Super Surprise!!!

I have always loved surprises.

I love the careful planning process. I do not think the task tedious - okay maybe sometimes I do harhar! - but a form of affection for the celebrant.

I love the adrenaline rush of keeping things tightly under wraps from under the ‘target’s noses which is very crucial in keeping the surprise a surprise - did that phrase even make sense to you?!! haha!

I love seeing the roaller coaster of emotions reflected in the celebrant’s faces – from wide eyed look of surprise to the knowing smile of realization and the slow stream of tears falling from under their lashes from heartfelt appreciation.

It has been sort of a tradition in SFC to give birthday surprises and truly we are thisclose to running out of ideas and gimmicks to ensure the success of the surprise.

This month, as my birthday comes to a close, I began to get suspicious and make assumptions every time I am invited to a gathering. My imagination runs wild at the possible ways I could be surprised in celebration of my birthday, but every time, my assumptions were not materialized.

So I just prayed to God to tame my wild imagination and just let me enjoy the moment.

Yesterday it finally happened. I was informed at the last minute to come to a despedida party for our Unit Leader who is leaving for Canada at the end of this month. I honestly didn’t have time to process the situation and make assumptions because 1.) I was informed about each other’s whereabouts – who’s picking up who and etc – not really the usual thing to happen for surprise parties as special guests are kept secret till the last minute right? 2.) I was part of the entourage who ordered the food at brought it to the venue – again not the usual scenario 3.) the venue was not arranged when we got there and one of my co-celebrant (there are 3 February bday celebrants in our group) rushed to put the place in order despite feeling under the weather due to sinusitis.

Every slight inkling I had was thrown out the window because of these points. When the actual event happened they even came in holding farewell and good luck banners. When they presented us with flowers and our own banner, it took a moment for everything to sink in. It was truly a very pleasant surprise!!!

I am very thankful for my SFC family for giving my very first surprise party. It was something I secretly wished for ever since I was a kid. I truly appreciate all the time and effort that they have put into the planning – making it special by contacting my family and friends in the Philippines and making a collage of all their birthday wishes. I felt loved during the honoring and felt seriously overwhelmed at how much they appreciate the little things I do because at times I think it only as self-serving. I felt even more inspired at their encouragement and felt hopeful for the future as they said their wishes for me. I could not contain my happiness that I stayed up late messaging people on facebook, downloading photos and making a video of the event.

                                                                                                                                    

I really do love my SFC Family!!!

… and for all of this May God Be Praised!!!

SFC Evangelization Training

Of the many subjects in the Business Administration course I took in college, I guess the most challenging for me is Marketing. I mean I get the theories and stuff but when it comes to actually doing the marketing – that’s where I clam up. Naturally shy, it is hard for me to approach people and open up a conversation – much less sell a product or service, kulang ako sa kapal ng mukha!

For 2014, SFC’s first activity is the Evangelization Training. With the Bible verse of Matthew 28:18-20 “Go forth and make disciples of all nations” as its anchor verse – we learn the basic principles of evangelization and was presented with the fact that it is a job not only for Catholic leaders and missionaries but for all of us.

When we hear the word ‘Evangelization’ we have that connotation of serious people who can recall and quote every single bible verse in a heartbeat but as sister Mel Torralba discussed, even the most random act of kindness and a simple smile is a form of evangelization in itself as we share with others what God is doing in our lives thru our positive outlook and example.

I am sharing with you a simple Prezi presentation I made to highlight the vital points of the Training.

Our Priest, Our Friend

I am sure you have heard of parents, relatives and nannies scare children into behaving by telling them “sige, isusumbong kita sa pari” (I'll tell the priest on you) you might be even guilty of doing the same. 

In Church most specially, when children get restless, parents just have to point at the seemingly stern person standing at the pulpit and children would fall silent and over time develop a strange fear of priests.

This portrayal of priests to be stern and strict is warranted by the solemn and serious tone of the mass. Truly, it is only recently that priests lighten the mood by incorporating jokes and funny anecdotes into their homilies.

Even I feel shy and intimidated whenever we get in close proximity with our parish priest, but a recent visit with St Joseph’s Father Troy threw all my worry out the window.

As we shyly came into the parish we found him in a jolly good mood, humming to himself and singing carols under his breath. Father Troy chatted and asked about our prayer petitions like an uncle. The conversation was not constrained but natural – he was the same funny but wise person we hear during sunday services and at the end of our visit he asked us what our birth date was and gifted us with rosaries in corresponding color of our birthstone.

It was such a pleasant surprise and a delightful gift. We felt even more lighthearted and cheery that early morning, grinning from ear to ear.

It was a simple yet very symbolic gesture - the gift reminded me and encouraged me even more to obediently continue my personal prayer time...

... and for all of this May God Be Praised!!!

letters to heaven

When we were young, no matter how far along Christmas still is whenever we get a balloon (at birthday parties, a free restaurant giveaway or any other occasion) we would always write a letter to Santa. 

We would make a list of all the toys that we want with our solemn promise to be good boys and girls, we would tie our letter to the balloon, release it and watch it fly away - praying and hoping it would have enough helium in it to reach the North Pole, reach Santa and give him ample time to get our presents.

I didn't really think it silly when we realized the truth about Santa growing up - if anything I consider it an act of faith - doing it every time you have the chance despite not always getting what you want because in your heart you trust and know that you will be heard...

The same idea was proposed for our Chapter Morning fellowship cum Christmas Party. During the personal reflection part of our worship - we were asked to write letters to God which we are supposed to tie on a balloon, there wasn't any helium balloons available sadly but we wrote the letter knowing that God knows what will be in them before we even put pen to paper...

... and for all of this May God Be Praised!!!

15th Middle East Conference 2013

Anchored on the bible verse 1 John 4:19 "We are beloved because he first loved us" the 15th SFC Middle East Conference held last October 25-25, 2013 in Al Ain UAE, was indeed overflowing with testaments and personal experiences of God's profound love for us. 

I personally am moved by the session where we were urged to hug SFC and CFC elders and ask them to pray over us as we confide in them our feelings of unworthiness that hinder us from fully and completely experiencing God's love.

Having just joined the community and beginning the path to rediscovering my faith and knowing God. I am often riddled by feelings of inadequacy in prioritizing SFC activities over personal commitments. As a CFC tita prayed over me, I felt not only her embrace physically but emotionally as well. I believe God led me to her specially and thru her give me the assurance and encouragement  that I needed.

                          


It is only by saying resounding "YES!" to the Lord - Yearn to be with God everyday, Enjoy his provisions and blessing daily and Submitting to God's ways and timing at all times that we can fully experience the greatness of his love.

... and for all of this YES indeed May God Be Praised!!!



*photos in the video are not all mine, credits to official SFC Facebook page and fellow SFC members

bigger Manus Dei family

As I have said in previous posts, when I penned that personal reflection regarding my CLP experience, my only aim is to share my insight as an SFC 'newbie' to fellow participants. I never imagined I'd be part of something like Manus Dei.

Manus Dei, which is Latin for Hand of God is one of the many CFC-SFC Ministry aimed to realize the CFC-SFC mission and vision. Often referred to as the 'silent service' it aims to spread the word of God thru inspiring stories, poems, personal reflections and realizations articles of community members regarding the various activities and teachings of SFC.

Ushering in 2014, the Manus Dei team held a simple meeting and induction of new member and brainstorming of ideas for the improvement the existing format and the addition of new sections geared to make the newsletter more interactive and appealing to readers consequently reaching out to more people, inspiring them and encouraging them to share their stories to touch even more hearts. The night was filled with inspired ideas being exchange interspersed with tummy aching laughter. 

It was indeed an inspiration filled night that I went home still raking my by brain for possible ideas and sections to pitch, unable to sleep despite the lateness of the hour. There is nothing like the adrenalin rush of having a sudden idea borne out of something simple yet inspiring event more so when you are with inspiring people who encourage you and push you to do your best and I pray to God to always keep me level headed and grounded - to always remind me that his service if for his Praise and Glory and not mine...

... and for all of this May God Be Praised!!!

Lord's day

Lord's Day celebration is a ceremony celebrated in the spirit of joy and thanksgiving. 

To be surrounded by sisters who pray for you and with you is really humbling and inspiring - I thank God for bringing them into my life. They are the angels that inspire me to be a better person and remind me how blessed I am.

With prayers, feast and fellowship last night's celebration with my unit sisters was one for the books as it includes  a surprise birthday for one of our dear sister - the Korean-novela inspired theme and impromptu skits added to the fun, laughter and togetherness.