WEDDING WISH

Just like you, I'm a self-confessed daydreamer of my own wedding. 

I've always loved wedding and every little detail that covers it. I would even watch wedding videos repeatedly every night to get inspirations or to simply cry over their vows. And more than the event itself, I am totally drawn to marriage and the life of having my own family. 

If there is one dream I didn't stop dreaming of was seeing myself tie the knot with the man God blessed me with which I call my "God's Gift." As early as 3 years old, I would tell my family and friends that one of my ultimate goals in life is to settle down. It may sound witty that at a very young age I've already learned to embrace the beauty of marriage. I may not have the full understanding of what it is yet (because I'm not yet married) but I believe that it is God who activates our "I'm-ready-instincts" from within so that we can face this new chapter with wisdom and certainty. Marriage is a leap of faith like any other daily decisions we make. I'm not going to blog about my views on marriage today. What I'm going to share are the components of my dream day.

To tell you honestly, I would want to be hands-on with regards to the preparation of my own wedding. I would love to be included in the littlest things. As much as possible, I want everything done in faith, love and resourcefulness. I believe that weddings are most successful when pushed out of a competitive budget. The price of your wedding does not conclude the over-all impact of this special celebration. What matters most is the labor done out of love that made this occasion wonderful. 

So to cut my thoughts short, these are some of the parts I would be excited to see in my wedding:

1. I'm completely torn between a beach and a garden wedding for years. But as I was trying to incorporate all details into a single scope, I've found out that they perfectly complement with how a garden looks like. So I guess, I'd go for a garden wedding. 

2. It's more fun in the Philippines and I would definitely hold my wedding in this country. I would love to do it in Ilocos if chance permits. I've never been there but I've already adored the place. Also, I want my pre-nuptial video and photos taken in the famous Bangui Windmills and the streets of Vigan. 

3. I love the freshness of white and pastels. These are the colors that will surely be showcased in my dream wedding.

4. Balloons and lanterns are must-haves.

Pastel Colored Balloons

Lanterns

5. My invitation would look something like this.

6. Confetti 

Feather Confetti

Bird Confetti

7. Double Decker Macaroons

8. Flower Head Wreath and Ballet Shoes

Handmade Flower Head Wreath

Ballet Shoes for my footwear

9. Polaroid Banderitas clipped by Wooden Clothespin

Couple Polaroid Snapshots

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Rope with Wooden Clothespin

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Polaroid Banderitas

10. Flowers

Hand Rolled Flowers

Bouquet

11. Menu written on Blackboard using Colored Chalks

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Menu Board

12. Transparent Umbrellas for Giveaways hanged on Silver-Painted Leafless Tree

 

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So these are some of the things I plan on including in my very special day if my partner permits me to do so (hehe). I hope you were all inspired in giving value to marriage (not only to wedding) and at the same time futuristic about your own wedding theme. 

Don't stop praying for these little desires. I'm sure God honors these little requests from her princesses. 

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." -Psalm 37:4

"May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed." -Psalm 20:4

Sealing this with love,

Diane

BASTA SI JESUS

Let's face it.

The world is enveloped with questions.

Its dwellers are solution seekers.

Everyone is curious. Everyone is unstable.

There are situations in life where we get involved in but never really understood why these had to happen to us. We always ask the questions, "Why is this happening to me?", "Of all people here on earth, why me?", "Is God trying to punish me?" Much as we would be glad to identify the answers to our questions, there are so many things on Earth that are left being unsaid. This is why we have to be reminded that our God is a mysterious god. In this case, we will not put a burden in ourselves by trying to search for answers we will never be able to locate. 

“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law." -Deuteronomy 29:29

"Truly, O God of Israel, our Savior, you work in mysterious ways." -Isaiah 45:15

I wanted to write this down because I, myself, have experienced asking the same questions over and over. I was tirelessly asking God these questions but in the end felt exhausted of doing so because I never had the concrete answers in my hands. But when I've already understood who God is in my life, my perspective on seeking for solutions changed.

"When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future." -Ecclesiastes 7:14

The reason why I'm having a difficult time understanding the situations I've been through was because I didn't fully know who my God was. I was in complete lack because I placed a tall and wide wall between God and I; and these were the sins I was repeatedly doing. Looking back, I thought God was hard to reach and complicated. But as I encounter Him every single day, I learned that He's simple and practical. He only wants what's best for us because He loves us. He hates sin because it destroys us. It's because He loves us.

"We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them." -1 John 4:16

More than the desire for finding answers to our problems, we should have more desire in having a relationship with God. With this, we are reminded that HE IS THE SOLUTION; that HE is the ONE that we should be MAGNIFYING and not the situations we are in. It's simply going back to the "WHO" and "WHAT HAPPENED ON THE CROSS."

Yes, it's hard to accept these painful experiences. But when we learn to enjoy God in sufferings that's when we love to enjoy Him in beautiful times too. 

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." -Romans 5:1-3

I saw a concrete example of this idea with one of our Life Group students in San Juan National High School. We've all heard of this famous December 2012 fire that struck down houses in Baranggay St. Joseph in San Juan and the student I'm talking about was greatly affected by this. I visited and extended whatever help we can give together with some of her classmates. On that day, more than emotional and material comfort, I really wanted to pray for her earnestly and remind her of God's sovereignty and grace despite troubles. While having a quick catch-up and lunch with the students, I decided to bring out my 121 booklet and asked them if it was okay to do it with them. I really don't know if that was wise to do then since I don't want to spoil her grieving moment. But I knew that it was the Holy Spirit who led me to JUST DO IT because SHE (they) NEEDS (need) IT. She needs it because Jesus is the only one who can comfort, heal, restore and uplift her. It's because JESUS is the TRUTH and the ONLY SOLUTION. I was having second thoughts in my mind. I was slightly afraid that she (they) might refuse in participating but to my surprise all she (they) said was, "Coach, sayang oras na magkakasama tayo. Basta si Jesus."

I was rebuked. I was moved. I cannot say a thing. All I know was we did it.

"BASTA SI JESUS": no amount of difficulty or trouble can hinder our growth with Him. Only if we walk in obedience and faith. 

"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." -Romans 1:17

"In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." -Ephesians 6:16

“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD. To obey is better than sacrifice and to heed is better than the fat of rams." -Samuel 15:22

JESUS > SITUATIONS

Sealing this with love,

Diane

KFC (Kids' Faith in Christ)

All my life, I've believed that the letters KFC will only stand for the famous and delicious Kentucky Fried Chicken and nothing else. Not until I have opened my eyes wide during the last few months of 2012 up to this date that I was able to realize something new. 

*light bulb*

The little children for me are like magnets. Our relationship is on opposite poles that the tendency for me is to get more attracted on what they do, what they say and what they think of. Believe me, I see them as precious angels giving me so much joy and peace. Maybe, this is the reason why I've stayed long for four years in Children's Church. These magnets were too strong, I can't let go. 

In fact, my attention had been with them for quite some time that I was able to witness their beautiful encounters with the Lord. You know, these kids, like us, are just too hungry for Jesus. We may not vividly see it because we use their age as hindrance to what they can show. But truth be told, it is their child-like faith that separates us from them. Age-wise towards maturity over things may be our edge but faith-wise the purity, innocence, sincerity and simplicity of these kids when it comes to worshiping God is truly commendable and inspiring. 

For the past few months, a number of children had enlightened my mind and refreshed my heart on how my attitude should be when it comes to my Abba.

One Sunday service, the Pastor told the crowd to raise their hands up high in surrender to God. This little girl saw everyone raised their arms before Him. I knew that she was wondering why everyone was doing it. She looked from left to right and later on found herself raising her own arms even more outstretched than the rest. You see this little girl's curiosity had led her to an act of obedience and worship towards certainty, which is Christ.  She may not be sure of what she did but the logic here is, as Christians, we should hold onto our curiosity wisely. Let us not give in to the answers of the world but rather believe that TRUTH is found in HIM ALONE. In Jesus Christ, our curiosity is changed with certainty that will reassure us of the completeness and security He gave up for us on the Cross. 

On one Children's Church service is another story. I was introducing to the class a new Bible lesson by verbalizing tiny descriptions that may serve as hints on what was to be discussed. The children were giving out their best guesses until this girl broke her silence and gave out the most fitting answer with an extra spice. She was able to tell the title of the Bible lesson and even shared the overview of the story (prior to the Bible Story discussion itself). In KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) terms, it was like a Double Down with extra cheese and bacon. I was in total awe afterwards. My mouth was nearly on its nutcracker mode. You see, when we read our Bible and memorize parts of it, we do not only gain head knowledge but we imbibe wisdom coming from God. This wisdom makes us bold enough to share the WORD with others and even step out of our comfort zones. It even comes handy in 911 situations. When we assure ourselves that we are responsible in reading the Bible, we commit to the never-changing truth, which is Jesus. We sought to it that we want to grow deeper in His love. It's telling God that we are also interested much as He is for us. After all, when we don't read the Scriptures we end up like a free-floating lily on a stagnant water just going with its still flow. But when we dwell on God's word, we become a heavy duty boat with an optimal propeller ready to take some action. 

My last story for this entry is about this little boy whom I just formally met last Prayer and Fasting. His adorable cheeks reminded me of this cartoon character I saw in one movie. But more than his physical charm, I was more invited with his brightness. For a 4 year old boy, his imagination and creativity were amusing. I never imagined myself that open and brilliant when I was of same age as he is. To add up, the real attracting force of this small lad was his confidence in worshiping and praising Jesus through songs. I was surprised that he sings and really knew the lyrics of the songs with his hands boldly raised. His energy was full-blast I cannot keep up. But he inspired me to even do crazy acts for God just to show how thankful I am, how I wanted to exalt His name. You see, even kids can do it. That day I learned that there shouldn't be any wall separating us from God every praise and worship. It's because we are His children and we can come before His throne as who we are. 

With this, I encourage the elders not to hold back, manipulate or reverse the faith of the young ones. They are the next generation. In their faiths, let God be GOD. Let us instead guide them, direct them and spur into their hearts how loving Jesus is today, tomorrow and for the rest of time.

Deuteronomy 11:19

Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Matthew 18:10

See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. 

Mark 10:14

When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them " Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 

For the next few weeks, I'm sure that I will not be craving for chicken alone but for kids whose faith in Christ is inspiring and motivational.

Sealing this with love,

Diane

FAITHFUL GOD > FAITH GOALS

Time flies so fast. It's as if I was just writing down my faith goals for the year 2012 yesterday. And just this previous week, I'm officially over with my faith goals for this year.

Every January, I am not only excited to start fresh. I'm more excited of God's plans and promises for the year ahead. I love January because it's the time I can look back to the ups I'm thankful for and for the downs I pray that improvement and betterment will cover. It's also the season where I get to list down the prayers I'm faithful for including the bucket list I want to downsize. 

Before I took the time to pray and think of the things I'm believing for 2013, I reviewed my 2012 Prayer and Fasting booklet and saw for myself the number of prayers that were miraculously answered by God. I sought to it that I cancel out every prayer answered off my list. But I was totally unconscious that 96% of these were fulfilled! Imagine 96/100! What an all-loving and generous God we have.

I was so joyful to see that my prayers were not wasted all because I have a faithful God. Yes, I was in awe that only 4% wasn't fulfilled. And from deep within, I felt victory and triumph. These answered faith goals wouldn't end up as glory days if not for God's perfect will and promise. More than my faith goals, I was reminded of God's faithfulness to us. His faithfulness to us is overflowing and unbelievable that it leaves one wanting for more of Him in our lives. 

We can be fervent with our prayers and be tirelessly faithful in our walk, but these will not be enough to reach what we all desire to achieve. If not for the One who is more loving, more compassionate and more faithful, we wouldn't be able to receive these riches in full reward. It is still God who is responsible and working even in every faith goal we have. We may not notice it because we are busily and impatiently working hard for it (believing this might help) or too focused on raising our palms up high in receiving it that we lose the real focus which is Christ.

Psalm 89:2 

"I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself."

Psalm 89:8 

"O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you."

Faith goals are not about us. But it is about Jesus' faithfulness to us.

It is the kind of faith that does not leave you empty-handed.

It is the kind of faith that draws you to believe more in uncertainties.

It is the kind of faith that teaches you to love and accept.

It is the kind of faith that humbles you down in patience.

It is the kind of faith that makes you worship the Lord more.

It is the kind of faith that each one of us should have.

A faith like that of Jesus.

Just as the Word for my 2012 faith goals says: 

JOHN 16:23

"In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."

Indeed, I can't ask for more. Whatever I've asked in His name was rewarded to me solely because He was faithful more than I. Thank You Jesus, that even though my faith falters at times, Yours was always intact and immovable. And, thank You, that I can't ask for anything more because Your love for us had completed it all.

A faith like Jesus.

Make it one of your 2013 Faith Goals.

Sealing this with love,

Diane

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