Manus Dei

Just by being alive and experiencing God’s amazing creations are a few of the many living manifestations of God’s astonishing goodness and grace that I am so blessed to come across in this lifetime. But just like other human beings, I myself have experienced the different seasons of life: seasons of harvest and abundance, as well as seasons of drought and pruning. Getting to where I am right now has never been an easy path, but I thank the Lord that despite the rocky and rough roads, He continuously pushed me forward to become what He created me to be . God’s goodness has always been overflowing in my life, then and now. Last 2013, I took a leap of faith and decided to tread the sands of UAE in the hopes of a better future and with the aim of providing for my family. God gave me a well-paying job in a facility in Al Ain, one of the innumerable manifestations of His goodness in my life. I thought that was enough, but the desire to have more consumed my inner being. I disregarded m...

It was an exciting and challenging experience this 26th International Conference 2019 to be held in General Santos City, South Cotabato Mindanao because our flight was cancelled that day. Our flight was rerouted to Davao and from there we need to travel by bus going to Gensan for 3.5 hours.  Thank God we reached the land of Magandang Gensan safely. It was a 3-day conference with the theme “ DAYBREAK ”. That weekend was full of surprises and affirmation. Attended by 5,300 Singles for Christ from 24 countries. The ICON started with a celebration of the Holy Mass by Rev. Fr. Ray. He challenged all SFCs to never engage or entertain a dialogue with evil to make the most out of conference. Many have gone through a lot just to get in this conference- cancelled and delayed flights, expensive fares, negotiating leaves at work but it was a definite proof of God’s goodness. Some have fears in their hearts before going to Gensan, but we were in the safest place that time because w...

Bumugso ang luha Sa batis ng awa, Taglay ng gunita, Hinilamos sa mukha. Sandyang mahina, Ang puso, napatda, Mata'y napaluha, Sa ala-alang dumagsa. Isang yakap sa Ama, Siyang Poong Lumikha, labis Niyang pagkalinga, Hindi 'ko maikaila. Dasal na pagkadakila Ugnayan sa t'wina, Daluyan ng pagasa, Hihikbi-hikbi sa ligaya. Damdami'y 'di kinaya, Kaya't sa awit pinadama, Pagsinta sa Diyos Ama, Idinaan sa Harana. O Hallelujah Hallelujah "Batis ng Awa" true meaning nito para sakin is, the mercy of our Lord, na sobrang tunay at dalisay, na kapag tinanong mo sa kanya ng buong puso ay tiyak na hindi ka mabibigo. One time sa prayer time ko bago matulog, after ko magsign of Victory (sign of the cross) suddenly dinala ako sa malalim na pagninilay or reflection, naging dahilan para mapaluha ako ng todo, well hindi ito ang first time na masasabi kong nag-dwel sakin yung kanyang Holy presence, pero this time hinaya...

It can be a challenge to listen to the Lord's voice in the midst of all the distraction and noise in our life but it is in persistent prayer and  persistent listening that we are lead in the right direction - learning to recognize God's bountiful blessings in all circumstance. Sister Jexie Ann Aggabao shares how the Lord answered and provided her with bountiful blessings and that we should always give back for His glory.   "Yung mga blessings na binibigay ni Lord is not only financially; it comes in all forms, in all ways." "Maybe ang pag-reach ko ng target recently, is one way for Him to wake me up and to go and proclaim His goodness" "Let's all joyfully give back to Him as He is the source of all that we have now." " No matter how much you give, small or big amount, as long as you pray for it and if it is from the heart, God will surely bless you abundantly in many ways. You just have to patiently and joyfully...

Pleasure of finding God amidst your pain? The Lord says, "He is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in Spirt. - Psalm 34:18” Perhaps you are in a very stressful or critical time right now. Perhaps the difficulties and pain of life seems too much to bear. Financial problems, failed relationships, work pressure, self-doubt and insecurities.  A time that you felt alone, broken and pointless, and you find yourself needing for fresh guidance from the Lord.  Will you be able to find God in the midst of your pain?  These curveballs sometimes stress us out our way more than they should.  Last August 11, 2017 in our SFC A2 Chapter Teaching entitled “Discovering your 2Ps” held in Al Safa Bldg. Room 101 is opportunely. Now, what are these 2 Ps?  Our first speaker was Tito Boots Ladrillo with his full energy talks about the First P, “Discovering your PAIN.” What are the common sources, how to deal with it and decide to be victorious ...

 “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  - Jeremiah 29:11 Way back in college, I was about to quit Nursing. I really can’t see myself in the future as a nurse during those times. My dream was to see myself being a news anchor or TV host. But eventually, God led me to where I should be and I just let Him. My life will never be this great without His guidance. My heart is overjoyed with all the bountiful blessings He bestowed upon me and my family because of my chosen career and forever I will be grateful for this.  We all have our desires in our heart. Hidden or not, God knows it all. Sometimes, we let ourselves to be led by our desires, we prayed hard for it to happen. But only God truly knows the perfect timing for everything. There is no delay on His promises.  I’m serving the community for less than a year only. I had my doubts at first since this is my first time to hos...

Just recently, I came from a 40-day vacation from work. It was my first ever vacation in the Philippines more than 2 years since I left there.  Indeed, every moment at home was precious and most of my times were spent only with my family. That’s my decision before I even went home because I realized that my time at work is way more than my time with my family. After all, their presence is more important than my work itself.  I think I just made the right decision then. I’m just so grateful to God for allowing us to spend time together and create memories while there’s still chance. However, there are always two sides of a coin. Behind our happy moments are daily struggles and even monthly should I say. I think you already have an idea of what it is. To be honest with you, for the past 1 year prior to my vacation and even up to now, I am struggling financially. Not that much but it’s really a concern for me. I’m not buried in debt though.  Our monthly...

Nang mga panahon na 'to, Sa isang bagay parang ako ba'y nawalan na ng pag asa, Ang aking naramdaman ay ang tagal na paghihintay at puro pangangamba, Ngunit ang ating Diyos ay tunay na mabuti at saki'y muling pinakita Na sa takdang panahon lahat ay magagawa Tayo lamang ay manalig, magpaubaya at Sakanya lamang ay magtiwala. *Original drawing by Sis. Kristine Languisan, colors by Sis. Marnie Victorillo

what keeps you continuously serving? It is a question I often get asked. I have been serving with the SFC community for four years now and amidst my personal struggles, shortcomings, insecurities and doubt, I am still serving... yes in all honesty there are times when I wanted to walk away but there is always something that keeps me going. Last friday I was blessed with the opportunity to sit as a discussion group leader. It was the first time that I sat with the group but it turns out that I have met one of members several months back. In the course of our sharing she recalled our meeting back then and called me an angel. My heart swelled with humility and gratefulness as I am reminded of one of the reasons why I am still in the community - it is because by serving I am able to give myself to be used as God's channel of love and grace to other people and in turn I feel His presence even more. It is by being instruments whereby God uses us to be a source of...

Ginalingan Conversation ko sa kaflat ko; Sister not catholic: Catholic ka pala?? Kayo yung sumasamba sa santo (puon) diba?? Ako: (pabirong tugon) OPOOO!!! (sabay ngiti) Sister not catholic: bakit ba sumasamba kayo sa mga ganon, mga bagay lang yun gawa ng tao? Ako:(naprangkahan, pero naisip ko praktikal yung tanong nya) Mas mapapamahal ka kasi sa Kanya kung may mga bagay na madalas magpapaalala sayo kung gaano KANYA KAMAHAL TALAGA. -kung bagay ang nagiging dahilan para humina ang pananalig natin sa Kanya, Bakit hindi nalang din bagay ang maging daan para lumakas ito? Kung midya at gadyets ang umaagaw ng atensyon natin sa Kanya, Bakit hindi nalang midya at gadyets ang maging paraan ng paglilingkod natin sa Kanya, Kung pera mo ang dahilan ng pagiwas mo sa kanya, Bakit hindi nalang pera mo ang maging katunayan ng ugnayan nyong dalawa. Kung katayuan mo sa buhay ang sa tingin mong hadlang, Bakit hindi nalang ito ang ga...

I'm  brother Yobe   29 years old, nang galing ako sa mahirap na pamilya, we are five siblings bunso ako samin mg kakapatid, When I was young I love being a sales person - sales person  ng plastic bag sa palengke, sigaw dito sigaw doon para makakuha ng benta sa mga tao. I was doing that kasama ng brother ko his name is  Richard, sobrang happy ako kasi mag kasama kami para mg earn ng pera para may pambaon kami sa school. I've tried to find another job mag tinda ng BBQ - ang sarap langhapin ang usok ng isaw, ulo ng manok at taba ng baboy, nakapag ipon din kami kahit konti at nabili namin ng kapatid ko yung pangarap namin slippers na ISLANDER. My mother is a teacher and my father is farmer, sobra akong blessed sa parents ko kasi mababait sila at sobrang mapag mahal, Nung nsa high shool na ako, sobrang akong naging pasaway sa parents ko doon nag simula ang  bisyo ko. I was smoking ,drinking at kahit bawal na gamot ay aking na narasan, and sobrang ...

Yes, it’s so true. I can attest to this. I’ve experienced this countless times in my 26 years of existence. But for today, I’d like to focus on my most recent experience. But before that, let’s first settle down about what financial stewardship really is. I found a lot of definitions online but this line struck me most; “Stewardship is another way of talking about ministry, and it would revolutionize ministry if people could think of it in terms of stewardship—that we are accountable to God for what we do and with what he has trusted to us.” I felt scared when I first read it. I realized that as God’s steward, I am accountable for all the things he has entrusted to me at the same time it’s a privilege to serve and glorify Him if I will use them for good. In fact, it’s another way of talking about ministry as what you’ve read above. This challenge isn’t only meant for me, it’s not only meant for you or your friends and family. It’s meant for all of us. So, le...