Last night, after reading ODB's article for April 15, I leafed through the pages and was led to January 9. It says:

"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."--Proverbs 16:9

It's good to plan and dream and think ahead. But we must always be open to God-appointed changes in direction. God will never mislead us.

When we trust him with all our heart, He will direct our paths.--Proverbs 3:5-6.

This is my faith.

"As your child's second year begins, take some time to think about your relationship with your partner. Caring for an infant can wreak havoc on couples. You may find yourselves bickering a lot or just not connecting the way you used to. Don't despair — it takes time to adjust to having another person around. Now that your baby-turned-toddler is becoming less dependent, make a point of getting away to do adult things, just the two of you." ~ Babycenter.com

This mail made my week! I couldn't have said it better-especially the bickering a lot part lol:). For weeks now I've been thinking about what has become of my relationship with Nico. We have established a routine that's completely different from the one we had when it was just the two of us. Of course, the obvious thing is having a baby really changes one's life. So we never blamed each other if somehow, we don't spend as much time nurturing the relationship anymore.

Just the other night (it was one of the very few nights that we still have the energy to stay up and talk), I was telling him how much I feel so disconnected. We realized the difference when we were living on our own in Dubai. The things that we had to do gave us the opportunity to really bond. From the simplest things to the most complex, we depended on each other. With the current situation, however, I feel we could survive everyday without relying on each other. And I'm not comfortable with it.

We are now looking at several options to improve the relationship and our family life. We are praying for guidance to help us make the right decision. We want to be settled soon.

Here’s a long overdue post about our 2nd wedding anniversary celebration. This year’s celebration was more special as we focus not only on us being united in love but more importantly in the fact that we have been blessed with a most wonderful gift any couple could have ever hoped to receive: our Miguel.

We spent three days and two nights at Holiday Inn Clark from October 27-29. Needless to say that although I had stayed in this same hotel several times in the past, this one was the most enjoyable of all as we got to ‘try’ almost all of their amenities, or at least those that caught Miguel’s interests.

Early mornings were spent taking leisurely stroll inside Mimosa while enjoying the calm of the surrounding and the cool, not-so-polluted morning air. In fact, this is the very reason we chose to stay in Clark although the one in Manila is much cheaper.

We spent a good amount of time in the playroom as well and watched Miguel enjoy banging and mouthing and kicking and stepping on everything he got his hands and feet on! We also went swimming although we only stayed for about 20 minutes since it was very windy and we feared Miguel might get colds again. Good thing we were able to get some good shots of him in the pool.

Of course we got to enjoy the hotel’s buffet breakfast although it was a bummer they were not serving waffle this time, hmp! Anyway, we were sent home with a complimentary wedding anniversary cake, that was really nice of them.

I look forward to more anniversary celebrations. And I continue to pray that we will be able to keep the promise we made on our wedding day.

A year ago we celebrated each other…

Now we’re counting the days to welcoming the little one.

still high with the grace of God that touched us after attending last sunday's fellowship, i went on to search for the website i used to access to download free christian music and chanced upon this station, praise 106.5, that broadcasts live program over the internet featuring contemporary christian music. do check out the website as it has links to other good stuff too like devotionals and other talk programs. would be good to tune in to uplift and inspire your spirit.

the deacon who gave the message about "the amazing gift" (the gift of salvation) in last sunday's service ended his sermon with a beautiful song entitled "who am i?", lyrics below (check out link for mp3 version & tell me wht you think :)). first time i heard it was last sunday and second time was last night when it was played over praise 106.5, and it immediately became our newest fave! :)

Artist: Casting crowns
Song: Who am I

Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt,
Who am I?
That the Bright and Morning Star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart,

Not because of who I am,
But because of what You've done,
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who You are,

I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean (ocean),
A vapor in the wind,
Still You hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling,
And You've told me who I am..
I am Yours.

Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin,
Would look on me with love,
and watch me rise again,
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me,

Not because of who I am,
But because of what You've done,
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who You are,

I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean (ocean),
A vapor in the wind,
Still You hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling,
And You've told me who I am...
I am Yours, I am Yours.

I am Yours,
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?
'Cause I am Yours,
I am Yours.