Waiting for Elijah

Sunrise in Sagada
Mountain Province, Philippines

by Jojo Nicdao





But to you who fear My name
The Sun of Righteousness shall arise
With healing in His wings...

- Malachi 4:2

My daughter-in-law Chosen One is expected to give birth in early December.

When I found out about a month ago that their baby is a boy, the name Elijah came up in my heart.

However, I did not want to take away from Worshiper and his wife the joy and the privilege of naming their own child, so I kept it to myself. At one point, the name Zachary was mentioned. A few days later I went to Manila to attend the Elijah House school.

I returned to Bacolod three weeks later. While Worshiper and I were having coffee, just about an hour after I we got home from the airport last Wednesday. I casually asked him if they have already decided on what name to give their baby.

We have decided to call him Elijah, Worshiper said.

My heart leaped with joy. It really was a God moment for me.

Rejoice with me, dear friends and family, as we prepare for the birth of my second grandson, Elijah.

Below is a song that is quite special to me, Days of Elijah, by Robin Mark. It was the song that God placed in my heart on my 50th year, my jubilee year.

Something to be Grateful For

Sunrise in Yosemite Valley

by Gilbert Munger

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.
It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It turns denial into acceptance,
chaos into order,
confusion into clarity….
It turns problems into gifts,
failures into success,
the unexpected into perfect timing,
and mistakes into important events.
Gratitude makes sense of our past,
brings peace for today
and creates a vision for tomorrow.

~ Melodie Beattie

This month, July, I want to celebrate thankfulness.

The famous American conservationist, naturalist and writer John Muir (1838-1914), penned these beautiful lines:


The grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never dried all at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.


Yes indeed, there is always something to be thankful for.

It was Papa, my father, and Mama, my mother, who taught me that early in life.

As a young girl of around 6 or 7, I would remember waking up to the sound of classical music playing in our living room, Such lovely music would always do something to my young heart - fill it with a sense of excitement, something to look forward to, give the message that life was beautiful...that everything was going to be okay.

As my sister and I hopped out of bed, Papa would greet us with his big cheerful smile, "It's another lovely day, my daughters. Time to get ready for school."

Mama would be at the kitchen, preparing breakfast , so it was Papa who would bathe us, help us get dressed, and fix our hair. I remember that he would sometimes braid my hair, and as he gently brushed it, he would say to me, "Look at that lovely girl in the mirror." And there he was standing behind me, beaming with pride.

The breakfast table would be prepared with good things to eat - simple nutritious food. Always rice, and something to go with it, like omelette, or sausages... then oatmeal... a slice of fruit... maybe a hardboiled egg... a glass of milk.

It was a morning routine that deeply embedded in my heart the gentleness of a father's love... the faithfulness of a mother's care.

It wrote the unspoken message in my tender heart: there is always something to be thankful for. I am going to be cared for. Everything is going to be all right.

Then the school bus would come. Our school things would be ready by the door, our lunch boxes prepared, and Mama or Papa would send us off with a hug and a kiss, and as my sister and I went up the bus, our hearts were full, ready to start the day.

All this ritual never took more than an hour, for we had to be quick. But I do not recall at that early age being harassed, or hurried...there is such a gentleness in the memories of my early years.

Life was good.

I did not think that it required much effort to keep our home neat and tidy, our floors shiny, our bathrooms clean and sweet smelling... Nor was I aware that after we left, my parents would also leave soon after, to go to the government offices where they faithfully worked until the days of their retirement.

My parents were simple folks who had simple wants and simple joys - but I believe they have left me with a most important legacy - thankfulness.

It wasn't a daily lesson on saying a verbal thank you, not at all. I learned that life is good and that there is something to be thankful for in the way my parents loved us consistently. It was an unspoken message that left a deep imprint on my heart.

There is something about gratitude that makes my heart soft and open. Not resisting what life has to offer. Gratitude helps me to go through life with open hands, one of the many threads running through the fabric of my life.

It is not easy to live this way, I know, in a world that constantly screams at us, forcing us to focus on what is wrong, and concentrate on how others have mistreated us, or said unkind things of us... it's not easy.

I suppose that is the reason why Paul had to remind us to do all things without grumbling and arguing, because it is so easy for us to fall into that faultfinding habit.

But really the words of Paul are so wise,

Do all things without complaining and disputing
that you may become blameless and harmless,
children of God without fault
in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,
among whom you shine as lights in the world,
holding fast the word of life...
(Philippians 2:14-16)

I have realized that thankfulness is still the best antidote to a grumbling and complaining spirit.


Life has not always been kind to me. There have been many disappointments, plans that have miscarried, a relationship that's taking forever to heal...

The past weekend I nursed a stubborn head cold that kept me in bed, giving me too much time to think on all the things that needed attending to in my life...

I've also been wondering why a particular loved one in my life has continued to nurture something against me, and for the life of me, I just can't figure out what else I need to do to make her forgive me and love me and accept me just as I am...

things not right,

things that need fixing and repairing,

things that need to be sorted out...


There's just no escaping the reality of this imperfect life, and that we live with so much brokenness in this world...

we go through that everyday!


But it need not be my focus.

Because the truth is that there is so much beauty around us, and that these are mere shadows, or blurred reflections, of the gloriously beautiful life that is waiting for us in eternity!

Yes, thankfulness does that to us - it helps us to be heavenly minded, reminding us that the imperfection around us is not all there is to life!

Daily I still choose to wake up at sunrise each morn and look at it as a message from heaven... there is always something to be grateful for!


This July our family celebrated the birthdays of my two daughters-in law.

My two daughters-in-law are so special. They are literally God's gifts to me, and I am thankful to God for this season when I am learning to be another mother in their life, the woman who raised and brought up their husbands, and someone from whom they can also learn new things in this new journey that they are on.


Chosen One's birthday was on July 1.

Chosen One with her husband, Worshiper
Breakfast at home, July 1, 2010

You are a gift to our family, Chosen One.

I have enjoyed getting to know you better. You are a delight with your childlike ways, so full of excitement at each new day. You are not demanding, and I love your simplicity. It is not difficult to make you happy! You bring joy to us, always sitting in front of a cook book, thinking of what to cook. You delight us by your baked goodies, and faithfully providing meals for your husband. You are a good wife to my son.

You inspire him, you encourage him, you try to build up his faith, and you are always believing in the best that is still to come.

You have a heart of faith, dear Chosen One!

I know you must miss your old life with its many opportunities in the big city of Manila, yet you willingly gave them up, to live with your husband in this city. A new place, a new culture, a new language, a new church, new friends, a different lifestyle... yet I never sensed any heaviness in you.

You have tried to adjust, and to blend, and to find a spot where you can be planted, grow, and in the past six months I have seen you bloom in the process!

As you prepare to be a mother of your first baby, who is due to be born by December, I know God is enlarging your heart, and increasing your sphere of influence, with every obedient step you take in the right direction.

I thank God for you!

Chosen One on her birthday

God-given's birthday was on July 10.

God-given with her husband, First Born
At Kai Sei Japanese Restaurant, July 10, 2010

You are a gift to our family, God-given.

You already know that because I've said it to you so many times before. And for the past two years that you've been with us, I have kept discovering many new things about you. What touches me the most about you is your cheerful disposition. You have a sense of humor that just brightens up the atmosphere wherever you are...always finding something funny to laugh about! You really are a light to our family, my dear God-given!

You work hard at your demanding job, and yet each time you come home, you have a bag of something to cook and to prepare. I appreciate your efforts at taking good care of your family - your husband and your son. You look after their needs, you are a good wife and mother!

I love your positive disposition, never opting to give up, although I know that your life is not easy. Yes, you are willing to adjust, willing to give room for First Born to grow and mature, always encouraging him to reach greater heights. You are such a positive influence to him.

And I love your simple and practical ways! Never demanding, but rather always looking for ways to make things better. Your heart is full of hope!

I thank God for you!

This is me and God-given, during her birthday dinner at Kai Sei. I was not well that weekend, but I was glad we were able to celebrate her birthday as a family.
July 10, 2010

Chosen One and God-given




...after a certain number of years our faces become our biographies.

- Cynthia Ozick

Alabaster Jar

Sunset over Antipolo, Rizal



But Mary kept all these things
and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

There isn't much time left before 2009 comes to a close.

As I sit at my prayer desk, the verse quoted above comes very strongly to my heart.

Of all the Bible characters that I admire, Mary will probably remain my all time favorite. She is the woman I want to be like.

To have a heart like Mary, this is what I desire.

She knew which things truly mattered. And she chose her treasures well.

It was not money, wealth, status... none of the material things to which so many in this world attach so much importance.

Mary treasured the secret things that God revealed to her. Because Mary lived a life of obedience, God saw that her heart had room enough for more of His secrets.

And the Bible says that she pondered all these things in her heart.


It has been a good year. I couldn't ask for more.

This is the year that I grieved for the death of my husband, but this is also the year that I saw my first grandson grow before my eyes.

This is the year that I got to enjoy knowing my first daughter in law, God-given, in a deeper way.

This is the year that I saw my three children rise up and assume many responsibilities...making me truly proud of them being the mother who gave birth to them and saw them through many seasons of their lives.

And this is the year that my second daughter in law, Chosen One, became an official member of our family.

This is the year I experienced God as my Provider, my Anchor, my Strength, my Guiding Light.

Yes, God has been good to me.

Nevertheless the battle has been real, and without going into details, I have seen how the Enemy tried to gain access to my family's heart.


Sometimes the deepest wounds are those inflicted by people closest to your heart...




My son, Worshiper, has the heart of... a worshiper. That is his name. That is his job description.

But on December 28, the morning of his wedding, this worshiper's heart was broken. And it pained my heart so.

We were having our family photo session. We were all smiling. More than anything else, I wanted my son to be happy. But in my heart, I could feel his pain.

He spoke to no one else but me about it. This son of mine has a soft heart, a merciful heart. An obedient heart. And his pain became my pain.

"How can I comfort my son on this very special day?" I asked my heavenly Father. "Please Father, help me say the right words to him, special words of love and blessing that could reverse the damage, and bring even just a small measure of healing, to his heart."

Suddenly, a flash of insight crossed my heart. As we walked together up to the hotel room to change into our formal attires to be worn for his wedding, I held his hand and spoke quietly to him.

"Count it all joy, my son. Let nothing steal your joy on this very special day. I've learned many things the hard way. Don't wait to be 56 years old before you can learn the things I have learned. You can learn them now. Choose what really matters, and hold on to that. Choose joy today, my son. Choose grace. Walk the path of forgiveness. Make the choice."

I felt the Spirit of peace. And I know my words sank in.

It was a Spirit filled moment. It changed the spiritual atmosphere around us.

I know my son's wedding day became even more beautiful because of what transpired within his heart that morning.

My life, my heart, is an alabaster jar... it is precious but I will not hold on to it.


I break it at your feet, dear Jesus.


Broken and spilled out.


May my life be as broken bread and poured out wine...in obedience to your call. Living for what really matters.


I prayed most of that day for my son. Touch my son Worshiper's heart, and make it like the alabaster jar that was broken at your feet. Make this day, his wedding day, a day that will truly honor and give glory to You alone.

And God heard the prayer of my heart.

I share this only because it is a beautiful part of my family history.

As a mother, I am called to be the"family remembrancer," the one who remembers, the one who points out the signposts.

I am also the gatekeeper, the watchman who stands guard, the priest who intercedes, and who holds the cup of God's healing oil.

May I be found faithful.

As the year ends, I thank God for lessons learned the painful way...for the many seasons I've been through: seasons of thanksgiving...of growing...of maturing...of letting go.

What a lovely ending to this year! Offering to God a heart ready and open to face another year. To learn new lessons. To pour out the bitter waters. To tear up the list and start afresh. Make room for what is noble and kind and true. Become a channel of heaven's peace.

My son's wedding was a beautiful testimony to God's grace. Our family received many precious gifts, both tangible and intangible.

All are deeply appreciated. But to God alone be the glory.




I'm sharing below some of the beautiful pictures taken on the day Worshiper and Chosen One were married. (Note: Click on photo to enlarge.)



A few informal shots before we changed into our formal attires:














The groom and his mother:



A few snapshots of warm family moments before the wedding begins:

me, Sue, her daughter Tisha, and Tisha's daughter Hannah



Obedient One and her Aunt Lei

My close friends who came all the way from Bacolod City and the USA for the wedding:
William, Ruby, Jing, Melanie (from the USA), Miriam, Tony

An emotional moment: Daniel fighting tears as he gives his sister a hug, just before the bridal march.

Beautiful shots of the hilltop venue for the wedding ceremony, overlooking the city:








The entourage marching in:

First Born, the best man

The groom, Worshiper, and his mother

Toby, bearer of coins

Caleb, Bible bearer

Matthew, at one year and two months, bearer of the wedding rings. We were all proud of him! He really did a good job!

Joash, junior groomsman, and Hannah, junior bridesmaid

Here comes the bride!

Jewish Prayer Shawl (tallit) and cord ceremony






Another emotional moment: Worshiper can't hold back his tears as he blessed me and thanked me and his father for all we've done for him. (His groomsmen were obviously enjoying it!)

Madorra, Chosen One, Worshiper, Daniel

First Born, God given and Matthew, Chosen One, Worshiper, me, Obedient One

Perfect attendance: Ernie's two sisters and their families came all the way from Bacolod. This really made our day extra special!

Front Row: Jeff and Toby, JV, First Born Son, Joash, Caleb, Kela and Rhea
Second Row: God Given and Matthew, Justin, Tisha, Hannah, Sue, Vito, Chosen One and Worshiper, me, Leila, Obedient One, Jay, Vince, Tony

The reception

The bridal canopy

Wedding pictures by Doods Tanabe here.

Wedding pictures by Jorem and Sheila Catilo here.


This is the song I offer to God as the year 2009 ends!

Alabaster Jar
(Christ for the Nations Institute)

This alabaster jar
is all I have of worth
I break it at Your feet, Lord
It's less than You deserve
You're far more beautiful
More precious than the oil
The sum of my desires
and the fullness of my joy


Like You spilled Your blood,
I spill my heart as an offering to my King


Here I am, take me
As an offering
Here I am, giving every heartbeat
For Your glory take me


The time that I have left
is all I have of worth
I lay it at Your feet, Lord
It's less than You deserve
And though I've little strength
And though my days are few,You gave Your life for me
So, I will live my life for You


Worthy, Worthy
You are worthy
Worthy is the Lord