Adventure of a lifetime

October 24, 2017

Luke 12:35-38

35 “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak.

Today’s gospel reminded me to:

1.) Always be ready for service –  The Lord will always call you to where he needs you to be and by saying Yes, we are allowing our own selves to be used by God to spread his message. We may doubt and be worried but we have to trust God that he calls not the qualified but he qualifies the called. He can transform us to be better and we should be available to serve, always prepared and be spiritually ready for battle because we are God’s warriors.

2.) Keep our lamps burning – We should take care of our lamps – the heart, the source of life, filled with love and our inner passion to do greater things for Him. We should purify our intentions and fill our hearts with love to keep us going and by emptying our hearts with all the negative things and distractions. As we serve, we experience a lot of trials and difficulties and the posture of our heart and intentions are tested. We should keep our lamps burning by nurturing our passion, keeping our faith and expressing/receiving love to continue the journey by never giving up and finishing the race.  

3.) Be watchful while waiting – We don’t know when our time will come but as long as we are alive we should cherish every moment. We should give our all because our God highly deserves it. We should always be ready for service and keep our lamps burning for the Lord may come at an hour we don’t expect. Let’s make ready our hearts to welcome the King!

The journey towards God is a tough one for we will not be spared from being questioned, from rejection, from pain, from insecurities and even from being stripped off anything that we have. The only thing we hold on to is the promise of eternal life with Him in Heaven and the genuine love and happiness we receive after serving him fruitfully. The other blessings we receive are bonuses from Him and who are we to say no to that? Indeed God is a generous Father, he will really take care of you as long as you faithfully serve Him through his people.

I am blessed to become a part of this community and this has been God’s greatest gift and blessing to me. Ever since I started my journey in YFC way back 2005, God has given me what I thought I needed and I never realized that it was only the beginning. I came to UAE last 2011 and finally moved to SFC and how time flies very fast, I’m almost 6 years in SFC. Indeed a lot has changed and it just keeps on getting better. God has molded me to become an instrument and a channel of his love to others. I may not be his perfect disciple but I know that I am still trying to be good in my own way. I am thankful for the many blessings God has given me, my family, the community, my household, my friends, my work, my fiancé, my life, the fun adventures and everything I have. Being in YFC and SFC has been an amazing adventure and it is by God’s grace that soon we’ll move to CFC. I am more excited for God’s revelation for the next chapter of my life with George and we are 151 days away! -March 24, 2018 #SGAdventures

Thank you Lord and for that may God be praised! 

Treasures in our heart

Gospel for the day: Luke 2:16-21

 

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. 21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
 

Cheers for a blessed and happy new year! Thank you Lord that I am still here!

Wow!!! It was only yesterday when 2016 had just began but I can’t believe that now 2017 has come. As we say hello to another amazing year, let us remind our own selves like what we read in the gospel to glorify and praise God for all the blessings, graces, experiences and the not so wonderful happenings we went through for all these years. Let us have a heart full of thanksgiving and give our praise to God for he deserves all of it and by doing so, he transforms each one of us to be like his son, Jesus.

 

For me, 2016 was a struggling year for my family but somehow we had learn to work and help one another in our own ways. It was not an easy start since oftentimes we would fight or misunderstand each other. It was also very hard to obey but because they knew better, we/I have to follow. Each of us had our own struggles too but then we tried to manage. Me and my siblings wanted to give up as it’s very difficult and it is impossible but our parents kept on holding on. They were trying their hardest to find ways for our existing problem. There were situations when I don’t know where to stand or to whom shall I go? Indeed God is a great provider because he has given our family enough resources to survive and maybe He is teaching each of us a lesson in life. Well the family struggle is still there, though at times we lose hope that it will be fixed but only God knows what’s in store for us.

 

This year our CFC community is proclaiming that we should stand firm in our faith for we will be facing a lot of trials, tested with struggles and of course achieving victories for our God is always with us in our journey. Through this verse maybe God is telling my family to stand firm and believe that He can do wonders for us in the midst of all impossibilities and human limitations. He is reminding us to have faith and believe that good things will still come.

 

Also in the gospel, Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. Like Mary, let us start to store up treasures in heaven for life here on earth is temporary. Let us learn to value our relationships more than the earthly possessions and trends of this world. Let us ponder deeply first before we speak or act for we may never return back the wasted opportunity because of our recklessness. Let us invest our time wisely and work productively in God’s vineyard as he is commanding us to do. May we find joy in serving God and his people even if it is very hard and challenging but through that, it is the most fulfilling thing we can achieve that makes our life worth living.

 

And for all of these, may God be praised!

Sis Sarah Lauren Lim 

Chapter 3B3 ~ CLP Batch 43

Household Head 

SFC Dubai 

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.

 

Called for a Greater Purpose

Date: October 10, 2016

Gospel: Luke 11:29-32

The Sign of Jonah

²⁹ As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. ³⁰ For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation.³¹ The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here. ³² The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.

Reflection:

The gospel reading for today speaks about Jesus comparing the old generation (BC) with the present one (AD). People nowadays when making decisions look for signs, read horoscopes, ask fortune tellers and even follow superstitious beliefs. Above all these practices, we should have a deeper faith in God, knowing that his ways and revelations have a clear meaning with a great purpose behind for all. Following and believing this practices is okay but we should be aware that they can oftentimes mislead us to different paths that may affect God’s plan for us.

What is the sign of Jonah? It means that the time has come to repent. God has sent Jonah to lead the people to change their ways. Jonah was disobedient at first by trying to avoid doing what God wants him to do but after experiencing a heavy storm, being thrown overboard and being swallowed by a whale, he was sent off to Nineveh to bring God’s salvation to many and in turn fulfil God’s great plan for everyone.

The sign of Jonah happened again after many years passed and here comes Jesus being sent by God to redeem the people. That time they still believed in signs which was very hard for him to evangelize them. The people were also close-minded that they refuse to listen to the word of God despite the miracles that Jesus performed. As Jonah stayed in the whale for three days, Jesus died and rose from the dead after 3 days for the sake of our sins.

Jonah’s and Jesus’ time have passed and the mission is being handed over on to you and me. Currently, I am blessed to be able to handle a new household which I did not expect and it came as a blessing in disguise. I asked God why but then I was assured that “I was called” and my SFC sister also affirmed that I was anointed. I accepted the task even if I don’t know what to do or how but the grace of the Lord keeps me going despite the difficulties I am also experiencing. I always remind myself that the task of leading a household is difficult but in the end, the fruit is sweet.

It has only been more than a month yet God has made me feel so loved and blessed beyond measure. Slowly he is changing me, he is allowing me to conquer my fears and he pushes me to strive to be the best I can be. God is also giving me the best of what He thinks I deserve and despite my unworthiness, he assures me that I still deserve it. I have a long way to go and I pray that may God’s will always be done in my life. The Lord’s love, mercy and grace for me never fails even if I fail always. I know the task won’t be easy but I am assured that everything is all worth it and my God will reward me eternally in Heaven.

I am Sarah Lauren Lim, a beloved child and I am called by God for a greater purpose!

And for this, may God be praised!

God’s messenger

Sept. 24, 2016

Gospel: Saint Luke 9:43b-45.    
While they were all amazed at his every deed, he said to his disciples,
"Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men."
But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Reflection:

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

I heard this line from Father Tom as he was giving his homily last Feb. 2, 2013 at St. Mary's Church. It is a simple message but it hides a big meaning which creates a big impact behind the simple words stated. Father Tom even joked as he ended his homily stating: "If I'm not here anymore tomorrow then you know what happened.." After that everybody started laughing and it seems they got the message that the priest was trying to share. As I reflected, I realized that the reason why God is sending us this messages is for us to share the message to others and not keep it to yourself.

The gospel reading for today is reaching out to all us that we need to pay attention more when we are amazed of the great things that the Lord is telling or showing to us because He will use several ways through persons, scriptures, situations or other means to tell us of the message that he wants us to proclaim. Oftentimes the message that he transmits will not be clear for us to understand. In this case, let’s not be afraid to ask him for clarity since the Lord will surely reveal that message through several ways. When the Lord reveals the message, our interpretation should always be guided by the Holy Spirit.

Being a receiver of God message, we should be sensitive enough and ponder deeply on what the message he is trying to reveal us because if we don’t, then we might be misled to different interpretations. Let us become a vessel of His love to others by seeking the best interest for the good of all. May we allow ourselves to become God’s messenger of peace, faith, hope, mercy, grace and love to our brothers and sisters in and out of the community.

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

Delight and ASK (Ask, Seek & Knock)

http://b3-dailymanna.blogspot.ae/2016/02/delight-and-ask-ask-seek-knock-0205.html

Gospel for the day: Mark 6:14-29

14 King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known. Some were saying,[a] “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 Others said, “He is Elijah.” And still others claimed, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.” 16 But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!” 17 For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled[b]; yet he liked to listen to him. 21 Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 When the daughter of[c] Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.” 23 And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” 24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” “The head of John the Baptist,” she answered. 25 At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, 28 and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother. 29 On hearing of this, John’s disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. ~Mark 6:14-29

Reflection:

In the Gospel, we have heard that John the Baptist was a prophet in which others also called him as Elijah. He was a righteous and holy man and King Herod liked to listen to him. On the King’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced and pleased the guests in which the King promised an oath. Herodias having a grudge on John took that opportunity to kill him. The daughter of Herodias then requested to have John’s head on the platter. And because of the King’s words which he did not want to refuse, he made orders to fulfill the request.

Many times in our life, we have this word of honor that whatever we say, we need to do it. We were raised by our families to practice and do what we say. Same as like in today’s gospel: The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.” It’s also the same as to when God speaks and answers our prayers. Our God is a very generous Father who’s willing to give everything to His children as long as it is for the good purpose. God knows when to say yes and when to say no or maybe.

I have 2 favorite Bible verses from Matthew 7:7-12 (Ask, Seek and Knock) and Psalm 37:4 (Delight yourself in the Lord and He shall give you your heart’s desire). I must say that 2015 has been a great year for answered prayers which I never expected to all come true. God surprised me with a God’s gift and a better opportunity at work. God entrusted me a bigger service in KFC ministry. God assured to provide me with all I need and even allowed me to go home twice this year. It was only December in which 10 years we waited to be complete for our family reunion. We celebrated birthdays, wedding anniversary, Christmas, New yearYear and vacation holidays. We had our first complete family photoshoot and we travelled a lot together. God blessed me and my family so much and all the struggles we had were worth it. God heard my prayers and fulfilled them in His perfect time.

As I journey with the Lord this 2016, all I want is to give back the glory that belongs to Him. I am still a work in progress and I will strive with all that I can to become a better me. As the line from Kuya Noli says: “The reward for more blessings is more service!” Lord, let me serve You with joy and gladness and not treat the service as a burden. Let me inspire others as how You inspired me. Allow change to mold and transform me to be like Jesus. I will always delight in You and will continue to ask, seek and knock. Lord, may Your will always be done. Thank You for everything and may Your name be praised! Deo Gloria! :)

Work in Progress

All of us are a work in progress.. 
Messy, broken, unorganized, out of focus, lost and imperfect..

We are a craft in the making..
A butterfly (err caterpillar) in a cocoon..
A baby starting to walk..
A chick in an egg shell..
A beauty in our unique ways for God has design us perfectly. 

God is our maker, our designer and our potter.
We have to believe that He created us amazingly as we are.
We have to accept what He has blessed us with..
We have a time to bloom in our own ways...
We can embrace change to improve ourselves..

Sometimes we just have to patiently wait for the right timing for he will reveal it to us unexpectedly. 
Remember that you are God's masterpiece and His plans are yet to unfold in your life. 
Just wait, be patient and have faith..

The work is still in progress.... and God is in control..
Keep calm.. Hold on and be patient..


Lalalala Hugoooot! Hahaha 
-my *edited* post during our exhibition (last ADIPEC, Nov 8-12)

Funny convo of Me and God

A funny convo with God that's a bit melodramatic yet somehow was an eye opener for me and hit me with a big realization. I was praying for something to happen and I was doubting if it was really meant for me. Truly He answers us in ways we couldn't see but in circumstances we can really feel. He hears our every cry and no silence escapes Him. You are indeed a great God. Thank you for your confrontation and for making me see the blindness I refuse to unveil and discover the lies that held me captive. Allow me to break free and to stand up slowly but surely. In your name, I trust. May your will be done. AMEN.
(written last year when I was discerning to go for RECON but failed to do so)

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AKO: Ano bang gusto mong gawin ko?

SIYA: Ano ba ang kaya mong gawin para sa akin?

AKO: Aaaahhh…. Ummm **isip** Hindi ko alam? Marami?!? **duda mode**

SIYA: Bakit naman? Pinagdududahan mo ba ako o ang sarili mo?

AKO: Nagdududa ako kasi alam ko capasidad ko. Basta ang gulo kasi!

SIYA: Isa lang naman ang pipiliin mo at ako na bahala sa ano pang kailangan mo. Manalig ka sa akin!

AKO: Paano eto……. Kasi may ganito……. Tapos ayun….. Haaaay buhay napaka complikado…. Puro na lang problema. Nakaka stress na!

SIYA: Ikaw lang naman nagpapa complikado ng usapang ito. Oo o hindi lang ang isasagot mo pero nagdadahilan ka pa ng kung ano ano. Oh kay tigas nga naman ng ulo mo.

AKO: Kasi naman takot ako… tsaka maraming duda sa kung ano ano.. hmmm maraming iniisip na d naman kelangan.. haay napaka advance pa ng utak ko… kasi maraming dinadala at kinakarga....tsaka maraming inaalala at alam kong nakaka abala na talaga.. Haaay napaka worry freak lang ng peg ko.. Grrrrr kainisssssss!

SIYA: Sumasakit na nga tenga ko sa kakapakinig sa lahat ng litanya mo kahit na paulit ulit na lang ganyan. Wala ka bang tiwala man lang? Nasaan na ba ang dating “ikaw” na walang takot hinaharap ang mga bagay bagay, ung dating “ikaw” na di basta basta sumusuko kahit lubog na lubog na, ung dating “ikaw” na malakas ang loob at may tiwala sa akin, ung dating “ikaw” na hindi ng aalala sa mangyayari bukas, ung dating “ikaw” na wagas ang ngiti kahit may pinoproblema, ung dating “ikaw” na kung makapagsabi ng OO/YES ay papanindigan kahit gaano kahirap, ung dating “ikaw” na may disiplina at hindi pabaya tsaka ung dating “ikaw” na kilalang kilala ko mula noon. Anyare at bigla kang nagbago at lumayo???

AKO: .......................................................... Alam ko..

SIYA: Anyare?

AKO: Nagpadala kasi ako sa kahinaan ko, sa pagiging makasarili ko, sa kalungkutan ko, sa pangungulila ko, sa kakaibang emosyon ko, sa sari saring iniisip ko at sa kung ano pang nararamdaman ng puso ko. Akala ko tama ung ginagawa ko pero nakakalimutan ko na at sa mga yun dun nagsimula ang unti unti kong paglayo. Hinanap ko ang mga bagay na mgpapacompleto sa akin and magbibigay saya sa akin. Kaya nakalimot ako at dun nawala na ang lahat. Kaya eto ako ngayon, hirap na hirap bumangon ulit. Ung mahinang ako na nauubusan na ng lakas ng loob at laging takot. Ung ako na d ko inaasahan na bibigat at lalapad ng ganito. Ung ako na mahina, mapagduda, makasarili at ngpadala sa temptasyon. Nagsisisi ako at ngayon gusto ko ng itama ang mga mali ko. Gusto ko ng bumalik sa dati kaso ang hiraaaaaaaaaaap pala.

SIYA: Magiging maayos rin ang lahat Anak. Tandaan mo na ang mga nangyayaring ito ay may rason. Kapit ka lang. Pagdaanan mo lang kasi ito ang magtuturo sayo ng tama kesa sa mali. Matututo ka Anak. Wag kang matakot. Tumayo kang muli. Mag-umpisa ka sa sarili mo, sa dasal, sa tiwala at isipin na makakayanan mo rin ito. Kasama mo ko at d magtatagal ay magtatagumpay ka din.

AKO: Panginoon, turuan mo akong maniwala sa di kapanipaniwalang bagay. Alam kong walang imposible sa iyo at alam kong malalampasan ko rin ito. Itinataas ko na ang lahat sa inyo. Oh Diyos, kayo na po ang bahala sa akin. Kailangan kita at maraming salamat sa lahat. In Jesus' name, Amen.

SIYA: AMEN!

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God speaks in different ways. Are we listening when he speaks?

Or are we busy talking the whole time in prayer?

Reflect and listen well.

Are you?

 

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?

 

 

 

Heavenly Peace: Me & Jesus

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

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

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

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

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

PINASmile 2015

Psalm 37:4

Delight yourself in the Lord and He shall give you your heart's desires.

It all started with a dream of coming home and with the grace of God, it all came true. I held on to that verse as I continued my journey and to tell you frankly, it was never easy but definitely worth it. The Lord was generous and mighty enough to hear every desire, every cry and every longing that's in my heart. Thank you for answering my prayers beyond measure and expectation. Thank you for your presence, love, generosity and providence that really never failed me. Thank you so much Lord for all these blessings and therefore I conclude that rain has poured upon me and to those around me.

PINASmile 2015 - It's definitely more fun in the Philippines!

Sharing the joy and genuine smiles. LOVE pa MORE! :)

Thank you so much dear Lord! :)

(April 23-May 15, 2015)

Focus on Christ

Don't focus on me but focus on Christ. 
Let's pray for our families and please pray for me.
-Pope Francis

Such humility, mercy, compassion and love from him radiates to everyone despite the differences in culture and beliefs. It's all in our faith.. Praise God. Thank you Pope! Blessed kami whether we're near and far.. Ramdam namin ang presensya ng Diyos mula sayo! smile emoticon #PopeFrancisPH #PopeFrancisTYSM#iamBBM #deogloria #thankyouLord #happy

Happy Easter 2015

With the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are:

Enlightened;

Amazed;
Saved;
Thankful;
Empowered;
Redeemed.

God's surprises!

Allow God to surprise you. 

Are you ready? 

Prepare your umbrellas because God in His greatness, splendor, goodness, providence and faithfulness will bless you/us all beyond measure, overflowing in abundance and full of love. 

Prepare for rain.

Claiming God's promise. 

Yes Lord! Thank you in advance .. hihihi 

smile emotico

 ‪#‎firstFRUITS‬ ‪#‎preparingFORrain‬ ‪#‎iamBBM‬ ‪#‎deogloria‬‪#‎thankyouLord‬ ‪#‎happy

TB HH

A love that shows is a love that overflows. Thank you for the gift of household wink emoticon i miss you Angels!
#iamBBM #deogloria #thankyouLord #happy#LOVEmore #blessings — 
with Collete Cawagas,Cristina Padual Alday, Enina Ocampo and Maikie Ann Quimson Aniciete.

Acting in Faith

A lot of times God asks us to obey first before we fully see or understand His plan. We are called to act in faith, knowing that He's always there.

#iamBBM #deogloria #thankyouLord #happy #GodisSTILLgood #surrender

#trust #claiming  #preparingFORrain #hopeful #bestill #grateful

God's delay

And all I can say is Amen and may your will be done Lord.. wink emoticon #iamBBM #deogloria #thankyouLord#happy #preparingFORrain #prayersUP #holdON#GodisSTILLgood #surrender #trust #claiming

God's delay are not denials for He is preparing something great that He has already planned. Hold on. Be still. God is God and we are not. In His perfect time..

May your will be done..

FB post last January 2014

Happy Silver + 1

Happy Silver plus One!!!!! Thank you Lord for the super duper many blessings that you showered upon me, my family, friends, community and those around me. Thank you for a wonderful year and for many more years in this life. Thank you for a year added to mine for me to be better, stronger, wiser and fiercer. Thank you for the unending grace and love that you never fail to make me feel. I am so blessed and loved. Truly I am God's beloved, favored, treasured, beautiful and special in His eyes. Thank you soooo very much.. Happy birthday to me. Good nytieeeee!
January 3, 2015 - Happy Silver plus One! 

Happy 2015

Happy New Year!!!! Cheers to a blessed and joyful 2015! My family may not be complete but thanks to social media, communication bridges the gap of distance between us. Yes we are miles apart but were together always in my heart! smile emoticon

Sa December 2015, in Jesus' name, complete na talaga tau. Me and Kevin will strive hard for that to happen. Help and surprise us Lord. Claim ko na ang Family Reunion 2015! Happy New Year! God bless us all. I miss and love you all. See you sooooon! smile emoticonMwaaahhhugs! kiss emoticon #iamBBM #deogloria#thankyouLord #happy #reunion2015 #family#Godsgift #blessings — with Caila Lim, Larry Lim,Christy Alba Lim, Iek Elad Mil, Kyle Lawrence Andrei Lim, Käwën Krïztïnë Lïm and Sarah Kailyn Lim.