Wednesdate #1: Our God-given Roles

 Being married for ten months, I came to reality that I am actually just miles and miles away from being the wife I want to be. I am a work in progress. God has been molding me into this woman I am to be. I have yet a lot to to accomplish and learn. But I know I am loved dearly by my husband.

Today is a special day for me and Allen. After we talked about what I feel about our marriage and how much we want it be better, I told him what I want so we could both adjust. I think most of the wives only want simple things. I for one, only wants to spend quality time with my husband. I can just stay home doing nothing, couching like potatoes as long as I know he is with me, I am happy. That's my love language.

You see there are five Love Languages. Act of Time, Act of Service, Act of Gifts, Act of Touch and Act of Words. There's a book you can read more about these acts to know how to please your spouse and make them feel more loved. My husband on the other hand wants to be served, as I see it. And he also wants Acts of Words. 

It is an essential part of your relationship to your spouse that you know their love languages so you would know how you can treat them better and how to make them feel more loved. This is one's responsibility. I will talk about these languages on my next blog.

Going back, we agreed that Wednesdays should be a day for me. He would not leave the house, won't do any work, or take me out on a date. This is my day. Our day. And we promised to make this special each time. 

Today is our first Wednesdate. I am excited. At least my husband kept his promise. He stayed at home and rested. I cooked Bistek na Bangus for lunch and had sensible conversations with him all throughout the day. In the evening we went to Victory Greenhills for the Week2 of Love + Marriage Series to learn and listen to testimonies of imperfect but God-centered relationships. 

We were a little late.Tonight's topic is all about husbands. It talked about what men should be as a family man. Pastor Dennis Sy categorized men's role:
1.) Men are supposed to be producers, not just consumers.
2.) Men are to be creators and cultivators.
3.) Men are to be tough and tender. 

Men are created to be the head of the family. Someone to lead and provide. Their masculinity is just as necessary as the women's nurturing trait. It is what separates us. Men are the cultivators of the seed God has provided. He is intended to make it grow into full bloom so they could fulfill the role they are given. 

Sometimes we, women nowadays do not understand the concept of fulfilling the roles of husband and wife in pattern with the Lord's teaching. As a competitive, independent and goal-oriented woman, I find it hard to accept that being married now, I should give up my career and be dependent to my husband because that's what the scripture says about being a good wife. To be a submissive and supporting. I should be at the back of my spouse and cheer him on every decisions he make. It was the hardest thing to do. But I know I am fulfilling my purpose, the God-given purpose. I am living the role I should portray. I learned to be humble, to trust my husband whole-heartedly and be ready (if worst comes to worst) to risk my own security or our finances I need to. I have to give him the trust to learn it himself. I have to let him take the lead, as he is supposed to be. In the long run, it will all be for the best. 

I am still in process on being one but with God's grace, I will find contentment and satisfaction on being the plain husband's Companion, Mother and Homemaker. And God will provide me a husband to dream of: Leader, Provider and Protector. 

How about you? What are the steps you do to make your husband lead?

Love, MrsE <3 

God-Given Covenant

Its been a long time since I updated this blog .I've actually got a lot of attempt but I am always busy-fied by my daughter and my mommy duties. As you may know, we have not got any help at home as I prefer taking care of my daughter myself. She is turned eight months last 11th of February and I have never been so content seeing her progress each day. 

Anyway,  just thought of writing now as I face a new moment in my life. Last Sunday, the preach was about Marriage as a COVENANT of God. Our Pastor discussed a lot of amazing factors and realizations on his eight year marriage. While he was talking about it, I am rethinking how our marriage has been since then. We've been married for ten months and I always thought, since we were living together two years prior to or wedding, that it is all the same. I was so wrong. 

Being married with another person is far different than I ever  imagined. Being married means I am going to be a person's other half. It means I would have to be the person he sees every morning when he wakes up, forever. And being a wife means no turning back. It means I wold have to be in support with my husband all the days of our lives. And I always thought it was easy and smooth. It wasn't.

For the past months, my husband and I suffers from some major issues that I don't actually know the roots. I have been thinking of what have been the problem with us. Is it financial? Is it my full time focused on my daughter? Is it his lack of sensitivity? Is it his laziness? Is it stress because I feel too ugly, too fat? Or is it just mis communication?

Our Church Pastor talked about the importance of marriage. He talked about how marriage is being compared with that of the relationship of church and the word of God. That it is inseparable. It is indestructible. It is a God-given gift to us. And it is a covenant of the Lord. 

Marriage is destiny. God gave my spouse to me. He knows we are both better persons with each other. I am a gift to him as he is a gift to me. A gift so precious that God has handpicked for me. He knows exactly what I need that's why I am given the kind of a person my husband is. Our marriage is a covenant that we have to guard with our lives. To take care and to love. To endure and to be suffered upon if managed wrongly. God has put us together in this covenant and as He said,  Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. -Matthew 19:6

We may have a lot of differences on every aspects of life. But I know my husband was given to me because he is the perfect fit. I may have not appreciate my husband as much as I should have but I want to take this opportunity to honor him. Having me as a wife is not easy. I have been the most unbelievably nagger and irritated partner. I know how many times you would have wanted just to stay out late than to come home as you know I would be yelling and naming you with all the possible bad words you always hear from me. But still you come home to kiss and hug me and understand me over and over again. Thank you honey. I can never be the perfect wife but I promise, from now on to be an wonderful wife as possible. The sweetest if I may add. I love you and I thank God for the gift that you are. 

From today, I would consider myself as a gift to my husband. Because I am. A gift that he will not think of being old and dirty but always nice, brand new, surprising and to be cherished forever. 

I love you honey and I always will

How about you? Are you still the gift of God in his eyes?

First Christmas

This year is Chloe's first real Christmas. I remember how I talked to her to be patient and stay with me last year because we were still hesitant to tell my family that I am pregnant. She was turning three months then. It was amazing how she came into our lives. I remember how hubby and I planned for our 2012 with travelling and spending quality time with each other and hitting our goals one at a time. Surprisingly, Chloe came. Though it wasn't on our New Year wishlists, I must say that she is the most wonderful gift God has given to me. Sounds cliche but really, I am in awe. 

It wasn't a hard pregnancy. I never had the morning sickness, dizziness and stuff. It was just a normal stage for me. I know I was lucky to be that way and knowing that I knew about my baby a little late at three months, it was somehow a miracle. Yes, a miracle because for that past months I have been working so late and surrounded with people smoking like chimneys. It was on my 8th month when I noticed sever allergies all over my body and oh, the obligatory stretchmarks. 

All in all, I was still amazed on how she grew inside me. Moving each time I eat something sweet, kicking me while on my sleep, hearing her heartbeat during ultrasound and of course how can I forget how she hides her gender five times crossing her feet. It was a memory I would cherish for a lifetime.

Her ultrasound result: A GIRL!!

 Hubby talks to her all the time while she was in my tummy.

My little bug at 2 weeks new,

She's turning seven months on the 11th. She seems to be a smart baby growing up. She knows a lot of things already, notices people and movements, dances while she wants to and laugh so hard all the time. I can never more proud each time people compliments on how cute she is. I mean this happens all the time. And I think they were never just being nice. She really is not just cute, she is beautiful.

On this first Christmas together, having her changed my life. Amazingly, she is the most important possession in my world now. She changed how I view life. Gave me a reason to continuously be better in everything I do and work harder to achieve greater things. And to give her all the best this life can give. 

More than anything else, I wish  for her good health. I wish for fast and continuous great development physically, emotionally and mentally.  I wish she stays sweet, obedient, beautiful and happy. More importantly, I wish that she grow as a daughter of God, fearing Him and praising Him with all her heart. I wish she could have all the best in life and be content on whatever blessing she have. 

Being first time parents, it was all experimental and google searched for us. And I wish nothing for Honey and I but to be a God-fearing parents to walk her on righteousness and love. To be goal-oriented, to save more for her future and to be the best parents we could ever be. We will never be perfect. But with God's guidance, we know we would be walking our path with His will. 

I am so thrilled on this first Christmas as a wife and as a mom. And right now, I know Santa thought I was nice because after many years of waiting, he gave me one of the things written on my wishlist: To be a fulfilled parent and to have a loving man beside me. 

Merry Christmas mommies! 

Love, Chloe and Me

Mr. Millionaire

Finally! After three years of hard work, passion to help others, dedication, focus and action, it has paid off.

My husband and I has been in the Network Marketing industry for the last couple of years. It  has been the source of our income and knowledge. Allen introduced me this business when I was 19, we were work mates. He showed me the marketing plan and right there, I knew I would take this seriously in the long run. 

After three years, we have grown together as an entrepreneur, a leader and most importantly as a better person. With the help of the management, the uplines and the people who have believed and entered our organization, we have grown as solid individuals leading people on reaching their dreams, changing lives one at a time. 

In our company, recognition rally is done yearly. This event is the biggest and grandest for this is the awarding ceremony for the newest set of Millionaire's Club (1,000,000PHP total Accumulated Income) and Multi-Millionares Club Members (5,000,000PHP total Accumulated Income). And this year, my husband is one of the awardees. 

It was held in Le Pavillon in Pasay City. With 1,200 venue capacity, it was a jam-packed night. It was filled with balloons, tarpaulins, VIP Cocktails, distributors and guests. People are all excited for the awarding and the prices for the raffle. And this year, the company made this event special by giving the proceeds to Big Heart Foundation and TAN Foundation where mostly children will be sent out to school. Now that's a gift of a lifetime! 

Being a wife of a Millionaire's Club Awardee, I have to dress properly to match Allen's suit. He can be so attractive wearing it. So I decided to go simple with a black long dress and matched it with a statement necklace and flats. 

Walking through the place, I felt relieved and proud. Tonight, my husband will be awarded as the 26th Millionaire of the company. And that is something. It has been always the dream. It was a goal that all distributors have been aiming. Though it would've been last year, I still believe that my husband has been so inspiring not only to me, but for the rest of the people watching and cheering for him.  

The program was bland. Maybe because of the event organizers who never knew how prestigious the award is. It was a total chaos. It wasn't special as I want it to be. It was his night. The award is a price of hard work for years. And to give them a walk and speech for less than a minute with a host who rushes him to speak, it was terrible. I was really disappointed but had to stay composed. It is my husband's night anyway. Atleast they played my surprise video. 

Having awarded as one of the Millionaires is just beginning. I know bigger future is ahead of us. We promised each other that we will do whatever it takes to give the best life to our daughter. And being in Network Marketing industry, with hard work, perseverance, love and God'd guidance, its just a piece of cake!

Congratulations honey! I am so proud of you. I can never be more happy that you are my husband and father of my baby. I love you. And I will support you all throughout. 

An Answered Prayer

For the past 3 years Allen and I have been together, we often spend Sundays at home. Being in the industry that we are working all day all night almost all days of the week, we tend to be couch potatoes for at least one day. Apparently, that’s during Sunday.

I am raised in a family of Catholic religion but my Lola (Grandmother) was a Christian believer. She is so close to me that I have adapted her views. She taught me all about Christ, My Savior and Redeemer. I was only in Pre-school when I first understand the love the Lord has for me. I knew since then that He loves me so much; He gave his only begotten Son and died in the Cross. It was the first verse I ever memorized for a school presentation. And up until now, I still believe that I am loved and I should worship God with all that I am and all that I can.

This was a struggle I came across when I entered the relationship with Allen. He was not the religious type. Though he studied in a Catholic School all his school life, he firmly believed that he doesn’t have to go to church each Sundays to pray as long as he prays if he needs to. It was always an argument whether humans came from apes and that we came from Adam and Eve. He thinks Science says everything. He was smarter on books than I think I am. He knows a lot of things when it comes to technical and logic. But for me, only one thing’s for sure. My Lord God created me from Him.

Sunday Mass or Worship wasn’t on our priority for the past years. It was a struggle I continued to pray for years and years.. Until Chloe came to our lives. I know in my heart that she is a gift, an unexpected one. But I know God has been planning magnificent things as He have promised. She came in a time where we were so drowned by fame and money and our lives were on twist and turns.

Since our religions contradict, it was only on her 5^th Month that we seriously talked about it. We said it is better to have the Dedication at this time when she is not too young. Thus, she will somehow enjoy the party.

We went to Victory Greenhills for an appointment with Pastor Tito. He was the one referred to us after I called to set the meeting. All the while, I was so glad I am doing this inside the Church with Allen. But as the conversation goes, Pastor Tito wouldn’t want us to have our daughter’s dedication if we are not members of Victory. As he mentioned it would be a future concern. He offers his prayers to Chloe to end the discussion. That moment, I was sad. But then he said, we have to talk about it as husband and wife to arrange the situation. And he was right. Both parents should have the same religion because it will be complicated for the family’s growth.

As we were in the car, I asked him; “Ano sa Catholic na lang ba natin gawin?” Immediately, he answered back ; “Hindi. Eh di magpamember na lang tayo sa church.”

I was in awe. Jesus Christ has finally answered my prayers! He listened to my crying heart. He touched my husband’s heart to come to Him. To know him. To praise Him. Finally, a chance to be closer to our Father God.  I am thrilled on what’s going to happen. Because of my daughter coming in our lives unexpectedly, I know God has a purpose and I know this is it. For us, as a family, be with Him.

The next weeks was remarkably changed, we attend 6pm Services in Victory Greenhills. With him beside me while listening to God talking to us, it was romantic. It is an amazing moments with my husband.

It was our 4^th week on attending the service. Now we had to do it in Victory Robinsons Galleria because we had lunch at City Buffet along with my in-laws so decided to just stay and wait for the 4pm Service. The ambiance was so Christmasy and the church was jam-packed. Though, I have never heard him sing a word on worship time, I know that he understands God’s preach. I know in time, as my prayers would be also answered, Honey would be singing along with me with proud voice and loud praises.

We still have a long way to go, Oh God. Walk through us in this struggle. Take our hands on this journey. With you on the center, we will never be alone. 

Late Post: 121212 Surprise

And it was the historical 121212! Of course everybody would do something. Whatever it may be, people would do something to have memories of this special date.

Today was supposed to be our Renewal of Vows in a Church Wedding. Though it wasn't executed, I am still very thankful that God has always been so faithful to us. My husband and I are glad that we can have more time (and money!)  to prepare for the special day. We are really hoping we could make it next year but I am silently praying for a house and lot 2nd quarter of 2013. Preparing the wedding was apparently not easy. And for a couple like us who wasn't too ready to start up the family, spending too much on a wedding is not on the top list. Especially we have a 6-month old daughter.

We were married under Civil Rights April 12, 2012.Wasn't the dream wedding but I know I was married to the right man. A man I dreamed of. Someone I know I couldn't live without. I am still amazed on how our love story turned out. Well, I would tell you guys more about it on another post.

Honey was never the sweet type. He was always the firm, macho man. Maybe because we are in an industry where authority is a must. But surely when he does the moves, it would always be the sweetest. 

That day, he left to meet a friend the whole day. And went home with this pasalubong: 

Oh yes. He would pamper me the whole day just because he thinks we should've got a more festive and romantic  moment today, but oh well. I wouldn'd mind just eating pizza and this lasagna over sweet chats. And so we did. Afterwards, he asked me to change because we are leaving in a while. I asked him, "San?" and of course he said, "Basta!" I know it would be a surprise date for me but sure I never knew where. A typical network marketer answer would always curious anyone. And he did!

Surprisingly, he brought me to Newport Mall in Resorts World Manila. This is the only place where we could watch movie late at night and where he can have his "Cheat Time" inside the Casino. We usually come here after all the work loads we do which are usually super late. 

We were supposed to watch a movie, Cloud Atlas.  But Edsa was so traffic we were jammed. So it was just me and my tea and my honey that night. It wasn't what he planned but again, I wouldn't mind just killing time with him, having senseless conversation at the green couch of Serenitea.

The day ended after he won 2,000php from playing Blackjack. Haha! Cheap Thrills from his cheat time. Don’t get me wrong, we are NOT gamblers. We just play for fun. Oh well, he just play. I just watch! We went home after eating at Banchetto Robinsons Pioneer with some friends.

How about you? How did you spend your 2012? I would appreciate you sharing it with us!

New Car Day

Another blessing has come from Tatay God before 2012 ends! 

We just got our new car. Its a Mazda 6 2013 Model in Black. Another automatic for me! And I am happy, really. :)

From Google

It wasn't the plan. It was supposed to be this Mazda CX9 in white. Well, I don't know why my husband changed his mind and got this instead. We were really eyeing for bigger car as we're starting a new family. In the long run, we think a big one will be a necessity. 

The Mazda 6 2013 Model is very sleek, sophisticated and classy. On my taste, it suits businessmen and   professional. It suits my husband! :) 

All our Mazda Cars are from Mazda Quezon Ave

Reviews said that this car will be available first quarter next year but oh well, we are driving it now. It is automatic, 4.8 meters in length. Performance wise, it is fuel-efficient and fast. We haven't really tried to drive it too fast so I cannot say. But hubby told me, "Malakas sa gasolina ito hon compared to maxi" FYI, Maxi was our Mazda 2 White which we bought 2yrs ago which for me is the most fuel-efficient among all the cars we had. I am thinking that this car will really exceed my expectation depending on the design and the facade. Everything is automatic and is made for the owner's convenience. 

I wouldn't give too much regarding this car in terms of the technical because I don't know much about these kind of stuff. All I can say is that, Mazda 6 is another addition to the dreams we continue to fulfill as parents and family. We had cars before but I must say that we have this because we just want the best for our daughter.

I am looking forward to a new house on the 2nd quarter of next year! I know with hard work, an amazing opportunity, the unconditional love for my family and with the help of Tatay God, we can make it happen! 

I am just so thankful of what He always showers us! It is amazing! <3

My Chloe and Hubby with Max