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Lightbulbs | 09292018 📷: iPhone 6S Enhanced in @googlesnapseed #sicshootspeople #photography #mobilephotography #shotoniphone @fatburgerph (at Fat burger - SM Mall of Asia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Boq1tsInd13/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1b56ycjotsnvd

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My Christian Journey

This year (2018) has a been a rollercoaster ride for me; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. There are too many ups and down that, I couldn’t handle it myself (See my other blog: #DepressionAndAnxiety). I came to Church as often as I can praying and pleading for guidance during my hardships. But after going to Church I feel that something is missing, maybe my faith wasn’t strong as it was before or I became a Sunday Christian without even knowing it. So I started to have my spiritual journey.

Last August 2018 I started to attend CCF - Christ’s Commission Fellowship (August 5 to be exact). I’ve been watching their videos for the previous months especially Pastor Bong Saquing since my colleague/friend Paulo recommended it to me and I learned a lot from it and started to become curious what it’s like feels like to attend CCF. It was my first time to attend a non-Catholic Church, not culturally shookt (yes millennial) but I was welcomed with a smile from everyone; the Ushers, Church-goers, Pastor in CCF - Las Piñas was welcoming. Even though I was alone, I feel that the Holy Spirit is guiding me. The experience was intimate; from the praise songs, the discussion about the Series - Legit, everything hit me in the heart. After the service, I wanted to go to the Welcome Center but there’s no one there and out of my shyness, I decided to leave and get my coffee at my favorite Coffee Shop and re-read every Bible verse that was discussed during the service.

2nd Sunday (August 12) I was not able to attend the Service because I woke up in the afternoon (sarap matulog eh). 😅 But I watched the live broadcast of the Sunday Message Service entitled “By His Power Be His Witness”. Pastor Ricky Sarthou and Pastor Nett Gochuico discussed our purpose: Sharing the Gospel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ivAkBh3hGg&t=5s).

3rd Sunday (August 19) I woke up late again but I checked the schedule of CCF - Bay Area and found out that they have a 3 PM service. I was anxious that I will be late because it’s already 2:20 PM and I was still not able to ride a jeep but luckily through God’s will there was no traffic at the expressway. 😁 CCF - Bay Area was a bigger center, the Ushers, Church-goers, Pastor was welcoming. The Usher (I forgot to get her name so I will call her Tita) greeted me and asked if this was my first time to attend the service, I answered no but I cleared that I already attended CCF at LP. The second question that she asked if I wanted to join a D-Group, I answered yes but I cleared that I was not a member yet and I’m still a Catholic; she answered with a smile and said: “It’s okay, everybody’s welcome here”. 😊 The service that I attended was in Filipino-English, but when the worship song was played I was singing along as if I know the lyrics a long time ago. The topic was a replay of last week but I was still amazed by the story of Pastor Nett. When the service ended, Tita ushered me to the Welcome Center and Bro Caesar welcomed me and shared the gospel with the 4 of us (3 are also new to CCF, sorry I forgot their names).  😅 Bro Caesar shared the good side and bad side of the gospel. I was intrigued by his sharing that I immediately searched for it after attending the service. After searching the internet I found a similar article: God is Just (https://www.allaboutgod.com/god-is-just.htm).

4th Sunday (August 26) I attended CCF’s 34th Anniversary at CCF Center, Pasig. Just a background, I was worried if I can attend anniversary at CCF Center because I don’t have extra money left (Yes, #PetsaDePeligro feels) but I remember that I have collected new 5 peso coins in my coin box. After counting all the 5 peso coins, I decided that I will attend the anniversary at CCF Center. I left our house before 12nn because I might encounter traffic heading north. I rode MRT from Taft to Ortigas, luckily my Beep Card still has P75 load so I have extra money for transportation. 😏 After arriving at Ortigas, I checked if I can ride a jeep going to the CCF Center but the route is away so I rode a taxi. The CCF Center was huge and state of the art and a lot of people waiting for the next service. If my memory serves me well, I think I arrived at 1:30 pm so I took a seat near the Welcome Center. After the 12nn service, I entered the auditorium and seated in the center row (3rd row to be exact). The auditorium was huge, I know that it’s huge watching it from live streaming but in person, it’s much larger than expected. Everyone was busy so I decided to take pictures. As usual practice, 30 minutes before the start of service is Prayer Time. The service started with worship and everything was magical, everything was prepared well. The worship was great, all the songs are like arrows strafe into my heart then the message of Pastor Pastor Peter Tan-Chi was heartwarming. He discusses the “Grow in Christlike Compassion” which is rooted in the bible verse Matthew 28:18-20: “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” also known as “The Great Commission”. And Pastor Peter expounded that our mission is to be a Disciple of Jesus that will make Christ-committed followers. What also struck me is the quote of Pastor Peter: “The greatest tragedy is not death but life for a wrong purpose.” When Pastor Peter asked if someone wanted to promise to his life to follow Lord Jesus Christ, I raised my right hand with confidence. And that day I promised to Lord Jesus that I will surrender my life to follow Him just like a broken vessel, once lost but found, once blind but now I see the amazing grace of Jesus Christ for me. After the service, I patiently waited so that I could personally thank Pastor Bong and Pastor Peter about their impact through my Christian Faith, luckily I was able to take a picture with Pastor Bong but not with Pastor Peter because I was shy to take a picture because my turn was already over.

After the service, I went to the Welcome Center and was welcomed by one of the Ushers (sorry I forgot their names) and joined the group of 2 high school boys that are attending CCF - Elevate. He discussed "What is the Best Decision you've made in your life?" and "The 4 Important Truths that we must know". Truth #1 - God loves you and desires that you have eternal life with Him (John 3:16), have an abundant and meaningful life with Him (John 10:10). Truth #2 - Man has a sin problem that separates him from God; everyone has sinned (Romans 3:23) and the penalty of sin is death (Romans 6:23). He expounded that the Bible talks about Different Kinds of Death; Physical Death (Hebrews 9:27) and Spiritual Death or Eternal Separation from God (Revelation 21:8). He continues with a question “Since sin separates man from God, what is the solution to this problem?”, we answered one by one and he summarised that “We often think that Religion, Good Works, Good Morals are the solution. But there is only one solution from God” which lead to Truth Number 3. Truth #3 - Jesus Christ is God's only way to eternal life. Why? He is the only way (John 14:6), He completely paid the penalty of our sins (1 Peter 3:18), His resurrection proves that He is the Son of God, The Messiah, The Only Living Savior (Romans 1:3-4), He promises eternal life (John 3:36). Truth #4 - We must place our faith in Jesus Christ to save us; we are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Based on Ephesian 2:8-9, if salvation can be expressed in a formula: Faith in Jesus + Nothing from us = Salvation. Good works are not the means to salvation, rather they are the evidence of your salvation. We show our faith in Jesus Christ by 1 - Accepting His gift of eternal life. 2 - Turning away from our sins. Surrendering our lives to Him (Romans 6:23, Matthew 16:24). God promised that you can know today that you have eternal life when you trust in Jesus (1 John 5:13). After the discussion he asks us a question “Are you willing to make a decision to trust and follow Jesus as your Lord and Savior” and we responded Yes and prayed in faith. He finally discussed if we have trusted Jesus Christ then the following things have happened to us: Your eternal life with God begins today (John 6:40). All of your sins are paid and forgiven - past, present and future sins (Colossians 1:13-14). You are a new person in God’s eyes, a new life has begun for you (2 Corinthians 5:17). You became a Child of God (John 1:12). And our session was ended with a prayer; I thanked him and my group-mates for the opportunity to share this wonderful experience at the CCF Welcome Center.

As of today, I’m still attending at CCF Bay Area every Sunday and already have my own D-Group with Kuya Glenn, John Rey and hopefully, I can serve through one of its ministry. My life is imperfect and I am not perfect, I still have my struggle until now. But as I grow, in my relationship with Jesus, He gives me the grace to resist and to overcome sin. I know that my discipleship is gonna be a long journey and my transformation is not yet complete but knowing that my entire being is not mine but God’s, my response is to give my all to Him (Yes all, even love life). Galatians 2:20 NIV says “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Hope that somehow you are inspired with my testimony. I am Lucky Salonoy, once lost but now found by Him who redeems, confirms, strengthens, restores and makes things all new. Soli Deo Gloria! ☝🏼

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#throwbackthursday MortalfeaR | Circa 2009 📷: Canon Powershot A460 #MortalfeaR #SupportLocal #OPMisAlive #sicshootspeople

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@gracenotejam | 06152019 📷: Fujifilm XT20 / 7Artisans 55mm f1.4 / Lightroom Mobile . #sicshootspeople #MusicPhotography #ConcertPhotography #Photography #Gracenote #MalayaMusicFest2019 #OkadaManila #OPMisAlive #SupportLocal 🇵🇭❤️ @okadamanila @fujifilmph @7artisansphilippines . Full collection at facebook.com/sicshootspeople (at The Garden, Okada Manila) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzO2F-9luAx/?igshid=19vkwn4p9jvoc

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@gracenotejam | 06152019 📷: Fujifilm XT20 / 7Artisans 55mm f1.4 / Lightroom Mobile . #sicshootspeople #MusicPhotography #ConcertPhotography #Photography #Gracenote #MalayaMusicFest2019 #OkadaManila #OPMisAlive #SupportLocal 🇵🇭❤️ @okadamanila @fujifilmph @7artisansphilippines . Full collection at facebook.com/sicshootspeople (at The Garden, Okada Manila) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzO1JRYlst9/?igshid=iwqagyupj03z

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@ebedancel | 06152019 📷: Fujifilm XT20 / 7Artisans 55mm f1.4 / Lightroom Mobile . #sicshootspeople #MusicPhotography #ConcertPhotography #Photography #EbeDancel #MalayaMusicFest2019 #OkadaManila #OPMisAlive #SupportLocal 🇵🇭❤️ @okadamanila @fujifilmph @7artisansphilippines . Full collection at facebook.com/sicshootspeople (at The Garden, Okada Manila) https://www.instagram.com/p/By2s7iqlG-d/?igshid=1upw6fk0id6b3

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@johnoydanao | 06152019 📷: Fujifilm XT20 / 7Artisans 55mm f1.4 / Lightroom Mobile . #sicshootspeople #MusicPhotography #ConcertPhotography #Photography #JohnoyDanao #MalayaMusicFest2019 #OkadaManila #OPMisAlive #SupportLocal 🇵🇭❤️ @okadamanila @fujifilmph @7artisansphilippines . Full collection at facebook.com/sicshootspeople (at The Garden, Okada Manila) https://www.instagram.com/p/By2rq85lZW9/?igshid=1503b67mze9ox

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@bulletdumas | 06152019 📷: Fujifilm XT20 / 7Artisans 55mm f1.4 . #sicshootspeople #MusicPhotography #ConcertPhotography #Photography #BulletDumas #MalayaMusicFest2019 #OkadaManila #OPMisAlive #SupportLocal 🇵🇭❤️ @okadamanila @fujifilmph @7artisansphilippines . Full collection at facebook.com/sicshootspeople https://www.instagram.com/p/ByzEK3zFE-S/?igshid=1bc6v68rkx8ts

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@bulletdumas | 06152019 📷: Fujifilm XT20 / 7Artisans 55mm f1.4 . #sicshootspeople #MusicPhotography #ConcertPhotography #Photography #BulletDumas #MalayaMusicFest2019 #OkadaManila #OPMisAlive #SupportLocal 🇵🇭❤️ @okadamanila @fujifilmph @7artisansphilippines . Full collection at facebook.com/sicshootspeople https://www.instagram.com/p/ByzDFYullRG/?igshid=15ljuvi895k71

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Elaine | 04082019 📷: iPhone X Enhanced in @lightroom #sicshootspeople #photography #mobilephotography #shotoniphone (at Okada Manila) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv-7CFGljwV/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=b2yclkjzux3w

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“A child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be busy with something, and to know how to demand with all his might that which he desires.” - Paulo Coelho Carefree Kids | 03172019 📷: Fujifilm XT20 / 7Artisans 55mm f1.4 . #sicshootspeople #photography @7artisansphilippines (at ClubBambino Kids Gym - BF Paranaque) https://www.instagram.com/p/BvHGRyqFiK7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=bv02lbuuyygn

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2018 Reflections

Good day! I know it’s already late this but as the saying goes “better late than never”. Haha! Been busy for the last weeks that I wasn’t able to write this down immediately. 2018 has been a monumental year for me and I will reflect it by answering the following questions that we tackled in our D-Group previously.

How will you describe your year in one word?

OVERWHELMING. Without a doubt, I think that’s the most profound word I could ever think of when it comes to 2018. Last year has been an overwhelming year for me, both positive and negative. Been through a lot last year; from physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. It’s been a tough year but without a doubt, it’s the most blessed year for me.

What was the highlight of your year?

THE DAY THAT I ACCEPTED JESUS AS MY PERSONAL LORD AND SAVIOR. It’s the best decision that I made in life (period). I’ve been a Catholic since birth, I know my faith and served the church but it came to a point that I was not growing in my faith. Plus I’ve been through a lot last year that I went to church as often as I can, praying to God to help me with my problems and one day I decided that I need to soul search. Sometime in the middle of 2018, out of nowhere my colleague/friend introduce me to a video of CCF (Christ Commission Fellowship), he was a Born Again Christian but he’s not a member of it. I was amazed by the preaching that I wanted to experience it personally, and the rest was history. If you wanted to know my testimony, you can check my blog with this link: #MYCHRISTIANJOURNEY

What was the greatest lesson that you learned?

GOD’S PLAN IS BETTER THAN OUR PLAN. I plan everything in my life that I already know what to expect, maybe it’s innate in my O.C personality but 2018 was a pivotal year. I realized that God’s plan is better than our plan, at first we might question the reason why our plan didn’t happen but as we reflect on it we will realize that God has a better plan. As said in Proverbs 16:9 NIV “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps”. So when God changes our plans, look for His blessing of something new and unexpected. While the pain of loss may be very real, God’s grace is sufficient to carry us into His next steps for our lives. As said Jeremiah 29:11 NIV “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.

What was the most significant thing that you did?

MY CHRISTIAN BAPTISM. My baptism is one of the highlights of 2018, it also a declaration to God, the world and myself that I am committing to becoming a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. My life is imperfect and I am not perfect, I still have my struggles until now. But as I grow in my relationship with Jesus, He gives me the grace to resist and to overcome sin. I know that my discipleship is gonna be a long journey and my transformation is not yet complete but knowing that my entire being is not mine but God’s, my response is to give my all to Him (yes all, even love life). Galatians 2:20 NIV says “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me”.

Who did you make an impact with your life?

MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY. I think that have the first-hand experience with this (hopefully). I may not be perfect as they expect but I’m always real, 100% all the time; I want to be honest with them because in this world not all are real but reel. Hopefully, I inspire them (you, yes are reading it correctly and others as well) to strive to become a better person, to know and follow Christ through my example.

What was the most challenging event of the year?

MY ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION ATTACKS. Yes, I may be strong outside but inside I have lots of demons I fighting with (even thru this day). In 2018 my anxiety and depression attacks were like waves, it felt like that my head is above the water but the waves keep coming back and drown me. Maybe I have too many plans and expectations that didn’t happen as I planned. But also later that year I came to know Christ personally and I slowly understand that God’s plan is better than my plan. I still have anxiety and depression attacks but with the grace of God, I can overcome it.

How did you get closer to God?

OUR CHURCH AND READING THE BIBLE. Our church (CCF - Christ Commission Fellowship) has been a great part of my faith, week by week I learn more about the Bible and the challenge of applying the learnings to our daily lives. I also completed Bible Plans through YouVersion Bible App last year.

What will do to move forward in 2019?

GIVE ALL TO GOD. As I said earlier; knowing that my entire being is not mine but God’s, my response is to give my all to Him. As Matthew 22:37 NIV says “You shall love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” eventually I understood that loving God meant that I was to love Him with everything that was in me. God doesn’t simply want a day or even an act — God wants to be cherished and glorified in everything I do. He wants me to lay everything at His feet, including my pain. In order to love God at all, I must give Him my all. I could no longer simply include God in what I knew to belong to Him. Just as He declares that every square inch of this universe exists under His sovereignty, so does every aspect of my life — including my pain. As Philippians 4:6-8 NIV says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present all your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things”, through prayer, intimacy with Christ readily available for the weary and heavy-laden.

2018 has already ended and we should put a close to it, there is nothing we can do to change it. Now write your goals and dreams for 2019, you have a clean slate; with God on your side you can do the impossible. I hope that somehow you are inspired by this blog, till next time. God bless us all!

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

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@sleepalleymusic | 12162018 📷: Fujifilm XT20 / 7Artisans 55mm f1.4 . #sicshootspeople #musicphotography #photography #SaSouthNaman #OPMisAlive #SupportLocal 🇵🇭❤️ @thesouthprodph @km.17.place.lpc @fujifilmph @7artisansphilippines . Full collection at facebook.com/sicshootspeople (at Km. 17 Place, Las Piñas) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrzsOFjnOZG/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=yfp7cht3gjxy

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@talyaph | 12162018 📷: Fujifilm XT20 / 7Artisans 55mm f1.4 . #sicshootspeople #musicphotography #photography #SaSouthNaman #OPMisAlive #SupportLocal 🇵🇭❤️ @thesouthprodph @km.17.place.lpc @fujifilmph @7artisansphilippines . Full collection at facebook.com/sicshootspeople (at Km. 17 Place, Las Piñas) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrzrXxyHnAF/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1vnoz1kfgusmy

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@mntklyaph | 12162018 📷: Fujifilm XT20 / 7Artisans 55mm f1.4 . #sicshootspeople #musicphotography #photography #SaSouthNaman #OPMisAlive #SupportLocal 🇵🇭❤️ @thesouthprodph @km.17.place.lpc @fujifilmph @7artisansphilippines . Full collection at facebook.com/sicshootspeople (at Km. 17 Place, Las Piñas) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrzqfxxH2qI/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1f0qd6unu07oa

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@crownofthornsph | 12162018 📷: Fujifilm XT20 / 7Artisans 55mm f1.4 . #sicshootspeople #musicphotography #photography #SaSouthNaman #OPMisAlive #SupportLocal 🇵🇭❤️ @thesouthprodph @km.17.place.lpc @fujifilmph @7artisansphilippines . Full collection at facebook.com/sicshootspeople (at Km. 17 Place, Las Piñas) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrzqN3dnnAq/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1981hxlsjob2z