Makati Carecell Christmas Party



This was our Makati Carecell Ministry's Christmas party held last December 16 at Ate Susan's house. This also our last meeting for the year. We had a lot of fun and games, not to mention abundant food. But most of all what I really appreciate about this group is the fellowship that we had in love and thoughtfulness as we celebrated the birth of Christ. Looking forward to resume our Carecells in Makati with a new addition of the Salcedo Carecell starting January 2010.



All in Life by Carman

A fortune made, a goal achieved | But in God's sight, what does it mean? | If I don't glorify Your name | The things I do, I'll do in vain | Oh Lord, to please You is what I yearn | Help me remember this Truth I've learned... That kingdoms come and kingdoms go | But through the Word of God I know | When all in life is done and past | Only what's done for Christ will last


To sacrifice and reach a star | But then lose sight of who You are is never worth the price, I know to gain the world and lose the soul | I know now what You've tried to say, Lord, to me | My spirit can understand | Now, I can see... That kingdoms come and kingdoms go | But through the Word of God I know | When all in life is done and past | Only what's done for Christ will last

The Things I Do

I posted on my Facebook status:
"There are things that I do because I want to, there are things that I do because I choose to, there are things that I do because it pays, and there are things that I do but don't really want to be a part of. My goal is to eliminate the last three." 
I thought of another one:
"There are things that sometimes I want to do and sometimes I don't want to do depending on the people I work with." 
Something I need also to work on.

First Love

"I know your deeds, and your toil and perseverance ... and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first ..." (Rev. 2:2-5)

Even at times of our toil and passion we are prone to lose our focus on the sole purpose why we toil and persevere for the things of God. Our hearts and flesh are not invincible to exhaustion for we are still made up of earthly clay. But those whose life is constantly yielded to the Potter, Jesus--our sole Object of our love and devotion, our Master who deserves nothing but our undivided devotion and service surpassing that of kings and kingdoms--those whose presence has not left the apple of His eye shall live forever. For the reason why God grieves when we leave our First Love is not because of Personal ambition to possess and take control (because that is contrary to His nature), but in His omniscience He knows the only way for us to be free is to be sheltered under the shadow of His inexhaustible grace. For it is only when we yield our all to Him that we are free from the desire to please anyone else but Him.

Surprise Pre-wedding Party!



Last Monday, our friends threw out a surprise pre-wedding party for us at the house. Netty knew nothing about it but I was informed because they said I will smoke it out of them anyway. But they spared me on the details. It was really a challenge to bring Netty to the party because the day before and the day after we were together. But it worked out well anyway. Netty was really surprised--in tears. Friends from BFGFC were there as well as co-workers in ministry and Ate Me-anne and Kuya Jeric and Kal. They had a fun game involving the two of us, where we had to answer a question and our answers must be the same. They also had gifts for us which was really fun. I had another realization moment when we opened Ate Me-anne & Kuya Jeric's present and it was a pair of cookwares and I thought, I am really getting married. We really appreciated the efforts of those who prepared the party, we really feel loved and important. Thanks guys!

Suprise Wedding Party for Us


45 Days

It's 45 days 'til our wedding day! I am very excited. Words cannot contain the feeling I'm feeling these days. A mix of excitement, anticipation and adventure. Yesterday, Netty and I visited our caterer Hizon's once more with our wedding coordinator Ms. Juness Acayen. We had to settle some issues with the table settings because the decisions we made last time were a bit rushed and influenced. After a few hours of meeting, we leave and had lunch. Stayed at Netty's house until 6PM to pick up my brother Lawrence who works in Makati.

We were quite worried that the payables again won't be met (despite how God proved himself faithful in previous times, the frailty of the now). But the more we draw near to the wedding date, the more our faith is being built up, because through the months of preparation, there has been never any lack in funds to meet our suppliers--never, nada. A good example is the last one, our wedding photographer. We were scheduled to pay a downpayment a few weeks ago. And the amount is no joke. We had almost used up our funds that it would not suffice to pay that amount. Our trust in God is tested--and sometimes I admit it is nerve-wracking. But, three days before the deadline, a client calls to settle accounts (after months of waiting) and whalla, the same amount with a little extra, just fell on our laps. I almost cried because it was insane, the way the need was being met just at the right time. So yesterday, thinking about other due payables, we were tested again. We are faced with our biggest payable yet. And this is no exaggeration. Yesterday afternoon and last night, two of my new clients agreed to my project proposal and the projects are on their way! Praise the Lord! When I submit my initial proposals, the projects' down payments would cover a lot of ground.

Thinking of things I have learned on the road to our wedding:
  1. Walk in faith and work hard. Never lose sight of God's promises. It's important to ask God for a word or direction as you prepare for the wedding. Ours is that God will meet all our needs before that day comes, that's the promise we are holding on to. Of course you gotta do your part, because how can God channel His provision to you, if you don't hit the rock.
  2. Save save save! This is something I learned too late. One year is not enough to save if you want to have your dream wedding. It is only by the grace of God that our needs are being met. But to save you a lot of senseless worries and stress it is wise to save early. 
  3. It's wise to get a wedding coordinator for your wedding, because as the day nears you get crazy.
  4. Never lose the reason why go through all this--it is your love for one another. There will be times when you will not agree on things, learn to disagree in love. Your love for the other is more important than winning the argument. I mean, that's why you want to get married with the person!