Celebrate True Life Retreat ~ MiidaSpeaks

It was our office's sports fest (May 29th) when Josh (my office mate) and I talked about seeing each other few months ago during Filled Fridays at CCF Eastwood. Well it's just really amazing because I just started with this new work of mine and seeing Josh made me realized that it's not really our first time to meet each other. So yeah going back, we were just talking about being Christian and all.. Then suddenly Josh told me that there would be a single's retreat on the 12th- 14th of June. He also asked me if I want to join.. well at the back of my mind, I like it and at the same time I don't.

Then when I got home my high school friend, Glenn IM me on Facebook and invited me to the same retreat. So I told him that it's quite sudden and I'm not really sure if I could, since I've just started with my work few weeks ago and I am not certain if I can cover all the fee for the retreat.

Then after some few days Josh approached me and asked me if I do really like to go. In an instant I said yes and I don't even know why I said that. So Josh told me to just give him whatever amount I could possibly give him and he'll just look for a sponsor who'll help me. So I said sure. When I received my first salary I immediately gave the half of it to Josh.

Even before the day of the retreat came, I was thinking if what would happen to me there since I was really attending CCF Main and not CCF Eastwood. There were a lot of negative thoughts in my mind during those times. I even thought of not going. But then I realized that it's not about the people there.. If I have friends there or none.. It's all about Jesus. It's about my personal encounter with my God and Savior.

So on the 12th of June, I did go to the CCF Eastwood and all together with the other participants we went to the Mt. Makiling Re-Creation Center. When we arrived there, I was a real loner. Since the only two person I know on the event were absolutely busy as a bee. So I just sat there alone, until my facilitators approached me (Celine and Micah). So we sat and listened to the 1st session of the retreat. Then we went to our designated room and there we had a chance to finally meet each other. In an instant we were like crazy.

The next morning I met Sandra, she just arrived late that night when I was already asleep. So yeah, we also had a great time. Listening to the messages and having our breakout group. It feels so good to have someone who shares the same passion as you. After all the messages and games, that day went really well.

It was such really a blessing to be surrounded with people who loves Christ. I really felt like I am at home. Hearing all their testimonials and how Christ really changed their lives. All of those really moved me. I felt really great.. being in a retreat again after two long years. I know that it was never an accident or by chance that I was able to join that retreat. I know that God really pushed me to be there.. And I thank God for that. I've learned a lot, met new people, and most especially I felt really alive again. It seems like God recharged me again. I was truly filled with God's love. What an amazing God, indeed!

Messages that struck me the most:

1. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." -Galatians 2:20

* This verse really struck me.. I've been following Jesus for quite some time already and yet... I am still the one who's living. I've been committing carnal sin. And it's really good hearing this verse again and to be reminded that since the day I accepted Jesus to be my Lord and Savior I should have left the old me behind and let Jesus to drive my life. I am not perfect.. I am still a work-on-progress.. I still sin.. But knowing that I have a loving heavenly father makes me feel secure and forgiven.