Journey to Forever

There is an appointed time, and an appropriate time for every activity on earth for God made everything beautiful in His time. –Ecclesiastes 3:11

When the time is right I, the Lord will make it happen – Isaiah 60:22

I thank the Lord for my season of waiting because it’s when I learned its marvelous purpose and the joy of singleness. Trust Him with all your heart, for He will answer your heart’s desire at the right time. I got married to a wonderful man God gave me. I may have married late for some, but a delay is not a denial. God knows who is best for me! 

I met him five years ago, but it’s only in 2021 that we made our relationship official after we reconnected. We have learned to trust Him and His faithfulness in situations we first see as impossibilities. That’s why we made it this far. We got married online in February 2022 through a US court, then had the marriage blessing celebrated with family and friends on September 23rd of 2022. Words are not enough how delighted and thankful we are to God Almighty. God is truly amazing because He is the author of our love story.   

This marriage takes three; I, my husband and God. The journey to forever may have challenges and obstacles, but with Him the road will be easier. We will face it with courage and grace. Through fervent prayer, understanding, open communication, faithfulness, patience and love, we will make it through until the rest of our lives. This is our covenant to God.

1 Corinthians 13:7

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance”

First Dance

The Ruben’s Tribe

With my beautiful mother and sisters

The handsome men – Steve, my father and brothers

Our cute and pretty flower girls

Our ninongs and ninangs

The Amarilles

The Family of Medinas & Cabardos

With our lovely usherettes

Thank you so much to our family and friends. We really appreciate your love and support. We are so blessed! 🙂

Official Photographer: Photoripix

Decor: RealEvent Stylist by Jhune Real

Venue/Food: Chandler Suites

HMUA: Miko Guinita

Cake & desserts: C&S Cakes and Bakery products

Healthy Pica2x: Catherine Chiu

Bible: Creative Preppers

Bridal Gown: Bella’s Gowns & Fashion Boutique

Bouquets: Pricklies Plants and Flower Shop Pagadian

Favors: Naturelle Secret & Lidl Lights Candle Shop

Wonders at Philippine National Museum

Fine Arts Museum

One of my dreams is to visit an art museum because I like paintings and sculptures. I am grateful to my husband Steven who took me to the Philippine National Museum of Fine Arts. We had a great time and it was really a delightful experience.

If you love to see paintings and sculptures made by 19th century Filipino Masters, National Artists, and modern painters, try to visit the museum. You will have fun!

It’s my first time seeing a huge painting. I am amazed!

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So Close Yet So Far

Social media was the way
Where you and me met half way
You are a thousand miles away
How come you have found me baby?

Your night is my day
Longing to hold hands someday
Even you are far away
My love for you will stay

I know, one day
You will be here right beside me
Staring at me lovingly
Oh that would be a perfect day!

Through night and day
My feelings grow everyday
Patiently waiting for that day
When I could finally hug you tightly.

Family Reunion Amidst Pandemic

“Families are like branches on a tree. We grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one” – Unknown

_{My grandma Nanay Angeles Amarille with her children}

My family did an amazing trip during this pandemic. We have been dreaming to meet Nanay Angeles & the rest of the family whom we haven’t seen for almost thirty years. My mother’s hometown is about 722 km away from where I live. Life had been hard for us to travel when we were younger, so we grew up distantly with my mom’s family. The original plan to visit grandma was last year before the pandemic started.

Last May 2020 by God’s grace and provision we were able to pursue our plan. We were hesitating at first because of restrictions but thank God our travel was smooth and safe. I and my family were anxious and excited for the first time we could finally meet our beloved grandma. We rented a van for a total of seven days that includes the arrival and departure. It was a long ride that would really make you exhausted but it’s all worth it.

We praise God for making our travel possible and memorable. My family are so happy and blessed to meet everyone though we were there for only three days. We pray and hope to go back to Leyte with all my siblings. It is our wish that this pandemic will end sooner so that families and loved ones could reunite again. ^_^

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What I learned in 2020

2020 was a tough year! From January to December so many things have happened. Accidents of famous persons, calamities in various places, political crisis, and the covid-19 worldwide pandemic. Due to this pandemic, our life has drastically changed. Life has been tougher and many people suffered. We are all affected in all aspects of life and were challenged to face this it bravely. We now learned to adopt the new normal and make solutions on how to cope it.

I just want to share some important things I have learned in 2020:

• Time is short, every second count
• Health is truly your wealth
• Meditate on what truly matters
• Choose your battles wisely
• Get more closer to God
• Always be grateful in whatever circumstances
• Genuine service is the best gift you can give to others
• Love yourself

I wish and pray for a better and bountiful 2021. Let’s not lose hope because there’s always a silver lining beyond dark clouds.

Unspoken

Walking down the road

Wondering what i feel

Looking for an answer

Thinking how I got here

I remember,

You are waiting there

Then I found this flower

This is the answer

Of What I truly feel…

Holiday Escape During Pandemic

A few days ago, I traveled outside the City with my workmates. This was my first out of town since the lock-down. This pandemic has greatly affected most of us. Nevertheless, I am thankful that I am still able to do my job and throughout this trying time God has blessed me and my family with good health. I am grateful for a little break away to relax and replenish with my colleagues. Even more grateful to experience God’s magical creation.!

First stop at Paradise Resort, Ramon Magsaysay Zamboanga del Sur..

Second stop @ Hillside Botanical Garden, Molave Zamboanga del Sur

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Last stop @ Tambulig Mountain Resort, Tambulig Zamboanga del Sur

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31 Things I am Grateful For

Yesterday was my birthday and I can’t believe I am 31 years old now. How time flies like an arrow. A year seems like one day only . So many things have happened but I am thankful for everything. I am proud of myself that I become stronger and better now. In good times and bad times, God is there! I am looking forward for the years to come with braver self and always have a grateful heart.

31 Things I am Grateful For

1. I am grateful for the gift of life
2. I am grateful for my parents and siblings
3. I am grateful for my true friends
4. I am grateful for my work
5. I am grateful  for my part-time job as online teacher
6. I am grateful for my sideline business
7. I am grateful for my relatives
8. I am grateful for the church
9. I am grateful for the talent of singing
10. I  am grateful the music I listen to
11. I am grateful for leisure time
12. I am grateful for the people around me
13. I am grateful for the sunshine and rain
14. I am grateful that I am healthy as well as my family
15. I am grateful that I can eat 3 meals a day
16. I am grateful for the inspiring & motivational shows and movies
17. I am grateful to be part of CYAA
18. I am grateful for the knowledge I learned
19. I am grateful for my skills
20. I am grateful for the memories
21. I am grateful for the experiences
22. I am grateful that I had travel to other places
23. I am grateful for the things I have now
24. I am grateful for the grace of God
25. I am grateful for His divine protection
26. I am grateful for my past relationships
27. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned
28. I am grateful for my teachers
29. I am grateful for all the blessings I received
30. I am grateful for the flowers and trees
31. I am grateful for what is to come

Psalms 139

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O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

² Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

³ Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

⁴ For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.

⁵ Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

⁷ Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

⁸ If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

⁹ If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

¹⁰ Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

¹¹ If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

¹² Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

¹³ For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.

¹⁴ I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

¹⁵ My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

¹⁶ Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

¹⁷ How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

¹⁸ If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

¹⁹ Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.

²⁰ For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.

²¹ Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

²² I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

²⁴ And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Last Weekend Getaway Before 2020

It’s a late post but it’s better late than never! Right? 😀 This travel happened on December 14, 2019. The year-end party and thanksgiving of where I work took place at Baliangao Beach. I can never forget how I got there. I and my colleague arrived there at midnight through a scooter. We almost lost in the middle of the night. It was quite scary yet we just enjoy the ride. After all, it’s worth the ride because the place is so nice.

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