Twenty Years of Loving Relationship with Jesus Christ

I am truly honored and blessed that God gave me the most precious gift twenty years ago - the gift of salvation. Words and expressions will never suffice to describe the invaluable joy of experiencing the wonder and the great power of having a loving relationship with Jesus Christ! It's a story of brokenness to breakthrough, of trial to victory and of poverty to prosperity. God brought me to places where I can fit perfectly in His ministry one at a time: The Navigators - Baguio 1996-1999 - years most active(when I was a student & until now), Alliance Church of Makati 2000-2005 - years most active (when I was single and working in Manila and until now) and Baguio Christian Center 2006 - present (when I got married and until now). It's on my 20th year when I decided to enroll in a bible school - June 2016 - present(South Central Cordillera Bible College). God is also using me to speak to churches about Grace Giving and Managing Financial Resources. I have resolved in my heart to live a life of faith and to dedicate my life to the Lord and to His ministry where He has called me. Twenty (20) years is indeed a milestone and still counting.

My Love for Cooking

I have not instantly recognized my passion for cooking in the same way people recognize me as an epitome of a " not-really-a-choosy-eater". As I look back and trace my roots, I can now conclude that I got the cooking genes from my mother and grandmother. But, in all honesty, I know they are way better than I am. My dream of becoming a zealous homemaker started when I was eight years old. I love to doodle things inside the house. The basic household chores and cooking are my helpful sources of therapy especially when I am feeling down and alone in the house. Preparing salads and other healthy dishes is my way of investing in a healthy lifestyle. The word of God says that we need to take care of our body because it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Also, my love for cooking opens the door for more meaningful fellowships with brethren, friends and family.

 

A Victorious Decade After Saying "I Do!"

Our little friendship that sparked 17 years ago paved the way to a marriage that is made in heaven but being relished on an earthly plane. We continue to honor God in our relationship amidst the test of time and circumstances. Ten years ago, the sacred vow we made before God, our families, friends and the church will always remind us that God had designed our hearts to love each other as husband and wife. Ten challenging yet fruitful years in marriage is indeed a milestone! It’s been exactly a decade since we made a solemn vow before God and man that we will love each other “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part”. A successful marriage is built on a firm foundation and that foundation is no other than the Lord Jesus Christ. For we confidently believe that God’s love is the foundation of all human relationships. Since day one, we have allowed God to take center stage in our husband-wife relationship. God is continually nurturing us in every facet of this fleeting life. His love, mercy and grace are evident in the continuous existence of this marriage. God has also commissioned us together to be of service to His ministry and glorify Him through our life and testimony. As a married couple, God spoke to us through His Word that we need to level up our giving: worshipping and honoring Him through our financial giving, offering to Him our time, talent and energy and our very life. He enabled us to understand that we have to prioritize Him and pursue things that have eternal value, things that will allow us to strengthen our relationship with God. By His grace, we got promotions in the workplace and Shem finished two graduate degrees in a span of ten years. Also, God granted our desire to own a car and build our dream house that will be used in the ministry we call, “hospitality”. But, who says walking by faith is all bed of roses? Of course not! It is made clear to us through God’s Word that if we want to follow Jesus we need to take up our cross daily. Shem went through a major operation on the 8th year and she survived by God’s healing power. Sim’s minor health problems are taking a backseat and we are continually declaring that he is completely healed. The absence of babies in our union is a battleground. And yet, we always choose to rejoice in every circumstance believing by faith that amidst the difficult times God is still at work and that His purpose and wonderful plans prevail. This year, God impressed upon our hearts that we will desire to be a prayer warrior – winning life’s battles through faith and prayer. In line with this, we designated a space in the attic of the house as our “Prayer Room”. We are currently handling a cell group made up of young couples at Baguio Christian Center and we are continually beefing up our desire to grow more in the Lord and to minister to people by attending the Leaders’ Mentoring Sessions spearheaded by our church pastor. Our simple life is a resonating reflection that God is alive, He is faithful and loving and there is always victory by the power of the resurrected Christ! We will continue to explore the wonder and the power of this special union we share. To God be the glory!

My Blessed and Sweet Graduation and Thanksgiving Celebration

I thought that the final defense of my dissertation was the main event but I was absolutely wrong. When our Graduate School Dean informed me that I was graduating with academic honors (Cum Laude), my heart was overflowing with joy and I could not help shedding tears of joy and thanking the Lord for the awesome thing He has orchestrated. The road to success did not happen overnight and it was never automatic. It's a result of journeying with God on a daily basis and doing things for His glory. God gave me victory through out my three-year journey in the graduate school. It's God who gave me wisdom and strength to hurdle the challenges of being a graduate student. It's hard to figure out things on the day of my graduation but I praise and glorify God for what He has done. I was chosen to represent Graduate School in the candle lighting during the Baccalaureate. And when my name was called as one of the academic awardees, it was truly a glorious moment walking on stage with my beloved husband on my right and my dearest mother on my left. Glory to God! I am always at a loss for words every time I see God's hands at work in my life. He is truly awesome!

Thanksgiving Dinner With My Graduate School Professors - June 10, 2016. Remembering the remarkable journey (UC Grad School). The thanksgiving dinner was attended by special people who were instrumental to this achievement. Medyo sad lang that my immediate family, in-laws and spiritual mentors missed it. It was an opportunity to talk about my testimony that I made it not because of my own wisdom and strength but by the grace and blessings of the Lord. To God be the glory!