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. (",)