Our Same-Day Edit Wedding Video

IN THE EARLY MORNING of October 18, as super typhoon Lando (tropical cyclone Koppu) landed and storm signal #2 was raised in Manila, on what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, a bride was on her knees weeping...

Do you know the idiom, "Don't rain on my parade"? Well, it typhooned on my wedding! My prayer the night before was for us to be able to celebrate our big day the way I originally planned it - outdoor, in a garden by the bay, with the sun shining down on us and the wind gently blowing on my veiled face. But as I looked at the pouring rain outside the window of our hotel room, my heart was breaking into pieces. I was questioning God. Did I do anything to displease Him? Was He adding sorrow into something that appeared to be my biggest blessing? Why, from all the days of the year, would He choose our wedding day to be visited by a super typhoon?

I went out into the living room of our suite and climbed into my mother's lap (yes, the whole 58kg of me on top her frail frame) and we prayed together. She was rubbing my back as she whispered comforting words into my ear. I've never felt closer to her than ever. At that moment, my love for her grew and all the wounds we had inflicted on each other were instantly healed. Suddenly, a cloud was lifted from my heart and I felt better. God reminded me that everything is not about me. Nature has to take its course. Nothing is ever within my control. More importantly, there is so much to celebrate and be grateful for. And there is always Plan B.

I wiped my tears away and uttered a prayer of repentance and thanksgiving. I had resolved to enjoy the day no matter what. I decided that I would just roll with it. It didn't take long when all the suppliers started coming in. I savored the service and attention they offered me. I was feeling like the happiest person in the room. I was being transformed within and without!

In my head I knew that Plan B would not be as grand, as beautiful and as dramatic as the original plan. Obviously I was disappointed, but I shrugged it off. God had brought me to that point in my life when I would finally walk down the aisle and towards the altar where the man of my dreams was waiting. I knew I was loved.

As I started to enter the makeshift garden sanctuary and smelled the fresh flowers, I was pleasantly surprised. The place was intimate, fragrant, and perfect. As we progressed into the program, I was in tears. I didn't expect that our Plan B would turn out for the best- for us and our guests. Everything was just beautiful.

I want to encourage you who may be dealing with a storm right now. Just ride with it. Don't let trials dampen your faith and your spirit. There are times when our Plan A's don't come to pass and we have to resort to Plan B. That's alright. Just roll with it. You'll eventually find out that Plan B's have their own beauty and benefits, too. =)



Our sincere thanks to everyone who came that day and celebrated with us, as well as to those who sent their greetings. Thank you to those who said yes to us and honored their word till the very end. Thank you for including us in your schedule. We will forever treasure your love and friendship.

I'm So Filthy Rich!

 

My mini and me.... (I kid!)

OUR family has never been rich. I remember back in grade school, we lived in a one-bedroom apartment and I used to sleep in a bug-infested couch. While my classmates from this private Chinese school I attended spent their weekends in the mall watching movies or shopping, my sister and I were stuck in our house trying to entertain ourselves. We could only afford to buy new clothes and shoes once a year - during Christmas; and for our birthdays, we were treated to a Goldilocks cake and homemade spaghetti with hotdogs.

It wasn’t that life was hard and we needed to borrow money all the time to survive, but when you were surrounded by people who had more, you somehow believed that you were in lack.

Eventually we were able to make it through university, thanks to my parents’ and God’s provision, but all those time without having any excess. Our fridge would oftentimes contain only ice and dried vegetables, no leftovers. Shortly after graduation, I decided to work overseas for a couple of reasons, and one of them was to have more than of what I could earn at home. Suddenly I found myself in the 3rd richest country per capita, a place where materialism is inevitable. Yet, despite the wealth, it appeared to me that most people I met did not seem fulfilled. 

While I was there, I was not able to accumulate a massive amount of wealth, but I found my greatest treasure. I understood and witnessed how God loves me and has been taking care of me all those years I was oblivious to His love. Apologies for sounding corny but that is just the truth. He has given me confidence and peace. His Word has given me wisdom, courage and comfort. His Spirit has convicted me and made me aware of my wrongs.

Sure, now we are no longer struggling like before and food is plenty, but I am still what you would call average and middle class. I don’t own properties and I am not even close to being famous, but life becomes sweeter and more abundant when you know who’s making your sun shine. When you experience redemption and grace, you would not exchange it for anything, not even for a billion bucks. =)

“Comparison is the thief of joy”. Theodore Roosevelt

“May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” Ephesians 3:19

The Bride and Our Bridegroom

Last night, we threw a bridal shower for our dearest friend, Nips. She is getting married in three days and we couldn't have been happier and more excited as we blessed her with touching messages and meaningful bridal gifts to "send her off" to the next season waiting for her. Joanne, Nips' best friend since college, facilitated and gave a message centered on Revelation 19. Jo used the upcoming wedding of our friend and all the phases leading to it to create a beautiful metaphor of what our relationship with our "Groom" should look like. She asked us tough questions and I sensed my heart coming undone. 

  

You see I've been going through rough valleys these past few months. I was filled with negativity, anxiety and weariness. Things were not looking up and I sensed myself to have fallen behind this race. The prayers coming out of my mouth never seemed to get past the ceiling. I was close to the Fire but my heart's never been this cold.

Jo reminded us last night that Jesus performed his first miracle in a wedding (at Cana). Why of all occasions, a wedding? Because a wedding or a marriage is the closest depiction that we will ever have of an invitation from God. Jesus has sacrificially and lovingly chosen us to be His bride. He redeemed us and clothed us with white garments of holiness and righteousness - qualities impossible to attain.

As I sat there listening to Nips talk and witnessing her prepare for one of the most important events in her life, my tears fell as I also witnessed God's love and beauty. He has truly made everthing fell beautifully into place for Nips. The mistakes, the heartbreaks, the waiting, the struggles - God used all of these to bring her to this point. Right at that moment, I felt Him so real again and I couldn't help but worship and fall in love all over again.

What have I been doing all along? Wallowing my life away because of the things I do not have when I needed to prepare for a special event myself? His coming.

Last night, I felt something within me opened up, and for the nth time in my tender age of 29, I surrended to Him again. God is really mind-blowing. He has this uncanny way of putting you in seemingly dry areas but always providing sweet, romantic oases along our deserts' way.

Yes, I am head over heels with the One who has been head over heels in love with me first.

Are you head over heels in love, too?

Giving Thanks on Thanksgiving

ONE week to go and it's Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving is a festival started by the early settlers in North America to celebrate a good harvest. But I wonder how it was like when there was famine or when the harvest wasn't good. Did they ever think about having a Moan-Day or Whine-Giving Day?  Truth to tell, I feel like grumbling instead of giving thanks. There are so many things that I am anxious about right now. One only has to read the news and the most optimistic spirit can become dampended.

But as a counterflow, I decided to do a stock take. This year actually consists of answered prayers, lessons and God-given favors that are nothing short of miraculous - something that can be easily forgotten unless I strive to remember. Maybe that's why traditions are important. They give us access to a flashback button which transports us to when the harvest was more than good.

That missions trip in General Santos City, Mindanao was truly memorable. Our team of volunteers was able to provide medical supplies, food and vitamins, and some clothes to four communities in the city. It was a manifestation of God's love and His just-in-time provision.

What about the house that I've been praying for for five long years? Last year, my mom became friends with our neighbor who is an engineer. He offered to complete our house at a very affordable price. We didn't even need to loan from a bank anymore. Awesome or what?

                         

And that pipe dream to go to the US, watch a Broadway play and celebrate with my close friend on her wedding day? Well, I asked and I received!

I wish I could show you pictures of the other things I am most grateful for, but they are either too abstract or complicated to photograph  - my family's good health and mine, new and old friendships, my job, our church, my skin (oh yes! it tightened when I went to NY haha), daily struggles that teach me a lot about humility and character-building, and everyday reminders of hope and God's mercies.

What about you? What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Press that flashback button now :-)



Peanuts Cartoon by Charles Schulz





WARNING: Queso-filled.

This is to the man who has mustered some courage to really pursue me and break through my diva walls. To my El Gwapo, thanks for being my new BFF, my prayer partner, my jogging coach, my shopping consultant and my ka-HHWW. 

Through you, I am becoming more and more convinced that God really really really loves me and favors me. =)

Happy birthday, Love!

On Loop

Future wedding song LOL