Blessings in Disguise

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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.

Delight and ASK (Ask, Seek & Knock)

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

Gospel for the day: Mark 6:14-29

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

Reflection:

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

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

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

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

Obey, follow and witness Christ!

Daily Manna sharing

Date: Sept. 30, 2015

Gospel: Luke 9:57-62

The Cost of Following Jesus (Luke 9:57-62)

57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
59 He said to another man, “Follow me.”
But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”
62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
 

Reflection:

The word “follow” has a lot of meaning and can be defined as to obey, to imitate/copy, to act accordingly, to understand, to carry out and to become an example. To name a few, Mother Mary and Jesus are the best examples that we all should follow and strive to become. With how they said “Yes” and allowed God to work in their life was a testimony on how they trusted and had faith with His plan for them despite the unknown circumstances.

I remembered in a previous conference when a speaker told us that we are an “OFW” and everyone agreed. We were thinking that OFW means “Overseas Filipino Worker”. In fact he was right because in the eyes of our loved ones and fellow Filipinos – we are OFWs! We are the new heroes of our nation. Well in contrast to what we know, the speaker gave us an uplifting meaning of what an “OFW” is. He said that we are an “OFW” and we should be “Obedient Followers and Witnesses of Christ”. From what he said, everyone pondered and realized he was right. God sees us differently and we must be confident knowing we are His sons and daughters. We were called for a purpose and He wants us to live our life as an “OFW of and for Christ” to others who are the least, the lost and the last.     

 

In the Gospel when Jesus said, “Follow me”, He did not literally mean to just keep following him and do nothing. What He wanted us to understand is that in following Him, we have to deny ourselves, we have to trust and do what He ask us to do regardless how easy, difficult or conflicting the task will be. Jesus affirms us that in following Him, He will also take care of our needs. He assures us that whatever we ask in His name will be granted in God’s perfect time. So when He tells us to go, let us be confident that He knows what He is doing and He believes in our capacity.

 

Brothers and sisters, we are destined for greater things and God continues to knock in our hearts. Let us answer the call and become His instrument to others. Let us set aside our unworthiness, be healed of our pains, ask forgiveness, be renewed and be empowered by His mercy and grace. May we prepare our hearts to love others more just as He first loved us. In our journey as followers and servants of God, our mission is challenging and difficult but He affirms us that we are not alone. When we need Him, let us come to Him through prayer and rest. As one Church, together let’s work and strive to become obedient followers and witnesses of Christ wherever we are and even to the ends of the earth because we were created to be like Christ! With God’s grace, we can!

 

And with this may God be praised! Deo Gloria!

 

Guide question:
How can I be an obedient follower and witness of Christ?

 

 

 

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

Acting in Faith

A lot of times God asks us to obey first before we fully see or understand His plan. We are called to act in faith, knowing that He's always there.

#iamBBM #deogloria #thankyouLord #happy #GodisSTILLgood #surrender

#trust #claiming  #preparingFORrain #hopeful #bestill #grateful

Ash Wednesday 2015

So, as we begin with Ash Wednesday and its reminder of repentance, let us resolve to do our best each day, knowing that it is not the destination, but the journey that will ultimately transform us.

Peace,

Fr. Robert Barron

God never fails!

Yesterday, today and tomorrow, He is ever faithful.. Our God nevers fails to fulfill the promises He made to His beloved. The big question is, do we/I fail Him? Super duper thank you Lord. Looking back a year ago during my toughest moment, you have comforted me through family, friends and household. I wouldn't have survived and witness your great plans for me. Looking forward. Holding on. Lead me Lord.

#iamBBM #deogloria #thankyouLord

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.

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. 

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

JAM-PACKED WEEKEND (FEB2012)

JAM-PACKED WEEKEND (FEB2012)

March 17, 2012 at 12:23pm

Upon arriving from work last Thursday I was approached to give a talk to YFCs the next day. At first I hesitated and then it made me think a bit. I was thinking that maybe he approached me because he didn't have any options rather I was the only option he had. It really made me think deeply. I was reflecting if I should accept it or not. Knowing the situation he was in and somehow I understand the struggles he was experiencing. With the fact that there's not enough time left to search for a speaker for tomorrow's activity I just said YES. I'm sure God wanted me to come back to him. I myself was struggling in secret especially with my relationship and prayer time. I was given the privilege to select the talk that fits me. It was about values per the seven IDs of being a YFC…

I came across the talk about the value of TRUST under the YFC ID of BEING A MISSIONARY…  Then something hit me. I realized the true essence of TRUST. I had experience trust issues with relationships and I really learned my lesson the very hard way.

The talk is about TRUSTING THE LORD WITHOUT DOUBT AND THE VALUE OF THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION…

TRUST is hard to obtain but easy to lose. It takes hours to days to weeks to months and even years to build and develop trust but it only takes seconds to minutes or perhaps hours to days to lose it. When trust is lost it's even harder to obtain back.

TRUST can be compared to a piece of paper. If you do something wrong, a part of it is being torn apart. If you did something greater than the first offense then the paper is slowly being crumpled… But if you did something worse than the first two mentioned then it's like being burned to ashes. Gone and you can never get it back like it was before. It will always leave a scar or a mark in that person's life. Time can heal. It will surely be a long process to have it back again but it will never be the same as before or it depends on the person or the situation. It's a case to case basis. It's how I see it as it is based from my experience.

YOU CAN ALWAYS TRUST THE ONE YOU LOVE BUT YOU CAN NEVER LOVE THE ONE YOU DON'T TRUST… Love and trust always go together.. All of us are given the privilege to trust and be trusted. How we take care of that trust depends on us. TRUST can be very fragile so we should be careful.

Humans as we are it is always difficult to trust others. It's even more difficult if you have experienced something in the past involving a loved one and you just got hurt so much that you closed yourself and learned to never trust others so easily. Our family and loved ones will surely fail us but GOD WILL NEVER FAIL US. God wants us to feel that we can trust Him. In His presence we are secured and confident that He'll never let us down. He even loves us more and will continue to bless us even if we're not that deserving. God wants us to learn to trust and lean on Him. He wants us to acknowledge His presence and even develop a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.. God assures us that trusting Him would be the best decision we can ever make that we will never regret.

Trust is developed during 0-1 year old. It starts when we were born and until we turn 1 year old. When we were babies we would cry a lot since we can't speak. We cry for them to feed us. We cry to have our nappy changed. We cry to be cuddled by them. We cry if we feel something wrong. During that time, we cry to meet our needs and wants. In that time the trust is developed if all needs are met but if it's fixated then the baby develops mistrust. Trust usually is learned and developed first when you were a baby then enhanced as you grow and interact with other people. It changes as time passes by and as you learn from your experiences.

TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND LEAN NOT IN YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATHS STRAIGHT.  –PROVERBS 3:5-6

T- Total surrender to God's will
R- Rest in His embrace 
U- United in His Love
S- Silent in His Presence
T- Thankful and grateful in His faithfulness

REMEMBER….
Whatever is the state of your heart right now, TRUST in God’s promises.  Know that in loneliness, HE is our EMBRACE; in fear, HE is our COURAGE; in doubt HE is our confidence; in confusion, HE is our PEACE.

Singing the song HEART of WORSHIP.. (learning to play the guitar again)
Trust God and surely He will never fail you. PRAISE GOD FOR THAT.. 

During that day, I attended the CLP of CFC Singles for Christ and the talk was about Repentance and Faith (same like the topic I discussed)..we even sang the song HEART of WORSHIP.. Would you believe that? There are no accidents... :-)
FEB 17, 2012

Me and Kiko with the YFC Ras Al Khaimah

We just met and talked for a few hours and with God's grace became family.. YEAAAH! Thank you for making me feel the love and warmth of having a family here. I am sooo blessed and I can't contain it...

God bless and be blessed.. :-)

XXLOVEXX

SARAHKAILYN <3 c",)

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

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 

Patiently wait.

God is writing and preparing me for the best love story ever told.

Just continue to patiently wait. Everything has it's own perfect moment and right time.

Never rush and just let it be. God knows what he is doing.

Smile and be hopeful. Soon you will meet your God's greatest and gorgeous gift.

#longingness #heartsdesire #love #relationship #iamBBM

God's musician someday

Frankly, I am ambitious, purposely driven, a day dreamer, mostly a trying hard gal who's aspiring to become God's musician someday.

My journey to loving and performing music for God started in YFC. I can still remember the time during a youth camp in Tapaz way back 2005 and as I woke up, I heard Kuya Lloyd singing the song praiseworthy as He plays the guitar. From that day on, I started loving and learning to play the guitar. I was so inspired by the former drug addict now renewed son of God who was worshipping the Lord early in the morning. That moment moved me and inspired me to do the same for God. I guess that it was one of the reasons I came to love playing "Praiseworthy and all other songs" for it is meant to bring back all the glory and praise to God alone (SOLI DEO GLORIA).

I got my own red guitar way back 2006. I struggled as I started to learn it while balancing my time for studies, church, service, family and simple joys. I was so blessed to have someone tutored me as I study the chords, strumming patterns and the song. I have learned several songs and at first it was a painful yet exciting beginning. No pain, no gain as they say it and I had to endure it. I had to go through ups and downs wherein I would sometimes lose my focus and interest in pursuing the music I wanted to give to God. Years passed and the same pattern keeps going - on and off even until now.

I started recording some covers and found myself starting to re-learn what I learned in the past. I felt like a drop out since I started this dream last 2006 and it's 2014 now, I'm still not graduating. Haha! I was practicing daily (trying). I tried new songs and new chords to play especially the ones that I tried to avoid - the complex chords. I was goal driven since I remember the reason why I started to play. I was going out of my comfort zone before. I went to different places in my province, bringing with me my guitar, my desire to proclaim God's greatness and trying my hardest to teach them the song as I play it myself. "Sariling sikap" or self supporting as they call it. Before it was a struggle to bring with me as I go on mission a guitarist so I managed to do it on my own then years passed I arrived in Dubai with a mission to fulfill.

Lately this year, I was called to become the music min for the Easter KFC activity last April since no one was free to do it. I couldn't say no but because I had the same passion in me who's half asleep, I said yes. Slowly the desire I had before was awakened. I find myself loving it again and I tried hard to practice for the activity. I was nervous and afraid since it's going to be my first time playing the music seriously by following the accurate strumming pattern in public and with the power chord attached to a power source. I felt not confident enough since I knew I might make a mistake in the middle of the song and lose focus. In the name of service and for God, I managed to play the song using the guitar while singing without mistake, able to remember the chords, able to serve as an emcee and deliver the talk to the Junior 2 kids all in one KFC activity. Superb grace and leading from the Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord.

We had a mission in Dibba last May and I was privileged to be there. During that week, I was practicing the songs since they needed a guitarist. I tried my hardest but the guitar which I was using was returned to the owner since he also needed it. Despite that I still learned the songs just in case. On that day, the guitarist didn't know the songs since he was from SOLD. Me, feeling ambitious tried to play it nervously. God's spirit works wonders and I was able to do it correctly (maybe because the guitar was Yamaha). I played "Have your way" and some songs which I knew. It was a nice feeling because I was singing, playing and praying simultaneously together with the group as one during the worship. God moves us mysteriously and for sure He has heard our cries and praises as the activity ended successfully.

May 16, 2014 as I shared and testified God's greatness through my struggle as I looked for a job in the Natcon at RAK, I was again affirmed by God to push my desire to play for Him. I was blessed by Ate Elma (Kim from AUH) in which she gave me her guitar to practice and do mission for God. She was with us during the mission in Dibba. She felt like I needed a guitar of my own to pursue the mission for God. I felt like winning that time and I was close to tears since I was affirmed by several people after my sharing and it was a great moment to cherish. From that day on, my journey to fulfill the dream/mission continued and is slowly blooming. I am a work in progress. I can be a trying hard when it comes to playing the guitar and especially in singing but I am doing it not for them but for God. I dunno where my confidence comes from but I didn't feel any shame when I recorded covers for God for I know out of millions, I can inspire one soul.

A month later, I was blessed by God to attend a music min workshop. For the first time, I felt honored to be a part of the music min. They had talks and workshops that made me realize the importance of the whole team to perform a good music. Each instrument/function is nothing without the presence of others. I realize that pride is the enemy and we have to battle it with humility that as we improve we should always remain on the ground and bring back the glory that God solely deserves. I am somewhat guilty (at times) but I am affirmed to keep going and to change it. I am thankful for the opportunity and the inspiration that I brought with me will help me in pursuing the dream. Thank you Lord for the assurance and the confidence despite my flaws and weakness. I went home happy and blessed with the eagerness to strive more as I become an alter Christ wherever I will be.

As the days, weeks and months pass, God is still affirming me to keep journeying even if it's difficult, sometimes frustrating, hurting and expectations are rising. I am a few big steps away from my dream and I know I can finally achieve it with God's grace.



"I will never stop when I am tired but only when I am done."