From the beast to the best!

At this moment, I can confidently say that my prayer and relationship to God is stronger than before but still despite that fact, there are times that I doubt his grace for me. There are moments that I still submit to temptation easily. I give up when I felt it’s not worth it. I refuse to listen because of my stubbornness. I worry and get stressed a lot and my selfishness brings out the worst in me.

He can transform the beast of me to the best of me.

Regardless of whatever things I do, God reminds me that He loves me and that I also need express that love to others more. God is love and with that everlasting and unconditional love, I am constantly improving if not for the good but for the better version of me that God wants that I will be. He wants me to experience the true power of genuine love because through that love and with His amazing grace, He can transform the beast of me to the best of me.

 

I am a work in progress. I may not be the best but for sure in His perfect time I can be the best in God's eyes. Have mercy and pity on me and forgive my sins. Lead me Lord. Mold me and use me greatly for your purpose. Transform my weakness to become your strength and change my heart to be like yours. With your grace, with your power and with your love, I am made new and will be renewed. May your will be done always and forever.

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

Journey of Faith

Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.

Reflected from the verse taken from John 10:31-42

The first thing that came to my mind after hearing the gospel was little faith but more of doubt. We live in a world that questions our being, our race, our religion, our morals and our good deeds. We also experience being questioned when it comes to faith and how we practice our beliefs. Some people don’t understand even if we explain it to them. We are blessed to experience freedom and to be saved from the punishment of our sins. We are not here on earth for nothing because we have a purpose to fulfill and that we are destined for greatness.

Why is it difficult to believe even after seeing the works of God?

Why really is it hard? God already worked through us and still we continue to doubt His presence? Why? Hmmmmmm.. I guess we are looking for big things to happen like a major major miracle to take place in our life similar to the Jesus feeds the 5 thousand, healing leprosy, allowing the blind to see, letting the deaf to hear, the crippled to be able to walk or when He raised the dead. When we witness those kind of events in the world we live in today, I guess it just shows how little our faith is. Our faith is easily tested in what we see. We believe in the "to see is to believe principle and that hinder us from believing in God through His simple works. Through that doubt will always overpower the little faith that we have.

Another reason would be when we are controlled by our fears that held us captive to believe the reality which is the real truth that's already in front of us. We refuse to believe because we are following the standards of this world rather than of God's based on the teachings in the Bible. We choose to please others but in reality, we can never please anybody anyway and it's only God whom we can only please.

Doubt over weighs the little faith that we have. Although we have seen still we allow questions to disrupt our thinking. We are blinded and distracted by our thoughts, by social media, by false judgment and by the things we hear around us. We have heard the words of God yet we try harder to close our hearts from listening to Him. We harden our hearts and we still choose to do what we think is right (but to others it's already unjustly). We are highly influenced with the latest trends, the gadgets, the popular things and even the immoral doings. The world is changing and satan is taking advantage of our weaknesses and he keeps on tempting us for our visions and goals to be cloudy and it gives us more worries. He's giving us reasons to doubt even if we are already praying.

The only way to defeat doubt is through our strong faith and the belief that He will answer our prayers no matter how impossible they may be. We will be tested but we should place our complete trust and total surrender to God that He will take care of everything for us. We should be deeply rooted in Him knowing that apart from Him we are nothing. We should maintain a constant prayer life and relationship with Him because that's where we'll grow as a person and where we'll learn more from. We can be ready for anything because we know God is in us and believe that He has plans for us, a future full of hope. Let's live our life purposefully and meaningfully. Let's make God happy through the works of our hands by bringing back the glory that God alone deserves! Let’s conquer this victory with our faith by being faithful to the one who is faithful and who never failed us. This journey of faith is not going to be an easy task because obstacles of doubt will always be there to challenge us but in the end it will be worth it. We will win because God is in our side. 

AMEN! PRAISE GOD!

The Sanctuary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NOM NOMSSSSSSS!

Thank you! Praise God.

#packupgang #friendship #answeredprayer #happy #blessed   

 

June 12, 2014

Like Jesus, Like Peter

Daily Manna sharing for June 29, 2014

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah

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

Reflection:

 

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

What do we remember about Peter?

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

Why Peter?

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

 Like Jesus, Like Peter

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

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

Deo Gloria! May God be praised!

#iamBBM

3 candles for Easter

3 candles with different meanings.

 

·         Son of God.

·         Jesus has risen!

·         My Savior King

·         Jesus is Lord!

·         God’s beloved son.

·         Thank you Jesus!

·         I love you!

·         King of Majesty.

·         Behold and Ponder.

·         You are everything!

·         Mighty to save.

·         Hope. Faith. Love.

·         You’re my strength.

·         Save my soul!

·         Forgive me Father!

·         Gift of freedom.

·         Lover of life.

·         I trust you!

·         My amazing grace.

·         I believe you!

·         You are here!

·         King of Kings!

·         Lord of all!

·         My redeemer lives!

·         Let all rejoice!

·         Praise you Lord!

·         Blessed joyful Easter!

·         Soli Deo Gloria!

 

Thank you for the new hope, new life, new blessings and new beginnings that you have given us.

Belated Happy Easter! :) Hallelujah!

Jesus Christ Lives!

Deo Gloria

Last October 2013, I was privileged to attend the YFC Middle East Leaders Summit not as a participant but as a stage runner. I feel blessed because I never expected that I would be called to serve Him there. Oh how I missed being in the YFC community because it was where my journey started. The experience I had was more of a throwback of the memories I had in the past and it was God's sweet reminder of how great He has been through the years. The event was "Deo Gloria" which means Glory be to God in the Highest and was inspired by the verse taken from 1 Peter 5:1-11. It was attended by YFC leaders and couple coordinators coming from different countries in the Middle East. Indeed, God really works wonderfully despite the distance, hindrance and even our past experiences.

During the last session, Kuya Ernie, FTW of YFC, talked about the realities that the youth of today experience. We become confused, persuaded, afraid and sometimes those things hinder us from glorifying God. The session was an eye opener. "How do we bring glory to God?" He simply said by obeying the will of God and becoming a witness of His greatness because it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me (Galatians 2:20). God is in me, in you and in everyone. Let us allow our own self for God to work through us and that's more than enough to bring Him glory. He is the King of all the Kings and the Lord of all the Lords! Being glorified in our own self is nothing for God alone deserves all the glory because He is praiseworthy.

There are many ways to bring glory to God and it can be through our families, studies, talents, service, career, struggle, community, relationships, church, and by living our life that's pleasing to Him. Worship is also a way of glorifying Him because we are able to praise, pray, sing and express our true self to Him without fear. I found out the reason behind the strumming of guitar before the worship. And it is to awaken/stir the Spirit in us (that sometimes sleep). We also raise our hands, we dance, we shout, we may cry, we open our arms wide, we kneel and we jump for joy because it's a piece of Heaven for us and how amazing it is to know that the Spirit is really working in our lives. Now it's clear why we feel hyped up because the Spirit is alive in us like a fire burning.

Bringing glory to God is not easy but it's going to be worth it. It's challenging but life changing. God teaches us not to be afraid because He is with us and that He will never fail us. He pushes us to go on mission, to evangelize, to spread the word of truth, to go out of our comfort zones, to serve, to become His instrument of peace, to become a source of love, to imitate Christ and to live a life by glorifying Him.

And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will He Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
-1 Peter 5:11

How are you going to bring back the glory that God deserves?

DEO GLORIA!

May God be praised!

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