Say Yes to God’s sweet invitation

Last August 4, 2017, the moment I woke up early today was a gift and blessing from God, and today being a Friday was a bonus since its day off! It was 5:50 in the morning, for some reason I still wanted to sleep more but since I was invited, I felt guilty to reject the invitation since it was not the person who invited me but our dear God who did. I quickly hurried getting ready and was even picked up from the place where I was staying. Together with me was Ate Shane, Ate Phiel, JJ and Aimee. So before going to the “retreat”, we had a heavy and big breakfast at McDonalds first then we drove to St. Mary’s Muhaisnah. Then we were brought to the place and where we were warmly welcomed by the St. Paul sisters. The place was very peaceful and calm. They even offered and prepared breakfast for us which we had for the second time. So we had a short discussion / briefing about what we will do that day and then we went to their chapel to pray.

After that, each of us had to share something about ourselves and answer the question “Who Am I?” The question made me think deep and I prayed to God for me to be honest with my answers. Before answering the question, I introduced myself. I am Sarah, from Capiz and nearly 6 years as an OFW here. I am 2nd from the 5 children. Currently planning to get married next year but I have emotional baggage that I need to clear for me to be able to face the next chapter and have a clean fresh start. We were ask to describe who we were through anything like animals or things we prefer.

So I think again and I realized I was like a dog in a cage. I am man’s best friend, I can be there whenever you need me and surely you can depend on me. Though I may not talk or complain, all my feelings are kept hidden. You can see when I’m happy through my tail and when I’m not, I will just stay at one corner, waiting for you to notice me and cheer me up when I’m down. I am loyal to my master and I treat them in my own special ways. There are times when I can run and play freely but most of the time, I am left in a cage or chained. I desire freedom, the freedom from past hurts and emotional baggage. I desire healing, openness and forgiveness. I feel that now is the best time to free myself from the cage or break the chains that prevents me from experiencing God’s ultimate grace and overflowing love. I will be going home soon and I am excited for God’s revelation and his leading for me and George. I know in my heart that this is his great plan for the both of us.

After our sharing, we wrote our journal then had a light snack and went to the chapel for it was the Holy Hour. The very thing I offered to God was not my achievements, my money or what I have or earned but for him to accept my broken and sinful self. God never left me in times when I needed him the most and he even accepted me despite and in spite what I have done and what I’ve become. Truly God does not look at our physical appearances but through our hearts.

The retreat was one way of assessing and instilling awareness on one’s purpose on earth. It was an instrument of God for us to ask questions and in return hear the answers. Attending this retreat made me realized how blessed I am to know my purpose. It is very important to discover your purpose so as to live your life fully with God’s grace. I then remember when I was younger, I dream of being able to help others. When I got to college, I dreamed of being a nurse and pursue that degree of helping the sick. When I entered the YFC community, I dreamed of being a missionary to evangelize people and bring them back to the Lord. When I came to the UAE, I dreamed of excelling in a different career to provide for my family and seek greener pastures. As I slowly matured, God allowed me to join in the SFC community where I continued to dream of leading more people to be close to God. I desire to become an inspiration and proclaim on how God has blessed and worked in my life with the experiences I have been to. Then again, God blessed me with a new dream, a partner and an answer to my ultimate purpose and realizing my deepest desire. Now I am dreaming to be a best partner, a supportive wife and soon to be a mother to our future family. With God’s blessing, I continue to dream big and trust his great plans for me.

It all started with a simple invitation, an invitation to do good or do bad, an invitation to follow or ignore and an invitation to either say Yes or No to him. We are called in many different ways and how we respond is what matters as long as it is pleasing our God. In saying your YES, it may lead you to different places where you can’t imagine, allowing you to meet different people, fulfilling various roles, pursuing or sharing Christ to others and enjoying the smooth yet sometimes rocky but worth it journey towards Heaven. I thank the Lord for continuously calling and inviting me to be part of the community, for allowing me to witness his transformation in my life, to be able to listen to his words and by following Him to where he wants to lead me. I am blessed to be invited and I in return will also invite others to discover that there’s more to life and there’s more in store for us when we accept and say Yes to God’s sweet invitation and when we do, then our life won’t and will never be the same.

For all of this, may God be praised!

 

 

A work in progress

Date: May 3, 2017

Sharer: Sarah Lim

 

Gospel: (John 14:6-14) NIV

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know[a] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

 

Reflection:

 

Last January 2017 when I was in my hometown, God has revealed 3 messages for me after hearing the Sunday mass: 1. Pick up and carry your cross; 2. Embrace your calling; 3. Stand firm in your faith.

I was then bargaining if I should go back or stay. Obviously I cannot stay because God knew I had to go and fulfill the mission he entrusted me. With a heavy and confused heart, I pondered and I asked for God’s grace to be poured out in me so I can fully accomplish what he is asking me to do. I returned to Dubai full of hope and a direction to pursue what he has called me to. Life in the Philippines is different from UAE. I somehow miss my old self when I am home unlike here where I have to be strong always and keep going.

Again this March 2017, God revealed his message through an influential person, “God is expecting you to do more things for Him.” I felt worried and doubtful if I can really do all those things that he is asking of me. When he said more, it just doesn’t mean all the good stuff, but it includes the bad to the worst things too.

God believes in me so much but before I can do all those things, I have to pause, fix my broken self and heal my heart first. I have been struggling with an emotional baggage for so long. I had several attempts to overcome it but it just doesn’t go. It is difficult to confront as most of it had long been kept hidden and suppressed in my heart and I am afraid to face it. Truly God never forces us to change but he will allow situations to happen for us to realize that we are wrong and we have to follow and trust him. Many times I have run away but God, in his greatness and goodness, keeps calling me back and giving me chances to change. This time, he is giving me a final chance and with God’s grace, I will overcome this completely.

I know God loves me so, and that is why he never stops reminding me to let go and let him take over. As he is trying to mold and prepare me, I keep on resisting, refuse to listen and act as a stubborn child. There is no other way but through Jesus as he said “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” I have tried my best but now it is time for God to work his way in me.

Lord Jesus, be my guide, my inspiration and my strength. Allow my heart to be opened in accepting your healing and grace. Bless me abundantly and empower me with your Holy Spirit. Please help me to overcome this struggle so that it cannot hinder me from doing the mission you have entrusted in me. Remind me to stay focused in you as I continue this journey. And may the will and plans of God unfold in me as I face the trials along the way and look ahead for a better and brighter tomorrow. Amen.

 

God’s messenger

Sept. 24, 2016

Gospel: Saint Luke 9:43b-45.    
While they were all amazed at his every deed, he said to his disciples,
"Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men."
But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Reflection:

"If the message does not kill you then kill the messenger."

I heard this line from Father Tom as he was giving his homily last Feb. 2, 2013 at St. Mary's Church. It is a simple message but it hides a big meaning which creates a big impact behind the simple words stated. Father Tom even joked as he ended his homily stating: "If I'm not here anymore tomorrow then you know what happened.." After that everybody started laughing and it seems they got the message that the priest was trying to share. As I reflected, I realized that the reason why God is sending us this messages is for us to share the message to others and not keep it to yourself.

The gospel reading for today is reaching out to all us that we need to pay attention more when we are amazed of the great things that the Lord is telling or showing to us because He will use several ways through persons, scriptures, situations or other means to tell us of the message that he wants us to proclaim. Oftentimes the message that he transmits will not be clear for us to understand. In this case, let’s not be afraid to ask him for clarity since the Lord will surely reveal that message through several ways. When the Lord reveals the message, our interpretation should always be guided by the Holy Spirit.

Being a receiver of God message, we should be sensitive enough and ponder deeply on what the message he is trying to reveal us because if we don’t, then we might be misled to different interpretations. Let us become a vessel of His love to others by seeking the best interest for the good of all. May we allow ourselves to become God’s messenger of peace, faith, hope, mercy, grace and love to our brothers and sisters in and out of the community.

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

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

EFG: Patience while waiting

(I got this message way back 2010 in a book titled Emails from God by Cloninger)

Not Yet (Psalm 13:2-3)

Dear Child,

Time is a strange thing. To Me, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day. I’m outside of time. Time is just something I made in which you live. I entered time when I sent Jesus to earth. So I know how frustrating time can be.

But I also know what’s best for you. The only way you can learn patience is by waiting. Some people pray, “Lord, teach me patience,and teach it to me now!” That doesn’t make much sense. Learning patience takes time. I hear your prayers. Keep praying. I may give you an answer quickly but if I’m teaching you to trust Me no matter what, I may ask you to wait. If you can learn to trust ME, if you can learn to wait on My timing, I will use you to do great things. Will you trust Me?

Your Leader,
>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. :)

Saying YES to the LORD is a LIFELONG JOURNEY with the ALMIGHTY

Saying YES to the LORD is a LIFELONG JOURNEY with the ALMIGHTY. <3

May 5, 2012 at 12:54am

Saying YES to the Lord is a lifelong journey – It has become a great and long travel..
It has taken me to places that I never dreamed of going but because of His abundant and overflowing grace I was able to go..

I just want to share to you my experience and how Christ's love has transformed me to the person I am now… New, improved and better than ever.

MY JOURNEY IS NOT AN ORDINARY JOURNEY BUT AN EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY WITH THE ALMIGHTY

* When I was offered by my parents to take up NURSING (APRIL 2005).. At first I didn't have the passion to serve my brothers and sisters but God made me understand to let them feel and experience His grace and love for everyone.. especially to those who are ill and suffering.. I thought that it wasn't for me but God slowly revealed His purpose and plan for me. I am forever thankful that He transformed me to be a Christ centered and God fearing Nurse.

* Accepted and committing to become a member of the CFC Youth for Christ way back July 2005.

* When asked to go to far places to serve God – I just say YES LORD! I WILL GO!

* Grabbing an opportunity for spiritual growth and maturity by attending camps, trainings, kasangga retreats, recollection, conferences, etc.

* Embracing the calling to serve the HIGH SCHOOL BASE PROGRAM despite the busy schedules, incapability, unworthiness and other priorities.

* Moving towards CFC Singles for Christ (JULY 2009)

* YES. Been blessed by the Lord to have a GOD'S GIFT.

* Leaving my hometown to work in MANILA after ILC BAGUIO (APRIL-DEC 2010)

* Supporting a project (TOUCH A HEART I & II)

* Working in a hospital as a volunteer nurse for 4-5 months.

* When asked by my Father to go to DUBAI because there's YFC there, I immediately said YES. YES TO GO ON A MISSION.

* Letting go and letting God to take over – I still manage to say YES no matter how difficult it is..

* YES to staying here rather than going home.. I faced a major major decision and even asked God whether I should stay or go home. Happy because God made me realized how blessed I am to be here unlike others who are dying to come and work here. I was very lucky to be taken cared of here and received such special treatment so why should I go home? I have the opportunity and God made me realize that I shouldn't waste it. He assures me I will be safe and that all is well!

* YES to SIMBANG GABI at ST. MARY'S CHURCH, DUBAI (just missed the 1st mass though) YEAAAAH I SURVIVED IT.

* YES to leaving it all in the past and moving on to the present and hoping the best for the future.. I had experiences and made wrong decisions to lead to fights and even hurts. I am a work in progress. I realized it's ok to make mistakes as long as you make an effort to change and learn from those experiences and grow as a better person.

* YES to accepting a JOB. So blessed to have one. God hears our prayers.

* YES for a great new beginning. Starting to heal and accept myself. Being able to forgive and been forgiven. Started the year right. Just turned 23 and God revealed so much to me. He wants me to be prepared to receive all the graces and even challenges that's coming my way.

* YES to being transferred to a different branch of the NURSERY thus meeting new people to work with and even kids to take care of. In short, a new environment.

* YES to LOVE, TAKE RISKS  and GET HURT AGAIN. I learned to forgive, let God and let go.. He will forever be my Almighty.

* YES to attend the CHRISTIAN LIFE PROGRAM of CFC SINGLES FOR CHRIST rather than being endorsed or integrated. I choose the hard way hahaha I endured months of traveling and attending the activity. I met new friends and my spirit was renewed and my faith strengthened. Thank God I survived and now I am an SFC member!! It's all worth it.

* SAYING YES TO REAL LOVE WAITS. There's joy in waiting. I know He is molding me for the person He has prepared for me.

* YES to going on a MISSION and a HIGHER CALLING. ALL FOR GOD!

* YES to healthy living, eating right, going to the gym and lose weight hahaha I gained 10 kgs and it is difficult for me to move. YEAH I am lazy and getting old.. I decided that it is time for a change. HAHA HIYANG NA HIYANG SA DUBAI EH! I'm going to do it because God knows I can hehe and I surely will.

* Saying YES to endurance in life and endurance in MISSION.

* I WILL SAY YES to PROCLAIM THE GREATNESS AND GOODNESS OF THE LORD ALMIGHTY!!!!!

THE REST IS HISTORY…. (THOSE MENTIONED ARE THE IMPORTANT EVENTS that CAUSED A BIG IMPACT IN MY LIFE THAT GREATLY INFLUENCED ME TO MOTIVATE AND CHANGE MYSELF)

SAYING YES MEANS:
- Committing one's self to the Lord
- Accepting His will, purpose and plan for your life..
- Being equipped to battle whatever hindrances that comes your way
- Preparing one's self to experience God's ultimate grace, mercy and love
- Allowing for struggles, hindrances, disappointments, pains, sufferings to test your faith and overcoming them.. all for the glory of the Lord
- Embracing and loving the changes in one's life
- Being confident on the Lord's divine providence
- Holding on and focusing to the promises of the Lord
- Making a move that's one step closer to God's calling in leading His people..
- Forgetting our circumstances
- Laying our unworthiness down..
- Denying our self, picking our own cross and following Jesus..
- Putting our hope in the Lord…
- Loving the Lord and therefore loving His people..
- Strengthening one's faith
- A great and memorable experience with the Almighty

When we say yes to Him it means that we will be having a lifelong commitment to Him.. Despite the trials and struggle, I still try to say YES to HIM…

In following the Lord, we only have two choices: YES LORD or OH YES YES LORD!!!!

If I hadn't said YES to the calling of the Lord then I wouldn't be here experiencing His Almighty grace in my life… Because SAYING YES has LEAD me to the UAE…

How about you? Where has your YES led you? SHARE!!!!!!!!!!

----> Inspired by the talks/session from the CFC YFC 19th ILC at AKLAN, PHILIPPINES last APRIL 12-15, 2012 :)) Proud ONLINE DELEGATE! Thank you! Praise God!

Princess diaries at Fujairah, UAE

A few days before the weekend, I was called to be the guitarist for the Princess diaries retreat. Praise God! I had enough time to prepare and rehearse the songs. I had my guitar fixed (bridge needs to be lowered since it's very high) so I used the Yamaha one which I swapped with Kuya Alex. It was very easy for me to play with less pain and more fun. I was able to play songs with minimal difficulty unlike with mine which was a struggle for me because my left wrist hurts upon pressing on to the strings for a good tune.

I was excited since it's a retreat for ladies. I came prepared and ready for the mission which was a bonus for me. I also had to increase my confidence, lessen the shyness and trusted God that I can do it without fail and if I may fail then it's ok as long as I am enjoying and loving what I do.

We sang truly home, great God, heart of worship, praiseworthy, grateful, whom shall I fear, heaven, have your way - most of the songs had a big impact in me and for the participants as well. The worship was powerful and the Spirit of God worked through each and everyone of us. It's amazing how the voices were music to the ears of God coming from His beloved princesses.

I had a great time since I myself was listening and reflecting to the talks being delivered. Although I struggled with being sleepy yet I managed and tried hard to stay awake. Being in a mission doesn't require you to be assigned in one task but being flexible to handle several assignments. I was a music min slash docu slash ice breaker slash participant and it feels good to fulfill the mission for God, for the team and for myself.

BLESSED. LOVED. FULFILLED. HAPPY.
God's beloved princesses

Tiring, painful, drowsy, struggling and long journey it may seem, God has fulfilled His purpose not only with me but with everybody. God is good and He works wonders in ways we don't see. We left the place by leaving a smile in everyone's face. May God continue to bless the desires of His beloved Princesses in Fujairah, UAE and all parts of the world.

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." 

Fearless Cover

FEAR NO MORE. STRONGER FAITH.

To be as fearless, to stand and to proclaim.

"Fearless" Guitar Cover

My fave song because I love the meaning behind the lyrics.

We have to set aside our fears to proclaim the greatness of God.

With fear in our hearts, we cannot do our part.

We have to be fearless for us to fulfill the plan of the Lord through us.

To be fearless means being able to do extraordinary things with God's grace.

Let's be fearless and equipped with a stronger faith that can move mountains, fulfill miracles and witness impossible things made possible through God's grace, love and mighty power.

Losing to gain a stronger faith

Session 1: Journey of a lifetime (Reflecting the passion of Jesus)
Sharer 3: (Jesus is stripped off His garments)

 

SFC National Conference held in St. Mary's Church RAK, UAE
May 16, 2014

Saying YES to the Lord is a lifelong journey with the Almighty.

I am Sarah Lauren Lim, an SFC from Dubai and a beloved daughter of God. I first said YES to the Lord during my Youth camp last 2005 in Capiz and after that my life was never the same again. My journey with God in the UAE started last August 2011 when I was asked by Papa if I wanted to go to Dubai because He said there's YFC there, I then replied "Yes I will go for mission there." I arrived in Dubai last October 8, 2011 and believe it or not the document I had with me was a birth certificate. I was blessed to be taken care of by Tita Bel and Tito Danny Abutas. Everything was provided to me - visa, CV, college authenticated documents and I found a job and was grateful since my documents arrived nearly before my visa expired. I joined SFC last 2012 after receiving my residence visa. I worked in the nursery as an assistant teacher/nurse and was taking care of kids. I loved my job but the people I was surrounded with had problems of their own and it was a struggle for me to get along with them.  

2013 came and a few months before the end of contract, I started applying online. We had a CLP last September and I was called to become a facilitator. I was blessed to handle 4 angels namely, Annie, Collete, Cristina and Maikie. I am also blessed to attend the MEC and learned that I am God’s beloved. November came and I had an interview at Ate Jhang's company who was offering thrice the salary, with an accessible place in Warba, good benefits and 2 days off. She coached me before interview and I passed. A week later I had an offer letter. Before signing, I was asked and then they told me that they will put it on hold until I get my high school documents ready since they can't issue a visa because I need to join them after 2 weeks. In my mind I was thinking how can it be possible? My province was badly hit by Yolanda. I cried as I went home and I couldn’t hide it because I felt being stripped off what I thought was for me. I spoke to my parents and siblings. I simply prayed "Lord please have your way in me."

 It was baptism week of the CLP and the denial was the reason I was struggling with. I know I have to overcome this. During the service team prayer, I shared the experience and I said "I may have lost the opportunity but I gained a stronger faith." I had to let go because God has something better in store for me. I believe God is in control. He wants me to be still knowing He is God and that I have to trust Him. "Lord may your will be done."

  The CLP was a success. My angels have graduated and are now SFC members. I send a non-renewal letter. We agreed to have my visa cancelled early January. I kept applying online and had several interviews. After Christmas, December 26^th I received a phone call from our PRO. I was threatened that if I don't sign the cancellation then it will be my problem. I was shattered because it stated that I have a 6 months labor ban and that I have received the money from them. He said that it's a usual procedure. I signed and I felt something was wrong yet I tried to smile. When I went home, I cried in secret and it was very painful since I didn’t want them to know. I felt being stripped off my freedom by being forced to sign. And so because of my obedience and fear, I signed and allowed them to hurt me. Still thank you Lord for allowing my family and friends to comfort me and for understanding my situation.

 The greater the struggle but far bigger is the victory that waits. I was heartbroken yet I tried to accept wholeheartedly that in God there’s justice and I trust His plan for me. I nearly finished my contract but they cancelled me 1 month earlier and that’s the reason why I have a 6 month labor ban. Everybody wondered why and advised me to report the incident because it’s not fair. Despite what happened, I was happy to have a skype new year with my family and we were complete virtually. I celebrated my 25^th birthday and was blessed to witness the miracle garden. I was ready for whatever God has prepared for me whether it’s a new work here or considering going home since I want my family to be complete. I wanted to see Mama whom I haven’t seen for 9 years since she worked in US and she went home last year for good. I prayed and asked for God’s guidance. During weekdays I would apply for work and attend interviews but on weekends it was time for service. I continued to serve God and I would still be positive whenever I encounter such negative experiences.

 January 2014 was full of hope, affirmation and unexpected surprises. My high school documents arrived late but the opportunity is no longer there. The job application became difficult for me since I was rejected every time because of the ban. The job offer is often lower than the previous job. I received my back pay and finally I had my passport with me. I exited in Kish Island, stayed there for 5 days then I got 2 months tourist visa. I’ve got nearly empty NOL card load, housing rent to pay and then realized I wasn’t financially prepared as I was running out of resources but God in His generosity provided all of those. I would attend the teachings, regular upper/lower household and also a CLP of a different chapter so I can de-stress myself since I am pressured and worried about my status.

 God places his burden to those who can carry its weight. February was the most difficult month for me because for the first time I was deeply hurt more than the pain that I felt when I heard about my ban. It was during the Parish Festival, when I met him who became my inspiration and I thought He was the one that I was waiting for. I was motivated but then he just left. OUCH! I was heartbroken again and I found myself no longer interested to find a job. I found myself giving up and wanting to go home. There I was trying to stand up, trying to push myself and telling myself to keep going. I felt weak, alone and hopeless. I would encounter sending mails and receiving no reply from them. It was depressing yet I held on to God’s promise. I was also fooled in a skype interview wherein I applied for the post of a private nurse but they posted it in findyourmaids.com without me knowing. I was embarrassed. I received calls from different nationalities and I considered working as a nanny but God said through the song “Jesus I believe in you and I would go to the ends of the earth..” That song pierced me and it was a reminder to never give up on God and He has better plans ahead.

 All the unwanted feelings were kept within. I was misunderstood by those who didn’t know what I was going through because I kept quiet. Still I managed to smile, remained strong, hopeful and determined that God will bless my hearts desires in time and by His grace my attitude towards the situation started to change. I have felt being emptied little by little and things became clear to me. I had experienced rejection, being abandoned, hopeless, lost, worried for my future and heard negative feedbacks against me. I held on to God. My prayer time became my strength and He was my comforter. He allowed me to go through it all to realize what I desire. He stripped off the unnecessary things for Him to give what I deserved. God is good for He has provided and has blessed me abundantly. Never was I hungry, homeless or ran out of load for blessings just continued to pour unexpectedly.

 God never ends in defeat. March became a new hope for me as I was surrendering it all to God. When I thought it was the end, God assured me it was only a bend. Two weeks before my visa expires, I had an interview at JLT then a week later started a 1 day training. I passed my papers the next day and signed the offer letter. I couldn't believe what I was experiencing since this is the moment that I have been waiting for. After all that I have been through, here is what God has prepared for me all this time - freezone visa, better pay, Christian boss who's very kind, only girl in the office doing admin work, peaceful environment, accessible workplace via metro, good timing and 2 days off. Truly God's delays are not denials. All the bad experiences I had was nothing compared to the glory He has revealed to me now. I finally understood why. Praise God!

 April was a great month for me. I exited at Kish as employment visa then started working. The medical and visa is being processed. Things are falling into their right places and my prayers have been answered beyond expectation. I realized God's purpose on why He has allowed me to go through those things. He wanted me to let go, to accept, to wait, to be patient, to understand, to love, to hope, to forgive, to trust Him even if it didn't make sense, to be good even if they are not and He needed my faith to be stronger. God has molded me to become a better and kinder person that I can still be nice to the people who have hurt me. I have become a witness of how He has transformed me during those trying moments. He truly is a great and awesome God!

 As I reflected with Jesus' passion and how he was stripped off His garments, I realized that God slowly stripped me not with my garments but of things, persons and circumstances. He wants me to detach myself from those things that hinder me from following Him. God wants me to be empty so He can fill me, to be stripped off for me to gain and to experience pain for me to be strong. God never deprived me because when I thought I have lost a lot, it is where He was generous enough to pour down His blessings. Indeed I am blessed beyond measure #iamBBM. Thank you Lord.

 May became an awesome and fulfilling month. I got my first pay, labor card, residence visa, emirates ID and even a medical insurance. And now that I am staying here, God is calling me to serve Him. He wants me to go out for mission. He keeps whispering "You have a mission to fulfill." Praise God I was able to experience my first mission in Dibba, then in KFC and I am looking forward for more. Looking back to what my father has asked me, I say "Yes Lord, I have a mission to fulfill and I will never forget the reason why I'm here." So that explains why I only had my birth certificate. In my mind, it was mission that I desired and not work but then God is gracious to bless me both. Thank you Lord for your amazing grace and wonderful journey. I am blessed to grow up in YFC and now proud to be in SFC. Lord you have made things beautiful in time and you are the best thing that has happened to me. I know and I believe that this year you will unite my family who has been incomplete for 9 years. Greater things are yet to come. Bless my talents that I may glorify you that will inspire and evangelize others. I am ready to go. Send me Lord for I don't know where but lead me there. Lord may your will be done and in your name, I hope, I trust and I claim, Amen.

And for that brothers and sisters, Deo Gloria! May God be praised!