Life-Changing Thoughts from XDN 315

In life there is always that “first time”. This “first time” is always coupled with an excitement beyond measure. Be it a first birthday, first date, first love, first job, first baby, and the list goes on and on – the level of enthusiasm does not dwindle. In our case it’s the “first car” … human as we are, we eagerly waited for the chance to relish in the comfort of having our own car. At the outset, we thought things were going to be plain and simple. After myriad weeks, an insight dawned on us that God was speaking a wonderful message of faithfulness and assurance through the “first car”. We got a first glimpse of the car in a photo sent through email by a family member. That was three weeks before my husband’s scheduled flight back to the country. We brought the matter to the Lord. Since then, my husband and I articulated our mutual fondness and instant connection to the car. Weeks passed, and the availability of the car was a confirmation that God reserved it for us. After being charmed by the car for the second time around, we shelled out our hard earned cash with a light heart. We were fully aware that we bought a used car with trivial flaws. But, it didn’t matter at that point because we knew that the car was in a running condition. We expected to use the car after one week but a string of dilemma turned up. We were upset over things and yet we wrestled in prayer. Our patience has been challenged to a great extent. The authorized car shop took two months to make a replacement part available due to error in the ordering and diagnosis. A feeling of relief enveloped us when we were told that the part has finally arrived. But the next phone call rocked our world - subsequent check up and road test revealed that other parts need probable replacement. We did a calculation and the parts require hefty sum. We were dumbfounded, tired, and almost in a state of bankruptcy. Amidst disappointment and frustration, we made a resolve to trust the Lord with all our heart and once again called on God to take control of the situation. I could still vividly recall that Saturday morning when I cried out to God in desperation and how His Word enlightened and comforted me. The following day was a Sunday, God’s word was so powerful and am struck in the Sunday School. Before the worship service began, the insight became clearer. I can’t almost contain it and I found myself writing a note for my husband during the Testimony time to share the burden that stirred up within me. And my husband agreed with me … that was the moment I can say we were totally released from the snare woven by the enemy. By faith, we made a decision on “something” that would glorify Him. We declared that whatever may come God will always be our Great Provider. Though we were hurting a bit, we went back to the cunning car dealer and made arrangements that we’re going to return the car. We computed how much we would lose from the deal but at the same time we made a justification to spare ourselves from further trouble. Before we could surrender the pertinent papers, God led us to seek counsel from a couple close to our heart. Thank God that our heart overflowed with peace and as we left the place we have come up with a firm decision. Consequently, the car has reached Baguio without posing problems contrary to the results of earlier diagnosis. Praise God that the car is all right but we still have to wait for quite sometime due to my husband’s lack of license to drive. When he got hold of his license we realized that the car needs to be registered and transferred to us first before we can freely make use of it. On one perspective, it’s just a simple car with plate number XDN 315 and yet God brought heart-changing philosophies through it. God taught us to prioritize things; to learn the art of waiting patiently; to rise above our struggles and disappointments; to give thanks to Him in everything; to continually declare that He is faithful; there is always a blessed assurance from the Lord; all things work together for the good of those who love God!

Back in Each Other's Arms

After waiting enthusiastically for almost two hours and queuing up patiently at the airport’s Arrival Station, finally, a familiar figure who swept me off my feet 11 years ago came out in the open. Oh, a feeling of relief and inner peace overwhelmed me! My dearest Sim was right before my very eyes, he’s back… praise God for His overflowing grace. The eight months separation was as if an unwanted dream… and for now thinking about it makes me wince, I’m hoping and praying that it will not pass our way again. An echoing truth kept ringing in my heart, “it’s not God’s design that a husband and wife live apart from each other”. The Bible encourages us to mimic the married life of God’s people whom he had used mightily in the different eras of history. I can say that I am now a “renewed” wife. Renewed in the sense that I have a clearer direction in the way I partner with my husband Sim. And I believe that the balancing act comes from the Lord who stays in the middle of our marriage. To God be the glory!

 

The Test of Time and Distance

Destiny at times plays trick on humans. Definitely, not to fool us but to test us on something – our endurance, the intensity of love that is innate in us and the depth of our faith in the Supreme Being. The things we never anticipate to come too soon are sometimes drawing abruptly and enticing us to dream and wish that it won’t come to pass right before our very eyes. There are battles that no matter how hard we try to lock them up in the closet of life will always chase us time and again. Oh, life since day one is always surprising! It exposes us to circumstances that are inconceivable to bear and yet develops us into the kind of creatures our Master has designed us to be. If we would only learn to embrace life exactly the way it is. It’s almost beyond my will to update this blog as it will only allow me to figure out the extent of pain the situation has carved in my heart. I have to be all right on the outside but the truth to the matter is that I’ll never be okay as far as my personal feeling is concerned. And yet, I have to let God inspire me by His grace. My faith encourages me to draw strength from the Lord, the shepherd of my soul. My beloved husband Sim left for the Republic of Seychelles. I tried everything I can so I wouldn’t be confined in the thought that he will be away in the next twelve months. There is this feeling that makes my system half-paralyzed. A wind of incompleteness has blown on me the moment I stepped out of the airport. To combat every tinge of negativity that lures me, I had to accept a new job in the capital city. I had to force myself to temporarily shake off the great things and memories I have with my dear husband. Others might say that one year is as fast as the waves of the sea but for a wife like me who considers my husband as the other half of myself, one year is like a thousand years…

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)