Blessings in Disguise

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Driven by faith

Sept. 22, 2016

Title: Driven by faith

Gospel: Luke 9:7-9
Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, "John has been raised from the dead";  others were saying, "Elijah has appeared"; still others, "One of the ancient prophets has arisen."
But Herod said, "John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" And he kept trying to see him.

 Reflection:

“Herod was greatly perplexed and he kept trying to see him.”

The meaning of greatly perplexed is unable to understand something deeply. When I read the gospel for today it sparkled some interest in me to research more about what happened in the past so I can further understand what it is trying to tell me. I then found out that Herod the tetrarch in our story was the son of Herod the great, the one who initiated Massacre of the Innocents when Jesus was born. So who is this Herod the tetrarch and why is it that he felt greatly perplexed as described?

I googled and read more about him and the history of this big “Herod” family. Well do we remember the time during Herod’s birthday when Salome danced and entertained his guests? In return, he offered her any request to be fulfilled as long as she asks of it. Salome followed her mother’s (Herodias) request and Herod fulfilled it which resulted in beheading John the Baptist and placing the head on the platter. I believe during that time, Herod felt powerless since he cannot take back what he has said but after hearing the current news of John being raised from the dead, he wondered even more and decided to see him if it was true.

In our life there are situations that make us feel greatly perplexed in which we have no control and sometimes we question God why it is happening to us. There are everyday circumstances wherein it is difficult for us to understand or accept some happenings because it exceeds our capacity unlike God who created everything. When we feel that we are in a perplexed situation, let us remember that we cannot change it but we can change our perception towards it. We can change how we think and act according to the will of God. We should always have faith and constant prayer in believing that God always know what is best for us, he will provide what we need even if we don’t ask it and everything is possible for Him.

John the Baptist lived his life fulfilling the mission that God created him to do while King Herod was powerless and doubtful of his beliefs. As members of this community and as Roman Catholics, it is never easy to choose the better part in everything but we walk by faith and not by sight. We may not understand but God willingly allows it to happen because of a greater purpose behind it. By his grace, he will reveal that purpose to us through the Holy Spirit as we continue journeying with him. We are anointed and called by God through our names and each of us has a mission to fulfill while we are here. We are not an accident and God has planned all of this before we are born. Let’s be reminded that everything here on earth is temporary but our God and His love is permanent. Let’s walk and be driven by our faith for God will lead to us to where he has destined us to be. Take courage and find that purpose you we can live a life pleasing to God and in turn bring back the glory that He alone deserves.

And for all of this, may God be praised.

Welcome to KFC UAE!

CFC Kids For Christ Ministry - UAE
Welcome to CFC Kids For Christ Ministry!!

The CFC Kids For Christ MISSION-VISION:
"BRINGING KIDS TO THE LORD AND BUILDING A BRIGHT NEW WORLD."

Our service in KFC as ROCK facilitators was inspired by the verse from Mark 10:14
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

In serving at KFC, ROCK means Reaching out Christ to Kids. Jesus is commanding us to do the same, to lead Him closer to the Kids that they may know and be more like Him. Let us become an instrument of God's love especially to the future generation of CFC and God's favorite ministry!! Let us take part in fulfilling God's great and wonderful plan for the youngest members of our community!

Experience Jesus' great and unstoppable love and invite kids to be part of the KFC ministry.
You can pray and decide to become a ROCK Facilitator today! :)

KFC Ministry Cluster C Dubai UAE
KFC Song: Called to love
Photo/Video credits to the owners

Youtube video link: https://youtu.be/ZosTNhZmpSU

Obey, follow and witness Christ!

Daily Manna sharing

Date: Sept. 30, 2015

Gospel: Luke 9:57-62

The Cost of Following Jesus (Luke 9:57-62)

57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
59 He said to another man, “Follow me.”
But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”
62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
 

Reflection:

The word “follow” has a lot of meaning and can be defined as to obey, to imitate/copy, to act accordingly, to understand, to carry out and to become an example. To name a few, Mother Mary and Jesus are the best examples that we all should follow and strive to become. With how they said “Yes” and allowed God to work in their life was a testimony on how they trusted and had faith with His plan for them despite the unknown circumstances.

I remembered in a previous conference when a speaker told us that we are an “OFW” and everyone agreed. We were thinking that OFW means “Overseas Filipino Worker”. In fact he was right because in the eyes of our loved ones and fellow Filipinos – we are OFWs! We are the new heroes of our nation. Well in contrast to what we know, the speaker gave us an uplifting meaning of what an “OFW” is. He said that we are an “OFW” and we should be “Obedient Followers and Witnesses of Christ”. From what he said, everyone pondered and realized he was right. God sees us differently and we must be confident knowing we are His sons and daughters. We were called for a purpose and He wants us to live our life as an “OFW of and for Christ” to others who are the least, the lost and the last.     

 

In the Gospel when Jesus said, “Follow me”, He did not literally mean to just keep following him and do nothing. What He wanted us to understand is that in following Him, we have to deny ourselves, we have to trust and do what He ask us to do regardless how easy, difficult or conflicting the task will be. Jesus affirms us that in following Him, He will also take care of our needs. He assures us that whatever we ask in His name will be granted in God’s perfect time. So when He tells us to go, let us be confident that He knows what He is doing and He believes in our capacity.

 

Brothers and sisters, we are destined for greater things and God continues to knock in our hearts. Let us answer the call and become His instrument to others. Let us set aside our unworthiness, be healed of our pains, ask forgiveness, be renewed and be empowered by His mercy and grace. May we prepare our hearts to love others more just as He first loved us. In our journey as followers and servants of God, our mission is challenging and difficult but He affirms us that we are not alone. When we need Him, let us come to Him through prayer and rest. As one Church, together let’s work and strive to become obedient followers and witnesses of Christ wherever we are and even to the ends of the earth because we were created to be like Christ! With God’s grace, we can!

 

And with this may God be praised! Deo Gloria!

 

Guide question:
How can I be an obedient follower and witness of Christ?