“Who are our neighbors in SFC? Our fellow brothers and sisters.” – Kuya Jay Lucena
For those who know me well, they know that I am not comfortable around men in general. Due to experiences that happened in my earlier years, I avoided contact or interaction with boys. When I joined Singles for Christ (SFC), it was a challenge for me to interact with the brothers. Since I became part of the SFC community, I was always bonding with the sisters. I thought that I can “survive” being part of the community just like that, being in their company and “loving” only the sisters.
A year passed and I enjoyed having service with the sisters. We danced, we praised, we sang, we worshipped together. I even had many friends from other chapters who are also sisters. I felt a sense of belongingness, I felt happy, blessed and loved.
Though Jesus said “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12: 31)
If the only ones whom I consider my “neighbors” are my sisters, did I really “love” according to Jesus’ teachings? Obviously, not. To help me better understand “loving thy neighbor”, I was sent a gift to help me experience, first-hand, loving God through my neighbor. My gift is my dearly beloved God’s Gift, Bjoy Isolana.
Why him? He was the only brother who broke all my defenses, made me realize than not all men are opportunists, and assured me that the brothers will not harm me, in fact, they will even protect me as a sister. He “forced” me to face my fears and be open to different opportunities. You could call it “tough love”, his intention was to help me appreciate other people, step away from my shell and discover the greater love by not limiting myself to a number of people. Of course, it took a lot of quarrels, misunderstandings and of course, patience from both our part.
Bjoy proved to me that “loving thy neighbor” was beyond the romantic relationship we had. Once, we were in a verbal and emotional fight; we were at the peak of almost giving up on each other. Then, he fell silent, closed his eyes and prayed. Upon seeing this, I remembered why I loved him. I was humbled and I knew that I had to accept defeat. I remembered where we started; he proved to me that before we even became gifts to each other, we started as a loving brother and a loving sister from the SFC community.
I believe that’s how “loving thy neighbor” is. Going the extra mile, acknowledging defeat, accepting the mistakes of your neighbor, forgiving them, swallowing once pride, making an effort to reach out and making them realize that they are more than what they think of themselves. Encouraging one another and supporting each other in different tasks and services.
Like what me and Bjoy always say to each other, “If everything crumbles and seems to go wrong. Stop, and go back to basics.” Remember where you started, love as the base of all relationships.
Showing posts with label sfc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sfc. Show all posts
8.08.2014
Matthew 13:44-46
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
this was the core of our discussion during our household a few meetings back. We were asked what were our greatest treasures and what are we willing to give up to achieve this treasure. the common denominator for the greatest treasure between our household is family. we would do almost everything in our power just to help and care for our families.
our guest during the household was ate jean. her greatest treasure would be her relationship with her family. she admitted that she felt her prayers were answered recently regarding her family. though she has gone through a death in her family, she was able to see the goodness behind the darkness as her family is now more bonded and she has now a sense of belonging within her family. she shared that for her, she needed not to give up anything to attain the treasure she has. it was all because of prayer, patience and following the path of Christ.
our household head, ate alma, has been helping in sending her sibling and other family members in their education. though there is not much left for her, she feels joys in seeing their success and achievements. she feels accomplished in being able to help her brothers and sisters through the education of her niece/ nephew. she shared that she is willing to give up her personal desires just to fulfill the dreams of her family.
for ate taf, she shared that family is always a treasure she would also cherish. another treasure would be her relationship with her God's Gift, Kuya Reuben. she shared some experiences that made her let go of her selfishness and pride in order to preserve and protect her relationship with her love. the result of her giving up her selfishness and pride? a stronger and more meaning realationship with kuya Reuben.
as for me, the greatest treasure would be, being able to build my own "christian family." i have had my own turmoils with my family and i guess i am able to "hold on" because of my own prayers and the prayers of those around me. i know that at my age, i may still be too young to even think about marriage, though i would admit that it is not far from impossible considering i am in a relation with Joy Isolana, my "God's Gift."
when i was discerning on whether or not i would be in a relationship, sis mimi told me to decide, "if i wanted to be with the person for the rest of my life (someone i would marry) or merely someone who i want to have a relationship with." this in mind, i decided that this person is someone i will be marrying in the future. this is where my "treasure" stems from, my relationship with my GG and out future together as a family.
no family is perfect, but no future parent would like to make the mistakes that they may have experienced with their own parents, their own family. i shared that at some point in my life, i would have to sacrifice and let go my own family to build up my own christian family. i know that it may all be just words for now, but as i move forward to the future, it is definitely a reality. i would have to face the separation, the change in priorities and being more responsible for my own (future) family.
this was the core of our discussion during our household a few meetings back. We were asked what were our greatest treasures and what are we willing to give up to achieve this treasure. the common denominator for the greatest treasure between our household is family. we would do almost everything in our power just to help and care for our families.
our guest during the household was ate jean. her greatest treasure would be her relationship with her family. she admitted that she felt her prayers were answered recently regarding her family. though she has gone through a death in her family, she was able to see the goodness behind the darkness as her family is now more bonded and she has now a sense of belonging within her family. she shared that for her, she needed not to give up anything to attain the treasure she has. it was all because of prayer, patience and following the path of Christ.
our household head, ate alma, has been helping in sending her sibling and other family members in their education. though there is not much left for her, she feels joys in seeing their success and achievements. she feels accomplished in being able to help her brothers and sisters through the education of her niece/ nephew. she shared that she is willing to give up her personal desires just to fulfill the dreams of her family.
for ate taf, she shared that family is always a treasure she would also cherish. another treasure would be her relationship with her God's Gift, Kuya Reuben. she shared some experiences that made her let go of her selfishness and pride in order to preserve and protect her relationship with her love. the result of her giving up her selfishness and pride? a stronger and more meaning realationship with kuya Reuben.
as for me, the greatest treasure would be, being able to build my own "christian family." i have had my own turmoils with my family and i guess i am able to "hold on" because of my own prayers and the prayers of those around me. i know that at my age, i may still be too young to even think about marriage, though i would admit that it is not far from impossible considering i am in a relation with Joy Isolana, my "God's Gift."
when i was discerning on whether or not i would be in a relationship, sis mimi told me to decide, "if i wanted to be with the person for the rest of my life (someone i would marry) or merely someone who i want to have a relationship with." this in mind, i decided that this person is someone i will be marrying in the future. this is where my "treasure" stems from, my relationship with my GG and out future together as a family.
no family is perfect, but no future parent would like to make the mistakes that they may have experienced with their own parents, their own family. i shared that at some point in my life, i would have to sacrifice and let go my own family to build up my own christian family. i know that it may all be just words for now, but as i move forward to the future, it is definitely a reality. i would have to face the separation, the change in priorities and being more responsible for my own (future) family.
4.03.2014
am i ready for SERVICE?
Palmer: ... "Maybe I am not ready."
Gibbs: "You wouldn't feel the way you feel right now if you weren't ready."
NCIS (about Palmer being a father)
Totally in a different context as to how the episode plot goes, but the message and the intention is there. Sometimes, we refuse to accept that we are ready for the responsibilities and task that will be assigned to us because:
Like in service, we know that we are doing the service for God, though there are times that we are discouraged from continuing because we feel that we are not well appreciated for our efforts. This should not be the case!
Recently I was told by Kuya Yury and ate Weng, "always remember who you are serving. Our God, not the people who dictate what you have to do." How ever difficult the strife that is thrown to us His servants, always pray and never lose faith, not only in God but in yourself. We are made in the image and likeness of God, so losing faith in ourselves is like losing faith in God's most precious creations, US.
My household heads (Ate Jen and Ate Alma) always told me, the more you seek the way to Jesus, the more you feel pain in service. Why? because the devil will try to hinder you from following Jesus, it creates circumstances and attacks the most important and sensitive aspects of our lives. This is to push us to our limits for us to give up. Temptations and sacrifices are inevitable when in service. Even now that I am part of the SFC community, I do not hide that fact that there are temptations that are difficult to push away. This brings doubt to myself, my abilities and it gives off that degrading feeling that just makes me lost.
In our lost state, we then start to question God.
Is there something wrong when we question God? My answer to this question was always. No. There is nothing wrong in questioning God. As I quote Pope Francis in one of his dialogues with the Filipino community in Rome,
” In these times of suffering, never tire of asking why, because you will attract the tenderness of the Father and his attention, just as children do when they ask “why”.” - Pope Francis
It comes down to how and what you question God. Of course it's a different level when you question HIS existence though that does not mean atheism or agnosticism. We may just be lost. Being lost is not something we should be ashamed of. In fact, admitting that we are lost makes us stronger because we know when we have done wrong and we begin to have that consciousness to go back to our faith and restore our relationship with God.
This also becomes a preparation for us for a bigger service. It is not a secret that there are times in our lives that we are tested and molded in preparation for a bigger responsibility as a servant of God. We grow and learn as we succeed each trial that are thrown to us. It is this experience that makes us human, these experiences are what we share to those whom we would like to reach out to.
The action of reaching out, breaking away from your comfort zone, learning to share, accepting pain and understanding the people of God are manifestations that we are preparing for the mission of spreading God's love. Because these are the very actions of Jesus. Yes, he is the Son of God, he is a leader, he knows more and better about faith, and yet, he was humble and he did not discriminate the people of God. He even loved them more, despite the sufferings that they have caused him.
Like Jesus, we must be leaders of his people. Our task as leaders is to plant a seed and uphold the faith of each and every single person whom lives we have touched. We are leaders even without the title, as I have heard from one of our teaching nights.
Unfortunately, there are times wherein the lack in "title" is what hinders us from moving forward. Why? Because we are humans, because we have weaknesses. Despite being humble, we do not keep the fact that we too have our aspirations, at some point in our lives we would like to be acknowledged. I myself admit that I would like to be acknowledge for my service. It is, in a way, human nature.
The yearning for acknowledgement was a heavy desire before I realized that I was already "empty". How does that relate? In general, when we are "empty" and lost, we look for a way to compensate for that lose. In my case, I did not realize that I was already empty because of "giving out love" to the point that I wanted to have that feeling that "I am loved" just to compensate for the lost feeling.
Doesn't that make me selfish and insecure? Yes it does. My own "yearning" slowly devoured me to the point of depression.
Why do you have that feeling even if you are already part of the community? The expectation is that you already have an ironclad faith, right?
As I have said earlier, human nature. Just because we are part of the community, this does not mean that we are excused from negative or destructive feelings. Part of being human are having emotions.
The expectation is an "irrational norm" that divides people and sometimes it even repels people away from each other. This is sad because the purpose of the community is to build up faith, not to segregate those sinners from believers. We should keep i mind that we are called in this community to be of service also to others not because we are "better" than them, but because we have succeeded in finding God. So as to pay it forward, we are the ones who now call other souls to help them find the way to God. We are not better than them, we are all the same. The difference is, we have gone through the pain and now that we have succeeded over it, we share to those who are currently going through the same pain how we can help them in surpassing the pain with the help of the community.
Going back to my desire in being acknowledged. I have been having that feeling for a few weeks now, but it was only last week when I heard from Kuya Jack, a partial answer to my desire. The jist of what he said, "Fight for what you believe in. Fight for being a leader. You have to own that feeling and claim it." Of course, this does not mean surpassing the present leaders of the community. What he was trying to say is, if you have that feeling, own it. Do not discourage yourself for the "seed of service" in you is growing and it can no longer be contained. A tree of dedication and faith is being created in us and it can no longer be contained in the services you have now. You are already longing to have a greater service that will benefit greater hearts of people.
Of course, I have yet to experience this. Maybe in this upcoming CLP, this will be my chance to prove to myself how much I have grown and how big of a service I am already longing.
Hope I can share with you in the future my journey to greater service.
Thank you for reading my entry.
Till next time. God bless you all.
Gibbs: "You wouldn't feel the way you feel right now if you weren't ready."
NCIS (about Palmer being a father)
-----------------------------
Totally in a different context as to how the episode plot goes, but the message and the intention is there. Sometimes, we refuse to accept that we are ready for the responsibilities and task that will be assigned to us because:
- we are afraid of failure, or
- we have already failed in our initial attempt, or
- we are afraid of failure the second time around.
Like in service, we know that we are doing the service for God, though there are times that we are discouraged from continuing because we feel that we are not well appreciated for our efforts. This should not be the case!
Recently I was told by Kuya Yury and ate Weng, "always remember who you are serving. Our God, not the people who dictate what you have to do." How ever difficult the strife that is thrown to us His servants, always pray and never lose faith, not only in God but in yourself. We are made in the image and likeness of God, so losing faith in ourselves is like losing faith in God's most precious creations, US.
My household heads (Ate Jen and Ate Alma) always told me, the more you seek the way to Jesus, the more you feel pain in service. Why? because the devil will try to hinder you from following Jesus, it creates circumstances and attacks the most important and sensitive aspects of our lives. This is to push us to our limits for us to give up. Temptations and sacrifices are inevitable when in service. Even now that I am part of the SFC community, I do not hide that fact that there are temptations that are difficult to push away. This brings doubt to myself, my abilities and it gives off that degrading feeling that just makes me lost.
In our lost state, we then start to question God.
Is there something wrong when we question God? My answer to this question was always. No. There is nothing wrong in questioning God. As I quote Pope Francis in one of his dialogues with the Filipino community in Rome,
” In these times of suffering, never tire of asking why, because you will attract the tenderness of the Father and his attention, just as children do when they ask “why”.” - Pope Francis
It comes down to how and what you question God. Of course it's a different level when you question HIS existence though that does not mean atheism or agnosticism. We may just be lost. Being lost is not something we should be ashamed of. In fact, admitting that we are lost makes us stronger because we know when we have done wrong and we begin to have that consciousness to go back to our faith and restore our relationship with God.
This also becomes a preparation for us for a bigger service. It is not a secret that there are times in our lives that we are tested and molded in preparation for a bigger responsibility as a servant of God. We grow and learn as we succeed each trial that are thrown to us. It is this experience that makes us human, these experiences are what we share to those whom we would like to reach out to.
The action of reaching out, breaking away from your comfort zone, learning to share, accepting pain and understanding the people of God are manifestations that we are preparing for the mission of spreading God's love. Because these are the very actions of Jesus. Yes, he is the Son of God, he is a leader, he knows more and better about faith, and yet, he was humble and he did not discriminate the people of God. He even loved them more, despite the sufferings that they have caused him.
Like Jesus, we must be leaders of his people. Our task as leaders is to plant a seed and uphold the faith of each and every single person whom lives we have touched. We are leaders even without the title, as I have heard from one of our teaching nights.
Unfortunately, there are times wherein the lack in "title" is what hinders us from moving forward. Why? Because we are humans, because we have weaknesses. Despite being humble, we do not keep the fact that we too have our aspirations, at some point in our lives we would like to be acknowledged. I myself admit that I would like to be acknowledge for my service. It is, in a way, human nature.
The yearning for acknowledgement was a heavy desire before I realized that I was already "empty". How does that relate? In general, when we are "empty" and lost, we look for a way to compensate for that lose. In my case, I did not realize that I was already empty because of "giving out love" to the point that I wanted to have that feeling that "I am loved" just to compensate for the lost feeling.
Doesn't that make me selfish and insecure? Yes it does. My own "yearning" slowly devoured me to the point of depression.
Why do you have that feeling even if you are already part of the community? The expectation is that you already have an ironclad faith, right?
As I have said earlier, human nature. Just because we are part of the community, this does not mean that we are excused from negative or destructive feelings. Part of being human are having emotions.
The expectation is an "irrational norm" that divides people and sometimes it even repels people away from each other. This is sad because the purpose of the community is to build up faith, not to segregate those sinners from believers. We should keep i mind that we are called in this community to be of service also to others not because we are "better" than them, but because we have succeeded in finding God. So as to pay it forward, we are the ones who now call other souls to help them find the way to God. We are not better than them, we are all the same. The difference is, we have gone through the pain and now that we have succeeded over it, we share to those who are currently going through the same pain how we can help them in surpassing the pain with the help of the community.
Going back to my desire in being acknowledged. I have been having that feeling for a few weeks now, but it was only last week when I heard from Kuya Jack, a partial answer to my desire. The jist of what he said, "Fight for what you believe in. Fight for being a leader. You have to own that feeling and claim it." Of course, this does not mean surpassing the present leaders of the community. What he was trying to say is, if you have that feeling, own it. Do not discourage yourself for the "seed of service" in you is growing and it can no longer be contained. A tree of dedication and faith is being created in us and it can no longer be contained in the services you have now. You are already longing to have a greater service that will benefit greater hearts of people.
Of course, I have yet to experience this. Maybe in this upcoming CLP, this will be my chance to prove to myself how much I have grown and how big of a service I am already longing.
Hope I can share with you in the future my journey to greater service.
Thank you for reading my entry.
Till next time. God bless you all.
2.21.2014
Gifts from God
A gift given by our family and friends are usually given to please us and to make us happy. There is not much responsibility that is attached to these gifts other than taking care of them and preserving them.
How about God's Gifts?
Like gifts from our family and friends, the gifts we receive from God are to be taken cared of and preserved, though it does not stop there. The gifts we receive from God are to be developed, enhanced and nurtured. We grow with these gifts for it builds up our faith. Of all of God's creations, we are the ones who are blessed to receive the Gift's of the Holy Spirit. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to us upon our entry in the Christian world. Though we were still young to nurture them, we receive them and some of us have already used them. Now that we are aware of conscious of the gifts we received from God, our mission is to build it up and use it for the good of the people around us. We are given gifts not only for our own growth in faith but also for the growth of the people of God. We ourselves are gifts and instruments to encourage more men and women to be closer and stronger in faith in Jesus Christ.
Human interaction is one of the gifts we receive from God. Through interaction we can move, acknowledge and experience as a group the love God has given to his people. This is why we have families, friends and communities. We build nations in honor of our Creator. We are the stewards and the most superior of God's creations. This makes us responsible not only of our surroundings/nature, but also, we are responsible for our fellow human being. Being responsible for one another and reaching out to others are forms of spreading the love we received from God.
In the community, the term "God's Gift" is what we call our partners whom we are in a romantic relationship with. Though before we go into a relationship, we discern, pray and ask for advice from our household heads about the relationship we will be pursuing. This is no joke, for like what my "idols" told me before, "Do not be in a relationship if your purpose in merely for companionship. Be in a relationship because you already see yourself together for a lifetime." This is quite a tedious process because this specific gift from God is a huge package. Accepting this specific gift is a responsibility not only for one person but for two people who have made a commitment in honor of God. I will be creating a post to elaborate more on this specific gift from God.
God willingly provide all these gifts to us. We as his people are tasked to improve, develop, enhance and build up these gifts with other people.
Can God take back these gifts?
Personally, I would say yes, but he takes is away temporarily. Why? Why would God take it away? Because He would like to challenge us. He is the only one who knows how great we can grow. He temporarily paralyzes us to make us realize our worth. Though he does not leave us, what he leaves us paralyzed. He stays behind you, supporting you and cheering for you till you end the paralysis in your faith, until you return to his embrace. Then he rewards us with greater gifts that are beyond our expectations.
But what if I give up from the challenges he gives?
Even if you give up, he will catch you and pull you back again in the most unexpected way. He will never leave you because He loves you. Why would he create you if he did not love you?
For us to accept these gifts, we merely need to open our hearts, our minds and learn to listen to His voice in silence. And once we have accepted them, spread the love. But a word of caution, always, always be humble, for God himself humbly gave His love to us.
Who are we to be selfish and not make His love grow?
How about God's Gifts?
Like gifts from our family and friends, the gifts we receive from God are to be taken cared of and preserved, though it does not stop there. The gifts we receive from God are to be developed, enhanced and nurtured. We grow with these gifts for it builds up our faith. Of all of God's creations, we are the ones who are blessed to receive the Gift's of the Holy Spirit. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to us upon our entry in the Christian world. Though we were still young to nurture them, we receive them and some of us have already used them. Now that we are aware of conscious of the gifts we received from God, our mission is to build it up and use it for the good of the people around us. We are given gifts not only for our own growth in faith but also for the growth of the people of God. We ourselves are gifts and instruments to encourage more men and women to be closer and stronger in faith in Jesus Christ.
Human interaction is one of the gifts we receive from God. Through interaction we can move, acknowledge and experience as a group the love God has given to his people. This is why we have families, friends and communities. We build nations in honor of our Creator. We are the stewards and the most superior of God's creations. This makes us responsible not only of our surroundings/nature, but also, we are responsible for our fellow human being. Being responsible for one another and reaching out to others are forms of spreading the love we received from God.
In the community, the term "God's Gift" is what we call our partners whom we are in a romantic relationship with. Though before we go into a relationship, we discern, pray and ask for advice from our household heads about the relationship we will be pursuing. This is no joke, for like what my "idols" told me before, "Do not be in a relationship if your purpose in merely for companionship. Be in a relationship because you already see yourself together for a lifetime." This is quite a tedious process because this specific gift from God is a huge package. Accepting this specific gift is a responsibility not only for one person but for two people who have made a commitment in honor of God. I will be creating a post to elaborate more on this specific gift from God.
God willingly provide all these gifts to us. We as his people are tasked to improve, develop, enhance and build up these gifts with other people.
Can God take back these gifts?
Personally, I would say yes, but he takes is away temporarily. Why? Why would God take it away? Because He would like to challenge us. He is the only one who knows how great we can grow. He temporarily paralyzes us to make us realize our worth. Though he does not leave us, what he leaves us paralyzed. He stays behind you, supporting you and cheering for you till you end the paralysis in your faith, until you return to his embrace. Then he rewards us with greater gifts that are beyond our expectations.
But what if I give up from the challenges he gives?
Even if you give up, he will catch you and pull you back again in the most unexpected way. He will never leave you because He loves you. Why would he create you if he did not love you?
For us to accept these gifts, we merely need to open our hearts, our minds and learn to listen to His voice in silence. And once we have accepted them, spread the love. But a word of caution, always, always be humble, for God himself humbly gave His love to us.
Who are we to be selfish and not make His love grow?
my Beloved Mom
Praying everyday and believing our faith is strong. Encourage others to join, to have a stronger faith in Him. They look up to us and pride creeps in the veins. Eventually humility is shaken aside.
One song, changes it all.
Realization.
I fall at his throne, throwing myself down. Weeping at the foot of His cross and desperately asking for forgiveness. Beating my breast, attacking and blaming myself. Senses betray me and I shiver in fear, loneliness and sorrow.
Warmth envelops my shaking body.
A calming voice. A lullaby.
"Peace! My dear, take rest. Hold not any grudge or trouble against yourself, for my heart weeps with yours. Behold! Your brother smiles down on you for you have returned."
I look up and witness the Virgin Mother, full of grace, compassion and love.
Surrendering in her embrace I weep and yearn to feel her tight embrace.
"My child, your pains are my pains. No matter how sinful and how far you have drifted away. I will always be here to welcome you with open arms and a warm embrace. For you are my child and I love you."
A feeling of serenity in her soothing voice and I lose myself in consciousness.
----------------------------------------------------
This is the story of your servant. It is never over and it is a continuing journey. Every servant of yours goes through a journey of a lifetime that will forever change their lives.Struggles are inevitable and prayers will always be out weapon against oppression. Our "crosses" are not meant to punish us. They are there to serve as our bridges, to help us be closer to Jesus, our brother. Every battle is an experience to find ourselves towards our path, our journey that will bring us to the loving embrace of God the Father and Jesus, His Beloved Son. And in this journey, there is always the loving Mother who intercedes, guides, pleads and prays for us.
I am a sinner, I am no exception even if I am a part of the community. I fall and lose hope. Though that is not a reason to give up and forget my faith. Because of who I am, these gives me more reasons to return to the Mother's loving embrace.
To see the face of God is our hearts desire. We long for Him, to be in His kingdom.
To see the face of the Virgin Mary is a grace. She is the one who reaches out to us. Who runs to our aid in times of need. She cares too much for us that she even pleads in our behalf just for us to feel at peace. She is meek and endures the pain of her children. She is hope and peace.
To see the face of God is our hearts desire. We long for Him, to be in His kingdom.
To see the face of the Virgin Mary is a grace. She is the one who reaches out to us. Who runs to our aid in times of need. She cares too much for us that she even pleads in our behalf just for us to feel at peace. She is meek and endures the pain of her children. She is hope and peace.
She is our loving mother, Mama Mary.
----------------------------------------------------
Inspired by the talks from ICON 2014: Journey Beyond and the music Song of the Beloved by Tito Arnel Santos
1.23.2014
2014
good day everyone. how is your 2014 so far? (^_^)
well, in my case, it has been very nice (^_^)
i was able to go to my services in lectors and commentators and i was able to attend a leader's conference for CFC.
for my family, all seems well. we have a few conflicts but we are still together and we have been talking about our future plans recently. they seem to be more open to the things i have been doing recently and i am really thankful for that (^_^)
there is definitely more to come this year.
i am blessed that i am alive to experience all these.
it makes me feel like a witness to life, to God's greatness, to God's love.
more to see, to experience, to know this 2014.
God bless us all. (^_^)
well, in my case, it has been very nice (^_^)
i was able to go to my services in lectors and commentators and i was able to attend a leader's conference for CFC.
for my family, all seems well. we have a few conflicts but we are still together and we have been talking about our future plans recently. they seem to be more open to the things i have been doing recently and i am really thankful for that (^_^)
there is definitely more to come this year.
i am blessed that i am alive to experience all these.
it makes me feel like a witness to life, to God's greatness, to God's love.
more to see, to experience, to know this 2014.
God bless us all. (^_^)
10.16.2013
CLP 2013 Batch 2 Chronicles: solace
find solace in the people whom you trust and love the most.
find solace in the most unexpected places, people and things.
i have been having personal struggles and i did not know how to address them,
so kept my silence.
i would cry it out, feel better, and then later, it would return.
then, a friend from SFC had a request.
there was nothing new about the request.
i was used to these kind of requests.
the most interesting thing about the request is the timing.
before, i used to believe in coincidence.
but since i started to be part of SFC,
this belief changed.
i now believe that things happen for a reason.
yes, it is painful and hard to accept, but it happens for a reason.
it's difficult to see the light at the end of the dark tunnel, still, it happens for a reason.
anyways, so the timing of the request of my friend was impeccable.
he asked for a dance routine for a song.
i was familiar with the song, so i thought it wasn't a biggie.
then it hit me.
as i was listening to the song, i felt that jolt in my heart.
ideas, visions and animated images filled my head.
i felt goosebumps that i haven't felt for a long time.
this was it!
i knew this was a message from God and his messenger was my friend.
He knew the perfect timing.
He knew how to awaken my senses.
"Here I am helplessly crying in your presence but you never questioned why. with open arms You welcomed me. I find solace in Your embrace."
My Lord, thank you for the people whom you have sent to send you message of concern and love for me.
I thank you for the gift of music, gift of movement and most of all the gift of talent.
I am not the best dancer in the world, but when I dance in your honor, I know that I am blessed with your graces.
Thank you for the people who reminded me of your love.
Thank you for the people who caught me when I was falling.
Thank you for the people who gave time and concern for your lost servant.
Thank you Lord for your grace and love.
Amen.
-----------------------------------------------
special mention: thank you Harris Alas. :)
find solace in the most unexpected places, people and things.
i have been having personal struggles and i did not know how to address them,
so kept my silence.
i would cry it out, feel better, and then later, it would return.
then, a friend from SFC had a request.
there was nothing new about the request.
i was used to these kind of requests.
the most interesting thing about the request is the timing.
before, i used to believe in coincidence.
but since i started to be part of SFC,
this belief changed.
i now believe that things happen for a reason.
yes, it is painful and hard to accept, but it happens for a reason.
it's difficult to see the light at the end of the dark tunnel, still, it happens for a reason.
anyways, so the timing of the request of my friend was impeccable.
he asked for a dance routine for a song.
i was familiar with the song, so i thought it wasn't a biggie.
then it hit me.
as i was listening to the song, i felt that jolt in my heart.
ideas, visions and animated images filled my head.
i felt goosebumps that i haven't felt for a long time.
this was it!
i knew this was a message from God and his messenger was my friend.
He knew the perfect timing.
He knew how to awaken my senses.
"Here I am helplessly crying in your presence but you never questioned why. with open arms You welcomed me. I find solace in Your embrace."
My Lord, thank you for the people whom you have sent to send you message of concern and love for me.
I thank you for the gift of music, gift of movement and most of all the gift of talent.
I am not the best dancer in the world, but when I dance in your honor, I know that I am blessed with your graces.
Thank you for the people who reminded me of your love.
Thank you for the people who caught me when I was falling.
Thank you for the people who gave time and concern for your lost servant.
Thank you Lord for your grace and love.
Amen.
-----------------------------------------------
special mention: thank you Harris Alas. :)
10.10.2013
CLP 2013 Batch 2 Chronicles: relate to others
hostility.
my description of what has been the relationship between me and some of the people that are around me. this does not apply to all but it definitely does apply to a majority. it's quite an empty, bothering and disturbing feeling.
jealousy.
in this competitive world, yearning to get the better half cannot be avoided. it's just painful to realize that i had that feeling towards my friends and the people who are most important to me. i am not saying that i should be jealous of people who i do know know. my point is that, having that feeling is very sad and dangerous, what made it worse is to whom i am jealous of. it is disheartening and unfortunate.
pride.
i am very guilty of this even before, but since the CLP started, i have been more aware of this. i have been trying to keep it down, be humble. unfortunately, there are times that i just want to speak out and prove your point.
there are so much more that i have to tell.
and then, it struck me.
i must have been dwelling too much about it that i have forgotten the light at the end of the road.
this CLP has so many challenges.
i am just thankful that there are people who made me realize my mistakes and bring me back to the "basics" of the duty and purpose being part of the service team.
thank you for the "angels" you have sent.
my description of what has been the relationship between me and some of the people that are around me. this does not apply to all but it definitely does apply to a majority. it's quite an empty, bothering and disturbing feeling.
jealousy.
in this competitive world, yearning to get the better half cannot be avoided. it's just painful to realize that i had that feeling towards my friends and the people who are most important to me. i am not saying that i should be jealous of people who i do know know. my point is that, having that feeling is very sad and dangerous, what made it worse is to whom i am jealous of. it is disheartening and unfortunate.
pride.
i am very guilty of this even before, but since the CLP started, i have been more aware of this. i have been trying to keep it down, be humble. unfortunately, there are times that i just want to speak out and prove your point.
there are so much more that i have to tell.
and then, it struck me.
i must have been dwelling too much about it that i have forgotten the light at the end of the road.
this CLP has so many challenges.
i am just thankful that there are people who made me realize my mistakes and bring me back to the "basics" of the duty and purpose being part of the service team.
thank you for the "angels" you have sent.
over empowerment
"over empowerment leads to pride. be humble at all times"
this was one of the stand outs during our teaching night.
there are more to come,
but...
it may not be what you expect.
this was one of the stand outs during our teaching night.
there are more to come,
but...
it may not be what you expect.
8.29.2013
CLP 2013 Batch 2 Chronicles: the start
today is the start of the CLP. even before this day, we have had our struggles to face. at this very moment i have a struggle in the relationship i have. we are currently trying to work on it, but it's pretty obvious it's going to be a dangerous roller coaster ride.
this is only the start, there will be more temptations and pains in the coming months.
i admit i am very nervous about all of this but i know that prayers, praise songs, word of God, fasting and sacrifice, will be my defense and my offense in this coming months.
Mama Mary, please intercede for us.
Amen.
this is only the start, there will be more temptations and pains in the coming months.
i admit i am very nervous about all of this but i know that prayers, praise songs, word of God, fasting and sacrifice, will be my defense and my offense in this coming months.
Mama Mary, please intercede for us.
Amen.
8.28.2013
CLP 2013 Batch 2 Chronicles: work capabilities
My Lord and my God,
I pray for your guidance at work. At this very moment, I am unsure of my skills as a researcher. I do not want to think that I am merely starting in my role. I would like to be able to deliver, but it seems that I still do not have the skills. I pray that you give me the knowledge, patience, endurance, perseverance and the strength to be able to gain experience in the role that I have right now. I wouldn't like to run away from this struggle that I have right now for I know that you will not give me anything that I cannot face. I give my all to you my Lord. All this struggles that is making me doubt my own capabilities.
There are so many temptations at work my Lord, I ask for your guidance that I may not be easily swayed by these things. Please clear the fog on the path that I am about to tread. May I not be dissuaded and remember the goals that I have set for myself. Despite the plans that I have set for myself my Lord, may I also remember that there are also plans that you have set for me. Please help me accept these plans and fulfill them for your glory.
Lord I would also like to pray for my colleagues, they are young and full of promise my Lord. May they be successful in their future plans and help them Lord in their decisions. We are still young and we admit that we have decisions that may seem to lack discernment. Lord, please provide us with your strength and discernment to have better understanding of the decision we do.
I would also like to pray for those who have difficulty in their work and for those who are content with their work. May they find the strength in them to move forward and remember that at the end of the day, there are just so much we can do. Acceptance that everything that we do will not only benefit us, but also their family, their colleagues and their future generation. May we remember that we must also balance our time between family and work.
For those who have difficulty finding employment O Lord, may they not lose hope and continue to have faith that everything will be provided in the right time. May they treasure the experience that they have until that very moment when they will finally find the right work for them.
All of this Lord, we pray, in Jesus name.
Amen.
There are so many temptations at work my Lord, I ask for your guidance that I may not be easily swayed by these things. Please clear the fog on the path that I am about to tread. May I not be dissuaded and remember the goals that I have set for myself. Despite the plans that I have set for myself my Lord, may I also remember that there are also plans that you have set for me. Please help me accept these plans and fulfill them for your glory.
Lord I would also like to pray for my colleagues, they are young and full of promise my Lord. May they be successful in their future plans and help them Lord in their decisions. We are still young and we admit that we have decisions that may seem to lack discernment. Lord, please provide us with your strength and discernment to have better understanding of the decision we do.
I would also like to pray for those who have difficulty in their work and for those who are content with their work. May they find the strength in them to move forward and remember that at the end of the day, there are just so much we can do. Acceptance that everything that we do will not only benefit us, but also their family, their colleagues and their future generation. May we remember that we must also balance our time between family and work.
For those who have difficulty finding employment O Lord, may they not lose hope and continue to have faith that everything will be provided in the right time. May they treasure the experience that they have until that very moment when they will finally find the right work for them.
All of this Lord, we pray, in Jesus name.
Amen.
8.15.2013
psalm 95
this was the response to the responsorial psalm at the sunday mass last may 4th.
i was so delighted because this was the "theme" of the Selpie musical by 29AD last year, that fortunately i was a part of. (^_^)
here is the shirt they were selling during the musical. (^_^)
"if today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts." -Psalm 95
i was so delighted because this was the "theme" of the Selpie musical by 29AD last year, that fortunately i was a part of. (^_^)
here is the shirt they were selling during the musical. (^_^)
"if today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts." -Psalm 95
8.13.2013
Lord's day June 2013
this is long overdue. (>_<) sorry!
------------------------------------
we are about to start our next clp and i have yet to post this. sooooorrrryyy!!! m ( _ _ ) m
the Lord's day celebration for the clp graduates of June 2013.
both from Nativity and from Philam.
(^_^)
------------------------------------
we are about to start our next clp and i have yet to post this. sooooorrrryyy!!! m ( _ _ ) m
the Lord's day celebration for the clp graduates of June 2013.
both from Nativity and from Philam.
(^_^)
6.13.2013
ate jen's surprise birthday celebration
we had a surprise birthday celebration for ate jen last june 7!
her birthday is june 15, unfortunately, she is at the province during her birthday,
so we decided to give her a surprise party a week before her birthday!
surprisingly, her guests last year, were the same people who attended this year with a few additions. (^_^)
here are the pictures.
in addition, since all of the attendees were music ministry members,
our entertainment that night were each other (^_^)
we sang our heart out to different songs that would randomly come to mind.
it was really a fun night and ate jen was really happy for the surprise celebration (^_^)
advance happy birthday ate jen!
we love you!
her birthday is june 15, unfortunately, she is at the province during her birthday,
so we decided to give her a surprise party a week before her birthday!
surprisingly, her guests last year, were the same people who attended this year with a few additions. (^_^)
here are the pictures.
in addition, since all of the attendees were music ministry members,
our entertainment that night were each other (^_^)
we sang our heart out to different songs that would randomly come to mind.
it was really a fun night and ate jen was really happy for the surprise celebration (^_^)
advance happy birthday ate jen!
we love you!
i serve for God
thank you Lord for all the opportunities that you have given me to share my talent in dancing and to serve you!
i know that statement/declaration is not enough to say how blessed and thankful i am for the talent, opportunity and graces that God has give me.
the first off the list was during our cluster sportsfest.
i was able to dance once again with my idols, mimi and che.
though short, i really appreciate this opportunity because they have been quite busy recently so i was really thankful for that moment!
second, i was given an opportunity to be part of the production team during the CFC West B Cana weekend.
in addition to that, i was the assigned photographer for the event!
but that blessing and opportunity did not end there,
i also had the chance to perform a jazz number during the event.
i was truly blessed and i am thankful for the opportunity that was given to me.
i would like to take this opportunity to thank ate Gracelyn Romero for giving me this opportunity.
thank you for the friendship that has started and the bonds that have strengthened because of these events and opportunities that i have been part of.
my service to God will definitely not end here.
the service continues and i shall do my best to accept the services that i am called to be part of.
to share my time, my talent and my treasure,
all for God and his people!
amen!
i know that statement/declaration is not enough to say how blessed and thankful i am for the talent, opportunity and graces that God has give me.
the first off the list was during our cluster sportsfest.
i was able to dance once again with my idols, mimi and che.
though short, i really appreciate this opportunity because they have been quite busy recently so i was really thankful for that moment!
second, i was given an opportunity to be part of the production team during the CFC West B Cana weekend.
in addition to that, i was the assigned photographer for the event!
but that blessing and opportunity did not end there,
i also had the chance to perform a jazz number during the event.
i was truly blessed and i am thankful for the opportunity that was given to me.
i would like to take this opportunity to thank ate Gracelyn Romero for giving me this opportunity.
thank you for the friendship that has started and the bonds that have strengthened because of these events and opportunities that i have been part of.
my service to God will definitely not end here.
the service continues and i shall do my best to accept the services that i am called to be part of.
to share my time, my talent and my treasure,
all for God and his people!
amen!
5.24.2013
reunion!
jenette came back from her training from the Philippine Coast Guard.
my original household in sfc. (^_^)
my original household in sfc. (^_^)
5.13.2013
jogging
yesterday, a handful of us from sfc went to IP Diliman for a 6.6 km jog around the academic oval. (^_^) after that, we ate ice cream at a waiting shed along the elliptical road. that's something you don't do everyday (^_^) pictures here!
5.11.2013
birthday celebration
i would like to take this opportunity to thank those who were able to attend my celebration. i really hope you guys enjoyed the night. (^_^)
pictures
one of the may performances that night
and lastly, pizza making video!
pictures
one of the may performances that night
and lastly, pizza making video!
5.04.2013
BIRTHDAY!
hi everyone! last tuesday, i had an unexpected celebration... ooopps, make that two. (^_^)
i was surprised during lunch time by my colleagues from QUEST and ET recruitment team of macquarie. they treated me to a sumptuous lunch at mom and tina's. in addition to that, they gave a dulce de leche cake (^_^)
at home, i knew that the music min had a practice at home, but in the later part of the night we were already celebrating my birthday! we had lots of food and had a few entertainment of our own (^_^)
hopefully i could find a way to retrieve some of the photos from my dad's camera. (^_^)
i was surprised during lunch time by my colleagues from QUEST and ET recruitment team of macquarie. they treated me to a sumptuous lunch at mom and tina's. in addition to that, they gave a dulce de leche cake (^_^)
at home, i knew that the music min had a practice at home, but in the later part of the night we were already celebrating my birthday! we had lots of food and had a few entertainment of our own (^_^)
hopefully i could find a way to retrieve some of the photos from my dad's camera. (^_^)
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