My Journey Of Love
1. My Wedding Day
She felt inferior and told me she's just an ordinary woman. I assured her that she's different and totally special as compared to other women, that she's like lily among thorns. (2:2-3) She was yearning my presence with her. The commitment to each other without fear of deceit, manipulation and exploitation is the basis of our genuine love towards each other. (1:7) Oh, how I longed to see her...
2. Memories of Courtship
Never have I seen such a beautiful woman. She was attending the vineyard, and so, I disguised myself as a shepherd to get to know her. Before I knew, our relationship grown and I decided to take her as my wife. My beloved, I will never let problems, conflicts and ravages of time to deter us from enjoying our love relationship, the gift from God (2:12, 13). I will remove everything that could potentially cause problems between us (2:15)
3. Memories of Engagement
Today, I returned to her in the splendor of a king, to express my how much I love her and propose to her. (3:6-4:15) She accepted. (4:16) I knew it is awkward for the ones who will read my letter, but I continue to praise my beloved with beautiful imagery, for I know how vital it is for me to express my admiration towards her, both words and action to enhance the marriage. (4:1-7) She's like a private garden and a fountain of my own, for which man will be willing to share his beloved with others? I appreciated and praised her virginity (4:12) My love for her is refreshed, for she'd been a well of living water. I will refresh her as well, so that our love for each other will not dim (4:15)
4. A Troubling Dream
It is inevitable that as time passed and familiarity grew, we lose the initial sparkle for each other. I'll learn to be a haven for her, renewing and refreshing our intimacy and passion. My beloved, let us focus on the positives, reconciliation and renewal. (5:2-8) Do not hesitate to come to me, although we're now apart (5:6-8). She's my love, my friend. Remember how we develop our friendship that made our love for each other deeper and far more satisfying. (5:16) Please come back to me like you've used to be...
5. Praising the Bride's Beauty
My beloved, my love for you had not diminished since our wedding night. Although many other women are available to me, I will still choose her. (6:8-9) I am as excited as I was before, for every kiss from her, refreshes me (7:9)
6. The Bride's Tender Appeal
My beloved, in me you're secured to express your love for me, even if you initiate in lovemaking. The security of true love that I give to her and she have in me, gives us the freedom to initiate acts of love and express our true feelings. (7:10-11) How grateful I am, that she would want to show her affection to me even in public, to show how much she loves me. I too, will do the same (8:1)
7. The Power of Love
My beloved, I'll accept your love as a gift from God. May my love for you reflects the perfect love that come from God Himself, love as strong as death and priceless, given freely to you. (8:6-7) How grateful I am to marry a woman, who knows how to control herself from sexual temptation, for I am assured, if she had been persistent in her morality before marriage, I will have nothing to worry about after marriage. (8:8-9) She doesn't keep private property for herself, for there is trust and security in our love for each other (8:11-12) This is how we love and commit to each other, reflecting God's love for us...
Extraction from the book of Song of Songs, "Life Application Study Bible"
To all those who haven't have a love relationship, do not rush into relationship or marriage before you're ready to have such a commitment (2:7, 3:5, 8:4) If you're already in a love relationship or married, congratulations! You have a guideline from the man of God, to enhance your love relationship. God bless =)
Group photos among the brothers that attended this CNY Party
Chairperson of the CNY PARTY 2009: Thomas and Raymond!!
