My Great Adventure

So Blessed

2006-12-15T16:41:00.000+08:00

I just want to share this blessing. This has blown up my mind. I receied it today. This is not something material or tangible, but this is somthing that will fill my life with meaning. This will make me a better person, I know this will bring out the best in me.

Are you ready?

I have been given a new assignment! Aside from my GKY assignment, I will be the Sector Head of SOUTH A - Metro Manila!So blessed!!! I can't contain it! Thank you Lord!

With great powers, comes great responsibilities i know but Today I thank God for putting me on the best position to influence other people. thank you God. Please Guide me. Tahnk you for enlarging my borders. May I glorify you each day! I love you!

I am falling in Love

2006-11-30T17:41:00.000+08:00

I am so much in awe of what has done in my Life. Last November 24-29, 2006, I was just blown away by the love of God for me. He has entrusted my to be the Team Leader of the Junior Pioneer College from Singapore who will be coming to the Philippines to build in Tarlac. The moment that we were chosen I felt greatness inside me grows. I know that I will really expereince the greatest ride of my life. And I was right! I have seen His Power and Majesty by bringing me to the crater of Mt. Pinatubo.

It was breath-taking. The 1 and 1/2 hour rough 4x4 jeep ride to the base and the tiring 2 and 1/2 hour trekking is excrutiating and tiring. But once I got to the top, it was washed away in a second. It is true! The Beauty of God's creation could never ne compared. My mind and heart is blown away by His emmence love for me. I felt a deep sense of oneness with him.

Together with the 3 other service team we went into the base of the crater and refreshed our face with the soothing water from the base of the earth. I felt like fying with the lightness of feeling that I have. I couldn't have expereince this great privilege if I have left Philippines.

I consider this as one of God's gioft to me. He has given me a glimpse of His wonderful creation. My companions could attest you'd never think we have such wonderful place like this in our country.

This experience makes me proud even more that I AM A FILIPINO. And I have to admit, I am FALLING IN LOVE WITH GOD MORE.

ps. to see my other photos visit: leahcustodio.multiply.com

I created a Slide Show! Check it out!

2006-11-07T15:59:00.000+08:00

Care Bears Reunion

2006-10-23T12:49:00.000+08:00

It is great to know that you have friends you can lean on to when you are in need. Just being with these people is a great honor. They are God's angels to my life. I praise God that I am one of them. Our mission is to bring love to the World. Spread Love Care Bears!!!!

SFC Global Leader's Forum

2006-10-23T12:40:00.000+08:00

Palace in the Sky!

surprises and miracles

2006-09-08T13:30:00.000+08:00

Better hope than expect. For in expecting you may get disappointed if things don't go positively, but in hoping you invite surprises and miracles.

Last 2 month ago i was supposed to go out of the country to attend a conference. I was going to claim that promise since it was overdue. But I guess God has other plans. We got denied in the visa interview. I did not resent it nor quetioned God. I was just patiently waiting and Hoping. Doing what I am supposed to do as a missionary.

I underwent even more challenges for this past months. I just ask the Lord to keep me in His love. I continue to believe. Last September 5, 2006, I celebrated my 1st year anniversary as a missionary. I thank the Lord for his faithfulness! I asked the Lord what to do next. I presented Him my plan to go on further studies. I don't know how that will happen since I find it hard to give up service. Anyhow that was my heart's desire.

As I was plotting my future plans, God has already decided what will happen to me. Yesterdaym September 7, 2006. I receieved a phone call from my top elder telling me I was chosen to go to a Mission in Africa. And here's the catch, I am to leave in 2 weeks. I was really surprised. I did not expect it to be this soon. The first thing I thought, what would I bring. I didn't thought of what will happen if I leave.

My heart is ready to go. The Lord answered my deepest desire. More than my plan for my self, His great plan prevails. I don't know what will happen to me there but for sure God has instored for me the greatest blessings in y life. I will claim HIs love for me and share it to the world.

Praise God for His faithfullness. Continue to hope for his perfect and wonderful plan will soon unfold in your life. Blessed be the name of the Lord. His faithfullness endures forever. I love you Lord.

There is no such thing as Inferior Grace

2006-08-01T16:14:00.000+08:00

I attended the Mass yesterday. It was noon.. It's supposed to be very hot but I had to wear my longsleeves because it's been raining. I can hear my stomach rumbling but I had to fast an hour before the mass. I came in the cozy chapel at the back of SM Mall in Delgado. I can feel the coolness of the aircon. I saw a couple of reminders was being flashed to the wall through the multi media. Good thing I have ample time to reflect before the mass.

I did.

The mass started, I was alone in my pew. I wondered why, maybe I have angels sitting right next to me, no body wants to sit beside me becase it's already full. Any how, the mass went on, I was listening intently to the Gospel, looking forward for God's message. Amazing! I gained a lot of wisdom from simply sitting alone in my bench listening to God speaking to me personally.

He said, that there is no such thing is inferior grace. What ever it is that I have, is a gift. I should look into myself, review my life and find out the graces that He has given me. Share the talents that I have to glorify God. I examined myself and what talent can I share the world. I may not be very good in all aspect but as what Papa Jesus said, there is no such thing as inferior grace. All is given to you has a purpose. Use whatever that is given you. If you use it for the greater glory of God it will ake you a saint....

It kept on ringing on my mind... after mass I went to SM and passed by the rear entrance. It is peaceful there. Not much rush. A couple of customers buying stuff. I went near to a stoll selling Magic Sing Microphones and asked if I can sing. What was I doing? Before I could think twice she said yes and gave me the list of songs to choose from.

I sang two songs and decided it was enough. I was ready to leave when the attendant asked me to sing another song. I coudn't say no and sang anyway... then another song, then another, then another. Before I knew it some aatending are coming near to look in.. I was quite fushed but I said, they don't know me anyway. I decided to sing one last song, then leave and head off to where I am supposed to go. But the security guard came to the attendant and asked if I could sing his song. When Shiela asked for His request, I did said yes. Before the song stared I dedicated the song to him. I was glad to see him smile.

The last note ended, it was time for me to go. I can see flashes of smile around me. Of the customers, of the tenants of the security guards... I realized I've been singing for the past one hour. What was I doing? I just smiled and thnaked God for the opportunity to serve others with the grace to sing.

I felt good inside, and it flashed a smile on my face. They asked me to come bak the following day. Sure I will come back. I have realized there is no such thing as inferior grace. You may think that you may nit be good in your stuff but ei, you can serve the world with it. Just do it for the glory of God! Before you know it you have evangelized people around you.

Take time to just look around and serve with the grace that you have, All for the Glory of God!

Bounce Back

2006-07-25T12:25:00.000+08:00

What happens when someone breaks your heart?

When someone breaks your heart, first you are shocked. Someone will say you are heartbroken and you examine the words break and heart and heartbroken and immediately decide that it's inaccurate. You feel pain in the region of your heart and you think it's your heart breaking but one's heart doesn't really break, something else does--- faith. You stop believing.

No, not in the big things which are most of the time irrelevant. You still believe in God or Buddha or some Supreme Being, you still believe child prostitution is bad. You just stop believing in the small things that you do, the small things that give meaning to your daily life, and you begin to think everything is pointless: Why get up? Why dress up? Why breathe in and out? What for? What for?

When someone breaks your heart (your faith), you stop believing and you switch off the lights inside your heart. Someone is home but that someone is lying in the dark, in the room farthest from the gate, and that someone can't hear anything. Friends, parents, they call out to her from the gate (come out which means move on) but they are unheard, unseen, unacknowledged.

When someone breaks your heart, you turn into a small ball of self-pity. You lie in the bed, in a ball. You hug your knees, keeping them close to your chest like a fetus. Freud said it's human instinct to go back to the womb where we can feel safe.

But that's what happens when someone breaks your heart-- they steal everything that makes you feel safe, whole, intact.

I have been heart broken but my heart is still whole. Maybe for some time I was just down hearted but faith can be pumped up. That's what happened to me. I struggled to believe again. It was hard to hope again, because it does not make you immune to pain and hurts, but i have learned that it makes you less of a person. For the essense of life is to enjoy and savor all that is given to you. No exception to the bitter and sad experiences. In the journey I have learned to bounce back and get on to my feet again. For life must go on... There is a great turn out out of the experiences in your life. If you will just positively look on the the brighter side of life . You can still say blessed be the name of the Lord if you will seek the wisdom out of it.

Hoping is Believing

2006-07-20T17:40:00.000+08:00

Okay, i'll go straight to me point. I got a call just an hour ago. My VISA application to the GLF was denied. All 10 0f us. Despite that, I am happy. Because I know I have done my part and only God will decide to send us.

There is something in me that changed. I learned how to hope and believe. That is the product of my quest to go t the GLF. Even if I won't be there physically but i believe with no ray of doubt that it will be a success.

I won't be going to the GLF but it left a lesson in me that I will always remember. HOPING is BELIEVING. Forever, at any circumstance. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Blessed to be home

2006-07-18T21:08:00.000+08:00

It's been 3 hours since I arrived home in Iloilo. It feels great to be home after more than a month of being away. My family came to welcome me and the whole Household in YFC are here too. They prepared a grand welcome home party for me. With lots-a-food (vegestable salad, macaroni salad, sweet and sour, bijon/sotanghon, plain and java rice, ice cream, embutido, what else.. there's too much to take and I don't know some of the names of the food. They also set up a band and played cool music that I missed most since I was away.. oh.. I love home. I am blessed to be home. I felt the warmth of family.

I thought to myself, my family must have loved me so much to prepare these things for me. Awww... I thought I am surprising them, but I am the one who is surprised! Everybody is here. I thought I missed them, but it is them who missed me. Awesome!

Okay, it's not really my welcome party. But it's a blessing for me that there's a gathering where my family is playing the band and all my loved ones are invited too! I just felt that God prepared all the circumstance for me. I felt that He was the one who really loved me first. He sent people to help me so that I can go home. It's really amazing how Papa Jesus works.. Well, It's too much to contain now. There's so much blessing that I cannot contain all the joy. So i'm sharing it. All I can say now is that, I am sooooooooo blessed to be home! WaaaaaaaaHHHHH!!! I love you Lord!!!!

Hoping is believing

2006-07-11T13:22:00.000+08:00

"I do not claim that I have already succeeded or have already become perfect. I keep striving to win the prize for which Christ Jesus has already won me to himself...the one thing I do is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead... - Philippians 2:12-13

This is God's price for me. It is His gift. I am claiming it. Amidst the decepcion of the world, I choose to believe God's promise to me that I will go to the 2nd Global Leader's Forum in Vienna, Austria. The Lord has brought me this far, He will not abandon me. Tomorrow will be our interview in the embassy. I pray and claim for God's promise.

I run straight towards my Goal, to be with Jesus.

A work in progress...

2006-07-08T17:12:00.000+08:00

I gathered all my blogpost and decided to put them all here.
Well, this is a gallery of what has happened to me. What were my thoughts and feelings. Feel free to post a comment or simply enjoy the journey with me. I will be updating you soon of what is to come. Life for me is indeed a great adventure!

Not so Known

2006-07-08T17:04:00.000+08:00

June 29, 2006; 02:03 P.M.

It's been awhile. I missed my blog!! Really. With all that is happening in my life now, I just can't contain all in this blog. But I will unselfishly share with you my moments.

Who wants to work in a corporate world where you can have a name for your self and earn your own money? Who wants to get leave credits and travel abroad? Who wants to live a good and satisfying life? ---- I do!

I often dreamed of Visiting places, making friends with the rich and famous, living the "life"... But it is all a dream. How can climb up into the stairs of supremacy when I am just an ordinary person. Who am I in the Big crowded world of the employed.

I didn't have a my dream job in the corporate world because I accepted the offer to work for a "not so known" employer. The work is not easy, it was always challenging. Didn't have enough sleep, always on call. I always have to serve, eat last, leave last. Always have to think last. More for others. That's our policy.

If you think that's a pretty hard job, then why am I still here? It is simple dude. I love this job. It may not be a glamorous job, I may not be working for the most famous employers, but stilI I love my job. I love people. That is my job. I am a missionary. It may not be so known but I know my benifits are beyond and rewards are supernatural.

Who would have thought I will be travelling around the Philippines for free? Who would have thought I will have a chance to Visit Europe? To go to Africa? Mingle with people of different races. Making Friends with them? Rubbing elbows with the prominent people in the society?

The Lord had brought me this far, He will not abandon me. He is the one who thought all of this. My "not so known" employer who prepares all the great adventures for me. I have the best life that is unfolding. My dreams are coming to reality. Even the dreams I didn't dream, he dreams and give to me. I was created to live my destiny. My destiny is to follow Christ. Apart from Him there is no other way home. I am blessed.

Who wants to live the "life"?. Come follow me.

To Fast means to Feast

2006-07-08T17:03:00.000+08:00

April 25, 2006; 01:45 A.M.

Been thinking for awhile what to fast about. Apart from depriving myself of drinking all sorts of colored drinks.. from Milo, Ovaltine, shakes, juice ... ice tea..even no rice, what more can I offer. My system seemed to adopt to this new habit of drinking "Holy Water" or so called pure water only. And this no rice fasting that seemed more to be a diet. It's been more than a year now. and oh brother, It was hard when we were starting. I know, I have fallen sometimes... been sorry for not 100 per cent faithful.

But lately, i've been reflecting on what it really means to fast. For me, it is an offering. an offering not to get a positive result for our prayers, but an offering poured out to God to know His will. God is pleased that we sacrifice. But Obedience is better than sacrifice. Often this twist would get better of me.

I ended up asking God what does he weant me fast. But I was surprised when He told me, "Don't fast bust rater feast!. Fast on doubt, feast on faith. Be hopeful, i have prepared a bright future. I have conquered the world. Now claim territorries. For you to do that, FEAST!, Feast on prayers and I will reveal to you my plans. be one with me. That is the fasting that I require of you."

Now I have a new personal meaning of fasting. It is not about giving up what you really want, but rather discovering that there are better things than our own desires.

Thank you God for speaking to me, and for clearing my clouded mind. May you always fuel my passion with love that comes from you. You are forever my Lord. I love you!

Precious Moments

2006-07-08T17:01:00.000+08:00

September 5, 2005; 07:35 P.M.

I can't contain what I am feeling now. A feeling of happiness, fulfillment and joy. A mixture of a wonderful experience brought about by the 2-month training. I have found a home away from home. I have found a whole bunch of friends and above all I have found a family. That is why I am so overwhelmed with this ecstatic feeling of being alive. It feels so great to be alive! To live not for myself but for others and my God. Finding this reason defined the things I will be doing in the future. That is why this moment is so precious to me, because this is the fulfillment of God's promise to me. Finding my self in the bigger picture of God's plan. I will always remember and will always go back to the victories God has given in my life. I will always recall how faithfully God walked with me in this journey. This is the my most cherished moment. My Precious MOments with GOD. I am so in love with him. I know how it feels to fall for Him. Im glad i took this risk, this journey, this path that changed my life forever. As I followed Him, I had no regrets.

I'll be fine

2006-07-08T16:59:00.000+08:00

August 26, 2005; 08:16 P.M.

This is a real world. Only the tough ones survives. I'm sorry at some point people fail to keep their emotions. I just wish mine will be pure always. But I have to thank God that I have the desire to be Holy. I will be well. I have God's grace.

I know now...

2006-07-08T16:58:00.000+08:00

August 26, 2005; 07:22 P.M.

I always had the intuition, i always thought of it. You never admitted it, but now I know. I wish i heard it straight from you. I wish you'd let me know, what ever is your reason of delaying it, it doen'st matter anymore. It is done. No matter what you do, it's over.You let it happen. I was not lost, you let me go. All that I want to say now, is i'm finally over with you. It will be pointless to hope anymore. I have just lost my trust in you.

I didn't like the idea that you have to put God in the middle of this. Because in the first place you followed your desire. It's about you and me. It will be very good of me to still be kind with you.. Maybe that makes me different than anyone else. Everyday I learned new things. I wished to learn it from you but you didn't take time because you were afraid to face me. Thanks to the concerned people who helped me up to my feet.

I wish i'll come to the time where I won't have to think of you anymore. I am just dismayed. Sorry, at least I know now what to feel. I'll be over this phase soon. Now I know, it's because of her.

The Many Twist of life's road

2006-07-08T16:53:00.000+08:00

August 11, 2005; 11:58 PM

Excited to go home to grace my loved ones day, I packed all my belongings and prayed for my journey. It is an "adventure" I thought to myself. I will set foot to the route I have never taken ever, but I am willing to trailblaze just to get home. I prayed for the Lord to go before me and prepare the way for me. Connecting trips it may be, I am used to it. Risk is not new to me.

I said my goodbyes and left by abode. They wished me good voyage and said I should come back. My heart has a home here because I know I am welcome. I'm bound for home to pay a surprise! All set for home, all excited, then life played its twists.

Four connecting trips, Four heavy bags to carry, One person to travel. One trip delayed, the journey is aborted. I won't meet my goal in time. That was the twist! I had all the hope and courage to go, and here comes life with it's twist. I am bound to stay where I am now and do what I am asked to do. I've done all that I can with all that I have, but I am still powerless.

I have no power over the one who is directing me. The only power I have is the will to submit in His plans. I once gave up my life and it will never be mine. It belongs to someone more powerful than I. The one who gives us the twists in our lives. To test us of our obedience, to mold us become a better person by finishing what we have started and to strech us to be flexible.

I spent all that I have just to send the surprise somehow. I planned to be the surprise but I have decided to send home a gift instead. With barely a few finance left, another twist in the road. Fate favored me. I got all the best gift in a prize only lowered to bless me. I did not just got one gift for the celebrant but all my family got something. I got a jackpot, I won a friend and had understood why I should remain.

If this sacrifice will bless my beloved, if this sacrifice will bring me nearer to God, if this sacrifice will mean all the good, and if this sacrifice is my fate, I am willing to pay for it. Without a second thought. Without reget. My honor to the maker of to life's twist. With HIS guidance I am always blessed.

Act of Loving

2006-07-08T16:50:00.000+08:00

August 10, 2005

It is as if I was born in a different time. I love the man I know is not mine. I don't know if He loves me still, I live out the question and wait for destiny to answer me. Maybe the Mayon can help me, maybe my heart, maybe God... but love can only be found in the act of loving.

If pain must come, may it come quickly. Because I have a life to live in the best way possible. If he has to make a choice, may he make it now. Then I will either wait for him or forget him.

Waiting is painful. Forgetting is painful. But not knowing which to do is the worst kind of suffering.

So spare me if you please. I have fought against my heart, because I was afraid of sadness, suffering and abandonment. But now I know that true love was above all that and that it would be better to die than to fail to love.

My Thoughts

2006-07-08T16:49:00.000+08:00

August 10, 2005; 10:22 A.M.

"Love doesn't need to be discussed, it has its own voice, it can speak for itself."

Why do we always have to be in control? Just let go, take a risk, Do crazy things! Even when we think it's over, it continues to grow. In the pressures and hiding, you cannot deny it's existence. It is there, it is alive! Why pretend?

Are you not really going to be passionate about the things you think are impossible? Why think of the limits? Why afraid to suffer?

"It is better to lose some of the battles in the struggles for the dream than to be defeated without even knowing what you're fighting for." "The universe always helps us fight for our dreams, so no matter how foolish they maybe, our dream are our own, and only we know the effort required to keep them alive."

The moment we begin to seek love, love begins to seek us... I am seeking to love the man who loves me...

Fly free

2006-07-08T16:44:00.000+08:00

July 30, 2005; 01:14 A.M.

I dream of flying like the birds! Have you ever been up there? Above the clouds, in level with the sun?

I've had the opportunity to see the land below and the beauty it holds from the top view. There is no better view that up there. The granduer of the mountains and the green pasture of the fields. The different houses down there creates a colorful collage of human works. Seeing all these creates a joyful nature in me. I wonder how long will I hold this nature?

I pondered and I learned that as long as I stay light and happy I will remain joyful. Carrying less burdens and worry will make you fly like the birds. Have you ever noticed that they always sing? because the are always happy.. and it is their nature to fly. Nothing bothers them, not even the fierce wind. Up there the wind is their friend, it takes them to far far places beyond the human eyes could see. They see a different world. More colorful and peaceful.

Want to see that place? All you need is unpack, travel light, enjoy the sight and -- Be like the Birds! Fly free!

Reflection

2005-11-18T12:50:00.000+08:00

How am I doing as a missionary?

This is not judging one’s self, but simply looking into our lives as an effective tool in God’s work of evangelization. It is said that people may sometimes not believe in what you say but they will surely believe in what you do.

I was once asked if I have a missionary spirit. I said yes right away. I was not bragging but simply because I am sure of what I have. My greatest achievement in life is to what I am now. I have become a servant of God. I wouldn’t be blessed this much if God didn’t instill the spirit of Missionary in me. How long will be a missionary? Till the end of my days if I must. The Lord blesses everything in my life. But it is my will to serve Him.

Everyday, there is that challenge to go out and proclaim the word to every creature. It entails leaving our comfort zones and being obedient to God’s Great Commission.

I pray that you will allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life. So that you may be a missionary for God. It has been my greatest privilege. It can be yours too.

My Father's Heart

2005-10-28T11:51:00.000+08:00

One more sleep and it's the D-Day! I am just amazed how God reveals His majesty to me. He has been showing me great things. I am so priveleged that I am chosen to serve Him. After all that He has done, All I can do is to live my life in everypart is to please my Father's Heart. Believe Him and let him work in your life. YOu will be amazed of the greater heights He will show you. Believe! Impossible is Nothing.

Blind Faith

2005-10-20T18:40:00.000+08:00

I am in Capiz now. It is so great how the Lord has brought me here to witness such heights. We will be having the 9th RYC here. The last time the conference was held here, I was not even sure where I was. I didn't imagine God will bless me this much. But I just believed and allowed Him to take me where He wants me to go. I am blessed to have been blessed with such a blind faith. Knowing that the Lord will fulfill His promise even not seeing it from the start.

I am here right now, believing that a great adventure will happen not just in my life but in the life of the Youths here in the Region of Western Visayas. This is the price of following the Lord. A privilege that is only given to those who are chosen. I thank the Lord for chosing me. I am humbled as I follow Him with Faith. Believe. Impossible is nothing!

Paradigm Shift

2005-07-08T15:56:00.000+08:00

Paradigm is the way you see things, your point of view, frame of reference, or belief.Paradigm are like glasses. When you have incomplete paradigm about yourself or life in general, it's like wearing glasses with the wrong prescription.

I used to wear glasses that gives me distorted visions about my self, others and the world. This experience limits what I can do, and it affected my outlook in life. I have insecurities and started to build walls to isolate myself.

But I have experienced a paradigm shift that changed my whole life. I am being trained now to unlearn what I have learned. To be a new person- the best person that God wanted me to be. God has stripped me off, squeezed me until nothing is left to me. God break down the walls that I have built around my self. I have been a captive, but God set me free. So much freedom that I feel like I am a new creation. Free to start again with no extra baggages to burden me. He allowed me to see that I don't have to carry these unessary burdens. I learned I wasn't supposed to carry them.

Now, I fly high because I carry light. What a new way to start your new life. All because God allowed me to see how beautiful I am in His eyes. He showed me how much He loves me. God is great! He alone is enough!

Leaving All

2005-06-23T13:29:00.000+08:00

I'm 3 hours close to my departure. I'm leaving for manila for the FTW training! It's quite a mixed feeling I am experiencing now.

I am sad in a way becuase I will be leaving my family and everyone back here in Iloilo. Away from my comfort, away from my loved ones, away from home. Yet as I look forward to what is ahaed of me, I am filled with so much joy! Finally, here I am, after the long and enduring wait. I will experience real comfort, I will be closer to the one I really love, I will be at home. Because I know I will find Jesus on the next 2 months.

To think it's not too long! I will always be close to all my loved ones, they are always in my heart. My absence wil only be temporary. I am glad that as I go back, I will be more equiped, better and even ready for the work.

As I leave all for God, I will live all that He wants me to have. A life that is enough because He is present in it. This is only the begginning. The future has arrived! Solo Dios Basta!

ps. Continue to pray for me. I love you all.

Present

2005-06-02T12:09:00.000+08:00

There is no other time greater than the Present! It's a gift if you know where you are presently. Know the state of your heart now and enjoy life in the present.

It is good to recall and reminisce yesterday but often times they paralize us. I wish we would look at the past as a place of a "job well done" for living well each day. Past is but a memory we should not dwell there.

Many are instore for us tommorrow and we look forward to live in it. It is an inspiration. It is where we place our hope. It motivates us to work. We build our dreams for the sake of tomorrow. We dream of a better world. We wish our children would live in a safer society. We wish to be loved and cared for. Tomorrow leads to endless future.

The future has its surprises but the best time to live is now. Not in the past nor in the future, But in the present. To enjoy life we must savor it. Taste it, Feel it, See it, Smell it and Hear it. Feel the joy, the pain and all the ups and downs of life. It may take you to a roller coster ride but remeber that life is not all downs and not all ups. It is a mixture of all. This is His plan to make our life meaningful and productive. Each day is a blessing that's why it is called "Present" so live now. God Bless!

Extra Challenge

2005-04-29T20:19:00.000+08:00

I'll share about the Kalinga Luzon Summer youth Build in Dingalan. April 1, 2005 on the way to our first stop Cabanatuan where we slept in a colorful formation complex of Couple for Christ, was the start of the wonderful experience. The trip to our site took us 5 hours to get there. Though it was long, it was all worth it. We were welcomed by a drum and bugle corps from the puplic school there who trully compensated our long journey. Our day was ended with a get to know activity which enabled all of us to get to know our co-workers for the next days. April 2, 2005. We started our day with a worship. Nothing could be more empowering that glorifying your god. Today the work beggins. The sun was hot, the soil was muddy and hard but our faces were beaming with excitement. It was an exciting day! Day 2 of the Build, April 3, 2005 was the start of the challenge. We were asked to move into the GK Site bringing all our stuffs including our tents. The settling down was even more exciting. We started looking for a place to cook, a shady tree to pitch our tent and we started the real bonding with the home-owners. We had our hearts raging up for the next day's work. Now, here comes the strong wind carrying ain with it. Our tents were soaking wet so we had no option but to transfer to the houses that was already built by the home-ownwers days before we came. It was the first night i could really hear my self praying until i have fallen asleep and even in my dreams i prayed for protection. The wind was so fierce that it will keep you awake. But with God's protective shield, nothing bad happened to us that night. 3rd of the Build, April 4, 2005 we had a beautiful day that awaits us. The worship added to our faith, the singing of the national anthem increased our patriotism, and the physical excercises made us fit to work for another day. It is a more intimate encounter with the people of Dingalan and it made us more inspired to work just hearing their stories. Everyday God has never failed to amaze us. Facing down from the mountains you can see the Pacific ocean. It looks placid at a distance but little did we know that when the night falls it will bring us terror. We experienced for the 2nd time the fierce wind and this time with strong rain. We thought that our roofs would be taken away just like the window cover we placed for protection. It was a moment to fear, but the Lord affirmed us not to panic. We had faith that He will keep us safe. The night was long and we prayed it would end soon. We prayed the Rosary for the fourth time that night, with the intention that the Lord will not allow us to get sick because of the cold weather at night. Morning came, Fourth day of the build, April 5, 2005. It was brighter and sunny. We realized that God simply wanted us to experience the life of the People there. We were almost terrified with the situation of the weather only to find out it was just normal to experience that. Back in the Visayas Islands it was like having Signal No. 3 typhoon. That day I realized how blessed I was to be spared from all these calamities. I have never felt much love than that day. The Lord spoke to be even louder. We had the chance to visit the calamity site in Paltic were the whole barangay was covered with big rocks and logs that are as big as the buses. It destroyed the houses and the water took away the lives of the families in it. It is heart twitching and heart breaking to see the plight of the people there. We were told that many died underneath us. In the silence, you can hear their cries asking for help. It is a very heavy feeling and it will just make you cry. I knew that night I won't be sleeping tight as I remember that day-end trip. As the Lord brings me to my edge, He is showing me the hope He is bringing to the people He loves most, through us. The tears in my eyes were cleansing water which allowed my to see the beauty of His creation beyond pocket of landslides all over the mountains. Soon, He says, the hopeless and terrified eyes I see, will be filled with joy and happinness. Slowly, gradually, I will transform this desserted place to a piece of Heaven. That Day I realized, the Lord was making a miracle come true. 5th Day of the Build, April 6, 2005, We were even inspired to make the miracle happen as we work. This will be the last day we are to build. Every plow we make, every dig of the shovel is dedicated to the people who died because of the flood and land slide. Nothing could be greater than to spend this week with the purpose of rebuilding their hope. My one week in this place, though had been an extra challange living out of my comfort zone, i will gladly extend, just to help them live again. I pray that somehow our pressence helped them believe and have faith again in the Lord. Last day at the Site, April 7, 2005. Packing up and gatting ready to leave for our next mission, the ILC conference, made us reflect on the goodness of the lord despite the challenges. he pulles us through the storm. he made us fall in love with our beautifu country, Philippines and what more? He convicted us more to bring glad tidings to the poor. Commanding us to proclaim that "Bawat Kabataan Bayani", to inspire more people to help. to show to the light to the world by being an example. Truly, it has been a remarkable week. Filled with power packed challenges, super bonded friendship and wonderful experience that will never allow us to forget that we are living heroes! I will be heading to conference, head strong, sturdy heart and firm faith that more miracle will happen through the youth. This is just the start. Where the Lord will take me next, i will go. The call is placed on you as well. Will you dare for an extra challenge?

Send Off

2005-03-29T15:21:00.000+08:00

I'm leaving tomorrow for the Kalinga Luzon Build... It's not the first time though but every time we leave for an adventure there's always a different experience. I am looking forward for great days ahead.

We will be building homes for our brothers a nd sisters.. more so, we will be building our faith too! I am leaving again with a one way ticket.. but you see, I am excited how God will fill my needs. This is just awesome! I am expecting with joyful anticipation that God will overwhelm me again with His love.

Just how happy am I that I believe that God will do exactly what He has promised me. I just learned that I just have to take the risk and jump to the water where God will refresh me. I am confident that God will take care of my family.

I am resting my hope in him. He will bless me and my family abundantly. NOw, sending off is not a thing to cry or be sad for. Instead it is a an assurance that God will be giving me another wonderful experience of my life that I will never forget.

He will show me for sure just how to live in His ways.I know GOD is enough!

I am excited!

Made Well Again

2005-03-22T13:27:00.000+08:00

I just want to share a wonderful change in my life brought about by some angel we call friends.

I recently had a major heart ache for loosing someone I dearly loved. It was the worst thing that I think could happen to me. At one point I was afraid to trust again. I stopped hoping, and I rationalize everything just to get away with the pain. I didn't push people away but I didn't let them in. Being selfish enough to solve my own problem. I continued to live but half hearted because I really felt alone. I sought comfort from God and it's my everyday struggle to be "okay" in less time. I keep pushing my self to the limits so as not to remember the brokenness I had. I tried ignoring it. I thought I was alright. Until one night, I didn't realize it'll change ME. I had a long conversation with a heaven sent angel. I have never felt more relieved just accepting the hurts and the pain that the separation brought me. That night, I was pure honest. All the denial ended. Yet I realized that in doing so, my wound started to heal. Because I opened up and empted all that is in it. I have never felt better.

The following day... I cried during the mass I felt like stupid for doing so, but who cares, My father is right next to me. Telling me, it's gonna be okay this time. I realize one thing, It is in our brokenness that the Lord draws near. He is closest to us in these moments. Tears kept falling, washing me and clearing away the dust that has goten in my vision. Then I felt my heart was at peace because finally, my mind listened to what my heart says. My mind was satisfied. I'm not gonna tell you yet what my heart says but I guess you know. The heart never stops hoping. I'm glad, i am feeling the relief of hoping. My mind started to believe again, it is inspired again!

The fire in my heart didn't stop burning. Like I said, it burns steadier. Now it is heading on to the right direction. She finally found it, after almost 3 months of struggle for reason. Now she is sure again. Determined to get there. She is not afraid. She is facing the unknown. She knows the Lord is there, never gonna leave her. If the Lord is generous enough to send angels to help us pull through during our down moments, i'm sure he will be shining on us like the sun. 24 hours a day. Rain or shine.

I have to be broken just to figure that out. I thank the Lord for the friends He sends along, who are ever patient for our growth, who never leaves us until we are made well again. Each one of us is like Lazarus. But remember when you are ready to walk out of your grave, I will be one of the friends who will gladly untie the clothe that enslaves you. This is my way of thanking you, my angels! I love you.

God is Enough

2005-03-09T11:18:00.000+08:00

I just arrived form the Island Coordination meeting yesterday. It's amazing to think that for the one month now, I'm always on the beach almost all of the weekend. 1st weekend of February I was in Roxas, Capiz, the 2nd week in Boracay Island, the 3rd week planning in Tobog, San Joaquin (South of Iloilo), Just this weekend, I was in Santander, Cebu.

God is so perfect in arranging all my schedule. What is more awesome is that, He provided for all my needs.

I went to Cebu with a one way ticket with a steadfast faith that I can still get home. I rid my mind of worry and just did what God wants me to accomplish there. Little did I know that Blessings are waiting for me.

I was supposed to be in Romblon for a local trailblaze mission this march, but there were some matters yet to be arranged. I asked the Lord, why is it taking so long?. I was expecting it since august of last year. I thought maybe God is not done with the plan yet, or maybe, it wasn't the best plan for me yet. So I prayed for His Perfect plan. And He revealed to me, that He wanted me to go full time for him. I was happy and scared at the same time. His assuring words crept into my heart and filled me with confidence that He will never leave me nor forsake me. I begun to open my eyes to see the blooming flowers and the pouring rain, that for sometime I missed to witness because I was preoccupied of with buts and ifs.

As certain as the sunrise, the Lord, brought me to a dawn. Full of hope and sunshine. I know the Lord is with me all the way. No matter what I do, He loves me and accepts me no matter what. His blessings for me doesn't change. He has longed prepared it for me.

On the way home the other day, i learnt that our accomodation has been upgraded to Tourist class. Thanks to Geraldine's mom! We did have a comfortable and safe place ro stay during the rocky andwavy trip home. We were not scared of the rain nor the storm because I know God is on board with us. When we had dinner, I gave all my last my money, including my last 5 peso coin, that I will use for jeepney fare on the way home. When I gave it, I said. Now, I am empty. I shall be satisfied because God will fill my cup tom. Surely, I was not abandoned. Now, I am back to my home, still doing His work and proclaiming His Mighty deeds! God is Good, All the time!

One way ticket is Fun, when you have faith that God is with you on the Trip. When you have nothing then you have everything! You'll never run out of blessings. Whenever you're ready and your heart is open the Lord is ready to give you a free ride! Have Faith! God is Enough!

Explore!!!!

2005-02-01T20:01:00.000+08:00

I've just finished reading the book "Alchemist". It really made me realize so many things, since I first laid an eye on that book I said to myself I will really find one and read that! Indeed, i just learned so many things from the adventures of that boy. So much like my own. I'm trying to Realize my Personal legend. The world conspired that I will achieve what I have been dreaming of.

I'm happier now because my dreams are becoming more clear to me. It's easy to accept change when you understand that life is a journey. You travel a lot, you move on alot. That's why I am happy because I have moved on whatever life has given me. I treasure it, keep it for reminiscing. I learn the lessons for future use. Yet I do not live in the future, I only hope for it. I do not dwell on the past either. I have learned to live in the present. That is the reason why I am happier now. I live in the understanding that God loves His children. All my needs will be provided! I am not being selfish so as to think that I am the sole inheritor of His Kingdom, I simply know that He loves me.

One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed in loving. I agree to what the boy said. I love for the reason of love. "ti mo!" no reasons. Even i don't get to be loved back. That's the essence of love, and you'll be surprised that you still have so much love to share.

I wish I had more time to share my adventures for today. Surely i'll tell you when I get a better time.

I love my God! He is faithful to me. I'm happy I am giving him my all. Everyday is an adventure with him. I'm satisfied of yesterday, I'm happy for today, i'm excited for tomorrow. Life is a journey.

ps. I'm glad i'm learning new things in this blog!!!. cool!!! Now i'm even more addicted! Hahahaha... i'll be more creative.. just give me time to explore! Wait. You'll see!!! c",)

Blessings Unlimited

2005-01-29T11:41:00.000+08:00

Do you believe in miracles? Do you believe that you are swimming in a n ocean of blessings? Do you have no worries because you know God will provide all your needs? Do you believe that when you have nothing, you have everything? Do you believe that God Alone is Enough?

I hear my heart beating fast as the organizer call out all the names of the group members. It is beating so fast in fear that my name might not be a part of any groups to join the race. As the last group is being called, i can't help but take a deep breath. Soon, my fear arrived. My name wasn't called! It was not part of any list. Then I have to raise my hand and bid my plea... it wasn't long, I was delivered to join the last group. I catched by breath for now I belong. I registered my name and confirmed I had a place, a slot with a question mark and no name in it. I said, that's me on the last spot! Right there, I was in the race.

Excited to join all the other fulltime workers in and out of the country, I carried my big back pack and ran going to Robinson's Galleria with them. We're off to our first pitstop! Marikina, it is the Shoe capital of the Philippines, and we are taking a photo with the World's largest shoes! Its maroon color blend well with our team's Red uniform. I keep praying for strengthe from the Lord to carry my 3day packed load... I didn't have breakfast and enough sleep the night before. I thought how will we ever get to our final destination with all these stuffs??? The Lord is too quick to answer, our L300 van driver, Mr. Mapa Blake, agreed to drive us until we accomplish all the challenges until we reach our 10th and final pitstop! That's where the venue of the FTW Conference! What's more exciting is that the winner awaits the price of "trip to Rome" !!!!!

That day, i prayed that the Lord will grant my special friend's desire to be in Rome and have a chance to see the pope. Having that as a prayer, I enjoyed my self in the company of my other 9 co-team members. We accomplished together every challenge with fun and enthusiasm! We visited the Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo Church, knelt while walking towards the altar, had a photo with the Senators in the House of Congress, passed by Manila zoo and posed with the Hippo! I got the chance to interview my kasimanwa Ilonggo in the Arkong Bato GK Site. The day was very long for us, but we sure did have extremely amazing race! My group, the red team won the race. But that's not the end. When the evening came, the final match begins as to who will win the grand prize.

It may be destiny, maybe fate, but I belive it was a miracle! A blessing prepared just for me. The ordeal was long, heart pumping, exciting every expectator in the room. Everyone I know was praying, and they are praying for me. Why would I not win? I have a great poll of prayer warriors praying for my victory. Not for long the final question was pitched and I found my self standing on the correct answer that will bless me that Night. The Lord has opened the Jubillee Gate for me. I was declared winner!!! I won a trip to Rome! My closest friends ran to me and hugged me as they gave their congratulations! I am just in awe. Amongst the 8 groups of ten, God pickec me for this price! Trully the Last will be the first!

Now ask me? Do I believe in miracles? Do I believe that you am swimming in an ocean of blessings? Do I have no worries because you know God will provide all my needs? Do you believe that when you have nothing, I have everything? Do I believe that God Alone is Enough?

YES, I do! And the truth is, Everyday the Lord is blessing me so much that my cup overflows! I expect with joyful anticipation all the miracles He will unfold before my eyes. It goes for you too! Claim it, Blessings are unlimited!

So blessed,

Leah

Fresh Start

2005-01-08T15:57:00.000+08:00

Way to go!!!! I had a new hair cut today.. no wonder i feel great!. You see you have to pamper yourself. It will not just make you look good but make you feel good about your self. When you feel good you'll look at the world as a better place.

mmmmmm... i just love the smell of my hair.. peppermint! Fresh from the parlor... hehehhe i'm sorry if I sound so vain.. but it's not that.. I just enjoy what i'm doing now. I've learned to enjoy my present moment. There's nothing as best and holy as this moment that God has arranged for me to experience. Something new i've learned to have a fresh start this year.

It's new year and I know this will be another exciting journey with God! I'm glad I have Him in my life.. I had direction, I had a purpose. What a better way to live! A few days had pass and I have been reflecting on God's goodness and unfailing love... Who could be more faithful than He is? He is just perfect! I love God and He is the reason why I live. I could just sit here and tap on my keyboards telling you how God had been so good in my life or I could go out and testify how greatly he has changed me for good. All these I can do for the magnificent creator who made me. I am not planning to do it, but I am doing it. Everyday in my life. There will be no reason more noble than telling the world about him. I just love doing it! I love doing it for my God. I am so loved by Him... I am lovely and beautiful because of Him. Everything I am is because of Him. Thank God for just giving me the awareness that I can always count on him. Praise God for my fresh start!

Dear Giver of Life,

I glorify you for giving me new life everyday. For traveling with me in every road I take. Wherever I go, I find you. I know i can never run from your love... thank you for that wonderful promise. I love you too Lord!

your daughter,

Leah