The Seeds

I just wrapped up my classes with my Satur-dates when my dad asked if I was alright. I confessed that I wasn’t (my head felt very heavy and my knee joints were aching) and would be heading back to bed before dinnertime. My mom came to me and whispered, “You’re wasting time with those kids…” I looked at her intently and shook my head…


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I remember when I was younger, we didn’t have Vision Boards nor blogs, although our teachers would tell us to write what we would like to be five or ten years from now. We didn’t have Catechism class, neither was I very active in our parish. My mom enrolled us all in Catholic schools. Our grandmother would tell us Biblical stories ~ what I remember best was Samson & Delilah and David & Goliath ~ and sometimes, we’d embroil the stories with giants and dwarves and fairies. I could say that most of what I learned about God, I heard from my sister and saw on tv. I vividly recall the ‘Superbook’ and ‘The Flying House’ series.  Most of the videos we watched in school were edifying and so were the tv programs. They use to dish out Lenten and Christmas specials ~ life of Jesus and stories of saints which my nieces and most kids don’t get to watch now…

I read the Bible occasionally but had not the heart to study it until we had our lesson on metaphors.

But by not feeding that desire, I forgot about God almost immediately until I was twelve… it was a turning point for me… and it didn’t happen in just one occasion. There were many… and from those conversions, I began to realize how infinite God’s mercy is for us.



When I was in College, I had a friend who became Jesus for me. She always invited me out to Bible study groups and to read about Bo Sanchez.

Those were seeds that introduced me to lead a missionary life…
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I opened my mail today and received Bo Sanchez’ Soulfood newsletter and it was God’s reply to my prayer…

It might seem that I am ‘wasting my time and money’ but I am investing on these children.

I believe that it IS God’s work ~ "So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, Who makes things grow." ~ I Cor. 3, 7 NIV

Comments

  1. Someday, these kids will grow up knowing God more because you helped them get to know Him as early as now. I suppose your mom is just concerned about your health, but I'm sure someday, she'll understand why you are doing this. You are a blessing to these kids, Melissa. And get well soon. <3 :-)

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    1. Thanks Irene :)Oh moms are moms ;) Eow, even if you're forty or sixty :P

      At the end of each class, I ask the kids what they have learned... and some can't even remember what I have said :P

      When I read what Bo wrote, I was encouraged. The theme of his newsletter came at the right time :) Well, I think even God is learning how to communicate with us through emails and twitters :P

      I walked with Belle this afternoon to breathe some air and I feel better tonight :) Thanks Irene and God bless :*

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  2. We 'didn't have vision boards or blogs' ...reading this inspirational piece, seeing your faith, your belief, i have absolutely no doubts these children are destined to achieve far more from the time they spend with you.

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    1. Thanks Larry :) When I wrote that I was referring to how God appeals to our needs at a certain time. Perhaps a VB nor a blog was in want that era :P

      I do pray with all of you... what I do wish is that they'll allow God to open their hearts to a love relationship with Him.

      Lots of love :)

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  3. Planting the seeds that's what you are, Melissa. The children will benefit so much more from their interaction and the affection they receive from you, than they can from any book or TV show. Keep right on planting, sweet sister ♥

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    1. Thank you BS :* I love what you wrote and I agree ~ it's the God-experience, yes! Not the tv nor the book :)

      I love gardening :) so yes, I'll keep right on :* Lots of love Corinne :*

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  4. dearest Mom, you are a God-sent 'gardener' who plants seeds of love and many other values in the hearts of people like me.
    -Portia

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    1. May you continue God's good works dear daughter.

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  5. You are a blessing to these children, Melissa! You are planting the seeds of God's love in their hearts. What could be nobler or more satisfying in life than that?
    Blessings to you and to all the little ones!

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    1. Oh Martha... they are God's blessings to me. I've always told you that they are my ticket to heaven. Plus, they are worth all the love and time in the world... Lord, just give me more patience :P...

      Thank you and pray always with me :*

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  6. i wish there are more n more people like you Dear Melissa who do a bit for the society n humanity......and i am sure when these kids will be little more matured they will spread the message of God as you do, which in turn will make this world a better place....
    keep on doing this noble deed Melissa...

    God bless,
    irfan.

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    1. Ripples in the heartwaves... I pray that more people will be open to God's generous love in their lives...I think everything begins there Irfan...

      Thank you. Do pray with me...

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  7. I think you are giving those children a precious gift Melissa. I know when I grew up my parents never talked to me about God. It took me until I was 16 to really start asking questions for myself and trying to find the answers. To have someone there to plant and nurture the seeds planted is priceless gift. They are blessed to have you. :)

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    1. God plants the seed of faith in every heart sis. I do believe that it is an instinct to look for...hunger and thirst for the living water...

      I am so glad to have found you and I learn a lot from your spiritual experiences. Thank you :*

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  8. Melissa, you are offering these children God's love. That is never wasted. As you said, when you were a child there were sources to supply your hungry spirit with spiritual food. You are feeding the children. This is what life is all about. We didn't come here to buy a BMW and then die. We came here to share God's love and you my darling are doing exactly what you were put here for. I am so happy for the work you do Melissa. You bring joy to a tired world.
    Love you girl!

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    1. So true Leah...I find them very eager to learn about God. I am glad that my niece has opened up the door for me... then God made it easier...

      Praise the Lord for all His goodness. Thank you so much.

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  9. That’s very mature…
    and I guess you are doing a very noble job…

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  10. You're doing a very good work with those kids, Melissa! Carry on! I also remember Superbooks and Flying House when I was a kid, a the teachings my catechism teacher taught me. Those were very important seeds that God has blessed me with. Not many will appreciate it now, but someday, we would all understand how truly precious they are!

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    1. I believe what you wrote... maybe we're too quick to ask for the fruits... but maybe I won't even live long to see them. God will take care of them...

      We live in the same era?

      Lots of love :*

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  11. oh!dear you are too kind i hope children also feel cmfrtable in ur company:)

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    1. I hope so too Zarnab :) Shukran and eid mubarak ;)

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  12. AMEN!!! The children of today will be the leaders of tomorrow. It is NEVER a waste of time to give to others and share the love of Jesus. I am so PROUD of you for pouring into these kids. ;)

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    1. Grazie Lisa :) Tilling the soil and I pray God makes it rich :)

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  13. Nothing ever goes waste and especially when you spend time with children. You learn so much from them and they from you. You are ding a great job soul sis. Keep it up.

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    1. Thanks soul sis. God blessed me with the best gift of all... they are so precious!

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