At Sonya's Garden Country Bed and Breakfast
taken by Lidia, January 5, 2012
taken by Lidia, January 5, 2012
In that day the LORD of hosts will be
For a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty
To the remnant of His people,
For a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment,
And for strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.
- Isaiah 28:5, 6
Sea shells on strings
beaded gauze curtains
assorted dinner ware for the guests' use
dining room
entrance to our cottage
Day 2 - fresh mangoes for breakfast
Day 2 - dinner at the Verbena Cafe, Discovery Suites
Rosemarie, Tina and me - kingdom friends
"The Fondue Alliance"- that's us!
another cottage at Sonya's Garden
This is the cottage where we stayed
A pebbled footpath leading to a secret garden
Donna
Day 3 - Breakfast
Communion on the last day of our retreat
Tina
Tallit - Rosemarie's prayer shawl
Mother and daughter
Three friends
Three friends - Donna, Lila, and Jennifer
Donna and Rosemarie after a time of blessing
A few parting shots before leaving Sonya's garden
For a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty
To the remnant of His people,
For a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment,
And for strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.
- Isaiah 28:5, 6
It never ceases to amaze me that God has continually given a sense of direction by making me aware of the changing themes and seasons in my life.
For the past two years, I had started the year by visiting my dear friends Ut and Oy in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I called it my "sentimental journey" because Chiang Mai was the lovely and memorable place where Ernie and I spent the last year of his earthly life together. Less than two months after we returned to the Philippines in 2008, Ernie went home to heaven.
Returning to Chiang Mai a year after Ernie passed away proved to be beneficial. It gave me a sense of closure, something that could only happen as I re-visited the familiar places that we loved and re-lived the many memories that we made together in those places.
My Thai friends and I parted ways last January 2011 with the understanding that we would see each other again one year later.
Sometime in mid 2011, however, I had a sense that Thailand was not going to be part of my 2012 journey. And I was right.
Because of the severe flooding that affected Bangkok in October and November last year, Ut's parents had to move in with them in Chiang Mai in November. They were tied down with family concerns, and we all agreed that a trip to their place this new year was out of the question.
Unknown to me, God had something different planned for me for the start of this new year, something I never expected or even asked for.
A few days after Christmas, my friend Rosemarie invited me to be part of a personal retreat that she and her daughter Donna were planning for early January this year. I welcomed this invitation with gladness. In response, my heart resonated with a deep y-e-s.
What made it extra special was the fact that my other dear friend Tina was also invited to be with us.
God brings people into our lives for a purpose, and these past months, I could tell that a special kingdom connection was forming between me and these special friends of mine.
On January 3, I was on board my dawn flight back to Manila. The year was so fresh, and my heart was filled with excitement, even though I had no idea about what God was going to do during the personal retreat.
Rosemarie had asked me to share with them whatever it was that God was putting on my heart.
It isn't easy to give words to my feelings these days.
The day before I left, I put away the tree ornaments - all by myself. Without fanfare or much ado. It felt like Christmas came in unannounced, and quietly left, without saying goodbye. We did not have much time to enjoy looking at the Christmas tree this year. And even though this tree continues to remind me of our past Christmases, somehow this year, it stood in its corner, so humble and unassuming. Never demanding to be noticed.
And now, suddenly, the decors were being taken down and stored, until the next Christmas season.
I wasn't unhappy, but there was a tinge of sadness in my heart.
I felt tired of the fleeting and the temporary, felt a kind of homesickness... for something more permanent... something more eternal.
As I packed my bags for my flight, my two dear dogs were on the bed, looking up at me with a quizzical expression on their faces, as if to say, "Leaving again?"
Really, I found myself smiling. Just that afternoon my second grandson Elijah was holding on to me, not wanting to let go... and it's been a while since my first grandson Matthew and I read a book together. These children grow so fast, I thought to myself.
But yes, I had to go, for there was a divine call and assignment that I could not ignore.
As the plane took off, there was an inner prompting on my heart. A voice seemed to say, "Unholy alliances."
I sat up and paid attention. Is that You, Lord?
There was a soft reply, Yes... talk to them about unholy alliances.
The plane landed a few minutes ahead of schedule. I took a taxi to my daughter's pad, and upon reaching it, a simple breakfast prepared by her maid Irene was ready, for which I was grateful.
I hurriedly packed a few clothes in my backpack, and about an hour later, Donna's driver arrived to pick me up. There was a sense of quiet anticipation as we headed toward Tagaytay, a lovely city south of Manila situated on the top of a hill. One of our country's top ten destinations, it has a scenic charm all its own.
We were booked for two nights and three days at Sonya's Garden, a Country Bed and Breakfast place located within a rainforest that Sonya has transformed into a magical getaway.
Below are some of the pictures of the lovely time we had together. The photos will speak for themselves.
But I must mention here that God spoke powerfully to all of us during the devotional and worship times. He did speak clearly about repenting of the unholy alliances that we may have unknowingly entered into, an example of which is found in the story of Joshua and the Gibeonite deception narrated in Joshua Chapter 9.
God is moved by our repentant hearts. When we entrust our relationships to Him, and in faith choose to honor and remain faithful to the covenants we have entered into, He will come to our rescue and bring redemption to these difficult relationships though it may seem that these have somehow ensnared us, or hindered us from moving forward. The story found in Joshua Chapter 10 of God helping Joshua and the Gibeonites win the battle against the five Canaanite kings was a perfect example of this.
My heavenly Father planned this start-of -the-year retreat to bring refreshment. The past months, as I had shared in bits and pieces in my blog posts, I had been through many changes; and whether I was aware of it or not, the truth is that I badly needed a time of respite and reprieve.
The good food that was available to us in abundance, the kindness of Donna in treating us to a relaxing experience at the Nurture Spa on the afternoon of our arrival, the cool climate, the lovely and comfortable setting, a feeling of kinship with my dear kingdom friends, the healing presence of God through the worship songs, and through His word, the partaking of the Lord's supper on the last day of our retreat ... all these and more were put together by God to give each one of us just what we all needed.
What a wonderful gift God gave to set the tone for 2012!
Rest... renewal... restoration... provision... beauty...
Because the number 12 has such an important place in the Bible, the year 2012 promises to be a year of fulfillment and completion.
Twelve is a perfect number and signifies governmental perfection. As this year starts, my prayer is that God will redeem me, my family, and those I hold dear in my life from whatever unholy alliances we have entered into. I am believing and declaring that God will indeed rule the affairs of our lives this year.
This is a year of freedom!
He who began a good work will bring it to completion!
He never leaves a work He started half done!
On the morning of the last day of our retreat, Tina and I woke up early and had an awesome time of worship. God did grace us with the beauty of His holiness and the gentleness of His spirit in our midst. There was so much freedom to worship Him at that early hour, and I truly appreciate how God showed Himself to be so real in my life - His presence was almost tangible!
Those three days in Tagaytay were undoubtedly ordained by God to show me that this is the theme of my life this year - restoration, renewal, completion, fulfillment!
Yes, the Holy Spirit is doing a new work in me, and He is pouring the new wine of restoration... and the renewed wineskin of my heart is being made ready to receive it!
Tina's country bedroom
Walking on healing stones at the Nurture Spa
Feeling so relaxed and rejuvenated fter an hour and a half of massage at the Nurture Spa
Our shower area - so beautiful!
Fresh flower petals at a corner of the shower area
For the past two years, I had started the year by visiting my dear friends Ut and Oy in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I called it my "sentimental journey" because Chiang Mai was the lovely and memorable place where Ernie and I spent the last year of his earthly life together. Less than two months after we returned to the Philippines in 2008, Ernie went home to heaven.
Returning to Chiang Mai a year after Ernie passed away proved to be beneficial. It gave me a sense of closure, something that could only happen as I re-visited the familiar places that we loved and re-lived the many memories that we made together in those places.
My Thai friends and I parted ways last January 2011 with the understanding that we would see each other again one year later.
Sometime in mid 2011, however, I had a sense that Thailand was not going to be part of my 2012 journey. And I was right.
Because of the severe flooding that affected Bangkok in October and November last year, Ut's parents had to move in with them in Chiang Mai in November. They were tied down with family concerns, and we all agreed that a trip to their place this new year was out of the question.
Unknown to me, God had something different planned for me for the start of this new year, something I never expected or even asked for.
A few days after Christmas, my friend Rosemarie invited me to be part of a personal retreat that she and her daughter Donna were planning for early January this year. I welcomed this invitation with gladness. In response, my heart resonated with a deep y-e-s.
What made it extra special was the fact that my other dear friend Tina was also invited to be with us.
God brings people into our lives for a purpose, and these past months, I could tell that a special kingdom connection was forming between me and these special friends of mine.
On January 3, I was on board my dawn flight back to Manila. The year was so fresh, and my heart was filled with excitement, even though I had no idea about what God was going to do during the personal retreat.
Rosemarie had asked me to share with them whatever it was that God was putting on my heart.
It isn't easy to give words to my feelings these days.
The day before I left, I put away the tree ornaments - all by myself. Without fanfare or much ado. It felt like Christmas came in unannounced, and quietly left, without saying goodbye. We did not have much time to enjoy looking at the Christmas tree this year. And even though this tree continues to remind me of our past Christmases, somehow this year, it stood in its corner, so humble and unassuming. Never demanding to be noticed.
And now, suddenly, the decors were being taken down and stored, until the next Christmas season.
I wasn't unhappy, but there was a tinge of sadness in my heart.
I felt tired of the fleeting and the temporary, felt a kind of homesickness... for something more permanent... something more eternal.
As I packed my bags for my flight, my two dear dogs were on the bed, looking up at me with a quizzical expression on their faces, as if to say, "Leaving again?"
Really, I found myself smiling. Just that afternoon my second grandson Elijah was holding on to me, not wanting to let go... and it's been a while since my first grandson Matthew and I read a book together. These children grow so fast, I thought to myself.
But yes, I had to go, for there was a divine call and assignment that I could not ignore.
As the plane took off, there was an inner prompting on my heart. A voice seemed to say, "Unholy alliances."
I sat up and paid attention. Is that You, Lord?
There was a soft reply, Yes... talk to them about unholy alliances.
The plane landed a few minutes ahead of schedule. I took a taxi to my daughter's pad, and upon reaching it, a simple breakfast prepared by her maid Irene was ready, for which I was grateful.
I hurriedly packed a few clothes in my backpack, and about an hour later, Donna's driver arrived to pick me up. There was a sense of quiet anticipation as we headed toward Tagaytay, a lovely city south of Manila situated on the top of a hill. One of our country's top ten destinations, it has a scenic charm all its own.
We were booked for two nights and three days at Sonya's Garden, a Country Bed and Breakfast place located within a rainforest that Sonya has transformed into a magical getaway.
Below are some of the pictures of the lovely time we had together. The photos will speak for themselves.
But I must mention here that God spoke powerfully to all of us during the devotional and worship times. He did speak clearly about repenting of the unholy alliances that we may have unknowingly entered into, an example of which is found in the story of Joshua and the Gibeonite deception narrated in Joshua Chapter 9.
God is moved by our repentant hearts. When we entrust our relationships to Him, and in faith choose to honor and remain faithful to the covenants we have entered into, He will come to our rescue and bring redemption to these difficult relationships though it may seem that these have somehow ensnared us, or hindered us from moving forward. The story found in Joshua Chapter 10 of God helping Joshua and the Gibeonites win the battle against the five Canaanite kings was a perfect example of this.
My heavenly Father planned this start-of -the-year retreat to bring refreshment. The past months, as I had shared in bits and pieces in my blog posts, I had been through many changes; and whether I was aware of it or not, the truth is that I badly needed a time of respite and reprieve.
The good food that was available to us in abundance, the kindness of Donna in treating us to a relaxing experience at the Nurture Spa on the afternoon of our arrival, the cool climate, the lovely and comfortable setting, a feeling of kinship with my dear kingdom friends, the healing presence of God through the worship songs, and through His word, the partaking of the Lord's supper on the last day of our retreat ... all these and more were put together by God to give each one of us just what we all needed.
What a wonderful gift God gave to set the tone for 2012!
Rest... renewal... restoration... provision... beauty...
Because the number 12 has such an important place in the Bible, the year 2012 promises to be a year of fulfillment and completion.
Twelve is a perfect number and signifies governmental perfection. As this year starts, my prayer is that God will redeem me, my family, and those I hold dear in my life from whatever unholy alliances we have entered into. I am believing and declaring that God will indeed rule the affairs of our lives this year.
This is a year of freedom!
He who began a good work will bring it to completion!
He never leaves a work He started half done!
On the morning of the last day of our retreat, Tina and I woke up early and had an awesome time of worship. God did grace us with the beauty of His holiness and the gentleness of His spirit in our midst. There was so much freedom to worship Him at that early hour, and I truly appreciate how God showed Himself to be so real in my life - His presence was almost tangible!
Those three days in Tagaytay were undoubtedly ordained by God to show me that this is the theme of my life this year - restoration, renewal, completion, fulfillment!
Yes, the Holy Spirit is doing a new work in me, and He is pouring the new wine of restoration... and the renewed wineskin of my heart is being made ready to receive it!
And let the beauty of our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands.
- Psalm 90:17
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands.
- Psalm 90:17
Day 1 - Lunch at Sonya's Garden
Tina's country bedroom
Walking on healing stones at the Nurture Spa
Feeling so relaxed and rejuvenated fter an hour and a half of massage at the Nurture Spa 
Our shower area - so beautiful!
Fresh flower petals at a corner of the shower area
Sea shells on strings
beaded gauze curtains
assorted dinner ware for the guests' use
dining room
entrance to our cottage
Day 2 - fresh mangoes for breakfast
Day 2 - dinner at the Verbena Cafe, Discovery Suites
Rosemarie, Tina and me - kingdom friends
"The Fondue Alliance"- that's us!
another cottage at Sonya's Garden
This is the cottage where we stayed
A pebbled footpath leading to a secret garden
Donna
Day 3 - Breakfast
Communion on the last day of our retreat
Tina
Tallit - Rosemarie's prayer shawl
Mother and daughter
Three friends
Three friends - Donna, Lila, and Jennifer
Donna and Rosemarie after a time of blessing
A few parting shots before leaving Sonya's garden
18 comments:
What a beautiful place and such a wonderful time with yoru friends. Rest and restoration, renewal and beauty indeed!
What lovely little spot for a refreshing getaway! God is so good!
What a beautiful place, Just perfect for a Sabbatical...a rest away from the world and worries.. So glad for you. xxxx
Hi Lidia, Always looks like so much fun and especially with dear friends, even better. How blessed you are Lidia:O)
Lidia, how beautiful! I felt like I got a small breath of fresh air and relaxation myself just by viewing your lovely pictures.
And I just love what God is doing in your heart and your life. I have a sense of this being a significant year in the life of me and my family. I sense big changes on the horizon. I'm asking God to be tangible in His guidance, so that we do not take even one step outside His will.
Oh that God would continue to establish the work of our hands - and that our hands will continually be about His work!
GOD BLESS!
What a beautiful place Lidia, almost Heavenly! It sounds as though it was a truly inspiring and blessed retreat. I wish you a happy new year and thank you for sharing your gentle spirit and wisdom here!
Sooo beautiful sister Lidia...He is the Best Gift Giver after all!!! We know His awesome faithfulness and I'm holding on to His wonderful promises this year...I know with Him, nothing goes awry. To Him be the glory forever. God bless and protect you always.
Lidj, thank you, thank you for sharing this with us. Kingdom Friends -- says so much! 2012. Yes! A year of rest, renewal, restoration, provision, beauty and no unholy alliances. This speaks to me. Love to you, Kingdom Friend.
I am almost relaxing as I take in those beautiful photos you shared. How a country retreat sounds so inviting. And what makes that environment all the more desirable are the women of God who spent time together worshiping and praying and having fellowship; love that.
I love this new season in your life. Rest, renewal, restoration ...
I look forward to see what God has in store for you. You are blessing me with your words and by sharing what God is doing in you and through you.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
When God closes a door, He surely opens another...what a beautiful place to spend time resting, visiting and waiting on the Lord.
Blessings dear Lidia...i love you!
In spite of my great happiness for you, it is just a little hard not to be jealous - in what (I hope) is the most "spiritual" way...
I am confident that God IS completing something in/for you and has blessings in mind for everyone your life touches.
Dear Lidia,
Thank you for sharing your retreat. Many blessings to you!
Love,
Louise
lidia,
I always love how you share such lovely photos of your life changing experiences. Causes me to pause a reflect on my own captured memories - with God and friends.
'Unholy Alliances' .... what a topic that few dare to address. undeserved blessings come with unreserved obedience. It is apparent that the Lord showered His blessings on this retreat - for all of you.
God will continue to bless you for your continued obedience - to hear and do His WORD.
Blessings to you, my friend
Patrina <")>><
nice post thanks for sharing...blessings soraya
Just beautiful, Lidj! How peaceful, simply refreshing!Christmas here, too, seemed unannounced and left quietly. Why is it the older I get, when the world wearies me, I am homesick for the Father's home? I am going to stand with you about the number 12, about the year of redemption. I would so have enjoyed to hear what you said in detail - to explain more these unholy alliances. Blessings on your year of freedom dear friend!
(BTW - I made sure to stop by before I went for a job interview today - and I found blessing and assurance. The interview went great but won't hear for 2 weeks.)
I'm having trouble commenting with blogger so I'm using google.
http://bluecottonmemory.wordpress.com/2012/01/24/cry-ye-sarahs-unto-the-lord/
What a beautiful way to start the new year! And .. the voice of the Lord speaking to you .. I'm sure it brings Him great pleasure when we only listen and obey. Love, Cathy
Hi Lidia,
Praise God, I am happy you had such a nice retreat to go to to start off the new year.
Blessings,
Ken
Sonya's Garden looks like the most amazing retreat, I just want to insert myself right on that path to the secret garden! And oh the way they serve the food, the dishes and flowers, the complete experience is just the way to start off the New Year with your close friends. I'm so happy for you to have received the rainbow upon your arrival home too (I'm just getting caught up over here with you). I wish all the best for you in this New Year. You are such an inspiration the way you write and the way your sweet spirit always touches on what is truly important in life. You are such a joy! xoxo ~Lili
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