Definition of Prayer, by long ago theologians

I just got back from St. Scholastica, a convent. I'd like to share some great highlights from my experience, but I am still processing some of my thoughts.

But I will try to begin and hopefully build on these two long quotes from a book I read yesterday. It is a volume written by Tomas Spildik, called Prayer: The Spirituality of the Christian East (Vol. 2). It was a book I couldn't put down. There were so many interesting views about prayer from different theologian and historical views.


As I passingly picked up the book, I turned into the first chapter where the author began with various definitions on prayer by long ago theologians. These two defintions inspired me to continue reading. Hopefully, may these two quotes also shed some inspiration to you, as it did for me. Allow these two theologians to enlighten you, as you think about your own definition of prayer.


As one theologian said, Prayer is 'the breathing of the spirit'.
"As the lungs expand to draw in the life-giving elements of air by breathing, so do the depths of our soul open and expand during prayer, and our spirit mounts up to God to receive the gift that allows us to be united with him. And as the oxygen received by the blood is then conveyed to the entire body to vivify it, so the gift received from God permeates everything that is in us and vitalizes our entire inner being." ~by Ibid

Another is by John Climacus, he defines prayer as follows:
"Prayer by reason of its nature is the converse and union of man with God, and by reason of its action upholds the world and brings about reconciliation with God; it is the mother and also the daughter of tears, the propitiation for sin, a bridge over temptations. a wall against afflictions, a crushing of conflicts, work of angels, food of all the spiritual beings, future gladness, boundless activity, the spring of virtues, the source of graces, invisible progress, food of the soul, the enlightening of the mind, an axe for despair, a demonstration of hope, the annulling of sorrow, the wealth of monks, the treasure of solitaries, the reduction of anger, the minor of progress, the realization of the future, a sign of glory. For him who truly prays, prayer is the court, the judgment hall and the tribunal of the Lord before the judgment to come."

Convent, Here I Come

I am really considering the idea of hanging out with a bunch of nuns for a few days. This weekend, I visited a couple of Convents. I think I am finally considering one of them.

In one of the places I inquired, the office lady said, I will be placed in the very building where the Nuns live or the Convent itself. I will be using the same dormitory with them. (I think that idea is a bit overwhelming but exciting at the same time!)

In my today's observation, as I was passing by some of them while I inquiring for some info. I noticed how uneducated or maybe insensitive I came across to them. I think I've forgotten how to carry myself around them. When I was younger, I attended a private Catholic school and interacted with nuns and priest in a daily basis, but I don't remember feeling that I ever had to constrict my body language.

Even to the simplicity of greeting a nun, a person will commonly gesture with gentleness and solemness and say, "Good afternoon, Mother." I felt I was disrespectful and rude when I passed by the nuns, while my friends suddenly altered their gesture and greeted them. To the next group of nuns I met, I restricted myself to a gentler and quieter movement. I felt I needed to force myself to be solemn to show respect as they past by. Oh, me and my weird presupposition.

Now, if I tend to re-evaluate in how to compose myself, how much more in how I speak and share my heart. I am so animated and loud in sharing heart.

Hmm...wow, maybe, I will learn a lot from this experience. Maybe the nuns' gentle and quiet spirit and mannerism will rub off on me. ;)

Sonya's Garden

Do you love fine dining? Because, I do!

This weekend I had a chance to enjoy a wonderful place away from Manila. I was in Tagaytay for some peace and quiet. Then, two of my friends came down for a day and invited me to go to this place, called Sonya's Garden. After being alone for 2 full days, it was time for me to be whisk away to gain some extrovert time. :)

Sonya's Garden and Restaurant hit the perfect spot for me. After being in complete solitude, going to Sonya's was like entering an oasis for the sick soul. It's a perfect conglomeration of a garden, a restaurant, a massage and spa, and a bed and breakfast. Ah yes, an every woman's dream. All built in and around a garden, where everything felt organically fresh and that summery feel with embroidered linens hung and placed, where it's suitable to the eyes.

Lunch was exquisite and delicious. Their specialty drink is this freshly squeezed sweet citrusy fruit juice, called dalandan. All their ingredients were freshly picked and served from their very own garden, which by the way, you can see from their pathway.

After lunch, my friends and I had a chance to walk around, while at times taking some photographs on the winding path lined with small, white pebbles. As you walk, your eyes will rest on the colorful tropical flowers and foliage. Your ears will hear peculiar sounds of small fountains and handmade rain tubes. There were also small cottages to rest in and have a massage serviced done.

Even in the Bed and Breakfast site, there were three large houses next the garden. The interior design of the houses looked like the Anthropology store. (Oh, one of my favorites stores, but you would never see me buy anything from there. Because everything is outrageosly expensive.) The houses were filled with antique collectibles and the decorations were unique but modern.

My favorite decoration was seeing the various unique pots in every room or pathway with freshly cut tropical flowers floating on water.

Sonya's Garden felt like a perfect gateway for a bridal party. It felt like the Philippine version of a Victorian Tea house but with the Spanish Hacienda feel. I hear Sonya's Garden used to only cater to the extreme upper class, where you may only enter with a reservation. Where now it is open to the public, but mostly middle to upper class enter in.

It's so fascinating to see the culture differences between the Philippines and the US. Now, that is for another time, if I ever get inspired.

Everything about Sonya's Garden
was delightful and exquisite.

More like, I am so glad and thankful that the LORD is allowing me to experience such a blessed weekend in these next 40 days. What else can I ask for, I have had a restful quiet time and an amazing ambiance to have good fellowship.
Thank you, LORD, for a sweet weekend.

And thanks for praying for me this weekend!

I'm thinking of Hanging with the Priests and the Nuns

Today, I had a chance to chat with a friend about my past couple of weeks experience in Manila. After I shared, she recommended an idea. She said that I should consider going to a Roman Catholic "House of Spirituality". It's supposedly like a Retreat House for prayer and solitude. A guided personal retreat, where geniune solitude happens. There would be various prayer rooms or prayer chapels, and it is away from the metropolitan city life. I would be able to walk around the quiet woods.
Each day that I am there, I will have the opportunity to have two guided sessions with a Nun or a Priest, to pray with, to talk with, and to be directed how to hear from the LORD. Of course, I will be surrounded by some people, but supposedly we all are there for the same purpose. The aim is to pour our hearts, to hear from the LORD, and to be in complete solitude with Him.

The more I've been thinking about it, the more I am willing to go. I never thought I would ever enter to such a place like this. I think I'm getting a bit more excited.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be in a Convent? Well, I've always wondered about it. Maybe this is the closest, I'll get to it. ;) I'll be hanging with some nuns and priest. If I actually get to go, I for sure will learn a lot from this experience.

Anyway, as for this weekend, I am getting away to try to do some of my own solitude time, with overlooking this view...

Mom's faith and smiles continued to radiate in spite of what came her way

Day 5: Mom's last Memorial service

In memory of Mom

We, the family of
Luz N. de los Reyes
who passed away on June 3, 2006 at 70 years old.

Remember her with the deepest love and affection.
Her memory will be treasured forever.
Though our hearts are filled with sorrow,
we find comfort in knowing that she is now with the LORD.

From her husband Vic and loving children, Gigi and Ed, Arlene and Dondi, John and Rose, and Caroline; grandchildren; sisters and brothers Ben, Jamie, Tito, and Lina.

Her viewing is at Funeraria (Bonifacio Hall)
from 12 noon to 12 midnight,
Memorial services will be held from June 3-7, 2006 at 8:00 p.m.
Commital service and Interment will be
on Thursday June 8, 2006 at 3:00 p.m.
at Manila Memorial Park.