posted by Jennie on May 8
The issue of family planning in a Christian family is a rather controversial one. There is no passage in the New Testament about the issue of birth control. Obviously, God has left this one issue up to the couple, as long as they do not go against the other commandments. Which brings me to mention that abortion is a no-no. Exodus 20:13 says “Do not murder.” Abortion is killing a human being.
The size of a family is all up to the couple to decide. Although God has given Adam and later Noah (after the Flood), the command to replenish the earth, a few other factors about raising a family should also be considered. Raising a family means getting into a commitment to train up each and every child aright. The ability to provide should also be looked into. A larger family automatically means more tuition and basically more of everything.
If ever a couple decides to have an unlimited number of children is up to them. But they should also get into this with the responsibility that goes with such decision. Read the rest of this entry »
posted by Jennie on May 7
Today is our son’s first time to attend Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS). The hubby and I thought, he was ready for it and we had him attend the first day. He was thrilled at first but later on got overwhelmed by the loud screaming the other kids were doing during the large group assembly. It was another first for him.
posted by Jennie on May 6
One of the many things we are often are often tackled during marriage counseling is how to affair proof a marriage. Another is how to cope with infidelity. The answer is not easy. In fact, there is really no single defining answer to such question. The hope of a realistic chance that things will ever be back to normal is even thinner. That is if we look at it in the perspective that is humanly possible. But even as the Lord said that His grace will be sufficient, it is in fact possible.
This monster that is called infidelity in a marriage never comes in uninvited. But the invitation is sometimes very subtle that it cannot be detected until it smacks you in the face. It usually begins when the spouse involved in an affair allowed his or her guards down. It starts like any usual innocent relationship, very often with someone who is very familiar to you. It almost always starts with an attachment that progresses into an emotional affair. If there is something like that of a GE alarm that should serve as a warning, it should be convenient. Read the rest of this entry »
posted by Jennie on May 5
It was during the first year that the hubby started pastoring the church in Makati when we started with the couples bible study group. It was the most interesting time for the both of us. It was a challenge, because our marriage was young back then, but the Lord was faithful. He used that time for us to learn while ministering to other married couples.
The Lord led us to use wonderful materials on marriage. Most of which were gifts from my uncle who is also a pastor in America. Â The one thing that stood out to be a big issue in marriage is surviving an affair. Others would even ask, does a partner even have to survive an affair at all. Unfaithfulness is hands down, the most devastating experience a partner can ever go through in marriage. Even after everything has been dealt with, it will take a real long while before the feeling of betrayal can ever pass. Sometimes, even never, especially if you try to press on without the kind of support that you need. It has its tendency to continually hunt you and your marriage. This is why in the sessions we have had, we work on the foundation, communication, everything that will keep the couple bonded to each other.
There are a handful of tell tale signs of infidelity. But it is not until the partner has confirmed it that it starts to really hurt endlessly. The thing is a partner only has to go through it once to be convinced that there is nothing more devastating than to be betrayed by your own husband or wife. The scope of infidelity in marriage goes beyond the surface of a wife drowning herself into all the weight loss pills that she could get, justifying her husband’s philandering ways. Thinking it was her fault all along, because she is too big. It even goes beyond the issue of co-dependency.
Although our God is the God who restores what the locusts have eaten, no marriage would want to go through that road of infidelity. I cannot even begin to type the words of devastation that goes along with it. We have always believed that we should at all times be vigilant. We encourage men and women in our church to guard their hearts and minds. In fact one of the favorite books that I use in my discipleship with women in church is Every Woman’s Battle. We cannot focus on repairing broken relationships without zeroing in first on how we were wired and define how the Lord has designed us. Created after His likeness and purposed for His glory.
And just when you might be led to think that this kind of lifestyle is utter boredom, think again. Without all the complications of moral damage, a marriage can enjoy the freedom that no bondage of immorality can ever but fleetingly give.
posted by Jennie on May 4
Amongst the handful of photos from our wedding album, this should singlehandedly picture how Jeff and I felt on the day we were officially called husband and wife. Tell me, can a wife look giddier than this? I still remember what I was thinking when I was watching my Jeff sign his name on that contract with eagerness, “This is for real, Jeff is now my husband.” I was so thrilled, my cheekbones could have popped right there.
Our Wedding Vows
(08 December 2001)
I, Jeff, take you, Jennie, to be my lawfully wedded wife. Knowing in my heart that you will be my constant friend, my faithful partner in life and my one true love.
On this special day, I give to you, in the presence of God and all those in attendance, my sacred promise to stay by your side as your faithful husband. Â In sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as well as through the good times and the bad. And I further promise Jennie, to love you without any reservation, to honor and respect you.
To provide for your needs as best as I can, to protect you from harm and to grow with you, in mind and in spirit. To always be honest and open with you and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
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I, Jennie, take you, Jeff, to be my lawfully wedded husband. Secure in the knowledge that you will my constant friend, my faithful partner in life and my one true love.
On this special day, I give to you in the presence of God and all those in attendance, my pledge to stay by your side as your faithful wife. In sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as well as through the good times and the bad. I promise to love you without reservation, to comfort you in times of distress.
To encourage you to achieve higher goals, to laugh with you and cry with you and grow with you in mind and in spirit. To be open and honest with you and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
posted by Jennie on May 1
As a wedding planner/organizer, I sometimes cannot help but be nitpicky on the smallest of details of a program’s logistics. I have had it with events places with administrators who care less and even those who call themselves seasoned wedding organizers who do not put their jobs to heart.
One thing I have not done yet but I hope to do someday soon is a company picnic.The Orange County company picnic featured in events solution is really an inspiration. The company behind Los Angeles event planning is a lady with a big and creative mind. Â It figures in the way she handles the team behind its success in the events business for over 20 years.
With service that is as impeccable as Event Solutions’, I am so hoping to come up with something similar to how they do it. They are keen to take part in every detail, which is why maximum fun and success of an event is guaranteed. Read this: details from registration attendants, invite flyers, vouchers for parking is taken care of. Nothing is left unturned and taken for granted. Their entertainment has been said to be the best, with team building as its concept. Theme accents are even offered at no extra charge.
Looking into their web page and details of how they come up with exceptional events make me want to go back to doing weddings again.
