God Uses My Weaknesses

God’s love for His people is endless and eternal. Unconditional love is what God give to His children despite of being sinful. Human is naturally born to have weaknesses. Right? You cannot immediately discover your weaknesses until you are in maturity. Your parents are the ones who first know you’re weaknesses but not 100%.

In dictionary, weaknesses defines us the property of lacking physical or mental strength; liability to failure under pressure or stress or strain. When we asked about our teacher “What are your weaknesses?” you will probably have this hesitation to say it because you are afraid to be under-estimate by others or judge by others. Am I right? I have experienced this feeling already. I guess human as we are we normally feel the same feelings.

Weaknesses are a God’s gifts to us. Yes, it is! God never give something on His child without reason and purpose on it. Instead, God plans all the things that you have; you will have in the future for a great purpose and mission. Purpose to get to know and closer to him. Mission of spreading the Good News.

Weeks ago I just learned how God uses our weaknesses and why He let these weaknesses be part in our lives. Imagine yourself if you don’t have these weaknesses, will you still have the courage to know God? Do you still want to deepen your faith knowing that you can do everything? You might forget God for everything that you have is the strengths. Everything will go easy. As a result, people will forever forget God especially in good times. In reality, we tend to go back to God in times of problems and trials in life. This is not a good attitude. We have to bear in our minds that whatever happens we will always remember God whether in times of ups and downs.

In my own experienced, God really uses my weaknesses to get closer to Him and to have an intimate relationship with Him. Way back when I was a child, I always have this hesitation to tell to my friends about my weaknesses because they always see me as a strong individual. Yet, I am not. But this time, I am not afraid nor hesitate to reveal my weaknesses to other people might be my friends, office mates, sisters and brothers in Christ or to my family and my special someone or the reader’s of my blog because I believed that these weaknesses helps me to have great fear to God and to surrender my life to Him by giving service to other people.

Listed below are my weaknesses in life as a Christian:

 

• I am lazy – Yes, I am lazy. After I got home after work, I just sleep and wake up to eat and sleep again for tomorrow. This happens whenever we don’t have any meetings in our church organization.
• Irritable – I am an irritable person. I get easily irritated if I don’t like that certain person or thing or situation.
• Fearful – My boyfriend said to me “You are a very strong individual”. The truth is I am weak, I am fearful. I am afraid to what will be my future. How long will I live in this world? Will I get to heaven when I die? Did I do my mission and purpose in this world? These are some of the questions that I am more afraid because I don’t know the answers.
• Pride – I have this pride. Sometimes, I don’t want to be corrected.
• Self-centered – I usually want to be appreciated with others especially to persons who are very close in my heart.

These are some weaknesses that I have in life. I am proud to say it, for without these weaknesses I will never become faithful and fearful to God. My laziness uses God because every time I joined seminars and talks in our organization, this weakness is always an example of sin. As a result, I always prayed and talk to God asking for forgiveness. Whenever weaknesses arise in a situation God always there sending an instrument for me to know and realized that I have done wrong.  I just thank God for giving me the gift wisdom and knowledge. I will pray and ask for God’ guidance.

I tell you, starting today do not be afraid to tell your weaknesses because these will help you to get closer to God and someday will lead you become a successful person. God be praise! “Store up yourself in heaven not in this world because everything that is seen is temporary and those unseen is eternal.”

 

MY BAPTISM EXPERIENCED!

All of my life God is always my savior because He is always lift me up when I’m down. He guided me in the right paths through out  my journey in this world. In my entire life, I always dreamed that someday I will be able to join an organization in one of the Catholic Church here in CDO, be able to share my talents to God and to serve people who are in need. These are some of my dreams in life.

I always believed that nothing is impossible to God. I believed in His power. I waited. .. Until such time, one of my neighbor named (Thetel) invited me to joined their organization (SFC) Singles for Christ. Of course, it is all for single people men or women who wanted to get closer to God. That time I was in my 2^nd year as a college student of (MPSC ) Mindanao Polytechnic  State College now Mindanao University of Science and Technology. Yes, you read it right! I was a college student that time. To tell you the truth, the moment I hear her invitation, I was in doubt. Why? It is because I am afraid that my grandmother (Nanay) will not let me joined the organization.

But God has been so good all the time. I just couldn’t explain that the moment I asked permission to my Nanay that I want to joined SFC organization, she just immediately said “(YES, you can join)”.  I can’t explain the feelings I had that moment. I believed that God has called and chose me to be part of this community.

To make the story short, I joined their (CLP) Christian Life Program every Sunday, 1:00PM- 4:00PM. It was held at Cathedral Church. As I attended the CLP every Sunday, I realized that the Holy Spirit has touches me already through the words of God uttered by the speakers. The message every Sunday brought light into my daily living as a Christian. I have learned lessons that are useful in my life. One major event in our CLP that I will never forget is our BAPTISM.

BAPTISM is a form or an act of baptizing a Christian to fully be part in an organization. I can’t imagine how powerful God be. As we travel our way to the area were we held our BAPTISM, I felt so excited, nervous and curious of the event because I don’t have any ideas what will be the flow of the event. Then we arrived safely in the area. I was so shocked at the same time speechless for I get amazed by the beauty of the Church. It was indeed beautiful!

The flow of the event started. We had our praised and worshiped. Wow! I can feel the Holy Spirit leading on me that very moment. The music sounds so great. The voices are like angels singing up above in Heaven worshipping and glorifying God. Without noticing, I was crying and crying. I was carried away by the music. Whenever fast songs played, I can’t keep myself dancing and jumping, raising my hands and singing with a very loud voice. I concluded that day as one of my most unforgettable day of my life.

There’s a part of that event when my DGL (Discussion Group Leader) fetch their members one by one to be fully baptized. When my turn comes, I was walking with my closed eyes. As I arrived in the area where they baptized me, I sat down on a chair. As far as I can remember there are 4 four of them who baptized me. Now, the prayers started. As the Holy Spirit leading on them, they started to speak different languages. I knew that was one of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit the “Gift of Toungue” wherein you can speak your desires, praises, concerns and thanksgiving to God through. This is one way of communicating the Holy Spirit in which God only understands the prayer. This is the greatness and power of the Holy Spirit.

 

To continue, I realized that I was totally crying with a very loud voice. Suddenly, I hear one of them it’s like she is very near to me whispering the prayers. It was relieving and with the greatness of God, I received the Gifts of Tongue. Yes, I was able to pray using different languages. It was really nice. I saw God in my vision. He embraces me and He said to me “I love you my child”. Wow! I just kept on crying as I heard God whispered to me that words.

That moment I reflect, I remembered all my sins. I asked for forgiveness and God forgive me. I have come to realized how great is our God that despite of our sins He will always forgive us and forever love us. I must say that I am so blessed and lucky enough for God choose me to  be one of His servant. It is said “MANY ARE CALLED BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN”. God loves me so much for He let me know Him better and earlier. I just want to know you God that “I love you so much”. Forgive me for my trespasses and I will serve you forever.

 

My Church Organization (-_;)

SINGLES FOR CHRIST CATHEDRAL CHAPTER

 

God is good all the time..

GOD IS OUR REDEEMER AND SALVATION. HE IS WORTHY TO BE PRAISED FOREVER!

I just can’t help myself totally speechless and touched by the song of praises. It makes my day complete and colorful regardless with all the trials that I am facing. I believed that somehow my trials will turn in to a triumph for God is with me all the time. God will make a way when there’s seem to be no way. Hosanna in the highest!

 

 

THE GOOD NEWS

THE GOOD NEWS

I have been through many journeys in my life, passing through many “roads” – rough roads, crooked roads, thorny and bushy roads. My experiences as wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, friend and perhaps even enemy to others, have given me an edge over others when it comes to “life experiences”.

The crossroads of my life came when I joined a renewal community for couples. It is the community that led me on the “Road Emmaus”. There have been many trials, difficulties and struggles. But, like the disciples who recognized Christ when He broke bread with them, the community opened my eyes to the many possibilities that brought me to the road of spiritual renewal. The community is a gift from God to me. It may not be a perfect one, but it has set me on my path to holiness and happiness. It has opened my eyes not only to see Christ in the work with the poor but also see the holy will of God accomplished in spite of the trials.

I have committed myself to tell others the wonderful work of God in  my life. I enjoy my out-of-town trips, and I love encouraging others to talk about what God has done for them. All of us have been gifted by God and the outside world needs to know what God has done for us.

“Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.” Luke 24:35

 

FEAR NOT

FEAR NOT

Man by nature is fearful, emotional and full of uncertainties. We tend to find security by clinging to a life raft that could sink and become useless. This happened to me when I decided to retire from my job in order to transfer to another company but eventually went down due to economic drought. I have been able to continue to survive, life goes on. God is teaching me to trust in Him.

Another fear was when I was given a special assignment in our Christian community. I was afraid that I lacked the expertise for the task.

In all these times I cling to the Lord, knowing that in the midst of the storm and trials of life, the God of my life is there saying “Fear not, it is I”. Jesus is using my brothers and sisters in the community to help me serve Him best. I have learned, in a deeper sense to love, care and serve others specially the poor.

“It is I; do not be afraid.” John 6:20

 

LIFE MULTIPLIED BY PRAYERS

LIFE MULTIPLIED BY PRAYERS

Everybody yearns for a miracle, but not everybody believes it could still happen in this day and age. Thank God I have witnessed many in my lifetime.

In November 2003, I was about to give a presentation in my MBA class for our finals when I received a text from my sister. She said mom was rushed to the hospital because she was vomiting blood. I then excused myself from the professor and rushed to see mom.

In the emergency room while mom was placed under a respirator, I prayed the rosary out loud. While the doctors searched for mom’s real illness, I sang praise songs and read from “In His Steps” to mom. To prepare mom for whatever God has planned, she received anointing from the hospital chaplain and also received Holy Communion. She also allowed me to go to my prescheduled talk on “Prayers and Scriptures”  at our chapter’s “Covenant Orientation”. Upon my return from the talk, mom’s diagnosis was clear that it was atypical pneumonia. She was treated accordingly and she survived the battle.

“He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do.” John 6:6

 

OUR DEEPEST NEED

OUR DEEPEST NEED

In my teens, I helped tend my grandmother’s garden where she grew orchids and other plants. I would take a tin bucket and fill it with water to the brim, then bring it over the plants to water them. I felt the sense of refreshment being brought to the plants whose roots have nearly dried because of the hot weather. I could see the plants “dance” as I splashed generous amounts of water over all of them. It felt good knowing for the moisture those plants needed for the day.

In the same way, God continues to give his Spirit to anyone who asks. God knows how dry our lives can be without his help. Ask the Lord today to generously pour out his Spirit on your mind, heart, and soul until it is filled to the brim. soon you will find yourself dancing with joy because God has satisfied your deepest need.

“For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.” John 3:34

 

BRINGING LIGHT TO THE WORLD

BRINGING LIGHT TO THE WORLD

I am constantly amazed with the sharing I hear at the international conference of a women’s catholic community I belong to. I know a few of the shares personality and they are intelligent, sensitive, successful women in their fields of endeavor.

What come out sincerely from the heart is the honest acceptance of their past sinful lives which they share openly and without reservation. It is a measure of their love for the Lord and a genuine desire to rid themselves of deadly sins, putting it behind them after accepting God’s forgiveness and redemption. By bringing the truth about their lives to the light, then the mercy and forgiveness of the Lord shines forth and they become a shining example to men. Clearly, we can lay our sins at the foot of the cross and God will cleanse and redeem us unconditionally.

Their faces reveal an inner glow, a joy and peace that can come only from the Lord. May we all be not ashamed to reveal our darkest sins before the Lord that we too may know the freedom that comes from being redeemed by His love.

“But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.” John 3:21.”

 

STRUGGLES IN BANGKOK

STRUGGLES IN BANGKOK

In my three years in the renewal, I’ve encountered difficult struggles in my SFC life. I always feel resentment whenever I see gay couples here in Bangkok. I used to feel pity for myself or even deprived of my own happiness. I always end up going to the places where I can be weak and most of the time, I’d end up sinning. At times I would find myself praying in tears, asking God for forgiveness, but there are other moments when I go on with my day without praying at all.

Despite my stubbornness, God still chose me to testify. He chose me to bring out the truth. The truth continues to set me free and He heals me as I continue  to follow His will for me.

For two years now, I have been free from the sin of having sexual relationships with men. I am abide to avoid those places by not being alone. I’ve passed so may good opportunities to be attracted sexuality, though each time I avoid doing it, it is painful and frustrating. But whenever I ask God to hold me tight, to comfort me and take control of me, tears fall and I feel the happiness inside. Since then, I believe that God has placed me in His heart to love and to hold forever.

“Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen..” John 3:11