Desert Day Journey

One of the sweetest messages I received over the weekend: "You were a grace for us in our journey. Thank You! God bless." :D

A message from my PLW guides after our Desert Day. I was deeply moved!

Still not sure if it is the desire of my heart to be a future guide. It just piques my interest. I learned that there will be a year-long (or one and a half years) training for future guides. Yikes! 

Before thinking of being a guide, I need to have my PLW take three by January. Not even sure if my schedule will even allow that to happen.

The desire of my heart is to preach and teach. Is the offer still good next month? Have to cope with a lot of changes in the community again, so help me, God!

Church Commitment

PLW 214: "Belonging to a Church is not a privilege but a commitment." - PLW 14th session, Leaving the Nets

How committed are you to your Church? Are you still the churchgoer who repeatedly asks "What can the Church do for me?" or have you grown in spiritual maturity and asked the question, "What can I do for my Church and for God?" :D

St. Paul: "Woe unto me if I don't spread the Gospel!" How creative are you in proclaiming the Good News? :D

My Second PLW Testimonial

        “Each of us is a bearer of spiritual truth.”

In the second PLW session, one of our PLW guides reminded my co-participants and me of this grain of truth. I used to be very timid as a student, but ever since I became an educator, I learned that timidity to share one’s thoughts and insights won’t bring me anywhere, and it also hinders me from blessing others, so I eventually learned to ask the right questions in my masters classes and even at work. I bring along that mindset with me whenever I had to attend my PLW sessions, so I share my experiences to my fellow participants even though it sometimes still embarrasses me.

“She searched because she did not know everything.”

I was like Mama Mary on my quest for spiritual truth and for God; that’s why I attended my second PLW cycle. I felt as if there’s still a lot to know about God, and I know that even if I get to read and study a lot about Him, I will only know of Him and of His love more when I’m with my fellow brethren.

“Only the poor can serve the poor.”

I don’t know if a lot will disagree with this, but it rings true in my life. When I was younger, I used to question God why I had to go through what I had gone through. Now that I’m older and more mature in my outlook in life, I can see the bigger picture in God’s grand plans.

I had to go through my series of childhood trauma so that I can minister to young children for five straight years (in preschool) and longer (at church).

I had to go through one heartache after another so that I can better handle and pastor my own Care Group.

I had to go through poverty so that I can minister more effectively and feel more compassion towards the poor.

I had to go through a series of sexual harassment and spiritual warfares so that I can better understand the women in crises, esp. sexually abused women.

Now, whenever adversities strike me like lightning, I don’t question God with a why anymore. I just ask Him the question, “Lord, what do You want me to learn from these experiences?”

     “If you are reconciled (with God and with yourself), you become messengers and bearers of the Gospel.”

       Being in the Light of Jesus Community for more than four years now, I can say that I have already reconciled with myself and God. I’ve come in terms of who I really am (a daughter of God); that’s why I can subtly evangelize people through my writing (both in print and online). I’m just proud to be a missionary writer used by God.

Desert Day Spells Pilgrimage

"To go to the desert is to go on a pilgrimage, like the people of God who searched for the face of God." - PLW, Encounter Prayer Handbook :D

Simply excited for my second desert day next week! Excited to revisit all my favorite places and to commune with all the flowers, trees, insects, birds and all His other creations. PLW testimonials done! :D

Community Discussion

This should be called community meditation. But I was tempted to take part in the community discussion last night at PLW (Prayer and Life Workshops).

One of my diligent classmates raised the point on mendicancy. He supports it. While I already composed my thoughts and wanted to take part in the discussion, I opted to keep silent. Several others aired their views and opinions. It was time for community meditation after all, not community discussion. So I'm just going to air my views here. Thanks to this free space, God! And thanks to the freedom of speech in my country!

Based on my research as a missionary writer, it is the duty and responsibility of every Christian to practice the spiritual and corporal acts of mercy. I already did my part except for welcoming a homeless into my house since I don't have a house to call my own in the first place. Having been a committed servant in one of the ministries which cater to the needs of street children, we're advised not to give money to the people living in the streets because that will just reinforce them to continue doing so.

To give or not to give? Just listen to the voice of God that speaks to your heart and soul...

Do Your Share

PLW 213: "Offer a cup of consolation to the sad and depressed. Search out the unpopular. Be where there is human loneliness."

Looking forward to my second Desert Day on the 23rd!
Papa God, I'm super excited for the message You'll have for me. Surprise me again, Lord! :D

Availability More Than Ability

PLW 211: "Only the available can be servants of God."

I learned this from my second and hopefully last Catholic charismatic community. Availability is more important than ability.

All through my academic life, I tried to hone my abilities, capabilities, talents and latent gifts. Only to find out after graduation that availability is far more important.

I'm just grateful that I made myself available to God last 2004, and I have been serving him in various ministries and outreach projects ever since.