FINALLY!

After months of preparation and the full force support of my loving family and friends...I AM MARRIED!

Introducing *drumroll* Mr. & Mrs. TJ & Neth Ermitano!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone!

First of all...God, thank you for preserving Neth for me...thank you for your Word that gave us the means to grow...thank you for grace that sustains us...thank you for mercy that gives more chances than we deserve...thank you for your divine provision during our "NO WATER" tests...thank you for providing us a church where in Doctrine is not watered down..thank you for our Pastor and his family for loving us unconditionally and personally!

To my parents and in-laws...thank you for raising us up as unto the Lord. For all the hard work you have put forth during those years we were under your care and authority. Thank you for making us come to church even though we didn't feel like it. Thank you for not sparing the "rod" and making us feel loved even in discipline. Thank you for not being perfect...and allowing you weaknesses to still teach us grace. Thank you for being there for us even though we sometimes forget to acknowledge you. Thank you for consistently loving us...despite our shortcomings and stubbornness. Thank you Dad, Mom, Tay, Nay...for everything!

To our siblings...thank you for being patient! Thank you for going with us on our food trips. We are blessed that you have been there for us through thick and thin. Eunice...I personally thank you for respecting me despite the times when I don't deserve it. Thank you for being patient with me during my phlegmatic days...you are a Godsend in our family...you will be a good wife someday. Steph...thank you for trusting me with your private and personal life...I know I have so many short comings, but I'm blessed to be called "Kuya" every single time. Your strengths may be different from your ate and me, but God has called you to be great! enjoy life but take on your responsibilities. Tan...thank you for taking care of your nanang...I will take care of her always and will be glad to be officially called your KUYA. You are blessing to you nanang...and to me as well. Pursue your dreams...you are bound to be successful. Ate Nerl...we have known each other for so long...yet we have not been that close...but during these past months, I have seen your love for family. I know that you always mean well...and I have high respect for that. I love you and thank you for being Neth's ate!

To my extended family...I LOVE YOU ALL! Tito Arnold...thank you for the unceasing support you have been showing me and my family. I am grateful to be your nephew. I will gladly repay you with many grand-nephews! Tito Junior...your support for me is on a whole new level...you have showed me the meaning of kindness like no other...you are a very unique individual and your son and daughter are blessed to have you lead them. Joane and Jonathan...cousins are always the best kind of friends we will ever have...and I thank you for your love, support and company! We may not always be together...but I know we speak the same language of grace. I'm glad that you both are growing in grace...continue the path...you will always be in out prayers.

To our other family...thank you! Kuya Don...you have been a silent supporter all through out...we are blessed to be showered by your short yet exact to the point words of wisdom. We appreciate your artistic side that contributed to the all in all perfectness of our wedding...thank you ninong! Ate Ce...thank you for giving everything you've got to our wedding. We have seen the stress you've gone through and I pray that God would repay you a million times over. Thank you for sharing your dinner time with us...this is something we will treasure forever. Your kindness and grace to me and Neth will be something we will always be grateful for. Thank you for loving Neth and being with her even before we became a couple. Thank you ninang for all your hardwork...loveyou! Benok and Oneng...or onemeg according to mommy...thank you! You have been our brothers from another mother...we enjoy the time we have spent together...and we are looking forward in spending more time with you in the future! Study hard...love your parents...and never stop studying God's Word! Salamat Ruiz Family...wag kayong magalala...aalagaan ko ang inyong prinsesa! :)

Pastor Hooge and Family...Thank you! You have always considered us as part of the family...and we are thankful! Pastor...thank you for officiating and making the ceremony meaningful. I was blessed by every part...thank you for standing beside me, not just during the whole ceremony, but during my spiritual journey. I am always grateful to be under you teaching ministry. Ma'am Hooge...thank you for being our second mother. Your guidance is and will always be a part of our lives...you have trained us so...we owe our melancholic and musical side to you! We will always look up to you. Kuya Philip...Joe...thanks for everything! staying for the wedding means a lot for me and Neth...I never had a kuya...so, thanks for being one! See you next NSC! Ate Paula...thank you for blessing us with your presence and being part of the ceremony. You were AWESOME! I still get goosebumps when I remember how you sang the first line! Thank you! Kuya Perry...wish you and Mindy could have been there...praying for you always! See you soon! :)

To our ninong and ninangs...thank you for gracing the event! We are blessed that you have accepted our invitation to not just attend the event, but be part of our married lives! We will keep you in our prayers. We love you!

To my bestman and Neth's maid of honor...thank you for taking care of us! Dre...you and your family has always been a blessing to us...words cannot explain how much I appreciate you...kaya, kita na lang tayo sa office sa monday...mag pupush tayo! :) Mist...thank you for the friendship you and neth have that bled over to me :) Kung tutuusin, saling-ket-ket lang talaga ako...but you have always considered me as a long time friend...thank you! Libre kita tanglad juice next time!

To our friends...thank you! Kathleen & BJ...thank you for emceeing and coordinating the ceremony! We are praying for you and BJ always. Lourd & Lovely...thank you for the wonderful music...we have been blessed! Edmark...sorry if you were forgotten during the ceremony...di sinasadya...buti na lang narinig ka parin namin! Thank you! Mr. Bayhon...dude...thanks for gracing the event and playing beautiful music...i'm always blessed by your musical talent! Jayvee...the food was magnificent! You have made our guests ask for seconds...good job! Ate lulut...my loves...kahit kasal na ako, tatawagin parin kitang my loves...you have moved us with your rendition of PANUNUMPA...thank you!

To every one else I forgot to mention...THANK YOU!

I think this will do for now...again...thank you everyone! See you all in while!

*HONEYMOON MODE*

Entry #21: the countdown begins

10 days and counting...

I can't put into words the feelings I have at this very moment. I understand how undeserving I am to be in this grace-filled situation...yet, God has been so loving and merciful that blessings are coming from all directions. I am so grateful for second chances in my walk with Jesus...this allowed me to get a clearer and fresher perspective about life. There will always be that panic, worry and fear option...but because of grace, I understand that I am made to choose wisely according to my understanding of His plan for my life and the life of the person I will be marrying.

There's still a lot of things needed to accomplish in the span of 10 days...so I would like to request that you would remember us in your prayers. We are expecting a barrage of miracles in our lives as we journey towards the start of God's plan for our life together.

10 days more!

 

Entry #20: how beautiful

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder...well, I beg to differ. I think that true beauty is never relative. It is an absolute fact based on the integrity of a person.

From the beginning, nothing in me can be considered beautiful til God the Father adopted me into His family through my acceptance of Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. Since then, my position has changed for the better. I am now a child of God. My beauty is now dependent on my Savior who bought me with a price.

25 days from now, I will be marrying the most beautiful person I know. Someone who has also accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior. From that moment on, we will be making beautiful things together for the glory of God. I cannot wait for the day when God will allow our beauty as believers to radiate over people we minister to.

Entry #19: mixed emotions

Hectic last minute preparations on one hand...pure overpowering excitement on the other! No doubt that a lot of emotions are involved during these last few days before we publicly declare our "I Do's." There are still a lot of things to do...but all is well, because God's mercies are renewed every morning!

As we cross the 30-day mark, I can truly say that there is no turning back. I have well decided to love you, be with you, support you and grow old with you till the time that death will temporarily break our union. It is such a blessing to have you as my wife...and will forever be grateful to God for preserving you all these years.

Thank you Pag for bearing with me...can't wait to see you at the altar!

Loveyou!

Entry#18: when God continued our love story

I will never get tired of telling everyone how God's grace became the turning point of our relationship. It was not us who worked things out for the better...It was and always will be God. Everything we are and everything we are enjoying right now is all because of God's grace. With that said, I am confident in the hope that we both have in Him...so there is no point for us (especially me) to get stressed out with our wedding preparations. The important thing is that we have prepared spiritually, mentally and emotionally for the marriage more than the wedding. If God could show so much love and grace in our lives individually, what more when we fulfill God's plan for us corporately...as a divinely instituted body...ready for God's work!

Honestly, the source of my stress comes from my desire to make sure everything runs smoothly and perfectly...fit for my future queen...but then, I realized that you are God's princess even before I entered the picture...and whatever He deems to be right for you and me, I have to learn to accept...after all, His standards are waaaaaaaaaay better than mine.

Three months and counting...I don't know what will happen after the 28th of October...but one thing I am very very sure of...it will be the continuation of His love and grace story for us!

Amazing grace...it will always sound so sweet!

I love you Pag!

Entry #17: Monotonous vs. Consistent

It's been a while since I've posted a keso chronicle...some people were already asking me if I've forgotten all about it...Honestly, I didn't...It was just hard to express something to you that wasn't new anymore...I was avoiding a monotonous relationship where I tend to repeat the same promises and vows over and over again. I was afraid that I might get boring and uninteresting to you. I felt like I was losing the kilig factor...until I realized that our lives are starting to shift into a different mode. A mode that demanded repetition and routines...a life that will need consistency in all aspects. A life that is never really dependent on KILIG moments, but on absolute truth...a life that will officially start on the 28th of October.

True love is never dictated by emotions, but by truths that we accept everyday. I love you because I know for a fact that God made me to love you and connect with you in all aspects...physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually...God has been preparing us even in eternity past. Truth will never fade away...therefore, true love will never expire...It is the perception of that love that is important. That is where consistency becomes very important. The everyday reminder of that love is needed....unconditional love that can overcome any bitterness and pettiness.

Don't confuse monotony with consistency...a monotonous relationship has no purpose, no meaning, no goals...a consistent relationship is driven by a bigger purpose...in our case, it's more than just "NOT being Single" It's the opportunity to experience the best kind of love God has planned out for us. It's living a life that is set apart from the world...it is partnering with someone who shares the same ideals and set of standards that I have...it's offering our lives for God's ministry...wherever and whenever.

I may not be as sweet and cheezy as before...but one thing I am willing to assure you, I will always try my very best to be consistent...

I love you Pag!

Entry #16: unexpectedly pleasant

Sour green mango ice cream topped with sweet and salty bagoong! A delictable pair prepared in an unusual manner...that's the reason you enjoyed every part of it! 

This reminded me of us in the begining of our relationship. We were jiving unusually well despite having the same weaknesses in personality. It only proves that God has already matched us up in eternity past for each other.people might disagree with us, but we found a middle ground...JESUS!

We might not be the perfect couple.
.but we did turn out unexpectedly alright!

Loveyou

Entry #15: Growing Pains

Every relationship will experience a bumpy ride...I know we did...and we still do...and yet by God's grace, you're still there, I'm still here and we're still together. I can't explain why but I think I know how it became possible.

One of the principles that stuck with me all throughout my Christian life is this: Adversity is inevitable but stress is optional. The only reason we become so stressed out in life is because we chose to let outside adversities penetrate our soul. So the peace that we once had from Jesus that exceeds our understanding is gone...and everything in life has that bitter taste of dissatisfaction...church, family, career and even our personal life. But all that can change...but we have to actively choose to make it happen in accordance with the absolute truth of the Word of God.

When we decided to get married...a lot of things needed to happen first. I needed to talk to my parents then ask your parents for your hand and give them the assurance that I have no intentions of hurting you...piece-of-cake...but as we became more committed to the task, complications started to arise. What seemed easy at first became scary and extremely difficult along the way...but as the saying goes "kung gusto, may paraan...kung ayaw, may dahilan!" Either I grow some balls or I will lose you...obviously, the latter was not an option! You know what went down...you were there when I came out all bruised and broken from the inside...you cried, we cried but we survived...it was then that I realized that God did not promise a painless Christian way of living...He just said that nothing can harm us! Just like Job...God allowed all the unpleasant things to happen, but then in the end...it served a greater purpose...one that led Job into a place of utmost contentment in life.

Whatever pain and struggles we are experiencing right now is just the beginning of the journey God has mapped out for us. I have my share of failures...and I'm not proud of them...but I rejoice in the fact that we have been given the grace and love to get up and get on the right track.

Thank you pag for still being willing to spend your lifetime with me despite the fact of facing more growing pains in the future.

loveyou!

Entry#14: Freedom

True freedom requires the ability to choose...options are therefore needed to legitimize the existence of freedom. You might be wondering where I'm headed with this...just wait, I'm just starting to kesofy my point.

Freedom should always be balanced with the right amount of authority...too much freedom will bring confusion and lawlessness...too much authority will result to tyranny! The right balance will depend on how well we let God influence our lives with His Word!

Now here's my point...

Without freedom, it would have been impossible for us to be together...but because God gave us freewill to choose what we think is best for us, I was given the privilege to develop my relationship with you. There were times when our freedom were giving us ideas that were not really approved by God's standards and yet He never did step in. God wanted us to reach certain realizations on our own based on the absolute authority He provided. Authority that is never imposing yet absolute in its nature - God's word!

We are free to love each other or not...I'm glad we did! And as long as I'm alive, God's Word will always protect that freedom.

Loveyou pag!

Entry #13: The Much Awaited "I DO"

I can't really explain what I feel whenever I'm reminded of the fact that in a few months, our lives will be altered and we will be united under a divinely ordained institution. Love and grace will be the ultimate policy and in no circumstance should we fail to reconsider mercy and forgiveness.

Accepting the responsibility of being a better half the moment we say "I Do" will be a tall order. Two sin natures under one roof, all the time, will be a challenge in itself. However, God has provided so much promises in His Word that will always get us through.

I feel like I will never be ready for marriage...that's why I always pray that God would give me the courage to lead you! Whenever I am confronted by my past sins and my old sin nature would battle for control over our relationship, I always go back to this:

RESOLUTION TO BE COURAGEOUS
SIGNED AUGUST 3, 2012

I, Timothy Jonsel S. Ermitaño, a bachelor betrothed to my best friend, do solemnly commit to the ethical, moral and spiritual aspect of this resolution. I am acting on my own accord with confidence that God, Who has begun His work in me, will be faithful to complete His purpose in my life. Failure to adhere to the set standards of this resolution is a result of my unwilling and unfaithful condition. Grace is the seal of this resolution for I understand that nothing in me can ever get me through this code of conduct. I am a product of God's mercies and grace...I am therefore lifting my hands as a sign of my submission to His sovereign will. By God's loving kindness and compassion...I will set my heart to what is right...facing my fears...contending the faith...loving my future wife...and protecting my family...knowing that Jesus Christ is my rock and salvation in whom I can be COURAGEOUS.

I DO is never a passive promise...it should always be active...with much passion and conviction. So as we wait for that moment of exchanging vows...I pray that we stay active in growing in grace...

four months and counting

loveyou

Entry #12: What Matters Most

This is what stabilized us in our relationship together...the prioritizing of doctrine! I'm always moved to tears whenever I see your piles of doctrinal notes...I feel so blessed to have someone acknowledge God's Word more than anything else.

I have found my calling in ministry...and I don't think there's anything else God wants me to do...I was born to teach and preach! So when I see you, out of your own free will, push yourself into the study of God's Word...I get goose bumps! The feeling of overwhelming happiness cannot be fully explained with words...it's just...GRACE!

It's easy to answer what matters most...it's acknowleding it that really counts! Honestly, you matter to me...but I never realized it till doctrine mattered more!

Love is selfish according to the world's standards...but the moment doctrine fixed my messed up perception, it became clear that the pursuit of happiness starts with God who causes all things to work for good.

We became possible because once in our life, we pursued and ran after what mattered most!

Entry #11: Imperfect & Unstable

Perfection demands sustainable consistency...alterations are unacceptable. Stability depends on clarity of direction...no matter what happens, we push forward! We try our best to achieve perfection & stability yet we always fall short...and that's when grace enters the picture.

I'm soooo far from perfect but you still consider what I have to say, I'm more unstable than anyone we know, yet you lean on me for answers. There are no logical explanation for this...but God knows how you would complement me.

Sorry pag...for all the times you get hurt by my imperfect and unstable self. I can never promise not to do it again..but I will commit myself in making things as light and pleasurable for you...

Loveyou

Entry #10: Unusual Pair

Who would've thought that Mama Mouse would fall for Grandpa Tom?

Even in real life, our personalities would seldom complement and yet we find contentment in what we have. Most people have been skeptic in our first year...but God has proven them wrong. We've found our common ground...and that's God!

Every time we surrender our expectations and desires under the sovereign will of God, everything changes. We understand each other more...we become more considerate about each other...and conversations become more meaningful. The beauty of our relationship is directly affected by how we relate to God. The level of appreciation we have for each other is solely dependent on the gratitude we have for God's word in our lives. And the best realization ever is that we love each other because we chose to love Him more.

I love you Nenita...because I chose to love you...and my choice to love you is motivated by God's love and grace. I don't have the perfect kind of love that would complete you...but I do have the kind of love that would complement you. When something out of the ordinary becomes possible, it's all because of God. So now, when you think about it...we're not so unusual after all!

Loveyou

Entry #9: Package Deal

Someone told me before that when you marry someone, you marry the family...well, I see it more like a package deal!

Choosing to love requires great emotional foresight and spiritual responsibility. I may easily click with you...but I had to take the necessary step to be OK with your family. When I decided to commit my life to love you with the maximum capacity love that I have, it meant full and all out support to you and everyone you care about. As stitch clearly taught us - "ohana is family, and family never gets left behind"

When I look at where we are now...I thank God for blessing us with siblings who love us and gets along with each other just fine...they may never be best of friends...but they are family!

Your family's not perfect, my family isn't either...and that's the beauty of it all! I'm not aspiring for the perfect family...but a God fearing one...like how we were taught! And I think that's the reason why your brother and my sisters can find a common ground of respect and care!

So on October, expect grace to package our families together for the glory of God!

Loveyou

Entry #8: Out of the Ordinary

BABALA! Ang sumusunod na mga katagang inyong mababasa ay sobra-sobra sa ka-kesohan! Striktong patnubay sa pagtaob ng sikmura ay kinakailangan!

The day started out like any ordinary day...I stood at the usual pick up point ahead of schedule but this time, no one was holding my hand...no one was checking my uniform...no one was reminding me of my stuff...it felt strange entering the van without you. No one holding my arm...telling me to move closer...it was soooo different.

At devotions, no one was playing candy crush beside me while waiting for the speaker to start. It was out of the ordinary. 

Today was the planned alabang shuttle big breakfast day...everyone were enjoying their bountiful portions of sinangag, spam, bacon, egg, daing and pandesal...while I was missing your company. I never did take my second break...what's the point when you're not around!

Today was out of the ordinary...maybe God wanted me to miss you more...well God, I think I got the point...can you bring my pag back?

Pag...hope you feel all better tomorrow...I did miss you sooooo much! Loveyou..
See you tomorrow!

Entry #7: Enjoying life in the slow lane

Everything nowadays are fast paced. Food served below the acceptable standard is criticized not for it's flavor but the speed it got to your table...instant is the "in thing" from coffee to relationships.

I'm proud to be a 90's kid...I got a piece of everything...from the joy of playing SHATO in the great outdoors to the ever advanced game console then - The Family Computer! As a kid...I learned to enjoy a little bit of everything...just like how I enjoy a little bit of everything about you now!

Some people tell me we're not prepared...sometimes I think so too...but then God has purposely slowed us down...and I think it's to enjoy what we have now so that we can have capacity to enjoy each other more when we're together. I still think we're a long way from being prepared...eventually, we'll get there! Let's just enjoy the slow and long journey!

Loveyou

Entry #6: Dead tired with a busted pinky

Today was a challenge for the both of us! Along with the desire to lose weight comes hardwork and aching body parts! Joining the tchoukball training was a challenge in itself...but we survived day one! All we need is to be consistent.

Sorry for the busted pinky...I know it hurts...but I'm proud of you! For someone who lacks eye and hand coordination, you handled the passing drills well! Kiss ko na lang...kahit alam nating di gumagana yun!

We may be dead tired...but I have no regrets! It was different going through the whole training ordeal knowing that you're with me!

Loveyou...

Entry #5: Simple Joys

Rice + Adobong atay ng manok = happy neth!

I love it when I see people enjoying themselves with everything life has to offer...especially you! You give the most wonderful, sincere and cutest expression of gratitude and utmost pleasure towards the simplicity of life!

It is you whou taught me to appreciate the little good things that God has allowed in our lives. They are there for a purpose.

So thankyou...for sharing your simple joys with me...

LOVEYOU!

Entry #4: Anywhere and Everywhere

We don't like to go out much, but when we do, it could be anywhere and everywhere! The place is not the main thing...it's the fact of being with you! So whether it's in the mall, an elegant resto or just a kwek-kwek stand along the street...I'm all for it...as long as you're with me!

In a few months, my anywhere will be your anywhere...and your everywhere will be my my everywhere. 

Can't wait!!!

Entry #3: Faithful Prayer Partner

Thank you pag for always being my faithful prayer partner every Wednesday night. Thank you for being considerate in leading our prayer time because I'm too tired to speak after teaching for an hour...I enjoy listening to your every word...I always feel the sincerity of your prayer. God has blessed you with a good heart. I'm glad that you are mine.

You don't know it, but I always think about you during our prayer time! I silently thank God for the gift of love and forgivenes that you always show me! 

So pag...please don't get tired of me as your silent prayer partner...

Entry #2: Sacrifice

I love my part in ministry...not just in church but also in work. God postioned me very well that I can be used in both...but the time I spend in ministry eats up most of my waking hours. I sometimes fear the effects in can have in my relationship with you. But eversince, you've always understood my position and your position.

You've always supported me from the very beginning, even before we had this big outreach in Las Piñas. You never did compete with ministry, but always found a way for us to have a special moment in the busy-ness of everything.

Just like this bus ride we had going back to manila from pangasinan after a week of NSC madness! You went there in the middle of convention and stayed for two days on your own expense...and the only time I got to spend with you is this bus ride home...you never complained...you even said it was worth it...*haaaaay*

Thank you...for all the sacrifice pag! Your efforts are always appreciated but sadly, seldom reciprocated...but all that will change...believe me...I plan to change!

God entrusted me to love you...it's time I do my part well!

Keso Chronicles: The Beginning!

I know that you've been enduring my dull and unromantic side for quite some time now and an apology would not suffice the extent of damage left by my apathetic self. So let me redeem myself...i'll court you again...I wan't us to spend the remaining months of our unwedded lives with excitement in knowing that the rest will be spent together...forever! So get ready Pag...uulan ng keso! Loveyou!