Over-baked and Crumbled Chicken

The endless headaches from chasing guests for RSVPs to making sure that they got what they asked for was like a time bomb waiting to explode. And with all the other last minute details that need to be attended to, the alarm bells were a sign that perhaps we should keep things simple.

To solve the problem, we decided to adopt the authoritarian style where everyone gets the same thing so that no one has any reason to be difficult. Somewhat unadventurous maybe, but before you start getting all upset about not having your beef or lamb or fish, let's just say we tweaked the rules a little and will be serving you the 'over-baked' and 'crumbled' chicken.

Sorry, but you don't get both types of chicken. Neither is selection an option. Come to think of it, don't you have so much to thank us for now that you have a perfectly valid reason to strike up a conversation with the gorgeous guy or stunning chick seated beside you? Bon appetite!

Enigma Eros

To the writer of Enigma Eros with many thanks for his contribution, involvement and well wishes.

The story of our lives captured in a nutshell

Glimpses into early days of bliss

A lifetime of love and the chime of wedding bells

These were penned by a dear friend who's missed

Forgetting us was the last thing on his mind

For he left but a simple yet meaningful note

Along with a book which he hoped we would find

Enticing enough to keep our excitement afloat

Adieu

We bid farewell to three good buddies within days of each other. All headed for the land of freedom and plenty, their absence will be sorely felt - both in our weekly encounters with them and certainly at our wedding.

But life must go on, and so we send them off with our prayers, best wishes and His abundant blessings as they embark on their respective journeys and endeavours.

You are, of course, most welcome to join us in our celebration if for whatever reason you are heading back here in December! :)

A Reason for Everything

Sometimes it's hard to believe that He gives what He knows is best. When things don't seem to turn out the way we expect them to, the first natural thing to do is to point fingers and look for someone else to blame. The victim always feels victimised, and questions whether the actions of others are neccessary or justified.

'Why me?' we ask. 'It's not fair' becomes our constant complain. Disappointments, set backs, let downs ... inconveniences that are a necessary but uncomfortable process in building stronger roots that will be able to withstand the elements and blows that come our way.

What we often don't realise - or conveniently choose to forget - is that EVERYTHING (the good, the bad and the ugly) happens for a reason. Though we may not see the rationale of it at that time and cannot for the life of us understand why certain things have to happen the way they do, He has allowed them for reasons only known to Him.

For our part, we are just called to wait on Him and move as He leads.

How Much are You Worth?

Having worked on our marriage counselling assignment a few days back, we both realized that our total net worth did not equate to much. It's not surprising as Jo only started working about a year ago and Anderson has all the while been earning a modest wage. To top it off, most, if not all, our earnings are currently being chanelled towards paying off wedding expenses and settling credit card bills.

Yesterday was somewhat of an achievement for us as we purchased our first item of furniture without so much of an argument. We weren't exactly looking for a kitchen table set when we ventured into Ikea, but knew right away that that was what we wanted to get when we laid eyes on it. Though we had to part with some of our hard earned cash, you could say that we are now worth a few hundred ringgit more compared to two days ago.

This is Your House

This is Your house
Father, come and dwell
This is Your house
A holy house of prayer
Where the lost and the lonely
Bring their burdens and their cares
This is Your house
Come and dwell

How apt that we learnt this song at choir practice today. With only a month to go till the new building is completed, His timing could not have been better.

As of today, it is exactly five months to our wedding. And on the scheduled completion date of August 15th, it will be precisely four months; nothing more, nothing less.

A case of mere coincidence? We choose to believe that this is His continued faithfulness towards us and the church at large. Indeed, the new building is Your house ... come and dwell.

Recce

It was an 'auspicious' day indeed - the seventh of july, two thousand and seven. While many other couples around the world were declaring 'till death do us part', we were excitedly checking out our wedding venue to catch a glimpse of what it would look like on the actual day. (Actually, it was more the case of toying with ideas and knowing what NOT to do so that ours doesn't end up looking all gaudy and fru fru!)

In days when things seldom come for free, we were pleasantly surprised when our new found 'kau foo' announced that he would throw in a couple of AV requirements for us for naught :) Amazing how He chooses to bless and how He has always proven to be faithful in providing for our needs. It was a worthwhile trip for sure, and we left the place happy and contented, knowing that the pieces of the jigsaw are slowly being pieced together to form a complete picture.

Manathai Village

Three weeks of waiting and a phone call overseas finally paid off when we received a confirmation for our hotel booking in Chiang Mai yesterday. Somewhat disappointed after our initial choice of accomodation was not available, we stumbled upon this charming hotel located a stone's throw away from the night bazaar where we plan to do our Christmas shopping :)

With our lodging sorted out and air tickets in check, it looks like we're all set for our post-wedding holiday. One more item crossed off the checklist and one thing less to worry about as we draw nearer the big day. Let's hope Manathai Village is all that it claims it is ... and more.

Almost There ...

If all goes well, the new church building should be up and running by the time December 15 comes around. The estimated completion date is scheduled for August, but of course, this could change at any time given the numerous factors involved in getting the place ready. While we sit and wait for more positive news, here are some pictures to give you a sneak peek on what we hope will be our wedding venue.

Flowers Galore

Calla Lily, Japanese Golden Ray Lily, Tiger Lily or Oriental Lily? Barbeton Daisy, Gerbera Daisy, Ghostly Daisy or Hilton Daisy? Pink, white, red, purple Sweet Williams or the variegated patterned ones?

Which ones make lovely corsages but are no where near suitable as bouquets? Will those that seem perfect as centrepieces also look good as reception decor? Which arrangement style should we choose - planter box, garden bucket, flower stand or floral arch?

It's strange how planning for the floral decorations can sometimes give us a mini crash course in identifying what's what and learning how to put two and two together. Next, a crash course in floral arrangement?