A Lesson from My Japanese Student

This has been bugging my thoughts for a week now.

You see, I teach Japanese students. I have one particular student who happened to be very good in English already. So what we do is we just chat and talk about life. One time, I asked him about his dreams and goals. I also asked him if he thinks FAITH in GOD is essential to accomplish his goals in life.

Plainly, he told me that he doesn't believe in God and he'd rather give his all and work and have the credit for himself. He doesn't want to have faith on anyone.

I am not shocked (nor do I judge him) with his answer. I am aware that they have a different worldview when it comes to faith and religion. What shocked me the most is the fact that somehow, unknowingly I think this way also.

At times, I just work and give my all but fail to ask God for strength, guidance and wisdom. I sometimes forget God and go on with my small victories. My so-called faith in God becomes a lip service. My thoughts are sometimes consumed on how to accomplish my goals and how to achieve perfection and then God isn't in the picture anymore.

It's just ironic that this realization occurs in the middle of a conversation with my atheist student. I quickly ask for forgiveness to the Lord--for my unbelief and self-reliance. I wouldn't want to live my life without His guidance and wisdom. I feel that without Him, everything would just be in vain.

I do believe in God and I have to be conscious everyday that I exist for Him alone. With that, the works of my hands will have purpose and meaning. With that, my faith would be evident ...and who knows, it will even be used to make those who do not believe BELIEVE.

Baby Patti

Today I want to celebrate with my friends Kits and Patrick for their baby. 

Patrice Kosette is such a darling! She smiles a lot and very mabait.  

So here are the pictures of Patti at 2 months :) 

To Kits & Patrick, cheers! :)

Photo: Cherish Photo by JPPhotograph

Early Christmas Gift!

Dear readers,

I am giving away two copies of Beauty for Ashes: Young Women on a Journey.
Here's how:
1. Like Life as Eu Know It Facebook page
2. Send a message why it is important that you get a copy of this book
3. Include your name and e-mail address

I will select two winners at the end of the month. I'll be waiting! :)

Eu

Gelassenheit: Beauty for Ashes Article

The Amish Gelassenheit is a German word which means “to surrender, to yield completely”. I have never forgotten this word because on that very night, God invited me to give Him a chance to take full control of my life. I would say that it wasn’t easy to give all the keys to God. I felt then that God would cheat me. That the moment that I would say “YES” to Him he would leave me with no job, no husband, nothing. I was afraid.

I grew up in the church, know all the Christian songs and Bible stories and I know in my heart that I have accepted His gift of salvation when I was 10.  However, I have never really realized the impact of being a follower of Christ until I was in my 20s. Jesus, as my Lord and Savior, would want me to abandon my selfish desires and ambition and follow His will in my life. The very words of Paul in Galatian 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me…” pierced my heart until I completely said “Yes, Lord…in everything, gelassenheit”. A complete abandonment of self is necessary in order to live the life that is meant for us.

Sure, this could mean differently for each us. For me, this means giving up my job and pursuing graduate studies so that I can be equipped in God’s Word. This means giving up my desire to be well-known and pursuing God’s desire to reach out to the nations (Matthew 29:18-19. Walking on that path meant that I had to die to myself daily—to my desires of getting married, having a well-off life and having a fantastic career.  But with God’s grace, I was able to yield to God and trust Him for His leading in my life.

It may sound absurd to many especially in the world’s sight. But God is wise; He has a purpose—with obedience comes unimaginable rewards. Most of all, God rewarded me of Himself. He became my Mentor, my Guide, my Best Friend. He was (and still is) my generous provider. He led me to places that I have never imagined I would be able to go. He allowed me to go as far as the islands of Tawitawi twice! He even gave me a chance to see South Korea—not even a single peso spent! J He blessed me with a masters degree plus an unexpected award! And then, to my biggest surprise, He gave me a man who pursued and love unconditionally.

To surrender isn’t easy but this is the response that God wants from us. It may be difficult and challenging but take heart God is with us. Every day is a chance to say “yes” to Jesus—it is exciting, it is worth it.  

                                             

This is  one of my articles in Young Women on a Journey Book 2. You may purchase it directly to CSM (www.csm-publishing.org) or you can send me a message for details (sulat.hinaing.atbp@gmail.com).

Secrets of Divisoria

My friend Rose gave me and Kits a tour in Divisoria last week. It is really important that when you go there, you know which place to go. And she knows! :) She knows how to haggle too (which is really impressive!)

Well, our goal is to find great materials (which will not cost much) for our DIY party for Patty (Kits' daughter). We want to buy bottles for vases, papers for pinwheels, cloth for tables and ribbons for decorations. With Rose's help, we were able to find great stores that sell what we need in a low price.

So those who are planning to DIY their weddings, baby showers or other parties, Divisoria is the place for you! :)

Here are the stores that we visited:

1. Happy Note-168 Mall (Stall# 4I-14-15)

It's surprising that even in 168, you can find cheap materials for your party needs. You can buy paper lanterns (small:P25, large: P30) and other paper products for decorations. There are different kinds of balloons, paper hats and other stuff for kiddie parties. 

2. Michelle's

If you're a lover of arts-and-craft, you'll definitely like Michelle's. They have different kinds of ribbons (ranging from P7/yard to P20 or so). I wasn't able to take pictures because bawal but i love it there! There are different kinds of washi tapes, buttons, felt board and decorative materials for scrap book and DIY projects. It's kinda pricey but way, way cheaper compare to the usual price in the mall. The store is very organized and their items are really pretty. 

3. Tabora Market

Tabora is my favorite spot in Divisoria. The items are cheap and easy to find! If you're looking for bottles for your DIY projects, better visit Tabora. It's near the old Divisoria mall. The bottles on the picture cost P5 to P15. Tip: If you don't need the cover, you can buy it P2 or P3 cheaper. :) 

This is a unique bottle. Oh my gosh, I really like this! It costs P8. 

This one naman captured my attention because the bottles at the back are really big! So they're good for storing a lot of things and the sort of wine bottles can be used for vases. 

In Tabora, you can also find stores that sell different kinds of candies in a very low price. The fruits and vegetables stores are there too and you can buy oranges, apples, grapes and cherry apples in a good price. 

On the way to Tabora, there's this one street that house different kinds of stores for souvenirs and cloths. You can also find a rather old store there that sells different kinds of ribbons (Sorry, I forgot the store's name). But the ribbons there are really cheap, believe me! 

4. Geppco

Geppco is a new discovery for me. It is also in the Tabora area. This store sells different kinds of specialty papers! Nakakalula for a paper-lover like me. And the price---definitely cheap! :)

So here goes the secrets of Divisoria. I'm sure there are still  more stores to discover there. 

For now, I hope this will help you. 

Rogime & Michelle: The Real Deal

I've posted Rogime & Michelle's DIY Prenup. And as promised, here's their official prenup photos by Purple Kite Studios. I think it's very important that the prenup will depict the couple's personality. Ogim and Michelle achieved that! They love drinking coffee and chatting together! They consider themselves as "city-people" too :) So here are my favorite photos of them!

Venue: The Prism, Mall of Asia

Photo: Purple Kite Studio

Make-Up: Jeanne Lu 

Adrian & Rose: A Wedding Like No Other

Adrian and Rose's May wedding is really beautiful. The details are impressive and their story is worth-telling. This is really something that is too good not to be shared to others who are planning  their own wedding.

So here's my Top 8 Things to Note for on this eco-chic wedding:

1. Unique Bouquet and Boutonnieres

I think Rose is brave enough to try something different. This bouquet can really steal the show! :)
By Gantsilyo Guru 

2. Bride's fabulous gown

Need I say more?
Gown by Veluz

3. Eco-chic colors and details

Ecofettis instead of the usual confetti :)

Simple but classy (paper straws)

My dream set-up for my wedding cake :) i love succulents!

4.  Use of Instagram (with official iphoneographer!) 

Hashtag #ianrosekasal (check this link for the official iphoneographer for their wedding)

5. Lovely venue and set-up

6. Touching Video

    Check this link to watch the video: Threelogy "Adrian & Rose"

7. Beautiful reception

I adore the paper lanterns! 

8. Small wow details

Photo by JPPhotograph

Venue: Angelfields, Tagaytay

Bride's Gown: Veluz

Bride's Bouquet: Gantsilyo Guru

Official Photographer: Paul Vincent Photography

Iphoneographer: Erron Ocampo

Video: Threelogy

Lights and Sounds: Sensitivity

HMU: Jesy Alto

Stylist: Carla See
Caterer: Josiah's Catering

Coordinator: Styled Celebrations by Kits Diaz

To read more about this wedding, visit: http://www.bridalpod.ph/2013/08/26/glam-spectacle/

Thank you Rose for allowing me to share your wedding details. :)

Young Women on a Journey: Beauty for Ashes Book Launch

Meet and greet the writers of this Devotional Book

Rogime & Michelle: A DIY Pre-nup

I've known Rogime and Michelle since high school. I've seen their love blossoms all these years. They've been busy with their preparations for their December wedding but I am just so amused to see them still having time to enjoy and relax.

I've seen their pre-nup photos already but it isn't time yet to post them. However, since their pre-nup has a "city theme" on it, they've decided to take photos by themselves in their hometown in Oriental Mindoro. Who says you can't do pre-nup photos on your own? Ask Rogime and Michelle! :)

"We have decided to have a DIY engagement photo shoot just for fun and of course to have more pictures together...Though we already have a photographer, still excitement is in the air and having our own version allows us to be more comfortable in front of the camera. It's also like practicing for the big day. Less stress, enjoyable and affordable!"-Michelle