Saying YES to the LORD is a LIFELONG JOURNEY with the ALMIGHTY

Saying YES to the LORD is a LIFELONG JOURNEY with the ALMIGHTY. <3

May 5, 2012 at 12:54am

Saying YES to the Lord is a lifelong journey – It has become a great and long travel..
It has taken me to places that I never dreamed of going but because of His abundant and overflowing grace I was able to go..

I just want to share to you my experience and how Christ's love has transformed me to the person I am now… New, improved and better than ever.

MY JOURNEY IS NOT AN ORDINARY JOURNEY BUT AN EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY WITH THE ALMIGHTY

* When I was offered by my parents to take up NURSING (APRIL 2005).. At first I didn't have the passion to serve my brothers and sisters but God made me understand to let them feel and experience His grace and love for everyone.. especially to those who are ill and suffering.. I thought that it wasn't for me but God slowly revealed His purpose and plan for me. I am forever thankful that He transformed me to be a Christ centered and God fearing Nurse.

* Accepted and committing to become a member of the CFC Youth for Christ way back July 2005.

* When asked to go to far places to serve God – I just say YES LORD! I WILL GO!

* Grabbing an opportunity for spiritual growth and maturity by attending camps, trainings, kasangga retreats, recollection, conferences, etc.

* Embracing the calling to serve the HIGH SCHOOL BASE PROGRAM despite the busy schedules, incapability, unworthiness and other priorities.

* Moving towards CFC Singles for Christ (JULY 2009)

* YES. Been blessed by the Lord to have a GOD'S GIFT.

* Leaving my hometown to work in MANILA after ILC BAGUIO (APRIL-DEC 2010)

* Supporting a project (TOUCH A HEART I & II)

* Working in a hospital as a volunteer nurse for 4-5 months.

* When asked by my Father to go to DUBAI because there's YFC there, I immediately said YES. YES TO GO ON A MISSION.

* Letting go and letting God to take over – I still manage to say YES no matter how difficult it is..

* YES to staying here rather than going home.. I faced a major major decision and even asked God whether I should stay or go home. Happy because God made me realized how blessed I am to be here unlike others who are dying to come and work here. I was very lucky to be taken cared of here and received such special treatment so why should I go home? I have the opportunity and God made me realize that I shouldn't waste it. He assures me I will be safe and that all is well!

* YES to SIMBANG GABI at ST. MARY'S CHURCH, DUBAI (just missed the 1st mass though) YEAAAAH I SURVIVED IT.

* YES to leaving it all in the past and moving on to the present and hoping the best for the future.. I had experiences and made wrong decisions to lead to fights and even hurts. I am a work in progress. I realized it's ok to make mistakes as long as you make an effort to change and learn from those experiences and grow as a better person.

* YES to accepting a JOB. So blessed to have one. God hears our prayers.

* YES for a great new beginning. Starting to heal and accept myself. Being able to forgive and been forgiven. Started the year right. Just turned 23 and God revealed so much to me. He wants me to be prepared to receive all the graces and even challenges that's coming my way.

* YES to being transferred to a different branch of the NURSERY thus meeting new people to work with and even kids to take care of. In short, a new environment.

* YES to LOVE, TAKE RISKS  and GET HURT AGAIN. I learned to forgive, let God and let go.. He will forever be my Almighty.

* YES to attend the CHRISTIAN LIFE PROGRAM of CFC SINGLES FOR CHRIST rather than being endorsed or integrated. I choose the hard way hahaha I endured months of traveling and attending the activity. I met new friends and my spirit was renewed and my faith strengthened. Thank God I survived and now I am an SFC member!! It's all worth it.

* SAYING YES TO REAL LOVE WAITS. There's joy in waiting. I know He is molding me for the person He has prepared for me.

* YES to going on a MISSION and a HIGHER CALLING. ALL FOR GOD!

* YES to healthy living, eating right, going to the gym and lose weight hahaha I gained 10 kgs and it is difficult for me to move. YEAH I am lazy and getting old.. I decided that it is time for a change. HAHA HIYANG NA HIYANG SA DUBAI EH! I'm going to do it because God knows I can hehe and I surely will.

* Saying YES to endurance in life and endurance in MISSION.

* I WILL SAY YES to PROCLAIM THE GREATNESS AND GOODNESS OF THE LORD ALMIGHTY!!!!!

THE REST IS HISTORY…. (THOSE MENTIONED ARE THE IMPORTANT EVENTS that CAUSED A BIG IMPACT IN MY LIFE THAT GREATLY INFLUENCED ME TO MOTIVATE AND CHANGE MYSELF)

SAYING YES MEANS:
- Committing one's self to the Lord
- Accepting His will, purpose and plan for your life..
- Being equipped to battle whatever hindrances that comes your way
- Preparing one's self to experience God's ultimate grace, mercy and love
- Allowing for struggles, hindrances, disappointments, pains, sufferings to test your faith and overcoming them.. all for the glory of the Lord
- Embracing and loving the changes in one's life
- Being confident on the Lord's divine providence
- Holding on and focusing to the promises of the Lord
- Making a move that's one step closer to God's calling in leading His people..
- Forgetting our circumstances
- Laying our unworthiness down..
- Denying our self, picking our own cross and following Jesus..
- Putting our hope in the Lord…
- Loving the Lord and therefore loving His people..
- Strengthening one's faith
- A great and memorable experience with the Almighty

When we say yes to Him it means that we will be having a lifelong commitment to Him.. Despite the trials and struggle, I still try to say YES to HIM…

In following the Lord, we only have two choices: YES LORD or OH YES YES LORD!!!!

If I hadn't said YES to the calling of the Lord then I wouldn't be here experiencing His Almighty grace in my life… Because SAYING YES has LEAD me to the UAE…

How about you? Where has your YES led you? SHARE!!!!!!!!!!

----> Inspired by the talks/session from the CFC YFC 19th ILC at AKLAN, PHILIPPINES last APRIL 12-15, 2012 :)) Proud ONLINE DELEGATE! Thank you! Praise God!

JAM-PACKED WEEKEND (FEB2012)

JAM-PACKED WEEKEND (FEB2012)

March 17, 2012 at 12:23pm

Upon arriving from work last Thursday I was approached to give a talk to YFCs the next day. At first I hesitated and then it made me think a bit. I was thinking that maybe he approached me because he didn't have any options rather I was the only option he had. It really made me think deeply. I was reflecting if I should accept it or not. Knowing the situation he was in and somehow I understand the struggles he was experiencing. With the fact that there's not enough time left to search for a speaker for tomorrow's activity I just said YES. I'm sure God wanted me to come back to him. I myself was struggling in secret especially with my relationship and prayer time. I was given the privilege to select the talk that fits me. It was about values per the seven IDs of being a YFC…

I came across the talk about the value of TRUST under the YFC ID of BEING A MISSIONARY…  Then something hit me. I realized the true essence of TRUST. I had experience trust issues with relationships and I really learned my lesson the very hard way.

The talk is about TRUSTING THE LORD WITHOUT DOUBT AND THE VALUE OF THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION…

TRUST is hard to obtain but easy to lose. It takes hours to days to weeks to months and even years to build and develop trust but it only takes seconds to minutes or perhaps hours to days to lose it. When trust is lost it's even harder to obtain back.

TRUST can be compared to a piece of paper. If you do something wrong, a part of it is being torn apart. If you did something greater than the first offense then the paper is slowly being crumpled… But if you did something worse than the first two mentioned then it's like being burned to ashes. Gone and you can never get it back like it was before. It will always leave a scar or a mark in that person's life. Time can heal. It will surely be a long process to have it back again but it will never be the same as before or it depends on the person or the situation. It's a case to case basis. It's how I see it as it is based from my experience.

YOU CAN ALWAYS TRUST THE ONE YOU LOVE BUT YOU CAN NEVER LOVE THE ONE YOU DON'T TRUST… Love and trust always go together.. All of us are given the privilege to trust and be trusted. How we take care of that trust depends on us. TRUST can be very fragile so we should be careful.

Humans as we are it is always difficult to trust others. It's even more difficult if you have experienced something in the past involving a loved one and you just got hurt so much that you closed yourself and learned to never trust others so easily. Our family and loved ones will surely fail us but GOD WILL NEVER FAIL US. God wants us to feel that we can trust Him. In His presence we are secured and confident that He'll never let us down. He even loves us more and will continue to bless us even if we're not that deserving. God wants us to learn to trust and lean on Him. He wants us to acknowledge His presence and even develop a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.. God assures us that trusting Him would be the best decision we can ever make that we will never regret.

Trust is developed during 0-1 year old. It starts when we were born and until we turn 1 year old. When we were babies we would cry a lot since we can't speak. We cry for them to feed us. We cry to have our nappy changed. We cry to be cuddled by them. We cry if we feel something wrong. During that time, we cry to meet our needs and wants. In that time the trust is developed if all needs are met but if it's fixated then the baby develops mistrust. Trust usually is learned and developed first when you were a baby then enhanced as you grow and interact with other people. It changes as time passes by and as you learn from your experiences.

TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND LEAN NOT IN YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE WILL MAKE YOUR PATHS STRAIGHT.  –PROVERBS 3:5-6

T- Total surrender to God's will
R- Rest in His embrace 
U- United in His Love
S- Silent in His Presence
T- Thankful and grateful in His faithfulness

REMEMBER….
Whatever is the state of your heart right now, TRUST in God’s promises.  Know that in loneliness, HE is our EMBRACE; in fear, HE is our COURAGE; in doubt HE is our confidence; in confusion, HE is our PEACE.

Singing the song HEART of WORSHIP.. (learning to play the guitar again)
Trust God and surely He will never fail you. PRAISE GOD FOR THAT.. 

During that day, I attended the CLP of CFC Singles for Christ and the talk was about Repentance and Faith (same like the topic I discussed)..we even sang the song HEART of WORSHIP.. Would you believe that? There are no accidents... :-)
FEB 17, 2012

Me and Kiko with the YFC Ras Al Khaimah

We just met and talked for a few hours and with God's grace became family.. YEAAAH! Thank you for making me feel the love and warmth of having a family here. I am sooo blessed and I can't contain it...

God bless and be blessed.. :-)

XXLOVEXX

SARAHKAILYN <3 c",)

Fearless Cover

FEAR NO MORE. STRONGER FAITH.

To be as fearless, to stand and to proclaim.

"Fearless" Guitar Cover

My fave song because I love the meaning behind the lyrics.

We have to set aside our fears to proclaim the greatness of God.

With fear in our hearts, we cannot do our part.

We have to be fearless for us to fulfill the plan of the Lord through us.

To be fearless means being able to do extraordinary things with God's grace.

Let's be fearless and equipped with a stronger faith that can move mountains, fulfill miracles and witness impossible things made possible through God's grace, love and mighty power.

Bisita Iglesia Throwback

A throwback with one of the culture/traditions that we do during Holy week.

Bisita/Visita Iglesia for me is literally visiting the Church (as to how it is translated).  I never had an idea on how it feels like to visit several churches, to reflect and to pray more especially during Holy Week (Semana Santa). I heard about how it was done and usually people do it after Palm Sunday until Maundy Thursday. They say when it is your first time to visit the Church, you should make a wish. I remember doing it the first time with the YFC community last 2008 and I really enjoyed the trip. I learned new things and gained experiences and from then on, I loved doing it and was looking forward for the next years to come.

YFC CAPIZ 2008 - 2010 - 2011

During the year 2009, we had our Bisita Iglesia with the family and we rode the tricycle. We visited Cathedral, Mt. Carmel then Panay, Bailan, Pontevedra, Pres. Roxas and we went to Estancia. It was a fun adventure with the family, though tiring it was worth it. We were able to reflect and at the same time had a bonding with each other.

Last 2010, I had the chance to organize the activity for YFC in Roxas City. I remember myself promoting it via sms and we were like 15? We were able to rent an L3 van. Ayra and my sister Carla was with us during that time. It was a great moment to remember. We started at Cathedral then Panay Church, then Bailan Church, then Hipona Church, Pontevedra Church and then Pres. Roxas Church. We had lunch at Agtalin, Pilar and we did the Stations of the Cross there. After that we went to Panit-an Church, then Loctugan church, VB Alba chapel and lastly was Mt. Carmel Church. I remember coming home and we had a family version and visited the same churches as mentioned but we also went to Carmelite church near Lawaan. No matter how busy, tiring and challenging the day has been it’s still worth it because you spent it entirely with the people closest to you.

2011 came and again we organized a trip. This time we rented 2 jeepneys since many joined us. From the previous years we were few but then God is indeed good for we have doubled our numbers and we have inspired people to come and join us. As usual we started at Cathedral then the famous Panay church, then Bailan, then Hipona, Pontevedra and Pres. Roxas. We still had our lunch at Agtalin, Pilar. After that we passed through Panit-an church, Loctugan, Cristo Redentor (Ivisan) then VB Alba and lastly was Mt. Carmel.    

I had my first Bisita Iglesia in the UAE last 2012 and it was during the peak of summer. It was very hot. We went to Jebel Ali to visit St. Joseph Church then went to Abu Dhabi which was St. Francis Church. We then head off to St. Mary's in Al Ain then we had lunch at Jabel Hafeet (don't know if right spelling) and our last stop was St. Mary's church in Dubai. It was the first time wherein I shared an experience of mine since I was new in the UAE and also in the community. We were asked to share once we picked up a verse. I felt happy since I told them the story why I was here. It was good since I get to meet new people and witness how God works even in the Middle East which is far away from our homeland.

2 years later here I am blessed and working even if it's Holy Week. I can't complain but just be thankful because I am able to practice my faith and still have the freedom to do what I want unlike others who cannot. Thank you Lord for everything! You are a great Almighty Father! Praise God for your love that never fails and never ends. I have missed what I used to do and I hope to do them again in God's time.

Have a blessed Maundy Thursday!
Deo Gloria!
4/17/2014

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! :)

 

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

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!

Happy 20th CFC Youth for Christ!!!

Thank you! Praise GOD!

20th ILC

Incredibly Living Christ: IL C U!

CFC YFC ILC at CEBU (2009) and BAGUIO (2010)!!

I entered the community way back 2005 and I was 1^st year in college that time. I never had the opportunity to attend the ILC because we had summer classes and duties in school. I have heard stories from those who attended the ILC and somehow it gave me a drive to be excited to witness what ILC was. 4 years later and after I graduated I prayed for the grace to attend the ILC. At first I wasn't permitted to be absent because we had a review in preparation for the board exam. I cried hard because my heart desires to go.

It was a Tuesday gathering when the delegates where practicing the chant for ILC and after the worship, I felt as if God is whispering to me that I should go. I didn't know what struck me that time and I was crying and my tears were overflowing. I didn't want to regret not going and I was ready to leave everything behind. It was 2 days before they leave for Cebu. Praise God with His grace I was able to seek help in looking for a slot and money for the expenses. I bravely asked my father for permission and immediately he permitted me to go. I even asked our instructors because I will miss the lessons and exams and they said I can re-take the exam and that I need to catch up with the absences. I left with a seeking, longing, hoping and trustful heart and with an immense thirst for God.

As we were traveling, deep inside I was in denial because I can't even believe that I am actually going to the 16^th ILC in Cebu. I didn't know what ILC would be and it has increased my excitement and I know that this is going to be a best weekend with the Lord. I was surprised seeing 10K youths worshipping God. I was amazed with the set-up, food, competitions, concert of the priests, workshops, Eucharistic celebrations, Way of the Cross, booths, praise parade and the sessions. The ILC has opened a gate of opportunities for me to serve God. It taught me to step up to a greater call in serving the Lord through High school based.

I then decided to attend the 17^th ILC in Baguio because I want more of Jesus. Since then my life was never the same and everything has changed. The 18^th ILC CDO was where I first witnessed through live stream. It was due to circumstances. At CDO, I was so blessed to be there spiritually and I was able to listen to the sessions and be one with them in the worship. I didn't know that during that year I will be leaving the country and again I know I will miss a lot of YFC activities. Then again, I am so thankful for the advance technology because if not for it then I wouldn't experience 19^th ILC AKLAN. Though separated by distance and differences in time zones, I was able to again be a witness.

This 2013 is the 20^th year of CFC Youth for Christ and I am happy on how YFC has changed the lives of its members. The ILC will be a week long celebration of God's greatness and goodness. I know that it will be an ultimate reunion and a union with God Almighty! I am excited for those who will attend the event and for the sessions and worship. I am hopeful that God has a different plan for me on why I can't leave Dubai to go home in the Philippines. However I am confident, trustful of the Lord's will and is looking forward to obey, to witness and to see the SON rise in MANILA through live streaming. So IL C U!

May God be praised!!

Earth hour 2013

 

A picture I took at the rooftop at about 8:35 pm.. As you can see the Lulu hypermarket at Barsha 1, Dubai supported the Earth hour by switching off some of their lights. Thank you for the awareness. Let's make a move to do our part. Take a stand! Show your concern because we only have ONE EARTH! #EARTH HOUR #barsha #ONE EARTH #GREENERATION

OBEY & WITNESS!!!

 

All for You!

And again... You my God gave a spark in my heart, had filled my empty jar to the brim, though far away we're never apart and i will continue to be still and affirmed.. Here I am confident, overflowing with gladness and extremely excited to proclaim your greatness and be sent off to go on a mission... SEND ME LORD TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH!!!!! it's ALL FOR YOU LORD! I LOVE YOU MY GOD!!! :)) ♥ Sarah Kailyn Lim #LAKING YFC #PROUD SFC :)) ♥ Thank you Lord! #soBLESSED ♥ ♥ ♥

Kwentong ILC Cebu (2009)

Here's my journey in attending the ILC Cebu last April and until December 2009...

 

It was March 10, 2009 when I was disturbed because I desired to go to attend the ILC in Cebu. I am graduating BSN and I am a bit worried for the review in preparation for the board exam this year.. Here's the actual blog post I did in Multiply…

Mar 10, '09 7:28 AM

Right now I am disturbed with the ILC in Cebu if I can go or will I stay...? haizzz don't know? Finally I have in my HANDS the solicitation letter. Mixed feelings of emotions were with me (sadness, worries, happiness, excitement, and doubts) even I myself can't understand why but all I know is that GOD really wants me to GO....oh please? oh God please guide my and our ways...

here's a message He wanted me to know when I was reading the THIS IS MY STORY book owned by Alfie which contains stories of people that made them change and surrender their life to GOD, living in struggles, pains and living for  the service in the Glory of GOD..

Exodus 14:14
"The Lord will FIGHT for YOU; you need only to be STILL."
What a great message it was and an assurance to have faith, trust, hope and hold on to GOD's promises and words.

- - - - -

And then the next day, I decided to ask permission from our dean because we're going to have our review classes by Kaplan review center. It will start the week after graduation. Since the ILC is a 3 day activity and we have a Saturday schedule I decided to be absent so that I can attend the conference. I am aware of the lessons and exams that I will miss but I am hoping if it's possible to catch up. ILC Cebu comes once and I don't want the opportunity to pass without doing anything. I prayed hard before I approach our dean. Here's my blog post about it….   

Mar 11, '09 12:30 PM

ouch haha it hurts noh..

You might be asking why? Well the pain feels like something related to a HEART BREAK or being denied to by someone and hearing a constant NO instead of yes. Yes I believe GOD has plans for me that's why everything is like this.

I was so confident and that I forgot what he really wants me. I had so many dreams and plans yet I still am lazy to even pray at night and talk to HIM. Maybe this is a wake up call for me to realize what GOD really planned for me. Yep let YOUR will be done.

Just remembering the incident makes my heart ache and my feelings overflow. Yeah I cried since I couldn't accept it yet I understand that it was for my own good. I know GOD has his own ways and soon I'll be there (ILC) and now is not the right time yet or maybe after. After going through this I might get an answer...

"The LORD will fight for you; just be STILL"

Yes my LORD surely I will remember that...

I am just blessed and lucky to have friends to support me and that I will be forever thankful for I call them God's gift of friends aka GGF. They made me felt better ahhh thanks GOD. I know you feel what I felt. All the nervousness I felt before talking and facing her (fear factor) and the pains and hurt I felt after..

- - - - -

The dean explained to me what she thinks is right for me. I understand her concern for me and I cried because I couldn't accept that I won't be going there. It has been my dream to attend the ILC ever since I entered YFC last July 2005. I have focused myself with my studies and I even missed the RYC and PYC. It has been 4 years since I became a member and I am struggling to attend the activities and even camps due to our busy schedule.

I can remember clearly about the words she said to me and I was smiling due deep inside of me I was starting to cry. I felt so bad that when I went out of the room I can't help my burst out into tears. I was comforted by Maam Edel and Maam Suzette. They made me understand that it's not the end and there are a lot of conferences even camps or activities that is to come. They wanted me to prioritize and focus with the review and the exam. They are both CFCs and they have daughters who were excelling in school and they just want what is best for me. I felt relieved and somehow things became clear to me but still at the back of my mind I desired to go despite the hindrances that I am facing. I was also comforted by friends. I am grateful and blessed because of their support in the community that I am in.

Weeks passed and still the desire was there. I graduated and then the review started. I kept on attending the weekly gathering and somehow they kept on promoting the ILC Cebu. I didn't pray to go there but I know deep in my heart I was longing to go there. I kept hearing the promotion like it was nothing but during the week or days before they leave for Cebu there was something in me that really disturbed me.

I felt God telling me to go. He touched my heart and revealed to me what I truly asked. It was then that I realized that I really wanted to go. I desire to go there. I cried and I couldn’t contain the feeling of being not able to go. I didn’t want the opportunity to pass. I have missed a lot already and I can't bear missing another one. I really have to go. I can remember myself saying... "Mabuang ako kung hindi ako makaupod." (I might go crazy if I can't attend.) I wanted to go. I am 100% sure that I really really want to go. Those were my lines and I really wanted to find a way on how to go there with the other delegates. Here's my actual blog post…  

Please HEAR my PRAYER… Mar 31, '09 11:22 PM

Oh GOD..Truly only YOU know the desire of my heart and only you hear my CRIES..... =p I dunno what to do right now and there are a lot of things that bothers me. I can't think RIGHT and I feel so helpless. All that I can do is CRY, HOPE and PRAY...

I have decided to go and attend the ILC in Cebu.. If ever HE permits me and shows signs for me then I'll go and abandon my tasks here for the meantime. =] I really wanted to go since I THIRST for HIM. I admit that I am SPIRITUALLY DRY at the moment and that I need this to light the FIRE and be quenched from my THIRST.. I desperately WANT and NEED to attend that.

I may be confused but I know I really have to. And by doing this I know I have to let go a lot of things and that I am responsible for that. Oh GOD please take away all of my worries and fears that might stop me from serving and attending the said event.... All i know is you CALLED me..and i will ANSWER.... =] I will go.. and HE will MAKE a way for me... =] THANKS.... =D
- - - - -

As of 12:44 AM
GUESS WHAT? haha I just received the ANSWER that I have been looking for. God is so great. He supplies what I needed.. = ] And that I feel HE really does permit me to go..=] Thank you...thank you.. you know WHO YOU ARE.. =] GOD you're so AMAZING.... =] I now can Sleep happy and without WORRIES... =]

- - - - -

God is God of amazing and indescribable character. No words can express the happiness that I felt after the tears that I shed. Truly God gave the answer to my prayer through Francis who's my brother and friend in the community. Through Him I was able to secure a slot in the ILC since walk-ins were not allowed. After our chat til midnight I emailed Papa about my decision to go. It was only 1 1/2 day before we leave for Cebu.

Guess WHAT? He ANSWERED!.. Apr 1, '09 6:17 PM

Last night I was so bothered about the problems on going to ILC in Cebu, emailing PAPA asking to permit me to go, wishing for a vacant slot, and of course my fare and pocket money.

What I decided yesterday was very RAPID.. haha I mean it was so sudden and I didn't expect to decide right away to GO. I just remembered a friend telling and asking me about the planned trip I wanted to go. At first I said NO but when I attended the meeting and as it was going on I suddenly felt a strange feeling and thirst for GOD. There I was crying and exclaiming that I would GO. I often said "I might go CRAZY if I can't attend that." I was so crying yet still tried hard to smile so they won't notice. I want to be a part of this event and this might never pass again. =] I wanted to grab the opportunity before it slips away and never wanted to live with REGRETS.

Thankfully GOD did HELPED me and faithfully and lovingly answered my PRAYERS. =]

My only desire is for me to attend. I don't want that the BOARD exam on November will bother me since it is months away and I have plenty of time to prepare. There I was planning and finding a way. I had worries and I didn't know what to do but pray, wait and hope. =] Last night I couldn't sleep. Maybe deep within me I was afraid and that I might not take it. =]

Morning....My eyes were so ouchy..haha Maybe because of the crying and sleeping late. =] The review class was about pedia. There I was confidently telling my CLOSEST friends about my PLAN and they were shocked about it. They thought I backed out but then why so sudden? Hehe I was so glad since I could feel their support for me that made me happy and gave me more strength to go on. =]

LUNCH....Manang (ATE) told us that PAPA called. Upon hearing it I was so afraid and that almost near crying for I can sense what she is going to say. =[ When she told me that it was ok and that he is going to give me 2k. There I was crying. It's tears of joy and that I was so relieved about it. GOD it's a sign already. You really want me to come??? Then I'll come.. GOD told me not to worry but only to keep praying and have faith on HIM. I wanted to take my SPIRITUAL life to a higher level since I need to be deeply involved with Him. In nursing, it's building a relationship. =]

Right now I am packing up my things....so happy that I want to scream and tell everybody about GOD. =] I am so blessed to have a family that is so understanding, loving, caring, patient, and everything...All I know is that they LOVE me and that I LOVE them.. =] Thanks GOD. Please do guide us on our trip. May the Conference you prepared for US will be SUCCESSFUL and may we bring GLORY to YOUR NAME. =]

Yes ILC.....KITAKITS.... =] My 1st ever CONFERENCE.... =] woooohh.. Well I am gonna miss the review class in PSYCHE and Virtual Reality Test but i know I can catch up.

"God will fight for you, you need only to be STILL.."
Yes my Lord... =] I will follow you... =] hehe

- - - - -

I attended our review the next day and at 1pm we will be leaving for Cebu. Tears kept welling up when Manang Evelyn accompanied me to our meeting place. I remembered her telling Papa about the 2 awards I received last graduation and it was all because of YFC and Community Service. As I kissed her goodbye, I felt mixed emotions. I was happy and I can’t believe that this is happening. I am so excited! My heart was full of joy and I can't contain it in me.

After praying before our travel and a short meeting, I couldn't help but smile. This is the best answer to my prayer! There were a total of 60+ delegates coming from Capiz. We rode a big bus and we left to Iloilo then Cebu. We hurried up to catch the ferry/ship going to Cebu. It was my first time to experience the praise cruise that they call. I even experienced worshipping with the other delegates from Western Visayas. Excitement was painted in our faces. The joy was priceless. I was so thankful and blessed to be there.

We arrived at Cebu and it's my 2^nd time going there. I am like an explorer and I was so amazed and I couldn't imagine what ILC would be like. I heard it's full of sessions, worship, competitions and workshops. I didn't know what to expect and all I can see is a crowd full of YFC with the support of the whole family ministry of CFC. I can't believe that the total delegates of the conference were 9000. Wow Praise God! Amazing!

Upon seeing the ILC venue, the delegates, the designs, the gigantic JESUS letters, the globe, the flags, the booths and especially the unique stage with a yellow arrow pointing upward really impressed me greatly. I mean I didn’t know that ILC would be this so amazing and that I am blessed to be here. There was joy that I myself could never hide. I was tasked to help out to collect the food for our delegation. I was with the YFC high school based from Capsu and I really enjoyed bonding with them. I witnessed different competitions and especially the praise parade. I saw 3 priests having a concert and even the Joshua band. The ILC is not just a conference but it is a gathering of all the youth around the world.

I learned a lot of songs but there were some that really touched my heart like Gracious God, Have your way, Heaven, We'll be faithful and All for You. I dunno why but I felt God speaking to me through those songs. It is really a privilege to worship together with the 9K delegates and team of the ILC. I met leaders who were now Full time workers and I was inspired by the mission that they do.

One great thing about the ILC is the workshops. There had been a lot of workshops but I wasn't able to get a pass/sticker to enter since it's only limited. Though I missed it but I witnessed it. I was together with Jamela outside the in love workshop. I saw the Exhort workshop for brothers. Since we can't enter inside so we decided to stay and listen outside the venue to the in love workshop. I laughed as we listened because she was teasing me with somebody heheh..

I guess the best thing were the sessions, the reflection or prayer and the praisefest. Every session has it's own uniqueness. One thing that remained in me that I really learned was during the 2^nd session and that is F n F that means Forget your circumstances and focus on God's promises. I can really relate to the wonderful message it brings and it is empowering.

The ILC will not be complete without celebrating the Holy Eucharist which is the highest form of worship. Also since the conference is before the Holy Week, we recited the Stations of the Cross and even celebrated the Palm Sunday. It happens once and I'm so glad to be there! Thank you Lord.

Though I can't remember the exact details and the feelings I experienced back then, I am certain that after the conference I made a move and that is to step up to a higher calling and leveling up my service to God. I attended the regional shout (summer house training) for 1 week. We conducted a community based camp which I and Francis became team leaders. I started the CLP in CFC Singles for Christ.

I was approached to become a High School based program head last Sep 2008. I invested my time and effort to empower and evangelize the high school program. I became a part of the PCG of Capiz. I really love my program because I never experienced being a YFC during my high school years since I entered 1^st year in college. I also was privileged to be a part of my 2^nd PYC as Secretariat head and the biggest delegation was the high school exceeding the quota and we were 250 only in the city.

We started the high school core group and slowly gathered members in different schools in Roxas. We managed to have a weekly gathering, a high school assembly, a victory party, a youth camp and covenant orientation. I tried to go on a mission in the different areas. I really pushed myself to serve God because I want to bring back the glory to Him. I managed to serve Him while reviewing for the board exam. During those times I faced temptations and even jealousy with my friends who were studying and focusing hard on the board exam. I felt afraid but He assured me of the great plan He has prepared for me. With His grace, I was able to file successfully for the upcoming exam. I tried to focus on my review through audio lectures, scanning books and listening to the review and taking down notes.

A month before the exam I managed to risk in attending the RYC. The theme was Let your voice be heard. Shout out! It was during that conference when God spoke to me about granting my prayer to pass the board exam. I remember Him whispering to me during the praisefest. As I feel Him embracing and assuring me, I couldn't help but burst into tears. I hugged Tita Lyn and told her about it. It was God's affirmation and answer to my prayer. I felt confident to face my battle and that is the NLE. I was also inspired to wait for true love. Somehow there's this brother that share the same passion as me and we're in the same team and community. Weeks before I leave, I gave time for myself in preparation for the exam. We had our household at my house and the PCG prayed over me before I left for Iloilo for the NLE.

Through the struggles I managed to conquer the NLE with full of hope that I will pass. Before the year ended we had our Touch a Heart project and organized an outreach program. Praise God for the success and we will continue it next year! So far STEP UP has been a mission that I didn't regret and it motivated me to go beyond borders and beyond my comfort zone. I ran the race and I know I will win because the Lord is with and in me. This is how my ILC CEBU experience influenced me and I will forever say YES to the Lord. It has been an awesome journey with the Lord and His people and everything is priceless. I am grateful how God slowly transformed and equipped to be his servant in serving His people.

He proved to me that He will fight for me and I have to be still. Through thick and thin, I will continue to be still as the Lord is faithful and will never leave me behind. Thank you Lord for never giving up on me and for always being there. Lord thank you for a journey and for the growth that you imparted to me. I will surely continue serving you with everything that I have and all I am is because of your grace. Allow me to evangelize and inspire others Lord wherever I am. Use me as an instrument and equip me to serve you more. I will make myself available for you and for the service of your people. I will give my all and I will do your will. Lord I surrender myself to you completely. Forgive me Lord. I lift up to you all my concerns. Allow your spirit to touch and consume me. Lord let your will be done. In Jesus' name, AMEN!

~Sarah Lim

CFC Youth for Christ Capiz

CFC Singles for Christ Dubai