Light of Jesus

Blessed to share in Miraculous Medal Chapel. Thank you! Praise God! :)

Assigned Date: December 14, 2014

Assigned Verse: John 1:6-8,19-28

Reflection Story:

John was conceived in Elizabeth’s womb though barren at an old age. He was sent by God and to testify that with the Lord nothing is impossible. John the Baptist fulfilled his purpose on earth. He baptized people, spread the good news, prepared the way for Jesus and became a witness to the light. He humbly admitted that he is unworthy and he’s not the source of light which he referred to Jesus, the Messiah.

Let me share to you a story about the little candle’s discovery in knowing its purpose. Once there was a little candle placed in a room together with other candles. The little candle felt very tiny for it has seen several candles – plain, small, tall, glittery, scented, big, multi-colored, wonderfully shaped and expensive.

The sun went down and the room began to get dark. A man came to light the little candle then he started lighting each candle and the room was filled with light. The little candle realized that all the other candles gave out the same light regardless of what they are. Few hours later, the wax started to melt. It was then that the candle realized its purpose, “to give light until it dies”.

We are the different candles who are chosen by God, called to spread the word and be witnesses of Jesus. We were created on earth for a purpose and we should fulfill God’s will/plan in us. Jesus is the source of light. He first taught us to love. He gave his life for the salvation of our sins. He is the light that brought faith, hope, peace and love to all of us. He is the match/lighter that ignites the fire in our hearts. Apart from Him, we are lost, we are nothing and we are not capable. With Him, all things are made possible. Let’s continue to give and spread the light of Jesus.

11 days to go before Christmas! Am I excited? Is my heart ready to welcome Jesus and allow Him to light my path? Will I allow myself to be a witness to the light and live my life in accordance to God’s plan? Am I ready for the challenges that await me if I choose to follow Christ no matter how difficult it may seem? Am I ready to become an Alter Christus (alternate Christ) to my neighbors?

If the answer is Yes then be excited for the Savior is coming. Strengthen your faith, pray more and be ready since greater things are yet come. If the answer is No/Maybe then you still have time to prepare yourself for the birth of Jesus. Open your heart and allow the Spirit to teach, equip and lead you to the right path.

SOLI DEO GLORIA! :)

Obey and Witness!

Imported from CFC Desert Sun

http://cfcdesertsun.blogspot.ae/2013/10/obey-and-witness.html

Shared after NATCON 2013

(Posted last October 2013)

Every conference is a blessing for God to teach and mold us.

It is a gathering of God's people with sessions to learn from and an opportunity to worship.

I have always looked forward to attending conferences because it's a way for me to grow,

learn and improve myself.

During the conference, I realized that becoming a witness is not just about

listening to God but voicing out. He desires that we should proclaim His greatness.

Being a witness is allowing Christ to work through us with our brothers and sisters.

It's also an opportunity for me to serve God through documenting the event. 

I was asked to take pictures during the conference. I willingly obeyed and tried my best.

At first I was nervous and I felt clueless. I didn't know what to do and how to do it.

I felt blank and somehow a bit pressured. I know I'm not a professional photographer

but I just love photography.

I don't own a DSLR but I have a point and shoot camera.

I didn't have the capability but with God's grace He blessed my ability.

It was challenging for me in the beginning but God gave me strength to fulfill it.

God didn't allow me to doubt because He believed in my capacity.

He kept whispering to me: "Do whatever He tells you."

He kept encouraging me to go on even if it doesn't make sense. 

He kept reminding me to "Obey and witness!" I followed Him and He made me

feel confident that I can.

He took away my shyness and empowered me to go on.

He removed my doubts & unworthiness.

He is a great God! I even learned about adjusting the effects/settings in the cam

and though my flash wasn't working, I just kept documenting!

Indeed, Praise God! I was able to capture images of Him and documented

some parts of the event through videos.

Stolen shot :)

Bless the work of my hands that I may bring back all the glory to you!

Thank you Lord for your grace and I will be a witness of your love! AMEN!

By Sis Sarah Lauren Lim

SFC UAE

Journey with CFC Kids for Christ

KFC Activity last October 2013

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

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

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

Junior 2 KFCs

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

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

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

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

DEO GRACIAS! DEO GLORIA!

Carry out my mission

 

"Lord, help me to carry out my mission."

As I hear those words during the Prayers of the Faithful during the general assembly of CFC Dubai last February 2, it gave me an affirmation to keep going and to keep doing what the Lord is telling me to do. The CFC theme this year is Obey and Witness from John 2:5 "Do whatever He tells you." I then remembered the words "carry out" because as a nurse we are tasked to carry out the doctor's order. To carry out is to follow what is written or what is verbally stated. To carry out is to do what He tells you to do whether it's challenging and hard to do. To carry out is do all works with love and full of faith and hope. As I journey in this mission, may the Lord with His grace bless me, strengthen me, guide me and lead me as I carry out this mission with faith, hope and love.

In You Lord, I trust!

Sarah Lim :)

Share the message

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

I heard this line from Fr. Tom as he was giving his homily last Feb. 2 at St. Mary's. It is a simple message but it hides a big meaning and creates a big impact behind the  simple words stated. Father Tom even joked.. "If I'm not here anymore tomorrow then you know what happened.." then everybody giggled and that ended his homily. As I reflected the message and as I think about it's impact on me, I realized that God's messages never fail. His messages can make a difference in our life and His words are light to us. His messages are clear and they are truth. His message never leaves us untouched and it allows pierces through our hardened hearts and even closed ears. God indeed moves in mysterious ways and those ways are known by Him alone. My only prayer is that may God use me as His mouthpiece to preach His word and spread His messages throughout all the nations especially to His people.

May I be like Christ, a messenger of faith, hope and endless love!

Faithful, patient and fruitful

Jan 31, 2013

Gospel: Mk 4:21-25

Whatever is hidden will be disclosed and whatever is kept secret will be brought to light. Listen then, if you have ears.

"Pay attention to what you hear. In the measure you give, so shall you receive and still more will be given to you. For to the one produces something, more will be given, and from him who does not produce anything, even what he has will be taken away from him."

Feb 1, 2013

1^st reading: Heb 10:32-39

Be patient in doing the will of God and the promise will be yours: A little, a little longer –says Scripture- and He who is coming will come; he will not delay. My righteous one will live if he believes; but if he distrusts, I will no longer look kindly on him. We are not among those who withdraw and perish, but among those who believe and win personal salvation.

Gospel: Mk 4:26-34

Parable of the mustard seed

"What is the kingdom of God like? To what shall we compare it? It is like a mustard seed which, when sown, is the smallest of all the seeds scattered upon the soil. But once sown, it grows up and becomes the largest of the plants in the gardens and even grows branches so big that the birds of the air can take shelter in its shade."

He who promised is faithful.

Today, God has assured me to cast everything to Him. He told me to be patient and to be still. He assured me that everything will be ok and that I need to hold on unto Him.  He said that I should trust Him because He knows what He's doing. As I listened to
You raise me up.. It made me realize that things in life can weigh me down and only God and God alone can lift and raise me up.

Things are harder than I thought and somehow I am starting to be tired and stressed. Sometimes I want to burst out and cry my heart to the fullest. I guess my emotions can really explode when it's too much and overflowing that I couldn't handle nor keep it anymore. It is not always that I am okay because sometimes I'm not really okay. I guess God is teaching me to be strong amidst all things that He will give, and reveal to me. He is preparing me for greater things and that He has to give me a bend to see how I can manage and overcome things like this.

God told me it's ok to cry. It's ok to be weak. It's ok to be down. It's ok if it happens sometimes but not all the time (if possible). For a while my world stopped and I acknowledged my weakness, fears, struggles, failures and insecurities. I became aware of the emotional baggage that I was carrying and the challenges that I am facing. God said I should leave those behind and stop carrying them. Lord I surrender all these unwanted emotions that I kept for so long and I lift this up to you. I know Lord with your grace I am being cleansed, forgiven and healed. Lord I will do my best to be faithful to the promise that I made to you and that I will be fruitful. I know that when I'm down then you will raise me up. Thank you for your unending love and blessings. Lord I surrender. In Jesus' mighty name, I claim victory over defeat, Amen.

A future full of hope.

May God be praised!!!!!

Faithful, Patient & Fruitful like Christ,

Princess Sarah Kailyn

Mission never ends

"A mission never ends in defeat."

It is always my desire to serve God and to go beyond borders. Since it's the first month of the year I want to dedicate and even challenge myself to go to where the Lord leads me. I have friends in Fujairah and I have been wanting to go there since I  want to see and help them with the best of my abilities. I was suppose to go there for Kuya Marvin and Ate's wedding but unfortunately I didn't make it. Since next week (Jan. 25) would be the graduation of there mini CLP I want to visit and perhaps serve there as well.

I have met them before during the YFC National Assembly last November 2011. We then met again during the MEC last November 2012. God is good because He reunited me with them. Actually I get to be with the delegates from FUJ and DIBBA during ACYC at Abu Dhabi last November 17-19, 2012. Amazing huh?

One thing I learned from a missionary kuya was you have to give. I learned that I need to invest and offer whatever it is that I possess so that I may bring glory to the Lord...

Lord do you want me to go to FUJ?

(written last January 19)

I prayed for an answer to that question. I posted that or I mean I wrote that last Saturday (Jan 19). A few days later I was having doubts yet I still prayed and asked God's guidance. I thought I was going even if I was not so sure. I was hoping for a positive and last minute response of Yes because that was what I would always do.

 Hours before the First fruits activity I messaged somebody about my decision because I am not sure but still give a hopeful response that I might go. Unfortunately I decided not to go because of financial constraints and because of a meeting after the activity for our 1^st anniversary. I have 1 more week before the salary release and to tell you frankly I am really struggling with it. It's hard to manage your finances when you don't have much. Even if I have little with me still I can say that I am blessed and I am grateful because I still have. I have to think about my expenses for the week because I need to work and support myself. I had to give up the mission that I really desired. I felt sorry and disappointed but I have no choice but to choose what I think is right for me.

I thought the mission I started was over but I guess God has ways in making us realize that a mission never ends with defeat because it always wins. I may have been defeated because I allowed worries and fear to dominate me but God has a greater purpose in mind why these things need to happen.

After the first fruits activity we had our planning and meeting for the first and awaited anniversary of our batch, the batch 43. We were about like 20-30 something and we talked about what’s going to happen. So it has been decided that we will celebrate the anniversary on April 26 instead of 27 because it's a Saturday and the majority decided to make it a Friday for everybody's availability. So we assigned committee heads so that the tasks will be distributed and would be easier to work on. Surprisingly the Lord gave me another task even greater than I thought it was if I left for FUJ. 

He gave me a committee to serve Him through documentation. He made me a COMHEAD together with Pol as my partner. BOOOM! I am quite excited though nervous since it's gonna be my first time to serve and I'm looking forward to serve Him better than before. I am happy and privileged to be given this opportunity. They choose me and I couldn't say no so I said Yes. I know I can handle this because I am matured enough, mission ready and God believes I can. Yehey! God is good and amazing. 

I am blessed. May God be praised!

Princess Sarah Kailyn :)) 

A responsibility to BLESS

January 30, 2013

I heard from one of my leaders before that: "Our job is to plant seeds of Christ in the hearts of His people. Our task is to spread the seeds of truth, love, faith and forgiveness through evangelization and bringing them back to God.  Then it is  our God who will nourish, fertilize and cultivate it in order to grow."

"May the seed that we planted on you will sprout and grow to become what God intended you to be. May you be evangelized by the word of God through us being His instrument in this mission. I pray that you will also continue to share what we have imparted and to bear fruit."

I am thankful because God allowed me to grow and bear fruit. He planted a seed in me that continually grow to long and seek for His presence with unending love, forgiveness and grace. Level up Lord. Thank you!!! It has been almost 8 years since I started in YFC and now blessed to be an SFC.

I am blessed and therefore it is my responsibility to bless. :)

 

I decided that my battle cry for this year is TO BLESS and INCREASE MY FAITH. I know God has a lot to reveal to me this year and I am looking forward full of hope and assurances that He will bless and surprise me beyond compare and measure. I am blessed and it is my responsibility to bless.

(Inspired by the songs: Oh I Love You!, ONE DESIRE, OCEANS WILL PART) 

Blessed by God, Overflowing with love,
Princess SarahKailyn

Kevin is an RN!

January 30, 2013

This message made my day and I admit I was a bit teary-eyed (almost cried). So blessed to share the success of my baby bro. Congratulations!!! Ikaw na!! God is indeed great and good. :)) Thank you Lord. Answered prayer and a great blessing.. Next na si Carla hehehe :)) gin print screen ko gd ni pra may remembrance heheh :))

Miss and love you my dear family huhuhuhu reunion na ta sa December :))

Thank you! Praise God!! :) Blessed ako talaga! SO much!!!!!

Forgive and follow!

Yesterday's gospel was about forgiveness..

Truly, I say to you, every sin will be forgiven… (Mk 3:22-30)

Then today's first reading is… (Heb:10:1-10)

Christ says: You did not desire sacrifice and offering; you were not pleased with burnt offerings. Then I said: "Here I am. It was written of me in the scroll. I will do your will, O God."

Responsorial psalm: Here I am Lord; I come to do your will.

Gospel from Mk. 3:31-35

He replied, "Who are my brothers and sisters?" And looking around at those who sat there he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. Whoever does the will of God is brother, sister and mother to me."

The song that played inside my mind was "By your grace"

Oh I will live for you. Every moment of the day to you I'll pray.. Oh I will worship you. Every part of me I'll surrender to you and I'll do it all by your grace…

Today, 29 January 2013 was the most tired day I have ever been. I dunno why but I guess it is because my back hurts. I kinda carried a heavy baby today and somehow stressed my back. So for the whole day I could really feel the pain which affected my mood but still tried to perform my duties well.

I said to myself: "I will do your will Lord and I will endure. No matter how hard the work I'm doing or how stressful the parents and kids are or how I relate with my co-workers because I know that it's all worth it. I will Lord for you because I love you so much and I will do whatever it is that you tell me to do.

Sometimes I would just think and decide to be quiet when I hear negative things from them. Silence is my friend when I am insulted and hurt. I guess it's better that way and to avoid arguments. I don't want to argue with them. For me, as long as we respect each other and treat others kindly then that's enough. "My God is the one who'll act and judge you base on your actions." I don't need to curse or think about how bad you are. I am a good person and I will do the right thing even if you don't do the same to me. Even if you laugh at me or even do things to hurt me, still I won’t dare do it to you. I really thank God for blessing me this kindness that I share with others. Even if it's hard to mingle and establish trust with them. I still try hard and understand them because they will always be like that and I can never change it but can only influence them to be better. I guess God really influenced and taught me a lot through CFC J I am so grateful and blessed..

 

Today I learned to forgive and follow. To forgive and to ask forgiveness and to follow God's leading with sincerity and openness. Forgive and follow. Let your heart lead you to your desires and set it free from the hurts of the past.. Let God be your guide and allow Him to be the center of your life and in your heart..

May God be praised!

Be like Christ. Obey and witness!!!

To forgive and to follow like Christ did,

Princess SarahKailyn

Lord, lead me.

 

You don't need to be great to accomplish something great. You just need to be Yourself. Nothing more, nothing less. Do your best and God will do the rest.. May God be praised... I am blessed to bless. Thank you! Lord, lead me.. #doodle #art 

  

Lord lead me to where you want me to be..

#myONLYprayer #leadMYheart

My doodle art for today.. I decided to be productive and will try to do one doodle a day as long as I can heheh.. I will try with God's grace I will because I can..

Hoping, claiming, waiting, praying like Christ,

Princess Sarah Kailyn...

Christ driven

The Gospel today was taken from Lk 1:1-4, 4:14-21

Of all the words I read and understood I guess a few sentences struck me the most and made me reflect on the revelations that the Lord is making me discover and realize where He's leading me.

Jesus unrolled the scroll and found the place where it is written: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and new sight to the blind, to free the oppressed and announce the Lord's year of year."

Jesus said to them, "Today these prophetic words come true even as you listen."

Ps. 19:8, 9, 10, 15

"Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life."

As I was reading this gospel earlier in the morning before I left for work I paused when I read those words especially to the anointing part. I then asked myself: "Lord are you anointing me? Is this the assurance that I've been praying for? Does it mean I have your blessing and go signal to go and follow my heart's desire? Are these your affirmation and answer to the question I've been asking?"

To tell you frankly I'm a bit shocked yet happy how God immediately heard my cry and answered me with full of hope and assurance. Still I want to make sure of this feeling that this is not the usual thing that I feel. I want to really know if it's really what I want and desire. Lord please continue to guide and lead me to where you want me to be.

My Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for your unending grace and providence to me and my family. I am so blessed my God and it is overflowing through me. Thank you so much. Lord I lift and surrender to you my heart, myself, my service and my desires. I pray that may you lead me to the right path. Speak to me Lord. Tell me what you want me to do. Make me realize and know the plans you have prepared for me in this life. Use me Lord to be a blessing to others that I may inspire and give them hope and light like your Son, Jesus did. Allow me to feel your presence and be moved me with your word and Spirit. Touch me and allow change to consume me. Motivate me to strive hard to proclaim your greatness and obey your teachings. Lord God, have your way in me. This heart belongs to You Jesus. I submit and offer myself to You. Use me for your greater glory. I am ready to do your will. Let it be done. Amen.

Driven by Christ. Love for Christ. Journey with Christ.

In Your name Lord, I trust.

Your Princess, Sarah Kailyn

~Inspired by God. Powered by love.~

Working for God.

Happily working for God and His glory!!! <3

Working for God. All for Love. :)

Today, January 27, 2013 was the start of my mission. I tried working hard, played harder and prayed hardest today. Well maybe I complained a little bit and I'm trying to obey without complain. I am open to challenges and I'm a good listener. I will try my best to follow whatever it is that the Lord tells me to do. I enjoyed this day with a blast and I love playing with the kids. Hihihi! I just hope and pray that the Lord will lead me to the right path that my heart really desire. :)

Father, send me.

As I read and reflected today's Gospel message I realized that the Lord is telling me something and I can feel it through the longing in my heart.

"The harvest is rich, but the workers are few. So you must ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers to His harvest. Courage! I am sending you like lambs among wolves." Luke 10:1-9

"Proclaim God's marvelous deeds to all the nations." Psalm 96

Lord I know what I want and I desire for a higher calling in my mission. I can't afford to wait and be like this. I am a person who wants to do and make things happen with the help of your grace. I just can't sit here and do nothing. I know I have to do something. I have to decide. I have to pray for this desire for mission.

"Alam ko po Lord kung ano talaga ang gusto ko. Hinahanap hanap ng puso ko at hindi ko kaya na ito'y tanggihan o balewalain. Gusto kong pagsilbihan ka ng buong buo. Ibibigay ko ang lahat na makakaya ko para sa misyon na ipinagkatiwala mo. Nararamdaman ko po na may kulang talaga. Nangungulila ako at hinahanap hanap ang iyong presensya sa communidad ng CFC. Hindi sapat ang serbisyo ko sa SFC at KFC kasi gusto ko bumalik sa YFC.  Ngayon ko lang nalaman na kailangan ko rin po magsilbi sa YFC. Sa YFC kung saan ako nag-umpisa, kung saan ako'y natuto, kung saan ako lumaki, at kung saan ako'y nagsumpa na pagsisilbihan kita sa abot ng aking makakaya. Lord gusto ko po mag misyon sa YFC kasi iyon ang gusto't ninanais ng aking puso. Kung ano man ang gusto mo para sa buhay ko, hayaan mo na matupad iyan sa ngalan ni Kristo, Aking Panginoon at Tagapagligtas. Amen."

My only desire in my heart now is go back to YFC. I want to serve the YFC community again. I want to teach and mentor the future leaders of this community. I want to spend my time in service with the youth who is the hope of the nation. I want to ease the feeling of homesickness, longingness and hunger to preach and proclaim God's word. I know and I feel that you want me to go back. I desire this so much Lord more than the desire to have a GG.

I may have failed in my profession as a nurse but I won't give up in pursuing my dream to become a missionary. You called me to be here Lord and I will firmly and bravely say Yes to the calling.

"The calling is loud and clear and I can no longer resist in denying it."

Lord I want to be sure of this feeling. Make your ways be known to me. Speak to me Lord. Tell me what you want. I am ready to listen. If it's not what I think it is then please give me a heart ready to accept whatever it is that you have planned for me. Lord I lift up and surrender this feeling. Give me the grace I need to understand and apply whatever it is that you taught me. Teach me to pray from the heart. Bless me Lord as I bless others with my blessings. Lord please let your will be done. All of this I ask and pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Songs being played as I reflect and pray: Heaven, I know, Have your way, Give my all, Grateful, Larger than life, Never be the same, Spirit is strong, God in Me

January 26, 2013