Little girl dreams are bigger than they seem
White Boots, Jamie Grace
I'm thinking about my future in my daily routine
Blue house and a picket fence
That's the kind of innocence that makes me wanna wait
Until my wedding day Standing face to face with the love I know is true
I'll promise him forever from the day we say, "I do"
Remember when we used to sing this out loud? We'd share our long lists of negotiable and non-negotiable qualities, hoping that someday we'd find each other's perfect match. We had our "huhuhu" days and "hahaha" days, and I'm grateful for those times, my friend. You're a married woman now, and I know both you and Pamela have been praying for a long time, and both of you are Misis now!
Seeing her walk down the aisle felt like witnessing a promise come to life, and it made me start yearning for that in my own life. I realized I wanted that someday, not when my dreams were fulfilled or when everything was perfect, but when He says, "Go on my child."
When we were little girls, we all dreamed of wearing that long gown and finding someone special, but as I listened to their vows, I realized that it's truly a God-ordained thing. Those little moments when they younger until their path intertwine and led them to one another, despite all the twists and turns in their journey. It's almost magical to find the one who fits perfectly in the gaps between your fingers, who is brave enough to take you down the aisle, say "yes" to an uncertain future, make promises in front of everyone and God.
I had a conversation with our former pastor, who is also a good friend. He mentioned that we often try to make things right by relying on our own strength, creating checklists, and fulfilling our dreams before getting married. While those things are good, sometimes it's about relying too much on ourselves and not trusting God enough to be present in our uncertain future. This is why many people today are hesitant about the idea of getting married. It feels like a burden to many, and the idea of having kids scares a lot of people (myself included, having had experience teaching little ones). So, the society has come up with new terminologies and ideologies just to avoid the concept of marriage. We also had a great time talking on how we can minister in this time.
I also had the chance to talk with Mr. and Mrs. Laxa, and Pastor Laxa invited me to be a guest on his podcast. Before that, our conversations also had a lasting impact when he asked me how I envision myself in the future. I couldn't think of an answer, and for a few seconds, all I could see was uncertainty. He said that children are a blessing from the LORD and are an inheritance from God. He asked if I would want to be surrounded by my children's children in my old age. Worth reading and listening articles and podcasts: https://tituslaxajr.substack.com
I used to think that the greatest inheritance we could have is success in this world, and I had forgotten that children are great inheritance from the LORD. He reminded me that success fades over time, that your degree won't bring comfort in your old age, neither will money or any material possessions wouldn't give you a hug. "Isn't it popular to be an independent woman, finding success in your career and other pursuits?" Unless someone is called to be single and serve God and others. It's like a light bulb going off in my head – I'm starting to understand a bit more now that marriage is a beautiful gift from God.
The wedding taught me that love is truly patient and meek. It wasn't grand or flashy, just simple. It's in those simple moments and chaotic days that you find peace, and you become certain that you'll be with that person even in an uncertain future. It's about prioritizing the other person before yourself. It's a steady, nurturing force that blossoms over time, rooted in trust and faith in the days to come.
It was also a great time to fellowship with old friends whom I've never seen and conversed with! We also had a great fellowship after, feels like twenty-two!
Some Myth I Believed In Too
- Follow your heart- How many times have you heard this too? Find some sparks, sleepless nights, and sweet words that might come to mind, and listen to your heartbeats - these are your deepest desires. We often hear this advice, suggesting that our deepest desires can guide us. However, the book of Jeremiah (17:9-10) cautions us: "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” According to this verse, our hearts can lead us astray and produce false idols. It is crucial to be grounded in His Word and careful not to be deceived.
- It's NOT from God-Have you ever suppressed your desires, thinking they weren't from God? Your life should be about ministry and serving him, and those attractions might be considered a sin. However, at the beginning, the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helpmate for him." (Genesis 2:18). This verse reminds us that we are made for relationship and community—we need one another. If you're starting to have desires for a relationship, it's okay, as long as it doesn't become your ultimate focus. It's important to be satisfied with the Lord even if He doesn't provide a relationship just yet. Remember that God knows our needs and that He provided a suitable partner to Adam without Adam asking or begging for it. Reflecting on the verses, "So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man." (Genesis 2:21-22), we see God's amazing provision in bringing the right partner to Adam. Omo, i love this, hang on there my future love, "I'm the missing part of your rib! Hanapin mo na ako, 'di na ako magtatago! (HAHAHA)
- Be ready, make sure you have all the things you need! - Nobody is ever fully prepared for the future, as there's always uncertainty ahead and we need to place complete trust and surrender in the One who created us. It's necessary to be financially, emotionally, and spiritually prepared, but as humans, we are not always stable and we make mistakes. This is why we need to put our trust in God and strengthen our faith not on our own willpower and strength. There's a misconception that you need to have certain things before getting married, such as a car, a house, a grand wedding, and many possessions. While it's wonderful to have these blessings, having enough and being responsible while trusting in God is sufficient. We often wait for the perfect moment when everything is stable and perfect, but the truth is we want certainty and try to do everything in our own strength. Remember the words of Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
- Why get married, when the world is getting worse? I have to admit that I used to believe this too. It seems practical in a time when life is becoming harder every day. I've heard others express similar beliefs. I think this comes from fearful and anxious hearts not trusting that God is present in the future. Tomorrow is always uncertain, but God is certain in His promises. I believe His Word can be trusted in times of worry.
- The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.Psalm 33:11
- For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."Jeremiah 29:11
- I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8
- Being the right one - Doing the right thing and being the right person is good, but not enough because we fail and falter. We need the right ONE in our lives so we can be able to walk like Him. Jesus is the right one, our righteousness, the author of love, and perfecter of our faith. Knowing Him intimately and growing with Him will teach us to love others and to lay down our lives for others. I heard from the pastor's message during the wedding that marriage seems like a triangle, with Jesus as the head, and the closer you and your husband come to Jesus, the closer you come to each other. How beautiful it is to find someone who will walk with you in faith and rely on the grace of the Lord and finish the race with you. For now, let's delight ourselves in the Lord: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4"
No Waiting is Ever Wasted
All I need you to bring
White Boots, Jamie Grace
Are the rings
And I know in time I'll be ready
Cause I've been waiting, waiting, waiting,
Waiting, waiting, waiting on you
I thank the Lord for the realization that marriage has its own beauty, it is sacred and holy. The girl who once had a long list of things to do before wanting it has now turned into a woman who simply desires it and surrenders if it's the Lord's will for it to come into her life. No waiting is ever wasted. I remember praying for younger ladies to come into my life whom I could disciple. When I saw them that day, my heart pumped slowly. They were all beautiful, not just because of what my eyes saw, but because they have grown more in faith now, and I am joyful to have met and seen them. How beautiful it is to have younger versions of myself in the future, as an inheritance, and to slowly hope to one day see them too. Now, these girls have also been an answer to my prayers.
And I'm joyful to the lives of my friends, they are all sources of encouragement to me.
