On choosing to love.. As He chose to love us.

Wow it's 2014! Nope this isn't my annual Valentines Letter to God knows who yet. It's just a spur of the moment blog on some thoughts.

So lately I've been so busy. Yes with my sisters and ministry but more on helping in the preparations of one of my closest friend's wedding which happens tomorrow. 

Being with the bride while meeting her suppliers over the past months, dealing with the stress alongside her and her groom, and rejoicing in the joy they're experiencing as the day nears got me thinking. Yes about marriage and love in general.

A lot of people involved in the wedding preparations have said to me, "Grabe noh? Maid of Honor ka pero parang coordinator ka na rin. Na-apil pud kag kastress. Ikaw, kelan ba yung sayo?" I'd laugh and say "Oh don't worry. You'll definitely know. Kasi icocopy paste ko lang tong lahat ng preparations for Geri's wedding when that happens. That is if the husband agrees and if the husband (Piolo) finally finds out. HAHA" 

Seriously, I find it amusing that I can be in high spirits and so humorous when I respond that way. Perhaps because I know that it's all in God's good timing and when it happens for me, all Glory goes to Him. If you were to ask me if I would be ready to get married if someone proposed to me tomorrow, I'd say of course not. You see, saying YES to such a life changing event bares the responsibility that will affect not only you and that man but the generation that follows in that marriage. Then again, nobody is every fully ready until it happens. So this waiting period which others dread, I consider it God's grace. His grace of preparation until that time comes. Until that person comes.

Many of you know that I drive. Last year, during a flesh and spirit battle I had to basically pull over to the side of the national highway as I drove myself home. In tears I cried out to God and said this prayer "Lord I will let go. Not because I find it easy but because I know you have a great plan for me. I know I deserve someone who will choose me. Not confused. Not playing it safe but someone who will choose me the way You chose me. Who will see me and know I'm his. The way You saw me and just knew. Someone who will take a risk with me the way You took a risk with me many years ago knowing full well that I may not even accept You, but you still risked it all for me. Because I am worth it."

Many people think that when they get saved, it's because they chose God. But when I came to know Christ, I knew it wasn't me. Because if my salvation was something I could do for myself, then when I feel like turning my back on God and I just don't want any of this Christianity thing anymore, then I can take matters into my own hands and unsave myself. But I did play a role. I accepted the invitation. Even Scripture backs this up in John 15:16 Jesus says “You did not choose Me but I chose you.” 

Tomorrow I will be witnessing two people exchange their vows. Two people who CHOSE each other as God chose them to be a part of His family. Tomorrow I will be smiling, laughing, probably crying but all in joy. 

Then I go home fresh from it and work on that Valentines Letter that I know some of you guys have been waiting for.  When it's done, I'll link it here. Til then, Happy Valentines everyone! :))

LAW OF THE GARBAGE TRUCK

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport.

We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches!

The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.

My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!'

This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of
frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day.

Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so........

Love the people who treat you right.
Pray for the ones who don't.

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

Have a blessed, garbage-free day!.....

Smile :-)

***On a more personal note, the past week has been quite crazy for me. However, I still find the ability to be thankful and feel blessed despite everything. To those who can't help but to shout, curse, question, and raise their eyebrows on the swerve-balls that life throws at you, here's one thing I could say: It's all a matter of disposition. If you can't find the goodness in the smallest things, then time to re-evaluate yourselves. What are your priorities? What negative thoughts or behaviors must you get rid of? What attitudes do you think you should acquire?

I'm thankful for having a God who works everything (even the worst situations) in my favor, great family, supportive friends, amazing spiritual family, and an encouraging, positive work environment. Thank you for all the prayers and great vibes everyone! Let's keep this up ;p AJA ---lovingly yours, Ressa