151 days to go until forever!

In this world where there’s no uncertainty with God’s amazing grace, I found hope, acceptance, healing, renewed faith, confidence, freedom, security, family, blessings and most of all true love when I met you.

I can definitely say that it is only by God’s grace that we are blessed with each other’s presence. I am eagerly looking forward to a crazy, exciting, rock and roll adventure of a lifetime with you. It is no longer I in this journey but we. May God continue to bless our relationship as we get ready for this lifelong commitment in marriage.

We have 151 days to go until forever! 😍 😍 😍 😍

George Arias & Lim Sarah Lauren
St. Vincent Ferrer Church, Cagay, Roxas City, PH
March 24, 2018

#bisayaMEETSilongga #JORHEwedsSARAH #GariaSwilltakeyouforever #nothinGSgonnastopusnow #SGAdventureofalifetime #SARAHmeant2b4GEORGE
more hashtags, means more fun hahaha 😍 😍 😍 😍

Credits
Video: BOX Films
Photo: Keru Sato
HMUA: Ana Nieva Revil Blaza

Adventure of a lifetime

October 24, 2017

Luke 12:35-38

35 “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak.

Today’s gospel reminded me to:

1.) Always be ready for service –  The Lord will always call you to where he needs you to be and by saying Yes, we are allowing our own selves to be used by God to spread his message. We may doubt and be worried but we have to trust God that he calls not the qualified but he qualifies the called. He can transform us to be better and we should be available to serve, always prepared and be spiritually ready for battle because we are God’s warriors.

2.) Keep our lamps burning – We should take care of our lamps – the heart, the source of life, filled with love and our inner passion to do greater things for Him. We should purify our intentions and fill our hearts with love to keep us going and by emptying our hearts with all the negative things and distractions. As we serve, we experience a lot of trials and difficulties and the posture of our heart and intentions are tested. We should keep our lamps burning by nurturing our passion, keeping our faith and expressing/receiving love to continue the journey by never giving up and finishing the race.  

3.) Be watchful while waiting – We don’t know when our time will come but as long as we are alive we should cherish every moment. We should give our all because our God highly deserves it. We should always be ready for service and keep our lamps burning for the Lord may come at an hour we don’t expect. Let’s make ready our hearts to welcome the King!

The journey towards God is a tough one for we will not be spared from being questioned, from rejection, from pain, from insecurities and even from being stripped off anything that we have. The only thing we hold on to is the promise of eternal life with Him in Heaven and the genuine love and happiness we receive after serving him fruitfully. The other blessings we receive are bonuses from Him and who are we to say no to that? Indeed God is a generous Father, he will really take care of you as long as you faithfully serve Him through his people.

I am blessed to become a part of this community and this has been God’s greatest gift and blessing to me. Ever since I started my journey in YFC way back 2005, God has given me what I thought I needed and I never realized that it was only the beginning. I came to UAE last 2011 and finally moved to SFC and how time flies very fast, I’m almost 6 years in SFC. Indeed a lot has changed and it just keeps on getting better. God has molded me to become an instrument and a channel of his love to others. I may not be his perfect disciple but I know that I am still trying to be good in my own way. I am thankful for the many blessings God has given me, my family, the community, my household, my friends, my work, my fiancé, my life, the fun adventures and everything I have. Being in YFC and SFC has been an amazing adventure and it is by God’s grace that soon we’ll move to CFC. I am more excited for God’s revelation for the next chapter of my life with George and we are 151 days away! -March 24, 2018 #SGAdventures

Thank you Lord and for that may God be praised! 

Looking back during MEC Beloved 2013

The most memorable conference - Beloved 2013 - where I planned and dreamed of what will happen and to where I want to be in 3 years time.

God's perfect time is always the best time ever. For we can never phantom the ways of the Lord. We just have to trust his will and believe in his plans for us for He will never fail us.

And then 4 years later, through the many ups and downs, God has finally heard my prayers, my every desire and my every cry. He has answered surprisingly and in his mysterious way fulfilled my dreams. Only by his love and grace that I am amazed and am truly blessed beyond measure! Indeed I am God's beloved.

And for this, I praise and thank you Lord.. ;)

Say Yes to God’s sweet invitation

Last August 4, 2017, the moment I woke up early today was a gift and blessing from God, and today being a Friday was a bonus since its day off! It was 5:50 in the morning, for some reason I still wanted to sleep more but since I was invited, I felt guilty to reject the invitation since it was not the person who invited me but our dear God who did. I quickly hurried getting ready and was even picked up from the place where I was staying. Together with me was Ate Shane, Ate Phiel, JJ and Aimee. So before going to the “retreat”, we had a heavy and big breakfast at McDonalds first then we drove to St. Mary’s Muhaisnah. Then we were brought to the place and where we were warmly welcomed by the St. Paul sisters. The place was very peaceful and calm. They even offered and prepared breakfast for us which we had for the second time. So we had a short discussion / briefing about what we will do that day and then we went to their chapel to pray.

After that, each of us had to share something about ourselves and answer the question “Who Am I?” The question made me think deep and I prayed to God for me to be honest with my answers. Before answering the question, I introduced myself. I am Sarah, from Capiz and nearly 6 years as an OFW here. I am 2nd from the 5 children. Currently planning to get married next year but I have emotional baggage that I need to clear for me to be able to face the next chapter and have a clean fresh start. We were ask to describe who we were through anything like animals or things we prefer.

So I think again and I realized I was like a dog in a cage. I am man’s best friend, I can be there whenever you need me and surely you can depend on me. Though I may not talk or complain, all my feelings are kept hidden. You can see when I’m happy through my tail and when I’m not, I will just stay at one corner, waiting for you to notice me and cheer me up when I’m down. I am loyal to my master and I treat them in my own special ways. There are times when I can run and play freely but most of the time, I am left in a cage or chained. I desire freedom, the freedom from past hurts and emotional baggage. I desire healing, openness and forgiveness. I feel that now is the best time to free myself from the cage or break the chains that prevents me from experiencing God’s ultimate grace and overflowing love. I will be going home soon and I am excited for God’s revelation and his leading for me and George. I know in my heart that this is his great plan for the both of us.

After our sharing, we wrote our journal then had a light snack and went to the chapel for it was the Holy Hour. The very thing I offered to God was not my achievements, my money or what I have or earned but for him to accept my broken and sinful self. God never left me in times when I needed him the most and he even accepted me despite and in spite what I have done and what I’ve become. Truly God does not look at our physical appearances but through our hearts.

The retreat was one way of assessing and instilling awareness on one’s purpose on earth. It was an instrument of God for us to ask questions and in return hear the answers. Attending this retreat made me realized how blessed I am to know my purpose. It is very important to discover your purpose so as to live your life fully with God’s grace. I then remember when I was younger, I dream of being able to help others. When I got to college, I dreamed of being a nurse and pursue that degree of helping the sick. When I entered the YFC community, I dreamed of being a missionary to evangelize people and bring them back to the Lord. When I came to the UAE, I dreamed of excelling in a different career to provide for my family and seek greener pastures. As I slowly matured, God allowed me to join in the SFC community where I continued to dream of leading more people to be close to God. I desire to become an inspiration and proclaim on how God has blessed and worked in my life with the experiences I have been to. Then again, God blessed me with a new dream, a partner and an answer to my ultimate purpose and realizing my deepest desire. Now I am dreaming to be a best partner, a supportive wife and soon to be a mother to our future family. With God’s blessing, I continue to dream big and trust his great plans for me.

It all started with a simple invitation, an invitation to do good or do bad, an invitation to follow or ignore and an invitation to either say Yes or No to him. We are called in many different ways and how we respond is what matters as long as it is pleasing our God. In saying your YES, it may lead you to different places where you can’t imagine, allowing you to meet different people, fulfilling various roles, pursuing or sharing Christ to others and enjoying the smooth yet sometimes rocky but worth it journey towards Heaven. I thank the Lord for continuously calling and inviting me to be part of the community, for allowing me to witness his transformation in my life, to be able to listen to his words and by following Him to where he wants to lead me. I am blessed to be invited and I in return will also invite others to discover that there’s more to life and there’s more in store for us when we accept and say Yes to God’s sweet invitation and when we do, then our life won’t and will never be the same.

For all of this, may God be praised!

 

 

The best ME for God

DM 2017 July 8

Sarah Lim – Batch 43

Gospel: Matthew 9:14-17
Jesus Questioned About Fasting
14 Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”
15 Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
16 “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse.17 Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”

 

Reflection:
Last 2013, my previous work surprised me with a 6 months labor ban even if I finished my 2 years contract. During that time, I cried hard to my family about my situation. I had hopes to find a new job but in every interview I attend to, I always get rejected because of that ban. Still, I tried to be optimistic and continued to serve Him. Oftentimes I would ask him why did this happen and it made me struggle more just to hold on.

At that darkest time last January 2014, I met a guy at the Church while serving at the festival. He was nice and we instantly clicked. Everything went fast and I realized I started to like him and we dated. He gave me strength and I became dependent on him. He supported me, he pushed me to believe and he motivated me to find a job despite the ban. For some reasons I became overly dependent on him and I started acting childish maybe because I needed attention.
There were situations that created conflicts and that may have been the reason why he stopped. Again, I was struck with another more painful rejection. I admit I had expectations so I became depressed and I was unable to accept what happened. I had a lot of questions that I wanted to ask. There’s a big WHY? in my head and somehow I kept blaming myself. I lost hope and I was ready to give up and go home but there was one voice telling me to keep going. I convinced myself and I tried hard to pull up a strong front but I know deep inside me, I was very sad and hurting.

I never thought I would overcome that darkest time and indeed God hears our prayer. At the last minute before my visa expired, I was hired in a free zone company and my ban was lifted. Everything went well since I was able to cope up and adjust with my new work. God has given back what he has taken away with something better. I felt relieved but in my heart there’s still pain and in my head there were questions left unanswered. I was fired up to keep going and that experience changed me completely. It taught me how to be strong, to be independent and not to trust easily. It also allowed me to build walls to protect myself because I do not want to go through that pain again. 

Our God knows everything and he knew I needed help and so he sent someone to show me and reveal to me that he has greater plans for me. And so I met George. At first he reminded me of that guy but as I got to know him, he was totally different. He was patient, understanding, loving, sweet, caring, and he respected me. We became a couple though there were some struggles since we had a lot of differences. It was a challenge for us to meet halfway to make ends meet. There were times we fight and we don’t talk to each other but then we learned from our mistakes. Sometimes we argue at the smallest and senseless things but it is by the grace of God why we keep holding on to our relationship. Yes, it is not just by our love for each other but by the grace of God why we’re going strong and why we’re still together. And by next year, we’re getting married! 

Back then meeting George was God’s way of redirecting me and through him I was able to be happy and I am claiming to be healed of my past hurts. I am still in the process and I have realized that I am no longer the old me but perhaps I am the better me and will be striving to be the best me for God.

Indeed the Lord loves me despite and in spite of what I have done and what I will become and the Lord continues to remind me of the verse from 2 Corinthians 5:17 saying “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

A work in progress

Date: May 3, 2017

Sharer: Sarah Lim

 

Gospel: (John 14:6-14) NIV

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know[a] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

 

Reflection:

 

Last January 2017 when I was in my hometown, God has revealed 3 messages for me after hearing the Sunday mass: 1. Pick up and carry your cross; 2. Embrace your calling; 3. Stand firm in your faith.

I was then bargaining if I should go back or stay. Obviously I cannot stay because God knew I had to go and fulfill the mission he entrusted me. With a heavy and confused heart, I pondered and I asked for God’s grace to be poured out in me so I can fully accomplish what he is asking me to do. I returned to Dubai full of hope and a direction to pursue what he has called me to. Life in the Philippines is different from UAE. I somehow miss my old self when I am home unlike here where I have to be strong always and keep going.

Again this March 2017, God revealed his message through an influential person, “God is expecting you to do more things for Him.” I felt worried and doubtful if I can really do all those things that he is asking of me. When he said more, it just doesn’t mean all the good stuff, but it includes the bad to the worst things too.

God believes in me so much but before I can do all those things, I have to pause, fix my broken self and heal my heart first. I have been struggling with an emotional baggage for so long. I had several attempts to overcome it but it just doesn’t go. It is difficult to confront as most of it had long been kept hidden and suppressed in my heart and I am afraid to face it. Truly God never forces us to change but he will allow situations to happen for us to realize that we are wrong and we have to follow and trust him. Many times I have run away but God, in his greatness and goodness, keeps calling me back and giving me chances to change. This time, he is giving me a final chance and with God’s grace, I will overcome this completely.

I know God loves me so, and that is why he never stops reminding me to let go and let him take over. As he is trying to mold and prepare me, I keep on resisting, refuse to listen and act as a stubborn child. There is no other way but through Jesus as he said “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” I have tried my best but now it is time for God to work his way in me.

Lord Jesus, be my guide, my inspiration and my strength. Allow my heart to be opened in accepting your healing and grace. Bless me abundantly and empower me with your Holy Spirit. Please help me to overcome this struggle so that it cannot hinder me from doing the mission you have entrusted in me. Remind me to stay focused in you as I continue this journey. And may the will and plans of God unfold in me as I face the trials along the way and look ahead for a better and brighter tomorrow. Amen.

 

Called and Empowered

This sharing was written a day after the empowerment that happened last Monday (March 27)

We had a powerful empowerment yesterday at Tita Grace’s residence at Sharjah. Everyone was surprised to see almost ¾ of the service team from SFC who attended. Before the prayer started, Tita Grace shared and exhorted about the battles we will be facing. She gave us a glimpse of what we will experience during this empowerment. The exhortation itself was empowering and somehow most of us were excited for what’s next.

We started the prayer by singing songs of praise and were praying in tongues. During the prayer, the Lord was telling me messages but it was not clear but I just felt it. Everyone in that room was moved by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Each of us prayed in tongues. There was a time when our hands were blessed with Holy water and even our bodies were sprinkled by that same water. It was a long and continuous prayer, before it ended we all surrendered and claimed the victory.

After the prayer, was the time for eating! Since it was nearly 12 MN, it’s time for us to go home since there’s work the next day. Tita Grace hugged us all individually before we left. When it was my turn, she whispered to me that: "Marami pang gustong ipagawa si Lord sayo..." English translated: “You have more things to do for the Lord”. Of course I was shocked and it was then that I realized what the Lord made me feel during the prayer. He made me remember and see both the bad and good things when serving Him like pain, frustration, struggle, doubt, worry and even joy, victory, love, fulfillment etc. He is expecting me to do more things for him before I settle down. Maybe he wants me to work for the mission and he even assured me that he will take care and lead me as we prepare for our upcoming wedding.

After that it made me think more of what I can do. I realized that I have to give my full force in serving God for he is expecting me and calling me to give more because he still needs me and who am I to say no? After all he has done and given me? I say yes for greater and bigger services for the Lord. I also realized before my services sometimes became my burden because I myself is serious enough to fulfill them. There are moments that maybe I partly enjoyed but now with all the experiences I have been through, I finally know how to handle them and I am enjoying. I am having fun because I need to feel the excitement when preparing and doing my service to Him.

Before the awaited desert camp, last Sunday I attended the meeting for KFC Family Conference. I was given a task and I just said yes because I want to give God the glory he deserve. My current service is not yet done for the Family Ties and here comes another responsibility but I know the Lord will sustain and prepare me to do what he is expecting me to do. I believe that my God is strong and faithful and I hold on to that truth. I hold on to His promises for I may fail but I know he never fails.

Sisters and brothers, I thank you for the support and love that you have for me. Thank you for being God’s instrument to me and altogether let's stand firm in the faith.

Mercy + Forgiveness = LOVE

Gospel for the day: Luke 6:36-38

36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”


Last 2015, we had our family reunion after being separated for 10 years. After new year, it was my first time to celebrate my 26th birthday and it was also the time when me and mama had a misunderstanding. I guess I was full of myself and unknowingly hurt the feelings of mama because of what I said. As a result, she pushed me away and she was angry. I never understood the reason for my actions back then and I also felt hurt about what happened. I went inside the room, confused and cried as I kept myself busy with packing my things. I never spoke to anyone but they were wondering as to why I was crying.

I had several flashbacks then about me as a child growing up and feeling unloved. I tried to think and reflect on what happened. Instead of lowering my pride and asking for forgiveness, I ignored her because I felt my day was ruined. I knew it was my fault but I was afraid to admit and say sorry to her. That night we celebrated me and my sister’s birthday and of course I did not enjoy it since I was not feeling the moment.

The next day, I was hesitant to speak to her. There was fear in me that I might be rejected or she might misunderstand me. We were separated for almost 10 years and with that gap, made us distant. It was few hours away before our flight to Manila as we will be returning to Dubai soon. I was fearful and I believed the lies in my head. We booked an early flight so we had to be at the airport and they send us off. Before leaving, we had a chance to have a small talk and I was touched that she told me: “Listen to Mama. I love you!”After that I felt sorry for what I did and I realized she still loves me even if I hurt her. What genuine and unconditional love. I left with a peaceful heart even if it was my fault.

I failed in being a good daughter. I should have reached out and ask for forgiveness but I kept my pride with me. I held on to my fear and to the lies in my head. But that fault did not measure my worth and through forgiveness, made me feel loved and important. I am thankful for the chance of being able to understand what God was trying to teach me. I have been stubborn and that was a lesson learned. Thank you Lord for giving me a loving and understanding mother who showed me what mercy and forgiveness really means.

The Gospel today tells us that as the Father is merciful, He is calling us to be like Him. As the Father forgives us of our own mistakes, we too shall forgive others in return. Most of the time, it is easier said than done. As God has called each of us, we have to follow and obey Him in all circumstances. Serving God in and out of the community is a daily struggle and it requires patience, understanding, effort and openness. Not all who surround you, are part of the community and dealing with them can be very challenging. But through the grace from God, we are able to achieve everything with mercy, forgiveness and love in our hearts, all things are and can be possible.

Fireproof your relationship

Gospel for the day: Mark 10:1-12

10 Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them. 2 Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” 3 “What did Moses command you?” he replied. 4 They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.” 5 “It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,” Jesus replied. 6 “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’[a] 7 ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,[b] 8 and the two will become one flesh.’[c] So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” 10 When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. 11 He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. 12 And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”

Nowadays it is very common to hear news about break-up, separation, adultery and even third party. What we see on television greatly affects the mind setting of the people watching it and tolerating it more makes it seem “normal”. We tend to forget the importance of the sacrament of matrimony that once we enter it, we can no longer get out easily because it is a sacred gift from God. There are a lot of temptations in this world, a lot of problems and trials, a lot of easy way out and we are not spared from going through these things. Above all the trends of this world, it is still our choice that is important.

Last 2008 we watched a movie entitled Fireproof, wherein a married couple (Caleb & Catherine) was experiencing marital difficulties. They were having several misunderstanding and constant arguing wherein both of them wanted a divorce.Caleb’s co-workers convince him to hold off their divorce and he asks help from his father. His father encouraged him to try the Love Dare, which is a 40-day challenge for improving marriages by changing the way a spouse is treated. At first he disagrees but later on he tried it with his wife and kept it a secret. He started the love dare half-heartedly while his wife was busy about her work at the hospital and ignoring his efforts. Catherine was starting to fall for the doctor which led her to decide in leaving their marriage. The husband works as a firefighter and during his duty while putting off the fire, he got burned and was treated to the hospital where his wife was working. There he was taken care off by the doctor who also found out that Caleb was Catherine’s husband. After that incident, Caleb continued the dare with faith that Catherine might change her mind about their divorce.

One day, Catherine discovers that her mother's medical costs have been paid anonymously and assumes it was from the doctor but it was paid by her husband. Caleb discovers their affair and confronts the doctor which he found out that he was also married and was planning to end their affair. With the grace from God, Caleb completed the love dare but never stopped in following the guidelines and his wife found out about it. Moved by the efforts and sudden change from her husband, they reconciled and renewed their vows.

What I learned from this movie was to “never leave your partner behind especially during a fire” which is also similar to not finding an easy way out when there’s an argument. Yes sometimes we find it easier to leave but it is better that we stay and face it so it gets fixed. The Lord is telling us to value our relationships more than our feelings and that we should protect it from whatever or whoever wants to destroy it. Let us learn to fireproof our relationships and try our best to please and glorify God through it.

May God be praised!

Treasures in our heart

Gospel for the day: Luke 2:16-21

 

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. 21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
 

Cheers for a blessed and happy new year! Thank you Lord that I am still here!

Wow!!! It was only yesterday when 2016 had just began but I can’t believe that now 2017 has come. As we say hello to another amazing year, let us remind our own selves like what we read in the gospel to glorify and praise God for all the blessings, graces, experiences and the not so wonderful happenings we went through for all these years. Let us have a heart full of thanksgiving and give our praise to God for he deserves all of it and by doing so, he transforms each one of us to be like his son, Jesus.

 

For me, 2016 was a struggling year for my family but somehow we had learn to work and help one another in our own ways. It was not an easy start since oftentimes we would fight or misunderstand each other. It was also very hard to obey but because they knew better, we/I have to follow. Each of us had our own struggles too but then we tried to manage. Me and my siblings wanted to give up as it’s very difficult and it is impossible but our parents kept on holding on. They were trying their hardest to find ways for our existing problem. There were situations when I don’t know where to stand or to whom shall I go? Indeed God is a great provider because he has given our family enough resources to survive and maybe He is teaching each of us a lesson in life. Well the family struggle is still there, though at times we lose hope that it will be fixed but only God knows what’s in store for us.

 

This year our CFC community is proclaiming that we should stand firm in our faith for we will be facing a lot of trials, tested with struggles and of course achieving victories for our God is always with us in our journey. Through this verse maybe God is telling my family to stand firm and believe that He can do wonders for us in the midst of all impossibilities and human limitations. He is reminding us to have faith and believe that good things will still come.

 

Also in the gospel, Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. Like Mary, let us start to store up treasures in heaven for life here on earth is temporary. Let us learn to value our relationships more than the earthly possessions and trends of this world. Let us ponder deeply first before we speak or act for we may never return back the wasted opportunity because of our recklessness. Let us invest our time wisely and work productively in God’s vineyard as he is commanding us to do. May we find joy in serving God and his people even if it is very hard and challenging but through that, it is the most fulfilling thing we can achieve that makes our life worth living.

 

And for all of these, may God be praised!

Sis Sarah Lauren Lim 

Chapter 3B3 ~ CLP Batch 43

Household Head 

SFC Dubai 

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.

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