Key dates through the eyes of God

[Posted by Justin]

I would like to share with you all what Eileen and I just found out last night while we were chatting about Archangel Raphael. I wondered when is Archangel Raphael's Feast Day and so I checked on the internet and we were surprised when we looked at the dates. 

So when we put down the key dates of our marriage and our baby Raphaelle, this is what we got.

• Our Proposal Date: 29 Sept 2002 (Roman Rite, Feast Day of Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael)
• Our Wedding Date: 8 Nov 2003 (Eastern Orthodox Rite, Feast Day of Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael)
• Raphaelle's Conception Date: 1 Nov 2013 (All Saints Day)
• Found out that Eileen is pregnant date: 13 Nov 2013 (Justin's Father's Birthday)
• Baby Raphaelle's Estimated Date of Delivery: 26 Jul 2014 (St Anne's Feast Day)

Looks like God had a plan and the Archangels were there looking out for us in our marriage. God is there all this while when we look at the key dates through the eyes of God.

The day has finally arrived! Or maybe not yet? :-)

[posted by Justin]

We just finished our gynae visit and baby Raphaelle may go past full-term of 40 weeks. As there are no signs of labour yet, the gynae has scheduled the next visit to see him next Saturday. Thank you for your support and prayers.

On High Alert!

[Posted by Justin]

Eileen and I have packed our 'hospital bags',  and this week we are on 'high alert' for any signs of contraction. Haha. Just like any 1st time parents. I know alot of people are affected by our situation and their faith in God are severely tested. I believe that everything happens for a reason and God won't give us a challenge that is too big for us to overcome.

I would like to share with you a passage from 1 Peter 1:6-7.

"In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the proven genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Eileen and I are grateful for the support and prayers from our family, friends, colleagues and BSC parishioners. It will be tough times ahead but we will come through it. Thanks for your support and prayers. Appreciate it.

Jeremiah 29:11

[posted by Justin]

We had heavy breakfast at Tiong Bahru this morning after mass, so we decided to have dessert @ Domani Cafe for lunch. Brownies obsession, cheesecake and cappucino. Then there was this bible passage written on the chalkboard:

Jeremiah 29:11

I know well the plans I have in mind for you - oracle of the Lord - plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.

Looks like God is 'stalking' us. ;-)

Remain united with Him!

A reflection done during our catechist meeting today:
(taken from Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer, authored by Sr Sandra Seow, Verbum Dei SG)

Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus said, 'Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.'

Come
Jesus has just one word for us today. Come!
His love always bids us to come and never go away. His hands stretch out to us, wanting to give us his rest, his inner peace. Many times, when we pray this passage, we have certain resistances. We think that Jesus should then remove all problems we have in our lives. We then look at all the unpaid bills, the boss who keeps finding fault, the spouse who is always not at home, the children who are demanding and the stream of endless problems. We simply find it hard to believe the words of Jesus. Jesus will not remove our past, present and future difficulties. He tells us, ' Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest.'

Difficulties and hardships are part and parcel of life. We will always have them, but we will also always have Jesus with us. He gives us strength, courage, peace, and love to go on.

There is a writing that goes like this:
'I asked God to take away my temptation. God said, 'No, It is not for me to take away but for you to give it up.' I asked God to make my handicapped child well. God said, 'No. Her spirit is whole. Her body is only temporary.' I asked God to give me patience. God said, 'No. Patience is a by-product of tribulations. It isn't granted. It is earned.' I asked God to give me happiness. God said, 'No, I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.' I asked God to spare me pain. God said, 'No, Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.' I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, 'No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune to make you fruitful.' I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, 'No. I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.' I asked God to help me love others, as much as He loves me. God said, 'Ahhh,..finally you have the idea.' Jesus calls out to us with just one word, 'Come'

Do we go to Him so that we can find real rest? Or do we walk away from Him?

When we go to Jesus, He makes us see things, people, and events, even ourselves with eyes of faith, i.e., with God's eyes. From Him, we live a life of true inner peace, even in the midst of our storms. Let us stay close to Jesus and remain united with Him!

Baby Raphaelle turned head down :-)

[posted by Eileen]

Just finished our gynae appointment. The good news is, baby Raphaelle turned head down position! She is no longer in the breech position!! That will definitely make my natural delivery process much easier!

After the last appointment when she was still in the breech position, Justin and I constantly talked to our little girl for the past 3 weeks to ask her to help Mummy to have a smooth delivery when the time comes. Such a good girl she is, she listened and she turned! Praise the Lord!