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! 

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.

Delighted (April 2015)

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

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

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

‪#‎breakFREE‬ ‪#‎chooseCHRIST‬‪#‎justASK‬ ‪#‎blessingsOVERLOAD‬ ‪#‎HAPPY‬

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

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

Bye 2015!!

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

Heavenly Peace: Me & Jesus

Last April 11, 2015, I had the most uplifting, empowering and spirit filled experience with Jesus. If I were to describe it then it has to be an encounter full of peace, serenity, overwhelming yet being still before God.

I was able to sleep well the night before and upon waking up, I felt great and recharged. I had plans to do and was able to achieve them all with God’s grace. Yipey! I cooked my meal, squeezed the juice from a kilo of lemons and was able to prepare a healthy pancake for snack which I just experimented hahaha (fyi: the ingredients were banana, black sesame powder, flaxseed oil, peanut butter mixed with chocolate, oatmeal, eggs, flour, cooking oil and milk…whew that’s a lot) I assure you it’s healthy and yummy at the same time hohoho!

I prepared myself for the Holy Mass and confession since our Baptism was on that day itself. I need to prep myself for the spiritual battle since this is one of the highlighted events in the CLP. Praise God so far I didn't experience any major harassment that day or even the days/weeks before. I guess it was all minor struggles knowing that God is always with me and that I’m not alone for I have my loved ones and friends with me. Everything feels like smooth sailing and I always feel being embraced by God and how great and wonderful it is to experience that kind of love being expressed to you.

The homily was about faith amidst doubt, worry and fears. It was also the time when Jesus breathe on them the Holy Spirit. It also spoke about doubting Thomas, him not believing until he saw and touch the wounds of Jesus. He was a man of faith upon experiencing and seeing Jesus for he uttered words with conviction “My Lord and my God”. He was a changed man and Jesus in turn said in reply, “blessed are you who have not seen but believed..”  

Hmmm God is indeed a great God. Everything happened for a reason. I learned as I held on to my faith and prayed more than before. Slowly and surely, He is fulfilling His great plans in me. Oh Lord may you change the worst of me to become the best of what I can be! Mold me, use me and lead me. Thank you for making me feel and experience a piece of heaven, an assurance of your promises and a fulfillment of your plans. Have your way in me! :) 

Pray with Faith!

Prayers are always answered. You don't have to beg or make deals with the Creator when you pray. The key is to pray with faith, knowing and believing that, what you ask for, you already have! 
—Iyanla Vanzant 

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

Happy Easter 2015

With the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are:

Enlightened;

Amazed;
Saved;
Thankful;
Empowered;
Redeemed.