My Own Serendipity Story

THIS IS ANOTHER SERENDIPITOUS EVENT. There are two beautiful things I want to do in my entire life, and that’s to be a lifestyle worshipper and a wedding/kiddie event organizer/singer/host. 

Last March 1^st, Feast Bay Area Music Min Vocals were gathered to attend Bro George’s Worship Leading Meeting/Coaching. I wholeheartedly, undividedly listened on his words. I took down notes. I grinded the words he shared in my mind. I basked in his spirit and energy. And I must say, I felt anointed and empowered yet humbled.

Looking back, I remembered that I took a Strengths Finder exam in the office and I found out the Connectedness is my first strength.

According to the test, I can sense that every event is somehow the consequence of a series of actions, reactions, or lack of actions. I can accept that which cannot be fully explained using logic. I can say there are no accidents. I’m confident that things are linked together for a purpose that may or may not be revealed to me. It’s very likely that I hold tightly to my core values. Instinctively, I conclude that my life is more meaningful and I’m happier when I dedicate myself to something of importance to humankind. 

It can be something simple rather than something grand. I can sense my acts of kindness influence individuals to perform good deeds. I’m likely to inspire generosity in many people. By nature, I’m often the instrument in helping my teammates discover how they are linked to one another. I regularly remind them that their successes and failures are a direct result of their ability to work together.

My next strength is a Maximizer.

It defines me as I naturally figure out what makes most people unique or special. By nature, I exhibit a heightened awareness of my talents. One of my top priorities is building upon these natural abilities to create strengths. Instinctively, I realize I can determine what distinguishes each person from every other human being. 

I honor the special, the wondrous, and the rare qualities of people. I intentionally position them to attain ever higher levels of excellence. I can easily view things from someone else’s perspective even when I do not share their opinion. I deal with each individual on a personal level. I instinctively know what someone is feeling, based on the person’s words, deeds, silence, or body gestures.

The third one is being an Arranger.

It’s very likely that I’m acutely aware of how my teammates perceive my abilities. I can sense what they think of me as a person. These insights many times allow me to earn their confidence so I can contribute even more to the group’s success. Because of my strengths, I have been most productive in the past when someone in authority really took an interest in me. I likely to recall instances when they created opportunities for me to use my talents, knowledge, and skills. I often played the role of a teacher, coach, or mentor even when that was not my official title. Having a plan and knowing exactly what are required to do increases my chances of being successful. 

Understandably, I feel quite uncomfortable being assigned to a group that only manages crises, deals with the unexpected, or figures out tactics in the midst of chaos. Driven by my talents, I have a gift for recruiting people to work on tasks and special assignments. I probably know how to match talents to tasks, coordinate activities, and create schedules. Chances are good that I have a strong sense of commitment. It motivates me to make sure that things are carried through to completion even when difficulties arise.

Yes, I’m happy to know that those are my Top 3 strengths.

And I owe it to God who is absolutely faithful on His plan, surprisingly on the following day, March 2^nd, I received a text from my friend asking me to coordinate her wedding soon. 

I picked up my planner and started writing the date of her wedding. I know that it will be filled with details on the succeeding months.

I realized that God really likes me despite of my weaknesses, frailties, and limitations; knows me so well, even though I sometimes don’t understand His plan, and looks undoubtedly on my strengths even if there were discouragement in the past.

He’s my ultimate connector, maximizer, and arranger! He connects my every struggles and pain to reach my dreams. He maximizes every intricate and eccentric personality that I have to match with my skills and talents. He arranges my schedule, timing, and preparedness towards my life purpose. 

He asked me to fly! =)

His promise in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose,” was revealed to me again!

And I praise His Name now and forever, for I can maximize the use of my 
Pen and Planner! :)

Surprise! Be functional! :)

--30--

25 Tips to Enjoy the Day

The big day has come! After months of preparations, this is the day you will finally say your "I do's."

Here are some tips on how you can truly enjoy your wedding day.

1. Know what is important to you. Don't waste precious time and energy worrying about insignificant details. You have heard the saying "Don't sweat the small stuff." Now is the best time to heed it. 

2. PLAN. After setting your priorities, planning is one of the best things you can do ahead of time. This will help you avoid panic and stress and allow you to just have a great time on your wedding day.

3. Make lists and more lists. List down the essentials and everything you want to be taken cared of. Make sure to check your lists from time to time to see what you have accomplished.

4. DELEGATE. You don't have to do everything. You can either get an efficient wedding coordinator or ask the help of your family and friends. Make sure that the assigned person is willing to be in charge. Nothing can be more meaningful than seeing how things beautifully unfold before your eyes.

5. Go to confession a week before your wedding. Do it together as a couple. It is good for the soul.

6. Take a vacation leave from work at least a week before the wedding. Inform your office ahead so you can plan the schedules and tasks you need to finish.

7. Plan your activities well especially the pre-wedding parties. Ideally, schedule your shower parties not later than 2 weeks before the wedding. Better if you can hold it a month or two before. 

8. Pack your gifts ahead of time. You wouldn't want to do gift wrapping night before your wedding and ask your groom to run to the bookstore to buy ribbons.

9. Pack your things one week before. Prepare two boxes and label it- one for church materials, the other for reception materials.

10. If you're leaving a few days after the wedding for your honeymoon, buy things you need ahead of time and pack your bags a week before the wedding as well.

11. Plan out payments a week before. Have those ready in sealed envelopes and assign someone to be in-charge to give them to the vendors.

12. Schedule your spa session, manicure, and pedicure accordingly.

13. At least 2 days before, have a special dinner with your groom without talking about the wedding details.

14. If you really have some last minute errands, the night before the wedding, DROP IT! Let go of the non-essential items unless it is very, very important to you.

15. Don't stress yourself out with the seating plan.

16. Check in the hotel before the wedding, NOT the night before. 

17. Night before, arrange the breakfast be brought to your room. Include lunch if you're having an afternoon/evening wedding.

18. On the night before your wedding, write a special letter for one another. Just scribble down your feelings at the moment. Arrange to have it brought to each other's rooms in the morning. Reading it is such a good way to start your special day. Keep it and re-read it in the years to come as a constant reminder of your wedding and the person you married.

19. On the day of your wedding, have a relaxing and enjoyable bath. Do this early so you won't need to rush.

20. As you walk down the aisle, focus your attention on your groom waiting by the altar. Don't think about the flowers not being what you envisioned, your seating plan not yet finalized, your late commentator, and whatever else. CHIN UP, SMILE! Take a pleasure in every step you make. Savor the moment.

21. The ceremony is the most essential part of the wedding. Pay special attention to the homily, on what you're officiating priest will share with you. Focus on your exchange of vows, rings,  and arrhae. It's so heartwarming to do all these in front of the people you love.

22. In the reception, take time to mingle with your guests and enjoy their company. Most couples are so pre-occupied with the program sequence that they fail to recognize the people who attended. Remember, your guests took time off from their busy schedules to be there. Don't forget to thank them for coming and tell them how much you appreciated their presence. Tip: Keep your program brief so you would have more time with your guests.

23. SMILE. Your joy will surely show in the pictures and videos. Guests always remember a happy couple, not just your food, flowers, dress, etc. 

24. RELAX. Try not to worry about the little details that didn't go as planned. This could turn into cherished moments later. Find humor in it.

25. ENJOY. After all, this is one of the best days of your life.

I love you future brides! ^_^ You all deserve the best! :)

From Thina <3