“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46-47)

Today, on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, these words of Our Lady perfectly express what is in my heart.

I recently received the joyful news that my latest book, On the Road to Ever After: A Pre-Cana Workshop Manual for Organizers and Speakers, has been named a Finalist in the 20th Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards.

If there is one thing this book represents, it is God’s favor and graciousness.

This book is truly a story of miracle upon miracle upon miracle.

The idea for this book was not entirely new. Years ago, while developing the Pre-Cana Workshop modules for the Diocese of Parañaque, I already thought they could eventually be turned into a book. However, the workshop covered many topics and modules, and I knew that transforming them into a book like a comprehensive manual would be a massive undertaking.

So I did not rush it.

I entrusted the idea to God and waited.

Looking back now, I realize that God was not only preparing the material. He was also preparing me.

Then during the Feast Conference last year in November, I felt a strong prompting from God to finally write the book.

To be honest, I hesitated.

I knew exactly what saying “yes” would mean.

The workshop consisted of at least twelve modules. That meant writing at least twelve chapters. It wasn’t even clear yet to me what would be its format. The book concept was still a blur.

At the same time, my schedule was already full.

I was homeschooling my three sons, including my eldest who was in Grade 11. I was also navigating perimenopause and dealing with various health concerns. We do not have a household helper. The children and I serve in our parish choir during evening weekday Masses.

When I looked at my responsibilities, my calendar, and my energy levels, I honestly could not imagine where I would find the time and energy to write another book.

In moments like these, I often feel very much like Mary—small, ordinary, and inadequate for the task at hand. Yet God has a way of choosing ordinary people and accomplishing extraordinary things through them.

“For he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.” (Luke 1:48)

Humanly speaking, writing this book at this stage of my life seemed impossible.

Yet the angel’s words to Mary echoed in my heart:

“Nothing is impossible for God!” (Luke 1:37)

Those words were not only meant for Mary. They are meant for all of us whenever God asks us to do something beyond our own strength.

I knew I could not ignore God’s invitation.

Whenever I am certain that God is speaking and I understand what He is asking of me, His words burn in my heart and I am not at peace until I obey Him.

So, with faith probably as small as a mustard seed, I said yes to God.

I began writing around Holy Week this year.

And then something amazing happened.

The book that had remained only an idea for years suddenly began taking shape.

Suddenly, God gave me the inspiration for the entire book concept. It was supposed to be a manual that parishes and dioceses can use to improve their Pre-Cana Program.

That was the first miracle.

The second miracle came shortly afterward.

Chapter after chapter came together.

Page after page was written.

What makes this even more remarkable is that I completed the manuscript in less than a month—just in time to meet the submission deadline.

To this day, I cannot fully explain how it happened except that it was mainly by the grace and mercy of God.

A book based on more than a dozen Pre-Cana modules should have taken me much longer to write.

Yet God provided the time, the energy and good health, the ideas, the focus, the strength, and the perseverance I needed each day.

I experienced firsthand the truth of St. Paul’s words:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

The third miracle was that the book qualified as one of the Finalists in the Ministry Category in this year’s Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards.

Before I began writing, I simply entrusted the project to God. I did not know if I could finish it in time. I did not know how readers would receive it. I only knew that God was asking me to write it. My goal was obedience to God.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3)

This Finalist citation is especially meaningful because this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards.

Last year, one of the organizers mentioned that it would be wonderful to have another winning entry during this milestone year. I remember telling the religious sister who encouraged me to write and join again that it was entirely up to God. If He called me, He would equip me.

True enough, He did.

And now, by His grace, favor and mercy, my book and I have been named Finalists once again.

This is my fifth time to be named a Finalist in the Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards.

By God’s favor, I was blessed to win in the past four occasions.

Will I win again this year?

I do not know.

That decision belongs to God who is the real Judge through the judges of this year’s competition.

But simply being a Finalist already feels surreal. In truth, I cried happy tears when my husband told me that my book qualified and that I am among the Finalists this year. My heart was filled with awe and gratitude!

I was also reminded that if I win this year, it would be my fifth award from this award-giving body. One of the organizers even told me that a fifth win could qualify me for the Hall of Fame.

Isn’t that amazing?

But as exciting as that possibility sounds, I know that I have nothing to boast about. The truth is, I can only boast of what God has done in my life.

When I was a little girl, I dreamed of writing a book that would make a difference in people’s lives.

I never imagined writing twelve books.

I never imagined becoming a multi-awarded author.

I never imagined being blessed with opportunities to speak, teach, and serve many through my writing, speaking and ministries.

And I certainly never imagined that one day someone would mention the possibility of becoming a Hall of Fame awardee.

Looking back now, I can only marvel at God’s graciousness and generosity to me.

“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived—the things God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

God has already exceeded every dream I ever had as a little girl.

This book is my twelfth solely authored published book.

Each book has allowed me to serve readers, share my faith, and hopefully help people draw closer to God.

The awards and recognitions are just bonuses.

The possibility of being elevated to the Hall of Fame is simply icing on the cake.

My heart’s desire has always been simple: to love God and to make Him loved through all that I do including the books that I write.

That remains my prayer today.

Of course, I would be grateful if this book would win. I would love for it to reach more engaged couples, marriage ministry workers, Pre-Cana organizers, and families. I would love for it to bring more souls to heaven.

But whether I win or not, God has already given me more than enough reasons to rejoice.

On this Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I thank our Blessed Mother for her example of trust, humility, and wholehearted surrender to God’s plans.

He gave me the grace to say yes.

He gave me the inspiration to write.

He gave me the strength to finish what seemed impossible.

He opened the doors for the book to be published.

And now He has allowed my entry to become a Finalist.

I am soaked with miracles from above!

Looking back on this journey—from developing the Pre-Cana modules years ago, to completing the manuscript in less than a month, to becoming a Finalist once again—I can only say:

“The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His Name.” (Luke 1:49)

Every page of this book, every opportunity to serve families, every award, every honor, and everything belongs to Him.

Not to me, not to me, but to God’s Name be all the glory! (Psalm 115:1)

P.S. If you are a parish worker, especially in the Commission on the Family, feel free to share about this book to your Coordinators or leaders, Parish Priest and Bishop. I would love to work with you.