Until only a week before the retreat did I started planning. Praise God for faithful house helpers who willingly sacrificed their day-offs for that weekend. I praise God also for my parents, brother and in-laws living in close proximity within our area who also willingly took time to watch over our sons.
My initial apprehension turned into excited anticipation as the days grew near. Honestly, we've never had any formal dates for the past .... Trips to Wilcon builder sourcing for materials (just me and my spouse) and then a quick Moonleaf afterwards would make me feel so happy already. Mabababaw lang naman kaligayahan ko. =) I just enjoy the time with DS, talking while in the car. Just us - without the kids. This is what we lack and miss nowadays.
We arrived at the Bayleaf Hotel by 3pm. It was a very lovely boutique hotel right smack in the historical area of Intramuros. This is a great place to recommend for foreign or local tourists who wish to explore and experience Manila.
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| Our Orange Premier Bedroom! =) |
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| squeaky clean white bathroom |
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| Desk and sitting area |
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| our luggage surprisingly went with the theme! |
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| View from our room. |
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| LCD tv |
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| My handsome husband =) |
In a world where sexual immorality is becoming more and more "accepted", it is truly by the Holy Spirit and both spouses' commitment to each other that will make marriage last forever. Not just "enduring" each other for the sake of the kids... but STAYING IN LOVE FOREVER. That is JEC Homebuilder's C.L.A.B.'s theme for this years couples Encounter. This year marks their 4th year since they started this project and we had never missed one retreat. Knowing that Rev. Eugene Hao would be the speaker, I was all the more eager to listen and learn because I know this seminar would not be a boring one. And as fourth-timers, I believe in what Rev. Hao said: that information about marriage or staying in love with your spouse is already all around us. We know so much about what to do and what not to do. We've already heard and read it several times. What we need now is the LIFE-CHANGING POWER only the Holy Spirit can give.
That afternoon, our first session was entitled "A Lasting Marriage". Ephesians 5: 21-33
To summarize:
1. Be Wise - because the days ARE evil. Our true enemy is the devil, not our spouses! The devil is always on the lookout trying to destroy marriages since the time of Adam and Eve. So we simply must not allow what God has established - marriage and family. That is why we need God's wisdom in order for us to stay in love forever. And it IS possible.
2. Submit to One Another - self explanatory =D
3. Love Your Spouse Sacrificially and Unconditionally - Yes it is not easy for two people coming from 2 different backgrounds and all... but you are COMMITTED to love one another till death do you part. (Do not ever think of putting poison in your spouse's food) =)
Divorce or annulment is so rampant because love has been trivialised... people put conditions to why they love a person. The "I love you IF" , should be replaced with "I love you EVEN IF"; because God hates divorce.
4. Physical Intimacy or Sex - is very beautiful if done within the boundaries of marriage. God created it for married couples to enjoy. Enjoy each others' bodies. This also requires a good relationship with one another, how you treat each other.
5. Prayer - 1 Corinthians 7:1-5 This is what I appreciate most in this seminar. Praying for my spouse is one thing I take for granted before, but now I realized how important and powerful it can be. The most important thing a christian possess is the privilege to communicate with God. ( MORE ABOUT THIS ON MY NEXT POST)
6. Forgiveness - Without this virtue, it is impossible to last long. Most of the times, spouses quarrel over petty things that just blows out of proportion. If you find it hard to forgive, go back to point #3. =)
That evening we were in for a romantic surprise. We were told to dress up in a semi-formal attire. Everyone was in a happy, romantic mood when we entered the Muralla hall. Our tables were decorated with rose petals, tea light candles and a gift box filled with - ??? Questions for us to talk about while having our date night" on our tables. I think that was a great idea as some couples might not be used to talking anymore or share their hearts and minds while dating.
I was expecting a round table for two but they just used our seminar table and transformed it into a dinner table, so we just have to eat side by side. =)
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| I really didn't plan our orange luggage, my orange dress and getting an orange room! =D |
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| My date. |
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| the food was delicious! |
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| desserts! |
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| We were surprised as our names were called; sweet dance pala. |
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| If I am not mistaken, we renew our vows every year since we got married. |
That evening was full of romance and laughter. We were serenaded by a violinist who passed by one table after another playing every couple's requested song. He was so good! The songs reminded us all of our wedding day, courtship period... Ahhh bliss. And of course, we all want that same love to continue, kahit "maputi na ang buhok" namin. =D
The following morning, we had breakfast at 9 Spoons. The buffet breakfast was good.
We were able to sit beside an overlooking glass window.
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| It was a cloudy, wet morning |
Picture Picture
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| The "Grand Cannon" |
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| The clean interiors of Bayleaf Lobby |
We continued to learn from messages two and three for that day. It was truly a breather for me and DS to have this opportunity to learn and spend time with each other away from our hurried (and harried) everyday lives. Note to us: date at least once a week! =)
Bottom line is: Include God in your marriages; in your families. He IS the Author.
