Forerunner

"Way of Holiness"

photo source

A highway shall be there, and a road,

And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness.

The unclean shall not pass over it,

But it shall be for others.

Whoever walks the road, although a fool,

Shall not go astray.

- Isaiah 35:8

My grandson Forerunner turns four years old today.

Four years ago today this precious boy was born.

The first born son of my first born son, he has a special place in my heart.

Each time his birthday comes around, I remember the circumstances of his birth.

It was the year 2008. Three weeks before Forerunner was born, Ernie and I arrived back in our country, after living in Chiang Mai, Thailand for one year.

Twelve months was not really such a long time to be away; yet when we returned, there were many changes awaiting us. First Born son had gotten married earlier that year, and we had a brand new daughter in law living with us. And she was expecting to give birth within a few weeks.



It was a time of adjusting to the changes, and at the same time, picking up from where we had left off a year ago.

Our old bedroom was destroyed by termites while we were gone, so whatever could be saved was stored in plastic crates piled up in our dining area, while the room was being renovated.

In the meantime, Ernie and I began using our guest room in the house next door.

We also had to remove Obedient One's things from her bedroom  so her room could be given to the new baby. Again her things were stored in plastic crates.

Our suitcases and unopened boxes of our accumulated stuff during our stay in Thailand were also in another part of the house.

I needed time to assess and evaluate and set my priorities. Sort out the clutter. There were so many voices calling out to me, things demanding to be attended to.

At the same time, we were re-entering family life where each of us had our own share of experiences; and things were definitely no longer the same.

I didn't know where to begin.

So many things had to be put on hold, set aside, kept in storage (and I don't mean this in just a literal sense), and I focused on the more important business of looking after the needs of First Born and his wife, who were about to become first-time parents. We welcomed God given into our hearts, and wanted her to know we valued her, and make her feel the love of our family.

& & & & &

The night before Forerunner was born, I was with God given  in the labor room of Riverside Hospital, coaching her in the Lamaze method of natural childbirth. I have great admiration for my daughter in law. She is a brave, and highly capable young woman. After eleven hours of painful labor, her doctor decided to have the baby delivered by C-section.

Less than an hour later, at around 5 a.m., Matthew Miguel, whom I have named Forerunner, was born (read my blog post about it - Unto Us a Son is Born).

My first grandson, only a few hours old, four years ago

His grandfather was outside the nursery viewing window, beaming with pride over Forerunner.

Ernie's cellphone was full of many pictures taken of our first grandson during those first few hours of his life.

A month after Forerunner was born, Ernie was unexpectedly called home to heaven.

For this reason, Forerunner's birthday will always have a special place in my memories.

I write this post with tears in my eyes...

Eyes wet with tears of remembering, yet glistening with hope and joy.

No one but my heavenly Father knows the love that I feel in my heart for you, dear Forerunner.

You came into my life at a time of transition and change.

How I long to keep you close to my heart, to nurture you, to teach you deep spiritual truths... but of course, I can only do so much.

But my family is a major theme in my daily intercession before God's throne of grace.

You are always in my prayers dear Forerunner.

I ask God to make you a young man who will be as a John the Baptist and an Elijah. 

John was a forerunner for the coming of Jesus as the Messiah.

Elijah was a forerunner for the outpouring of God's glory.

Today, there is an Elijah generation that is being prepared for the coming of the King of Kings.

This Elijah generation is the forerunner generation that will prepare the way for the day of the Lord.

Rise up, dear grandson, to your calling. Live up to your name.

Prepare a highway for our Lord! 

Come with brokenness and tears! 

Be part of a generation that will fear His name!

I decree and declare that you will be part of the end-time prophetic generation who will set themselves apart for God's kingdom purposes, and determine in their hearts not to be defiled by this world.

Today, on your fourth birthday, Forerunner, I want you to know that I love you dearly... and continue to believe in God's promises for my generations. 

Love,
Nana

celebrating Forerunner's 4th birthday with the whole family

Here is my song for Forerunner on his fourth birthday. This is one of my top favorites!


Glorious
by Christ for the Nations

Let's build a  highway for the King
Let's make His praise beautiful
Let's build a highway for the King
Let's make His praise glorious

With brokenness we come oh Lord
A generation to seek Your face
Preparing the way
For the king to come

Let's build a highway for the king
Let's make His praise beautiful
Let's build a highway for the King
Let's make His praise glorious

With repentance we come oh Lord
A generation to fear Your name
Preparing the way
For the King to come


Come and make our praise
Glorious

Make our praise

Glorious...

To You our only King

All the nations sing

And tell of Your great love

Lifted high upon our praise

Our voices raise

To make your praise

So glorious...

Every crooked way will be made straight
Every crooked way will be made straight

Every valley lifted up

Every mountain brought low

For the King to come...

You are holy...

Make us holy...

Let our praise be true...

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

Celebrating God-given

This is my son First Born, his wife God-given, and their son, Forerunner.
Taken on God-given's birthday last July 10.



Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
and comes down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

- James 1:17

We celebrated God-given's birthday last July 10.

This birthday post is my tribute to her.

God-given is my first daughter-in-law. (Thanks to Diane, I now refer to her as my daughter-in-love!)

First Born and God-given were married on my birthday, March 27, last year.

As I had written in my birthday post last March 2008, Ernie and I were in Thailand on the day they were wed. First born informed us of their wedding plans only four days before the date! This was not how we would have wanted things to turn out, but the best thing we could do was to release our blessings on their marriage, and entrust this new family to our loving Creator.

I met God-given only once before, when Ernie and I were home for Christmas last December 2007.

The next thing we knew, First Born and God-given were getting married a few months after.

Ever since First Born was a little boy, I had already prayed for the girl who would someday become his wife. Of course, we had no idea who she was going to be. I just prayed from my heart, believing that God would send us someone of His choice.

When First Born was about four years old, I remember reading him the story of Samson. I explained to him that Samson was a man who was set apart for the purposes of God, and yet somehow, he did not keep true to that commitment, and he ended up marrying Delilah. This disobedient act caused Samson to lose his strength. It was only when he decided to repent, and return to God that he received back his anointing of strength. Even though he had become blind, he was determined to honor God at the end of his life, and through his last obedient act, he killed thousands of Philistines. He also died, but he died in honor, and God was glorified.

This story so struck First Born's young heart. He had that look in his eyes, which at that age was so clear, and so full of child like innocence. After a few minutes, I asked him what caused Samson to stray from God's plan.

His answer: "It was because he disobeyed God, Mama."

"And now, my son, what are you thinking of?" was my next question to him.

I will never forget his reply.

"Mama, when I grow up, I will not be like Samson who disobeyed God by marrying Delilah."

We then prayed, and as I put my little First Born son to sleep that night, I prayed another prayer.

"Dear God, honor the prayer of this little boy."


And now, years later, as I look back to that night 25 years ago, I can only say that God has indeed honored the prayer of my little boy.

He gave him a good wife, someone who is God-fearing, definitely God's choice for him and for our family.

Ernie and I got to know God-given only when we were in the Philippines for a two month summer break, May 1 to July 5 of 2008.

God-given was already pregnant at that time with her first baby. Ernie and I did praise God for giving us another daughter. She blended right into our family. There was not much adjusting that needed to be done. When we met her, it felt like we've always known her.

God given is easy to please, she is not demanding. She is hardworking. Having come from a big family, with eight other siblings, she knew how to relate to people.

I will never forget the difficult time she had when she went into labor for nearly 11 hours, only to give birth by Caesarean section at the end. She was really a heroine, as far as I can tell. I was with her till the very end. And she was almost on the verge of giving up, but never did. It was only when the baby was becoming distressed that the doctor decided to do the C-section on her.

I had tears in my eyes as she was being wheeled into the operating room. My heart was full of compassion for this my first born son's wife, for I have come to love her as my own daughter.

As a brand new mom, and one who was recovering from an operation, she stayed up nights and days trying to learn how to breast feed her new baby. How difficult it must have been for her.

I remember asking her when Matthew (Forerunner) was only two days old, "Are you excited about your new baby?"

Her honest reply was, "Mom, before the baby was born I was very excited, but now, I feel quite overwhelmed."

"Will I be able to cope with the tremendous responsibility of raising this baby?" was her unspoken question.

Of course I understood. What new mom will not be overwhelmed with a new life in her hands?

But now, nine months later, I must say that God-given has done very well. Even with a full time job, God-given and her husband have remained committed to their marriage, their family, their baby.

One special memory about God-given is forever etched in my heart -- the time that my dear husband had just passed away on November 23, 2008. It was early dawn and First Born had gone back home to pick up his wife and one month old son from home to bring them to the Emergency Room to say good-bye to their father. My friend Ruby was standing outside waiting for them to arrive, so she could hold the baby. When they came in, God-given quickly ran to where Ernie's body was. Worshiper and I, our dear pastor, Pastor Joe, and a few close friends of mine, were standing around the body. She just cried and cried and cried... She cried for a long time.

She told me later how much she had appreciated being welcomed and made to feel part of our family. She cried so hard because she really felt the deep loss of his presence, she felt that he left too soon. How she wished he could have stayed around longer, for her to get to know him more, and for their son to enjoy the love of a kind-hearted grandfather in his growing up years.

Ernie and I had just gotten back from Thailand six weeks before he died. We were finally back in the Philippines for good after having been in Thailand for a year where my husband worked as a consultant, setting up the International MBA program for Maejo University in Chiang Mai.

God-given's love for Ernie touches my heart each time I remember.

This is my birthday message for God-given:

Happy Birthday, God-given! I thank God for giving you to my son and to our family. You are truly a gift of love to us. I appreciate your kindness, your thoughtfulness, the way you work hard to be a good wife and mother. You think of the needs of your household and your family, even though I know you have a very demanding job. I love your heart that also seeks to grow closer to God.

This is a year of many firsts for you. There are still many lessons to learn the hard way, and I want you to know that as far as I am able, I will be there to support you and be a guiding light for your family.

May you never tire, and never give up, and never become weary. This life is a battle, and Satan will always find ways to wear us down, but I am praying for you and First Born. May you stay loyal and loving to each other, and always look to God as the source of all the provisions that you need for your journey through life.

May you hold on to God through all the seasons of your life. May you discover Him as the God of all your seasons.

I love you very much, and I will never forget that you are truly God-given, in answer to my prayer. Thank you for loving my son, and trying to understand him, and believing in his destiny. I know that the adjustment period is not easy, but thank you for trying, and for being steadfast and committed. Seeing this gives me so much joy.

I pray that you will continue to hold on to God, and get your strength from Him alone.

Here is a song that I know will speak to your heart. I dedicate it to you, and it is my prayer for you as well. May you discover Him as the Faithful One, the One who carries you in His everlasting arms.


Love always,
Mama

THROUGH IT ALL
by Hillsong

You are forever in my life
You see me through the seasons
Cover me with Your hand
And lead me in Your righteousness

And I look to You
And I wait on You

I'll sing to You Lord
A hymn of Love
For Your faithfulness to me
I'm carried in everlasting arms
You'll never let me go
Through it all

You are forever in my life
You see me through the seasons
Cover me with Your hand
And lead me in Your righteousness

And I look to You
And I wait on You

I'll sing to You Lord
A hymn of Love
For Your faithfulness to me
I'm carried in everlasting arms
You'll never let me go

I'll sing to You Lord
A hymn of Love
For Your faithfulness to me
I'm carried in everlasting arms
You'll never let me go
Through it all

Everlasting Father, I love You
Ever living Savior, I love You

Everlasting Father, I love You
Ever living Savior, I love You

I'll sing to You Lord
A hymn of Love
For Your faithfulness to me
I'm carried in everlasting arms
You'll never let me go
Through it all