 I got so inspired reading the story of Sarah Bulahan and how God saved her from sickness that I decided to write David’s story.
This is for you, son. I hope you will always remember how truly special you are in God’s sight that he has destined you to live a purposeful life.
 Fourteen years ago, I was diagnosed with stones in my gall bladder that the doctors recommended immediate surgery to remove it. Bernard and I were just newly married and we were looking forward to our first chilld then.
The operation was not a problem. The doctors successfully went on with the surgery and removed my gallstones. It was a very fast procedure but I needed a lot of x-rays, tests, anesthesia and ultrasounds.
What I did not know was that I was two to three weeks pregnant with David. We did not know it up until a month later when my doctor confirmed that indeed, I was on the family way.
My happiness, after having found out I was pregnant, was not shared by my OB doctor. She saw a dim picture of what I was about to have.
She said, it was a fatal mistake that my surgeons went through with my surgery without having to see if I was pregnant. She said that the radiation, the medicines, and anesthesia that was given to me during my surgery was enough to either harm the baby, produce defects or cause me to miscarry. The x-ray exposures alone is enough to cause birth defects on my unborn child. (Read this link surgery and the effects of the x-ray exposures)
All I remember her saying was she was sorry that the baby might not pull through.
I was so shocked, terrified, discouraged and in anguish, all at the same time, by that doctor's appointment that I cried all the way out of the hospital to the mall where I was supposed to meet Bernard. My heart was so heavy.
What made it worse was I saw babies on strollers all over the mall as if someone is taunting me that I could not have one. I could not believe it. I was crying and crying the whole night that Bernard could not console me. I guess nobody really could console me then. It was the baby we were praying and waiting for.
I remember getting my comfort from God. I asked him to give me a word to hang on to. I needed a word to get me through the nine months without me getting crazy thinking if this will push through or not.
God is sovereign, he gave me a word. The next day was Sunday, church day. I remember standing up for an altar call, which I don’t know whatever for, but I just stood and rose my hands for prayer. I think they were calling for those who needed salvation to come in front and I did. I needed God's salvation for this baby!
I remember Pastor Joey coming up to me and prophesy, “The oyster that you think it is, is a pearl of great price!”
That was it! That was all I needed to put my faith up. God, that’s all I need to hang on to. God, you are faithful.
That was the day also I felt so much peace after having trusted God to live this out for me... for us. God’s word is sufficient. The anxiety and worry ceased and I was able to sleep soundly... for nine months.
And even when it was time to give birth, I was so reassured that this boy I was carrying was destined to live out a meaningful life. Even from conception, he already had a story to tell.
And so, the rest is history… David is celebrating his 14th birthday today. Living proof that God’s will prevails. He knows the plan he has for us.
Everyday, I thank God for the life he has entrusted to us. It is such a joy and a privelege to raise up the next generation who will give honor to Him.
David, you are a pearl of great price. You are a joy to our heart. We are grateful to God for giving us such a loving son like you. You are such a sweet, caring and obedient son.
 | Didn't know this. So encouraging! Your children are all precious blessings! You are blessed! |
 | happy birthday, david!!!! i KNOW you are gonna be even better than steve jobs!! your computer skills will prove me right. =D
i miss you, ivy!!!!
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 | i see your son almost every sunday and it's just truly amazing how God has seen him through! you are blessed!:D |
 | ano ba yan!Even though I heard David's story so many times already,it still made me cry....maybe because david is no longer that cute and sweet little handsome boy I once knew.How time flies dear!Now,he is even taller than I and growing to be like what his name stands for..."A man after God's own heart".Happy birthday david!Love you even if you are no longer that cute bebe in the picture and now a fine handsome young man! |
 | coollarem wrote on Nov 15, '07, edited on Nov 15, '07 WOW! great testimony ivy. i did not know this. thank you so much for sharing it. i'm so blessed and encouraged. God truly is good. and david is a great kid. happy birthday david! we love you! *hug* :) |
 | Happy Birthday David! Im so encouraged to have faith for my own situation. hehe. |
| Ay pero hindi about having a baby hehe |
 | wow! what a great testimony! indeed, david is a pearl of great price! happy birthday, david! |
 | ivymarquez wrote on Nov 15, '07, edited on Nov 15, '07 To everyone, thanks for your reply. It's a story we can never forget.. it's a story we cannot just keep to ourselves. |
 | Happy birthday David!!!! :) Youth Ministry is so blessed having you!!! :) |
 | what a story, ivy! you and bernard are great parents :) thank you for sharing. |
 | happy birthday david. ivy, that's a powerful testimony. |
 | Amazing. I didn't know. I too had a goll bladder removal surgery when I was pregnant. I may write about that sometimes. Thank you for sharing. |
 | My tears never fail to drop everytime i would get to hear this powerful testimony of your's and David. God indeed is a promise keeper, He won't ever forsake the children He loves. I miss you, ms. Ivy... I miss your beautiful family! Hope to see you soon =) |
 | happy birthday mighty david! you really are a blessing to your parents! thanks for sharing this ms. ivy. |
 | Such a great testimony of God's sovereign plan in our lives....Happy birthday David!!....your parents are blessed to have you as their son :) |
 | what a powerful testimony of God's Hand of protection for that which He has a great purpose for! God must have quite a plan for david's life! |
 | Happy birthday David! Thanks for sharing your testimony...i am deeply touched. God is really in control. |
 | Thank you for sharing, Tita Ivy. Miss you all. |
 | Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” Luke 18:27
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| Thanks, Pastor Joey, I wanted to share with you how much that prophetic word meant so much to me at that time. |
Comment deleted at the request of the author.
 | Wow...Ivy, your FAITH amaze me....specially in situations where we have to wait and be patient...I admire you so much!!! |
 | Wow, I never knew this...Tita Ivy,your faith is truly an encouragement. :)
And I remember David when he was that age (as in the 2nd picture), way back in the TMA days! Now, he's so much taller than me! |
 | Hi Ivy. I've heard David's story before but it still touches my heart everytime I hear it. So inspiring....I miss talking to you... Happy Birthday David!!! |
 | Thanks for sharing this Ivy. Happy birthday, David! |
| Nakaka-encourage naman mag-multiply. You're all so encouraging! |
 | Gosh, what a blessing and story of hope and faith for all of us...thank you so much for sharing!!!!!!!!!!! woohoo...galeng galeng ni Lord! |
 |  I remember Pastor Joey coming up to me and prophesy, “The oyster that you think it is, is a pearl of great price!”
That was it! That was all I needed to put my faith up. God, that’s all I need to hang on to. God, you are faithful.
That was the day also I felt so much peace after having trusted God to live this out for me... for us. God’s word is sufficient. The anxiety and worry ceased and I was able to sleep soundly... for nine months.  Hi sis! Wow you're online! David's story is great- a display of who's sovereign after all. This reminds me of a site (Glory of Zion Intl or GOZI) which states that "the louder the turbulence, the LORD's voice thunders even louder". GOD is really great. He is to me is AMAZING -- THE ONE! Its a good thing that JESUS is as personal, and real and as close to us because whatever may come, we are always assured that JESUS loves us, cared for us, knew the best for us. We are at the very palm of HIS big, mighty yet gentle Hands! Thanks for sharing this sis. Tell us some more! Proud of you!
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 | God really is awesome! nothing is impossible with him...thanks for sharing this =) |
| happy birthday david! gwapito talaga itong batang ito =) |
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