Bitter-Sweet Moments

Two hearts who adore each other dearly are not meant to “separate physically”… It’s really an issue of idealism. Truth to the matter is that there are quite a number of agreeable and justifiable reasons why things come to pass the other way around.

After going through a battery of mind boggling arguments, my husband subtly persuaded me to finally bestow him my blessing of “yes”… Yes, he may go for a one-year job assignment to the secluded yet awe-inspiring Fregate Island Private, one of the 115 islands of the Republic of Seychelles. Things just rolled up drastically until I found myself immersed in tears and agony as I bid adieu to my Sim at the airport. The first night of adjustment was the hardest to combat… I was imprisoned by an impalpable feeling of wanting to see him point blank. I kept playing this question in mind, “how can life get back to normal without him by my side?”. I have never figured out how am gonna go on with my daily routine … it’s as if a significant part of my physical system was missing. And yet, I have to hold on and grip God’s grace and presence to cover me.

When I got back to work, my boss offered me a new and higher position in our head office. After weighing things up, I was able to answer “yes”. Things happened abruptly and I was indeed caught by surprise. I wish I could vividly describe everything to my husband… my first day at work, the deadlines I have to beat, the pressures that entangle me but I am constrained by time and resources. At times that I feel so alone, I seek God’s comfort and His presence brings a fresh breeze of hope … a hope that God cares for me in every situation and a hope that someday Sim and I will be together again…

Sim and Shem Celebrates 3rd Wedding Anniversary!

God is pretty awesome! His grace is amazing! Such lines emanated from a heart that is overflowing with joy through a continually life-changing encounter with a very huge God…

Sim and I have victoriously won the race as we run the third year of our marriage. By God’s bountiful grace, we did it with flying colors! Simple and easy? Of course not! We felt like we came near the end of the rope in working out our marriage due to some circumstances beyond our control. Marriage is definitely not just about the “POSITIVES”. “NEGATIVES” if taken for granted will surely catapult every marriage to ruin. I will say it time and again, GOD IS SO GOOD! God gave us the apt discernment to get back to “Marriage 101” – and it works! Focus on God, marriage, and the spouse are the main elements in getting marriage back to its good old shape. Every marriage should chant, “habang tumatagal lalong tumitibay”, and not the other way around. Times and seasons may change but always go back to the things that truly count in life.

We continue to honor God in our marriage. He’s the main ingredient that spices up every husband-wife relationship. To my dearest husband Sim, “I love you so much!”


(written by Shemi - 6/10/09)

A MOTHER FOR ALL SEASONS

(This is a real-life poignant drama of a mother who only dreams and desires of giving the very best for her loved ones …)

Adelle has been a widow for more than two decades now and was blessed with three daughters and a son. He lost her husband abruptly when the eldest was twelve and the youngest was seven. The death of her husband brought about indelible and traumatic memory for her and for the children’s young and innocent minds. But as what we humans say after every storm in life, “the show must go on”…

Adelle struggled along the way and tried to make both ends meet. Everything that she and her husband invested on were all exhausted for the education of the children. Time came when she was forced to make a very tough decision as a mother. She left her children under the care of her in-laws and went to the bustling city to earn even a little amount of money from doing odd jobs. Malicious talks continually circulated from a particular group of people. She was pretty aware that such discrimination and biased judgments stemmed from days of old when she and her husband were united in marriage. She knew in her heart that the wound would never get healed because some people never came to a point of totally accepting and respecting her as a member of that family – the impaired relationship even got worst when her husband died.

“Hope springs eternal”, true enough, Adelle hoped and trusted her God to take control of all things. Time passed by so swiftly and she was still in awe to realize that all her four children have already graduated from college. She gave a well-deserved credit to God for making it possible for her children to earn their respective degrees. Consequently, all of them were able to land jobs and marry the persons they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with. Although her children have a family of their own already, her love, dedication, commitment, and responsibility as a mother have never ended. She continuously showers and pampers her five grandchildren with a motherly care and passes on the know-how in motherhood to her daughters.

She was able to revive old friendships when she reached her golden year. And one of the highlights of her life and the most significant encounter came when she met her God and surrendered everything to Him through a new-found faith in Jesus Christ. Her life gradually changed for the better. She continually endeavors to surpass all of life’s adversities.

And now, a new set-back is on her way. Some people deliberately disrespect her by saying derogatory remarks that pierce her heart to the core and tear her into pieces. Why? It’s because they wanted to take a precious thing away from her and the children. They wanted to put into oblivion even the one last legacy that will remind her entire household of her husband’s wonderful memories when he was still with them. Every nook and cranny of their humble house is a living testament that God put all things together to fulfill His perfect plan and purpose for her family. What ever happens, God is in full control … He is a God of Justice… A God of Love… A God who is All-Relevant and All-Trustworthy.

Adelle is far from being perfect and yet I’ve seen in her a person who is not afraid to give out love, a person who has the courage to confront the battle of life, and a person who tries her best to be a better servant to her Master. And lastly, I speak from the innermost chamber of my heart that, “SHE IS A MOTHER FOR ALL SEASONS”… I should always know because she's my mother and am a proud daughter!

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)

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!

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!

A Taste of Durian Republic!

Davao City is the capital of Region XI or the Southern Mindanao region of the Philippines. Aside from being the country’s melting pot of diverse cultures, it is also considered as the world's largest city in terms of land area. Surprisingly, this place is typhoon –free and the quality of potable water is among the best in the world! As for me, one of the most interesting facts is that Davao City is the ultimate Durian Republic!

I was on my second year in college when I became fully aware and persuaded that Davao is really a must see spot. My Bible Study leader – Ms. Alma Villacarlos (my mentor and my confidante) is a native of this place. The admiration becomes a passion every time she gives us durian candies and jams for a pasalubong. I began to have a desire in my heart to have a taste of the exotic durian fruit when I get to Davao.

Thanks to Cebu Pacific (and its exhilarating airfare promo) for making it possible for me and my husband Sim to see the splendor of Davao. It’s a timely vacation for us to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. What a self-rejuvenating trip it was!

Moreover, it’s our first ever plane ride! When we were in a queue to get to the plane, I couldn’t fully describe the heart-pumping thing that crept in. Feels like I have a bunch of butterflies in my tummy. Sim held my hand tightly – what a sugary sensation!; he made me feel so safe and sound through out the ride.

The moment I laid eyes on Davao City, I got star-struck and spellbound! The air is fresh; the city is clean and green. The cosmic land area, suitable climate, luscious fruits and sweets, mouth-watering sea foods, the scrupulously designed hotels, malls, and houses, the breathtaking tourist spots like the spine-tingling Crocodile Park, Philippine Eagle Center, Davao Butterfly House,Market Basket and Laichi's … whew, simply the best! I couldn’t help praising God for such an environment as this.

We stayed at my friend’s house and I could recount that the accommodation we got was far beyond what a five-star hotel could offer. The Filipino’s unique way of hospitality just came to light. We really felt blessed as we had a four-day fellowship with Jim and Nice’s family. Looking back, I met Nice in a Summer Training Program (STP) sponsored by the Navigators Phils. at Caliraya Recreation Center in Laguna nine (9) years ago. She’s indubitably one of my best ever friends. The friendship that blossomed between us has been an onlooker to the many seasons that transpired in our lives.

Our flight going back to Manila was on a Sunday evening. But before that, we attended the Sunday service at Free Believers Church in Lanang. I was taken by surprise when I learned that the Pastor is an active member of the PNP Intelligence Unit and he does the church work as part of his ministry as a Christian. Though the praise and worship songs were in Visayan, I still felt enlivened through out the service. There was this phrase that kept echoing in my heart, “Sometimes we pursue things with no eternal value at all”. It dawned on me that I am no exception to this; it made me reflect on how I’m living my own life as a believer of the Lord Jesus. I thank God that He is always faithful and true – wherever, whenever, and whatever the circumstances may be.

It’s hard to bid adieu to a place that really elated my heart for a couple of days. It was a perfect time to unwind and bond more closely with my dearly loved husband. God reminded me about the beauty of His creation when I relished everything that I set eyes on and experience in Davao City. God enabled me to gain a better perspective of the things around me.