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

Magic moment with God

 

"Because every encounter with God is a magic moment to remember. "

Don’t be deceived by the word “magic”. It is what all of us think but when we talk that is related to God then it is beyond our wildest imagination.

Magic (according to merriam-webster.com) is defined as a

-a power that allows people (such as witches and wizards) to do impossible things by saying special words or performing special actions

- illusion or tricks that seem to be impossible and that are done by a performer to entertain people with special power, influence, or skill

- the use of means (as charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces

- an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source

Magic is a mysterious but powerful feeling. Somehow love is connected with magic and so does a moment with God. I had a wonderful magic moment with God during the U-turn retreat at St. Mary’s Church last April 5, 2014. We had the Taize prayer and God was present in the Holy Sacrament. I closed my eyes and imagined being in His presence. I was praying and thanking Him for all of the blessings I have received, from the family, career, service, household, mission, gift of relationships, future GG and desiring to become the best version of myself. They were leading us to pray and we had songs to sing and a few chant to profess.



Every encounter with God is a magic moment! :) Worth it!
(my imagined sketch but a lot different from the actual scenario)

For God’s magic to happen, we need to recite verses, open our hearts, sing psalms, believe in our prayers, surrender to His will and entrust all our cares. When we have set aside our own selves then we can truly seek God and listen to His words. God moves and works in mysterious ways. During the prayer, I was trying to focus because I am easily distracted. I can hear noises from phones, cameras, chairs and movement of people. I closed my eyes and just kept going. Few minutes passed, we were encouraged to sit and then the majority of all followed. I kept kneeling because I felt unworthy to either sit or stand in front of the blessed sacrament. I should kneel because God deserves this. I decided to offer a simple sacrifice for everything that He has done for me. I don’t deserve all these blessings but through His grace He has given me far what I have asked and even better than I have imagined.

 

Few more minutes passed, I suddenly felt a tingling sensation on my knees. I said: “This is normal because it has been a while since I kneeled longer. I can do this.” Songs were being played and sang beautifully for us to reflect on. I kept praying and I was so distracted with what I’m seeing even if the lights were off. I looked at the sacrament then I closed my eyes, I prayed harder and I imagined God in my mind. My heart was full of gratefulness and joy that my feelings were overflowing since a lot of wonderful things happened.

 

I applied what I learned on how to deepen our prayer life. I don’t know what it was called but I tried inhaling this and exhaling that. To what I perceived it’s like doing long breaths and allowing God to enter and expelling the negative things we encounter. So basically you’re breathing but in your heart you are communicating with the mind and the rest of your body. I was like “inhale Jesus, exhale worries.. inhale Jesus, exhale concerns… inhale love, exhale hate.. inhale Jesus, exhale pain.. inhale strength, exhale weakness.. inhale forgiveness, exhale hurts.. inhale Jesus… exhale Jesus…etc..”

 

20 minutes passed and I was close to giving up. I wanted to sit because I can feel the pain on my knees. I just thought “A few more. This is nothing compared to all the pain and suffering that Jesus did for me on the cross. I believe I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)” Temptation really knocks when you least expect it but I had to keep my word and overcome this. I kept saying after every song that I will sit but then I just said “Kaya ko pa! (I can do it!)” I kneeled a little longer and I encouraged myself to not give up. I am person who endures a lot as long as I can do it.

I continued and I kept pushing. I wanted to stop but there's something in me that says "a little more.." I kept going and after almost 35 minutes, everybody was asked to kneel. I was smiling deep within because I have conquered my doubts and I knew God was smiling at the little sacrifice I did. I can feel the numbness and pain but it was nothing compared to the joy that I felt in my heart. I have experienced a magic moment with Jesus as I stare and pray during that time. It was an extraordinary moment and the Taize experience doesn't happen everyday.

I praise and thank God for the opportunity to feel His immense love through the Blessed Sacrament. It brought me healing, forgiveness and peace. Thank you for making me feel your greatness "for heaven is here in my heart.." Lord I need you. I am sorry. I love you. Thank you so much!!!!! I am looking forward for the next encounter with you and surely it is going to be a magic moment to remember! :)

2005 moments with Mama

April 2005 was my high school graduation and Mama was there..
July 2005 was my graduation from YFC.. We had a chance to talk. I hugged you and we prayed over each other. It was a magic moment. I remember the letter you wrote to me and that I was the ate to the younger siblings you were leaving behind.
September 2005 - Mama then left to work in the US..I was studying BSN while they were in elementary.
November 2013 - 8 years later she went home for good..

A lot of things/events have happened during those times. I know it's hard for you to be away from your family especially to your 5 kids who were very young that time. I know the feeling you felt when you missed every milestone that we have achieved. You weren't there to see us graduate one by one and even witness our dreams coming true. Ma, you have done so well for us all. I can't explain the hurt you felt but I know you were struggling with it. It must have been unbearable for you but you were strong enough and you have survived all those years of loneliness and distance. You valued your family more than yourself. You never exchanged us or Papa for wanting to be a legal resident in the US. 

I honor you Ma for all your sacrifices and love for me and for us. Thank you gd Ma sa tanan.. Thank you sa faith mo, sa encouragement, sa advises, sa teachings and all.. Now I realize the importance of your discipline when I was young even though I questioned it before na daw ka unfair. Hehehe pero now I am proud to be a carbon copy of you.. hehehe I have changed and grow to become a better person  You are my inspiration and that's what I have come to know and understand. God is good for blessing me such wonderful, dedicated, loving and kind parents!

Happy Mother's day! I miss you. I long to see you. Ako nalang ang wala pa nakakita sa imo in person! Ingggggit heheheh It was September 2005 that I last saw you. I hope to see you this December and para ma completo na rin family natin after nearly 9 years. With God's grace, lahat possible. Claiming and praying for it!

I love you Ma.  See you! God bless you! Enjoy your special day! 

-late post (copied from FB)

Fearless to stand and proclaim

"....To be as fearless to stand and to proclaim..."
FEARLESS by YFC Liveloud...

Sharing a part of your story to many who may not agree is a frightening experience but definitely worth telling. When you are blessed with the presence, love and grace from God, everything impossible becomes possible. God’s power works in many ways that we cannot explain but feel. You will then realize how great and amazing He is because He is able to do things in your behalf and He therefore receives all the glory that He truly deserves.

May 16, 2014 was our National Conference in SFC held at RAK, UAE. We had a storycon the night before and arrived home nearly 2 in the morning. I was worried and almost panicking because there were changes and I felt I had little time left to prepare. I slept late and woke up early. We left past 6 in the morning to travel. As I remember myself hours before the sharing, I was very nervous, I couldn’t sleep, I was shaking in fear and as I rehearsed I wasn’t able to pronounce the words correctly. I kept my sharing a secret to my household and close friends because it will only add pressure to me.

During the mass I was completely distracted. I was assured by God that everything will be alright. I surrendered to Him all my worries, fears, doubts and concerns. After the mass, I rushed and prepared since we were to be prayed over by the team. I was longing for a hug of affirmation because I wanted to feel comforted. I hugged my household and left them stating I was going to assist someone. After the pray over, there I was still shaking with fear and that I wanted to scream, shout and let it all out. I was crazy yet I know I can overcome those feelings. I kept practicing my lines and talked to the other sharers. Most of us were first timers and it was a common feeling that we were experiencing. Imagining that we were going to share to 1350+ delegates, it is indeed overwhelming. I realized I was excited more to share my story because God has worked a miracle through me. I just couldn’t hide the excitement and my fear was being lessened.

A few minutes before I stood up, I was ready, smiling and I left it all to God. I whispered a prayer stating that “No matter what happens may your will be done Lord and may your name be glorified.” As my name was called by the speaker, the mic was turned on, I kissed my wooden crucifix necklace, held on to my cross, walked to the stage, showed a big smile, held a long big breath and there I was proclaiming the greatness of God through my experience. At first I was nervous as evidenced through my voice  but I was speaking halfway and until the end it was going smoothly. The power of God through the Holy Spirit moved in mysterious ways. I was touched and so were the people who was listening. Not with the speakers, nor with us who were sharing but to everyone who worked hard and prepared for the event.

I felt great. I received affirmations from my brothers and sisters in the community. It made me happy and inspired all the more. It was as if God was telling me that He was proud of me. It was a nice feeling being praised but I added that God is greater and He deserves the praise. My family too was proud of me and even my household shared the same feelings. They were happy for me and somehow I have conquered my fears, all with the grace from God. I even was blessed to have a guitar that I finally own and will be practicing to proclaim God through the talent and to the best of my ability. For God, I know I can.

As I look back, I know God has brought me here in the UAE because He wants me to go in a mission. I said YES before and until now I will continue to stand firm for my commitment to Him. Saying YES has led me to places I haven't been and witnessing wonderful things I haven't seen. He has given me everything that I needed. He has provided far more from what I expected. He has blessed me beyond measure and I am not worthy to receive all of this but because He loves me, He continues to reveal His greatness in me regardless of my faults and failures..

Thank you Lord. Let's journey beyond the unknown. I am confident knowing that you are in me and You will never leave nor forsake me as you have promised. I need you. I love you!

PRAISE GOD! COMPLETE HH :)
My inspiration and God's greatest and gorgeous gifts to me.

 #iamBBM #fearless #magicmoment #blessed #sfc #sharing #uae

Happy birthday Ayette!

 My beloved best friend Ayra / Aye / Aying / Miaka / Tomoyo/ Yette / Hersheys and lastly Ayette,

Wow mag amiga na kita sang 2001 pa asta subong nga 2014 na! Imagine? Praise God gd ya! Maayo gd si Lord kay naka abot ang aton pag-ulupod sang tinuig kag maga trese (13) na kita subong!

Kada madumduman ko ang aton updanay sang high school days kung sa diin mga nene pa gd ta, nagahatag sya kasadya kg kalipay sa akon. Mahilig ta mgpapicture kg biskan iba iba aton section, still naga upod ta gyapon. Di ko man malimtan ang textnay kg forward sang quotes since unli ta pirmi. Natandaan ko man aton obsesyon sa anime like Fushigi Yuugi even sa Card Captor Sakura, Inu Yasha, Ghost fighter, Sailor Moon, Ayashi no Ceres kg madamo pa nga iban. Kanami lang balikan pati ang dream naton nga magkadto isa ka adlaw sa Japan. Matabo pa ayhan ina? Kag aton chikkahan about sa crushes, teledramas, food trip, computer sa café,  mga uso, lagawan kg iban pa. Nakakamiss balikan ang Capiz National High School kay didto tanan nag umpisa lalo na ang section naton sang first year kita. 1 Antares di ba? And then nag-abot pa gd ang madamo nga friends plus si Jane. Unforgettable moment pa gd ang aton pag graduate kay birthday mo. WOW CNHS Batch 2005. I can definitely remember 041605.

After graduation, d ko maka decide kung ano kuhaon nga course. Mayo na lng nag suggest sila BSN kg nag-upod pa ta sa section 1D. Grabe nagdali dali ko enroll sadto para lang makaabot kay manug dedline na eh. Also naging masadya aton pag-updanay biskan kisa may tampuhay kita. I know kis-a pasaway man ko kg insensitive. Salamat sa pag comfort sa akon lalo na nga crybaby gd ko sadto hehe I also remember didto na nabuo ang barkadahay ta nga Blupirz kg aton tawganay pa nga Beezst.. Pasensya ka na kung may pagka masabad ko kung kis-a kg permi ko b curious. Blessed man ko na mameet imo family kg makapamyesta sinyo sa Yabton. Heheh Also napaka blessed gd ko kay truly ikaw gid ang nag inspire sa akon kg naging rason kung ngaa gusto ko magjoin sa YFC. Kung nabal-an ko lang sadto pa then tani nag-upod pa gd ta sa community. Pero biskan too late na since mapa Manila ka na that time pero still thankful ko gyapon kay didto ko ng grow, didto ko ngbag-o, didto ko wla ngdepend sa imo but sa kaugalingon ko, didto ko ng learn and didto ko mas na enjoy ang buhay young adult. I won’t be the same kung hindi mo ko gn influence mag join. I remember very well nga nag attend kita youth city kung sa diin wala tulugay and then proceed sa youth camp. Di ko gd to malimtan. It was when my journey sa YFC started. Thank you gd ha.

Natapos naton ang 1^st year then here comes summer of 2006. Nakibot ko sa balita nga hindi ka nag li mg enroll. I remember the moment sa CR sang SACR. Grabe ya! Feeling ko ako ang pinaka last to know pero inexplain mo kg I tried to understand. Nagkadto ka sa Manila pra didto ka ma school. I was sad pero ok lang. I remember nga gbonding ta before ka maglakat and even gnhatud ko sa barko simo. Tama ba? Hehe natandaan ko man nga gnhatagan taka teddy bear..hahah corny pero love ta ka b. and I will miss you gd..

Years have passed and communication ta lang was FS, text, email and call. Until sa ngkitanay ta sa manila kay nag affiliation kami. Then nag graduate ta. Then nag board exam. Then sa pag upod sa MOA kay nag oath taking ka. I miss our manila adventure biskan short and sweet lang pero enjoy sya! Then nag start ka na work sa hospital. I admire you for your dedication sa career even sa pag abroad for your family. I salute you coz of your love for your nanay and siblings even pamangkins. Siguro ang last naton nga kitanay was  March 2011? Or d ko na maremember..  good thing may skype/wechat/facebook kay nakaka istorya ta man ka gyapon biskan layuay na. Mostly LDR kita kag madamo na nag-bago sa aton pero aton friendship is still there.. stronger as the years go by. I can’t believe we made it this far Aye.

Praise God gd. Congrats! Thank you for being with me all through these 13 wonderful years. Salamat sa understanding, guidance, love, correction, advices, encouragement and for blessing me through your prayers of hope. Sana naging good friend ako sa imo biskan pasaway ko hihihi..

Happy happy birthday Ayr. I hope God blesses you the desires that you pray and deserve. Keep the faith. Remember that you are God’s beloved. The Lord loves you so much no matter what you are going through. Be strong. God is always with you all along. Ari man ko di when you need me. I miss you. I love you dear. Take care always. See you soon.. Mwaahhhugs! Enjoy your day!

Lablab,

Sarah / Sakura / Kailyn / SL