Thirty-Nine

"Blessed is the one who delights in the law of the LORD" Psalm 1

By definition, delight is something that makes you very happy; something that gives you great pleasure or satisfaction. Like an ice cream to a child or that Turkish treat Edmund enjoyed in Narnia. But to me, delight means ME in my husband's eyes. It was his vow during our wedding day and I simply embraced the special treatment since then.

And so when today came - my birthday - I gladly allowed him to again splurge me with surprises. You have to understand that to a program planner like me, it's a struggle to let go of my reins. But I have to admit that it's refreshing to once-in-a-while stay backseat. And so I did. I waited.

Lunch was superb. Michelangelo was the perfect choice for my pizza cravings. The place was home-y and very welcoming. We stopped next at Fudge. I was happy with my chocolava. Happier that I shared it with my favorite people.

 

Our late afternoon was spent at home.. in one room.. with our kids. We don't usually turn on our aircon, but today was not just another day. And so we cuddled and huddled 'til Kjaran and I dozed off. 

By dinnertime, I was already expecting an anytime call from Tris to our where-to. By past dinnertime, my son was already itemizing his imaginary order. For some reason, Tris was lazily taking his time, even ignoring my feeling-special mood. After another half hour, I sat beside him and asked for his plan. Not receiving straight answers, I perceived there was none. I struggled not to get disappointed but I need to know his end. Was it budget reason? Was his plan really just for lunch? But the more I probe, the quieter he gets. At my last straw, as if on cue, the doorbell rang. Then he said, 'That's my plan'.

So here's my face when my churchmates arrived for the surprise dinner. I still couldn't get over how it was all orchestrated - - my emotions included.  Happy Birthday to Me : )

"Oh thank You Lord for delighting in me. It is Your pleasure to give much love.  

Thank you for the joy of being surrounded with thoughtful people.
Because of and only by grace, I will respond and love You back.

I will delight in You. I will hide Your Word in my heart."

Home At Last!

"And I will provide a place for my people and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed."  1 Chronicles 17 

This was the verse God gave me two years ago when I was crying to Him for a new place to stay. Back then we had house leaks, micro-insects, and strangers in and out our gated compound. 

We started our house hunt with a wish list on hand: a two/three bedroom, not-so-old gated house, in a safe neighborhood, within the city, within  our budget, and owned by a kind family.

For months, we browsed rentals sites and had personal visits but  we can’t seem to find that perfect one. Twice or thrice  we were ready to compromise our list, but there was just no peace.  We know we shouldn’t settle for less. “If it’s from Him, it should bring Him much praise!”

One day, I saw in our church FB page that a parent in our kids ministry wanted to go through discipleship.  I felt the Lord calling me to do it and so I obeyed.  Before we ended our first meeting, I mentioned that we were praying for a house.  “Very timely”, she said, because her husband’s friend was looking for a trustworthy family to stay in their lower unit.  Within the week, we were already face to face with the owner and this beautiful house. 

It’s one thing to believe that God will answer your prayer to the last dot of your wishlist, but it’s more amazing to experience His blessings overflow! Details like: airconditioned rooms, tasteful fixtures, range hoods, a separate dirty kitchen, bed frames  - - things we haven’t even  imagined asking. Even the bigger rental issue was resolved with Tris’ timely promotion and a discount from the kind owners.  And do you know who are our neighbors here? Pastors and missionaries! Because just across the street is the home of Cebu Graduate School of Theology and Baptist Theological College.  How’s that for a community?

It’s been two months since we moved in and we still can’t grasp the thought that we’re really here. We just know there is nothing in us to deserve this blessing.  And He is the biggest blessing in all these! 

Thank you everyone for praying with us and for sharing our joy!!  Praise God!

2013 Ministry Preview

A. MINISTRIES WITH WINDSONG

TUNE UP CEBU (May 31-June1)

WORSHIP SEMINAR with DR. STAN MOORE (October 14)

 GCoMM Skype Meetings

Coordinated Trainings   

for Linden School and 

GCF’s Instruments of Praise

B. MINISTRIES WITH CROSS POINTE

Kids BS @ Medellin, NorthCebu  (March)

Brigada Eskwela @ Carreta Elem  (May 14)

PRAISE VBS (Apr 15-20)

Weekly Bible Class at Singapore School Cebu  (June-March)

Relief Repacking for Tacloban (Nov-Dec)

Give a Gift @ Calape Bohol (December 18)