Soli Deo Gloria

Had my rite of election last saturday .. once again, i experienced God's love for me.

Prior to the rite, i was hestitant - should i continue with the journey? should i tell my mom? what kind of trials would i face during this period - in short, lots of questions. i asked for strength and courage.

Throughout the Mass, He spoke to me - He reminded me how I had came to know Him. How He has been guiding me - for the past 22 months. (actually, even before the Mass, Fides n I were sharing how we came to know Him).

He told me - Dear child, i will always walk in front of you. Do not worry, do not be afraid. I have called you in the dark and you have responded. I will not leave you alone. I will always be with you.

I thought about it. Yes. Part of my hestitaion to take a step forward is becasue i didn dare to tell her. After the Mass, I called her and told her about the stuff. She wasn't happy initially but she was OK later. For me, i just felt immense joy - like a load has been lifted off me. I can move on courageously forward.

Dear Lord

Please watch over your flock as we are nearing Easter.

Please give us your graces to continue our journey with you.

Please help us - give us strength when we are weak, give us courage when we are afraid, give us direction when we feel lost. If you are for us, who can be against us?

Lord, help us to discern you better.

May our hearts be opened to your promptings and to listen and obey your instructions for us.

Lord, help us to walk by faith and not by sight. Forgive us for our unbelief at times. Help us to come to you when we are tired for you give us rest. Help us to learn to put more trust in you.

Thank you Lord.

I ask all these in the name of your most precious son.

Amen.

Rite of Sending

I know it will be held on the 3rd Feb 2007 but I did not spend much time thinking about it as I was too preoccupied with work.

Again, work took control of my life once again – causing me to loose focus again and relationship with Dearie was rather strained.

However, when I reached Church for my rite of sending, I felt joy. I did not feel tired. There is this strong feeling of joy, happiness everywhere, on everyone’s face.

While waiting for the Mass to start, we mingled around, chit-chatting with everyone and anyone that we know.

I saw my godma. I think my godma is a really beautiful person. Though we did not keep in constant contact with one another every other day, whenever we meet, she would have advice for me. This time round, she shared that a friend had committed suicide. She was sad and she told me – you need to find your own support amongst your group of friends, be it in church or at work. Do not keep your feelings bottled up. Let it go and get the support of your friends.

How true.

The way she said it was so serious that Dearie was wondering what she was telling me but did not dare come over coz he thought it was really something serious between the two of us.

We started with praise and worship. I felt God’s presence amongst us. I felt Him healing me, saying, it is all right my dear. Lean on me and I will lead you forward.

Then we have the rite of sending. This rite is part of the preparation for our baptism. It officially announced to the community that we want to be elected for baptism and our baptism names (symbolizing our new life) were announced to the community and our godparent would come forward to testify how we had converted.

Some of the testimonies given for my fellow sisters were really beautiful. I was touched that I cried. During this journey, we have really come a long way, overcome many obstacles and it is really beautiful to see God working His miracles in our everyday lives.

The Mass and this rite of sending has lifted our moods. I felt lighter and happier. The strain between me and dearie is no longer there as I had lifted it up to Him during the Mass.

Thank you Lord, for your healing touch.