FEAST MAKATI article- FEAST IS FAMILY

When I started attending the Feast Makati Legaspi 2 years ago, I had at least 2-3 close friends consistently attending with me. Even if it was just a small group, I was happy to feel that I found a home, where my heart truly belongs. We would even go hopping from one Feast to another, from PICC, and sometimes to BGC. Then, we started to join Caring Groups too (now called Light Group), and we get to know other attendees in this Catholic Community.

But it was not an easy climb where I effortlessly found myself uphill. Slowly, maybe because of the difference in locations and other priorities, I found myself attending the Feast alone. I would see my former CG mates, but then again, most of the time, it would be me, myself and I. It was a struggle, but I knew that the Feast keeps my life sane, it is my refuge and solace; thus, I had to go on. What inspired me back then was when I heard from our Builder that “those empty chair/s beside you will be filled with friends.” I envision that one day, I will have more Feast Buddies and friends at the Feast. And yes, even if it took some time, I did.

Bro. Randy was right in saying that you may start attending the Feast alone in your first few months at the Feast, but in two years’ time, at least, there should or will be people who will constantly keep you in company. Now, I had no longer empty chairs beside me, for they are filled with friends who will even walk with me till the UV Express Terminal. Thank you for the Feasters I met in the CGs I have been part of, and for the ministries where I volunteered; I have found another Family, my Family in God.

Had I given up a few years back and had I been overcame with doubt, I would not have met these amazing and inspiring friends I have right now. I felt good when a former CG mate complimented that even if my former Feast Buddies are no longer attending the Feast Makati anymore, here I am, still consistent in my attendance and even in service. Indeed, God will never leave you where you are. He will help you pick up the pieces. Thank you God for prodding and pushing me to simply attend and listen to the talks, even if there were times before that I have to laugh, sing, cry, and pray on my own. You have blessed me with not just one person who will keep me in constant company, but even more than what I asked for.

Maybe right now, you feel so empty and alone. If you are attending the Feast, too, don’t give up. The Feast is your family, too. There are a lot of people here who are more than willing to accompany, pray for, and listen to you. With an open heart, smile and also reach out. For in this “happiest place on earth,” no one is ever alone. J

Of All Things New

Whenever the New Year comes, I feel as if I’m closing another chapter of my life’s story. It’s an overwhelming feeling, knowing that you are about to start a new chapter of your life and fill it with more stories. Of course, we have no control as to the unexpected or unpleasant things that might come our way, but we can always set our mind to focus on the good. This is actually what I am most thankful about the New Year, as I bid goodbye to the memories of yesterday, I now have the opportunity to make things right and change things for the better. The New Year allows me to fondly reminisce the memories and to learn from the mistakes of the year that was, and to live with hope and make more dreams turn into a reality.

               A New Year is a New Beginning, which means time to start afresh. We may have regrets and mistakes during the past year, but the New Year is an opportune time to forget the hurt, pain, disappointments, and rejections we had. It is once said that it is not good to bring those ill-feelings as it would hinder the good luck coming our way. True enough, when we let go of all the negatives, we feel lighter and more capable of doing more productive things, which in the end will make us feel good about ourselves. A New Year is another chance given to us to do what we still can- to love, to apologize, to forgive, to let go, to be brave, to explore. It tells us that life is ours for the making, and not everyone is given this precious chance. Hence, we should use this chance wisely, as much as we can.

               Likewise, a New Year is the time to set our priorities and live our dreams. Were there things that you failed to do and give time to during the past year? Were there things that you were not able to pursue? Perhaps, this New Year is the best time to plan it out and fulfill that long live dream of yours. May it be to learn a new skill or hobby, meet new people, find your one true love, travel to more places- this new year is a good time to make it come true. Isn’t it exciting knowing that there is a lot you can actually do in 1 year, 12 months, 366 days? The days fly quickly, so if there’s one thing you have been yearning to do, the time to start that is Now.

               Lastly, a New Year is a promise to Change for the Better. It feels good to know that when we change calendars, we also have that feeling within that we became a better version of our self compared to how we were before. And we owe this change to all the experiences, both the good and the bad, that made us the person who were today. This New Year, we can claim that we are stronger, bolder, tougher, and wiser. And knowing that there are far more better things coming than the ones we left behind, surely, we will continue growing and improving as the days go by.

               A New Year is a New Life which we all owe to God. It is Him who grant us the number of days by which we live and breathe. I hope, that as we all welcome the Year 2016, we all say our fervent prayer of thanks and offering. We give thanks both for the triumphs and challenges of 2015, and offer to God our plans, intentions, and grandest dreams for 2016. Thank you Lord, for this precious chance and opportunity to make the most out of life.  

And as a famous song once said “Today is where your book begins, the rest is still unwritten.” Go ahead. Continue to write your life story with the guidance of God. Happy New Year! Claiming for a breakthrough Year 2016 with all of you!

have a lift of faith

Was there ever a time in your life when you felt impatient because things are not happening the way you want them to? Do you feel frustrated because your prayers seem unheard and your dreams are not coming true? When doubt seems to kick on, it is always good to know that there is one thing that can fuel the heart, mind, body and soul - faith.

Hebrews 1: 11 tells us that "faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see". Faith enables us to dance today and response to the kindness we received. And while faith gives us the strength to endure life's pain, hope provides the ability to hear the music of the future. As Emmanuel Teney puts it "As your faith is strengthened you will find that there is no longer the need to have a sense of control, that things will flow as they will, and that you will flow with them, to your delight and benefit. Hence, let us keep the faith today, and remain hopeful for our future. 

Whenever we feel like losing battles, we can always remind ourselves of how Jesus can create miracles, even in the bleakest of all situations. The only weapon that we need is faith, like that of the woman who touched Jesus and believed she will be healed. In the same manner, Jesus raised a dead girl, brought her to life, and said that she is "not dead but asleep." These stories reveal that 1) it is not enough to touch Jesus, you have to touch Jesus with faith and 2) sometimes what we call dead is just dormant to God. It all takes the courage to take a risk of faith, and God will surprise us beyond wonders.

Indeed, God will not give anything that you can't handle. Likewise, it is best to maintain a positive mindset because faith can do three things. First, Faith will make you talk to yourself. It allows us to declare things and utter positive words, whatever is in the heart. Second, Faith always points to Jesus, the author and finisher of all. Jesus is the focal point of Faith. Likewise, Faith is not Faith until it's all you are holding to. Third, Faith will always cause you to make some room.  If our dreams are not yet coming true, it does not mean we have to stop dreaming. As the story of the dead girl shows, what may be "dead" to us is just "dormant" to God. Therefore, we should give it some room to understand, to hope, and just respond by faith. Before giving it an expiration date, give it a chance. Take a risk and soon, God will grant your deepest desires.

Do you want to create miracles out of your life and receive surprises that will sweep off your feet? Have a lift of faith that your order in this restaurant called "life" will come soon, because we have the best chef and creator of all things- God. :)

dare to achieve

Another write up for the Makati Feast. Am using my core gifts for God's glory! Ameeennnn!

Dare to Achieve

                How badly do you want your dream? How far will you go to make your dreams turn into a reality? Everyone is given the ability to dream and to fulfill our heart’s deepest desires.   We have the mind to imagine, the heart to believe and keep the faith, and our hands and feet to move and go for what we dream of.  So if your dream still remains as an image in your head, maybe now is the right time to stand up, reach out, and act on it.

                Do you really want to achieve? You can, if you hold on to your faith- the assurance of the things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. However, faith isn’t just a purchase order. Most importantly, it is a job order. Thus, faith without works is dead. And to best express our faith, there should be an accompanying action to it. We need the desperation which enables us to gather our energy and do something.

                Furthermore, there are two levels of experiencing miracles. First, is when God gives you miracles. Sometimes, when you least expect it, God will give his “manna from heaven.” Second, and even better than that, is when God gives you the power to produce miracles, because God is someone who believes in your abilities to. We can all choose to be the miracle waiter, who simply sits still and waits until something happen, or be the miracle worker, who uses his God-given gifts to make his dreams come true. Likewise, we can either be contented with the adequate miracles given to us, which is “just enough.” Or we can experience abundant miracles- overflowing and more than expected, if we strive to be a miracle worker.

                But how can we the miracle worker that God wants us to be? God only wants two things. We need to have the audacity to ask, for God has the ability to perform. Do not be hesitant to proclaim your dreams to God, because He is our father who wants to know what His child specifically dreams of. Also, we have to act, for God gives us the ability, something in which we can participate in. Greater works will come when you believe and even more, we can produce miracles by faithful action.

                So will you sit down and simply wait? Have the courage and fulfill your dreams. Ask and act, for all you know, God is just waiting for you to do so. And whilst on the process of asking and acting, keep the faith in your heart aflame. Never give up on your dreams and in your faith in God, hold on tight and never let go. Believe that with you and God together as a team, both of you can achieve. J

                

what kind of a vampire are you?

Do you have a difficult person in your life? Do you have that someone who seems to suck the life and joy out of you? If yes, then you've got a "vampire" in your life. Having someone who annoy, pester, and do everything to steal your happiness is difficult and draining, so why not get to know more about that vampire in your life.

First, why are there vampires around? Where are they actually coming from? Actually, these vampires are not just there to simply play around with us. More often than not, these difficult people are also going through something difficult in their lives and the only way they can deal with it is by projecting that to someone else. And if you are a weakling whose feet is not stronghold on the ground, you will easily be victimized by these bloodsuckers. Whenever they make someone feel low because of their pestering, they feel as if they are superior and powerful. So knowing that these vampires are not as monstrous and humongous as they be, will you still allow yourself to be belittled and affected by them? Think again. :)

Second, what are the different kinds of vampires? Look at the list below and reflect. Are you one of them? Does the list remind you of someone you know?

1. Criticizing Vampire: This kind of vampire corrects the wrongs of the world. He feels righteous and has the eye to see the imperfect world around him.

2. Controlling Vampire: Confrontational, pushy and aggressive. He uses forceful personality or his anger to intimidate. This vampire is also a bully to others.

3. Complaining Vampire: He is a giant victim of life's catastrophes. Even if you offer help to this person, he will often find it difficult to execute. 

4. Clinging Vampire: They are the parasites that always look for someone to devour. This type of person cannot be alone.

5. Crying Vampire: They are the type of people who are oversensitive.

6. Coward Vampire: The nicest persons in the world who finds it difficult to say "No."

7. Con Vampire: This vampire is good at lying and honestly believes in his own lies.

Now that we know more about the characteristics of these vampires or difficult people, let's take it as a challenge to know ourselves better. Ask yourself a question "Am I one of them?" And if you are, what steps will you take to make life easier for you so you won't be a burden to someone else. Life is difficult but that does not give you the permission to make life a curse for others. Or if you don't think that life is difficult, then you make it difficult for someone else.