Two Shall Become One Tuesday: Marriage Survey

Sue, the author of Praise and Coffee blog posted a set of survey questions for married women like me. It has been two days since I last read this, but it's only now that I could post my answer due to busy-ness. Now that I'm in my blogging mode, I shall try to answer them with whole honesty and propriety. If you wish to share your answers, either leave a comment or direct me to your site where you have posted your answers. I would love to know your thoughts on these.
1. How would you rate your marriage on a scale of 1-10?
(1 being poor, not much partnership, 10 being that he's your best friend and things are great)
I say we're 8. We may argue about a lot of things, but when it's time to put our acts together and do our responsibilities to our family, we really are a team. Even if I share with him things that he does not agree with, I am confident that our different views will not change his commitment to our marriage. 8 not 10 because I feel our communication pattern still has a room for improvement.

2. Is making your marriage better a high priority to you?
Yes. I believe praying for our marriage first before anything else plays a big part in what we have accomplished as a couple so far. Prioritizing the betterment of our marriage is God's will.

3. Do you resent your husband? Why?
There were times when I resented him for not meeting my expectations, usually those we have not discussed thoroughly. But after a good talk, I get freed from any ill-feelings instantaneously.

4. Do you like your husband's friends? Yes! They become my brothers and sisters. Some officemates though act differently when I'm around, but that does not hinder me from extending myself to them. my husband's real friend would definitely like me as a friend, too.

5. What are some of the top things you would like to change about your marriage? (Please don't say "my husband") Just teasing!
If I could, I would add few months of just being the two of us before my first pregnancy. I do not regret having ST, but it would have been great to have a period in an intimate relationship when you have less competition for attention. Even a fetus can be a big time competition, not in a bad way though.
6. How often do you eat dinner together? Every night, unless I get really sleepy or hungry, or he calls to say he’ll eat in the office to finish an overtime work.

7. Do you work outside the home? No, not yet. We agreed to go back to work when my son ZT turns 1. He is one now, so as soon as we find a new apartment, I will start checking the ads again.

8. Who does the chores in the home? I and our housemaids

9. What is your favorite thing to do together with your husband? I love prayer walking, watching movie (be it in theater or just on the sofa in front of our 13-inch tv), discussing (even if it turns passionate sometimes), shopping, doing groceries, serving in the church (especially when I sing back-up for him during Sunday praise and worship), just lazing on the coach, and serving the kids (praying, story-telling, tucking them to bed, singing, dancing, playing, watching tv, and many more) with him.

10. How's the bedroom life? Let me be more specific...are you happy with where it's at and would you say your husband is happy with it? Let’s just rate this, from 1 to 10 where 1 is lowest and 10 is highest, I say we are having an 8. With kids around, sometimes the go becomes wait, and wait means let’s try tomorrow, Lord willing!

11. Have you ever gone to a marriage conference together? No. But we have had several marriage sessions with our friends in the church handled by our pastor and wife.

12. Is your husband a Christian? Are you? We are both Christians and actively serving God in our family and church.

13. If you are and he is not, how does he feel about your faith? Irrelevant

---o0o---

The last two questions are what I wish you could share from your end.

14. Is there anything I can pray for you and your husband? your marriage?
15. Do you have a testimony regarding any areas of marriage which I could feature in my blog which will encourage other couples?



LP: Pula (Red)


Matagal din kaming naghabulan ng anak ko sa play area ng McDonalds North Ave corner Mindanao Ave, Quezon City. Isang paa at kapirasong parte ng pulang palda nalang ang nahuli ng aking kamera bago siya humaripas ng takbo pataas sa loob ng pulang slide na ito. Ah, ito na ang simula ng aking paghabol sa mabilis na paglaki ni ST na ngayon ay tatlong taon gulang na. Sana maabutan ko siya lagi. Sa pagkakataong ito, inabot ako ng halos isang oras bago ko nakumbinsing bumaba ang malikot kong si ST. Nakaka-inis... nakakatawang alalahanin.

It took a while before I caught my daughter in the play area of McDonalds North Ave corner Mindanao Ave, Quezon City. My camera only got a shot of her foot and a portion of her red skirt just before her ultimate escape towards this red slide and upwards. Sigh. This is now the beginning of my "running" to catch up with my fast growing ST who is now three years old. I hope I could always catch up on her. In this instance (shown in the picture), it took almost an hour before I successfully convinced my restless ST to go down. Irritating... yet, so funny to remember.

New Year's Thankful Thursday

I praise the Lord for 2008 which God used to confirm our family's calling to be sent for the harvest field, particularly to an Unreached People Group in Asia in the year 2010. The tests and tribulations our family faced last year proved to be orchestrated for us to understand more His limitless power, encouraging presence, faithful provision and ever-reliable protection. He knows we need to see His glory to courageously take the next big leaps He will require for us to take this year. My husband and I realized that our lot is to wade in the water of the unknown so as to reach our glorious fate - reach more souls in the least reached people of the world.

God will part the sea before us this year. I can already feel the rushing wind creating waves to every direction, paving the way for His harvest at the other side. Our King will lead us on... and so there will be more things to thank for every Thursday. I hope to cross the sea with you! Meet you next week?

By the way, I would like to thank all my blogging friends who bloghopped here even when Colored Heart's hands were full of concerns and could not update her posts. The Lord bless your heart for your intercession and encouraging words. My cyber friends and universal sisters Michelle, Twinkle Mom, Pia, Laurie, Cheryl, Denise, Nancie and Tiff... you my prayer warriors across the globe have done so much. I already asked our Mighty Abba to enlarge your territories and increase your influence that more young wives and moms could benefit in your friendliness and sisterly kindness. You were blessed to bless!

For more thankfuls, I suggest you visit Iris in her gracefully fashioned blogsite, Grace Alone. She remains the host of Thankful Thursday in CWO. Kindly share your thankfuls before you click the exit. Shalom and A Blessed New Year!

Would You Believe?

Yes, we went back to the hospital... third time this year! This time, my daughter ST was stricken with Pneumonia which strain was not covered by her vaccine, and ZT with Bronchitis and Primary Complex. God provided for our needs, as usual, and He healed my kids gradually during our 8 day stay at the hospital. Click the title of this post "Would You Believe" to view their photos during their last day of confinement.

God bless you, my dear friends, who took the time to visit my site and prayed. The last post here before I was out for a really long while was ZT's second confinement. I sure felt your prayers then and even during their recent confinement. Well, the hospital bill hurt this time even with my husband's Health Card and PhilHealth. Nonetheless, we are grateful that the cards covered 95% of the whole amount in 5 digits.

My kids are now up and well. The three of them (my hubby, ST and ZT) celebrated their birthday last Saturday, October 4 two days after the kids were discharged from the hospital. God was so generous to use our family and church friends to sponsor this event. In fact we only spent for their costumes, some prizes for the games and the cake minus the upgrade. Who would have thought that after what we went through we could still celebrate this grand? Only God can do wonders indeed. Thus, we made sure He was properly honored during this event. Click here to view their Super Heroes birthday celebration.

I missed blogging. But, God required that I take care of my kids and experience Him during these trying times. Right now, I am preparing for our trip to my mom's mountainous hometown Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, somewhere in the South of the Philippines. This is my kids' opportunity to recuperate from the hazards of Manila pollution. My mom offered her service to help me care for the kids since the three of us will be away from the nannies and my hubby MP. Hopefully, after 6 weeks, they have gained weight and are stronger to be in Quezon City.

As to my blogging life, I am still not sure if I could resume my regular visits to all my blog-sis at WMO. I will try to update soon as I find internet connection in the province. I truly miss you, my sisters Michelle, Denise, Nancie, Joy, Laurie and all the hosts At The Well. I really feel connected to the body of Christ in a global sense because of you. I can not thank you enough for your love, concern and prayers. Lord willing, I shall be back to visit you.

Let us keep praying for one another. Leave me your prayer requests if you ever visit here. I love you too! Be strong in the Lord, ya'll lovely ladies and women of faith!

"...from glory to glory, He's changing me..."

Back To The Hospital

My hubby and I decided to admit our 10 month old son ZT to the hospital last Monday due to Loose Bowel Movement, a condition any parent would not take lightly. It was just two weeks ago when we brought our daughter ST to the hospital due to her famous fall from our 8step stairs. I think we are getting better in attending to the health needs of our children. That I have to thank God for.

I missed my regular memes this week. When I say "missed", I really mean "to regret my absence". I missed you, girlfriends here at CLAY. Anyway, may I ask for your continued prayers as we press on in the ministries we are called to do this weekend. We noticed that the attacks we are experiencing before major assignments are getting more personal. Of course, how else would the enemy hurt more but through the people we love? "But greater is He that is in me [us] than he that is in the world." Praise God for His promises and the Word that affirm our calling. We will not face challenges alone... especially now that you, girlfriends, are around. I will see you soon. For now, would you please join us in praying?

Prayer Requests:
1) Speedy recovery of Zeph from Viral infection and diaper rashes
2) Financial provision for the amount not covered in our medical card
3) For me and my husband to be able to attend the Young Adults conference tomorrow
4) To discharge our son before going to the conference
5) To bless YAs during the conference
6) To have a blessed weekend with my family for the dedication of our nephew Ronan
7) To be able to return online for my blogging ministry

Thank you for bearing with me through prayers. God bless us always! Shalom!

LP: MITHI (Wish)


My wish, you ask? Simple.
For the bliss in being together...


For the joy in learning new things together...




For the being together...


...to be ... FOREVER.

But, I have to accept that what we have shall come to pass.
I might as well live the most while we are together...
Appreciate the things God allows for us to enjoy together...
Create more beautiful memories together to remember...
And cherish my hubby, daughter and son as long as I live.

-o0o-

Ano ang minimithi ko ikamo? Simple lang.
Na ang ligaya kapagkami ay magkakasama...
Na ang tuwa sa pag-aaral ng mga bagong bagay ng magkakasama...
Na kami'y magkakasama...
...Ng habangbuhay.

Ngunit, kailangan kong tanggapin na ito man ay lilipas din.
Mabuti pang gawin ang lahat sa abot ng aking makakaya ang lahat ng bagay habang kami ay magkakasama pa...
Pahalagahan ang mga bagay ng Dios na nagpapasaya sa aming habang kami ay magkakasama pa...
Gumawa pa ng maraming ala-ala habang kami ay magkakasama pa...
At ibigin ang aking pamilya habang ako'y nabubuhay.

Thankful Thursday: Shalom, Pacem, Peace!


"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Our dear TT host, Iris, quoted Peace's definition as freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions. Peace is a treasure to a restless soul. This is why I made it a habit to bless people with a word of Shalom. My mom, hubby and some girlfriends know how much help I draw from it especially when I turn fearful and panicky. Today, I would like to thank God for that life-saving Peace, too.

  • Peace can be a state of harmony or the absence of hostility. It can describe calmness, serenity, and silence. It can also be a non-violent way of life.
Thank You, Lord, for the safety and quietness of our neighborhood. A war in the Southern part of the Philippines [Lanao del Sur] broke out again, and many muslims and christians mostly men and children, were killed brutally in the middle of the night. Many houses and schools were burned, and the families evacuated to schools, mosques and barangay halls. They were really traumatized. I am not thanlkful for their plight, but I thank You for the opportunity to pray for them. Please bring peace, not just between the MILF (faction of muslims) rebels and the government, but moreso, between You and them.

  • Peace can also describe a relationship between any people characterized by respect, justice, and goodwill.
Thank You, Lord, for the relationships You blessed me with, free from abuse, rudeness, quarrel and dissension. Misunderstandings are blessed with healers like patience, acceptance and tolerance. There are so many people who are being maltreated in their own homes, gearing them to criminalism, a great deal of violence and mental problems. I am not thankful for the pitiful situations of these women and children, but I thank You that many people now are responding for their rescue. Please continue to bless the peacemakers.

  • "Peace" is used to describe the end of a violent conflict.
Thank You, Lord, for the Peace that enabled me to let go of the grudges I kept in the past, and for continually enabling me to let go of the sins that people do against me. Sometimes, those I love the most are the ones I find more difficult to forgive. Thank You for the Holy Spirit's prompt conviction and Your living Word that is ever-ready for reproof unto righteousness. I am so grateful for the many times You save me from me - when I stand between doing what You want and doing what I want. That really gets violent within!

  • Peace can mean a state of quiet or tranquility — an absence of disturbance or agitation. It can also pertain to an individual's sense of himself or herself, as to be "at peace" with one's own mind.
Thank You, Lord, for freeing me from unbearable stress and anxiety - usually after I cry them out. I really see Your hand turn the circumstances immediately when I pray. You bring me to a higher plain where I could see the light. Everything in my life makes perfect sense whenever I put you in the center of the picture. Where You are, there is peace, there is love, there is joy. You make my mind-squeezing mechanism take rest in the thought that "everything's gonna be alright in Christ!"
Thank You. Thank You... from me to You. Amen!


If you have time, please do share how Jehovah Shalom worked in your life today. I would love to know your thankful list, too. God bless you! Shalom!


To read more blessings and thankful lists, visit Iris at Sting My Heart.
*Definition from Wikipedia

My Ezekiel Time

I scanned through my Bible this morning as I breathed out a prayer. I asked that He would lead me to what He wanted me to read from His Word . I decided to park my REALITY devotional guide for a while to have the Spirit a free time with me. My fingers were led to the exciting book of Ezekiel, a prophet whose name means "God strengthens", who saw God through the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day and the radiance around it. (1;28) This is such a timely revelation for a rainy day like ours here in Quezon City. My pre-nursery daughter tried to wake up early for her first day in school, after her long vacation due to her accident, just to find out that her class was suspended. Poor excited girl.

Going back to my morning cup with Apo Dios (Abba Father), we had a swell time going through chapter 18. The Devotional Study Bible entitled it The Soul Who Sins Will Die. This reminded me of our Care group's lesson in Experiencing God about how we almost always refer our difficulties and sufferings as trials from the Lord, discounting the possibility that they are also sent for the purpose of discipline or Fatherly chastisement.

I appreciate the justice of our Holy God when He said [and Ezekiel wrote],
"For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son - both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die.

...but suppose this [wicked] son has a son who sees all the sins his father commits, and though he sees them, he does not do such things... he will not die for his father's sin; he will surely live.

...the son will not share the guilt of his father, nor will the father share the guilt of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him.

...But if a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he will not die. NONE of his offenses will be remembered against him.

...But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits sin and does the same detestable things the wicked man does, will he live? NONE of the righteous things he has done will be remembered... he will die.

...
For I take NO PLEASURE in the death of anyone [wicked or righteous turned wicked], declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live."
How wonderful to be reminded of God's attribute of righteousness. He is faithful to forgive and to bless life those who walk in the path of righteousness and who repents from wickedness. This is also a good warning for those who think they will be rewarded a life in eternity for the faith of their parents, siblings or forefathers. God clearly states that the soul of those who sins will die, and the souls of those who are righteous will have life. There is no big or small sin in the eyes of the Holy One, thus making us all destined for sin. Our righteousness only comes by His grace in Jesus Christ.
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heavens given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

"For as many as received Him to them gave him the power to become the children of God." John 1:12
What a promise we have in Jesus, that in Him lies our salvation. We do not deserve it, but He gave it anyway. No one can accuse God as unjust even when a person is said to be "predisposed" unto sin for his environment. God will judge us according to the light He reveals us. The Word is the light. He will definitely judge. But, what makes Him different from what most people know about God's judgment is that He does not only judge out of wrath for sin. He judges man with love. Let us pray for the wicked men around us that they will respond to the Spirit's nudging unto repentance. God is faithful and able to forgive. He is ready to save!

Word Filled Wednesday: 2 Corinthians 6:18


MY ABBA'S CHILD with ABBA FATHER

You are my Abba, my heavenly Father
You know my tears, and my smiles.
You are my Abba, my heavenly Father...
And I am my Abba's child.
Yes, I am my Abba's child.

Abba Father, Abba Father,
Deep within my soul I cry.
Father, Father, Jehovah Shammah, You are my King
My Jehovah Rophei, You are my Healer
Yahweh, my God

Abba Father, Abba Father,
I will never cease to love You.
I will never cease to love You.

In the photo are my beloved hubby MP and son ZT. This was taken last Monday when we went out for a family picnic at the nearest park, the Quezon City Memorial Circle. I missed you gals AT THE WELL, but still blessed just to have a fun-time with the kids. We are thankful for the national holiday that made it possible for an extended family day. That day we celebrated the 25th year of Commemorating Benigno Aquino's death, the man who has become the father of our freedom from the Marcos dictatorship.

The song featured in this post is from Experiencing God The Musical album. This is my favorite song in this album. And, this album is a must-have for every Christian library. Hope you grab a copy.

May we enjoy our spiritual sonship all the days of our life. But, in the light of eternity, I 'd rather not dare wish you well for we will surely be more than well there!

To view more WFW entries, please click the photo above.
Oops, you might want to leave a comment first? *wink ;)
Thanks!

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays: BLESS MY SON



This is the prayer song I sang for my son during his Dedication Day. I could have sung it like Rita Baloche, but I got carried away by the sniffing and teary-eyed girlfriends of mine during the event. I praise God for the singer, Nancy Gordon and Martin J. Nystrom for creating this music. We never get tired listening to all the music in the album Bless My Little Boy. I recommend this a must-have to all mom's library. Have a blessed time listening.

Click here to listen to the music.


BLESS MY SON
Nancy Gordon & Martin J. Nystrom

May he have the faith of Abraham
may he have the boldness of Paul
May he have a heart like David
Always seeking God,
Always seeking God.
Chorus:
Father God, bless my son
May he grow to be a man of God.
May he have the wisdom of Solomon
May he have the patience of Job
May he be a leader like Joshua
Always full of hope,
Always full of hope.
May he have the courage of Daniel
May he have the love of John
May he know Your voice like Samuel
Always obey God,
Always obey God.


For more inspirational entries, visit Amy Wyatt of Signs, Miracles and Wonders.