Author: Nikki Dionisio

“Silence of our eyes.

Silence of our ears.

Silence of our mouths.

Silence of our minds.

… in the silence of the heart

God will speak.”

– Blessed Mother Teresa

 “The eye represents the heart’s intention.” – Pope Francis

After reflecting on Pope Francis’ homily in 2013 I was able to ponder this quote. I read it over and over again trying to understand what it meant. I asked God why He revealed these specific words to me and I asked myself, why does the eye represent the heart? why isn’t it the mind or the heart itself?

As I was trying to ponder these words I reflected on the word “eye“. There is something so captivating about the human eye. Some say they can read our emotions, tell if we’re lying, or even speak through our eyes. The human eye is so fascinating because each one is made different, each eye see’s differently. Our eyes represent light which allow us to see clearly. The eye witnesses, captures memories, and notices good from evil.

The eye sees everything. It sees beauty but not only beauty, the eye sees evil. In our everyday lives we see many things, our loved ones, friends, the beauty of nature and the many blessings the Lord has given us. But we don’t always see the good, we also see the homeless, the abandoned, the suffering, natural disasters, war, and evil in this world. We see the good and the evil. We witness reality.

This is where I had a clear understanding of why I was so drawn to this quote. Whenever we witness through our eyes, we ponder in our heart. We are called to see the beauty of Christ in everything which includes evil. In every homeless, abandoned, suffering person or thing we are called to witness Love. In every tragedy, natural disaster or war we are called to witness love. As we witness this love, we witness Christ, then we’re able to see the Love of Christ in our hearts.

Lord, I pray that you allow us to be sensitive to everything we witness, notice, and see. May we always ponder and reflect on why you’ve allowed us to witness these certain things in our daily life. May we be able to focus our eyes on You so that everything we see and everything we ponder in our heart is Love. 

Benedictus Deus in Saecula

“In the holiest of weeks, learn from the mistakes of Adam, Eve, Judas, and a great many of people over the centuries. When it comes to the Passion of Christ, you are either with Jesus or against Jesus (Luke 11:23). Give the Lord absolute loyalty over your heart and tongue. Give Jesus your sympathy (Psalm 69:21). Dialogue with God and not the forces opposed to Him. Jesus tells each one of us: ‘Come to Me’ (Matthew 11:28).” – Don Schwager

As we journey towards the celebration of our Lords passion, death and resurrection let us be reminded to remain faithful to God. Remain prayerful asking Him, be the Lord of our heart and loyalties. Devoting yourself and making promises daily. Praising the Lord for all that He has done and for His never-ending and never failing love and mercy.

We are called to be like Jesus. Obedient, which lead to suffering. Through suffering, He was able to trust in His fathers will bringing Him self-denial. Emptying of Himself bringing us, His children, grace so that we may witness God’s true and divine love.

Benedictus Deus in Saecula

(April 6-April12)

As I attended my 3rd YFC International Conference in Palawan, Philippines this year God revealed His love for me like no other. It’s amazing how God will continue to provide even if I doubted in His plan. I didn’t expect to be sitting front row with the international delegates the 3rd time. My expenses and getting approved from work wasn’t an issue, although I thought it was. God just wanted me to trust that He would provide for everything. He did.

The theme of the ICon was “Revival”. Throughout ICon I was amazed of how great God is and I reflected on how God simply wants to show us His love. He wants us to know how much He really loves us and how much He is willing to sacrifice for us.

In CFC-Youth I am reminded of God’s love everyday. I’m reminded of why I joined my first youth camp, my first yes and my continuous yes to God. In this community I found Christ and it really amazes me of how much God is willing to love me even when I am difficult to love. I fell in love with the community once again during this Icon and through my love for the community, my love for Christ has been renewed and He has captivated my heart once again. I witnessed beauty and pure joy in every brother and sister I met. Seeing the smile of Christ in each and everyone of their faces. I am amazed by how amazing God is. When we offer Him everything, He provides more than we need or even desire.

“Revival is the love of God that built this community.”  –Kuya Lawrence Quintero

CFC-Youth is a journey of love. After 21 years of Youth For Christ the mission has remained the same; to love. God will continue to amaze me in my life because I know that His plans are far more greater than my own.

I am God’s beloved and so are you!

Benedictus Deus in Saecula

(March 30-April 5)

Travelling 14 hours from Vancouver I arrived in Manila then after waiting from 5 hour delay from Manila to Palawan, I finally arrived being able to attend the Social Action activities of Pre-Icon. After experiencing two ICON’s in the past years I couldn’t believe that I was here the third time. Stepping foot on Philippine ground, breathing in the humid air, I asked the Lord “Why do you want me to experience another year?”

SA (Social Action) consisted of three days of YFC advocacy related activities. I met my group mates for SA who named our group “Chaolong” (which is a Palawan delicacy). We visited children who were abandoned in the orphanages, we planted 600 mangrove trees in the river, we met prisoners hearing out their stories, and did random acts of kindness around Palawan. This was where I felt affirmed of why I was here  in the Philippines the third time. God wanted me to experience and see Him in every place we went and in everyone that I met. He didn’t want me to experience it alone but with my brothers and sisters. 

He wanted me to see Him in each brothers and sisters from YFC all over the world, in every abandoned child witnessing glimpses of hope, in the stillness of nature, in the inspiring testimonies of each men in the prison, and in each random person I encountered with kindness. I was reminded that when we experience life with one another it becomes a journey.

In mission, God reminds us that we cannot do it alone. Yes, we each have our own personal mission but it is through the people we encounter and journey with who allow us to live out the fullness of life. Experiencing His greatness as one, inspiring one another as a whole, and living out our purpose as followers of Christ. When we are one in unity with one another, we are one with Christ. Mission brings forth unity.

Benedictus Deus in Saecula

Gods love is so overwhelming. God, why do you love me so much? I’m not worthy of your love yet you graciously bless me with an abundance of your love and joy. Thank you for showing this love to me during Pacific Regions MCG (mission core group) Retreat.

I came halfway through the retreat. Tired, as I came from work not expecting to be overwhelmed by the amount of joy that filled the room. The evening was filled with fun, faith, fellowship, and freedom.

I witnessed love through the fellowship and passion I saw in each brother and sister,

I witnessed joy through each smile and laughter,

I witnessed faith in the posture of surrender every one had during praise and worship,

And I witnessed hope in the conviction each member had for their area.

This is where God affirmed that we are called to go back to the root of it all;the core of everything and simply just love.

We are nothing without love. Our service means nothing if we don’t do it out of love. Our friendships are nothing if love is not rooted in them. Our lives are completely empty if we don’t have love; if we don’t have Christ as our core.

Love comes first.

During praisefest, I couldn’t help but cry tears of pure JOY.

The reason why we are called as leaders, the reason why we are called to be sons and daughters of God, the reason why we continue to say yes, and the reason why we hope, is because of LOVE.

Let me ask God again, why do you love me so much when I am so unworthy of the love you grace me with?

It is because He loves US that we become worthy of the call.

God is the one who perfectly molds us, our strength and our light.

“Your heart will never be silent until you’ve found rest in Me. Your heart will always be searching. The longing of desires will continue to rage until you’ve been able to seek these answers to your emptiness.

I love you because I am yours and you are mine. You belong to me and I know exactly what is best for you. I never want you to settle for less than you deserve because you deserve everything I can offer you, it is only through this choice you make to accept My love and My perfect plan I have created for you. I love you because you are made perfect in My image. I love you because you belong to Me. Nothing you do will stop Me from loving you less.

Don’t be afraid to love Me. Once you’ve accepted My love, I promise to make you whole and fill the emptiness you carry with my merciful love, joy, faith, and hope.

Seek all these in your daily life, seeing good in all things and I will show you what is true, good and beautiful.

My child you are worthy.”

Today I was scheduled to work from 1-9pm. Usually I have Wednesday evenings off because that is when the upper core schedules our service team meetings and households. This week unfortunately my schedule was switched around to an evening shift which meant I would miss my sisters household.

As I started my day I felt really sad because I was missing household. Once I was at work I was reflecting on how I’ve been having a tough week and felt the need to be at household tonight.

During my shift, my household head and a sister from my household came from to visit me after having a one on one. “We’ll miss you tonight!” “Aww man, I really want to be there”

I wanted to go to household. I felt that The Lord was calling me to be there. I needed to be there.

After they left I silently prayed to myself, “Lord if I’m meant to be there tonight, I know you will make it happen.”

As I was getting off at work, my mom called me asking if I needed to get picked up from the skytrain. I told her yes. Few minutes after, I got a call from a sister from my household telling me that they just finished worship and that I could still make it…

Wow really God?! Your timing is so perfect! Everything could not of been more perfect.

I didn’t think I’d be able to make it to household but God paved a way!!

I was filled with joy. God is good!

As I was commuting to my sisters house I felt so happy and so joyful. Funny enough once I arrived the teaching for the night was on joy.

Seeking the joy in our sufferings. Shining light on the struggles and trials we face on a daily basis.

Although my week started off rough, I know that this was Gods way of revealing me the beauty of suffering.

He wanted me to remain joyful because He planned everything perfectly and for me to experience the fullness of His will.

He was testing my patience and how much I really trusted in Him.

“Don’t you believe that I will provide for you?”

This simple reflection has allowed me to just trust, have faith, and understand that God really has a plan. When all of our own plans fail, He will have something better prepared and it will work out for the best. He wants the best for us.

“No one who ever said to God, ‘Thy will be done’ and meant it with his heart, ever failed to find joy.”

Thank You God!!

Benedictus Deus in Saecula