Author: Nikki Dionisio

CFC-Youth NALS 20 Day Countdown Day 12:

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

For all the times I feel weak and helpless I am always reminded by this verse that only with Christ I am made strong.

Deo Gloria.

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Saviour

I’ve never been so desperate for God.. my heart has never been so tested by my faith and love for Him. All through September, Oceans by Hillsong United has been one of the songs I’ve been able to relate to with my discernment for ftpw. The lyrics to this songs makes me feel restless, uncomfortable, and anxious, yet brings me a calming peace in my heart knowing that the Spirit leads and the only thing I need to do is say yes and follow.

Lord, continue to grant me with an open mind and an open heart. Wherever You would call me. 

“Trust and trust alone should lead us to love” — St. Therese of Lisiseux

In a few hours i’ll be 20 years old. Now, some may say that’s old and some may say thats young. I believe it’s the perfect age to discover who the Lord calls me to be. I know the next years ahead won’t get any easier. I’m going to be faced with more challenges and more decision making but that’s the beauty of it all; discovering yourself through the beauty of the Lords love. He reveals His love to us every day of our lives!

Thank You Lord for blessing me with 20 years of love.

When Jesus called the twelve disciples, He called ordinary people who did ordinary things. These men did not have any special education nor were they wealthy. After reflecting on yesterdays Gospel (Luke 6:12-19) it became very clear to me on why God choses people to serve. We are all called to serve the Lord in our own very personal way. Just because we are well educated or come from a wealthy family does not mean that God doesn’t need us to serve Him. We are all called, just like the twelve and we all have something different to offer. God calls us for our hearts. He calls us to be willing and faithful to Him. Not being afraid of where He will lead you but fully trusting in Him and making little sacrifices out of obedience and love. He doesn’t call us for how much knowledge we know or how well we excel in a certain thing. The Lord calls us by our hearts. He cries for our hearts to be in union with His Sacred Heart.

How much are you willing to die to yourself when the Lord calls your heart? How much are you willing to surrender? 

With every good decision we choose to make starts with sacrificing the little things you love and hold close to your heart.

I’ll admit, I live a comfortable life with my family, friends, and the things I do on a regular basis. It is very easy to live life comfortably and it is very easy to forget the privileges the Lord has blessed us with.

I’ve made a vow to live not for myself but to live for the glory of God. Strip away anything that is not of Him and live simply, even if that means living uncomfortably. With sacrifice comes obedience and with obedience comes discipline. I’ve made little sacrifices in my life that has helped me to become more sacrificial in unnecessary things, stay obedient with trusting God more, and disciplining myself.

I’ve come to realize how much more love I’m able to give to the Lord and to others by making these little sacrifices. The more tempted I am in breaking these promises, the more I turn to the Lord for guidance and strength. I’ve come to appreciate the little things in life that make my life blessed!

Appreciating life to its fullness brings a greater amount of joy and love than anything this world can offer.

We are all called to live simply, appreciate our blessings and not only should we love until it hurts but continue to love BECAUSE it hurts.

Serve with a generous heart, not looking for how much you can get but rather looking for how much you can give.

This simple reminder is a way to give more of yourself to the ones we love. The more you give, the happier you’ll be. Simple acts of love and random acts of kindness are ways we can offer this love. The Lord has blessed us with so much that it’s impossible not to hold in this love and joy only for ourselves but to SHARE it with the whole world!

Pray for generous heart and the courage to share this love to the world.