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. :)

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

Me after 3 years

A walk to remember:

After the workshop talk, we were given a paper to write our dream after 3 years and our prayer to God..

Dear God,
Thank you for the life, for the family, for the CFC community, for work and for everything. Father you know the status of my heart. I am afraid to love. I choose to love those who only treats me good. Lord may I choose to love you more and to love like Jesus did and to suffer like Him Lord. I surrender myself to you Lord. Have your way. Let it be done. Lord ikaw na po bahala!

In Jesus' name, AMEN!

(prayer and desire during the MEC 2013)
BELOVED
October 26, 2013
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

DREAMS, DESIRES and BLESSINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FAMILY >>> Complete family!!!!!!!!! To be reunited after 10 years! Celebrate events together like the old days. Bonding! To be home in Pinas. Meet up with friends, barkadas, school mates and YFC families..

CAREER >>> Better job, pay, benefits, insurance, flexible leave and air fare! Find a new career in the office. To be better and to always improve!!

SERVICE >>> Higher calling of service, discernment (MV/FTPW), constant prayer time and be Mission Ready!

4G >>> LOVE TO LOVE<3 God's greatest and gorgeous gift! :) I believe in TRUE LOVE WAITS. I am so excited to meet Him in God's time. I'd be happy to be in a relationship with Him.. then if it's time, then marriage and hopefully have our own Christian Family wherein we can serve God together as CFC! Wow ever! <3

HOUSEHOLD >>> to be able to evangelize souls for God and lead them closer to Him. Thank you for blessing me with 4 angels! <3

ME >>> a Better ME (improved, good, loving, understanding, sweet, happy, waiting...) A love to love! <3 Become a SERVANT OF GOD! To be in complete surrender to His will. 3Ts (Time, talent and treasure) for God's greater glory!

Lord God please bless the desires of my heart. May they be in accordance to your will and plan for my life! Lord I entrust my future in You for you know what's best for me. :))))))) 

Ikaw na po bahala!

In your name, I trust! AMEN! <3

Testify and See

TESTIFY AND SEE (January 3, 2014) from Daily Manna

Gospel for the day: John 1:29-34

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”[a] ~John 1:29-34

We have heard this statement that says "To see is to believe." People nowadays are concerned more in seeing and if they do, then they'll believe. Here's a funny situation that proves it wrong. How do you know if you have a brain? Can you see it? No? So since you don't see it then you're brainless? How about your heart? You know what it looks like? Have you seen it? No? So you're heartless? The people during the time of Christ need not see because they know that if they believe, they will see how far God's wonder may lead them to. Blessed are those who were physically blind that time for they truly seek Jesus and indeed they testified, witnessed a miracle and even saw Him in all His greatness, power and majesty.  

I suddenly realized a better statement: To see is to believe but to feel and experience is better than seeing." Believing is a different thing and seeing is not everything. We can't see emotions but we can feel them. We can't see knowledge and wisdom but we can express them freely. We can't see sickness but the symptoms are there to indicate that there's something wrong. We can't see technology or communication but the gadgets are there to show how it works. We can't see the childhood beliefs we had like the existence of tooth fairy, Easter bunny, etc., but story books were there to prove they do when in reality they don't. Being able to see is not an assurance that things are real because sometimes the eyes can be deceived. 

However there are supernatural things that the eye can't see but the heart can feel. We can't see love but our hearts can express, feel love and also pain. We believe in God but do we see Him? No, but because we have faith then it makes all things possible. Yes, God is real and we can definitely feel His presence. We may not see Him physically but we can see Him in other people and through the situations that are happening to us. We can testify that we have seen Him in all areas of our life and that He never left us especially in times that we needed Him.

Our God is an amazing God and He will find a lot ways to make us feel blessed, loved, treasured, provided, cared for, assured, answered, embraced, healed, comforted, honored, supported, worth fighting for, saved, forgiven, spared, inspired, motivated and a lot more! He is our Everything. He hears and sees every event in our lives and sometimes we fail to notice that because we believe in seeing than that of experiencing Him. May we realize that testifying is seeing God at work in our life and that may we continue to obey and witness especially when it doesn't make sense.

Prayer: Lord, may You teach us to have more faith in You. Allow our eyes to see things beyond our capacity so that we could testify, experience, and feel more of your grace and love. Lord in Your name, we trust! Amen!

Sis Sarah Kailyn Lim 
Chapter 2B3 - CLP Batch 43

Household Leader - SFC Dubai

GG: My Angels!

I feel so blessed for God has given me angels that I consider as gifts and blessings. At first I said no without thinking then eventually said yes. God reminded me to Obey and Witness. I started realizing that there are far greater things than what I thought it was. I experienced a lot last night and it's amazing how God works mysteriously. It is great to talk to them like we knew each other for a long time. Even if we just met I really felt we're close. I enjoyed how we introduced ourselves! It made me laugh and certainly I can't forget our new names: Sweetie Sarah, Crazy Cristina, Adorable Annie, Jolly Josephine, Awesome Ailene and Cutie Collete. God is good! There was no awkward moments (well maybe a little but we can work it out). It brought me happiness, love and peace. The joy we shared as we first discussed about God's love was amazing though we lack time! God made us feel His love through each other's presence. I feel that I belonged and that I couldn't fully express how grateful I am for them. The moment they called me "Mama Sarah" is priceless and memorable. I am humbled and inspired to bring them closer to God. They are my God's gift because they are angels sent from heaven. I will cherish and nourish them as the Lord entrusted them to me. With God's grace, I know I can do things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:12). I am excited and looking forward for more bonding with them! Well there's still next week so let's make the most of it. Thank you Angels! Thank you Lord! See you again soooon! God bless! 

Mwaaahhhugs! <3

Wala tayong family pic kaya eto na muna.. :))

Czammy & Me: From YFC to SFC!

We were both YFCs and aspiring to be future nurses. She was an online friend of my yfc friend. They were active in a YFC forum and that's where it all started. We were introduced via social media last 2009. We chatted via yahoo messenger and met through friendster. We were also friends in multiply. She was somewhere in Luzon while I was in Western Visayas. I met her because she registered for ILC but couldn’t come so I took her place to attend and paid the money to her friend. I decided to go even if it was 2.5 days before the event and it was a last minute decision. Attending the ILC is where my YFC journey started and it was there that I committed to serve God. I felt so excited to meet her because I wanted to thank her for the opportunity to attend. 

We were supposed to meet during International conferences (ILC) but due to busy schedules and lack of communication we failed to do so. Despite the hindrances, we continued our journey in YFC separately. After passing the board exam to having our own license and being blessed to work in a hospital, we just kept going. We lived our lives differently but there was one thing that was common to us, our desire to stay and serve in YFC. Then friendster was gone and YM was not frequently used. We lost contact and facebook became popular. She kept communicating with my friend who became my boyfriend that time. She mentioned how he would ask her advice about our relationship before and that He was discerning me to be his GG. We became leaders of our province and so was her in their area. Everything went well but God knew in our hearts that we had to meet personally.

I left Philippines last October 2011 to serve God and to find a job. I lost communication with my boyfriend, we argued, we broke up and he blocked me in his fb account. It was my fault but it was too late. I decided to temporarily forget about him. I felt like I lost much. I knew something was missing. God healed me of my brokenness, made me realized my faults and allowed me to see the good things through that experience. It was December when I was blessed to work in a nursery that's similar to nursing. I learned new things, I grew up, I became independent and I slowly changed.

It was July 6, 2013 when we decided to end things through a conversation. It was my first vacation and I really wanted to settle things between us. After our talk, we became friends again. We missed the old times and we started to reminisce our past memories and it was all during our YFC days. After a month I went back to Dubai feeling happy and free of guilt.

We kept talking and it was only last September 14, 2013 that He mentioned about Czammy. It was then I remember when it all started and I was delighted to meet her in person. He suggested to add her. I was happy that she came to Dubai last January 2012. I searched her fb account and viewed her timeline. She worked in a hospital. She even became an SFC member! I didn't remember how she looked like before but I can feel that it was her.

I then sent a message to her and we talked a little bit.She mentioned that she was looking for me and that I had a lot of friends. I had a second account and ever since after the break up, it became my active account. I then invited her to our CLP and she mentioned she had friends that wanted to join. I can feel the excitement from us and the eagerness to see each other in person. We then decided to meet on the day of our CLP, Sept. 20. I arrived at the mission house and I was nervous but excited. I was thinking what would our first meet up be? Is it going to be dramatic? Is there going to be hugs and tears? I just thought to myself. I called her and she was coming. I then shared our story to my friends and they said they had goosebumps.

I waited at the corridor and when she came in, I honestly didn't recognize her but it was her that called my name. I immediately knew and I left my things on the table and ran to hug her. I was a bit teary eyed and slightly emotional. I thanked her and we talked like we knew each other for so long. It was like a scene in a movie and that was the best moment that happened to me. I can't imagine that from YFC to SFC, God wrote our best story and He made His presence evident in our lives. It feels great that God used us as an instrument and everything had a purpose.  

I couldn't believe that we finally met. To my surprise we were not aware that we were in the same emirate. We attended Middle East conference last year, then Singolympics, UAE National Assembly and even the National conference this year. We were attending different events and we never had a chance to meet. God is great because His timing never fails. He knew that things needed to be settled first before allowing what we desired. I found out she became dry and searched for the community. She graduated and became a nurse. She came here to work and was blessed to practice nursing. She then attended the CLP and found her God's gift. I felt privileged to meet them both. She also shared our story with friends and they had goosebumps! God works in ways we can't see and that's worth sharing!

I then realized that the world is indeed small when you're in the CFC Family Ministry. She was not just a friend but sister to me. It was through her that opened my eyes to serving God. It was through that ILC slot that changed my life. It was through her kindness and I am forever grateful for that. I thought it was just a dream to finally meet her but God made it come true. It took us about 4 years before we actually met and a lot has happened. Though everything changed but one thing remained and still that was our desire to serve God not just in YFC but now in SFC. The commitment was there and it was the only thing that mattered most.

Czammy and Me! Praise God! Finally we met after 4 years!

I can't fully express how grateful and happy I am. God is so good and great! His plans are always amazing! Thank you Lord for allowing me to meet her and experience the fullness of life through your grace, providence and love! I am so blessed and thank you for making me realize and appreciate that! You truly are an awesome God!

And for that, may God be praised! Hallelujah! AMEN!

Get Ready, Set, Witness!

The 12^th National Conference in the UAE will take place in a few days/hours at Sharjah! Everybody's excited and ready to experience the immense love and graces of the Lord. Good things and even greater things will happen and everybody just can't wait to experience it. So therefore we must get ready, get set and witness how God's mercy, outpouring of blessings, forgiveness and unfailing love that's constantly felt, experienced and meant to be shared.

GET READY.

We must get ready as the Lord has prepared surprises for us! The sessions and the activities are meant to teach and mold us to become effective witnesses and mouthpieces of the Lord. We must also be excited because it is going to be a day of worship and praise therefore it means a lot of singing songs, jumping for joy and unending thanksgiving to Him. For now as we prepare, let's feel the excitement as we are counting the remaining days to hours before the awaited event. Ready your pens and paper to take note of the wonderful messages He will reveal and also capture Jesus' moments that you can share with your friends around the globe. A lot of things are waiting for us and let's get ready to experience God's greatness, graces and goodness anywhere and everywhere.

GET SET.

Let us also lay down to God all the brokenness we feel, the struggles that we've been through, the unresolved problems and issues, the worries and all other concerns. Let's surrender everything to God and allow Him to take over. Learn to let go and let God's will be done. Let's set our hearts and minds so that we can place our focus on to God alone. Also, as we learn to pause for a while to think and reflect, let's remember to pray and ask God's leading so that our decisions and actions are well guided and are in accordance to His plans. May the Lord set our hearts ablaze because we want to go out and spread His love. Everything is all set, we just have to do our part, patiently wait for the go signal and pray.

WITNESS.

To become a witness is not an easy task but it can be fulfilling. Proclaiming God's word and becoming a witness is challenging especially in a world full of different cultures, religion, practices, race, experiences, beliefs, language and understanding. Testifying and being Christ like is what God wants us to be. Revealing to the world about Jesus Christ is a struggle and it is worth fighting for. God made it known to us that we should share whatever is in us. He emphasized the true meaning of love and it is manifested in giving, in sharing, in blessing and in forgiving. Let us not allow the hindrances that we experience to stop us from proclaiming God's word in evangelizing His people as we share the good news in transforming the world and renewing the face the earth.

So let's get ready, get set and witness!

Prayers up for the NatCon.

Brain VS Heart

I stumbled upon this picture as I was thinking of something to share...

The never ending fight between the mind and the heart...

The mind may contradict and reason but the heart insists and wins..

The battle of the heart and mind always happens and never ends. :) I guess the heart has feelings that contradict with the understanding of our mind. 

The mind was created to understand and perceive while the heart is to feel and to love. :) And I guess each part of our body just do what it's intended to do or to function as it was made. God is so great to have created a perfect body with organs, a brain and a heart.

I guess we just need to seek God's guidance in all our thoughts and actions so that we are guided and we don't experience confusion to which is right and not. 

BENDING without BREAKING

It has been 2 weeks(?) since I last posted or blogged about something.. To admit, I had struggles and I didn't have time to blog about it. For 2 weeks, I experienced the ups and downs, the tears and joy, the questions and doubts and the importance of prayer, letting go and allowing God to take over. Things have been tough on me and I always have a heart break everyday except weekends. I felt being stabbed on the chest and it's hard for me to cope up. I tried suppressing my emotions instead of repressing it. I felt the burden getting heavier and I find it hard to understand why it was happening. I felt depressed and I always held on to eating to feel the sense of comfort. I knew that something was wrong about me and it made me wonder why or how. I asked for the grace to accept the reality, to keep loving, to forgive, to continue being kind and do good to others even if they're not. I instilled to myself that I should be humble, forgiving and loving as Jesus Christ was.

Honestly, I asked a lot of question to God. I tried to ask the spirit to give me knowledge and wisdom to understand because I can't rationalize it. As the days pass by, things are getting harder and the feelings in me are almost at my peek. I felt being consumed by my emotions and I had to control myself before I do things recklessly. In my mind, I knew God was slowly bending me for Him to mold me and sharpen my character. God knew I had to strengthen my faith and he tested me to see how much I could move forward. Through that experience God showed me the power of prayer and how it changes your perspective. It didn't happen instantly yet I know God works mysteriously. Things became clear because my eyes were washed away with tears.

There's a line that pierced through me during the resurrection of Christ:

"He humbled himself therefore God raised him high"

During the third week, I noticed a change in me. The things that seemed to bother before are not that important now. I mean instead of making it as a big deal, I learned to ignore it. Instead of getting even, I decided to be humble. Instead of competing, I chose loving. Instead of complaining, I kept obeying. Instead of doing bad, I chose to do good. Instead of hurting, I chose forgiveness and healing. Instead of hating, I prefer loving. Instead of breaking, God taught me the importance of bending. I allowed God to have His way in me for I know greater things are yet to come and nothing just happens.

Praise God! Now all those experiences are nothing because God blessed me an enduring, kind, faithful, joyful, strengthened, trusting, prayerful and loving heart. I know God wants my heart to be in tune with His. I really praise and thank the Lord for all the realizations and the transformation He has done to me. No matter how hard things in life may seem just keep bending but not breaking. And now I can truly say that I am pressed but not crushed, persecuted not abandoned, hurt yet healed and being bent without breaking.

"God wants me to be flexible like a bamboo, to keep bending without breaking!"

"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5

Thank you and Praise God!

God bless! :)

 

VOICE OUT

So now for a good start for the day... I decided to pray and ask God about His message for me today.. He then whispered to me the words He wanted me to do and that is to decide to love, forgive and stay humble. He blessed me with a HOPE to believe in good things and that I should always trust His plans and timings. He assured me to be still knowing that He is God and I am not. He is merciful and nothing escapes Him. Yes Lord, I will struggle and bleed just to do good and follow your words. I will continue to fight for what's right with all my might. Thank you for the love that you always make me feel and I know this is real. I surrender all of these to You, my God. :)

 So far I had a good start.. No issues. No heartaches! No expectations.. Nothing painful to feel or hide. Just happiness and enjoying the work..

When afternoon came.. Crisis starts to hit me.. like boooooooooooom... I felt being attacked and helpless.. I felt burdened and distracted. It's as if I felt being stabbed on my chest and then I noticed myself eating. I then remembered I might be depressed. There's an eating problem here and I guess I cling on to food much so that I could up. It could be stress, work related issues, relationships, emo feelings, pain/hurts, etc. I don't know what's mess up and I continue to ask God. I guess the burden I've been carrying keeps getting heavier each day. I am always faced with different situations like this and I am always affected. I guess the reason I'm gaining weight is my uncontrolled eating. I lost focus and discipline because some areas of my life is not right. I cope up and struggle to make things right but there are always contrabidas who would interfere. I don't know if it's laziness or bahala na attitude or maybe jealousy?? Who knows? All I know and felt is, this is not right! What would they feel if they are treated like this? So unfair and I hope they'll realize it sooner or later. Honestly I'm sick and tired of the same issue and I just can't keep quiet and pretend like it's nothing. I guess the zip-your-mouth days are over and I need to speak up a bit more. This is toooo much mah pren! I need to VOICE OUT... not now but soon!

Do guide me Lord. Bless me the endurance to endure and be strong! I'll always keep holding on and forgive me Lord for my offenses. Help me to change for the better and heal me of the aches that I keep within. Help me to control my anger and let it out properly. Calm and allow me to control myself when I'm at my peak. Help me to go through this Oh Lord! Be with me and bless me always and my family! Be in control and assure me of the plans you have for my life. I will trust and be hopeful in Your presence and right timing.

Oh God.. In You, All things are possible~ :))
(Let your voice be heard..SHOUT OUT! -RYC ILOILO 2009)

1st year as CFC Singles for Christ

Today, April 27, 2013 marks another milestone in my life that I am blessed and grateful for. I never regretted it and I am happy that I choose to accept and be a part of it. Today is a gift that I really cherish and remembering the memories of last year brings me joy. At first it was never easy and after all it was worth all the struggle and God willingly rewarded me beyond what I imagined. After years of waiting, praying, longing and anticipating of moving on to the next chapter of my life and leaving my comfort zone which was in CFC Youth for Christ, I finally decided to crossover to CFC SFC. God prepared my heart and my maturity for me to let go and to accept where He wants me to be.

Today, I am celebrating my first year officially as a member of CFC Singles for Christ. Thank you Lord! Praise God!

I entered the CFC SFC community last January 2012. We had 13 talks for the CLP (Christian Life Program) and we ended last April 2012. I met a lot of good and inspiring people that inspired me to also inspire others and served as a guide. God answered my prayer because I was seeking Him and I was longing for a family to belong in Dubai. Being away from your loved ones is a struggle that we always try to overcome and I have found them here. I would never imagine that I have reached this far. God is so amazing and no words can describe how wonderfully He has molded, guided and led me to a life that's full of purpose and blessed me with a household, with friends and a family in the community. The SFC community opened doors of opportunities for me to serve, to grow, to improve, to be better and more lessons to learn. It made my life complete and worth living.

Blessed by God. Gifted with Loved.

I am grateful for God blessed me with a Household head who’s ever supportive, loving, caring and forgiving, my Nanay este Mudra Annie and to my special sisters in crime este sisters at heart, Ate Lhen, Ate Phet, Ate Kath and adopted sister Ate Ann hehehe.. Thank you for your understanding, love and patience. I love and miss you big time! God knows how blessed and thankful I am for knowing you and for uniting us as one household! Looking forward to serve with you and be with you during activities!!!

Cheers to the 1^st Anniversary in CFC Singles for Christ! Praying for many more joyful memories and endless heart to serve a great God and somehow be a full-pledged missionary in God's time and if God permits.

Lord thank you so much for everything! Everything I am now is all thanks to your grace and divine providence. May I be a source of forgiveness, joy, hope, love, peace, humility, unity and faith to your people. Use me Lord as an instrument to inspire, to bless, to witness and to proclaim your greatness throughout the ends of the earth. Teach me your ways Lord and make me your servant. Please have your way in me. Let your will be done. All of these I ask in Jesus' name and through the intercession of Mother Mary, Amen!!  

And for this, may God be praised! :)) Hallelujah!!!!

Carrying the CROSS

I remember the story I heard from a priest in his homily. It was during a bible study wherein they finish discussing something and the preacher decided to let them bring their cross on the next bible study and everyone agreed.

The awaited day came and the attendees brought with them their own cross with different shapes, sizes and composition. Some carried metal, plastics, wood and china-wares. Some had pink, blue, black, brown, white and rainbow colors. Some brought small, medium, big, pocket and even life-sized. Then everybody was asked to raise their hands and their crosses. The priest then noticed a woman without any cross. He asked the woman: "Where is your cross? Didn't we agree to bring a cross today?" The woman answered: "I did bring my own cross and it's my husband!"

We all have our own cross to carry. It can be your husband or wife, work, family, siblings, relatives, money issues, unresolved conflicts, friends, pressure, health, inability to forgive, personal concerns, religion, addictions, relationships and other things. We become attached to the world that we forget the importance of the cross. The cross serves us the bridge to God. Jesus saved us from our sins and renewed us. The cross is a sign of God's ultimate and unconditional love for man through the suffering of His own begotten Son, Jesus Christ. It is through the cross that we share the same suffering and the same experiences Jesus did.

 

Jesus is the bridge that connects People to God..

The question now is, Are you willing to follow Jesus by carrying your own cross? Are you ready to obey and witness the fulfillment of His promises and the miracles He will reveal? Are you mission ready to go and serve His people to the ends of the earth or wherever He wants you to go? God wants your sincere YES because He has called you by name and surely He knows you'll say YES because this is for the BEST! :D 

May God bless our hearts and give us the grace to carry our own cross as we live our life for His glory! Keep and nourish the desire to serve God in our heart forever remain! All for God! :) Praise the Great God! AMEN! :) Thank you Lord! <3 :)

OUTBURST!!!

Don't make decisions when you're angry, sad or happy because they can deceive you. Make decisions when you are at ease and at peace.

I am fed up being treated unfairly. I know life's not fair but this is too much. I am at my peak and somehow I can't rationalize as to why they are treating me like this. I am a good person and I treat them kindly and as opposite as to how they treat me. I guess everybody has their own boiling point. And I just exploded. Literally burst out into tears and my anger took control of me and my emotions affected my behavior.

Questions began to cloud up my mind.. "What have I done to deserve this?" "Why is it so hard to deal with them?" "Why is it unfair?" "Why is it always me?" "Why do I need to please them?" "Why did you allow this to happen?" "Is this the end or a bend?" "Lord I don't know how or what to do now." "How can I overcome this?"

I asked God because I couldn't understand or rationalize it anymore. I felt so tired and somehow I couldn't carry the baggage any longer. I felt I couldn't continue living with this hurt and accepting the present and the reality. It was then finally when I admitted that there's something wrong and that God remains under control.

You see, I am hardworking and I never count my efforts nor tried to compare. I am trying to embrace the job that I am in despite the challenges and difficulties that I always experience. I always give my best but sometimes some people just act like they don't care and that they're selfish. I felt working alone and doing everything to please them and I felt tired. Somehow I lost interest and I didn't feel happy anymore. I always humble myself and I chose not to say anything I against them. I would always put myself least among them. I chose not to say anything and I tend to be quiet. So basically I suppressed every emotion deep within me. I kept it all in my heart all the unfair treatment, work pressure, stress, complaints, accepting different responsibilities, racial discrimination, false judgment, anger and perhaps everything. I had complaints that I couldn't voice out and God sees and knows that.

It was during this week that I gave up. I burst out because I felt embarrassed as they were teasing me as I took a picture of them. Of course I also want to be in the pictures too. I took it thrice and I assumed that it was my turn. But then again they did it and told me again til I felt being laughed at. I couldn't handle it anymore and I just walked out. I burst out into tears and that's where I questioned God. You see, I have memories during my school years that still hurt me when I am being laughed at. I guess it's my fear and I felt ashamed and embarrassed when everybody is laughing at me (or maybe not) but I am extremely affected. I am a type of person who fears being embarrassed and laughed at by many and I would just cry like baby. I easily cry because I can't handle the feeling of being embarrassed. I myself couldn't explain why I'm like that.

I went home burdened and angered. I tried to listen to songs to calm me down. I even cried in the cr of MOE because I couldn't hide it anymore. I felt I needed to let it out and there I was bursting out and crying to God. Then it all boils to one point and when things started to cool down and as I was relaxing, I felt I made a wrong decision but I had to do it because it's too much for me to hide. I can't describe the kind of face and aura I had during that time. All I know is I was angered and I was depressed. God never failed to comfort me and I found myself talking to Him. It was not long before I reached home that I was at peace. God removed my anger and frustrations and He lifted me up. And as I became aware I realized I lost my NOL card. I then noticed that I have been losing things because I was unaware and negligent. I guess I choose to be lax and lazy or maybe just tired?? I never realized that I was changing or yet maybe reverting to the old "me".     

God gives and God takes. I guess when you don't know how to value something then maybe God takes it away to give it to someone who's deserving or someone who's in need. I felt sad but then I know that it's a lesson I should learn and God will bless me with something better.

I learned that, sometimes people are meant to maybe teach, mend, bend or break you as a person for a reason!!! :)) Nothing just happens! :)

"Everything became clear because my eyes were washed away with tears."

I felt ok and now I realized it now. Everything's clear to me. Thank you Lord for making me understand. I know You are sharpening me to be able to write better. I surrender this all to you. Let your will be done. Have your way!

I found comfort through God's word in Psalm 23

MORE FAITH, NO FEAR!!!!

MORE FAITH, NO FEAR

Why more faith and no fear??????

 

It was agreed by the committee that our theme for the first anniversary in Dubai Chapter B3 as Batch 43 of CFC Singles for Christ will be MORE FAITH, (it was formerly LESS) NO FEAR because it coincides with the theme of the Church that is the YEAR OF FAITH and the CFC theme to OBEY and WITNESS!

Here's the evolution of our theme design

We had several suggestions like but we agreed on the MORE FAITH and NO FEAR because… FEAR ENDS WHEN FAITH IN GOD BEGINS. PERFECT LOVE CASTS AWAY FEAR. The best way to conquer our FEAR is FAITH and LOVE FOR GOD. This year, our battle cry is to have MORE FAITH & NO or LESS FEAR!!!

Here's why…

* In order to proclaim the gospel and the good news we should have LESS FEAR and MORE FAITH..

* In order to be sent on a mission and be used as an instrument of God you should have NO FEAR but MORE FAITH..

* For you to be able to OBEY GOD AND WITNESS HIS MIRACLES, it requires NO FEAR BUT MORE FAITH..

* For God to do greater things for your life you must allow yourself to be FEARLESS and MORE FAITH..

* As a child of God, it requires FAITH in believing that He exists though we can't see Him and He assures us UNAFRAID because He's always there.

* To accomplish the mission, our hearts should be FREE FROM FEAR and FULL OF FAITH that whatever it is that may seem impossible will be possible because we believed!

* And by saying YES to the service, you are allowing God to work in your life and to transform you to become the person He wants you to be. By saying YES you are enabling yourself to greater opportunities that will test your FAITH and will conquer your FEARS.

* Fear is nothing compared to the FAITH and LOVE we have for GOD. With God we can accomplish greater and impossible things! We have to believe and have faith because FAITH and LOVE prevails!

MORE FAITH! NO FEAR!

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

1^st Corinthians 16:13

3 in 1 sa Abril 2013

 For almost a day I attended 3 SFC activities! Sobrang PRAISE GOD!!!!!!! It's amazing how God works in each of us. Lord please have your way in me! So far the 1 week off was worth it and to top it off here's what happened last Thursday night and Friday.

> > > > > ME UNITED – April 4, 2013

This is my second time attending this and I am happy because I arrived early at Majestic Hotel and I am excited for God's revelation to me through ME United. The host country was from Qatar and truly God worked in the hearts of His people beyond reasonable doubt. As the worship leader was leading us, I was praying deep within me because I have been struggling with my prayer time. I totally lost it again and somehow I felt guilty. I felt like a hypocrite and I became contented with just reading the daily reading for 5-10 minutes then that's already a prayer that I consider for the day. I know that it is my duty to pray to Him even just for a short while but I feel busy, lazy, tired and other things. "Lord what shall I do? I just don't know anymore."

As I close my eyes and seek Him, the song I heard sounds familiar. I thought it was just a background because the worship leader was sharing. I was also reflecting and listening. I didn’t expect that we will actually sing the song. As he mentioned: Lord please have your way. When I heard those words, I was moved to tears. I felt the Lord's presence touching me and the song became my cry to the Lord. "Lord please have your way in me." I miss worshipping and singing this song. I really long for the YFC songs to soon be sang in SFC. "This heart belongs to you Jesus" Lord I miss you but somehow why is it so hard? I had a lot of questions and all I can do is trust the Lord that he has great plans for me and for everyone.

Here are the song lines that touched me deeply and gave me a reason to worship the Lord more!! J Praise God! Thank you Lord! AMEN!

"I'll forever be GRATEFUL!"

"I will follow your way for your love has taken my heart, my life, my praise is ALL FOR YOU!!!"

"I AM BLESSED by your love and I'll never be the same."

"Jesus you're the one for me. You came and love me endlessly. And all I ever want is MORE OF YOU!"

 After the activity, I went with Ate Mai because we have Program summit in the morning. I will be sleeping over again hihi.. so we had dinner at Ravi's (Bur Dubai) and I met new friends from Ate Mai's chapter (B1). It was a night of laughter, chikahan at fooooood trip! Thank you to the generosity of Kuya Nel for paying my food expense today! Yehey! I am blessed Lord.. It was a fun night and we went home at 2 am already and I was feeling sleepy. We arrived home at 2:30 am and slept.

> > > > > PROGRAM SUMMIT

We took a taxi going to Crowne Plaza Hotel, Deira and we arrived at 9 am and late. We woke up late so sadly we missed the worship. Tito Vince was giving the talk about SFC. After that they presented the different programs and advocacies supported by SFC. It's hard to listen when you're sleepy and at the same time, so hungry but then I tried to yet I'm still distracted. I also had a headache maybe because of lack of sleep and hunger. I carried on and was happy because at last I filled up the Bring M.E. home paper! And they introduced the SCOM (SFC Communications) which is a new program and it's more like the YCOM in YFC hehe..

We ended the activity with a worship and again I was hyped up by the Lord. The last song they sung was I surrender which is my favorite.. The Lord lovingly told me to surrender it all to Him. Though I may fail to tell it him, he knows and he can feel it. Lord thank you for your comfort. You never fail to make your presence felt. Truly I surrender everything to You. Let your will be done Oh Lord!

We had a picture taking then we head home to rest because later will be our first anniversary as SFC! I ate lunch and slept at Ate Kate's place. I needed to rest because I had to be energized for the activity later.

The awaited hour time and all the preparations were ready. The photo booth was all set with balloons, lighting and camera! Bravo! The powerpoint was fine and somehow I managed the projector together with Ate Mae and Ate Maggie. We just had a last minute cramming since it was on the spot teaching and I felt scared but I had to be confident and strong that I will not fail. Praise God for the technical skills and we managed to do it professionally (though had errors but it's our first time)!!!!

The opening worship was led by Kuya Migs and it was truly empowering! I could feel how God worked in his life and the messages coming from him moved us all to deep communication with God. It's his first time to lead the worship but for me it doesn't feel that way. God truly moves in mysterious ways. We need to have more faith and no fear to proclaim how great God is! After that we had the dinner then we started the activity and ended past 12! Wohoooooo! The honoring of household heads and sharing were so inspiring! So glad to be a part of this vibrant chapter and we reminisced our SFC memories as we were babies and look how we have grown?! The song tribute of Thanks to you moved our nanay and tatay closed to tears. The reason for this celebration was to thank those who nurtured us and touched our hearts and bring back the glory to God. We ended the activity with a worship and again it was not an ordinary worship led by a first timer. The song "Heart of worship" became our cry as we sincerely ask forgiveness from the Lord.

I realized as I was operating and at the same time worshipping God, that this is the true meaning of responsibility. Though I find it hard to concentrate but it's all worth it. I felt unworthy because I lack communication with God. I am used to just reading the daily reading. I find it hard and I admit I became lazy that all I wanted to do was sleeeep! There was a time that I felt conscious and I couldn't raise my hand even if I wanted to. I guess I was holding something within. But as we were singing Heart of worship and as I apologized to God, it was then that I raised my hand wanting to hold and reach Him. I felt relieved and that I still want more of Him. I still feel empty and longing. I can't explain it or was I tired and stressed?

I still had headache and I really wanted to go home. When I heard someone conversing that they will drive her home to gardens, I without doubt, increased my confidence and plead to ask if they can drop me off Mall of the emirates. I really want to go home so that I can rest and sleep. With God's grace, she said Yes and I leapt for joy! Then as I thought we were heading home, mudra called asking if we could have coffee and they agreed. I transferred to mudra's car and they drove going to Jebel Ali. I slept in the car since I was so tired and my headache is not going away. Good thing they advised me to drink paracetamol/biogesic or panadol because it is a result of lack of sleep and lipas gutom (not eating on time or starving yourself). I was knocked out but somehow woke up to a big bump but then slept again. We arrived at the gate at 2:30 in the morning to have coffee and fries at Mc Donald's!

KULITAN – KWENTUHAN – KAINAN

To my SFC household.. Sa wakes complete na uli :D So happy that God has blessed and allowed us to grow.. Looking forward for more bonding and household.

I arrived home at 4 in the morning! Thank you Lord for bringing me home safe and sound.. I felt fulfilled and happy though tired and stressed. Finally Lord it is finished! This is all worth it! Yahooo! Thank you! Praise God for the opportunities and learning! Now off for a good old sleeeeeeeeeeeeep!

BLESSED!!!!!! :))

For a day I experienced God's greatness because I obeyed and through his grace witnessed how he transformed me from an ordinary water to an exptraordinary and tasty wine!!! Truly let's celebrate!! ONE TIME, BIG TIME!!

Happy 20th birthday CFC Youth for Christ and Happy 1st year anniversary in CFC Singles for Christ! WAHOOOOOOOOO! LIVING HIGH, LOUD AND PROUD!