Blessings in Disguise

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Daily Manna: “Why do we forget?”

Date: March 25, 2016

Sharer: Karen Bajador

Title : “Why do we forget?”

 Today’s gospel narrates the last moments of Jesus prior to his persecution at the cross. It started from his arrest by the betrayal of Judas up to his burial wherein he would rise again in three days. The narration encompasses a lot of events and all of them give us a notion to reflect on as Catholics. However, what I do want to reflect on is when Peter disowned Jesus three times.

 In our everyday life, we tend to focus on the things that we usually do. More often than not, most of us forget to take a step back and reflect on the blessings we have received. The demand of accomplishing a day’s task usually requires a lot of our time and energy; and by the end of the day, all we want to do is to rest.

As children, we were trained to at least pray before we eat and before we sleep. It was easy to do back then as children do not have a lot of things to do in a day. But growing up is different, the older you get, the more task require your attention and energy. I personally, would attest to that. I would go as far as saying that some of the time, I feel so tired after a day’s work and would not have the energy to even pray and talk to God. I do feel guilty as I know how blessed I am for all the things I have received until now. I have gone through a lot, both the good and bad; but one thing was constant all throughout; it was that God has never abandoned me. And believe me when I say that he has, and never will, leave your side. Life is a cycle and things will never be good always; time will come wherein we will be at our lowest. But let me tell you that in our lowest point, it’s usually the best time where we can feel God’s unwavering love for us.

Going back to the Gospel, we can almost compare ourselves to Peter because in some way, we are just like him; we often tend to ignore, and sometimes, deny his presence. We are usually overwhelmed with the things that we have accomplished and received that we forget to respond whenever he calls for us. God does not require us to exalt before him for a whole day, nor does he demand to give back something equal in return; all that he asks of us is a small amount of our time. He just wants us to have a moment with him, just like what we do with our parents or partner whenever we get home from a day’s work. And this Lenten season is one of those times where we can do so. I encourage you my brothers and sisters to take a step back, reflect and have a moment with him during this season.

Sharer: Karen Bajador

Heavenly Peace: Me & Jesus

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

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

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

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

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

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.