If I were to answer that question honestly, I would say no... He did not appear to me literally and physically. BUT I do know and believe that His Presence was, is, and will always be inside my heart, at my side, and in everything and everywhere I go, because He knows exactly what I need and don't need at the right times.
You might be thinking, "Ummmm... okay? That doesn't really make any sense. Can you explain some more?"
Well... it is an extremely long story... that I must start from the beginning of me, actually seeing and feeling His Presence more and more...which was seven years ago.
I was never like this before. I mean, ever since I was a child, I went to mass with my family every Sunday, went to Catechism classes, prayed the rosary, and went to confession regularly... but what I mean by "I was never like this before" is that, I feel so content and so close to God today than I ever did in my whole life. Sure, I grew up practicing our Catholic faith, but if you ask me, I was really never open to talking about Jesus and praising Him in public. Ask anyone that is close to me. I guess my relationship with God was not as close or strong as I thought it was.
I joined the choir at our church, Merciful Redeemer Parish in 2004, and after a lot of convincing from my friends, I decided to join this Christian youth group called CFC - YFC (Youth For Christ) in 2005. I joined because I wanted to meet other people and for no other reason. Then I was asked to share for a talk in one of the camps, and the talk was about "Who is Jesus Christ to you?" I remember being very nervous and worried because I honestly did not know what to say! WHO WAS JESUS CHRIST TO ME? I knew who He was based on the Bible... but words could not come out to describe who Jesus Christ was to me, because (I don't want to admit it) but I did not know Him well enough in my heart. I guess I did not give much attention to who He really was in my life, so I could not express who He was to me. That is the truth. So when that question was brought to me, it made me think a LOT. I remember trying to make an excuse to back out of the situation, so that I did not have to share. But a friend said, "Elena, don't be nervous...it is God calling you to do it."
To be honest, I don't even remember what I shared because I am pretty sure I just made something up. Although, I do remember saying something like "Jesus is the treasure of my heart." Umm... it probably sounded convincing to those who were listening...but deep inside I was thinking, "Elena?! Treasure of my heart?! Are you kidding me?! That sounds soooo cheesy! Do you even know what you mean by this?!?!"
It was as if my own heart was cringing by saying, "Jesus is the treasure of my heart" because I did not even understand what I meant by it. I felt guilty for saying it in front of a bunch of teenagers my age at that time, when internally, I was lost and confused. I felt like a hypocrite.
So after that, I began to question to myself more, "Who IS Jesus Christ to me?" My main question to myself was, "WHAT IS HIS PURPOSE AND MY PURPOSE IN LIFE?"
As I said earlier, it was not until seven years ago, when I REALLY began to pray more intimately to Jesus, and asked Him constantly to reveal to me my purpose. (MORE STORIES ABOUT THIS LATER ON IN MY BLOG =P )
But to answer the first question to why I am more "religious" and intensely inspired, (that I can enjoy and talk about God anytime, anywhere) is because of my experience last year during World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, Spain. I AM NOT KIDDING AT ALL. It opened the door to all the wondrous and majestic things that I had been longing to see and that I had never imagined I would see! I vow from the bottom of my heart, that God answered questions in my heart that I had in secrecy for years and years...and He answered me in Spain. From then on... my life was totally changed for the better.
I will surely and slowly reveal in-depth details when the time comes... but for now, I want you to know that, I am sharing and writing this blog because I want to tell you how extremely important JESUS is to have in our lives. Whether you know it, or don't know it yet... He is so significantly important, that He is the reason to why you and I are still breathing.
Jesus is the One who is guiding and protecting us - allow Him.
Jesus is the One who gives us beautiful blessings in life - thank Him.
Jesus is the One who makes life worth living - believe in Him.
Jesus is the One who listens and answers our prayers - speak to Him.
Jesus is the One that heals and takes our pain away. - trust in Him.
Jesus is the One who gives us hope, peace, and happiness - praise Him.
Jesus is the One who teaches and shows the kind of person He wants us to become - follow Him.
Jesus is the One who loves us unconditionally and will love us eternally. - love Him.
Jesus is Everything that is we need for our soul and for our salvation - live in Him.
May you (whoever is reading this) find it in yourself, to learn and get to know Jesus Christ more and more and may His Spirit be with you always!
Love & prayers,
Elena
Hi, Mayen. I like your blog. I have some answers to your questions, which are applicable to me and may be applicable to you. My answers can be found in the same bible you mentioned.. the truth, God's Word.
ReplyDelete"WHO IS JESUS CHRIST TO ME?"
Same answer as Peter's:
Mat 16:13-17 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? v14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. v15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? v16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. v17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
"WHAT IS HIS PURPOSE?"
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
That's us, lost in sin and unable to save ourselves. He is the Saviour.
"MY PURPOSE IN LIFE?"
1. Should be aligned with the reason why He created us:
Revelations 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
2. Should be aligned with his will after saving us:
Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: v9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. v10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.