My Child, don't worry!

Be strong Princess!

 God's letter for strength, encouragement and acceptance of His will

(written last February 27, 2014)

Dear Princess,

How are you? I wrote to you because I can feel the burden that you are and have been carrying. You may hide those things from others but you cannot hide them from me. I noticed how moody and sad you are for the past few days. I know it's a hard thing to experience but I am here to support and encourage you to keep going. I can see that you are struggling and you're trying to overcome it by being strong. I know that the fight is tough and the road you're traveling is rough. I know it gets harder each time and sometimes it gets even worst. I can feel the pain that you are going through and no words can ever describe how you really feel. I know you can't resist being angry because I know you were hurt and still you're hurting. It's heart breaking but at least you know the truth at the earliest and it gets difficult to believe knowing that you were expecting something yet ended up being disappointed. I understand what you feel and I know how you try your best to understand the situation. I can definitely see that you are coping up. It's never easy but it's definitely worth it. Just be real with your feelings and cry when you need to. You can always run to me and tell me because I am always listening.

My Child, trials are difficult at first but allow them to mold and transform you to be better, to be stronger, to be wiser, to be mature and be open for a lot of changes. I know you have gotten used to the things you were doing but it's time to move on and leave it all behind. I don't want to see you down, depressed and cold. I want you to feel that you're important and you are loved. No more insecurities, guilt, anger and emotional (negative) feelings. Get up, set yourself free and move. It's not worth it and he's not worth it anymore. Save some pride for yourself. It's time to let go of the things that hurt you and allow me to heal you. I can do a lot of things for you as long as you allow my love to comfort and assure you. Open yourself and listen to me. I will take care of you. I will not hurt you. I will empower you and allow you to stand up again for you to learn the things that you refuse to learn. I will push you to do greater things and bring glory in my name. I have a lot of wonderful plans for you. Don't give up trying. Keep struggling and fighting. There's a right time for everything. Trust me because I know what I'm doing. Believe, have faith and never doubt. It may be cloudy or rainy now but it cannot stay like that forever. The rainbow and sunshine always come after a gloomy weather.

My dearest, be still and just allow my will to be done. Be patient and enjoy the wait. Forgive and don't allow anger to dwell in your heart. Be flexible and guard your heart. Be excited for the surprises that I have prepared for you. Live by being free and learn from your mistakes. Surrender your worries, fears, pains and all emotions to me for I will give you rest and peace. Smile. Just forget your circumstances and focus on my promise. I know what I'm doing. Everything will be revealed to you when everything's settled. Just hold on to me. You are not alone. You can go through this for I am with you. I love you. Allow my love to complete and embrace you during this moment. Everything will be alright. I promise you.

Love,

Your God Almighty King

Joshua 1:9

God (who is love) knows no hopeless or helpless situations

Taken and written at Kish Island, Iran
(February 1, 2014)

God (who is love) knows no hopeless or helpless situations..

There are times we get stuck in a struggle that paralyzes us to do something and perhaps move on. Yes, it's hard to face the struggles with a heavy heart knowing that you're alone and at times hopeless nor helpless. Sometimes we forget that God has been with us through the tough times. We seem to think we can do it our selves but we can't. God is always there and He knows no hopeless or helpless situations. It is because He is God and we are not. His ways are higher and better than ours. His love surpasses all things even impossible ones. He can change our sadness to an irreplaceable joy. He is the God of all great things and the only God of all human beings.

So if you're struggling right now, remember that you are in His presence. No battle that was lost for He always wins. No sorrow that he can't take away. No pain that He can't heal. No problem that He can't solve. And no struggle that He can't overcome. For as long as we hold on to Him, rest assured that we are in good hands for He has great plans. In His presence we can find peace, joy, trust, completeness, love, faith and unending hope. All we can simply do is trust Him even if it doesn't make sense. We should surrender to Him and allow His will to be done for God knows what He is doing and He never fails to work things out for us. Continue to trust and believe in Him because He knows no hopeless or helpless situations. All is well! May God be praised! Deo Gloria! :)

Miracles do happen!

Miracles do happen! (Big and small, we just fail to notice them.)

I never intended to visit the garden but with the generosity of a friend, I was able to do so! Yehey! Of course I was privileged and blessed at the same time. I became the PA for that day. PA means Personal assistant but for me it was Photographer's acquaintance. I am so thankful for the opportunity of going out and living a good life. It made me realize to enjoy life no matter how hard it's going to be. I have struggles and that is normal because I am alive. God told me to just keep living, keep dreaming and keep struggling to do what is right.

People may push and pull us but what we become is what we can prove to them. I felt better and I know life is just starting to unfold. The year just began and there are more to come. Things may have ended dramatically but God will reveal surprises to us unexpectedly. I guess it's time for me to shine and to go out of my comfort zone. I have to let go of my insecurities, fears, burdens and allow God's mercy, love, healing and blessing to envelope me.

Being in that paradise made me appreciate the small things even the details that I don't pay attention to and that's a big thing. Seeing the colorful flowers was so attractive and I want my life to be like a rainbow that's full of colors. Gone were the days that I became confused, lost, full of questions, depressed, burdened, worried, emo moments and hopelessness. I may have become weak, questioned and fallen down but God has raised me up to be strong and standing firm in the faith. God has promised that it's not going to be easy but it's definitely going to be worth it.

Lord may you bless my journey that I may keep going through the path that you want me to choose. Bless my desires, my heart and my plans. May it be in accordance to your will. May the actions that I do and the work of my hands, glorify you! Lord in your name, I trust. You are God and I am not!

Praise you Lord! Hallelujah!

Thank you for the gift of new friends! Thank you Mr. Sponsor!

Happy Valentine's day! God bless you!

Dubai Miracle Garden

(February 17, 2014)

Kish Island 2014

A memorable 5 day stay at Fanoos Hotel in Kish Island, Iran. The wait was worth it and God indeed answers prayers unexpectedly. The pictures in the album speaks a thousand words. It may be filled with selfies of mine but it's something that I call a memory worth remembering.. Call it vain but I call it experience worth sharing.
May God be glorified!

I learned a lot of things being in this beautiful island. God allowed me to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings by being disconnected to the social media world. I became selfless instead of being selfish. I realized that no man is an island. I learned to build friendships and strengthen them through bondings, kulitan and food trips. I had a chance to go on a Kish tour to explore the history of the place. I had fun being with the people whom I just met recently and their presence created a big impact on me. I learned to share my burdens and in turn listen to the experiences of other people. It is nice to relax in a quiet place wherein you can do things like the simple joys because I was able to draw, read a book and even played guitar via tab. Also we had a chance to attend a fellowship despite having different religion but still worshiped the same God! I was able to let go of unnecessary feelings and allowed God to take over. The amazing gift to surrender and trusting Him even if it didn't make sense. It took me 5 days there. At first it was hard but then it became meaningful. It was an experience and a struggle that I had to overcome with God's grace. It wasn't easy but it was worth it. Thank you Lord for setting me free. Thank you for all the blessings you've given me! Thank you Lord! Praise God! I love you! ♥ 
Trusting, claiming, believing, loving, hoping and being like Christ,
~~Sarah ♥

January 28-February 1, 2014
Kish Island, Iran

I love my household!

A household is a gift from God. If the family is the basic unit of society then a household is a basic unit of the CFC SFC community. Having a household is being part of a family that shares a common goal in life and that is to serve and glorify God. It is in the household that the teaching and learning takes place. It's where we are molded, maintained, uplifted, inspired, motivated and perhaps healed. It is also where we can talk about sensitive and personal issues within the people involved and there's confidence that nothing comes out but stays within the group.

It is through the household where my roots started to grow, gained a strong foundation, maintained a stable prayer time, inspired to bear fruit through my service and the exchange of relationships shared with other people.

A household is a blessing. It's a great and gorgeous gift from God. It's what we call 4G and it's not only limited to your boyfriend or girlfriend. Our families are considered 4G. Anything can be considered and it depends on the person values it.

I am blessed with 4 angels from God! Namely, Enina Ocampo, Collete Cawagas, Cristina Padual Alday and Maikie Ann Quimson Aniciete! I am happy to journey with them and favored to share my life with theirs! I feel so honored to be a Nanay to them in our household. God is so good for allowing me to meet wonderful persons whom I will guide through the SFC community. I feel confident and somehow humbled knowing that serving them is my mission now! I also pray for their hearts, service and desire that may they seek God in all that they do. I hope they'll grow mature in serving Christ and find there purpose in glorifying Him. And when they will be ready, I know they will become effective leaders, servants and followers of God. I claim in Jesus' name and during the right time, may God's will be done, AMEN!

I LOVE MY SFC HOUSEHOLD!

Happy 2014 to us! Cheers to a great year with God!

Ayette's birthday message

(sent last January 2, 2014 - eve before the birthday)

Happy happy birthday Sarah Kailyn Lim!! too shy to give you VM.. so i came up with this... hahaha!!#throwback pics..!! i already sent you a message.. xado mahaba pag dito..dami ko sinabi eh.. ay oo nga pala may nakalimutan ako dun..yung isang wish ko for you.. wish ko..? hmmmm sana magkaroon ka na ng mamahalin at siyempre mamahalin ka....ng bongga..!! yikeeeeeeeeeeee!! lalim!!  Godbless you more and most!!! be happy always!! i'm so excited to see you again beezst..!! oiiiiiiiiiiiiissst kahit nobela yung pm birthday greetings ko for you.. basahin mo yun ah?? hahahaha!! enjoy your day..!!! GOD and I, LOVE YOU!! keep that in mind... \

TBT lang ang mga pic..! hehehehe!!Naalala mo pa ba kung kalian tayo unang nagkita at nagsimula ang ating pagkakaibigan? Naalala mo pa ba kung kalian tayo unang nag-away? Naalala mo pa ba kung kalian ka nahook sa anime at nagkaroon ng passion sa drawing? Naalala mo pa ba nung tinuruan moko kung pano gumamit ng pc at internet?(ahhaahaha!! Wala kasi sa bundok) Naalala mo pa ba kung kalian ako nakapunta sa inyo at ikaw nama’y dumalaw sa bahay namin? (magjowa lang) Naalala mo pa ba tuwing nagkukuwentuhan tayo about sa crushes natin? (kilig-kilig!) Naalala mo pa ba yung unang movie natin at food trip together? Naalala mo pa ba kung pano tayo nagplan ng course na itetake natin sa college? Naalala mo pa ba kung pano ka naguluhan sa iyong lovelife? (at ako pa talaga ang sumbungan mo..) Naalala mo pa ba kung paano kita nahikayat na sumali sa SFC? (sister in Christ.. yippeeee!!) Naalala mo pa ba kung saan magkasama tayo sa mga gatherings and conferences? (sana maulit ulit yun..) Naalala mo pa ba yung mga binigay mo saking mga gifts?? At Naalala mo pa ba nung naghiwalay na tayo? Naalala mo pa ba..?? kasi ako di ko na maalala… toinnnksss!! Hahahaha!! Ang daming memories sar noh? Reminiscing talaga..!! as I look back our high school and college life.. ang dami ng changes sa atin.. and I’m so proud of you..!! pero tingnan mo.. its more than a decade that we've known each other, but our friendship.. it never change..it never fails.. despite our distance..and differences.. and everything.. thanks to God for our God-given friendship!! hehehehe..!! parang kailan lang.. homay!! your SILVER year!! version2.0!! hahahaha!! stronger, fiercer, wiser and prettier!! nakksss..!! always go for whatever your heart's deepest desires.. and always choose your happiness..!! i'm blessed to have you sar! and for sure marami ding nakakapagsabi niyan.. and i'm proud of you remember that..!! continue serving the Lord.. you have the purest and kindest heart..!! may God continue to shower you with endless and abundant blessings..!!! i love you..!!  
-Ayra beezst

<3 Thank you bestieeeeee (beezst as what we call each other) Cheers to more than 10 yrs of friendship! God bless.. Love you and I miss you! See you very sooooon! Mwaaaaaaaaaaahhhhugs! <3 :)

Me after 3 years

A walk to remember:

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

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

In Jesus' name, AMEN!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ikaw na po bahala!

In your name, I trust! AMEN! <3

What I would tell to my weak old self…

We often face challenges that bring us to our knees but rest assured that we are in the best position to pray. We may be troubled, worried, anxious, questioned, put to the test, lost and tempted so this leads us to become weak, helpless and sometimes hopeless. It's hard to overcome a struggle when you feel like there's no hope. You may feel mixed emotions, have doubts, incapable, impossible and you think there's no other way out. It is only in God's hand where we can feel at peace, full of hope and unlimited love. We can always run to God for help, for guidance, for strength, for mercy, for forgiveness and for trust. We stumble and fall but God is there to carry us through it all.

Here's something I want to tell my old weak self especially in times when it doesn't make sense or when times get rough.

Hold on, Trust God.. Cry hard, Smile harder.. Let go, Move on.. Surrender, Pray hardest! Be strong, God is in control!

>>>>> Hold on, Trust God.

I know you're in a very tough situation but remember that God always has a plan for you. It is a plan so great that you won't realize it now but soon you will. Keep holding on to His promises for they are sure like the sunrise. Hold on to Him by placing all your cares or worries upon Him. Do not worry nor be afraid for He knows what He is doing. Submit to Him and surrender for it will be the fulfillment of His plan for you! Place your hope and trust in Him. All is well. Everything will be alright. Just hold on and trust God!

>>>>> Cry hard but Smile harder.

Crying is a therapeutic act that cleanses our soul and sets us free from whatever that is bothering us. There's a saying: "Our visions become clear when our eyes have been washed away with tears." Crying may not be the solution to a certain problem but it can release you from carrying the burden. Crying is not a sign of weakness but a strength wherein you cry out to the One Most High and allowing His will be done in your life. Never be afraid to cry and to admit that you are weak for in that way, you are allowing God to be your strength for you to face your struggle and to heal you of your brokenness. And when you have cried it all out then learn to smile for you to leap an extra mile. Show your sweetest smile and make them wonder why. Remember, it's ok to cry hard but after that just smile harder!

>>>>> Let go, Move on.

Learn to let go, allow God to take over then move on. It's called a struggle that you overcome not a struggle that you dwell on. Learn to let go of all your worries, fears, past experiences, problems and concerns. You don't need to carry all of those emotional baggages. Surrender it to God and let His grace take over whatever it is that you're going through. Allow His will to be done. You can feel the hurts, the pain, the aches and the struggle but you can never stay there. You have to move on for God has a lot of things in store for you. Focus and know your goal. When it doesn't make sense, just let it go and move on!

>>>>> Surrender and Pray hardest!

Surrendering to God is not a weakness but the greatest strength for you are submitting to Him, the God of all Grace! They say that the one who kneels in prayer can withstand anything. We are nothing without God and praying to Him is asking for His knowledge, wisdom, discernment, gifts and teaching. Praying is everything. It is a complete package wherein we can express freely our self without the effort of pleasing Him because He accepts us for what we are. Praying helps us overcome our struggle and it strengthens our faith in God.  Imagine your day without prayer and you'll realize that it is not complete. Continue to talk because God listens and He tells us to just ASK (Ask, Seek and Knock). Let us be firm in the faith, ready to surrender our own self and give time to pray hardest. God deserves our best!  

>>>>> Be strong for God is in control!

I know the situation is tough but rest assured that God is always in control of everything. Be strong and fight the good fight of faith! For sure God will deliver you from the experience that you have. He won't leave you because He knows you need Him now. Allow God to embrace you in your lowest time, allow His grace to complete you, allow His mercy to be felt, allow His forgiveness to move you, allow His love to inspire you and allow His will to be done through you. It's not an easy task but it's worth it. Learn to sacrifice your desires for His greater glory and He will reveal His plans at the right time. Be faithful and hopeful! Everything will be alright! Be still and know that He is God and we are not. Continue to be strong for God is in control!

Prayer: Lord please continue to do amazing things in my life. I know they are blessings in disguise. I don't know where you may lead me but I trust your plan for me. Help me and provide for me Lord. Strengthen me more that I may face all challenges and struggles that are coming my way. Lord I surrender myself to you. I know you will fight for me. I claim victory over these struggles. May your will be done. Deo Gloria! Deo Gracias! In Jesus' name, AMEN!

So how about you?

What will you tell to your old weak self?

Miracle Garden escapade

Extended birthday celebration at the famous "Dubai Miracle Garden".. I guess they named it Miracle garden because it is a miracle to plant and nourish flowers/trees/grass in the desert where there's scarcity with water and limited or sometimes no rain... :) It's amazing how God works in the lives of the people with creative minds, ideas and hands to be able to make a great art/scenery such as these! So cool and it will make you say "WOW"! I wonder how it took them to build, recreate, design and maintain it. :) So lovely and it only opens during winter wherein it's cold. Some of the flowers are starting to wither and better go there to witness and see God's wonderful creation! :) Don't wait til it's too late!

Thank you Lord! Thank you so much! <3 :)

Happy and Blessed! Thank you Tita Belle, Tito Danny, Paolo and Kiko! :)