Happy Easter 2015

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

Enlightened;

Amazed;
Saved;
Thankful;
Empowered;
Redeemed.

My plan vs God's plan

No matter how we plan our life, God still has better plans for us. He has prepared a future full of hope for us. He assures us that we are never alone in this journey of life. Things or opportunities may not happen as we expect but know that God has always something in store for us. He has blessed us with love inspired by Him and with amazing grace to overcome whatever is coming in our life.

 

He has prepared our paths to be challenging, struggling, adventurous, depressing sometimes bitter but most of all it's happy, sweet, enjoying, abundant in love, purpose driven and full of meaning with an outpouring of surprises disguised as blessings! 

 

Enjoy your journey because you only live once. Make it worth living and leave a legacy to be passed on to those who you'll be meeting. May we find joy in all that we do and give Him back the glory that He deserves.

Holy Week 2014

Reflect because Jesus needs respect.

H- Halt! Stop of slow down.

O- Off with your worldly pleasures and concerns.

L- Listen and be silent.

Y- Yield to God.

W- Warm up your relationships.

E- Erase burdens of sin with a good, honest and humble confession.

E- Express your love.

K- Kneel down in prayer before God, say sorry and thank Him.

Stay happy, holy and healthy this Holy Week!

God bless you!

Thank you! Praise God! ;)

Lessons learned from Kish Island

I wrote this post before I left Iran (about 2 months ago) but because of the busy schedule I have and things have been doing, I wasn't able to post it. So here I am sharing to the whole world the amazing experience through the realizations I have staying there. Better late than never hihihi!

This is my 2nd time to visit Kish Island after 2 years since I got my first job in Dubai, UAE. I can't believe that time flies so fast and here I am again exiting for change of visa from cancelled to tourist. This happened last January 27 until February 1, 2014. I stayed for 5 days as I wait for the issuance of visa.

We were in an island wherein most of us have been there for quite a while and there was nothing for us to do. We decided to go to places together, talk about random things/situations, had an experience to attend a bible study and we usually ate our meals together. We had fun because we enjoyed our stay there.

I have learned 10 things during my 5 day stay there........

1. Build RELATIONSHIPS through FRIENDSHIP with other people because no man is an island..

2. Sharing your burdens with others. In return, listening to their stories and learning from their mistakes.

3. No worries, less stress. Enjoy life. Relax. Take it easy. God is in control.

4. Try to learn something new. 

5. Be open to various possibilities. Get ready for the (unexpected) surprises from God.

6. Enjoy and savor your simple joys.

7. Overcoming fears and surrendering to God.

8. Waiting takes time. Great things come through patience.

9. Being distant is hard and communication is important to maintain relationships. Trust is essential.

10. Letting go of bad experiences, unwanted feelings and burdens then allowing God's love 

and forgiveness to heal you and take over. (Letting go and letting God)

At some point we were lonely because we felt isolated from the world but it was a chance for us to reflect and realize the importance of time for others, the presence of our loved ones and our time for our own self. Busy as we are with the priorities we have, we usually fail to realize that we are blessed. Sometimes we take for granted the persons whom we loved and the time we spent with them is almost too little.

Going to Kish was like a retreat for me since I don't spend my time wisely because I'm too busy with some things. I am happy and proud because meeting people, listening to them and journeying with them there was a bonus. I had fun and I didn't regret going there. God taught me to build and strengthen relationships and that I will put in to practice with His grace in time.

Created from dust with Love

Today is Ash Wednesday (March 5, 2014) and it marks the start of the Season of Lent that is composed of 40 days. It is a time to repent, to fast, to pray, to serve and turn to God. The reason we celebrate Lent is for us to reflect on the life of Jesus, on the life He chose to live wherein He saved us yet He suffered and died for the salvation of many. This is the time to change our negative ways and do good to others.

All are from the dust and to dust you shall return.

Ecclesiastes 3:20

We are reminded that we came from dust and it is where we will return when our time is finish on earth. God formed us through dust and how wonderful what we have become now. Who would have imagine that we were once dust? We were stained, dirty, sinful, imprisoned, lost and messy but through the salvation of Christ we were made clean, presentable, freed from sin, saved, guided, loved and forgiven. The power of God's love is incomparable, uncontainable, limitless, unending, indescribable, empowering, sustaining, unconditional and overflowing. The kind of love He possessed was the love that set us free from the bondage of sin. The love that’s willing to sacrifice the life of His son for the benefit of everyone. It is the love that surpasses all odds and makes impossible things possible. It is also the love which Jesus showed by dying on the cross, the love that in which Mary obeyed the will of the Father, the love between the disciples of Jesus to serve and proclaim the gospel, the love for the families and the love that first came from God. How powerful that kind of love that they possess, a love that is immense, genuine and selfless.

Lord may this season of Lent allow me to pray, serve, fast and repent. I know I have flaws, mistakes and some sins that I need to overcome. Help me to do things in accordance to your will. May I accept your plans and I am confident that by your grace I will surpass them all. I know Lord I will be stronger, better, wiser and braver. Thank you for creating me from dust with love and for reminding me that it is from dust shall I return. Thank you for embracing me, for guiding me, for loving me, for supporting me, for being in me and for saving me. I am ready Lord for whatever that lies ahead. May I bring you glory and praise because you deserve it.

"Repent and don't sin again."

Readings of the day:

Joel 2:12-18
2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2

Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14, 17

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

  My Child,

Rejoice! Be grateful that I have molded and created you from dust with love,
God

My Child, don't worry!

Be strong Princess!

 God's letter for strength, encouragement and acceptance of His will

(written last February 27, 2014)

Dear Princess,

How are you? I wrote to you because I can feel the burden that you are and have been carrying. You may hide those things from others but you cannot hide them from me. I noticed how moody and sad you are for the past few days. I know it's a hard thing to experience but I am here to support and encourage you to keep going. I can see that you are struggling and you're trying to overcome it by being strong. I know that the fight is tough and the road you're traveling is rough. I know it gets harder each time and sometimes it gets even worst. I can feel the pain that you are going through and no words can ever describe how you really feel. I know you can't resist being angry because I know you were hurt and still you're hurting. It's heart breaking but at least you know the truth at the earliest and it gets difficult to believe knowing that you were expecting something yet ended up being disappointed. I understand what you feel and I know how you try your best to understand the situation. I can definitely see that you are coping up. It's never easy but it's definitely worth it. Just be real with your feelings and cry when you need to. You can always run to me and tell me because I am always listening.

My Child, trials are difficult at first but allow them to mold and transform you to be better, to be stronger, to be wiser, to be mature and be open for a lot of changes. I know you have gotten used to the things you were doing but it's time to move on and leave it all behind. I don't want to see you down, depressed and cold. I want you to feel that you're important and you are loved. No more insecurities, guilt, anger and emotional (negative) feelings. Get up, set yourself free and move. It's not worth it and he's not worth it anymore. Save some pride for yourself. It's time to let go of the things that hurt you and allow me to heal you. I can do a lot of things for you as long as you allow my love to comfort and assure you. Open yourself and listen to me. I will take care of you. I will not hurt you. I will empower you and allow you to stand up again for you to learn the things that you refuse to learn. I will push you to do greater things and bring glory in my name. I have a lot of wonderful plans for you. Don't give up trying. Keep struggling and fighting. There's a right time for everything. Trust me because I know what I'm doing. Believe, have faith and never doubt. It may be cloudy or rainy now but it cannot stay like that forever. The rainbow and sunshine always come after a gloomy weather.

My dearest, be still and just allow my will to be done. Be patient and enjoy the wait. Forgive and don't allow anger to dwell in your heart. Be flexible and guard your heart. Be excited for the surprises that I have prepared for you. Live by being free and learn from your mistakes. Surrender your worries, fears, pains and all emotions to me for I will give you rest and peace. Smile. Just forget your circumstances and focus on my promise. I know what I'm doing. Everything will be revealed to you when everything's settled. Just hold on to me. You are not alone. You can go through this for I am with you. I love you. Allow my love to complete and embrace you during this moment. Everything will be alright. I promise you.

Love,

Your God Almighty King

Joshua 1:9

God (who is love) knows no hopeless or helpless situations

Taken and written at Kish Island, Iran
(February 1, 2014)

God (who is love) knows no hopeless or helpless situations..

There are times we get stuck in a struggle that paralyzes us to do something and perhaps move on. Yes, it's hard to face the struggles with a heavy heart knowing that you're alone and at times hopeless nor helpless. Sometimes we forget that God has been with us through the tough times. We seem to think we can do it our selves but we can't. God is always there and He knows no hopeless or helpless situations. It is because He is God and we are not. His ways are higher and better than ours. His love surpasses all things even impossible ones. He can change our sadness to an irreplaceable joy. He is the God of all great things and the only God of all human beings.

So if you're struggling right now, remember that you are in His presence. No battle that was lost for He always wins. No sorrow that he can't take away. No pain that He can't heal. No problem that He can't solve. And no struggle that He can't overcome. For as long as we hold on to Him, rest assured that we are in good hands for He has great plans. In His presence we can find peace, joy, trust, completeness, love, faith and unending hope. All we can simply do is trust Him even if it doesn't make sense. We should surrender to Him and allow His will to be done for God knows what He is doing and He never fails to work things out for us. Continue to trust and believe in Him because He knows no hopeless or helpless situations. All is well! May God be praised! Deo Gloria! :)

Miracles do happen!

Miracles do happen! (Big and small, we just fail to notice them.)

I never intended to visit the garden but with the generosity of a friend, I was able to do so! Yehey! Of course I was privileged and blessed at the same time. I became the PA for that day. PA means Personal assistant but for me it was Photographer's acquaintance. I am so thankful for the opportunity of going out and living a good life. It made me realize to enjoy life no matter how hard it's going to be. I have struggles and that is normal because I am alive. God told me to just keep living, keep dreaming and keep struggling to do what is right.

People may push and pull us but what we become is what we can prove to them. I felt better and I know life is just starting to unfold. The year just began and there are more to come. Things may have ended dramatically but God will reveal surprises to us unexpectedly. I guess it's time for me to shine and to go out of my comfort zone. I have to let go of my insecurities, fears, burdens and allow God's mercy, love, healing and blessing to envelope me.

Being in that paradise made me appreciate the small things even the details that I don't pay attention to and that's a big thing. Seeing the colorful flowers was so attractive and I want my life to be like a rainbow that's full of colors. Gone were the days that I became confused, lost, full of questions, depressed, burdened, worried, emo moments and hopelessness. I may have become weak, questioned and fallen down but God has raised me up to be strong and standing firm in the faith. God has promised that it's not going to be easy but it's definitely going to be worth it.

Lord may you bless my journey that I may keep going through the path that you want me to choose. Bless my desires, my heart and my plans. May it be in accordance to your will. May the actions that I do and the work of my hands, glorify you! Lord in your name, I trust. You are God and I am not!

Praise you Lord! Hallelujah!

Thank you for the gift of new friends! Thank you Mr. Sponsor!

Happy Valentine's day! God bless you!

Dubai Miracle Garden

(February 17, 2014)

Ayette's birthday message

(sent last January 2, 2014 - eve before the birthday)

Happy happy birthday Sarah Kailyn Lim!! too shy to give you VM.. so i came up with this... hahaha!!#throwback pics..!! i already sent you a message.. xado mahaba pag dito..dami ko sinabi eh.. ay oo nga pala may nakalimutan ako dun..yung isang wish ko for you.. wish ko..? hmmmm sana magkaroon ka na ng mamahalin at siyempre mamahalin ka....ng bongga..!! yikeeeeeeeeeeee!! lalim!!  Godbless you more and most!!! be happy always!! i'm so excited to see you again beezst..!! oiiiiiiiiiiiiissst kahit nobela yung pm birthday greetings ko for you.. basahin mo yun ah?? hahahaha!! enjoy your day..!!! GOD and I, LOVE YOU!! keep that in mind... \

TBT lang ang mga pic..! hehehehe!!Naalala mo pa ba kung kalian tayo unang nagkita at nagsimula ang ating pagkakaibigan? Naalala mo pa ba kung kalian tayo unang nag-away? Naalala mo pa ba kung kalian ka nahook sa anime at nagkaroon ng passion sa drawing? Naalala mo pa ba nung tinuruan moko kung pano gumamit ng pc at internet?(ahhaahaha!! Wala kasi sa bundok) Naalala mo pa ba kung kalian ako nakapunta sa inyo at ikaw nama’y dumalaw sa bahay namin? (magjowa lang) Naalala mo pa ba tuwing nagkukuwentuhan tayo about sa crushes natin? (kilig-kilig!) Naalala mo pa ba yung unang movie natin at food trip together? Naalala mo pa ba kung pano tayo nagplan ng course na itetake natin sa college? Naalala mo pa ba kung pano ka naguluhan sa iyong lovelife? (at ako pa talaga ang sumbungan mo..) Naalala mo pa ba kung paano kita nahikayat na sumali sa SFC? (sister in Christ.. yippeeee!!) Naalala mo pa ba kung saan magkasama tayo sa mga gatherings and conferences? (sana maulit ulit yun..) Naalala mo pa ba yung mga binigay mo saking mga gifts?? At Naalala mo pa ba nung naghiwalay na tayo? Naalala mo pa ba..?? kasi ako di ko na maalala… toinnnksss!! Hahahaha!! Ang daming memories sar noh? Reminiscing talaga..!! as I look back our high school and college life.. ang dami ng changes sa atin.. and I’m so proud of you..!! pero tingnan mo.. its more than a decade that we've known each other, but our friendship.. it never change..it never fails.. despite our distance..and differences.. and everything.. thanks to God for our God-given friendship!! hehehehe..!! parang kailan lang.. homay!! your SILVER year!! version2.0!! hahahaha!! stronger, fiercer, wiser and prettier!! nakksss..!! always go for whatever your heart's deepest desires.. and always choose your happiness..!! i'm blessed to have you sar! and for sure marami ding nakakapagsabi niyan.. and i'm proud of you remember that..!! continue serving the Lord.. you have the purest and kindest heart..!! may God continue to shower you with endless and abundant blessings..!!! i love you..!!  
-Ayra beezst

<3 Thank you bestieeeeee (beezst as what we call each other) Cheers to more than 10 yrs of friendship! God bless.. Love you and I miss you! See you very sooooon! Mwaaaaaaaaaaahhhhugs! <3 :)

What I would tell to my weak old self…

We often face challenges that bring us to our knees but rest assured that we are in the best position to pray. We may be troubled, worried, anxious, questioned, put to the test, lost and tempted so this leads us to become weak, helpless and sometimes hopeless. It's hard to overcome a struggle when you feel like there's no hope. You may feel mixed emotions, have doubts, incapable, impossible and you think there's no other way out. It is only in God's hand where we can feel at peace, full of hope and unlimited love. We can always run to God for help, for guidance, for strength, for mercy, for forgiveness and for trust. We stumble and fall but God is there to carry us through it all.

Here's something I want to tell my old weak self especially in times when it doesn't make sense or when times get rough.

Hold on, Trust God.. Cry hard, Smile harder.. Let go, Move on.. Surrender, Pray hardest! Be strong, God is in control!

>>>>> Hold on, Trust God.

I know you're in a very tough situation but remember that God always has a plan for you. It is a plan so great that you won't realize it now but soon you will. Keep holding on to His promises for they are sure like the sunrise. Hold on to Him by placing all your cares or worries upon Him. Do not worry nor be afraid for He knows what He is doing. Submit to Him and surrender for it will be the fulfillment of His plan for you! Place your hope and trust in Him. All is well. Everything will be alright. Just hold on and trust God!

>>>>> Cry hard but Smile harder.

Crying is a therapeutic act that cleanses our soul and sets us free from whatever that is bothering us. There's a saying: "Our visions become clear when our eyes have been washed away with tears." Crying may not be the solution to a certain problem but it can release you from carrying the burden. Crying is not a sign of weakness but a strength wherein you cry out to the One Most High and allowing His will be done in your life. Never be afraid to cry and to admit that you are weak for in that way, you are allowing God to be your strength for you to face your struggle and to heal you of your brokenness. And when you have cried it all out then learn to smile for you to leap an extra mile. Show your sweetest smile and make them wonder why. Remember, it's ok to cry hard but after that just smile harder!

>>>>> Let go, Move on.

Learn to let go, allow God to take over then move on. It's called a struggle that you overcome not a struggle that you dwell on. Learn to let go of all your worries, fears, past experiences, problems and concerns. You don't need to carry all of those emotional baggages. Surrender it to God and let His grace take over whatever it is that you're going through. Allow His will to be done. You can feel the hurts, the pain, the aches and the struggle but you can never stay there. You have to move on for God has a lot of things in store for you. Focus and know your goal. When it doesn't make sense, just let it go and move on!

>>>>> Surrender and Pray hardest!

Surrendering to God is not a weakness but the greatest strength for you are submitting to Him, the God of all Grace! They say that the one who kneels in prayer can withstand anything. We are nothing without God and praying to Him is asking for His knowledge, wisdom, discernment, gifts and teaching. Praying is everything. It is a complete package wherein we can express freely our self without the effort of pleasing Him because He accepts us for what we are. Praying helps us overcome our struggle and it strengthens our faith in God.  Imagine your day without prayer and you'll realize that it is not complete. Continue to talk because God listens and He tells us to just ASK (Ask, Seek and Knock). Let us be firm in the faith, ready to surrender our own self and give time to pray hardest. God deserves our best!  

>>>>> Be strong for God is in control!

I know the situation is tough but rest assured that God is always in control of everything. Be strong and fight the good fight of faith! For sure God will deliver you from the experience that you have. He won't leave you because He knows you need Him now. Allow God to embrace you in your lowest time, allow His grace to complete you, allow His mercy to be felt, allow His forgiveness to move you, allow His love to inspire you and allow His will to be done through you. It's not an easy task but it's worth it. Learn to sacrifice your desires for His greater glory and He will reveal His plans at the right time. Be faithful and hopeful! Everything will be alright! Be still and know that He is God and we are not. Continue to be strong for God is in control!

Prayer: Lord please continue to do amazing things in my life. I know they are blessings in disguise. I don't know where you may lead me but I trust your plan for me. Help me and provide for me Lord. Strengthen me more that I may face all challenges and struggles that are coming my way. Lord I surrender myself to you. I know you will fight for me. I claim victory over these struggles. May your will be done. Deo Gloria! Deo Gracias! In Jesus' name, AMEN!

So how about you?

What will you tell to your old weak self?

Miracle Garden escapade

Extended birthday celebration at the famous "Dubai Miracle Garden".. I guess they named it Miracle garden because it is a miracle to plant and nourish flowers/trees/grass in the desert where there's scarcity with water and limited or sometimes no rain... :) It's amazing how God works in the lives of the people with creative minds, ideas and hands to be able to make a great art/scenery such as these! So cool and it will make you say "WOW"! I wonder how it took them to build, recreate, design and maintain it. :) So lovely and it only opens during winter wherein it's cold. Some of the flowers are starting to wither and better go there to witness and see God's wonderful creation! :) Don't wait til it's too late!

Thank you Lord! Thank you so much! <3 :)

Happy and Blessed! Thank you Tita Belle, Tito Danny, Paolo and Kiko! :)

Testify and See

TESTIFY AND SEE (January 3, 2014) from Daily Manna

Gospel for the day: John 1:29-34

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”[a] ~John 1:29-34

We have heard this statement that says "To see is to believe." People nowadays are concerned more in seeing and if they do, then they'll believe. Here's a funny situation that proves it wrong. How do you know if you have a brain? Can you see it? No? So since you don't see it then you're brainless? How about your heart? You know what it looks like? Have you seen it? No? So you're heartless? The people during the time of Christ need not see because they know that if they believe, they will see how far God's wonder may lead them to. Blessed are those who were physically blind that time for they truly seek Jesus and indeed they testified, witnessed a miracle and even saw Him in all His greatness, power and majesty.  

I suddenly realized a better statement: To see is to believe but to feel and experience is better than seeing." Believing is a different thing and seeing is not everything. We can't see emotions but we can feel them. We can't see knowledge and wisdom but we can express them freely. We can't see sickness but the symptoms are there to indicate that there's something wrong. We can't see technology or communication but the gadgets are there to show how it works. We can't see the childhood beliefs we had like the existence of tooth fairy, Easter bunny, etc., but story books were there to prove they do when in reality they don't. Being able to see is not an assurance that things are real because sometimes the eyes can be deceived. 

However there are supernatural things that the eye can't see but the heart can feel. We can't see love but our hearts can express, feel love and also pain. We believe in God but do we see Him? No, but because we have faith then it makes all things possible. Yes, God is real and we can definitely feel His presence. We may not see Him physically but we can see Him in other people and through the situations that are happening to us. We can testify that we have seen Him in all areas of our life and that He never left us especially in times that we needed Him.

Our God is an amazing God and He will find a lot ways to make us feel blessed, loved, treasured, provided, cared for, assured, answered, embraced, healed, comforted, honored, supported, worth fighting for, saved, forgiven, spared, inspired, motivated and a lot more! He is our Everything. He hears and sees every event in our lives and sometimes we fail to notice that because we believe in seeing than that of experiencing Him. May we realize that testifying is seeing God at work in our life and that may we continue to obey and witness especially when it doesn't make sense.

Prayer: Lord, may You teach us to have more faith in You. Allow our eyes to see things beyond our capacity so that we could testify, experience, and feel more of your grace and love. Lord in Your name, we trust! Amen!

Sis Sarah Kailyn Lim 
Chapter 2B3 - CLP Batch 43

Household Leader - SFC Dubai

Birthday video from Lakes

Finally it's 12:00 AM! Happy 25! 

Blessed and proud!  

 Thank you Lord for a wonderful year added to my life! I'm a certified SILVER LADY! Thank you for a blessed family, great friends, wonderful CFC/SFC community, supportive household, extended families, endless blessings and a lot more! I claim and I know you have prepared a lot surprises for me! Thank you and Praise you Lord for all of these! :)))))))) Surely I am God's beloved! The Lord loves me so much no matter what I am going through.. Lord I'm holding on to your plans in my life. May your will be done, AMEN!

To celebrate my birthday here's my requested video by the LAKES staff of JAVN.. Taken earlier at the Lakes Club by Bro Jimmy.  Thank you! Love you! 

Bye 2013!

Blessed to Dream Big. Stronger and Wiser to Survive!
All with the grace of God!

2013 has been a great year and time flew so fast!!!!!

I never thought of reaching this far..

I endured tears, stress, bruises and scars..

I learned to let it go, move on and leave it all in the past...

I encountered a lot of things..

It was Happy, sad, and stressful

But mostly all were considered as BLESSINGS!

Yes I lost, was empty, gained but now I'm overflowing and full!

I want to thank the Lord for everything He has done in my life especially for overcoming the year 2013! He revealed a lot of surprises for me, opened doors of opportunities, enhanced me to become better, trained me for the purpose of serving Him, made impossible ways possible for me, allowed me to become more creative and expressive with my art and emotions and He was motivated me to change (in a good way.)

I encountered hurts, tears, disappointments and all other emotions. I became stress, sick, homesick, depressed, hopeless but with God's grace I was able to conquer and survive them all. The experiences weren't easy to go through and I realized that as I journeyed with God, things made sense and I know that He always has a great plan ahead for me/you. The struggles were all test to see how faithful we would be when things are getting rough. Of course I realize that prayer was my weakness and I had to make it constant. God made it known to me that running to Him is the best thing to do and communicating to Him should be constant.

We get stronger, wiser, fiercer, empowered, blessed and happier.. I get to realize my own weakness and even loved my flaws. I get to be verbal about my feelings instead of keeping it all in. I get to be expressive of my emotions and I love the feeling of hugging and kissing. Working with the kids taught me how important it is to express love and being able to smile for it's an act they can easily pick up. I feel so happy with all the changes that came to me. All the negative things I had this year are all in the past and I am ready to welcome the new year with a blast. :)

Thank you for the learning, the pain, the experience, the struggle, the memories and the blessings of 2013. As we welcome 2014, may this year be a year of faith, hope, love, trust, blessing, prosperity, peace and success for all us. May we strive to continue the mission entrusted to us by God. May this year become an evangelistic one so that we can conquer and make His name be known in all the nations!

Happy New Year! Happy 2014!

Happy me! Happy you!

Hugs and Kisses! :)

Love, Sarah Kailyn

Merry Christmas 2013

Merry Christmas! May the birth of Jesus Christ bring us faith, peace, love and hope. :))) I miss you! I love you! I hope we could spend our Christmas together and be complete as one family next year!!!!! :))) It has been the 9th year now and the last time we were complete was December 2004. Hopefully after 10 years and next year which is 2014 would be our year!!!! Praying and hoping for the best.. Take care and may God bless us all.. Enjoy! Cheeeers! 

Journey with CFC Kids for Christ

KFC Activity last October 2013

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these." -Matthew 19:14

I had my ROCK (Reaching out Christ to Kids) last May 2009 at Roxas City, Capiz to become a KFC Ate when I was a YFC. A fulltime worker serving KFC who was Kuya Nice said the verse from Matthew 19:14 and from that day on til now, those words have been planted in my heart. I had served KFC NKVs, PKVs and even Kids sessions back home. Years passed and I have never fully understood what it meant but after coming in the UAE, being an SFC and serving God meaningfully it was then that I realized that God has a purpose in everything.

 Now, I'm looking back full of gratitude on how God has simply transformed me not just in being a good "ATE" but a good servant in teaching, molding, leading and being like a kid through the CFC Kids for Christ ministry..

Junior 2 KFCs

So blessed to belong in this family wherein I was able to learn and improve my skills. Thank you for teaching me how to love, pray and serve like a kid.  You have made my life brighter and full of purpose. Thank you for allowing me to meet you and bond with you in service with Him. Thank you for inspiring me to dream of a family united in Christ and for that I would be asking God that in His grace will bless me of what I desire. For everything, Thank you so much!

I have gained new friends, a big family, abundant blessings, had opportunities to visit other areas which I did not expect, to go on mission and a better me. I have gained confidence to speak in front of the kids. I have become passionate, loving and expressive of my feelings to them. I have discovered a new talent in face painting thanks to the KFC activity we had about Noah's ark. I gained a deeper friendship with CFCs, SFCs, YFCs and KFCs. Also, I have conquered my fear of singing/dancing and perhaps have enhanced it to the best of my ability. And I know a lot is more to come and for that God knows when and what.. 

Thank you Lord for a fruitful year and more years of service and I that never knew that time flew so fast and now I am asking for more.. 

Thank you CFC KFC ministry!  God bless us all! And for all that may God be praised!!

DEO GRACIAS! DEO GLORIA!

Guitar session: Have your way

HAVE YOUR WAY by YFC LIVELOUD
One of my favorite worship songs.. :) It never fails to touch me most and move me to tears every time I sing it from the heart to God. :) Jamming while I have nothing to do! :) Praise God for the gift of talent! May this bring glory to Your name Lord! AMEN! :)))))))))

Lord please have your way! Lord have your way in me! AMEN! :)

Journey in the UAE (2011-2013)

Think about your story and thank God for bringing you this far. Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to His excellent greatness. - Psalms 150:2

Every experience is a memory worth remembering and a story worth sharing. Allow me to narrate my story on how I came to the UAE. It all started last June 2011. I was asked by my Father if I wanted to go abroad and He mentioned that there's YFC there. I thought about it and immediately I said Yes, not knowing what will happen next. I trusted God and I prepared myself because I said I'd go mission there.

I was working as a volunteer nurse that time and I was actively serving YFC in High School Based. God knows how much I loved serving YFC and I was dedicated to empower and equip the high school to become future leaders. I pushed them to go on mission while training and teaching them more about service. We had leadership training, fellowship, youth camp and household. I felt confident and calm because I know they will stand for the province and will become better leaders. God prepared my heart and strengthened me to leave without regrets knowing that I gave my all for the province and for the YFC community.

I arrived in Dubai, October 8, 2011 and I brought with me my birth certificate. Unknowing of what lies ahead I kept going on. I learned step by step on what I should do. I was guided even though I felt so lost in a foreign land. I then realized that I was prepared spiritually but not physically and mentally. I was blinded, insensitive, selfish, confused and eventually I almost gave up. I struggled and it was hard for me to overcome it. I made mistakes and have hurt a few people which then I regret doing. It was when I learned to trust and have faith in God more that I started to build myself again. I tried to stand up and motivate myself to keep going even though it means fighting over homesickness and selfish desires. God made his presence more felt and I was surrounded by love from a family who hosted my stay here. God blessed me with so much that I forgot to appreciate and be thankful for the blessings. God made me realize that I can change, I can make mistakes, I can repent, I can grow, I can be hurt and I can move on.

God has a right time and everything happened with a purpose. I had my CV ready, applied jobs online, tried walk-in and my authenticated documents arrived then I had a job at a nursery. God never left me when I needed Him the most. I wouldn't have a job without the help of my family and friends. I started working and it was where I experienced the ups and downs of life. I realized that it's hard to work with different people having unique attitudes. I felt pressured and stressed yet I was able to manage in the end. From then on, things started to change and I was getting better. God allowed me to learn through my experience that it resulted as a consequence of my actions. I then realized that I should think before I do something. I was able to adapt to the job I am in and it went well but then I felt incomplete. I searched for the community because I was spiritually dry. I was longing for the comfort of my family, brothers and sisters back home.

It was somewhere in January 2012, when I had my visa and just finished attending the Holy Eucharist that I received an invitation about an ongoing CLP for SFC. I then reflected that maybe God is calling me to go back to Him and that the CLP would be the answer. I decided to go and attend the CLP. I was welcomed and I felt at home. I made a decision to start the CLP again instead of being endorsed to a household because I wanted to refresh my memory and learn more about God through the talks. Everything was new to me and that's where I started journeying with God and with my newfound family. I finished the CLP with God's grace. 3 months later we had our covenant orientation and it was a go signal for me to start serving God.

After Covenant Orientation, I hungered for fellowship, service and worship. I started serving in Kids for Christ. It was in that ministry that I learned to be close to the children. I learned to speak, act, pray, play, learn and enjoy like a child. Now I realized that I am indeed close to the children for they have taught me to be expressive of my emotions through actions like hugging, etc. I continued serving them and eventually I grew matured and I knew I was getting better. For every service I had with them, it was an opportunity for me to learn and improve myself. All I can say was YES and I just kept going for I know the Lord will be glorified more through the service with the kids.

Finally it was nearly the end of the year. I got to complete my 1^st Simbang Gabi in the UAE, celebrated my 2^nd Christmas and New Year. Months flew like hours and before I knew it 2013 came in like a bang! Then my 24^th birthday came and I celebrated it with my SFC household! God is great! Then I became busy with a blog account and was able to manage it for 3 months but then became inactive due to demands with the schedule and lack of sources. I managed to update my blogspot for a while so I tried hard to write and post.

Activities come and go wherein you never knew that it was done. I attended the several KFC activities but the KFC desert camp was the most memorable and totally fun because the focus was with the family. Also I had the chance to attend a Mother-Daughter weekend before Mother's day. Of course the KFC monthly activity in Dubai and Jebel Ali was a great blessing to me and gave me chances to learn and improve myself.

Unexpectedly God blessed me the opportunity to go home this year. With second thoughts God pushed His will for me. I immediately planned my destination and budgeted my money. I was able to send a package with God's grace. I felt being alive and extremely happy knowing I can see my loved ones and be finally home. The feeling of going home really made me crazy and so expressive. And it was totally worth it! I felt so blessed and loved extremely that a lot of things happened according to God's plan for me.

My vacation flew like hours and now I'm back in Dubai. Said hello to new challenges and greater struggles. I felt homesick like it was the first time and I was able to get over it. I experienced the Eid holiday, Dhow Cruise and it was a time wherein I focused more on myself as I learned to stand up again. I realized my self worth, I gained confidence and I was up and ready to go out of my comfort zone to meet new friends instead of isolating myself.

Then CLP came. I was called to be a facilitator in which I doubted at first but then said yes. God moves in mysterious ways and I felt myself changing slowly. I really felt better than ever and my desire to serve Him grew stronger. I started loving and embracing the cross He entrusted to me. I know this is just the beginning and a lot of things will be happening and knowing He's with me is all I need to go on. My faith became my weapon and I felt it growing and improving to withstand any circumstances that come my way. And I know I have a great and amazing God that will never leave me at any cost.

I may have my own problems and issues yet I place my trust on God who will never gave up on me, who continuously trusts in me, who believes in my capability, who empowers me to go on, who blesses me beyond measure, who understands and hears the real me, who inspires me to serve others, who uses me as an instrument for His greater glory, who pushes me to the limits of my capacity and who loves me the most in spite and despite my flaws and imperfections.

MEC 2013 at Al Ain

Lord, thank you so much for being with me and for that I will continue to be faithful in finishing whatever you have started in me. Let your will be done. I lift up everything to You Lord knowing that you are God and I am not. I am excited for what lies ahead knowing that I am never alone for you are in me.

You are God's beloved! The Lord loves you so much no matter what you are going through! :)

.Blessed. Loved. Happy. Empowered

May God be praised!

Nov 2013   

GG: My Angels!

I feel so blessed for God has given me angels that I consider as gifts and blessings. At first I said no without thinking then eventually said yes. God reminded me to Obey and Witness. I started realizing that there are far greater things than what I thought it was. I experienced a lot last night and it's amazing how God works mysteriously. It is great to talk to them like we knew each other for a long time. Even if we just met I really felt we're close. I enjoyed how we introduced ourselves! It made me laugh and certainly I can't forget our new names: Sweetie Sarah, Crazy Cristina, Adorable Annie, Jolly Josephine, Awesome Ailene and Cutie Collete. God is good! There was no awkward moments (well maybe a little but we can work it out). It brought me happiness, love and peace. The joy we shared as we first discussed about God's love was amazing though we lack time! God made us feel His love through each other's presence. I feel that I belonged and that I couldn't fully express how grateful I am for them. The moment they called me "Mama Sarah" is priceless and memorable. I am humbled and inspired to bring them closer to God. They are my God's gift because they are angels sent from heaven. I will cherish and nourish them as the Lord entrusted them to me. With God's grace, I know I can do things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:12). I am excited and looking forward for more bonding with them! Well there's still next week so let's make the most of it. Thank you Angels! Thank you Lord! See you again soooon! God bless! 

Mwaaahhhugs! <3

Wala tayong family pic kaya eto na muna.. :))