ABSTRACT

Just about my whole heart wrapped around a tiny being. Nine months of this together, we are getting there, love. ♡

Not flowers. Not chocolates. Not a fancy dinner.

Here I am in my seemingly weakest state, carrying a child in my womb, counting the days before I can [probably] get rid of these body pains and at least walk and lay on my back comfortably.

And yet here I am full of praise and joy in my heart, waiting for a promise to be held in my arms.

But also beyond that is a heart full of love, answered prayer, and endless gratitude for this one person I have held hand in hand for quite a time now– my husband.

In a span of eight roller coaster months, I’ve seen this man turn into the best husband, and an even better father– already. He wasn’t merely a spectator in this pregnancy, waiting for the ball to pop to start becoming a dad, no. He’s been there from the beginning– aiding, listening, praying, crying with me. Every difficulty has been made easy. Every pain, bearable. Every long wait, a season of joy and thanksgiving. He has been faithful to point me back to God everytime I felt anxious and doubtful of myself. He has been everything I needed in this slow, self-denying journey.

I am blessed to have a husband who declares victory after victory, especially when I can’t see clearly through my fogged pregnant state. One who takes the first step before I do, who cleans up to allow me to rest, who willingly runs errands even before I ask of them, who does chores because I feel heavy, who leads our prayer time and speaks of the right words. I am blessed to not have done this alone, to have been truly partnered and supported. And now in the last few weeks of carriage, I would say we will have conquered this mountain and finished strong– both physically and in faith, because we have each other and God is above us. This marriage, this wonderful irreplaceable love, is the best thing I could ever ask for in this lifetime.

Thank You, Jesus. This is all grace.

*Oh, and happy 8th months married, loml. ♡

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." - Jn. 8:31

A day of new beginnings, this was.

What an honor and privilege it is to be loved and deemed righteous by my Heavenly King! Indeed, no words can fully encapsulate all the emotions that sprung during those two days of retreat. All my sins washed away and myself freed from all my guilt and shame-- how could anyone ever pour such mercy and grace? But then again, HE isn't just anyone. HE is Jesus, our Hope, our Redeemer, our Grace, who, without His undying love, we would still be dead in our transgressions. He doesn't define me by my past, nor by my future sins. I am certain I will never be consumed because His mercies are new every morning, and He does not falter. It is truly by grace alone that I have been saved, not by my works; but it is a GIFT from God.

The old has gone, the new has come!

I am very grateful for my Victory Cebu family: our church leaders, Victory group, volunteers, and friends who have guided and prayed with and for us this season. And this weekend had been made even more special having to experience this unfathomable gift with my husband, our little one, and my parents! Another answered prayer highlighted in my mental gallery, a core memory no one can ever replace. God is so good, that when He declares victory, He declares it so strongly and generously.

I am enormously blessed, and so I shall continue to extend this blessing to everyone. Thank You, Jesus!🤍

He's never failed me yet

My heart and my soul confess

God is my confidence

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. (Psalms 20:4)

Spent the first day of the year aligning our faith goals for 2024 and surrendering them all to God in prayer and petition, of course over coffee, in a beautifully curated place. This has been an annual habit we've established over the years and I am very much blessed to have a spiritual partner who walks with me in Christ. This is definitely one thing we'll pass on and do with our little bubbers! One God-willing day at a time.

Guiding Devotional:

Throwback to this very special trip to Clark for these beautiful beautiful reasons---

~this super nostalgic place is where Karlos & I met and instantly turned into the best of friends!🫂

~this trip happened on our 2nd month as husband & wife, and just 2 weeks after we discovered we were expecting our precious little plus one!🥹

~this was our first time to come together without any of us still working here👷👷‍♀️

~God allowed for this smooth and safe trip when I was supposedly advised for bed rest ❤️‍🩹

Christmas is made extra special this year, it being our first to celebrate together, first as husband and wife, and with our most precious gift~ our little boy! God is so gracious in all ways, always at the right time. Thank You, Jesus, for the gift of life, salvation, and family!❤️🙌🏼

Merry Christmas to all, from the Recios!🎄✨️🫶🏽

Few of the non-traditional stuff we did during the wedding that made us reeaaally happy~

1. NO hashtag!! (personal choice and super no regrets! 😇)

2. Mixed bride & groom squad (celebrated with our very own mains, male or female💕)

3. Couples of honor (because they come as one~ our accountability partner couples!🥹😍)

4. First look and first prayer (the best part!!! Our personal time with only us -- Karlos, myself, and God. 🙏🏼🤍)

5. Unannounced engagement and wedding preps (unapologetically the best decision we've made leading to our wedding day~ peaceful, intimate, spirit-filled, and extra special✨️)

When in Batangas~

I love it when my body decides to release happy hormones. This whole week has been no less than weighty— with work, side hustle, study, and work (yes, the emphasis). On top of it all, I've been suffering from an imbalanced body clock and an abnormally aching back. And yet, in spite of all the distress, I've delighted in every [early] waking day, and have grown excited over every deliverable. This obviously isn't my typical response to this kind of overdose, but I'm oddly glad and even more grateful about this sunken pleasure.

I know that ultimately, all these strength and ability are not from myself, and I'm growing eager to boast because the weaker I am, the stronger I become in and through Christ. I have learned to rely on Him better, and it feels oh so good!

The hush on the streets after a long busy day

The rash blow of wind on my face

The warmth of your arms around me, so fly

That sudden high

Oh, for the rest of my life

I'm entirely delighted spending (and looking forward to) every Sunday now at the church! The Lord had spoken to me twice last February to attend physical service now that the Covid restrictions have phased down. And I'm glad I listened and obeyed!

For a whole week of tedious toil, Sundays have all the more become my sanctuary of peace, especially amid my desolation. As Pastor Cesar emphasized-- even when we find our lives shambling, we shall never lose hope as our present is merely a preparation for the eternal! It is not our destination, hence when we feel the discomfort, rejoice, for we are on our way to growth and victory.

Oh, we do not deserve this-- not an inch-- we, defiled humans! But Jesus made us worthy! His grace saved us, yet still, this is our portion-- to have FAITH expressed in OBEDIENCE.

Obey even when everything seems like a blur. Obey in the season of waiting. Obey after receiving what has been earnestly prayed for.

Obedience is not circumstantial. Obedience is our reverence and worship to our faithful Father, so is a constant choice to make. Obedience shows we trust our Creator, Provider, Healer; that we are honoring the grace that has been freely given to us through His Son, Jesus.

Every day is a revelation of God's compassion, and it is during Sabbath that we are able to indulge deeply and appreciate these truths. I am happy that we are now able to attend the physical Sunday service and join in the communal worship. Refreshed and best-rested.

And it's a plus that we're doing this together as a couple now, with an aftermath of sermon revisit and an exchange of personal reflections over a cup of coffee. I am praying for an increasing thirst for Christ everyday!

Even if it doesn't seem like it, I'm all made up, hair well tied, and dressed comfortably. And it's not for any special occasion, I just wanted to do a good fix for myself once in a while, especially today— a day I strongly felt the urge to take a good rest. A weekday Sabbath. A peaceful time with the Lord. So I took a work leave, off from my daily mental battles.

I got myself a hot tea in the middle of this summer heat (well the AC was blasted, you know it). Partly reading, partly writing, jotting down every bullet I took from God's Word— this is actually the first day this week without a rush of tears down my cheeks. I felt an immeasurable flow of peace, instead, filling every corner of my senses. I knew I needed this break.

...for God grants rest to those he loves. (Psalms 127:2)

I met with a good friend, who I share my spiritual journey with. We talked for hours over coffee, sparing no second without the Holy Spirit. Relationships, career, discomfort, dreams, unsanswered prayers— all these are best shared and taken on with a compassionate sister in the Lord.

If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. (Ecclesiastes 4:10)

I was able to run my personal errands, too! I went to process bank stuff, and finally a pamper-time at the derm clinic. I'd say today was holistically breathed and God-willed!

I don't regret skipping work just to take care of myself.

Thank You, Lord, for the grace that sustains me. ♡

V-day hacks:

Late lunch date when restaus have minimal to zero customers (very thankful for our jobs that enable us to be this flexy🙏🏼)

To-go dinner at home to avoid traffic 💁‍♀️

Gifts that are useful for home decor 😅