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!

 

 

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.

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

Funny convo of Me and God

A funny convo with God that's a bit melodramatic yet somehow was an eye opener for me and hit me with a big realization. I was praying for something to happen and I was doubting if it was really meant for me. Truly He answers us in ways we couldn't see but in circumstances we can really feel. He hears our every cry and no silence escapes Him. You are indeed a great God. Thank you for your confrontation and for making me see the blindness I refuse to unveil and discover the lies that held me captive. Allow me to break free and to stand up slowly but surely. In your name, I trust. May your will be done. AMEN.
(written last year when I was discerning to go for RECON but failed to do so)

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AKO: Ano bang gusto mong gawin ko?

SIYA: Ano ba ang kaya mong gawin para sa akin?

AKO: Aaaahhh…. Ummm **isip** Hindi ko alam? Marami?!? **duda mode**

SIYA: Bakit naman? Pinagdududahan mo ba ako o ang sarili mo?

AKO: Nagdududa ako kasi alam ko capasidad ko. Basta ang gulo kasi!

SIYA: Isa lang naman ang pipiliin mo at ako na bahala sa ano pang kailangan mo. Manalig ka sa akin!

AKO: Paano eto……. Kasi may ganito……. Tapos ayun….. Haaaay buhay napaka complikado…. Puro na lang problema. Nakaka stress na!

SIYA: Ikaw lang naman nagpapa complikado ng usapang ito. Oo o hindi lang ang isasagot mo pero nagdadahilan ka pa ng kung ano ano. Oh kay tigas nga naman ng ulo mo.

AKO: Kasi naman takot ako… tsaka maraming duda sa kung ano ano.. hmmm maraming iniisip na d naman kelangan.. haay napaka advance pa ng utak ko… kasi maraming dinadala at kinakarga....tsaka maraming inaalala at alam kong nakaka abala na talaga.. Haaay napaka worry freak lang ng peg ko.. Grrrrr kainisssssss!

SIYA: Sumasakit na nga tenga ko sa kakapakinig sa lahat ng litanya mo kahit na paulit ulit na lang ganyan. Wala ka bang tiwala man lang? Nasaan na ba ang dating “ikaw” na walang takot hinaharap ang mga bagay bagay, ung dating “ikaw” na di basta basta sumusuko kahit lubog na lubog na, ung dating “ikaw” na malakas ang loob at may tiwala sa akin, ung dating “ikaw” na hindi ng aalala sa mangyayari bukas, ung dating “ikaw” na wagas ang ngiti kahit may pinoproblema, ung dating “ikaw” na kung makapagsabi ng OO/YES ay papanindigan kahit gaano kahirap, ung dating “ikaw” na may disiplina at hindi pabaya tsaka ung dating “ikaw” na kilalang kilala ko mula noon. Anyare at bigla kang nagbago at lumayo???

AKO: .......................................................... Alam ko..

SIYA: Anyare?

AKO: Nagpadala kasi ako sa kahinaan ko, sa pagiging makasarili ko, sa kalungkutan ko, sa pangungulila ko, sa kakaibang emosyon ko, sa sari saring iniisip ko at sa kung ano pang nararamdaman ng puso ko. Akala ko tama ung ginagawa ko pero nakakalimutan ko na at sa mga yun dun nagsimula ang unti unti kong paglayo. Hinanap ko ang mga bagay na mgpapacompleto sa akin and magbibigay saya sa akin. Kaya nakalimot ako at dun nawala na ang lahat. Kaya eto ako ngayon, hirap na hirap bumangon ulit. Ung mahinang ako na nauubusan na ng lakas ng loob at laging takot. Ung ako na d ko inaasahan na bibigat at lalapad ng ganito. Ung ako na mahina, mapagduda, makasarili at ngpadala sa temptasyon. Nagsisisi ako at ngayon gusto ko ng itama ang mga mali ko. Gusto ko ng bumalik sa dati kaso ang hiraaaaaaaaaaap pala.

SIYA: Magiging maayos rin ang lahat Anak. Tandaan mo na ang mga nangyayaring ito ay may rason. Kapit ka lang. Pagdaanan mo lang kasi ito ang magtuturo sayo ng tama kesa sa mali. Matututo ka Anak. Wag kang matakot. Tumayo kang muli. Mag-umpisa ka sa sarili mo, sa dasal, sa tiwala at isipin na makakayanan mo rin ito. Kasama mo ko at d magtatagal ay magtatagumpay ka din.

AKO: Panginoon, turuan mo akong maniwala sa di kapanipaniwalang bagay. Alam kong walang imposible sa iyo at alam kong malalampasan ko rin ito. Itinataas ko na ang lahat sa inyo. Oh Diyos, kayo na po ang bahala sa akin. Kailangan kita at maraming salamat sa lahat. In Jesus' name, Amen.

SIYA: AMEN!

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God speaks in different ways. Are we listening when he speaks?

Or are we busy talking the whole time in prayer?

Reflect and listen well.

Are you?

 

PINASmile 2015

Psalm 37:4

Delight yourself in the Lord and He shall give you your heart's desires.

It all started with a dream of coming home and with the grace of God, it all came true. I held on to that verse as I continued my journey and to tell you frankly, it was never easy but definitely worth it. The Lord was generous and mighty enough to hear every desire, every cry and every longing that's in my heart. Thank you for answering my prayers beyond measure and expectation. Thank you for your presence, love, generosity and providence that really never failed me. Thank you so much Lord for all these blessings and therefore I conclude that rain has poured upon me and to those around me.

PINASmile 2015 - It's definitely more fun in the Philippines!

Sharing the joy and genuine smiles. LOVE pa MORE! :)

Thank you so much dear Lord! :)

(April 23-May 15, 2015)

Late post: Happy 26th!

Thank you for making me smile. Lord, thank you for everything. A year has passed and I feel better than before. Survived the storm and became stronger than ever. So blessed and happy. May your will be done.. Bring it on! Happy 26th! smile emoticon ‪#‎iamBBM‬ ‪#‎deogloria‬ ‪#‎thankyouLord‬ ‪#‎happy‬ ‪#‎smile‬‪#‎chooseChrist‬

His Promises claimed!

1 YEAR AGO TUE February 11, 2014 9:27am

Child, I never promised that it would be easy but it's going to be worth it. Hold on to me. I am here. I have a great plan for you, a future full of hope. Keep going and keep fighting. Be strong, firm and still for I am with you. Everything will be alright. Trust me with all that you've got. Give me your pains, struggles, aches and worries for I will give heal you, mold you and give you rest. Don't give up for you have come this far.

This is a test of faith and I know you'll make it through. I believe in you and I hope you believe yourself. Stand strong child and when you fall just think and stand again. Don't keep your emotions in but share it with me. I want you to be free from negative emotions for I want you to feel the genuine love, mercy and care that I feel for you. 

When all things fall to their places, when it's the right time, when things will be settled and when you are better and stronger then that's the time that I will reveal all my plans and dreams for you. I love you with an everlasting love for you have been wonderfully made in my image.

You are my princess and I am your King. I am the God of all things and I am in control. Endure more and never stop hoping. Be faithful and prayerful. Build yourself and learn to forgive. Accept that nothing just happens. I love you and I will never leave you.

~Love,
Your Father and King

Prayer:

In you, I trust. I surrender. I lift it up. I won't give up. I will endure. I will make it through this rain. I will be strong. I will be better. I will find what I have ASKed. I will for you are God and I am not. You are larger than things. Your ways are higher and better than mine. May your will be done. Have your way in me..
#assurance #loved #promise <3 :) :3

Focus on Christ

Don't focus on me but focus on Christ. 
Let's pray for our families and please pray for me.
-Pope Francis

Such humility, mercy, compassion and love from him radiates to everyone despite the differences in culture and beliefs. It's all in our faith.. Praise God. Thank you Pope! Blessed kami whether we're near and far.. Ramdam namin ang presensya ng Diyos mula sayo! smile emoticon #PopeFrancisPH #PopeFrancisTYSM#iamBBM #deogloria #thankyouLord #happy

Letter to my Beloved Princess

My Beloved Princess,

You are beautiful, unique and special.

You were created to love and be loved!

You are kind, talented, strong, brave, capable and destined for greater things.

You are not an accident for you were called and chosen for a reason.

Open yourself to the surprises that I will show to you.
Be still and patient because it will be revealed when you are ready.

Believe in my promises because I planted them in your heart.

Hold on to me whenever you feel lonely and giving up.

Enjoy the moment, grow in love and serve me wholeheartedly.

Remember that you are worth the wait and just keep the faith.

Someday in my perfect time, you will be in each others arm.

Just allow my will to be done as you trust my plan.

I am preparing your prince because you are worthy to be pursued.
I desire the best in life for you are my beloved daughter.
And I am your Father, the King and Ruler of all.
Be confident that I am writing you a great love story.

Be assured that I love you my beloved Princess.
May my love, abundance, mercy, forgiveness and grace be sufficient.
You both will have your moment, not now but soon.
All is well and all will be revealed in my perfect time.

 Lovingly yours,

Almighty Father and King

Preparing to be your last

You and I are worth the wait.

 One true love is worth the wait. 

Patience, trust, faith, hope, endurance and strength equals a great love.

 Just believe that God knows what he's doing and worry not. 

Lord may your will be done. 

#iamBBM #deogloria #thankyouLord#chooseChrist #LOVEmore #endure

Happy Silver + 1

Happy Silver plus One!!!!! Thank you Lord for the super duper many blessings that you showered upon me, my family, friends, community and those around me. Thank you for a wonderful year and for many more years in this life. Thank you for a year added to mine for me to be better, stronger, wiser and fiercer. Thank you for the unending grace and love that you never fail to make me feel. I am so blessed and loved. Truly I am God's beloved, favored, treasured, beautiful and special in His eyes. Thank you soooo very much.. Happy birthday to me. Good nytieeeee!
January 3, 2015 - Happy Silver plus One! 

Happy 2015

Happy New Year!!!! Cheers to a blessed and joyful 2015! My family may not be complete but thanks to social media, communication bridges the gap of distance between us. Yes we are miles apart but were together always in my heart! smile emoticon

Sa December 2015, in Jesus' name, complete na talaga tau. Me and Kevin will strive hard for that to happen. Help and surprise us Lord. Claim ko na ang Family Reunion 2015! Happy New Year! God bless us all. I miss and love you all. See you sooooon! smile emoticonMwaaahhhugs! kiss emoticon #iamBBM #deogloria#thankyouLord #happy #reunion2015 #family#Godsgift #blessings — with Caila Lim, Larry Lim,Christy Alba Lim, Iek Elad Mil, Kyle Lawrence Andrei Lim, Käwën Krïztïnë Lïm and Sarah Kailyn Lim.

Happy 31st!

Happy 31st Wedding Anniversary Papabels and Mamabels!!!!! I miss and love you both! Claiming for December 2015 Family Reunion  See you soon. I praise and thank God for blessing us with wonderful parents. Take care always! God bless our family.. Lablabsss.

Best wishes to you both on your anniversary! May the love that you share last your lifetime through, as you make more wonderful memories together! May your marriage be blessed with love, joy and companionship for all the years of your lives! Happy Wedding Anniversary Papa Larry and Mama Christy! From all of us: Kyle, Sarah, Iek, Caila and Vince..

Just wait Princess

A message from God

“No man will ever claim you unless he claims you from Me. For I reserved a man for you who has My heart and loves Me even more than he loves you. For I won’t give you unless he asks you form Me. He is asleep; don’t wake him. He is busy for Me... My kingdom. Soon you will know him, but I have the perfect time. You are My princess and My daughter. Let no prince claim you unless he asks you from my hand for I am Your Father and King of kings. You, my princess is worth loving for.”

It is better for a princess like you to be asleep a hundred years and be kissed and be awake by the right prince than to stay awake and be kissed hundred times by the wrong frog.

It is better to wait for years for someone you are sure of, than to grab that chance with someone who picks you up but drops you whenever he wants to.

"Place your heart in the hands of God and He will place it in the hands of a man who he believes deserves it."

Good things come to those who wait. Just wait Princess! <3

31 days to 26th

A year has nearly flown by since I had a 31 days post before my 25th last 2013. So now, I can't believe that here I am doing the same before I turn 26th next year, 31 days later.

It's just overwhelming how 2014 has been a great year for me - with all the ups and downs plus the humor, heartbreak and horror.. Thank you Lord for allowing me to come this far. You have blessed me with so much that all I can say is "Thank You!"

So now, the clock is ticking. 31 days before I bid goodbye to being a silver girl. I need to prepare myself for this since I never had the chance to do the "birthday for a cause" thing which I planned last year. I hope it all goes well. Whatever it may be, I trust in you!

Lord may your will be done. Thank you so much!

Status: Single but not Alone



I have been an advocate of true love waits ever since I started in the community last 2005. I believe that we should not rush to be in a relationship because God has a plan to fulfill in us first before He can give that one person He has prepared for us before we were born. I waited until I was 17 before I can actually have a relationship but it only lasted for 3 months. I knew that I just wanted to know what it felt like but I guess I wasn't ready for the commitment and I needed to focus in my studies first. I know it's easier said than done and I have struggled much being on my own. I was jealous to others who had but I have found comfort, assurance and hope for the times I was lonely, doubting, worried and I have sought support from God and my loved ones.

My second relationship was with a YFC brother whom I served with since 2007. Of course we waited for a while and once I became a registered nurse, our love story began. We were partners in crime, service comrade, mission buddy, prayer partner, camera fanatic and we'd always have our food trip adventures. It ended when I left the country to work in the UAE. I admit it was my fault back then and it took us nearly 2 years to have a formal closure. It was settled when I went home last July 2013. We then became friends but it was a process we had to go through. Months passed and we were talking like nothing happened. Now we are like siblings again, a work in progress, no longer in YFC but in SFC and I am happy that even an Ex can become your friend.

Being single is a blessing in a disguise. Yes, my status is single, blessed, hopefully and patiently waiting for my God's greatest and gorgeous gift (4G) to come. I have been single for 3 years now and never in my life was I alone. Well there were trying times and even situations that I wanted to jump right in a relationship just so I can change my status. I had struggled with emotional crisis that sometimes I didn't understood why. I admit that I feel pressured not just from what I see, hear and perceive. Society can sometimes be rude, judgmental and trivial regarding the relationship status especially when age is concerned. Also, my heart longs and seeks for the presence of someone. I guess everybody needs love and to be loved back. I miss the feeling of someone loving and caring for me yet I know I have to endure the waiting process. I'm in the stage of my life wherein it's a battle against "Intimacy vs. Isolation" as per Erikson's stages of Psychosocial development.
 

FB status last May 25, 2013

I remembered this post of mine last year......
"....God has wonderfully surrounded me with family and friends that loves and cares for me so much. I feel blessed to have them. And I know in His time, He will bless me with a great love story specially designed and planned for me. I am excited when that time will come and I know that I am being prepared for that. For now, I will patiently wait, hoping for the best, trusting His will, loving and serving Him ever more and giving all the best of me for His great glory.. Thank you for this realization Lord. Praise God. "  (Single but never alone)

Experiences are the best teacher. I have learned more and I have gone out of my comfort zone, have mended my broken heart and is getting ready for whatever lies ahead. I know I have crazy dreams once in a while wherein I dream of my crush/someone and it has been one of my simple joys. I know I am 25 and having a crush on someone feels like I'm in high school with all the butterflies in my stomach, crazy imaginations and the happy blushing expression I have once I am talking about or thinking of Him. Of course I am a work in progress, nearly maturing, a kid at heart and a beloved daughter of God. I have desires, fantasies, goals and crazy dreams too. One of it would be desiring to be in a relationship with someone with the hope of being married in the future. In God's time, crazy and impossible it seems but whatever your will Lord, may it be done.



Years have passed and a lot has changed yet still single but never alone who's joyfully waiting, always praying, faithfully hoping and positively claiming the 4G from God.

MEC 2013 WORKSHOP: A WALK TO REMEMBER

Patiently and joyfully waiting for God's plan to unfold in our lives

How to practically enjoy your present state of life and realize the beauty in every moment.

What is the difference between Love and One True Love?

Love is not just a feeling but it is a decision, a commitment and a desire to embrace the flaws and imperfections of someone worth fighting for. Love is a gift shared with everyone while One True Love is a commitment shared to an Only One who you desire to spend your whole life with.

1. Love yourself.

The first step is to accept yourself completely and appreciating the beauty, the talent, the imperfections, the blessings, the being that God has blessed you with. It is hard to love others when you don't know how to love yourself. Love yourself first so that you can love others and in turn be loved back.  Allow yourself to be used for God's glory for He will transform, enhance and make you ready for what lies ahead. God wants you to live a life of chastity. Loving yourself means allowing God to work more in your life and learning to do so means preparing yourself for that someone that He has prepared for you to be with when the right time comes.

2. Love the idea of falling in love.

This step requires letting go of fears, doubts, unwanted baggage, insecurities and failures then letting God's plan unfold in your life. Loving is a gift from God and we are called to love not just the lovable ones but also the unlovable beings. Loving the idea of falling in love is giving your heart and soul to someone. God wants us to set aside our fears so that we can freely live our life and be excited to fall in love! 

3. Love God.

Allow yourself to love God before loving someone. For God deserves to be loved, praised and glorified for Power and Majesty! We must love God above all things. We must be one in Him before we can be one with someone else.

4. Love to love.

Sometimes it is hard for us to share our life story with others but with the grace of God then it becomes easy. Opening our own self to others will teach us to be selfless. Love requires action and expressing it well through deeds fulfill its purpose. Allow your own self to love and serve God through others because life becomes full of purpose, meaningful and worth living.

5. Love the life you live.

We must not focus what we lack but on the blessings God has given us everyday. We should learn to be a fulfilled and be happy person. God wants us to appreciate and be grateful for everything that He has blessed us with. He wants us to embrace and love the life that we are living by thanking and glorifying Him with what we have.

For now be still because God is busy preparing you for a love story that you don't expect. Trust His plans because He knows what is best for you. Wait patiently and joyfully for He has someone in stored for you. Guard your heart and get ready. Don't be weary and never worry for it is done says the Lord. Have hope. Keep the faith and fight the good fight for God is with you always!

Activity:

Draw how you see your life in 3 years in a folded half of paper then write a letter to God about your heart's desires. 

Letter to future 4G

To my future 4G,

How are you? I hope you’re doing fine. It's a bit funny that I’m writing this to the person God has prepared for me without having a clue who he’s going to be. I’m so excited to meet you and to journey with you. My heart is full of joy knowing that someone out there is waiting, looking for me, who’ll pursue me and who’ll be my prince that will ask me from God, our King.

I am anticipating what you’re appearance is but it doesn’t matter as long as you make me happy and you’re being yourself. I can’t wait to do things together. I have a lot of stories to tell. I can't even wait for us to go out on mission and we’ll be serving God as a couple. I desire that our relationship will start being friends, centered in Christ, guided by the community, built by trust, founded with love and strengthened by faith.

I think God has a reason why until now I’m still waiting. I guess I have things to learn, areas to improve on and some issues to deal with first. I know God has a perfect time for everything. His ways and plans are better than ours. I think you also have to do the same. I know you’re excited for the time that we’ll see each other. Waiting can be frustrating but in the end it’s going to be worth it. Good things come to those who wait. I admit that I may have rushed things before and it just led me to be hurt. Well it was a major lesson learned. God says to be patient and just enjoy the moment.

For now, let’s focus with our priorities and when things are in their right places, when we’re both ready to commit and entrust our future then we’ll see how and where it goes. I have no idea what’s going to happen. Things, feelings and situations are not certain for only God and his love is constant. I only pray for courage and strength to keep on waiting. As I wait for you, I will enjoy serving God to the best of my abilities. I will give my time for my family, for my career, saving up for my future and for the community.

Wherever you are, I have a strong conviction that God is preparing the best love story for us. The reason why the past relationships didn’t work was because we have to be matured enough and to learn from them. I hope we don’t get tired of waiting and serving God. I hope to meet a person who’s after God’s heart and Christ’s being.

I am a gift, treasure me as God intended.
Hold me accountable, give me guidelines to live by and discipline me with love.
Psalm 127:3

See you soon and so until we meet my future God’s greatest and gorgeous gift.

May God bless you more and more. Be still and remember God loves you dearly beloved.

~Right here faithfully and joyfully waiting,

Your God’s greatest and gorgeous gift aka 4G,

Ms. Lim, Sarah Lauren <3

Like Jesus, Like Peter

Daily Manna sharing for June 29, 2014

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah

13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Reflection:

 

Who is St. Peter?
We often hear these famous names derived from St. Peter which meant “rock”. Some of the common names were Peter, Pedro, Pete, Petra, Cephas, Simon Peter etc. Peter was the first pope of the Catholic Church to which God entrusted the keys of heaven. Before Peter met Jesus he was a fisherman. He was the first disciple because the moment Jesus called the fishermen they immediately left their nets to come and follow Him. Jesus wanted them to become “fishers of men” and to proclaim the good news to the people. Peter loved Jesus and his life changed because of that love for the Messiah.
 

What do we remember about Peter?

He was one of the disciples to witness the miracle of casting their nets and catching a lot of fish. We remember him as the one who walked on water with Jesus but because of his doubt and little faith, he slowly sink and Jesus lifted him up. Peter has witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus. We remember him during the Last supper when Jesus washed their feet and he wanted to be washed all over his body. We remember Peter as the one who protected his master when He cut off the ear of the soldier when they were in Gethsemane before Jesus surrendered to the high priests. We remember him who denied Jesus three times. Peter was also the one who entered the tomb during the third day after Jesus’ death. Peter became the alter Christus of their time after Jesus ascended in Heaven. He continued Jesus’ mission.

Why Peter?

Among his disciples, Jesus would have chosen anybody but why Peter? It makes me think and wonder why. He could have chosen John the beloved disciple or Matthew the former tax collector. And yet He picked Peter the fisherman because Jesus loved him. Peter with his love, passion, determination and faith lived his life doing the mission that was entrusted to Him. Even if it meant him to be martyred still he chose the difficult path ahead of him. He tried escaping but he knew he had to face being crucified the opposite way as to what His master had experience for he knew he wasn’t worthy to be crucified the same as Jesus did. True indeed that Jesus was never wrong as to why He chose Peter and look at to where the Catholic faith and church has spread now?

 Like Jesus, Like Peter

Jesus taught us on how we should live our life and we are like Peter because we are the rock wherein Jesus has built the church. We are the church because we are the Alter Christus of this new generation. Like Peter, we are sinful and unworthy yet we were called by God for a purpose. Jesus was not joking when He picked us and He didn’t call the qualified because like Peter, He qualified him to become the Pope that will lead His church. Like Peter there are times we doubt, we lose hope, we make mistakes, we tend to be afraid and we deny Jesus not just three times but several times. Like Peter we are also strong, dedicated, faithful, driven, empowered and full of love. Becoming like Jesus and following Him is a difficult choice but a life changing experience. Let us strive to become like Jesus, like Peter and nurtured by Mary so that we can become effective witnesses and proclaim the good news to the ends of the earth.

Happy Feast day to St. Peter and St. Paul.
The 2 Pillars of the Catholic Church
June 29, 2014

Deo Gloria! May God be praised!

#iamBBM