"As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one." //Ephesians 5:31-32
We officially graduated from the marriage prep course today with a celebratory dinner at the SIA sports club! And what an amazing journey it has been, going through the five sessions, tackling the bible studies and homework together, getting to know other couples and hearing their wonderful stories and having opportunities to discuss issues we never thought we would have to deal with as a couple. Over the past five weeks, we've heard and learnt so much from all the couples we've met and I finally understand what people mean when they say that every couple is unique and beautiful and have their own story to tell. My biggest takeaway from the course has been a fresh perspective on just how deep and beautiful the marriage covenant is, that it is akin to the relationship between Jesus Christ and the church. That when you take your marriage vows, it is the beginning of something selfless, sacred and irrevocable, until death. That when you vow to have and to hold from this day forward, there is nothing that should come between these vows; not circumstances, not poverty, not illness, not until death do you part. And while I always knew these words, I never understood how central these vows were to the marriage. That truly on your wedding day, nothing else matters as much as the moment when you stand before man and God, to swear these words to each other. More than that, I've also learnt that the wedding is only the first step to a journey of a lifetime. A lifetime where there will definitely be pain and struggle but also immense joy and companionship. And now, I can begin to understand more of what it actually means to be married. That it will not just be about a lavish wedding or a exotic honeymoon, but it will be about loving God together, doing life together and supporting each other in every way possible. Thank you for beginning this journey with me. I look forward to walking it to the end with you.
"But you only need the light when it's burning low; Only miss the sun when it starts to snow; Only know you love her when you let her go. Only know you've been high when you're feeling low; Only hate the road when you're missin' home; Only know you love her when you let her go." //Passenger; Let Her Go A once said that in some way, she will always be single, even though she's engaged and getting married next year. I couldn't really understand what she meant when I first heard it. But perhaps now, I'm learning what it means. Learning to be alone again and learning that my happiness is not dependent on a person. Re-discovering my ability to be single when I need to be.
"Do you know what hurts so very much? It's love. Love is the strongest force in the world, and when it is blocked that means pain. There are two things we can do when this happens. We can kill that love so that it stops hurting. But then of course part of us dies, too. Or we can ask God to open up another route for that love to travel.” " //Corrie ten Boom; The Hiding Place Maybe you don't know how much it actually means to me, even after I've tried my best to express it in words. But for some reason, it feels like some wound from the past was closed up today. To know that there is someone out there who will really put down all the things that he needs to do and come through for me, just because I really need him to. Someone who sees through all the fronts I put up and knows exactly how I'm feeling. Someone who esteems me and loves me above the many other things which call out for his attention. Someone whom I know I can entrust my heart and feelings to, because he will never ever take them lightly. And because of what happened today, it feels like I could let go of something in my past. To know that I don't have to hide who I am because I'm afraid of your reaction, to know that I will not be let down when I'm being difficult, to know that I'm valued above the other things in your life. Thank you for giving me what I sometimes do not deserve. Thank you Lord for giving me only the best.
"Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants; electric light the most efficient policeman." //Justice Louis D. Brandeis; What Publicity Can Do I don't think it was a big secret to start with. But, in the right place at the right time, with the right questions, I think we had one of the more bare-boned conversations we've had in awhile. And you're right. We struggle with all these things because we are not perfect, because we're all works-in-progress. Now that you know me and I know you, we can struggle together with love, understanding and prayer. Two > one and HE > I.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever." //Ephesians 3:20 (NIV Version)
Before I met you and actually knew you, I had no idea that learning to love was a curveball process. There is really no falling into daily routines or comfortable patterns with you. There are joyful, playful moments, there are difficult and intense moments and there are lovely, growing together moments. But what I've come to treasure most are the times when I see myself wanting to be different because of you. That because of you, I learn to swallow my pride and admit that I am wrong, I can step out of my comfort zone and dare to put my heart on my sleeve, I am willing to embrace the people who are important to you and make them a part of my life as well, In short, I become a better person because of you. And I am grateful, eternally grateful that God put you in my path. That even before I knew you, God knew better exactly what I needed and he made the choice for me. You might not be all that I imagined, but you are everything that I've needed. So in spite of everything that's been said about 'the One', my experience on this journey has taught me two timeless truths:- (1) My God knows all the plans he has for me and his plans for me are to prosper me and not to harm me; (2) When I trust in him with all my heart and lean not on my understanding, he makes my paths straight for me. So until what I've seen comes to pass, on this long and winding journey ahead, over the ups and the downs, hold our hands and walk with us.
"Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labour; If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV Version) And with you, I learn so many new things about myself. That maybe sometimes I am selfish, maybe sometimes I think too much of myself first, that may be sometimes my actions are not aligned with the things that I say I will do. But I am learning, and I am understanding that it takes two. That if I say you are important to me, then my actions must reflect that. So I will consider your feelings, esteem your opinion of others, involve you in my decisions, make time for you, pick up the things that are important to you and appreciate you for all the things you have done for me. It has been an intense week. But I am grateful for the things I've learnt, for the deeper level of understanding it has given to us.
"I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." //Ecclesiastes 3:10-11
The days leading up to the camp were really tough. There were just so many things to settle, so many last minute issues cropping up and with all the part b assignments being due at the same time, there were times when I thought I really couldn't make it through the entire camp and that I just wanted it to be over and done with. But it was only when the camp started proper, that I understood the magnitude of your grace and love towards us. Right from the get-go, the worship was different and I felt it. The first time that I saw all the uni area people stand together and worship without abandon, opening up their hearts and allowing themselves to be heard. I've heard many testimonies of how this camp has been a turning point, a moment of awakening for many people and I'm so glad that God has done this great work in their lives. I've learnt many important things in this camp and I've had words and visions spoken over me for my life and ministry as well. At this juncture, I'm just filled with excitement about all the amazing things that have been done, expectation for the things that are yet to come and a great desire to see myself and the people around me grow. How can I not sing, freedom came to earth to rescue me. How can I not sing, glory came to earth to set me free. So I sing, you're worthy. Worthy of all praise.
"It’s a lie, you know, to pretend that nothing is important to you. It’s hiding. Believe me, I know because I hid for a long time. But now I won’t do it anymore. The truth is bioluminescent. I don’t lie and I don’t waste time on people who do."
//Ellen Wittlinger; Hard Love
Eventually I will have to do this on my own. And the sooner I realise and understand that, the easier it will be in the long run. No need for hand-holding, no need to search for an easy way out, I'm just gonna have to grit my teeth and hold on to my source of strength.
"Living with integrity means: Not settling for less than what you know you deserve in your relationships. Asking for what you want and need from others. Speaking your truth, even though it might create conflict or tension. Behaving in ways that are in harmony with your personal values. Making choices based on what you believe, and not what others believe."
//Barbara de Angelis
Thanks for giving me credit that I didn't really deserve and for thinking of me better than I really am. And for teaching me that in the end, no one is really worth giving it up for.
"As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one." //Ephesians 5:31-32
We officially graduated from the marriage prep course today with a celebratory dinner at the SIA sports club! And what an amazing journey it has been, going through the five sessions, tackling the bible studies and homework together, getting to know other couples and hearing their wonderful stories and having opportunities to discuss issues we never thought we would have to deal with as a couple. Over the past five weeks, we've heard and learnt so much from all the couples we've met and I finally understand what people mean when they say that every couple is unique and beautiful and have their own story to tell. My biggest takeaway from the course has been a fresh perspective on just how deep and beautiful the marriage covenant is, that it is akin to the relationship between Jesus Christ and the church. That when you take your marriage vows, it is the beginning of something selfless, sacred and irrevocable, until death. That when you vow to have and to hold from this day forward, there is nothing that should come between these vows; not circumstances, not poverty, not illness, not until death do you part. And while I always knew these words, I never understood how central these vows were to the marriage. That truly on your wedding day, nothing else matters as much as the moment when you stand before man and God, to swear these words to each other. More than that, I've also learnt that the wedding is only the first step to a journey of a lifetime. A lifetime where there will definitely be pain and struggle but also immense joy and companionship. And now, I can begin to understand more of what it actually means to be married. That it will not just be about a lavish wedding or a exotic honeymoon, but it will be about loving God together, doing life together and supporting each other in every way possible. Thank you for beginning this journey with me. I look forward to walking it to the end with you.
"But you only need the light when it's burning low; Only miss the sun when it starts to snow; Only know you love her when you let her go. Only know you've been high when you're feeling low; Only hate the road when you're missin' home; Only know you love her when you let her go." //Passenger; Let Her Go A once said that in some way, she will always be single, even though she's engaged and getting married next year. I couldn't really understand what she meant when I first heard it. But perhaps now, I'm learning what it means. Learning to be alone again and learning that my happiness is not dependent on a person. Re-discovering my ability to be single when I need to be.
"Do you know what hurts so very much? It's love. Love is the strongest force in the world, and when it is blocked that means pain. There are two things we can do when this happens. We can kill that love so that it stops hurting. But then of course part of us dies, too. Or we can ask God to open up another route for that love to travel.” " //Corrie ten Boom; The Hiding Place Maybe you don't know how much it actually means to me, even after I've tried my best to express it in words. But for some reason, it feels like some wound from the past was closed up today. To know that there is someone out there who will really put down all the things that he needs to do and come through for me, just because I really need him to. Someone who sees through all the fronts I put up and knows exactly how I'm feeling. Someone who esteems me and loves me above the many other things which call out for his attention. Someone whom I know I can entrust my heart and feelings to, because he will never ever take them lightly. And because of what happened today, it feels like I could let go of something in my past. To know that I don't have to hide who I am because I'm afraid of your reaction, to know that I will not be let down when I'm being difficult, to know that I'm valued above the other things in your life. Thank you for giving me what I sometimes do not deserve. Thank you Lord for giving me only the best.
"Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants; electric light the most efficient policeman." //Justice Louis D. Brandeis; What Publicity Can Do I don't think it was a big secret to start with. But, in the right place at the right time, with the right questions, I think we had one of the more bare-boned conversations we've had in awhile. And you're right. We struggle with all these things because we are not perfect, because we're all works-in-progress. Now that you know me and I know you, we can struggle together with love, understanding and prayer. Two > one and HE > I.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever." //Ephesians 3:20 (NIV Version)
Before I met you and actually knew you, I had no idea that learning to love was a curveball process. There is really no falling into daily routines or comfortable patterns with you. There are joyful, playful moments, there are difficult and intense moments and there are lovely, growing together moments. But what I've come to treasure most are the times when I see myself wanting to be different because of you. That because of you, I learn to swallow my pride and admit that I am wrong, I can step out of my comfort zone and dare to put my heart on my sleeve, I am willing to embrace the people who are important to you and make them a part of my life as well, In short, I become a better person because of you. And I am grateful, eternally grateful that God put you in my path. That even before I knew you, God knew better exactly what I needed and he made the choice for me. You might not be all that I imagined, but you are everything that I've needed. So in spite of everything that's been said about 'the One', my experience on this journey has taught me two timeless truths:- (1) My God knows all the plans he has for me and his plans for me are to prosper me and not to harm me; (2) When I trust in him with all my heart and lean not on my understanding, he makes my paths straight for me. So until what I've seen comes to pass, on this long and winding journey ahead, over the ups and the downs, hold our hands and walk with us.
"Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labour; If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV Version) And with you, I learn so many new things about myself. That maybe sometimes I am selfish, maybe sometimes I think too much of myself first, that may be sometimes my actions are not aligned with the things that I say I will do. But I am learning, and I am understanding that it takes two. That if I say you are important to me, then my actions must reflect that. So I will consider your feelings, esteem your opinion of others, involve you in my decisions, make time for you, pick up the things that are important to you and appreciate you for all the things you have done for me. It has been an intense week. But I am grateful for the things I've learnt, for the deeper level of understanding it has given to us.
"I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." //Ecclesiastes 3:10-11
The days leading up to the camp were really tough. There were just so many things to settle, so many last minute issues cropping up and with all the part b assignments being due at the same time, there were times when I thought I really couldn't make it through the entire camp and that I just wanted it to be over and done with. But it was only when the camp started proper, that I understood the magnitude of your grace and love towards us. Right from the get-go, the worship was different and I felt it. The first time that I saw all the uni area people stand together and worship without abandon, opening up their hearts and allowing themselves to be heard. I've heard many testimonies of how this camp has been a turning point, a moment of awakening for many people and I'm so glad that God has done this great work in their lives. I've learnt many important things in this camp and I've had words and visions spoken over me for my life and ministry as well. At this juncture, I'm just filled with excitement about all the amazing things that have been done, expectation for the things that are yet to come and a great desire to see myself and the people around me grow. How can I not sing, freedom came to earth to rescue me. How can I not sing, glory came to earth to set me free. So I sing, you're worthy. Worthy of all praise.
"It’s a lie, you know, to pretend that nothing is important to you. It’s hiding. Believe me, I know because I hid for a long time. But now I won’t do it anymore. The truth is bioluminescent. I don’t lie and I don’t waste time on people who do."
//Ellen Wittlinger; Hard Love
Eventually I will have to do this on my own. And the sooner I realise and understand that, the easier it will be in the long run. No need for hand-holding, no need to search for an easy way out, I'm just gonna have to grit my teeth and hold on to my source of strength.
"Living with integrity means: Not settling for less than what you know you deserve in your relationships. Asking for what you want and need from others. Speaking your truth, even though it might create conflict or tension. Behaving in ways that are in harmony with your personal values. Making choices based on what you believe, and not what others believe."
//Barbara de Angelis
Thanks for giving me credit that I didn't really deserve and for thinking of me better than I really am. And for teaching me that in the end, no one is really worth giving it up for.
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