Travel home 2016

Gift of a new day

Thank you Lord for the gift of sunset (and sunrise). Indeed everyday is a reminder to be hopeful despite the good and bad situations that we encounter. You assure us that there's always something to look forward to in the next day. You are God and we are not! smile emoticon ♡ ‪#‎iamBBM‬ ‪#‎DeoGloria‬‪#‎belovedChild‬

Blessings in Disguise

It was August 26, 2016 when a big surprise was announced that left me in shock and for sure it was a day that I will never forget. It was during the CLP Batch 4 Lord’s day when the new structure of our Chapter 3B3 was informed to everyone.
 

Announcer: While under Sis Mel’s household…. ….. ….. ….. … and Sarah.
Me: Boooom! (in my head) What!? Me? Are they sure?

I walked in front with the feeling of amazement and full of surprises upon hearing that. Everybody was happy and somehow accepted each of their responsibilities while for me, I also felt happy but at the same time was asking God why? I was warmly welcomed by my new household and I felt I belonged. That day ended a success and I know that was the time that God gave me a new start and a beginning of something great which he will reveal in time.

A few days later I went out with Ate Mel and somehow it was awkward at first but it ended great. Somehow it was too short because of the lack of time but it was something I would look forward to. I went home happy and relieved. After 2 days I then met up with Ate Mae and I was delighted to know her deeper (despite the short time) and I am blessed to hear more of her stories based on her experiences. I was looking forward to handle her household but there was fear in me because I did not have a clue. She re-assured me that I was anointed and chosen by God to take over them and it gave me relief.

Few days later we had a farewell party to honor Ate Mae and all of her closest friends were invited. It was a very blessed night as God revealed His great plan for our beloved sister. I have seen how they loved and cared for her and listening for all their honoring messages touched my heart. It was also that same night that I was able to accept my flaws and that I did not want it to happen again especially that I was fortunate to handle her beloved household. I could never forget my words that I will take responsibility for them (in Tagalog: “Ako bahala sa kanila”) The night ended with a pray-over and God has moved our hearts and given us peace that we should obey him even if it was difficult to accept.

A day before Ate Mae’s departure, we had a household/turn over. Somehow it felt great but then again there was fear and doubt in me. Her angels were very nice and I hope someday we can all be solid as one household. The best thing was I felt welcomed by their household even if it was awkward at first. I really thank the Lord for giving this unexpected blessing even if I feel unworthy but a lot of people (especially my upper HH/GG) are encouraging me to keep going. Despite my doubts and fears I trusted God.

A month later, I was able to get to know Phiel, JJ, Jill, Tetz and Aimee. I came to know that each of them are special and different in their own ways. Though struggling with worries and problems, they kept on holding on to God and I feel that they seek Him most. They were eager to know more about him and that hunger for truth was evident in them. At first it was not easy to gain each of their trust but it was worth it. Days and weeks passed and I am able to understand them more and where they are coming from but I know there’s a lot more that I need to know about them.

It was only yesterday, November 19 when we had our first complete household. It was an answered prayer since it was difficult due to different work schedules but thank God we managed to meet halfway. Our journey with Christ has just began and I am eager to look forward to more adventures with them and that may God reveal their pure hearts and be made known to all. I pray that may God mold us to become the woman of God that he has created us to be and in His perfect time may reveal his great plan and purpose for us to make our lives well lived. I pray for God’s grace to be in each of us and that may his will always be done. Lord help me to lead them more close to you.

 

Called for a Greater Purpose

Date: October 10, 2016

Gospel: Luke 11:29-32

The Sign of Jonah

²⁹ As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. ³⁰ For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation.³¹ The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here. ³² The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.

Reflection:

The gospel reading for today speaks about Jesus comparing the old generation (BC) with the present one (AD). People nowadays when making decisions look for signs, read horoscopes, ask fortune tellers and even follow superstitious beliefs. Above all these practices, we should have a deeper faith in God, knowing that his ways and revelations have a clear meaning with a great purpose behind for all. Following and believing this practices is okay but we should be aware that they can oftentimes mislead us to different paths that may affect God’s plan for us.

What is the sign of Jonah? It means that the time has come to repent. God has sent Jonah to lead the people to change their ways. Jonah was disobedient at first by trying to avoid doing what God wants him to do but after experiencing a heavy storm, being thrown overboard and being swallowed by a whale, he was sent off to Nineveh to bring God’s salvation to many and in turn fulfil God’s great plan for everyone.

The sign of Jonah happened again after many years passed and here comes Jesus being sent by God to redeem the people. That time they still believed in signs which was very hard for him to evangelize them. The people were also close-minded that they refuse to listen to the word of God despite the miracles that Jesus performed. As Jonah stayed in the whale for three days, Jesus died and rose from the dead after 3 days for the sake of our sins.

Jonah’s and Jesus’ time have passed and the mission is being handed over on to you and me. Currently, I am blessed to be able to handle a new household which I did not expect and it came as a blessing in disguise. I asked God why but then I was assured that “I was called” and my SFC sister also affirmed that I was anointed. I accepted the task even if I don’t know what to do or how but the grace of the Lord keeps me going despite the difficulties I am also experiencing. I always remind myself that the task of leading a household is difficult but in the end, the fruit is sweet.

It has only been more than a month yet God has made me feel so loved and blessed beyond measure. Slowly he is changing me, he is allowing me to conquer my fears and he pushes me to strive to be the best I can be. God is also giving me the best of what He thinks I deserve and despite my unworthiness, he assures me that I still deserve it. I have a long way to go and I pray that may God’s will always be done in my life. The Lord’s love, mercy and grace for me never fails even if I fail always. I know the task won’t be easy but I am assured that everything is all worth it and my God will reward me eternally in Heaven.

I am Sarah Lauren Lim, a beloved child and I am called by God for a greater purpose!

And for this, may God be praised!

God’s messenger

Sept. 24, 2016

Gospel: Saint Luke 9:43b-45.    
While they were all amazed at his every deed, he said to his disciples,
"Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men."
But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Reflection:

"If the message does not kill you then kill the messenger."

I heard this line from Father Tom as he was giving his homily last Feb. 2, 2013 at St. Mary's Church. It is a simple message but it hides a big meaning which creates a big impact behind the simple words stated. Father Tom even joked as he ended his homily stating: "If I'm not here anymore tomorrow then you know what happened.." After that everybody started laughing and it seems they got the message that the priest was trying to share. As I reflected, I realized that the reason why God is sending us this messages is for us to share the message to others and not keep it to yourself.

The gospel reading for today is reaching out to all us that we need to pay attention more when we are amazed of the great things that the Lord is telling or showing to us because He will use several ways through persons, scriptures, situations or other means to tell us of the message that he wants us to proclaim. Oftentimes the message that he transmits will not be clear for us to understand. In this case, let’s not be afraid to ask him for clarity since the Lord will surely reveal that message through several ways. When the Lord reveals the message, our interpretation should always be guided by the Holy Spirit.

Being a receiver of God message, we should be sensitive enough and ponder deeply on what the message he is trying to reveal us because if we don’t, then we might be misled to different interpretations. Let us become a vessel of His love to others by seeking the best interest for the good of all. May we allow ourselves to become God’s messenger of peace, faith, hope, mercy, grace and love to our brothers and sisters in and out of the community.

Driven by faith

Sept. 22, 2016

Title: Driven by faith

Gospel: Luke 9:7-9
Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, "John has been raised from the dead";  others were saying, "Elijah has appeared"; still others, "One of the ancient prophets has arisen."
But Herod said, "John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" And he kept trying to see him.

 Reflection:

“Herod was greatly perplexed and he kept trying to see him.”

The meaning of greatly perplexed is unable to understand something deeply. When I read the gospel for today it sparkled some interest in me to research more about what happened in the past so I can further understand what it is trying to tell me. I then found out that Herod the tetrarch in our story was the son of Herod the great, the one who initiated Massacre of the Innocents when Jesus was born. So who is this Herod the tetrarch and why is it that he felt greatly perplexed as described?

I googled and read more about him and the history of this big “Herod” family. Well do we remember the time during Herod’s birthday when Salome danced and entertained his guests? In return, he offered her any request to be fulfilled as long as she asks of it. Salome followed her mother’s (Herodias) request and Herod fulfilled it which resulted in beheading John the Baptist and placing the head on the platter. I believe during that time, Herod felt powerless since he cannot take back what he has said but after hearing the current news of John being raised from the dead, he wondered even more and decided to see him if it was true.

In our life there are situations that make us feel greatly perplexed in which we have no control and sometimes we question God why it is happening to us. There are everyday circumstances wherein it is difficult for us to understand or accept some happenings because it exceeds our capacity unlike God who created everything. When we feel that we are in a perplexed situation, let us remember that we cannot change it but we can change our perception towards it. We can change how we think and act according to the will of God. We should always have faith and constant prayer in believing that God always know what is best for us, he will provide what we need even if we don’t ask it and everything is possible for Him.

John the Baptist lived his life fulfilling the mission that God created him to do while King Herod was powerless and doubtful of his beliefs. As members of this community and as Roman Catholics, it is never easy to choose the better part in everything but we walk by faith and not by sight. We may not understand but God willingly allows it to happen because of a greater purpose behind it. By his grace, he will reveal that purpose to us through the Holy Spirit as we continue journeying with him. We are anointed and called by God through our names and each of us has a mission to fulfill while we are here. We are not an accident and God has planned all of this before we are born. Let’s be reminded that everything here on earth is temporary but our God and His love is permanent. Let’s walk and be driven by our faith for God will lead to us to where he has destined us to be. Take courage and find that purpose you we can live a life pleasing to God and in turn bring back the glory that He alone deserves.

And for all of this, may God be praised.

Peace & Joy - MAY 2016

Fulfilled month filled with PEACE AND JOY!

Thank you Lord! (MAY 2016)

Making right choices

We are blessed by the Lord with a privilege to decide what is best for us. He gave us that free will but we should be responsible in making our choices because not only will it affect us but it also affects others as well. 

In every situation, we should always seek his guidance and will so that we don't regret our choices in the end. But sometimes we make mistakes or false judgments yet still life goes on and we have to get over it since our God is a merciful God and he gives us chances to improve.

There are permanent choices that will make you happy:

1. Choice of God

2. Choice of community

3. Choice of Vocation

In everything we have to do let us choose wisely!
Choose Christ! :)

KFC Ruwais (June)

Hello Dubai! Good to be back home after a victorious service at Ruwais!
Thank you Lord. Praise God!

Thank you KFC Ruwais for the warm welcome and we're looking forward to see you again.

Thank you Ates and Kuya for a fruitful mission, new found friendship and start of many "hugots" to come

June 24, 2016

#iamBBM #deogloria #iloveKFC

Take courage & Trust God

"We don't know what the Lord is trying to teach us but if I trust the Heavenly Father,

then it doesn't matter what I don't understand."

 

Dear Lord, give me the courage to face my fears, bless me the wisdom and a deeper faith to continue trusting in you even if it's hard for me to understand.

May your will always be done.

 

How great is our God

How great is our God

Sing with me

How great is our God

And all will see

How great... How great is our God!

Name above all names

You are worth of all praise

My heart will sing

How great is our God

Welcome to KFC UAE!

CFC Kids For Christ Ministry - UAE
Welcome to CFC Kids For Christ Ministry!!

The CFC Kids For Christ MISSION-VISION:
"BRINGING KIDS TO THE LORD AND BUILDING A BRIGHT NEW WORLD."

Our service in KFC as ROCK facilitators was inspired by the verse from Mark 10:14
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

In serving at KFC, ROCK means Reaching out Christ to Kids. Jesus is commanding us to do the same, to lead Him closer to the Kids that they may know and be more like Him. Let us become an instrument of God's love especially to the future generation of CFC and God's favorite ministry!! Let us take part in fulfilling God's great and wonderful plan for the youngest members of our community!

Experience Jesus' great and unstoppable love and invite kids to be part of the KFC ministry.
You can pray and decide to become a ROCK Facilitator today! :)

KFC Ministry Cluster C Dubai UAE
KFC Song: Called to love
Photo/Video credits to the owners

Youtube video link: https://youtu.be/ZosTNhZmpSU

Love is the Answer

 

Date: June 2, 2016
Gospel: Mark 12:28-34 New International Version (NIV)

The Greatest Commandment

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

Reflection:

Jesus clearly said in the Gospel: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

If Jesus would tell me those words, I would have asked him: “Lord how do I love like you did? How easy can loving others be? How can I express that love? Please help me to understand the kind of love that you are teaching and in return to do it because I don’t know.”

I have a hard time understanding what love is and its definition depends on each person’s experience and story. Love for me is complicated and I guess it’s my weakness and it’s also what I lack within me (I think so). Growing up, I had longed to feel and experience the kind of love that makes you feel warm, joyful, contented and the kind of love that people fight for. I had been finding that love and I don’t know why it’s so hard for me to understand that love is simple, that love can be described as a sacrifice and being selfless like what Jesus did for all of us on the cross.

We are 7 in the family and our parents were ex OFWs. They had provided a great life for all my siblings. They gave what they think was deserved by us and we are blessed for all the sacrifices that they did. They gave us the best even if it cost them more time working and being away from us. In the absence of our parents, we grew up with other people taking care of us. We know that they love us because they are working hard to send us to great schools for us to have a better future. I guess my parents showed that love in a different way that I did not understand it before.

2 years ago, our parents have retired and our eldest sister has a family of her own. I, being the 2^nd eldest child, felt that it is my responsibility to provide for the needs of my parents and my sibling. I know that it’s my turn to sacrifice since I believe that sharing my resources is one way where I can extend my love to them despite the distance. There are times that the efforts I put cannot be appreciated and somehow that makes me feel sad. There are moments that make me feel burdened that I just want to give up trying. Sometimes there are unexpected situations that I need to sacrifice my own desires so I can provide more for their urgent needs. A lot of times I find myself complaining, worrying about my future and helplessly crying if I cannot take it in anymore. It is very hard but by the grace of God, He makes it possible. I guess during those trying times, God is testing as to how I can give more to my family. He is checking my heart if I can love and think of my family more than my own self.

Following the command of God is easy but loving others can be so hard. Why is it so hard? I realized that love can never be forced, never be explained completely through words, but expressed through actions and can only be felt from our heart. Some people say that if it doesn’t hurt then it’s not real love. At first love can hurt, but in the end it can be tolerable and somehow it will be meaningful because you freely gave and sacrificed it. I realized that God is measuring my capacity to love through my family and He wants me to continue giving and be selfless in serving my own family.

I have been serving the community for 11 years now and I believe God wants me to also serve my family. I am thankful that God made me realized how important it is to love and accept my family. I admit that I had neglected them when I joined the YFC community because I thought and felt unloved before. Through my services in SFC and KFC, God made me appreciate and value their presence more. Despite the unexplained wounds, God removed the pains and hurts that I had buried beneath my heart. He has healed and made me realize that it is time to let go, time to forgive and be forgiven, time to heal and time to express my way of love to the people closest to me. He has replaced the burdens in my heart with inner peace and joy that there’s no more room for pain, fear and negativity. I am still a work in progress and I pray that may God give me the mercy and grace to continue what he was entrusted me and that may I never get tired of trying.

Everyone is created uniquely and we are blessed by love in different ways. We are indebted to love as God has loved us despite our faults, failures and past. In all our worries and problems, God is the answer because God is love. Believe that he hears our prayers and assures us that difficulties are there for a reason and he will reveal His great plan in his perfect time. May we continue to love others more even if it hurts and obey him in all circumstances while we rejoice, pray and give Him thanks.

And for that, may God be praised!

 

 

In whatever questions and situations that we will encounter,

let's remember that love is always the answer.

For our God is love and love is God,

therefore we can never go wrong for Love conquers all.

 

 

Delighted (April 2015)

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you your heart's desires. -Psalm 37:4

This verse has fulfilled great to greater things with all God's grace and abundance. Truly God is a God of amazing things and with that thank you so much Lord! Super mega thankful for all your blessings, for all the answered prayers, for the sweet surprises and for the assurance of your promises. 

‪#‎HOME‬ ‪#‎PINASvacation‬‪ #‎LOVEproject‬ ‪#‎iamBBM‬ ‪#‎deogloria‬ ‪#‎lovePAmore‬ 

‪#‎breakFREE‬ ‪#‎chooseCHRIST‬‪#‎justASK‬ ‪#‎blessingsOVERLOAD‬ ‪#‎HAPPY‬

Looking back a year later, I am affirmed and delighted to keep on believing that God is indeed an amazing God. I am reminded to keep holding on and to continue trusting your plan for me. Thank you Lord for answering all my prayers and requests. It may not be what I asked but for sure you gave it knowing that it's best for me. Thank you for your generosity, grace, mercy and love that never fails and surpasses all things. May your name be praised.

Share and Give thanks to God!

Sharer: Sarah Lauren Lim, Batch 43

Gospel (John 6:1-15)
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

6 Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), 2 and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. 3 Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. 4 The Jewish Passover Festival was near.

5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.

7 Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”
8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up,9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there).11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
14 After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” 15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.

------------------------------- 

The story about Jesus feeding the five thousand is not new to us. In fact we heard it several times but do we apply it in our personal lives? This story teaches us that with God nothing is impossible. In the story, the boy shared what he had and after doing that, people imitated him by sharing what they also had which resulted to having plenty of leftovers. It also teaches us to give thanks to God for all the blessings he has given us like what Jesus did. Let us focus with sharing our blessings and giving thanks to God.

I asked my best friend, Ayette about the question: “Why do you share?” Her response is that “Sharing makes me happy because I feel that I am so blessed that God gave me this kind of opportunity to share the blessings he gave to others too. One reason why I share is because the feeling of knowing that I shared to someone gives an impact that can be contagious. It’s like the one whom you shared with, will also find ways to share to others because deep within his heart it is a nice feeling. Then it will create a ripple effect that will go on and on.” Several friends also agreed that it gives them a nice feeling after sharing.

We are blessed to have a generous, merciful and loving God. He is teaching us to do the same to our neighbors no matter how difficult and challenging they can be. Our Lord is an amazing God that even before we ask, He already knew what to give to us even beyond what we deserve. As he extends his hand and blesses us with much, he is also expecting us to bless others with the blessings he gave. The joys in our heart after sharing like experiencing heaven on earth. This unexplained feeling of happiness and contentment is different and can only be experienced through sharing and through the grace of God. 

Sharing your blessings doesn’t refer to money alone. Sharing can be through your time, talent or treasure. Sharing is blessing, is caring and is loving. In sharing, we also give thanks to God because He is the source of all this and by doing that, we give glory to His name. Let us continue to share what we have because God’s generosity cannot be undone and that the more we share, the more we gain and also the more people will experience the same. As followers of Jesus, may we become an instrument of God’s love to the people we encounter by sharing and being a blessing to others so that they too can experience heaven on earth and will also do the same to others.

And for this may God be praised!

KFC 1C Entry Camp March 2016

Rejoice, Pray and Give thanks!

March 19, 2016 - St. Mary's Church DXB
2 words: Blessed and Privileged.

Thank you Lord for all the blessings and great things..

Impossible as it may seems but if you truly are with the Lord then all things are possible.

To everyone who gave their time, treasure, talents, prayers and effort - BIG THANKS to ALL! The event won't be possible without your support, providence and guidance! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, thank you very much!

I can say that this service is one of the best that I encounter. Imagine 4 meetings within 3 weeks for a one time big time event? Wow! I am in WOW really! With the dedication of the CFC and with support of YFCs and SFCs also with the help of others. I mean Lord you put us all together so we can give our best to the kids in KFC ministry. God you are amazing!

Lord thank you for the little and big details, the amazing discoveries, for all the blessings, for the friendship, for finding a family in this KFC ministry, for sisters/brothers and siblings, for the love shared and for greater things that are yet to unfold. Lord I just want to thank you, for believing in our capacity, for providing everything, for the endurance, for the patience, for being an instrument and for your unconditional love and promise that kept us going through. Without you Lord, this all will be nothing. Thank you for the fulfillment and all our efforts were paid off. Thank you for revealing yourself through the kids that we are serving. We may not remember all your names but the good Lord will bless you far more than you can imagine. 

Lord we offer this service. 

May you be glorified in everything that we do! :)

Daily Manna: “Why do we forget?”

Date: March 25, 2016

Sharer: Karen Bajador

Title : “Why do we forget?”

 Today’s gospel narrates the last moments of Jesus prior to his persecution at the cross. It started from his arrest by the betrayal of Judas up to his burial wherein he would rise again in three days. The narration encompasses a lot of events and all of them give us a notion to reflect on as Catholics. However, what I do want to reflect on is when Peter disowned Jesus three times.

 In our everyday life, we tend to focus on the things that we usually do. More often than not, most of us forget to take a step back and reflect on the blessings we have received. The demand of accomplishing a day’s task usually requires a lot of our time and energy; and by the end of the day, all we want to do is to rest.

As children, we were trained to at least pray before we eat and before we sleep. It was easy to do back then as children do not have a lot of things to do in a day. But growing up is different, the older you get, the more task require your attention and energy. I personally, would attest to that. I would go as far as saying that some of the time, I feel so tired after a day’s work and would not have the energy to even pray and talk to God. I do feel guilty as I know how blessed I am for all the things I have received until now. I have gone through a lot, both the good and bad; but one thing was constant all throughout; it was that God has never abandoned me. And believe me when I say that he has, and never will, leave your side. Life is a cycle and things will never be good always; time will come wherein we will be at our lowest. But let me tell you that in our lowest point, it’s usually the best time where we can feel God’s unwavering love for us.

Going back to the Gospel, we can almost compare ourselves to Peter because in some way, we are just like him; we often tend to ignore, and sometimes, deny his presence. We are usually overwhelmed with the things that we have accomplished and received that we forget to respond whenever he calls for us. God does not require us to exalt before him for a whole day, nor does he demand to give back something equal in return; all that he asks of us is a small amount of our time. He just wants us to have a moment with him, just like what we do with our parents or partner whenever we get home from a day’s work. And this Lenten season is one of those times where we can do so. I encourage you my brothers and sisters to take a step back, reflect and have a moment with him during this season.

Sharer: Karen Bajador

He affirms!

He affirms us in many ways. We just have to see and appreciate how great His works are. For me, the sunset expresses the feeling of calmness, joy, peace, promises to look forward to and His assurance for the next day. Thank you Lord for today and always! You are amazing! ♡♡♡♡#iamBBM #belovedChild

Status: Affirmed! <3

Delight and ASK (Ask, Seek & Knock)

http://b3-dailymanna.blogspot.ae/2016/02/delight-and-ask-ask-seek-knock-0205.html

Gospel for the day: Mark 6:14-29

14 King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known. Some were saying,[a] “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 Others said, “He is Elijah.” And still others claimed, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.” 16 But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!” 17 For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled[b]; yet he liked to listen to him. 21 Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 When the daughter of[c] Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.” 23 And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” 24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” “The head of John the Baptist,” she answered. 25 At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, 28 and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother. 29 On hearing of this, John’s disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. ~Mark 6:14-29

Reflection:

In the Gospel, we have heard that John the Baptist was a prophet in which others also called him as Elijah. He was a righteous and holy man and King Herod liked to listen to him. On the King’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced and pleased the guests in which the King promised an oath. Herodias having a grudge on John took that opportunity to kill him. The daughter of Herodias then requested to have John’s head on the platter. And because of the King’s words which he did not want to refuse, he made orders to fulfill the request.

Many times in our life, we have this word of honor that whatever we say, we need to do it. We were raised by our families to practice and do what we say. Same as like in today’s gospel: The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.” It’s also the same as to when God speaks and answers our prayers. Our God is a very generous Father who’s willing to give everything to His children as long as it is for the good purpose. God knows when to say yes and when to say no or maybe.

I have 2 favorite Bible verses from Matthew 7:7-12 (Ask, Seek and Knock) and Psalm 37:4 (Delight yourself in the Lord and He shall give you your heart’s desire). I must say that 2015 has been a great year for answered prayers which I never expected to all come true. God surprised me with a God’s gift and a better opportunity at work. God entrusted me a bigger service in KFC ministry. God assured to provide me with all I need and even allowed me to go home twice this year. It was only December in which 10 years we waited to be complete for our family reunion. We celebrated birthdays, wedding anniversary, Christmas, New yearYear and vacation holidays. We had our first complete family photoshoot and we travelled a lot together. God blessed me and my family so much and all the struggles we had were worth it. God heard my prayers and fulfilled them in His perfect time.

As I journey with the Lord this 2016, all I want is to give back the glory that belongs to Him. I am still a work in progress and I will strive with all that I can to become a better me. As the line from Kuya Noli says: “The reward for more blessings is more service!” Lord, let me serve You with joy and gladness and not treat the service as a burden. Let me inspire others as how You inspired me. Allow change to mold and transform me to be like Jesus. I will always delight in You and will continue to ask, seek and knock. Lord, may Your will always be done. Thank You for everything and may Your name be praised! Deo Gloria! :)

Bye 2015!!

So this is goodbye to the last day of 2015.. A few more hours before 2016 starts! Thank you Lord!!!!!‪#‎iamBBM‬ ‪#‎deogloria‬ ‪#‎thankyouLord‬ ‪#‎happy‬ ‪#‎pinaSMILE‬ ‪#‎prayersANSWERED‬ ‪#‎greatGOD‬