45: Three Firsts in One Day

Chocolat

MOA, PH

August 25, 2012

Project: Food and Thoughts No. 45

There were three firsts on this day. One of them is going to Chocolat at the Mall of Asia. It was my first time to dine there. 

Saturday was about to end. Jem, Sugar and I were all starting to get sleepy after a long day but couldn't let the day end just yet despite not getting enough sleep. We all came from a Friday evening shift.We needed coffee and sugar rush.

Photo from Jem.

The second first was our The Mall of Asia Eye ride experience. This was opened to the public late last year. We didn't really plan on giving in. I know I have mentioned wanting to get on this once in the past but we have immediately dismissed it as we thought P150 for a 15-min ride may not be worth it. We found vacant seats outside a restaurant just across. We spent probably an hour talking about all sorts of things while watching the Eye turn and people take their turns...until we finally decided to take our own turn.

It was a short 15-minute fun but with friends like Jem and Sugar? It was worth it!

Photo from Jem.

The third first was very special to me. This day was also the day Jem opened his home to us. Home refers to his family. It was his nephew's first birthday and he invited us to attend it. Jem doesn't do this all the time and I have very high regard for his reasons. Family is private. It is probably the most vulnerable part of everyone, so hearing him invite me for the very first time to see his mom, sisters, nephews and nieces was music to my ears. I felt like he was opening up a very special part of himself.

Without an iota of doubt, I said YES despite not knowing how I will manage my schedule that day. Sugar felt the same way.

We finally got to meet his very accommodating mom who invited us to come see them again. Most of all, I got to meet this very sweet, smart boy named Sean.For a very short time that we were together, we talked about the alphabet; counted 1 to 10; enumerated names of his friends; talked about his new clothes, Tito Jay, his little brother, Khriestan; and reviewed the alphabet sign language.

Photo from Jem.

It was refreshing to see this side of Jem. The same way I felt when I met Sugar's family, Thel's and my other friends' families.

I have always bragged about the fact that anywhere I go, I am always blessed with good friends. I have always believed too that part of making your friends feel like family is letting them in to your own at the right time and for the right reasons. I know Jem might say he is lucky to have me as his friend that's why he introduced me (and Sugar) to his family.

Well, he can say that a million times, but with what he just did, I'd say "I'm the lucky one!"

Three Square Meals

We have come to the 5th session of The Yoghurt Brigade last August 19th. We are in a current series entitled The Prayer where we are diving deep into the meaning of the Lord's Prayer. You may check this link, for the previous posts.

We discussed provision: 

Give us today our daily bread.

(NIV)

 Keep us alive with three square meals.

(MSG)

The Lord's prayer teaches us total dependency in God. It teaches us to ask for provision all the time - the prayer says daily. Provision doesn't just mean food or material things. It could mean all sorts. It could refer to healing, peace, favor, contentment, direction, wisdom, enlightenment, or love. 

We mentioned different stories from the Bible that showed God's faithful provision. We talked about the story when Jesus fed the five thousand, the provision of Manna for the Israelites in the book of Exodus, and the provision of ram when Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac. Most of all, the provision of God's only begotten Son to save us from our sins. Moreover, the provision of the Holy Spirit when He rose from the dead and left to be with the Father.

We all shared God's faithful provision in our lives - from the time we were born until the present. There were times when we would catch our breath and realize what an awesome God we have.  

I reflected on my life and saw how God's plan worked to my advantage. How He provided each person, each road in my journey for His will to happen. And I am overwhelmed by His faithfulness. 

"Do not worry ... 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things."

Matthew 6: 31-32

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to you."

James 1:5

Now Playing: Straightjacket Feeling

Photo source here.

Artist: All American Rejects

Album: Move Along

Back me down from backing up

Hold your breath now it's stacking up

Etched with marks, but I can deal

And you're the problem and you can't feel

Try this on, straightjacket feeling

So maybe I won't be alone

Take back now, my life you're stealing

Yesterday was hell

But today, I'm fine without you

Runaway this time without you

And all I ever thought it would be

That face is tearing holes in me again

Trust you is just one defense

Off a list of others, you don't make sense

Beg me time and time again

To take you back now, but you can't win

Take back now, my life you're stealing

Yesterday was hell

But today, I'm fine without you

Runaway this time without you

And all I ever thought it would be

That face is tearing holes in me again

But today, I'm fine without you

Runaway this time without you

And all the things you put me through

I'm holding on by letting go of you

And when that memory slips away

There will be a better view from here

And only lonesome you remain

And just the thought of you I fear

It falls away

Yesterday was hell

But today, I'm fine without you

Runaway this time without you

And all I ever thought you would be

That face is tearing holes in me again

But today, I'm fine without you

Runaway this time without you

And all the things you put me through

I'm holding on by letting go of you

Listen to the song from here.