Serious Joy

Deny yourselves..

Carry your cross..

and Follow Me..

The ILC this year had one thought in mind, and it made sure than the 10,500 people attending it grasped that life-changing thought: that we live our lives TO THE MAX.

Like all other conferences, it was a conglomeration of people from different walks of life, from different cultures and races with different abilities, talents, and stories to tell. And like all other conferences, it made sure that the people in it went home with not only new friends, but a new perspective in life as well.

I was struck the whole weekend because I heard Him. During the first day, I heard Him tell me that I shouldn't live a life of complacency, of being just okay, of being mediocre. God slapped me, and He told me one thing: that I should always give my best. Honestly, I was thinking of Kuya Ace during that session, he always talked about those things: but then I never fully understood until this weekend.

The second and third day, God told me that I was blessed and that I shall use those blessings to bless others as well. I did not see great dancers, I did not hear great singers, I did not ogle at great speakers; instead, I saw, heard and ogled at God and at His amazing gifts to these people.

The most gratifying part of the ILC was during the second day when we had to trade something for a cross, and in that moment, I honestly believed I was in heaven. All 10 thousand of us, lifting our crosses, praying, worshipping, glorifying the One who made everything possible.. it was amazing. Although I felt like an ant in the midst of the thousands of people, I know we were thinking about two things, we were choosing to look beyond our imperfections and we were making an oath to follow only Him.

The ILC was fun, too. The sessions were amazing and although half the time I was translating, I honestly enjoyed. The competitions were cool, just goes to show that if you offer your life to God, He provides for you. :)

The Greeneration launch, the 100% Free launch, and the Youth Walk.. all those added to the amazing weekend that is the ILC. I didn't have any sleep, less than 6 hours for the whole conference.. but seriously, I'd prefer to have it all over again.

Thank you international delegates, for making me remember that we are more than friends.. we're brothers and sisters. Thank you for the laughter, the food trips, the International Balut Festival, the International Music Festival, the International Food Festival.. Winners, well, we're so cool. xP Thank you for not killing me because of my obnoxiousness. Haha.

Thank you local delegates for making me feel that I'm always welcome and that whenever I decide to join the YFC here, I'll never feel left out.

Thank you Full Timers and Mission Volunteers (especially those who were with us), for your unending patience and love and youth and huge collection of English words.

Thank you God.

For everything.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7

~ Excerpt from my Facebook