NLTC

Posted at Friendster, Jan 2006

I know this is a bit late but I told myself (earlier this year) that if ever I will have a Blog, my NLTC experience will definitely have a place on it as I consider this as one of the greatest blessings that happened to me in the year 2005. I have written a couple of sharings re: NLTC and I just thought of merging these sharings into one for this blog.
I am honored and privileged to be a part of NLTC 2005. The experience was amazing. I firmly believe that there is a reason and purpose why God allowed me to be there. Prior to NLTC, my mind was filled with worries regarding a certain exam I would take that month of October. I prayed that God will allow me to take the test before NLTC so that I can give my full concentration to this momentous event and true to His words, He let that happen. My main concern was finances but God made way for that to be resolved as well. I was attending NLTC with a thankful heart.
It was good seeing the faces behind the familiar email addresses that I only get to see in Lingkod egroups. It was marvelous meeting the people behind the inspiring stories included in Lingkod books. Wow! But far beyond these personalities, God showed me that HE is the BIDA sa NLTC. He Alone. One thing I really enjoyed was the Worship and Meditation Time. He made me feel His Presence and Love in a very personal way ( I am sure sa inyo ding mga NLTC participants). Kung may Love Moves si Nina, meron din tayong God Moves. On the lighter side, ang dami ko nang alam na bagong jokes ngayon, hehehe.
It is inspiring seeing fellow kapatids from all over the Philippines sharing the same vision in your walk with God. With this experience, I learned to appreciate the joys of sisterhood and brotherhood. I am indeed grateful being in this community.
The theme for that year's NLTC was taken from Romans 12:1, "Offer yourselves as living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God." Seriously, in this technology-laden era, there are just too many obstacles that hinder me from loving and serving God more but He reiterated to me that despite my shortcomings, I am still God's Beloved. He is always there to affirm to me, "Sherill, I love you". Truly, nothing can separate us from God's unconditional love.
I realized that I was vulnerable like everyone else but God sees the sincerity of our hearts when we ask for forgiveness. All we need to do is to seek HIM. I am lucky that God is very patient with me...that He loves me this much when I have faith this little. I recognize my brokenness. I am not perfect, ahhh....far from it! I am still a struggling Christian. I still have to overcome a lot of not-so-good attitudes (naku, dami). I still need pruning by the Father.
I am an NLTC first-timer and to say that the experience was overwhelming will be an understatement. I still do not know if I can make it to Butuan City this year...but who knows? Only God knows.
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To know more about this event, check out http://www.lnp-lb.org and click on the NLTC 2005 link. :-)

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