Two: Remembering God's Greatness

"The path to holiness is to remember...

... that He will restore us

... that He will bring healing in our community

... that He is a great God."

These words were boldly proclaimed by Kuya Noli Manuel during the first session ("Great God") of the CFC-Singles for Christ 19th International Conference held in Tagbilaran last week. In his talk, he discussed about God's faithfulness throughout the years, showcasing the previous conferences and the past issues that the community bravely faced and victoriously overcame through God's grace. It was also during this session when a video presentation of SFC members declaring they have a great God was shown. I couldn't help but also be reminded of God's greatness in my life. And I need not look far.

Today, let me remember God's greatness during that ICon weekend. :)

On February 16, I went home from work at around lunch time. By "work" I mean the part-time job that I have at Island Rose. I left Splash in January and I didn't have a regular job since then. Do I regret leaving Splash? Not really. Because I know God has something great in store for me. I just need to wait. And as I wait, I have to maximize all my talents and use them not just to honor God but to earn a living as well. :) Was I worried about the ICon? Admittedly, YES. More than anything else, I was worried that I won't have enough funds. I haven't been earning decently since December 28, 2011. I haven't received my back pay yet. And my allowance in Island Rose and in my other freelance jobs were not yet released. But when I got home that afternoon, Mama gave me a good sum of money which came from a neighbor who asked for my help in writing articles about her company and her recent project. That sum was more than enough to settle all my ICon expenses (transportation and accommodation) and to pay for the debts I incurred. Great God He is! :)

We flew to Cebu that Thursday evening (from there we would take the ferry to Tagbilaran) and our original plan was to just spend the night at the airport. But God is great He wanted to give us a comfortable place to stay. My high school sister, Rona, has an aunt in Cebu who was kind enough to offer us her place. We were fetched at the Laguna Gardens of Ayala Terraces and we were brought to a very beautiful home on top of a hill overlooking Cebu City. It was just awesome and we couldn't thank God enough for His very pleasant surprise. I'll be posting the photos as soon as I get them from Ate Chie. :)

We arrived in Bohol on February 17 and because it was Rona's first time to visit the place, we accompanied her to a sumptuous buffet cruise at the famous Loboc River.We then headed straight to C. P. Garcia Sports Complex, the main site of the conference, and the next three days were, well, ICon days. :)

(Here are the highlights of the conference: http://sfcglobal.org/news_details.aspx?id=275)

Fast forward to February 19. We went back to Constrell Pension House to fix our things. We were supposed to transfer to Tito Joe's residence and stay there until the 20th. But God had other plans. Tito Leo and Tita Lorna decided to let us stay with them at Constrell (for free! :D). They also treated us for dinner at STK. :) On February 20, we flew back to Manila and we got a free ride home courtesy of Jaz. :)

Looking back, it's just amazing how God reveals His greatness and generosity even in the simplest things. We just need to open our eyes, our hearts, and our minds for us to appreciate the blessings He showers us with each and everyday. We live great lives because we have a great God! :)

The sharers in the video shown during Kuya Noli's talk ended their testimonies with this statement: "I am SFC. I have a great God."

I believe God's love and blessings abounds even outside the community, His greatness can be experienced by anyone (if only we allow Him to be God), anytime, anywhere.

And so, I'll end my sharing with this: I AM AIZA. I HAVE A GREAT GOD! :)

Loboc River Cruise with Lawrence and Ron. :)

Listen to the official conference song, Great God, and be inspired. :)

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