The Perfect Marriage

Oooooooooops...were you looking for an article that will talk about a couple who has a perfect marriage? Or ways on how to have a perfect marriage? Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you but there is no such thing as a perfect marriage.

But wait...I've got some GOOD NEWS!!! I know of a PERFECT GOD who can make your marriage beautiful.

Again...there is no perfect marriage. Did that relieve you of other people's expectations of your marriage? I hope so.

Moving on.....

Each one of us has differences. Cultural differences, upbringing differences, environmental differences, personality differences, gender differences...what else? Every difference you can think of that will make you unique from others. The only similarity we all have is that we have the same GOD.

Definition:
God - the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe

Whether you believe it or not, GOD is the Creator of the Universe. It's the truth.

Moving on.....

Let's go back to differences. These differences make us unique that most of the time cause complications in a marriage.

If you are someone who chose to love an opposite sex, you better read this. If you are someone who chose to commit to an opposite sex, you better continue reading.

Cody and I came to the conclusion last year to change and grow before our marriage because we desire to protect our marriage. We don't want to make mistakes that other couples do and that's divorce. Whatever habit/attitude you practice outside marriage (probably when you're still single, in a relationship or engaged), you could easily adapt it in the marriage.

Definition:
adapt - conform oneself to new or different conditions

I've heard and read a lot of couples say that marriage is not easy as you think it is. I certainly believe that. That's why I'm starting to read more marriage books and articles now that encourage to run the race unconditionally.

Cody and I have many differences. I must admit it is never easy especially with the distance (8000 miles). There are times that I just want to hug him and just cry over his shoulder because of the differences. In the past, I'd usually just turn my back on any complication and pretend that nothing happened. It was tolerated. Do you think it helped? Never. I jumped from one relationship to another. Trying to find the perfect mate and the perfect relationship. Thinking there is someone better out there.

Things changed. My views changed. I had a total makeover.

Cody came to my life. He helped me see realities in life. Beautiful and wise convictions he shared with me. Cody helped me see that there is no one better out there. Not because he is perfect but because no one is. So the solution we have is to surrender our lives to GOD and work on everything in this relationship.

We had a complication yesterday - on our anniversary. Differences. Women are very emotional while men are rational. I was more emotional before. It was unhealthy. I get irritable, I let the enemy control my emotions through my thoughts, I get vulnerable. Be careful, ladies. The enemy can and will try to use your thoughts until he could conquer your emotions. Try to check yourself if you have any ingrained habits or dysfunctional behavior. Deal with it. Ask GOD's help and make your mate your accountability partner who would encourage you. Do not ignore or tolerate it.

It was so difficult. I've said things that have hurt Cody and made me cry so much. He went to sleep without us resolving the conflict because of me. I wanted to give up. I prayed so hard. I took a 4-hour nap. When I woke up, I pondered. I was calm and wiser with my decisions - IT IS ALL GOD! I slept all throughout the night. I woke up and told myself, "I am so prideful." I love him and I couldn't even show it. I know deep inside me that I'd never desire any man but him. He is the man I desire. So I decided to humble myself to him and be honest about what happened to me. We talked through Skype. He knows that I'm emotional. He also knows that it lessened already - GLORY TO GOD! I've read this last night from "Glimpses of an Invisible GOD" - manuscript written by Vicki Kuyper and Stephen Parolini and compiled by Angie Kiesling...

The truth is, everyone's going to die trying. Trying to change ingrained habits or dysfunctional behavior is an ongoing process, even when you're leaning on GOD's strength for help. Don't beat yourself up when you fail. GOD extends grace and forgiveness, not a paddle and a dunce cap.

Quote: Man is born broken. He lives by mending. The grace of GOD is glue.

I admitted to myself that being too emotional and letting it take over me is a dysfunctional behavior I have. The first step to healing is admitting there is a problem. Being too emotional can lead to regretful decisions or painful remarks. I told Cody that I made a huge mistake and asked forgiveness. I admitted to him that I need his help. Also, we prayed before we talked. I led the prayer. He heard things that I desire to happen and things that came from my heart. I asked forgiveness from GOD and from Cody. I assured Cody that next time, I'd tell him when I'm emotional and I'd ask for his help and encourage me. I need him to be my accountability partner. He lovingly agreed. I suggested that next time, we could quickly point out anything that affects/upsets us then I'd call him right away so we could talk about it. It's cheaper for me to call. hehehe! It takes courage and honesty to do this, I know. I desire a beautiful marriage so I am willing to open myself up. We also decided to be very calm about spiritual things. We concluded to share our views, beliefs, opinions and convictions and if they're different, we could somehow compromise. If we couldn't, we could just respect each other, be calm about it and understand our differences. We assured to be on each other's team all the time. I also suggested to read a certain verse or chapter in the Bible daily as our devotions and share views/convictions. We could also share some testimonies about it or experiences. Freedom of speech. hehehe!

Humility, honesty, respect, understanding and love are some of the keys to a beautiful marriage.

You don't have to turn around and give up. You can stand up to the enemy and humble yourself to your partner. Be open and resolve complications. You don't have to undergo divorce. Open a mature conversation and be willing to communicate gently, calmly and lovingly. Don't run away. If you have to run, run to GOD.

Love will bind you together. GOD will seal it.

GOD is LOVE

1 John 4:16
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. ⁸Love never fails...

These verses follow me everywhere. Sometimes, I try to set them aside when there are complications but I always think of them. Always. Thank GOD!

And you thought I was perfect, huh? hahaha! No I'm not. But GOD's grace is sufficient.

I thank and praise GOD for a beautiful relationship and most of all, a beautiful man named Cody Lee Howe! I owe everything to GOD for creating and changing Cody. I cannot thank GOD enough for giving me my beautiful blessing.

FATHER, THANK YOU FOR YOURSELF AND FOR YOUR PRINCE, OUR EVER-LOVING KING!!!

ALL THE GLORY IN THIS RELATIONSHIP BELONGS TO GOD ALONE!!!

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD!!!

P.U.S.H.

When you feel GOD's love, OVERFLOW!

ONE YEAR OF LOVE AND COMMITMENT!!!

It was April 25, 2008.

The day that I've blushed so much.

He still makes me blush. In fact, everyday he does.

Before we were born, GOD has already planned our future together. I believe that more beautiful things will come. The distance made us learn patience, commitment and true love. Thank GOD for a fulfilling and strong relationship. I consider this marriage. All we need is legalities to say so but GOD taught us integrity and faithfulness so we are willing to wait for the dream wedding to happen. All in GOD's Hands, Will, and Timing. It is Perfect. GOD IS PERFECT.

"Closeness doesn't come when you are together. It comes when you are apart and realize despite not seeing, you never stop remembering, missing and loving. Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

Rather than focusing on the past or future, I'd like to enjoy this day. Everyday is our day. A celebration of love and commitment.

Our First Year Anniversary!

Actually, it's also my very first year anniversary in a relationship. Another first. Praise GOD!

Last night, I dreamt of Cody with me. The most beautiful man I've ever met and seen. Beautiful inside and outside.

In the light of day
Shades of blue and gray
Your eyes are like sunshine in the night
They make my days so bright

The smell of your breath
Scented flowers of lilies and tulips in an open field
Your entire smell is that of baby's breath
That surrounds me like a shield

Your love that grows each passing day
More than your chosen words can say
Your commitment that binds our love
From our FATHER up above

We may have differences
But our love keeps us together
All throughout the days and forever
Until eternity, we will spend in heaven

Your light is like rain in summertime
Pouring softly
Showers of beauty
Shining in all GOD's glory

You are more than a dream
You are more than an expectation
You are more than a desire
You are more than a perception

You are my love
You are my inspiration
You are my covenant
You are my promise
You are my bestfriend
You are my soulmate
You are my beautiful blessing from GOD

My FOREVER CODY LEE HOWE!!!

HAPPY 12TH MONTHSARY, MY ONE-AND-ONLY FOREVER CODY!

My everdearest Cody, I never fell for you. I only love you more and grow more in love with you. Together, we will grow in CHRIST. We will grow more in HIS love. HIS love and faithfulness that bind us together in harmony - forever til eternity!

i am yours and you are mine

TO OUR EVERDEAREST FATHER IN HEAVEN, YOU ARE OUR FIRST LOVE! YOU ARE OUR REASON FOR LIVING! YOU ARE OUR DREAM GIVER, PROMISE KEEPER, MATCH MAKER! WITH YOU, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! WE OFFER TO YOU OUR LIVES AND OUR LOVE FOREVER TIL ETERNITY! OUR DESIRE IS TO MEET YOU FACE TO FACE AS YOU EMBRACE US AND SAY, "WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!" UNTIL THEN, WE WILL NEVER STOP WORSHIPING YOU! OUR LIVES OF ETERNAL WORSHIP...WE ONLY SEEK YOU, OUR ALMIGHTY FATHER! CLEANSE AND PURIFY OUR HEARTS, SOULS, MINDS AND SPIRITS EVERYDAY THAT WE WILL BE A COUPLE AFTER YOUR OWN HEART! THIS WE PRAY AND DESIRE IN JESUS CHRIST'S NAME, AMEN! ~Cody and Honesty

ALL THE GLORY IN THIS RELATIONSHIP BELONGS TO GOD ALONE!!!

P.U.S.H.

When you feel GOD's love, OVERFLOW!

GOD is preparing me

Proverbs 16:1
To man belong the plans of the heart,
but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.

I have a friend who never had a boyfriend. She's 24 now. She is wondering when will she get married and why she doesn't have a boyfriend until now. I believe GOD is preparing her for the best.

Just like what GOD did to my life.

I've had plenty of boyfriends. Sometimes, I wish I waited for Cody so he could be my first boyfriend. I could not linger on the negative and wish for the past to change. What I can be grateful now is that Cody is my first love and my last (earthly, that is).

I've learned a lot from my past. I've been mistreated and I've mistreated others, too. I've been a rebel. I've talked trash. I've disrespected others. I've shown hate and anger to others. I've been an emotional wreck. When GOD found me and transformed me completely, beautiful changes started flowing in my life. I've learned what TRUE LOVE means.

I've learned who GOD is in my life. GOD is my top priority. My number One. My First LOVE.

That is when GOD started to change everything. Every situation. Most of all, GOD changed me. An overall makeover.

Then came Cody.

When Cody came to my life...oh rather...when I came to Cody's life (hehehe), I've learned more about love. I've learned how to be selfless. I've learned to share myself and GOD to others.

Now, I am on my journey to marriage. I am desiring for our wedding this year because I love Cody. My desire keeps growing stronger each day. In more than one year of love and friendship, we've only been together for 2 weeks.

With regards to my recent post before this, I have shared some favors and revelations from GOD. GOD's preparations for me.

I have read a Christian magazine about being financially ready before a wedding. That was a revelation to me.

Luke 14:28
Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?

I know GOD is instilling patience in me. Learning how to wait for HIS Perfect Timing can be a real challenge but its reward is worth waiting for.

I was wondering and desiring for someone to help me out with the planning and coordinating of my wedding. A friend who could really devote some time. A friend who is really interested to help and has the resources to do so. A friend who would volunteer, not someone I've delegated. A volunteer is never forced to do something. I'm still praying for more revelations to my questions. Silently asked so I would know when the answer comes, I'd be sure it's from GOD.

Earlier, I was exchanging text messages with my female bestfriend, Magdalane. She has been my bestfriend for more than 10 years now. Before, I don't want to expose my plan of getting married but since I need to act on my faith, I need to lay some information in the open. I'm still waiting for very important revelations from GOD. But I shared with her that I will get married soon. I am patiently waiting for GOD's Perfect Will, Perfect Timing and Perfect Revelations. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Magdalane volunteered to be my wedding coordinator. She would plan everything and coordinate with people who will take care of my wedding. Everything. All she needs from me is the financial budget, of course. hehehe! I don't need to pay her services because she wanted it to be her wedding gift for me and she wants to give me a surprise on my wedding. So neat! I trust her because I know very well her tastes with things. A wedding coordinator here costs about $900-$1200 just for labor/services. Well, that's what I've been informed. GOD IS SO GREAT!!!

Patience has its own great rewards. Unbelievable but indescribably amazing rewards.

GOD will provide. GOD has been dealing with me about patience with regards to finances and the wedding. Surely, I am learning a lot.

I'd like to be financially stable and ready before my wedding. I know GOD will make a way.

I am going to continue planning and acting on my faith but I will listen and wait for GOD's revelations and responses. Then I will obey.

GOD is preparing me. GOD is preparing my way.

I thank GOD for everything!!! Praise HIS Name for HIS Greatness!!!

ALL THE GLORY IN THIS RELATIONSHIP BELONGS TO GOD ALONE!!!

P.U.S.H.

Faith is believing always. Faith is from GOD.

When you feel GOD's love, OVERFLOW!

This is my Faith

I have heard my sister say, "Their faith is amazing" when my mom was telling her about how Elisha's parents once brought her to the University of Philippines (one of the most prestigious schools in the Philippines) and declared to her that that will be her future school and truly, she passed the entrance exams.

That simple phrase spoke to my heart.

Last week, we went to the Christian bookstore and I went to the Bibles' section right away. I don't know why. I wasn't really gonna check out and buy a Bible at that moment. I quickly spotted a Wedding Bible. A new product. I have been desiring for the most perfect Wedding Bible.

I have been thinking about Wedding invitations lately. My faith is taking me to a level where I am desiring to make a Bridal Shower invitation. hehehe! I have no ring yet! hahaha! Last Friday, I received an email from DaySpring about "20% Off Wedding Invitations & Save the Dates" and you can customize and design your own. Awesome! There was also a "20% Off Marriage Bible" from FamilyLife. FamilyLife is led by one of my most favorite couples, Dennis and Barbara Rainey. So neat! A Wedding Bible, Wedding invitations, Save the Dates and a Marriage Bible. Now, I am certainly putting out my faith in the open.



Cody and I have a code that we started a year ago. Since we communicate through Yahoo Messenger, we use 3 kissing smileys to say "you are mine" but now he also uses "i am yours" which is something that makes my heart soar. He is mine.

Then this week as I was reading the mini book "Glimpses of an Invisible GOD", I read a verse...

Isaiah 43:1 NKJV
But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:

“ Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.

So sweet! A man who loves me deeply and a GOD who loves me endlessly from the very beginning. A GOD who knows me by name. Now, I won't say this is a coincidence or an accident. GOD already has a plan for my life. HE has my life schedule all figured out already - long before I was born. I trust HIM my life.

Cody is such a sweetie. Not everyone may know that. For all singles out there, before you marry a man, you should check first how your man treats his mom and sisters. If he doesn't have sisters, you can consider his female cousins and aunts - female relatives. Because how he treats these females in his life is how he would treat you as a woman, as well. Cody is such a sweetie to his mom. He respects his mom a lot to the point that he never tolerates tardiness for himself when he was still working for his parents. Mother's Day is May 10 and he is already shopping for his mom. I forgot the date for Mother's Day. hahaha! Cody reminded me. Now, my youngest sister and I are planning though. I should be cooking then.

Cooking is my passion. I love cooking excellent foods. As how Cody describes my cooking. Excellent. hehehe! In order to impress me (he informed me verbally), he started to take interest in cooking. He also cooks different kinds of dishes. He checks out recipes online and tries to cook them. He uses cooking terms. Now, he cooks more than I do. hahaha! I didn't even ask him to show interest. He didn't just show but he puts it into action. Now, I'm impressed!

I've been desiring for a Wedding. Only with Cody. It's a burning desire within me. Cody is the one. My beautiful blessing from GOD.

GOD knows what's in my heart and I was surprised with HIS answer...

"If you BELIEVE, you will RECEIVE whatever you ask for in PRAYER." -Matthew 21:22 {SHALOM!} ~sent by Pastora Girlie

Marriage should not be a sinful desire. Marriage is a sacred blessing from GOD. I desire for a wedding because I desire to have a beautiful marriage with a beautiful man of GOD. A Marriage after GOD's Own Heart.

FYI, all my blogs are made for GOD's glory alone!!! APART FROM GOD, CODY AND I ARE NOTHING!!! I trust HIM my wedding and marriage with Cody. This is my faith.

ALL THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD ALONE!!!

P.U.S.H.

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD!!!

When you feel GOD's love, OVERFLOW!

You're My Every Cutie Name

Cody is my first and last love. And to prove this, we are both given the wonderful privilege to call each other all cutie names for a special someone.

I have heard this song for many times now but it was sent to me last week by one of my youths. She knows I enjoy little children. And that she is also excited for little Cody's and little Honesty's running around.

I've made this song as Cody's special message tone when he sends me messages in my phone. Especially for him and his messages alone. hehehe! I'll certainly invite this adorable little girl to sing on our wedding but she's 18 now. hehehe!



You're my beautiful blessing from GOD, my Cody!!!

ALL THE GLORY IN THIS RELATIONSHIP BELONGS TO GOD ALONE!!!

BINGO!!! and an Award

Yesterday, I watched the gossip news for fun with my youngest sister. As I made it clear that I do not like watching tv a lot especially gossip. Just when I've liked a certain tv show but it's very rare. But most of the time, when I watch worldly shows, I tend to be more accountable to my words and actions and whatever I see or hear on tv that is not good for my soul is being ignored and I learn the right way. I know it takes courage to stand on solid ground. On CHRIST our Rock.

A celebrity was being interviewed about his break-up with his ex-girlfriend. He said that his ex cheated on him with their gym instructor who was the confidante of the girl while they were still together. They broke up and now the girl was said to be together with the gym instructor and they'll get married soon. That's the news. I'm just sharing. hehehe!

Although, my topic is not about this. hehehe!

1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

If you know who your GOD is, you must also know who your enemy is and how he works.

If you think that being close friends with a guy while you have a boyfriend/husband is safe and means nothing, think again. Think again if you don't want to be jumping from one guy to the other. This also goes out to guys. This is not a one-sided post. No one is exempted.

For singles especially Christians, GOD must be your Confidante. No one else. Before trying to find your soulmate, you must find yourself first. Know your identity. After that, love yourself completely. LOVE GOD above all.

Before I found Cody, I sought GOD and still am. I focused on HIM. After loving HIM more than my life, I have learned to love myself. Loving yourself is choosing GOD's Perfect Choice for you. GOD gave me Cody. I have a supportive family and wonderful Christian friends who rebuke me everytime. Cody told me back then that I should not have any guy confidante. That is something I promised him and myself because I've seen how the enemy attacked this kind of weakness in my past and to others, as well. I have so much respect and love for Cody. I do not share our complications with anyone else. Do you know who my Ultimate Confidante is? I think you do. hehehe! YES IT IS GOD! HE is in fact, my FATHER! So why run to other men, right? I have guy friends but I am quite distant emotionally and physically because I know that there should be limitations and I love my boyfriend. I also must be honest, not to sound bragging but I've had friends and ex's who loved me (some still do) and if I do not stay distant from them, they would pursue me so I assure them that I love my Cody and just stay away. Eversince Cody started being my friend, he focused on me alone. He didn't entertain other girls anymore. Cody never stared at other girls in a lustful way behind my back or even in front of me. I know because I trust him and I trust our GOD. Cody's GOD and my GOD are ONE. We are united by a beautiful GOD and we live in HIS beautiful love.

You might ask me why do I love Cody this much...Simply because I don't see any reason not to love him. Everyone is imperfect but GOD's grace is sufficient so let HIM intervene in your relationships and character.

GOD is my every perfect thing and every time I run to HIM for anything, HE always answers my questions and gives me courage, joy and peace. HE is my Answer to every question and my Solution to every problem. Whether you have a boyfriend or not, the Only One who you can confide in is our dear FATHER. HE alone can give everything you need. As my devotional today says, "When GOD is all you have, you have all you need." ~Our Daily Bread

So true. I can never disagree to this fact.

Trust is also about showing that you can be trusted. No vengeance. No immaturity.

I've realized last week. Yeah I just posted it now. hahaha! Well, my sister and I were talking about game shows when I realized something. There was a certain game show that had been aired during 6pm called "Deal or No Deal" but it ended already. They've changed it to "Pinoy Bingo Night." I suddenly realized that before, it was always "Deal or No Deal" when it comes to men. There was always an option to get out of the relationship because there was no assurance of true love. But now, it truly is "BINGO!" I have the most perfect man I love and need. No other option but to love him more each day. I truly won by having him in my life. If I have to state everything beautiful about him, there won't be enough words and characters. hehehe!

If I have given awards to all of my Blogger friends, I know my top earthly award goes to my dear Cody. You deserve it, honey. More than anyone else. For me, that is. hehehe!




With all this, I am humbled and THANK GOD alone! HE deserves all the glory! IT IS ALL GOD!

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE, TRUST AND WAIT!!!

P.U.S.H.

GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY! GOD IS ALWAYS WITH YOU - NO MATTER WHAT!

When you feel GOD's love, OVERFLOW!

Cody's Favor from GOD

Favor = an act of gracious kindness; privilege; bestow a privilege upon; an advantage to the benefit of someone or something

GOD's children are highly favored. Whoever believes that, gets that!

This should be a post last Monday. hehehe! I was too busy then or maybe too tired.

Anyway...

Last Monday, Cody was asking me what to eat with his rice since I've been telling him that rice should be eaten with a certain dish to make it quite tasty. Rice is the staple food in the Philippines. Cody enjoyed eating while he was here. He ate rice. hehehe! So he was asking me what should he eat with his rice. He asked which is cheap. After compromising, we settled with hotdogs or what he calls sausage. hehehe!

After we chatted in Yahoo, I received an email from AllRecipes. I have a recipe subscription with them. Here is what I received...

Spicy Sausage and Rice Casserole

"A spicy, tomatoey, sausage and rice dish."

To visit their website and learn more about this recipe, please just click on any of the images. Thank you.

And so I was really amazed! I am so glad that my partner is highly favored by GOD, too.

You are highly favored, as well. ONLY BELIEVE!

ALL THE GLORY IN THIS RELATIONSHIP BELONGS TO GOD ALONE!!!

P.U.S.H.

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD!!!

Make an impact. Make a difference. Make a ripple. Tip the scale. Be a blessing.

When you feel GOD's love, OVERFLOW!

GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY! GOD IS ALWAYS WITH YOU - NO MATTER WHAT!