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!

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

Work in Progress

All of us are a work in progress.. 
Messy, broken, unorganized, out of focus, lost and imperfect..

We are a craft in the making..
A butterfly (err caterpillar) in a cocoon..
A baby starting to walk..
A chick in an egg shell..
A beauty in our unique ways for God has design us perfectly. 

God is our maker, our designer and our potter.
We have to believe that He created us amazingly as we are.
We have to accept what He has blessed us with..
We have a time to bloom in our own ways...
We can embrace change to improve ourselves..

Sometimes we just have to patiently wait for the right timing for he will reveal it to us unexpectedly. 
Remember that you are God's masterpiece and His plans are yet to unfold in your life. 
Just wait, be patient and have faith..

The work is still in progress.... and God is in control..
Keep calm.. Hold on and be patient..


Lalalala Hugoooot! Hahaha 
-my *edited* post during our exhibition (last ADIPEC, Nov 8-12)

A love that endures

“What is family?”
We pondered and ask ourselves what family meant for us. We mentioned words that relate to “family” and we agreed that the word itself has a lot of meaning. We concluded that family means God’s gift, belongingness, happiness, blessing, comfort, love, faith, trust, peace, purpose, guidance, strength, unity, forgiveness, home, church, marriage, providence, sacrifice, relationship, communication, time, treasure, community, work, effort, distance, responsibility, blood related, sweat, rivalry, hurts, under progress, third party, mistress, abortion, emotional baggage, selfishness, separation, brokenness, defense mechanism, pain, misunderstanding and the list goes on. We realized that family can be defined simply as love.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things.
-1 Corinthians 13:7

How wonderful and powerful true and genuine love can be? For it is by love that God sent his Son to save the world. It is by love that he has called us and even blessed us with a family we can call our own. It is also by love from our parents that we are here enjoying life by living on earth. We don’t choose our parents and neither do they choose their children. The family is a manifestation of God’s great plan and love for mankind.

A family is not referred to as blood related only. Any person can be a part of a family no matter what their circumstances may be. Belonging to a community, to a workplace, to the Church, to friends or even housemates is already considered as a family because we are building a relationship with them. Being migrant workers in a foreign country, I believe God provided a second family for us to share and enjoy our life even if our biological family is away from us.

The fruit of a family is a blessing of a relationship and a love that is shared between them. It is the love that binds and unites them like a rope tied by connecting each member together. The love continues to grow stronger and blazes like fire burning with passion and desire that nothing can stop it. The relationship built flows deeply more than blood, sweat and water as time passes by. We all have good and bad sides and when there is love and acceptance, the heart is freed of any guilt or bad emotions and the desire to change to become better is there.

The family nowadays is being attacked and we should always remember that no matter how hard and difficult the situations may be, as long as there is love, relationship and a commitment to hold on to then definitely it will withstand all the storms that life may bring. The vibrant colors symbolize the ups and downs of family life. It shows that family will always be the reason for us to love and they will always be our home when there’s no place that we can run to for comfort. Love endures and therefore our family should endure because they are God’s gift to us. Our family and our love to them is always worth fighting and enduring for!

This entry is dedicated to all our family and friends who are gifts from God and we praise the Lord for they are our treasures! They are a God's masterpiece in our life. "Thank you and We love you!"

Dubai Chapter 3B3: Thank you Girl power!
Sarah Lauren Lim, Karla Mae Gabion, Vaneflor Olesco, Leah Joy Lingat, Madonna Cabalona and also thank you for the support from members of Chapter 3B3

Make it Right

23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
(Matthew 5:23-24)

My Child,

I want you to keep short accounts. That means I don’t want you to be mad at anyone for long. I understand people get on your nerves—brothers, sisters, friends and enemies. But I want you to be at peace with those around you. If you feed the homeless, you’re nice to the kids called nerds, and you wear an “I love Jesus” shirt, but you hate your big brother because he made fun of you, how are you worshiping Me?

You show your love for Me by loving and forgiving the people around you. If you have to choose between writing Me a love song or apologizing to someone, I want you to apologize first. Then the love song you write will flow from a heart of love. I care about your relationships, and I want them to be right.

Your friend,

>God

(from the book - Emails from God by Cloninger)

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

Songwriting Tips

FOR ALL THE SONGWRITERS OUT THERE

Taken from the blog of one of the best songwriter that I know in the CFC community, Kirby Llaban. He composed the song “God is enough”, “Send me”, “I give my all” and many more…

visit his blog: (The links have expired so it's not valid anymore.)
http://www.godisenoughforme.com
http://ghamaypepito.tumblr.com

Songwriting Tip #7: It’s Okay To Have the Same Chord Pattern
Many songwriters are worried that their new song has the same Chord pattern as the previous one. In my experience, it doesn’t matter. Most of my songs are in the E-B-F#m-A chord pattern. But each song still sounds unique. What is more important is that we are able to make songs for the Lord.

If you are just a simple musician like me, who just knows the basic guitar and piano chords, you can ask an expert to improve the chords. I ask my friends Fredney and Mike to arrange the songs to make them sound better and distinctive. Suddenly I see “broken chords” and “sus” chords, because of their help.

If your goal is to let more people easily learn the songs you make, then simple chords are better. Also, having the same chord patterns make it easy for you to transition from one song to the next.

Songwriting Tip# 6: Have a Handy Recorder
It’s important to have a gadget where you can record your song in an instant. There are times that suddenly a melody comes across your mind or a beat or an idea for an intro. Sparks of inspiration can easily be forgotten when our focus is diverted. It helps if your cellphone has a voice recording feature, so you can hum your melody or sing out an inspired chorus directly to your phone. Another way is to video yourself, including the chords that you play.

You can stack your recorded ‘inspirations’ and get back to them anytime. The temptation though is that because you are confident that you have stored the initial parts, there is a lesser tendency to finish the song. Be sure to finish what you have started.

Songwriting Tip #5: Lyrics or Melody? It’s Up to God
Which comes first? The lyrics or the melody? This “chicken or egg” query is the most frequently asked question regarding songwriting. The answer to that: whichever the Lord reveals to you first. There are times that you strum a certain chord pattern and a melody comes out. There are also instances that we are inspired to write down and express a realization or an emotion.

In my experience, the advantage if the melody comes first is that the song is most likely to have a very catchy chorus and a complementing stanza melody. The challenge is to write down an inspiration that will capture the feel of the music.

When you write the lyrics first, a great advantage is that the song can have a very unique outcome of its melody since it’s based on the words and the emotions behind the poetry. It is less likely to be structured and the song is not “boxed in.” The big challenge is to shorten some of your written verses to fit in the desired number of syllables to match the song timing. You may have to change many of your original lyrics.

The best thing to do is to allow the Lord to lead you whether what you are holding now is a pen or a guitar. It’s His song anyway.

Songwriting Tip #4: Build Up the Message of Your Song
Do you have anything to say? What is it that you feel? The answers to these questions can be communicated by speech or better yet, by SONG! St. Augustine once said, “Singing is twice praying.” Music is such a potent tool to communicate and express our innermost thoughts and feelings.On the blank below, write down a key message that you want to deliver. It can be a word or a phrase. (ex. love for God, expressing a romantic feeling, etc.)_____________________________

List down five(5) topics related to your key message. (ex. love for God: forgiveness, peace, joy, etc.)

1.___________________________

2.___________________________

3.___________________________

4.___________________________

5.___________________________

Next, write down how you feel about each topic. (ex. forgiveness: freedom)

1.___________________________

2.___________________________

3.___________________________

4.___________________________

5.___________________________

With these information, you can now proceed to write a draft composition. What is vital is that you have a clear message and that you can visualize the emotions that will match to the tune you will be creating.

Songwriting Tip #3: Believe in Yourself
A basic requirement for song writing is CONFIDENCE. If you don’t believe in yourself, then most of the time others won’t. Stephen Covey suggests in his Seven Habits of Effective People, “Begin with the end in mind.” Believe 100% that you can be an excellent song writer. Stick with that goal, and you will see how fast your skills develop. State three(3) reasons why you can be an excellent song writer.

1.___________________________

2.___________________________

3.___________________________



Songwriting Tip #2: Find Out Why You Want to Write Songs
Can you state three(3) reasons why writing songs is important? State your reasons.

1.___________________________

2.___________________________

3.___________________________

The question above aims to let you realize that songwriting can affect lives. It may be a hobby or a skill you want to harness, but best of all it is something of worth and importance. Answering the “whys” will bring out your passion for songwriting. When time comes that you feel lost and tired in writing songs, the “whys” will bring you back on track.

Songwriting Tip #1: Have the Passion
A musician with great passion will later outdo a musician with great skill. How many times have we seen someone so gifted in an instrument but never dared to write or even finish a song he has started? I know I have dozens of them. Passion always creates possibilities. Passion drives us to learn more each day until we become excellent. Having a passion for songwriting will ignite endless possibilities to creating a musical masterpiece.

Best of 2014

The best of 2014

Indeed, 2014 has come to an end and it feels like it just started yesterday. Time flies very fast and what we can do is just to enjoy and savor the moment until it lasts. 2014 has been a great and unique year for me with a lot of ups and downs with twists and turns and dark to light moments. 2014 just like the previous years that passed allows me to continuously improve with myself since I know I am a work in progress, a clay to be molded upon, a light to be sent out to spread with others and a jug waiting to be filled to the brim.

Today may be the last day of the year and still we have few hours left to make the most of 2014 before we welcome 2015. So now let me take this time to appreciate and say thank you to the ones who touched my life and will be touching my life for the many years to come. Thank you Lord for all the blessings, graces and love that you have showered upon me through my family, friends and the community. You are a faithful and merciful God for you have given me chances despite my sinfulness and stubbornness. Still your love remained and it keeps on getting stronger. Sorry for the times I failed you and for disobeying your commands. Allow me to continue growing and become the person you want me to be with the help of my loved ones. May your will be done in me as always as it should be.

I am excited for a new year which means a lot of new events, experiences and encounters. There are a lot of things/situations and circumstances to look forward for. I hope and pray that may I learn to love more not just in words but in deeds. I guess I’m ready for a new chapter and I know with God’s grace I’ll survive like the previous years that passed. Let’s all prepare our hearts for the plans that the Lord prepared for us. May God’s peace, hope, faith, grace, forgiveness and love be upon us all! Yipeeeeey!

Happy New Year! Happy 2015! Cheers! :)

Light of Jesus

Blessed to share in Miraculous Medal Chapel. Thank you! Praise God! :)

Assigned Date: December 14, 2014

Assigned Verse: John 1:6-8,19-28

Reflection Story:

John was conceived in Elizabeth’s womb though barren at an old age. He was sent by God and to testify that with the Lord nothing is impossible. John the Baptist fulfilled his purpose on earth. He baptized people, spread the good news, prepared the way for Jesus and became a witness to the light. He humbly admitted that he is unworthy and he’s not the source of light which he referred to Jesus, the Messiah.

Let me share to you a story about the little candle’s discovery in knowing its purpose. Once there was a little candle placed in a room together with other candles. The little candle felt very tiny for it has seen several candles – plain, small, tall, glittery, scented, big, multi-colored, wonderfully shaped and expensive.

The sun went down and the room began to get dark. A man came to light the little candle then he started lighting each candle and the room was filled with light. The little candle realized that all the other candles gave out the same light regardless of what they are. Few hours later, the wax started to melt. It was then that the candle realized its purpose, “to give light until it dies”.

We are the different candles who are chosen by God, called to spread the word and be witnesses of Jesus. We were created on earth for a purpose and we should fulfill God’s will/plan in us. Jesus is the source of light. He first taught us to love. He gave his life for the salvation of our sins. He is the light that brought faith, hope, peace and love to all of us. He is the match/lighter that ignites the fire in our hearts. Apart from Him, we are lost, we are nothing and we are not capable. With Him, all things are made possible. Let’s continue to give and spread the light of Jesus.

11 days to go before Christmas! Am I excited? Is my heart ready to welcome Jesus and allow Him to light my path? Will I allow myself to be a witness to the light and live my life in accordance to God’s plan? Am I ready for the challenges that await me if I choose to follow Christ no matter how difficult it may seem? Am I ready to become an Alter Christus (alternate Christ) to my neighbors?

If the answer is Yes then be excited for the Savior is coming. Strengthen your faith, pray more and be ready since greater things are yet come. If the answer is No/Maybe then you still have time to prepare yourself for the birth of Jesus. Open your heart and allow the Spirit to teach, equip and lead you to the right path.

SOLI DEO GLORIA! :)

Cheerdancing for Christ

Cheerdancers from SFC Dubai last November 14, 2014 at UAE University, Al Ain!

"I never thought I could do it but because God was with me, I did it!"

Being a part of the creative ministry is a big fulfillment for me. Never did I know that I was capable of doing something simple yet achieving great results. Dancing has been my weakness ever since and somehow I need to face my fear and conquer it. As the passage say in Philippians 4:13 states "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Never did God failed me and look to where He has brought me? Because I said Yes, He removed all my fears, insecurities and doubts away. 

Looking back, 3 weeks ago, upon hearing about the cheerdance for CFC Sportsfest, I was hesitant and somehow shy because I know that I'm not a dancer. I would reason out stating "I prefer to draw..blah blah.." and would say "Bear with me. I'm having a hard time because I'm left handed....." I actually joined last March and somehow I wanted to try it out for the second time. So because I was in a crisis and I needed to change my ways, I made a decision to join for me to regain my old self and somehow become better. Hopefully.

Honestly speaking for the past months I have been so lazy and selfish that I lost proper time management, self discipline and my self worth degraded. I wasn't productive anymore, I lost confidence, I was a bit depressed and I indulge myself with food cravings, wattpad reading also anime/drama/movie addictions. I admit I was a total mess and I needed to stand up on my own and regain what I loss. It was a personal battle that I need to win. I know and I learned to cling on to God. The week before practice I was making changes little by little.

When the practice started, things, circumstances and my perspective started to change. I praise and thank God for His grace for without it, I'm nothing and not capable of anything. Two weeks of sleepless nights, hard work, lengthy patience, frequent practice, self discipline, memorization of steps, getting along with co-dancers and brain processing was torture at first but then became a daily routine for me. As the day passes I was able to appreciate and somehow perform the steps if not perfectly then correctly. 

As we journeyed together, the fruits of our labor started to flourish and indeed it was generously paid by blessings, gratitude, loud cheers, encouragement, fun, genuine laughter, friendship and deep within us, self fulfillment. We know deep in our hearts that God was glorified with our performance and to Him we humbly offer ourselves for His great glory. Thank you Lord. Thank you dance instructors. Thank you co-dancers. Thank you family, friends, household and supporters. Thank you so much. May God be praised. :)

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. 

4G: Guitar

Thank you so much Ate Kim.. You have made me extra super duper happy!!!! As in hafeeeeee! God is so generous enough perhaps too much to bless me with a guitar I can call mine. This guitar will be a a reminder and a declaration of your grace, goodness and greatness. Lord I will journey beyond. I know I have a mission to fulfill and it's here in the UAE. Send me Lord and use me as an instrument. Lead me there and I will go for mission there. In your name, I trust, I hope, I claim and I ask, Amen! :)))))) ang galing mo Lord! You never fail talaga! Da best ka sa buhay ko! Hallelujah! Push na push ko na talaga to! All for you. 

(May 16, 2014 at RAK)

Nearly 5 months ago... :)

Worry not, Trust God!

Daily Manna: OCTOBER 7, 2014 - TUESDAY

Gospel for the day: Luke 10:38-42

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Reflection:

Oftentimes when we struggle too much our prayer would go like this, “Lord don’t you care? Help me.” Of course the Lord knows everything about us which includes our thoughts, actions, joys, pains, feelings, sickness, prayers, struggles, problems, heart desires and all emotions within us. The big question: Does He care? The answer is a big yes! Such situations like that are made to happen because of a purpose and a reason behind that will soon be revealed to us. Life won’t be exciting as it is if there’s only joy without pain or suffering. God designed our life the way He wanted us to live by fulfilling the purpose and plan He has planted in us. Our job now is to find and discover that purpose and allow God’s will to be done.

The gospel today teaches us that worrying and being upset is not good enough. Sometimes we have to lean unto God when all our efforts have been done and let Him be in control. A year ago, I confidently left my job because I was not happy anymore. God allowed me to be accepted in a job that’s thrice the salary offered than the previous job. I immediately grab the opportunity but because of conflicts I had to let go of that job. I thought that maybe it wasn’t for me and so I tried to face the loss yet hurt and burdened. I remained still and confident knowing God will provide the job that I have been praying for. Deep within there’s a voice telling me to leave, go on, be brave and take the risks.  

I left claiming God’s assurance that He will grant me the desires of my heart. After leaving my job then a problem came and I had a 6 months labor ban. Upon hearing that after Christmas, my confidence began to sink and I found myself crying, hopeless, worried and afraid. I was so depressed and even thought it was the end of me. There I was experiencing a deep, dark and very emotional moment. For the first time in my life I felt being abandoned, lost and alone. Being away made me feel so weak and powerless but good thing my family, friends and the community was there to build me up. Slowly, I began to be back on track. I held on to my faith and restored my prayer time with God.   

Struggle after struggle, we learn and become stronger. I never thought of the consequences that I had to face by being jobless for 4 months. I was worried and frustrated but God was there to erase all those things in my head. I continuously allowed His will to be done in my life like the song “Lord please have your way in me”. He never failed to provide me with the resources I need. He continued to assure me that He is God and He is in control of everything. God’s time is never too late and He fulfilled His promise and my faith was strengthened. Through the grace of God I found a job and all the blessings started to pour. 

Everything was a preparation for me and here I am testifying how great and wonderful He is. He took away the unnecessary things because He was preparing me for greater things that He thinks I deserve. I feel so loved and blessed beyond measure because I am God’s favorite and His beloved! 

All I can say is thank you Lord and Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

#iamBBM #DeoGloria

Happy 3rd in UAE!!!

7^th October 2011, exactly 3 years ago I left the Philippines and came to the UAE bringing with me a birth certificate instead of authenticated documents or a CV. Never in my mind did I realize that I will be working here because in my heart I was seeking a mission to fulfill. I was only 22 that time and I guess I was just too childish and very much a slowpoke to realize things before it was too late but God indeed has a different plan. A month later, I was missing home, messed up and was deeply hurt yet I needed to face the reality. I committed mistakes that led to consequences that included losing friends and hurting my loved ones.

I managed to get up though nearly losing hope but yet clinging to God who was my strength. He never failed to give what I never imagined to have. He provided me with a second family and a place I call home to where I belonged. He provided me with a CV, authenticated documents, a job and finally a visa to stay here. He fixed all the things that were broken in my life and slowly but surely I was being healed. He also provided me a spiritual support through the SFC community plus the whole family ministry of CFC as a bonus! He just keeps providing me endlessly and assures me to never worry about tomorrow but just to continue trusting Him.

At the span of 3 years many things have changed. I gained through my losses, faults and failures. I am able to express myself and I am building up my confidence. I am able to handle the ups and downs of my crazy weird emotions. I have fallen in love, experienced pain, hurt, rejection, been bitter and have moved on. I struggled and worry a lot yet God’s promise always assures me. I have learned to set aside my needs for the sake of others. I experienced the feeling of true love and forgiveness through my family, service and relationships. I am continuously learning, overcoming my fears, growing as an individual and becoming matured. By the grace of God, I have improved and am on the process of being better.

Lord thank you for journeying with me not just in the UAE but beyond the distance it has led me. Thank you for bringing me to different places and witnessing your miracles unfolding. Thank you for your trust, abundant blessings and love that never failed and has reached not only me but to everyone here. Thank you for tirelessly listening and answering all my complains, wishes, prayers, heart desires and selfishness. Thank you for your sufficient grace that gave me the strength to keep holding on and never letting go which brought me here, serving, surviving and standing strong. Coming here was the best decision I made and because of that yes, my life indeed was never the same. Thank you Lord, you're da best! :)

Happy 3rd in the UAE! PARTEEEEY! :)

ROAR like a LIONESS but SMILE like a PRINCESS! <3
#iamBBM #deogloria #thankyouLord #happy #blessed

United as 1 HH

As our friendship and relationships grow deeper, may our faith in God become stronger. We are one family in Christ built with love, trust & accountability. Thank you Lord for the gift of true sisterhood within & outside the community. Your presence is a blessing and a gift to my life. You have made my journey worth struggling, brightly colored, with a mixture of emotions and full of purpose.. 

Praying & journeying with you all. I love my SFC household. Thank you Angels!!

#iamBBM #lablab #household #deogloria 

Proud Lefty!

August 13 is the International Left-Handers day! I didn't know that they celebrated this. I only found out about it last week. Being a lefty became a struggle at first but as I embraced it, I began to slowly discover the uniqueness and amazing talent it has revealed to me.

As I grew up I had a hard time dealing with situations because I was left handed. It's challenging to write using a right handed chair and my side or back hurts from trying to adjust with the chair. We rarely have left handed chairs and whenever we have one it's gives me relief. I always have pen marks on my left hand as a result of writing. Whenever I write something I always have a different penmanship and I don't have a permanent one. Weird? My handwriting is difficult to read when I'm in a hurry but if I want it to be read I have to write very slowly and beautifully. Whenever I write, it would be different than how the right handers do or it's in a reverse way because somehow it's connected with the brain and perception.

Whenever I see something and when I try to copy it, it's in reverse. I also notice when I'm learning to dance I have a hard time doing the moves correctly. Before I struggled with directions especially east and west. I am often confused with left and right sides or maybe my brain is telling me otherwise. When eating whichever utensil I pick up first would be ok with me since I can use them reversely. Before I didn't like the subject arts because I also have a hard time expressing myself. I didn't know that being a lefty was a challenging part of growing up. Honestly I find it weird and hard to explain but maybe that's how left handers think. I hope so!?

Few years later, I was able to appreciate the gift of being a lefty. I am amazed at the uniqueness and the ability I can do. I have started loving arts and I learned how to draw. It started in high school when I was influenced by my classmates who loved drawing. Also there's an anime show that was popular and I became an addict of the Japanese culture - origin of Anime and Manga. I have exposed myself to colors, painting, drawing, solving math and even dancing which I hated.

In college, I realize I was capable of doing more but then due to busy schedules I was unable to do what I loved to do when I was in high school. Despite that I was able to discover a new talent which was photography, videography and learning how to edit using photoshop. I loved reading/looking at colorful pictures in books/sites. I also started to learn the guitar and I have enjoyed it. I had a meaningful college life with full of colors, fun and tears. Nothing compares to the fullness of life that I have discovered being a YFC.

Years past and I found myself working in Dubai. My art skills were challenged and I enjoyed working in the nursery. I loved preparing crafts, acting as teacher, taking care of kids and my drawing skills were rekindled. I learned doodling plus adobe editing. I had several projects and I have fun. I am attracted to quizzes/games with colors expecially the rubiks cube. A lot has changed and looking back made me realize how being a lefty is a blessing. So far I am proud of who I became to be because God has blessed and given me with so much. Whatever I have now is all thanks to His grace, love and providence. And I want to thank God for creating me uniquely and I'm a proud lefty! :)

The Sanctuary

What comes to your mind when you hear the word "Sanctuary"?
 
* a holy or sacred place where we experience a piece of heaven
* may refer to a temple, shrine, church, altar and blessed sacrament
* being confidently safe and a source of peace
* feeling a sense of completeness, comfort and contentment
* an encounter with God

I was invited to an event in FB which will be held in St. Francis church at Jebel Ali on June 12. What captivated me was the event titled "The Sanctuary" and somehow I was curious yet excited to attend the event for I had a little clue about what's going to happen there. I anticipated that it's going to be a moment with the blessed sacrament and the mostly the youth (at heart for some) were invited. I had experienced one before about the magic moment with God last April 2014. After that encounter I had a longing in my heart that seeks to experience Jesus through the Blessed Sacrament.

I came together with Kuya Jimmy and we were surprised that the organizers were friends we knew in the community. Upon arriving we were welcome with a song serenading us and the place we were in was like paradise. The place was beautifully decorated with curtains, the altar at the middle, orange dim lights, reflective music, religious paintings, posters and friendly smiling people that it seems almost perfect. The ambiance in the place which was a former parking lot radiated peace, hope, love, passion, faith, completeness and security that you feel like you're in paradise. It was Thursday night and it's definitely worth spending with God rather than going home or have a great time since it was the weekend. 

When the event started we were singing songs of praise to hype us all up and then shifted to slow songs in preparation for the welcoming of Jesus in the Blessed sacrament. My heart was pounding, held on to my wooden cross, tried hard to concentrate, stare at Jesus and enjoyed the moment. All I can say was thank you Jesus and it made me feel lost for words. Sometimes you need not say anything but to open your heart and listen with your ears to His message. He said and assured me that He loves me and that I should keep holding on to Him. I felt love, peace, secured and warm like I was embraced by Him spiritually.

A doodle from my imagination.. (different from the actual presentation)

 After the event, we decided to help out in cleaning up. I didn't imagine it would take us nearly 3 hours. I was so amazed how the people gave time for this event that left a great impression to the attendees. Such dedication and passion in which they shared with us all. Truly it was worth thanking and praising God for. All their efforts were worth it. The hard work they endured while setting the place and cleaning up was a sign of great love for God for they will do everything to give their best. All those cable wires, the heavy equipment, the chit chats, the fun jokes, the nosebleed words, the sweat coming from all parts, the emotional support, the growling tummies, the unexplainable laughter, the unity, the pushing/pulling like we're just playing, the built in corny-ness and the feeling of being comfortable with talking to people whom I never talked to before sparked up a friendship which I never expected. Staying and helping out was worth it since I came to know these people whom I am only friends with in FB. Thank you for the new friendship.

We left past 12 midnight and we ate at Mcdo which at first some didn't agree yet we ended up eating there since it was the best place to stay among the other resto. The food we ordered were burgers, large fries and sundaes. It took us 10-15 minutes to finish all those and then we head home since it was late. Thank you for the drop off and I had a good time with you guys. Til next time.

NOM NOMSSSSSSS!

Thank you! Praise God.

#packupgang #friendship #answeredprayer #happy #blessed   

 

June 12, 2014