just before the reception ended, the couple took the chance to thank everybody for all the things each has done to make their wedding a success. They just couldn’t express how much thankful and grateful they are. But most of all, they offered praise and thanks to God for it was Him who made their wedding a truly beautiful and memorable one, especially for them.

I love this story

Talking about love stories, I just wanted to share this one which I read from Joshua Harris’ book (Boy meets Girl). It’s an illustration but I find it so inspiring. I hope that this would serve as a reminder and encouragement especially for those of us who are patiently waiting for our own God-written love story.

Look into His Face

I saw the Creator’s hands forming little me. The same hands that had created the stars and the heavens were carefully fashioning me. I was filled with wonder and gratefulness.

I continued to see myself, now a young lady, sitting in the center of His hand, knees drawn up to my chest, my head lifted to the Lover of my soul – my all in all. I was focused on Him and only Him. My gaze was filled by His face. And He looked delighted as I was to have my total attention. I sat for what seemed an eternity, marveling and communing with my Savior, my eyes reveling in Him.

As I sat there, I saw, out of the corner of my eye, His other hand coming into view and in that hand I saw him. I knew who it was the instant I saw that it was a man. Simultaneously, we jumped to our feet and looked up at the Master.

“Is that him?” I asked, “The one I have been waiting for? The one who has been waiting for me? Is it him?”

I could hear that he was asking the same question about me. “Is that her? The one I have been waiting for? The one who has been waiting for me?

Both of our voices quaked with excitement, but they could not compare to the joy and pleasure that was in God’s voice as He smiled and said, “Yes.” Bringing His hands close, He joined our hands and released us into the world…together.

It’s a simple story really.
Two people learning to trust God.
Two winding paths that God made straight.
Two straight paths that He chose to cross at just the right time.

Their love story continues…

George and Lyn had trusted God to script a love story perfect just for them. But I know the tale doesn’t end after the wedding ceremony. I believe that their love story shall continue to be perfected and made even more special as their love for God and for each other grows each day. And it shall be that way…for as long as they both shall live.

Would you give Him the pen?

As I end this entry, I’d like to quote some words from Ludy’s book:

Our loving Savior and Lord has given us an amazing opportunity to take hold of the truest and most lasting kind of love imaginable. Hollywood can’t even touch the version of love that is alive and real in the heart and mind of God. It’s a chance to discover romance at its best.

God is asking you, “I want to script a beautiful tale just for you, but first you must trust Me with the pen of this precious area of your life. Will you let Me write your love story?

God is longing to write your love story – a love story far beyond the most incredible fairy tale ever written. Will you give Him the pen today?

I am not a good writer (heheh...) so as for me, I just trust God to do the writing. (",)

Dad's Day Celebration Continues...

When I woke up, I remembered to greet God, "Happy Father's Day", too. My dad and my sister left early for the 7:30AM service since my dad is scheduled to preach. My mom and I followed at the 10:00AM service. So I greeted my dad in Church.

We also prepared something for the fathers. We asked all the fathers to come in front. Then my friend, Angeline, shared about her experience with her dad while she was growing up. She shared how she became rebellious at some point in her life but still felt how his dad loved and cared for her inspite of everything. Her story brought tears to our eyes. She expressed how grateful she is to her dad that if not for his unconditional love, she wouldn't be where she is right now, faithfully serving the Lord.

After Angeline's touching story, my sister rendered a song for the fathers. She sang "I won't last a day without you." I could see how the fathers were touched as well. I also saw my dad wiping tears from his eyes. After Elaine's song, Angeline prayed for all the fathers. It was really a beautiful sight to see. I believe God has heard our prayers as we ask Him to take care of our dads and guide them as they lead our families.

After the successful service, we had lunch together with our friends from Church. We had a great time sharing stories and as usual, my friends from the Music Ministry just couldn't run out of "kakulitan". I couldn't seem to chew my food well as I was laughing the whole time. hehehe...

It was meeting time with the Sunday School teachers after lunch. It was just a short meeting and then Elaine and I had headed to Manila afterwards. We had to attend the rehearsals for my friend's wedding on Sunday.

Hmm... It was a kinda hectic day for me but I surely enjoyed every part of it.

A Day with Dad

It’s an early Father’s Day celebration for us. It’s been a while since I last spent my Saturday mornings with my dad.

I miss those times when we wake up at 5am and jog around the village with our dog “Spot”. But most of the time, we went out of the village and reach the nearby highway. If I estimated it right, we’d jog for about 3-4 kilometers. And once we get back in the house, sometimes my dad would teach me some Martial Arts just before we do our cool-down exercises. I remembered one time, he was teaching me how to use the umbrella to defend myself from an attacker. As he was doing the demo to me, he unintentionally hit me quite hard on my knee! Ouchhhh!!! That really hurts (huhuhu…) But anyway, I forgive my dad even if he sometimes forgets I’m a woman. Hehehe!

I think I got my interest in sports from my dad. We get along so well in that aspect. We've always planned to play badminton on Saturdays but for some reason, we just couldn't make it. But last Saturday, we made sure that we'll spend our morning in a badminton court near our place. It’s the first time we played badminton together in a real court. We usually just play in the street (hehehe…). My mom went with us but didn’t want to play. She just watched us and she also enjoyed watching the kids having Taekwondo lessons near our court. My sister didn’t go with us since she’s really not the sporty type. Besides, she said she still had to practice her song number for my friend's wedding on Sunday. It's gonna be her first time to sing in a wedding that's why she's quite nervous.

So, it was a one-on-one game with my dad for almost 2 hours. Whew! It was quite tiring but we both enjoyed the game. My dad is also quite good in badminton since he used to play tennis before. But unfortunately, he lost in all of the games we had (modesty aside, hehehe…) I think the badminton training is effective. Thanks to Jonathan! My dad promised he’s gonna beat me next time. Hmmm... let’s see… hehehe!

After freshening up, we had an early lunch at the nearest fast food which happened to be Mc Donalds. Oh, I think I ate quite a lot. I’m always hungry after playing badminton (Tabel can attest to that. Hehehe…) My dad is quite health-conscious but I guess he ate quite a lot that time, too. (haha!)

After lunch, we passed by the grocery store to buy some stuff. Then my dad went home bringing the groceries, while I accompanied my mom to buy her shoes for the wedding.

When we got home, I attempted to practice the guitar lessons assignments that Sherwin gave us. I got a little frustrated when I can't seem to tune the guitar. When I finally gave up, I asked my dad to tune it for me. He tuned it in no time at all. Yey! You see, that's what dads are for. hehehe... Then, it was time to have a little jamming with my dad.

After our guitar session, it was time for him to cook dinner while I watched Pinoy Pop Superstar. My dad enjoyed watching the show, too. When the defending champion, Harry Santos rendered his song ("Vincent"), I was totally amazed. He has this Josh Groban sound. I so love his voice and my dad also made a comment that he has a great voice. He sings simply but so sincerely. I was still confident that he'd win that night, and he did! Yes, I could hear him sing again next week.

I surely had a great day with my dad. I'm so thankful to God that he gave me a father like him. I know he's far from perfect but for me, he's still the best! (",)

A Debut

Time flies so fast. This little girl that I once see attending Sunday School has just turned 18 and has bloomed to be a beautiful, fine young lady. Her name is Junliza. I've known her to be very active in Church eversince. She's a member of the Youth Ministry and now, she's also a part of the Music Ministry of our Church in Manila.

I got the invitation for her debut just last Sunday. It was simple yet elegant, having her picture in front. When I opened it, I saw a familiar lyrics of a song. I was glad because it's also one of my favorites. The song is entitled "I Promise", performed by Jaci Velasquez. If I'm not mistaken, it's a part of the musical play called "True Love Waits".

I've heard this song years back, and since then it became my promise to God also. Let me share some of the words from this song.
So I promise to be true to You
To live my life in purity
As unto You
Waiting for the day
When I hear You say
"Here is the one I have created
Just for you"

Until then, O Lord
I will be content
Knowing that true love
Will come someday
It will Only come from You
I'm glad that a young lady like Junliza is making this same promise to God - to wait for God's Perfect Choice (GPC - got this term from Chay. heheh!) as well as for God's perfect time. Sometimes we find it so hard to wait. But as one quote says, "God is never too late, nor too early, but just on time." So I opt to trust God in that area. Because I truly believe, He makes all things beautiful...in His time. And as for me, I just know one thing is for sure - whoever my GPC is, I know he's definitely worth the wait! :)

Last night was indeed a lovely night, especially because of the debutant herself. I didn't have such a party during my debut (well, that is by choice. hehehe) but I can feel and I can see by the look in her face how happy she is for having her family and friends to celebrate that very special occassion in her life.

Good thing, the attire is just semi-formal, so I need not wear a gown or something. hehehe... My sister and I arrived at the venue at around 7:30pm. The party has just started. After several minutes, it's dinner time! Yehey! I was actually quite starving already. It was a bountiful dinner and the food was just everywhere!


Me and the Debutant

While we were eating, Hadassah, one of the emcees approached me and said, "Ate Doths, kasali ka sa 18 songs, ha." I said, "Ha?! Ano yun?" Then she told me that it's also like the "18 Candles" but they changed it a little. So instead of just lighting a candle and saying a wish to the debutant, we had to think of a song that will serve as our message for her and then give a some sort of an explanation why we chose that song. I was like, "What?! Kelangan talaga kumanta?" (hehehe!) She insisted and I think I just didn't have a choice. So there, I was thinking of a song the whole time as I was having dinner.

I finished eating but still haven't thought of any song. (huhuhu..) After some 15 minutes, I know I had to think of something because we will be called in a while. So I decided to just sing a Jaci Velasquez song too, since it's a favorite of the debutant as well.

I think I was the 10th person to be called for the "18 songs" and I was so nervous the whole time. I'm just not used to sing solo. (hahah!) Before I sang I was joking with my friends and I said, "Sorry ha, hindi ako nakapag-practice and hindi talaga ako prepared. By the way, here's my minus one." They were all laughing at me! Then all of a sudden, I heard the emcees called me. Oh no! here I go. I told Junliza that I really hope the words of the song will be like her prayer to God. I sang the chorus part of the song, "Imagine me without You":

Imagine me without You
I'd be lost and so confused
I wouldn't last a day
I'd be afraid
Without You there
To see me through

Imagine me without You
Lord, You know it's just impossible
Because of You
It's all brand new
My life is now worthwhile
I can't imagine me without You

I told her that as she continue in her life's journey, I hope that it will always be her heart's desire to be with the Lord and to always experience His presence. That she would really say, "I can't imagine myself without You, Lord." Because I believe that with God by her side, no matter what circumstances come her way, she will never ever go wrong.

She gave me her sweetest smile as I end my speech and I was glad to see that she liked the song. Just not sure if she liked my voice too, hahah! The emcees commented after I sang, "Ate Doths, hindi halatang hindi ka nag practice ah!" hehehe...

Had some more chats with my churchmates from Manila that I've never seen for quite a long time already. It was a wonderful time for me.

Jaja, Jen, Jhune, Me and Ara

At the last part of the programme, the debutant gave a song number and made her thank you speech, with tears flowing down her cheeks. Well, those were tears of joy. I'm sure everyone enjoyed the party. Sufficing to say, it was definitely an unforgettable night not only for Junliza, but even for all of us who are dear to her.

Missed Monday Bean and 2 days of work

Monday morning, I already had this slight headache. But I still managed to reach the office at around 7am for our guitar lessons with Sherwin. Unfortunately, Anet can’t make it and Beng texted me to say that she’ll be a little late. I waited for Beng and then we went to Enterworks to meet Sherwin. Our second session went well, in fact it becomes even more interesting as we’re already starting to learn some chords.

When I got back in the office, I continued working on the test scenarios for the project I was assigned to. I still had a headache, though. I wonder if it’s because I forgot to wear my contact lenses. But I think it’s because I had colds (which is always accompanied by cough, by the way. huhuhu…) again. I just recovered from it a couple of weeks ago but then, my 3 team mates all had it last week. So I guess I got this from them. Thank you guys! See, we’re still a team…in sickness and in health (hahah!)

I joined Tabel, Rene and Ken during lunch at the Enterworks pantry. Badminton was the topic of our conversation the whole time. Chay, Boyette, Joe and Ms. Miget also joined us during lunch. Mang Rudy saw me and he said it’s as if I did not resign because he sees me almost everyday. He was teasing me and said it must be because I miss him. I told him, of course I miss him especially his iced tea. Hehehe…

In the afternoon, I was starting to feel cold even if I was already wearing a long-sleeved shirt and a jacket. My headache was becoming worse, too. I felt like I already had a slight fever. At around 6pm, I sent a message to Chay to inform her that I can’t attend our cell group because I was not feeling well. She said it’s okay and promised that they will pray for me. Though she said she really wished I could come because Jhie will be attending the cell. Oh my…It’s been quite a while since I last saw Jhie in our cell group and I also wish I could see her. But I really don’t think I could make it with all the headache and chilling. (sighs…)

I just finished my tasks for the day and left the office at around 7pm. I slept in the shuttle the whole time on my way home. When I got home, I told my mom I was not feeling well. I just changed my clothes and dropped on my bed. My dad went inside my room to check on me. He said I had a high fever. He brought me noodles for dinner and told me to take paracetamol after eating. After dinner, my mom brought me a basin filled with cold water and a towel. I was already asleep by 10:00pm.

I felt a little better when I woke up Tuesday morning. But my mom told me not to go to work anymore since I still have a slight fever. So I texted my team lead to inform him that I am sick and will not be able to come to work. He said it’s okay and told me to take a rest. My mom also told me to just stay in my room and rest.

Since I don’t want to sleep anymore, I just spent my time reading and watching some movies. I read a couple of chapters from the book Chay lent me and the book Mommy Weng gave me. Then I decided to watch something that’s quite entertaining. So I watched again, the “Wedding Singer” and “13 going on 30”.

My mom probably heard me laughing alone. Hehehe… But I still get teary-eyed during some of the scenes even if I’ve already seen them before. In the “Wedding Singer”, I love the scene wherein the old lady sang “’til there was you” for her husband during their 50th wedding anniversary. And of course, how can I forget that scene in the airplane when Adam Sandler sang “Grow old with you” (really sweet…). That “thriller” dance by Jenna (Jennifer Garner) in “13 going on 30” still make me laugh but makes me want to dance as well. Hehehe! I also like the scene wherein she presented a new concept for their magazine. And I still cried during the scene where Jenna talked to Matt on the day of his wedding and told each other about their feelings. And oh, I love the doll house, too. I did enjoy watching those movies again and it’s just great that they have happy endings. =)

In the afternoon, I slept for a couple of hours. When I woke up, my mom gave me merienda. Don’t you just love it when you’re being taken cared of? Feels like a child again. Hehehe… I think the fever just left me somehow and I was feeling so much better already. I remembered I downloaded our cell group pictures that Stefan posted in our Yahoo groups. I spent the rest of the afternoon compiling and editing them in Photoshop. I guess I was having a withdrawal for not being able to attend cell last Monday that’s why I came up with these pictures. Hehehe…

> Monday Night Cell group meetings at Coffee Bean

The Girls at Monday Bean

The Guys at Monday Bean

I really feel so blessed for being a part of this cell group. I’ve known most of them just recently but I felt their genuine concern and God’s love just pouring out in our every discussion and conversation. Our Monday meetings really help a lot to “re-charge” me as I face another week. Every meeting is always worthwhile as we learn more about God and His words. It’s also a wonderful time to just bless and encourage one another as we share our experiences in our walk with the Lord and even as we pray for each other’s concerns. Our meetings are supposed to last for an hour only but we usually lost track of the time especially when we had so much fun just talking and sharing a lot of things. Sometimes I get home at 10pm already. Hehehe…

Wednesday morning, I insisted that I can already go to work but my parents didn’t allow me. They said I still need one more day to rest just to be sure. So there, I was feeling kinda bored already and a little worried too because of the unfinished tasks I left at work.

But I thank God I’m okay now and I'm back to work. Maybe that’s just His way to tell me to slow down a bit. I guess I became pre-occuppied with a lot of things lately. Yes, I’ve got to take things easy and never forget to take care of myself. And just a mental note: “Don’t forget to take vitamins and most important of all, don’t get near your team mates if they are sick.” …hehehehe! (“,)