Tag: God

Setting the tone

You know when you want to be in a relationship (at least in the brothers perspective) you want to be the one who is in control as in the one who sets the tone because we are the pursuers.  Well in this case in my relationship with my Lord, I’ve been the one who keeps on trying to be in control, well because I want to pursue Him.  At first I thought I was doing pretty good, I’d see him at mass, adoration, or try to see him in my daily life.  But then it began to feel I wanted more from Him.  It began a little difficult to see him as much as I wanted to.  I wondered am I doing something wrong?

I started to see although I am doing my very best to get to know him and my best to let him know everything about me, I started to feel He wanted to take control of this relationship.  He began to say “I need you to trust me,” “my plans for us are better,” and “you need to let me take control.”

Well I think this is one of the hardest things for me to do, I like to be in control, but I also know when I am, I feel like I’m just a presence, running a business, “do this, do that” kind of attitude.  I don’t know how many times I will be telling my self “Tim, humility please” and “Tim, be careful what you say” and the biggest ones is “Tim, trust him” and “Tim just let God take care of it.”  I was really wrong the whole time, it’s our Lord who really sets the tone and is the one who pursues me.

I hope my heart can really answer to this “something greater” for what he wants for me.

@itsmetimmm

The Journey of Our Yes

March 7-9 2008, was the weekend that changed my life whether I knew it or not. This was the weekend of my very first CFC-Youth Camp, Camp Radiance. Joining at the age of 14 I really didn’t know much of what the ministry was about. Like most teens I joined because my friends were going. But there was something about CFC-Youth that captured my heart.

Recently I’ve been reflecting on my journey within this community. Many may say 5 years isn’t very long but as we approach March 7th, it feels like it’s been a long journey. These 5 years have impacted my life tremendously. Through every struggle and every bit of joy and happiness I felt within the 5 years of being a part of this community has allowed me to be captivated by Christ Himself. There is no doubt have I fallen and wandered off the path God has planted for me but I have witnessed God’s merciful and everlasting Love within this community. This community has taught me about who I am and who God calls me to be.

Through my journey with actively serving in CFC-Youth the Lord has blessed me with so many opportunities to serve and has truly pushed me to go over my limits. I’ve been so blessed with serving in this community, whether it was through my households, serving kids, being a youth advocate, and the times the Lord has allowed me to share my personal victory to thousands of youth around the world, truly I must say these 5 years have been blessed.

CFC-Youth has allowed me not only to serve others but to serve God. I have fallen in love with God through the journey He has put me through. It truly amazes me of how beautiful God’s plan works. He amazes me, every single day of my life. Who would have known, 14-year old Nikki, 5 years later, would be where I am now a Mission Volunteer, discerning for Full-time Pastoral Work. I never knew it could be possible. The fear and uncertainty we may feel is nothing compared to the love and grace we receive when we say yes and when we open our hearts and minds to what God has in store. The willingness and the surrender of our yeses allows us to fully place our trust in God. Many times I’ve felt unworthy and doubtful but all these blessings and this beautiful journey God has placed in my life wouldn’t of happened if I didn’t make that one yes to attending my first Youth Camp, 5 years ago. It is only through the faithful yeses we make throughout our lives we may encounter this journey with Christ.

As CFC-Youth, we are all called to journey with the Lord. Allowing His radiance to shine through all clouds in the sky. The Lord simply asks for our YES to journey with Him. Will you follow?

Obey and Witness

“Do whatever He tells you” – John 2:5

Benedictus Deus in Saecula

Trust in God

“My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials. Be sincere of heart and steadfast, and do not be impetuous in time of adversity. Cling to him, do not leave him, that you may prosper in your last days. Accept whatever happens to you; in periods of humiliation be patient. For in fire gold is tested, and the chosen, in the crucible of humiliation. Trust in God, and he will help you; make your ways straight and hope in him. You that fear the Lord, wait for his mercy, do not stray lest you fall. You that fear the Lord, trust in him, and your reward will not be lost. You that fear the Lord, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy.” – Sirach 2:1-9
Our Lord never ceases to fail us. Through the challenges we may face within the mission, God never fails. He calls each and everyone of us to listen and have an open heart to whatever He has planned. We need to trust in Him and trust that within this battle we face we can only conquer the victory with Christ Himself, for the battle is not ours to be won but God’s. Sometimes we get easily distracted by what we want in our own lives. Over-thinking, overanalyzing, and simply being ignorant of our surroundings. In this year of faith, may God provide us with the strength and humility to be witnesses to His plan and willingly obey His command.
Deo Gratias.

Coming Home

The Lord has surrounded me with many blessings.
These blessings include the people I encounter on a day-to-day basis at school.
Yesterday, one of my classmates at school had the courage to ask me if I was Catholic. I told her that I am and so I asked her the same question. She told me that she is a Catholic as well, and because of pressure from her parents she attended a Catholic elementary and high school and was also “forced” to attend church and practice the faith regularly. But now that she’s living far from home, she told me that she hasn’t gone to mass or confession in a really long time. She also mentioned how she’s been looking around for a church nearby for her to attend regular Sunday masses. I told her that St. Jude’s Parish was just a 5-minute walk up the street and as I kept talking to her, I could tell by her eyes and the way she spoke that she wanted to cry. She told me how she misses going to church and feels like something is missing in her life. It turns out that the last time she went to confession was in high school. I advised her to go as soon as possible, and she agreed with me. She felt as if she really needed to go. I told her that I would love to join her in mass one day. I shared how I love going to weekday masses because of the peace I feel. The sincerity of her question really opened the doors for her and allowed her to open up about her faith and how she’s been struggling. Her story was humbling to hear and a great witness to God’s plan in her life.

After reflecting on our conversation I was able to see how amazing God’s love and mercy works. He yearns for our hearts and He yearns for us to come back Home to Him. With the conversation I had with my classmate it allowed me to see God’s light within her, yearning for something Greater rather than the temporary pleasures of the world. This year of faith we are all called to evangelize, save souls, and bring them Home. My heart is humbled and her story made me realized the beauty within God’s forgiving and faithful love.

“Wherefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him” – 2 Corinthians 2:8

Deo Gratias.