Fourteen Years of Grace

(Verse 1)

From that "yes" in Chowking, a simple start,

On June 30, 2012 we then tied that knot

Coffee mornings become part of our daily jive

A lifetime of love, praying to display Ephesians 5

We built up our shelves with books we adore

Sands and shells from travels to planning more

Through surprises and laughter, the years flew fast,

Building a bond that glorifies Christ

(Chorus)

Fourteen years of grace, fourteen years of us

In every little moment, in GOD we trust

Through the shifting tides and the changing days,

We offer this marriage in songs of praise

My partner in ministry, my constant guide,

With you, Mahal, forever by my side

(Verse 2)

Overtime hours during Brigada Eskwela

Serving together, in GLCC or SEPNAS pa

Reading the Word at the end of the day

Highlighting on time - this we pray

Now the diet is changing, the body grows weak

But it’s your gentle hand, the comfort I seek

When the mornings are painful, you carry me through

The strength in my weakness is found in you

(Bridge)

In the silent struggles, the heartaches we bear

Every hidden pain is kneeled down in prayer

Before the Lord’s altar, we lay it all down

In His faithful mercy, our blessings are found

We’ve weathered the storms, we’ve walked through the fire

To honor His calling is our one great desire

(Chorus)

Fourteen years of grace, fourteen years of us

In every little moment, in GOD we trust

Through the shifting tides and the changing days,

We offer this marriage in songs of praise

My partner in ministry, my constant guide,

With you, Mahal, forever by my side

(Outro)

Fourteen years later, by His grace we still stand

Walking by faith, will keep holding your hand

Happy 14th Anniversary, Mahal

Music here

You're my GODsend

I was independent but I don't wanna be alone

Prayers whispered every night in hushed tone

I thought I gave up longing, that I surrendered need

'Til GOD brought me to Chowking and planted a seed

You're my answered prayer, a blessing from above

A living testament of God's amazing care and love

He saw my heart's cry, He heard every plea

And wrapped up His grace when He gave me you, see?

You're my GODsend, Ytz and Toi in covenant so true

His love made real when He gave me you

In the way your hand fits in mine, strong and sure

In the patience you show when my spirit's impure

In the morning coffee steam, in the

 quiet night's end

I see the Father’s own heart, my husband, my bestfriend

You're my answered prayer, a blessing from above

A living testament of God's amazing care and love

He saw my heart's cry, He heard every plea

And wrapped up His grace when He gave me you, see?

You're my GODsend, Ytz and Toi in covenant so true

His love made real when He gave me you

This wasn't just chance, this wasn't just fate

This was the Author of Love opening the gate

Pouring out mercy I never deserved

Gifting a treasure my soul has prayed

Is heaven's own echo, a promise come through

His grace had a name when He gave me you

You're my answered prayer, a blessing from above

A living testament of God's amazing care and love

He saw my heart's cry, He heard every plea

And wrapped up His grace when He gave me you, see?

You're my GODsend, Ytz and Toi in covenant so true

His love made real when He gave me you

My GODsend

His love made real

My GODsend

Forever I'll feel

This grace... in you

Listen to the music here

A Meditation on God's Immutability

Of old you laid the foundation of the earth,

      and the heavens are the work of your hands.

They will perish, but you will remain;

      they will all wear out like a garment.

You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away,

      but you are the same, and your years have no end. (Psalm 102:25–27)

Since I became a Sunday schooler, I know that God is eternal and that He never changes. When I became a believer, I stand in awe of and delight in God's immutability. 

It is such a peace to know that God never regrets and draws back what He promised. It is such an assurance that nothing I do will ever change His love for me. It is such a stronghold that what God ordained in eternity past will never ever be shaken by what circumstances may arise along the way.

It has been a long time since I penned a meditation. And I want this one posted for future reference. If ever something like what I've been going through right now ever happens in the future, I want to read this. It may not be as soothing as it is doing now to me, but at least it will be a truth I can embrace.

There will be instances wherein God's steadfastness becomes sweeter to a bitter soul. It will be an anchor when doubts and sorrow flood you. It becomes a steady buckle when you go through bumpy roads.

When a covenant seems forgotten

Nothing is more painful than to be an invisible in a world you expect to be seen. Yes, there will be times when emotions got so overwhelming and tears made eyesight blurry. There will be times when burdens keep on pushing you down that getting up and carrying on seems impossible. 

There will be times when you pray someone would notice your defeated state and would somehow offer a hand to lift you up. You hope for someone to even lend ears and shoulders. There will be times that your whispered shouts for help are just like whistles of wind, they were unnoticed. It will be more painful if it comes from someone whom you rely to be always there for you.

When what little you have is still demanded.

You may be in a situation wherein you are just holding on a tiny thread and that thread is even asked from you. That life seems to be joyful to squeeze you dry. 

You will even be in a situation wherein you are asked to fight a battle when you can't even lift up your own sword to face your own struggle. Yes, life can be cruel like that.

When the world you thought you're living in crumbles.

Sometimes life will challenge you to either doubt your roles in life or maybe even see the reality of it until you realize that the world you thought you have is an illusion. In the eyes of someone whose hope is shattered, even how he sees his world becomes shaky. Disappointments keep piling up. Failures after failures are thrown upon your face. You will even question your place in this world, your role in somebody's life. 

Fighting this kind of battle is worse because you are facing your own fears...your own self. For others, you are just too emotional and dramatic. But there are struggles that tear down someone's insanity and world.

Who are responsible for these? Social media? Your own implications? Someone's insensitivity? Or it could be all of the above. It will be in any and all means should a child of God left destroyed.

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2)

Such a sweet note. 

Help me and remind me, Lord to lift my eyes to the hills and let me always see Your help. Don't let me be baffled by these earthly pressures. Let me know that You are always there.

God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? (Numbers 23:19)

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Psalm 90:1–2)

It is my prayer that these Words be sculptured in my heart; that they will be pillars to hold on to when the ground becomes shaky again.

You are appreciated

Our tomorrows are full of ambiguity

But our GOD is the GOD of immutability 

So whatever may come along the way

I will hold your hand, glorifying God as I stay

The vow I made can be broken by me

If this is kept solely by this weak wifey

So everyday I depend on the grace of GOD

May He alone be glorified as you are loved 

In every way, Mahal you are appreciated

Because I trust the Hands who gifted

A husband and a bestfriend, my GODsend

I love you in this lifetime, 'til the end

(April 19, 2026; Husband's Appreciation Day)