Monday, November 10, 2008

A Relationship Full of Grace


Fearfully and wonderfully crafted by the Master
That’s who we are from the beginning
Nurtured, loved, and raised by abounding grace
That’s who we are when our paths crossed
Thank God for His grace!

Our personality created a unique synchrony
Your heart and mine chanted a sweet melody
But friendship taught us to take our precious time
Before we give in to relationship divine
Thank God for His grace!

Moment transpired when you poured out your heart
Well, what perfect answer should I pronounce?
My whole being learned to adore only you
That’s why I’ve come to let you know,
“I LOVE YOU TOO!”
Thank God for His grace!

Breathtaking seasons in our love made a bloom
Our love for each other stood the test of time
Then one day you sweetly whispered,
“WILL YOU MARRY ME?”
Oh, one of the most outstanding words I ever heard
Thank God for His grace!

My heart and the rest of my nerves somersaulted
And with all I am I lovingly replied, “YES!.
You really are the man God designed for me
Together we walked through the altar and vowed,
“YES I DO…” (I will love you now and forevermore)
Thank God for His grace!


(written by Shemi for husband Sim – 11/11/08)

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Wow, Batangas!

“God will make a way where there seems to be no way; He works in ways we cannot see; He will make a way for me. “

God is awesome! We calendared earlier to explore nature at Subic Bay in Zambales to celebrate our second wedding anniversary. But due to some urgent family concerns that drained our cash, the passion to travel around Subic was put on a pause mode. We kept praying though that God will answer our prayer to take a temporary exile from work to a place that’s truly an epitome of nature. Well, God in His goodness inscribed us an experience that is truly a date with nature – golf courses, beach, an elegantly built resort, food tripping, and a peaceful rest for the weary mind and body (Little Angel Resort, Splendido Golf, Dream World, etc.). We rode the golf carts and we had a great time playing with the waters. What an account to enhance life’s experiences!

We’ve been kilometers away from work and household nitty-gritty – that gave us a feeling of freedom from so many things that complicate and bring absurdities to life day by day. It’s actually a feeling of just being myself and just simply being a wife to my dearest hubby – Sim! It’s been quite a while that our schedule is difficult to perceive. This awesome experience once again strengthened our relationship with each other. To God be all glory and honor!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Second Wedding Anniversary

”Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer”. (Romans 12:12)

The second year of our marriage was really full of ordeals and yet we continually feel how God journeyed with us in all faithfulness, love, and grace - “through it all”... I believe in my heart that God orchestrates things because He wants us to see life the way He made it.

During this period, I underwent a minor operation, my first time ever to go through such excruciating pain. In less than a year, I was required to have three ultrasounds – thyroid, urinary bladder, and kidney. But thanks to the Great Healer, our Jehovah Rapha, I got normal results and wounds and traces brought about by the operation eventually got healed. My husband wasn’t exempted; he went through a series of laboratory tests and ultrasound too. Circumstances were arduous and yet we were able to surpass it all. We drew inner strength and courage from the Lord, there’s joy, there’s peace from with in.

One of the greatest challenges in my career came when I got promoted at work. It’s completely tough in the sense that you have to set a good example, practice what you preach, and embrace the concept of “leadership by influence”. Current experiences at work educate me more on the values of initiative, responsibility and commitment. My husband is truly an inspiration, he’s one of the figures I look up to in the corporate world.

It’s also during our second year that we both have a clearer perspective of our ministry as Christians especially inside the church. We're more involved in activities that enhance our relationship with God but not to the extent of getting busy for the kingdom but not for the King. Just recently, I was appointed as a facilitator of the Sunday School in our church. I know that it’s really through God’s grace that I am able to carry out the task placed upon my shoulders.

There were times that we find ourselves stuck in a loop of busyness and fatigue. But God speaks to us to take heart and He gives us inspiring words that help us to slow down and simply relish every season of life.

Speaking from a wife’s viewpoint, I could say that marriage is really a dynamic relationship. The series of adjustments continue day after day after day… but the good thing is – Sim and I continually honor the vow we made in front of God’s altar two years ago. And that is loving each other even in the most trying of times and allowing God to stay at the center of our marriage.

To my beloved Sim, you are the greatest thing that ever happened to me. You are the love of my life and I am so grateful to the Lord that you and I are really born for each other!