Sim-Shem's bonding turns 8

Our special commitment to God and to each other always conquers all odds. It was during our eighth year together that a cyst was discovered in my left ovary. My medical condition elevated my faith and made me enjoy every moment of my life. While I was trying my best to recover emotionally, pressure in the workplace went even higher. I was chosen by the management as one of the witnesses in the arbitration court. I went there to represent the company not just once but thrice – it was totally agonizing! Our church was with me throughout the battle. Prayer marathon played a big role on how I was able to testify in the witness stand. It was also during this time that my mother was struck with an annoying illness. Praise and thank God that she has fully recovered after a couple of months. After the new year, I and my husband agreed that I undergo an operation (laparoscopic procedure). My days in the hospital were truly a battle against the enemy. I even had some complications and I was too scared to swallow the capsulated medicines. I wrestled with so many emotions deep within me. I praise God that He continually rescued me, assured me, and healed me. I was also touched by my husband’s gestures. Though I felt terrible and looked physically ugly, he appreciated me – as if I’m the most beautiful woman in the world. That thought strengthened me all the more. I took two months off from work and I was truly refreshed. I missed my Ph.D class for three weeks. Thank God that I was able to catch up. After more than a month, I went with my churchmates to Pangao Christian Center in Bauko, Mt. Province (my first time) and attended a district convention. My husband was also elected as the Auditor of our church (BCC) and the church organization (MBDC). Two months after my operation, I and my husband were invited to be one of the guest speakers (Love, Courtship, dating, and Marriage)in the TANEPA district of MBDC in Sison, Pangasinan (Calunetan Christian Center). After another month, Sim and I attended the National Convention in Cauayan, Isabela. Sim conducted a seminar on how to handle money matters in the church. While I’m in the process of recuperating, Sim and I found our common passion – baking. He bought me a little convection oven and I really am delighted! It was a year of fun and pain and yet God blessed us and allowed us to overcome the trials and tribulations. He is a God of victory!

 

Sim and Shem marks 7th year as a couple

For us, marriage gets sweeter every day. On our seventh year, we started to relish in the beauty and comfort of building our dream house. The house is not completely done but the “work-in progress” status enables us to live by faith and live according to God’s daily provisions. We went through a series of financial struggles but our faith never faltered. God really fulfills His promise in His own perfect time. He delivered us from the financial burden brought about by the house construction. Another trial came when Sim was hospitalized for a week due to “syncope” or temporary loss of consciousness. My moments with him in the emergency room were really heart-breaking. The initial diagnoses were cardiac arrest and stroke. I could not accept those medical impressions because I know in my heart that he’s healthy and that God is the wonderful and mighty healer. After going through a battery of tests, he was released and I am greatly relieved. Praise God! I have also decided to pursue a post-graduate study that inspires me to aspire for greater things. After quite a while, I lost all my staff simultaneously. It was a stressful time and yet God gave me strength and wisdom to cope with the demands of my work. Truly, God is in control of any situation. Nothing is too difficult for God to handle. Victory is always a consequence of a life that is lifted up to Him. Praises and honor unto our God!