This is such a powerful and inspiring testimony! I am absolutely blessed by her words!
Ohhhhhh these tears!!!!!!!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Passing Out and Wannabe Mexican Food
Last Thursday while having dinner with my children, I passed out. It was very scary to them. All I remember is waking up on the floor. At that point I could hear my daughter talking to a 911 dispatcher who was asking her questions.
As usual, the ambulance got there, took me to Osceola Regional and after spending the night, I was sent home. This was a short stay.
Scary stuff.
I feel really bad for my kids. They didn't have to see that.
All I've done since I've been home is act as normal as I possibly can. Lot's of laughs and cuddles, homeschool, going out... yes, I'm back to driving. The doctor said that I could after a couple of days. You see, my condition can cause a lot of things, but this fainting episode was triggered by lack of oxygen because although I felt it coming, I decided to ignore all the signs and continue with my meal.
Hypokalemia begins with numbness and although it was already happening, I was just not wanting to deal with it.
So when I am driving, I can feel it coming on, so I have enough time to pull over and make a quick call before it gets really bad.
This is one of the reasons why highways and interstates are not my friends.
Today my cousing Taihiti visited all the way from New York with her kids and it was a fun day. They got in the pool and then afterwards, I took my kids to Chipotle, Ben & Jerry's and Books A Million.
Had never been to Chipotle's.
Will never go to Chipotle's again.
My mouth was on fire and although I don't have an issue with spicy food, this was spicy yucky food.
This is like the Burger King of Mexican food.
Just gross. Eww.
That's all I have to say. LOL!
As usual, the ambulance got there, took me to Osceola Regional and after spending the night, I was sent home. This was a short stay.
Scary stuff.
I feel really bad for my kids. They didn't have to see that.
All I've done since I've been home is act as normal as I possibly can. Lot's of laughs and cuddles, homeschool, going out... yes, I'm back to driving. The doctor said that I could after a couple of days. You see, my condition can cause a lot of things, but this fainting episode was triggered by lack of oxygen because although I felt it coming, I decided to ignore all the signs and continue with my meal.
Hypokalemia begins with numbness and although it was already happening, I was just not wanting to deal with it.
So when I am driving, I can feel it coming on, so I have enough time to pull over and make a quick call before it gets really bad.
This is one of the reasons why highways and interstates are not my friends.
Today my cousing Taihiti visited all the way from New York with her kids and it was a fun day. They got in the pool and then afterwards, I took my kids to Chipotle, Ben & Jerry's and Books A Million.
Had never been to Chipotle's.
Will never go to Chipotle's again.
My mouth was on fire and although I don't have an issue with spicy food, this was spicy yucky food.
This is like the Burger King of Mexican food.
Just gross. Eww.
That's all I have to say. LOL!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
How Do You Know?
Claudia: "Mom, how do you know a boy likes you?"
I had to think about that one because my experiences have not been very positive. I have not even received flowers EVER.
Finally, I shared with her my secret because, well... I don't think I need it anymore.
Me: "Claudia, when a boy takes the time to ask you what your favorite ice cream flavor is, there is a strong possibility that he likes you."
She just stared at me funny.
Claudia: "Did anyone ever ask you what your favorite ice cream flavor was?"
Me: "No"
We both started laughing soooooo hard! He he he!
She got the point, thank goodness!!!!
I had to think about that one because my experiences have not been very positive. I have not even received flowers EVER.
Finally, I shared with her my secret because, well... I don't think I need it anymore.
Me: "Claudia, when a boy takes the time to ask you what your favorite ice cream flavor is, there is a strong possibility that he likes you."
She just stared at me funny.
Claudia: "Did anyone ever ask you what your favorite ice cream flavor was?"
Me: "No"
We both started laughing soooooo hard! He he he!
She got the point, thank goodness!!!!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Mommy Time
After a loooooong phone meeting, I feel drained.
All that said, what to do?
Everything is so quiet. The kids are in bed and I am all alone here in the dark.
Maybe I'll go make myself some tea and read a good book for a while.
It's mommy time.
Yay!
All that said, what to do?
Everything is so quiet. The kids are in bed and I am all alone here in the dark.
Maybe I'll go make myself some tea and read a good book for a while.
It's mommy time.
Yay!
An Arm Around Me
This morning I woke up tired, yet excited because I like to plan things ahead for my kids that I know they will enjoy.
Vital to being a good parent is making HaShem the center of our lives.
Do I want to live? Yes.
Do I want to live for Him. Ohhh yes.
Do I want to live to give Him ALL of me? Absolutely.
Regardless of my condition... REGARDLESS, I keep going. Wait. Correction. HE KEEPS ME GOING.
Do I want to stop? Noooooooooooooooooooo.
Do I feel loved enough to keep on going?
Yes.
G-d loooooooooooooves me.
People have asked me why I don't open my heart to a possible relationship. This subject always comes up close to Holiday season because several friends assume that I feel lonely without a special someone during special occasions.
Let me make one thing clear, health situation aside (because G-d promised to heal me and I hold on to that promise each and every day).
I do at times feel lonely, and I do find myself looking at couples during service wondering what it would feel like to be married and have a husband place his arm around me. I see that in congregations a lot, and well... I just wonder. Must feel special, I'm sure.
Men who are not ashamed to do that in public must really love their wives, so I figured that someone who really loved me wouldn't mind doing the same for me.
Silly, huh!
Just a thought.
Then, there are times when I am soooooo incredibly happy with life as it is.
Spending time with my kids and making sure that they are happy, pretty much keeps me from falling into the "nostalgic zone".
Besides, I already have a special someone.
Let me just tell you how special He is to me.
When I was truly alone during the most difficult moment of my life, He loved me.
After I ran away from Him, failed Him and betrayed Him, He took me back.
When I spent countless nights crying myself to sleep during my first pregnancy, G-d sat there by my side. I did not have a husband to bring me something yummy to eat in the middle of the night when I craved it. I sat alone during prenatal classes while others had their husbands there. When I gave birth, it was a nurse who took pictures of my baby as she was being born, but Yeshua was there loving me through it all.
When I failed Him again, seeking love where I knew I would never find it and got pregnant, once more He took me back. As I struggled to raise two children all by myself, and wondered about the future... He was there to remind me that He would never abandon me.
Shortly after Ricardo was born, I got on my knees and reconciled one last time with G-d. I remember I had my baby in my arms and I was crying soooo hard that my chest was hurting, probably because my heart was breaking and G-d had to give me a new one.
You see, I felt alone... but I had never been alone. Even after I decided to follow G-d with all of my heart, things didn't get any easier. If anything they got more difficult. Why?
Well, because when you are in the world, you just keep doing what you want and don't care, but when you choose to follow Yeshua you must let go of your old self and follow through with what He requires of You.
Being the slow learner that I am, that part did not come easy to me.
My stubborness often got the best of me, and to tell you the truth, at times it still does. I have a submissive personality, but I am not very good at trusting G-d when it comes to certain aspects of my life. I've gotten much better, but I'm still a work in progress.
In eight years I have matured in the L-rd, but I don't think that I will ever stop learning and growing in Him. There is no end to that process.
So because He stood by my side through thick and thin, I have decided to be entirely His through thick and thin.
Do I want a husband?
Hmmm... I have thought about it. I won't lie. Then again, when reality sets in and my personal struggles are soothed by G-d's peace and perfect love ... I feel quite complete in the L-rd. I also believe (and I struggle with this a lot) that no one out there would love me like this. You know... with my limp. Stuff like that can get in the way of a man's pride. Men like to be seen with pretty ladies who can wear heels and walk the walk.
Because I've been the object of little cruel jokes, I know what I'm saying.
Would I make a good wife?
I don't know.
I suppose.
If being a wife involves loving and giving, giving, giving... then it's right down my alley.
Then again, my L-rd has been as giving and as loving and I have received from Him what I have never received from a man.
Only G-d has done that for me.
With that said, this holiday season I won't have a loving arm around me in service, but I will have my arms wrapped around the most beautiful children in the world!
Mine!
Feels just as good to give love as it does to receive it.
At this point I don't need the affections of a man as much as I need G-d's unconditional love.
Shalom!
Beauty and the Beast
I can't believe I'm still up at this hour preparing lesson plans for this month. I guess I don't want to fall behind during fall season. I just want to take it easy during my FAVORITE season of the year!!!
I totally looooooooooooove Fall! Love the colors. Love the weather! Love the coziness of it.
Fall is so romantic.
Anyhow, can't wait for tomorrow night. My kids and I are watching Beauty and the Beast! After all these years it's out of the vault! The last time Claudia saw it she was three and Ricardo has NEVER seen it.
We are also having "French Day"! We are going to learn about the Eiffel Tower, we are baking baguettes, and for dinner we are having some of the dishes mentioned in the song "Be Our Guest" just for fun! Can't wait!
I must share a secret.
Deep inside, I am such a BELLE...lol.. ("with a dreamy far off look, and her nose stuck in a book", avoiding all the Gastons out there and living a very provincial Poinciana life) but when it comes to rejection, I truly can relate to Beast.
I totally looooooooooooove Fall! Love the colors. Love the weather! Love the coziness of it.
Fall is so romantic.
Anyhow, can't wait for tomorrow night. My kids and I are watching Beauty and the Beast! After all these years it's out of the vault! The last time Claudia saw it she was three and Ricardo has NEVER seen it.
We are also having "French Day"! We are going to learn about the Eiffel Tower, we are baking baguettes, and for dinner we are having some of the dishes mentioned in the song "Be Our Guest" just for fun! Can't wait!
I must share a secret.
Deep inside, I am such a BELLE...lol.. ("with a dreamy far off look, and her nose stuck in a book", avoiding all the Gastons out there and living a very provincial Poinciana life) but when it comes to rejection, I truly can relate to Beast.
Monday, October 4, 2010
William Tyndale on Obedience
I happen to be a big fan of William Tyndale. This guy paid the ultimate price to ensure that G-d's word was translated into Modern English. If any of you out there are able to read your Bibles, it is mainly because of this man.
In 1528 he wrote the following regarding The Obedience of a Christian Man:
" Christ is with us until the world’s end. Let his little flock be bold therefore.
For if God be on our side, what matter maketh it who be against us, be they bishops, cardinals, popes, or whatsoever names they will?
Mark this also, if God send thee to the sea, and promise to go with thee, and to bring thee safe to land, he will raise up a tempest against thee, to prove whether thou wilt abide by his word, and that thou mayest feel thy faith, and perceive his goodness. For if it were always fair weather, and thou never brought into such jeopardy, whence his mercy only delivered thee, thy faith should be but a presumption, and thou shouldest be ever unthankful to God and merciless unto thy neighbor.
If God promise riches, the way thereto is poverty. Whom he loveth, him he chasteneth: whom he exalteth, he casteth, down: whom he saveth, he damneth first. He bringeth no man to heaven, except he send him to hell first. If he promise life, he slayeth first: when he buildeth, he casteth all down first. He is no patcher; he cannot build on another man’s foundation.
He will not work until all be past remedy, and brought unto such a case, that men may see, how that his hand, his power, his mercy, his goodness and truth, hath wrought altogether. He will let no man be partaker with him of his praise and glory. His works are wonderful, and contrary unto man’s works."
*************************************************************************************
Powerful,isn't it? One has to be as bold as he was, and as passionate about G-d's word as he was, in order to understand it with such depth. He was straight forward and to the point, and I can't help but wonder if deep in his spirit he knew the changes that would take place in our world. Wow. This is intense.
When I look at all that I have been through and then see the growth that came from it, I am simply amazed. Tyndale was right in saying that G-d cannot build on another man's foundation. He has to break us first. He has to bring us down from our pedestal and from that place where we think we are all sufficient. He let's us know how dumb we really are, before he makes us wise. He teaches us about perseverance through trials to let us know that we can overcome. He takes away our wealth at times so that we can learn to live by faith. He allows illness to strike so that we forget about vanities that don't matter and begin to heal from the inside out.
When it comes to wealth, preachers out there continue to teach about prosperity the wrong way. They keep saying that G-d wants you to be rich... but they forget one thing. You must learn first how to be poor and survive with just enough, or even less, in order for G-d to be able to trust you with more.
This makes soooooo much sense to me. Does it to you?
Most importantly, G-d wants you to give Him ALL glory. Not a bit here and there, but ALL, for without Him we merely exist.
Job did it. Abraham pulled through it and so did Joseph! Yeshua, His own son, glorified His father with His sacrifice for us and He went through the most unimaginable pain ever known to man!
We need to be as genuine as those who were willing to die for the cause of Yeshua.
How many pastors out there are willing to let G-d break their foundation so that G-d can build His in their lives? How many of us are willing to do the same?
When G-d breaks you, it's only to restore you. To make you new.
It hurts. Trust me... I know it hurts.
But I can simply tell you that it will happen as many times as it needs to happen until you finally understand that you are one with your creator and that without Him you are merely unfinished clay.
The minute you crack or decide to add something to your design that was not part of G-d's plan, you will break. Trust me.
You only have two choices.
You either stay broken, or you let Him start over... and from start to finish it will be the biggest challenge EVER, but well worth it.
What have you decided?
Seriously wished there was a time machine somewhere. I would've loved to have seen this man preaching!
Hugs and love,
Rose
In 1528 he wrote the following regarding The Obedience of a Christian Man:
" Christ is with us until the world’s end. Let his little flock be bold therefore.
For if God be on our side, what matter maketh it who be against us, be they bishops, cardinals, popes, or whatsoever names they will?
Mark this also, if God send thee to the sea, and promise to go with thee, and to bring thee safe to land, he will raise up a tempest against thee, to prove whether thou wilt abide by his word, and that thou mayest feel thy faith, and perceive his goodness. For if it were always fair weather, and thou never brought into such jeopardy, whence his mercy only delivered thee, thy faith should be but a presumption, and thou shouldest be ever unthankful to God and merciless unto thy neighbor.
If God promise riches, the way thereto is poverty. Whom he loveth, him he chasteneth: whom he exalteth, he casteth, down: whom he saveth, he damneth first. He bringeth no man to heaven, except he send him to hell first. If he promise life, he slayeth first: when he buildeth, he casteth all down first. He is no patcher; he cannot build on another man’s foundation.
He will not work until all be past remedy, and brought unto such a case, that men may see, how that his hand, his power, his mercy, his goodness and truth, hath wrought altogether. He will let no man be partaker with him of his praise and glory. His works are wonderful, and contrary unto man’s works."
*************************************************************************************
Powerful,isn't it? One has to be as bold as he was, and as passionate about G-d's word as he was, in order to understand it with such depth. He was straight forward and to the point, and I can't help but wonder if deep in his spirit he knew the changes that would take place in our world. Wow. This is intense.
When I look at all that I have been through and then see the growth that came from it, I am simply amazed. Tyndale was right in saying that G-d cannot build on another man's foundation. He has to break us first. He has to bring us down from our pedestal and from that place where we think we are all sufficient. He let's us know how dumb we really are, before he makes us wise. He teaches us about perseverance through trials to let us know that we can overcome. He takes away our wealth at times so that we can learn to live by faith. He allows illness to strike so that we forget about vanities that don't matter and begin to heal from the inside out.
When it comes to wealth, preachers out there continue to teach about prosperity the wrong way. They keep saying that G-d wants you to be rich... but they forget one thing. You must learn first how to be poor and survive with just enough, or even less, in order for G-d to be able to trust you with more.
This makes soooooo much sense to me. Does it to you?
Most importantly, G-d wants you to give Him ALL glory. Not a bit here and there, but ALL, for without Him we merely exist.
Job did it. Abraham pulled through it and so did Joseph! Yeshua, His own son, glorified His father with His sacrifice for us and He went through the most unimaginable pain ever known to man!
We need to be as genuine as those who were willing to die for the cause of Yeshua.
How many pastors out there are willing to let G-d break their foundation so that G-d can build His in their lives? How many of us are willing to do the same?
When G-d breaks you, it's only to restore you. To make you new.
It hurts. Trust me... I know it hurts.
But I can simply tell you that it will happen as many times as it needs to happen until you finally understand that you are one with your creator and that without Him you are merely unfinished clay.
The minute you crack or decide to add something to your design that was not part of G-d's plan, you will break. Trust me.
You only have two choices.
You either stay broken, or you let Him start over... and from start to finish it will be the biggest challenge EVER, but well worth it.
What have you decided?
Seriously wished there was a time machine somewhere. I would've loved to have seen this man preaching!
Hugs and love,
Rose
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Moving Back with La Familia...
Yeah... not an easy choice, but after Abuelita requested this from me, I reconsidered because frankly, I am not where I should be in terms of my health, so it was a better part of wisdom.
I'm baaaaaaaaack! Well, as of October 31st.
How can I describe life at my parent's house?
Um...how can I describe my parents? He he he!
Well... here are some videos. LOL! Ok. So I guess I can get used to this again.
My Dad...
My sisters and my Abuelita
Good times back home...
I'm baaaaaaaaack! Well, as of October 31st.
How can I describe life at my parent's house?
Um...how can I describe my parents? He he he!
Well... here are some videos. LOL! Ok. So I guess I can get used to this again.
My Dad...
My sisters and my Abuelita
Good times back home...
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Dear Friends
Dear Friends,
After being hospitalized for a week, I am extremely grateful to be home with my children. We are back to homeschooling, lots of fun moments, laughter and cuddles!!!
Wow. I missed them.
Now I am back to planning my move in November, my trip to New York in the Spring and a more permanent move out West in a year. I seriously thought that doors had closed for good, but as it turns out, G-d had other amazing plans! So glad that my heart knew this, because I felt so much peace.
Being at the hospital was a bit scary this time around. I even gave my email, Facebook, and banking passwords to two trustworthy relatives, in case something happened to me, so they could access them and handle them as I had requested.
A prank sort of ruined the whole "idea" and well... now that passwords have been changed, I learned my lesson. As believers we must guard our testimony, even when that means keeping our distance from people we love very much. One thing you never joke around is someone's trust. Little pranks take a whole new meaning when it involves damage to someone's personal testimony. Huge no-no.
All that said, no hard feelings. All forgiven.
Going back to being at home, I am busy being a mom, living for my King of Kings and looking forward to the changes. After much prayer I have decided that we are downgrading to a two bedroom condo. VERY small, but brand new in a NICER sister community that also has a lake, a marina, NATURE all around, an awesome pool and a SUPER COOL gym. I can't do much, but the doctor wants me to do controlled steady walking on a treadmill, and that gym has lots of those.
Someone this past week asked me a very delicate question.
For those of you who still do not know this, I suffer from hypokalemic periodic paralysis and I don't walk very straight. I limp.
I can probably walk 50 steps without limping (in a lot of pain) but other than that it's THUMP... THUMP...THUMP... the rest of the time. For those of you who know this about me already, I thank you for loving me as I am. For those of you who have never seen me in "action", hugs are welcomed, but no stares. LOL!
Back when I was younger I did modeling and gymnastics and life was by all means "normal" but a few years back this debilitating condition sort of took over, and now I walk kind of funny. Some days are better than others and believe it or not, I have days when I can actually jog and walk somewhat normal, but those days don't usually last long.
I encourage any of you out there to research this condition as it is rarely known and it is considered a muscular dystrophy, since they have yet to find a medication that will regress muscle damage. They are testing one recently, but I would have to travel to another state to partake of the study before it ends, and I just don't see myself going anywhere far right now. Being in the hospital this long made me realize that I can't just take off without my kids. I think that I would go literally nuts without them.
Anyways...G-d is awesome and life is good!
I am back to those moments of peace in the early morning hours when I can sit in my cuddly chair by the lamp to read His Word, pray and mediate in Him with a cup of fruity herbal tea nearby. It's as if He is there, holding me in His arms, cuddling me and loving me and wow... nothing else out there can top that. Nothing.
I am in love with my King of Kings and L-rd of L-rds and I am glad to be home.
True that He held me through it all at the hospital, but frankly, there is no place like home. You all know that.
I thank you all for your wonderful prayers and I am looking forward to fellowship at my place this week with those of you who will be coming over for dinner, prayer and praise! Can hardly wait!
To those friends who live a bit far, I PROMISE to meet you in person one day. When our friends also believe in eternal life with G-d, that promise is literally impossible to break. :o)
Much love,
Rose
After being hospitalized for a week, I am extremely grateful to be home with my children. We are back to homeschooling, lots of fun moments, laughter and cuddles!!!
Wow. I missed them.
Now I am back to planning my move in November, my trip to New York in the Spring and a more permanent move out West in a year. I seriously thought that doors had closed for good, but as it turns out, G-d had other amazing plans! So glad that my heart knew this, because I felt so much peace.
Being at the hospital was a bit scary this time around. I even gave my email, Facebook, and banking passwords to two trustworthy relatives, in case something happened to me, so they could access them and handle them as I had requested.
A prank sort of ruined the whole "idea" and well... now that passwords have been changed, I learned my lesson. As believers we must guard our testimony, even when that means keeping our distance from people we love very much. One thing you never joke around is someone's trust. Little pranks take a whole new meaning when it involves damage to someone's personal testimony. Huge no-no.
All that said, no hard feelings. All forgiven.
Going back to being at home, I am busy being a mom, living for my King of Kings and looking forward to the changes. After much prayer I have decided that we are downgrading to a two bedroom condo. VERY small, but brand new in a NICER sister community that also has a lake, a marina, NATURE all around, an awesome pool and a SUPER COOL gym. I can't do much, but the doctor wants me to do controlled steady walking on a treadmill, and that gym has lots of those.
Someone this past week asked me a very delicate question.
For those of you who still do not know this, I suffer from hypokalemic periodic paralysis and I don't walk very straight. I limp.
I can probably walk 50 steps without limping (in a lot of pain) but other than that it's THUMP... THUMP...THUMP... the rest of the time. For those of you who know this about me already, I thank you for loving me as I am. For those of you who have never seen me in "action", hugs are welcomed, but no stares. LOL!
Back when I was younger I did modeling and gymnastics and life was by all means "normal" but a few years back this debilitating condition sort of took over, and now I walk kind of funny. Some days are better than others and believe it or not, I have days when I can actually jog and walk somewhat normal, but those days don't usually last long.
I encourage any of you out there to research this condition as it is rarely known and it is considered a muscular dystrophy, since they have yet to find a medication that will regress muscle damage. They are testing one recently, but I would have to travel to another state to partake of the study before it ends, and I just don't see myself going anywhere far right now. Being in the hospital this long made me realize that I can't just take off without my kids. I think that I would go literally nuts without them.
Anyways...G-d is awesome and life is good!
I am back to those moments of peace in the early morning hours when I can sit in my cuddly chair by the lamp to read His Word, pray and mediate in Him with a cup of fruity herbal tea nearby. It's as if He is there, holding me in His arms, cuddling me and loving me and wow... nothing else out there can top that. Nothing.
I am in love with my King of Kings and L-rd of L-rds and I am glad to be home.
True that He held me through it all at the hospital, but frankly, there is no place like home. You all know that.
I thank you all for your wonderful prayers and I am looking forward to fellowship at my place this week with those of you who will be coming over for dinner, prayer and praise! Can hardly wait!
To those friends who live a bit far, I PROMISE to meet you in person one day. When our friends also believe in eternal life with G-d, that promise is literally impossible to break. :o)
Much love,
Rose
Friday, September 24, 2010
Gotta Have the Backbone!
My friend Leslie posted this to her Facebook this morning and I thought it was great!
EVANGELIFISH = Christian who has no backbone to obey the KNOWN will of God, but wants to KNOW the HIDDEN will of God.
LOL! Doing G-d's perfect will takes guts. I say this because it is never easy to give up our personal desires to follow His in a world that pulls us in all different directions.
As I pondered on this sudden hospital stay and on how it literally ruined my Sukkot, G-d reminded me with much love that had this not happened, they wouldn't have found that splenic arterial aneurysm. G-d saved my life.
Bam! In my face.
We are so quick to complain but forget to look at the greater picture.
G-d knows that my children need me and that I still have lots to do here on earth before His return, so he took care of me once more.
Sure! I threw a fit because with my health it always seems to be one thing after another. Still one more CT to go, and you know... if something else shows up, I promise to not complain. G-d already used this situation so that I could minister to a nurse... and if she was the only reason I am going through all of this, then it's been worth it.
G-d, I am all Yours! You know what You are doing and I trust You!
Chag Sameach my King!!!
EVANGELIFISH = Christian who has no backbone to obey the KNOWN will of God, but wants to KNOW the HIDDEN will of God.
LOL! Doing G-d's perfect will takes guts. I say this because it is never easy to give up our personal desires to follow His in a world that pulls us in all different directions.
As I pondered on this sudden hospital stay and on how it literally ruined my Sukkot, G-d reminded me with much love that had this not happened, they wouldn't have found that splenic arterial aneurysm. G-d saved my life.
Bam! In my face.
We are so quick to complain but forget to look at the greater picture.
G-d knows that my children need me and that I still have lots to do here on earth before His return, so he took care of me once more.
Sure! I threw a fit because with my health it always seems to be one thing after another. Still one more CT to go, and you know... if something else shows up, I promise to not complain. G-d already used this situation so that I could minister to a nurse... and if she was the only reason I am going through all of this, then it's been worth it.
G-d, I am all Yours! You know what You are doing and I trust You!
Chag Sameach my King!!!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Yom Kippur ...
Yom Kippur is over.
The Potter... the clay... a fresh start.
We prayed and listened to G-d's Word all day. I had moments of introspection that served me well, and after all that, was simply drained.
Peaceful, but drained.
I sincerely felt as though I had fought the biggest spiritual battle of my life. Fasting is not just for forgiveness of sins, but also for spiritual war, and this one was incredibly immense.
Here is what I think with all of my heart.
Yom Kippur is a high holiday, but it frankly means nothing to G-d if it is simply something that one does as a yearly ritual. (I do understand that the High Holy Days mark the seasons... and that is important, but I am talking about the deeper meaning of repentance)
Atonement.
Aren't we supposed to ask for atonement EVERY SINGLE day of the year?
As I read the first chapter in Isaiah, I was surprised to find out that G-d himself made it very clear to His people that the ordained holidays meant nothing to Him if they were not meant from the heart.
Isaiah 1 verses 14 through 20 read:
11 "The multitude of your sacrifices—
what are they to me?" says the LORD.
"I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
of rams and the fat of fattened animals;
I have no pleasure
in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
12 When you come to appear before me,
who has asked this of you,
this trampling of my courts?
13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
Your incense is detestable to me.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—
I cannot bear your evil assemblies.
14 Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts
my soul hates.
They have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.
15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I will hide my eyes from you;
even if you offer many prayers,
I will not listen.
Your hands are full of blood;
16 wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds
out of my sight!
Stop doing wrong,
17 learn to do right!
Seek justice,
encourage the oppressed. [a]
Defend the cause of the fatherless,
plead the case of the widow.
18 "Come now, let us reason together,"
says the LORD.
"Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the best from the land;
20 but if you resist and rebel,
you will be devoured by the sword."
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
What difference does it make if we go on doing whatever we want the very next day?
He wants us to STOP doing wrong. He wants us to be WILLING and OBEDIENT.
We are dumb if we think as Jews that we can get away with sin just because we make atonement once a year... or as Messianic Jews because Yeshua made atonement for us.
True, He has cleansed us. Yet, here is the thing...
Let me share my heart, and I just KNOW that I am going to get soooo incredibly grilled for what I am about to say, but it's true because I have been there and done it myself.
Being a Jew can be a huge burden at times. Having to follow certain rituals makes me wonder if we REALLY get it, or if this is just something that we do because we are simply Jews.
Can I please be more honest?
Do you all want to know when I finally understood this?
This year.
Does that surprise any of you out there?
Please don't be shocked.
I recall walking into synagogue with my children in years past and praying with everyone else there... Messianics, of course. Praying for forgiveness. Praying for Israel. Praying and praying and praying...
This year I did not attend synagogue.
This year I stayed home with my kids.
We all fasted and prayed and cried... and then I realized right in the middle of it that Yeshua's blood had already cleansed me and that it did so EVERY SINGLE DAY... so why the huge fuss over it ONCE a year?
You see now why you are all going to grill me for this?
The more I prayed and cried before the presence of G-d, the more I understood Yeshua's struggle to let people know that religion is NO LONGER required, but that the simple acceptance of HIS sacrifice for us suffices.
YES, we observe the day out of obedience to HaShem, but do we REALLY observe His commandments? Do we really repent? Do we really make it a point to start brand new, or do we go back to the same old stuff a few minutes after we end our fast?
My heart has known for years that with our L-rd it is not about a religion but about a relationship.
This year, however, G-d made it crystal clear that the High Holy Days as we call them mean absolutely nothing if they are simply a once a year guilt trip.
Keeping our salvation is EVERY DAY work.
Every day that we struggle with sin we either wash ourselves with the blood of Yeshua as we repent, or we grab the mallet and nail Him back on the cross with our actions.
I wanted to be sincere.
I wanted to mean it.
No more guilt trips.
HaShem wants true repentance, and I sure had no choice but to realize that this is more serious than it looks.
We are running out of time here.
We seriously are.
My son is eight years old, but he took to that floor and did not lift up his head until he cried all he had to cry before the L-rd. As much as I wanted to pick him up and hold him, I knew that I had to leave Him alone.
He is just a child, but his spirit, his heart and his mind understood true repentance at his level.
Nobody else was there.
Just us three, worshipping our King.
When we can get THISCLOSE to Him... in such intimacy, then He opens our hearts to a better understanding of what we are doing and why we are supposed to do it.
It took me this long, but now I get it.
Next Yom Kippur I hope to be with Him... but if I am not, then I hope to be THISCLOSE to His heart and for Him to be THISCLOSE to my heart once more.
That simple.
The Potter... the clay... a fresh start.
We prayed and listened to G-d's Word all day. I had moments of introspection that served me well, and after all that, was simply drained.
Peaceful, but drained.
I sincerely felt as though I had fought the biggest spiritual battle of my life. Fasting is not just for forgiveness of sins, but also for spiritual war, and this one was incredibly immense.
Here is what I think with all of my heart.
Yom Kippur is a high holiday, but it frankly means nothing to G-d if it is simply something that one does as a yearly ritual. (I do understand that the High Holy Days mark the seasons... and that is important, but I am talking about the deeper meaning of repentance)
Atonement.
Aren't we supposed to ask for atonement EVERY SINGLE day of the year?
As I read the first chapter in Isaiah, I was surprised to find out that G-d himself made it very clear to His people that the ordained holidays meant nothing to Him if they were not meant from the heart.
Isaiah 1 verses 14 through 20 read:
11 "The multitude of your sacrifices—
what are they to me?" says the LORD.
"I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
of rams and the fat of fattened animals;
I have no pleasure
in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
12 When you come to appear before me,
who has asked this of you,
this trampling of my courts?
13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
Your incense is detestable to me.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—
I cannot bear your evil assemblies.
14 Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts
my soul hates.
They have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.
15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I will hide my eyes from you;
even if you offer many prayers,
I will not listen.
Your hands are full of blood;
16 wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds
out of my sight!
Stop doing wrong,
17 learn to do right!
Seek justice,
encourage the oppressed. [a]
Defend the cause of the fatherless,
plead the case of the widow.
18 "Come now, let us reason together,"
says the LORD.
"Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the best from the land;
20 but if you resist and rebel,
you will be devoured by the sword."
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
What difference does it make if we go on doing whatever we want the very next day?
He wants us to STOP doing wrong. He wants us to be WILLING and OBEDIENT.
We are dumb if we think as Jews that we can get away with sin just because we make atonement once a year... or as Messianic Jews because Yeshua made atonement for us.
True, He has cleansed us. Yet, here is the thing...
Let me share my heart, and I just KNOW that I am going to get soooo incredibly grilled for what I am about to say, but it's true because I have been there and done it myself.
Being a Jew can be a huge burden at times. Having to follow certain rituals makes me wonder if we REALLY get it, or if this is just something that we do because we are simply Jews.
Can I please be more honest?
Do you all want to know when I finally understood this?
This year.
Does that surprise any of you out there?
Please don't be shocked.
I recall walking into synagogue with my children in years past and praying with everyone else there... Messianics, of course. Praying for forgiveness. Praying for Israel. Praying and praying and praying...
This year I did not attend synagogue.
This year I stayed home with my kids.
We all fasted and prayed and cried... and then I realized right in the middle of it that Yeshua's blood had already cleansed me and that it did so EVERY SINGLE DAY... so why the huge fuss over it ONCE a year?
You see now why you are all going to grill me for this?
The more I prayed and cried before the presence of G-d, the more I understood Yeshua's struggle to let people know that religion is NO LONGER required, but that the simple acceptance of HIS sacrifice for us suffices.
YES, we observe the day out of obedience to HaShem, but do we REALLY observe His commandments? Do we really repent? Do we really make it a point to start brand new, or do we go back to the same old stuff a few minutes after we end our fast?
My heart has known for years that with our L-rd it is not about a religion but about a relationship.
This year, however, G-d made it crystal clear that the High Holy Days as we call them mean absolutely nothing if they are simply a once a year guilt trip.
Keeping our salvation is EVERY DAY work.
Every day that we struggle with sin we either wash ourselves with the blood of Yeshua as we repent, or we grab the mallet and nail Him back on the cross with our actions.
I wanted to be sincere.
I wanted to mean it.
No more guilt trips.
HaShem wants true repentance, and I sure had no choice but to realize that this is more serious than it looks.
We are running out of time here.
We seriously are.
My son is eight years old, but he took to that floor and did not lift up his head until he cried all he had to cry before the L-rd. As much as I wanted to pick him up and hold him, I knew that I had to leave Him alone.
He is just a child, but his spirit, his heart and his mind understood true repentance at his level.
Nobody else was there.
Just us three, worshipping our King.
When we can get THISCLOSE to Him... in such intimacy, then He opens our hearts to a better understanding of what we are doing and why we are supposed to do it.
It took me this long, but now I get it.
Next Yom Kippur I hope to be with Him... but if I am not, then I hope to be THISCLOSE to His heart and for Him to be THISCLOSE to my heart once more.
That simple.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
This Has Blown Me Away!
Please take a look at this video. I decided to investigate these tetrads myself because I don't like to take other people's word for it... and wow... I am blown away!
Although we do not know the DAY or the HOUR... G-d encourages us to watch out for the "seasons"!
This is the entire Torah Study on this subject. Take out your notebooks and start taking notes people! This stuff is GOOD!
Although we do not know the DAY or the HOUR... G-d encourages us to watch out for the "seasons"!
This is the entire Torah Study on this subject. Take out your notebooks and start taking notes people! This stuff is GOOD!
Friday, September 10, 2010
My Personal Life Lessons for Rosh HaShanah
It's been a wonderful last few days. My home has been filled with the presence of G-d because Claudia, Ricardo and I have taken the time to delight ourselves in Him COMPLETELY.
Ricardo even felt from the L-rd that he should get oil and have us all anointed before HaShem's presence. It was very special and wow... words cannot describe.
My lessons for this year have been many, but one last thing that I learned several nights ago, right before Rosh HaShanah, was not only to let the events of the past few weeks go but to also recognize that we must stop seeking friendships that don't benefit us in the least.
When I was a model back in the 90's everyone wanted a piece of me. (Sounds so weird, LOL... but those who knew me back then know that I am not kidding) It was a horrible truth I had difficulty with back in those days. My parents were constantly on guard and my father would go with me to EVERY SINGLE casting and EVERY SINGLE shoot. It was a very stressful and odd stage in my life and it was even more stressful to have my dad breathing down my neck and down the director's neck. Most of those t.v. producers were from Argentina and they had temper issues... and when you mix that with a hard headed Jewish dad, it's deadly stuff.
The vulchers would scatter whenever they saw my dad. He knew that this type of environment was dangerous for me, and later on it almost proved fatal. If I survived the most hurtful event of my life, was because G-d must have had a plan. That simple. G-d kept me alive.
I was more comfortable doing radio since I had family in the entertainment business and I had "easy" access to that sort of thing, but then after the incident I retreated and became this horribly shy hermit. Tons of friends, but none that I would ever allow too close to my heart. Those same friends vanished when I vanished from "the scene".
Bit by bit, I have allowed G-d to take care of that. At times I wonder if I have had any progress, because I have chickened out of so many opportunities. If someone is your true friend, they will never care about your physical appearance or about your illnesses or handicaps.
When I had beauty and popularity people couldn't get past that in order to love me for my heart. Now that beauty is somewhat gone, people can't get past THAT in order to love me for my heart.
Ironic, isn't it? This shallow world does not have one single person out there who doesn't seek out another in true friendship unless they are able to get something in return. Then, once they have what they wanted, you are once more invisible.
True friendship. Does that even exist anymore?
My grandmother has a box of cards that she mails out every single year. She taught me as a child that a true friend never forgets birthdays and that a true friend should never stop seeking the opportunity to give without expecting anything in return. For years I carried on with her ways and made this my own personal mission, never forgetting a birthday and making sure that I would always find ways to give joy to someone, even in simple things... a book, a card, a movie gift certificate or a simple phone call.
Throughout the years, I have sifted out the people who like to take from me and those who like to receive from me. Those who like to receive from me already know that I give expecting nothing back. Those who take, do so afraid and paranoid that they have to respond to me a certain way. In other words, they only call when they need a favor and once they get what they came looking for they scram. Wow. What has this world done to people for them to become so increasingly paranoid? Where is G-d's love in these people who proclaim to know G-d, but then treat others like they themselves wouldn't want to be treated?
I can count my true friends with one hand. One. Everyone else has placed me and countless others in their "Who Cares" category.
I don't necessarily like Rick Warren because although his teachings sound good, my spirit feels just a bit uncomfortable with who he has become. Then again, there are a few quotes here and there that are right on the money. One quote of his that I totally agree with is this one:
"Never let flatterers into your inner circle. They are users, not friends"
So here is my advice to all of you out there...
When someone who never usually reaches out to find out how you are doing makes a sudden attempt to act as a friend and then asks you for something... do what you can to help, but don't expect them to call until they need that same favor the following year. As a matter of fact, end your conversation with "Nice for you to take the initiative to call. Glad everyone is ok. Here is your favor and don't worry... I'll still be around next year when you need this favor again."
LOL!
Yup. Sigh... true friendship. Who has the time, right?
Here is my personal statement and shout out to those creepy people out there who seriously need a reality check:
"Welcome to Planet Who Cares... where you even find people who are paranoid when you ask them if they want something for their birthday. Chillax people! Birthdays were meant for cards and little gifts. If those are way too insignificant and you only get excited about free admissions to an amusement park, then my most sincere apology."
I am simply being a REAL friend. Not a hypocrite. Not a nuisance.Then again, if a person doesn't care for another person's friendship... be honest and speak up. Tell them. Say it with words. Sending mixed signals is simply wrong. I don't have to befriend everyone I meet, but I don't have to pretend to be their friend either! It makes one wonder if people who do that somehow share with others that one is nothing other than their little personal joke. I've seen people do this all the time and it is very sad.
If you have forgotten what real friends are like, perhaps it would be a good idea to take a serious look within yourselves to achieve greater perspective. Perhaps the reason you can't recognize true friendship when you see it is because you are oblivious to it, since it is obvious that you can't receive what you yourself are unable to give."
Right now, though, I am relaxing in the L-rd and literally inhaling the book Finding Favor with the King, by Tommy Tenney. This is my second round through it and I just totally love it!
This last year was one of feast and famine, and through it all G-d loved my family. No regrets. None.
A better part of wisdom is to take those things which have hurt you and learn from them. How can you regret a good lesson learned? You can't. My hope is to grow better and not bitter from the events of the past year. It's been a tough one... wow!
Another lesson? People are not always who they appear to be and often times this ends up affecting our level of trust. How you deal with it, however, will either make you stronger or make the wound much deeper.
Forgiveness is a choice and one must first learn to ask for forgiveness and take that initiative before the presence of G-d, regardless of who is wrong and who isn't. None of us are righteous. We all come short, but G-d has enough mercies each morning for each and every one.
My final Rosh HaShanah lesson? Good boundaries are always good. Bad boundaries keep you isolated and lonely.
Gotta make sure I establish the good boundaries. The ones that allow me to say what I need to say when I need to say it, after asking G-d for the right attitude and words.
The Chinese Bamboo takes five years to sprout. For five years you see nothing. If you stop watering it during those five years, it dies, but if you carefully water and fertilize it every single year for the entire five years, it suddenly shoots up and in less than six weeks it grows up to 90 feet!!! Some of us are the same way.
We don't see our growth at times, even though we know that G-d is watering our faith and sending knowledge our way, which we slowly absorb. Deep in our hearts, all these roots are growing and growing and preparing us to withstand the amazing outward growth that is to take place in due time. We don't see it, but it's there. It's coming. We may not see the light right now, but when we finally shoot up to the sky and G-d's purpose for our lives is fulfilled, we will then be able to see from up there EVERYTHING that we could not quite grasp from down below.
I am such a bamboo, but my roots are growing and I am still alive. G-d won't let me die.
One day whether in life or in death I too will shoot up to the heavens!
L'Shanah Tovah Tikatevu to all!
Ricardo even felt from the L-rd that he should get oil and have us all anointed before HaShem's presence. It was very special and wow... words cannot describe.
My lessons for this year have been many, but one last thing that I learned several nights ago, right before Rosh HaShanah, was not only to let the events of the past few weeks go but to also recognize that we must stop seeking friendships that don't benefit us in the least.
When I was a model back in the 90's everyone wanted a piece of me. (Sounds so weird, LOL... but those who knew me back then know that I am not kidding) It was a horrible truth I had difficulty with back in those days. My parents were constantly on guard and my father would go with me to EVERY SINGLE casting and EVERY SINGLE shoot. It was a very stressful and odd stage in my life and it was even more stressful to have my dad breathing down my neck and down the director's neck. Most of those t.v. producers were from Argentina and they had temper issues... and when you mix that with a hard headed Jewish dad, it's deadly stuff.
The vulchers would scatter whenever they saw my dad. He knew that this type of environment was dangerous for me, and later on it almost proved fatal. If I survived the most hurtful event of my life, was because G-d must have had a plan. That simple. G-d kept me alive.
I was more comfortable doing radio since I had family in the entertainment business and I had "easy" access to that sort of thing, but then after the incident I retreated and became this horribly shy hermit. Tons of friends, but none that I would ever allow too close to my heart. Those same friends vanished when I vanished from "the scene".
Bit by bit, I have allowed G-d to take care of that. At times I wonder if I have had any progress, because I have chickened out of so many opportunities. If someone is your true friend, they will never care about your physical appearance or about your illnesses or handicaps.
When I had beauty and popularity people couldn't get past that in order to love me for my heart. Now that beauty is somewhat gone, people can't get past THAT in order to love me for my heart.
Ironic, isn't it? This shallow world does not have one single person out there who doesn't seek out another in true friendship unless they are able to get something in return. Then, once they have what they wanted, you are once more invisible.
True friendship. Does that even exist anymore?
My grandmother has a box of cards that she mails out every single year. She taught me as a child that a true friend never forgets birthdays and that a true friend should never stop seeking the opportunity to give without expecting anything in return. For years I carried on with her ways and made this my own personal mission, never forgetting a birthday and making sure that I would always find ways to give joy to someone, even in simple things... a book, a card, a movie gift certificate or a simple phone call.
Throughout the years, I have sifted out the people who like to take from me and those who like to receive from me. Those who like to receive from me already know that I give expecting nothing back. Those who take, do so afraid and paranoid that they have to respond to me a certain way. In other words, they only call when they need a favor and once they get what they came looking for they scram. Wow. What has this world done to people for them to become so increasingly paranoid? Where is G-d's love in these people who proclaim to know G-d, but then treat others like they themselves wouldn't want to be treated?
I can count my true friends with one hand. One. Everyone else has placed me and countless others in their "Who Cares" category.
I don't necessarily like Rick Warren because although his teachings sound good, my spirit feels just a bit uncomfortable with who he has become. Then again, there are a few quotes here and there that are right on the money. One quote of his that I totally agree with is this one:
"Never let flatterers into your inner circle. They are users, not friends"
So here is my advice to all of you out there...
When someone who never usually reaches out to find out how you are doing makes a sudden attempt to act as a friend and then asks you for something... do what you can to help, but don't expect them to call until they need that same favor the following year. As a matter of fact, end your conversation with "Nice for you to take the initiative to call. Glad everyone is ok. Here is your favor and don't worry... I'll still be around next year when you need this favor again."
LOL!
Yup. Sigh... true friendship. Who has the time, right?
Here is my personal statement and shout out to those creepy people out there who seriously need a reality check:
"Welcome to Planet Who Cares... where you even find people who are paranoid when you ask them if they want something for their birthday. Chillax people! Birthdays were meant for cards and little gifts. If those are way too insignificant and you only get excited about free admissions to an amusement park, then my most sincere apology."
I am simply being a REAL friend. Not a hypocrite. Not a nuisance.Then again, if a person doesn't care for another person's friendship... be honest and speak up. Tell them. Say it with words. Sending mixed signals is simply wrong. I don't have to befriend everyone I meet, but I don't have to pretend to be their friend either! It makes one wonder if people who do that somehow share with others that one is nothing other than their little personal joke. I've seen people do this all the time and it is very sad.
If you have forgotten what real friends are like, perhaps it would be a good idea to take a serious look within yourselves to achieve greater perspective. Perhaps the reason you can't recognize true friendship when you see it is because you are oblivious to it, since it is obvious that you can't receive what you yourself are unable to give."
Right now, though, I am relaxing in the L-rd and literally inhaling the book Finding Favor with the King, by Tommy Tenney. This is my second round through it and I just totally love it!
This last year was one of feast and famine, and through it all G-d loved my family. No regrets. None.
A better part of wisdom is to take those things which have hurt you and learn from them. How can you regret a good lesson learned? You can't. My hope is to grow better and not bitter from the events of the past year. It's been a tough one... wow!
Another lesson? People are not always who they appear to be and often times this ends up affecting our level of trust. How you deal with it, however, will either make you stronger or make the wound much deeper.
Forgiveness is a choice and one must first learn to ask for forgiveness and take that initiative before the presence of G-d, regardless of who is wrong and who isn't. None of us are righteous. We all come short, but G-d has enough mercies each morning for each and every one.
My final Rosh HaShanah lesson? Good boundaries are always good. Bad boundaries keep you isolated and lonely.
Gotta make sure I establish the good boundaries. The ones that allow me to say what I need to say when I need to say it, after asking G-d for the right attitude and words.
The Chinese Bamboo takes five years to sprout. For five years you see nothing. If you stop watering it during those five years, it dies, but if you carefully water and fertilize it every single year for the entire five years, it suddenly shoots up and in less than six weeks it grows up to 90 feet!!! Some of us are the same way.
We don't see our growth at times, even though we know that G-d is watering our faith and sending knowledge our way, which we slowly absorb. Deep in our hearts, all these roots are growing and growing and preparing us to withstand the amazing outward growth that is to take place in due time. We don't see it, but it's there. It's coming. We may not see the light right now, but when we finally shoot up to the sky and G-d's purpose for our lives is fulfilled, we will then be able to see from up there EVERYTHING that we could not quite grasp from down below.
I am such a bamboo, but my roots are growing and I am still alive. G-d won't let me die.
One day whether in life or in death I too will shoot up to the heavens!
L'Shanah Tovah Tikatevu to all!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Rosh HaShanah... I Am for My Beloved, and My Beloved Is for Me
Love the teachings of Charles Harari... wow!
Amazing!
Excellent way to start the New Year! Hallelujah!
G-d is my beloved and I am HIS entirely! Baruch HaShem!
This one NEVER GETS OLD FOR ME! This one is for my brave IDF friends.
Amazing!
Excellent way to start the New Year! Hallelujah!
G-d is my beloved and I am HIS entirely! Baruch HaShem!
This one NEVER GETS OLD FOR ME! This one is for my brave IDF friends.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Career Change
Wow. After 10 years of teaching and 5 years of Criminal Justice, I am ready to get this going.
Four more classes and then it's off to the District's Attorney's Office for a high paying job.
Love teaching, but REALLY needed the change.
Not getting any younger here but knowledge never ends! Love to learn!
Even my friend Evelyn is closer than ever to becoming an aviation attorney and we are almost the same age.
Wow.
Time REALLY flies!
Wow...
Amazing.
Four more classes and then it's off to the District's Attorney's Office for a high paying job.
Love teaching, but REALLY needed the change.
Not getting any younger here but knowledge never ends! Love to learn!
Even my friend Evelyn is closer than ever to becoming an aviation attorney and we are almost the same age.
Wow.
Time REALLY flies!
Wow...
Amazing.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
The Power of Prayer
Step by step if we do as G-d requests, He takes control and makes it all work out.
Thank You Abba.
So here I am. Getting ready for a new week and hoping to resolve the forwarding address mistake these fellas made.
Now my letters are being flown into New Jersey and I need those urgently.
The Post Office first thing in the morning, and then the library so the kids can do their homeschool.
As soon as we get home, it's straight to the pool.
It's gonna be ultra hot tomorrow.
So glad for dinner with fellow believers last night.
It was special and very, very helpful.
G-d is a G-d of truth and He can see EVERYTHING.
Hallellujah.
Thank You Abba.
So here I am. Getting ready for a new week and hoping to resolve the forwarding address mistake these fellas made.
Now my letters are being flown into New Jersey and I need those urgently.
The Post Office first thing in the morning, and then the library so the kids can do their homeschool.
As soon as we get home, it's straight to the pool.
It's gonna be ultra hot tomorrow.
So glad for dinner with fellow believers last night.
It was special and very, very helpful.
G-d is a G-d of truth and He can see EVERYTHING.
Hallellujah.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Shape Ups: The Oil Spill of Fashion...
Eww.
About a month ago I considered buying a pair and then I remembered how almost all the elderly people in the area wear them.
No.
My legs hurt and I need to shape up, no doubt.
But I'm not that old yet.
Uh Uh.
About a month ago I considered buying a pair and then I remembered how almost all the elderly people in the area wear them.
No.
My legs hurt and I need to shape up, no doubt.
But I'm not that old yet.
Uh Uh.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Smiles
When G-d's love and peace overwhelmes you, it is because He has You so hidden in the palm of His hand that nothing can hurt you. Nothing.
After all these tears from the past couple of days, HaShem poured down smiles!
Ahhh... how refreshing to know that we are all ONE in Yeshua and that when G-d speaks, it is REAL. VERY REAL.
He gently reminded me of His love and protection.
We don't have all the answers, but we know that He does.
That's enough for me.
Is it enough for you?
Abba... I love You my King.
After all these tears from the past couple of days, HaShem poured down smiles!
Ahhh... how refreshing to know that we are all ONE in Yeshua and that when G-d speaks, it is REAL. VERY REAL.
He gently reminded me of His love and protection.
We don't have all the answers, but we know that He does.
That's enough for me.
Is it enough for you?
Abba... I love You my King.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
They Are Gone
I finally went home and they were gone.
Jen left everything nice and clean and after checking the account they did pay the electric bill as I requested.
On Sunday when Rick told me that the check he got was going entirely towards his car payments, Jen saw the look on my face.
Jen right away said that they would pay it. Rick said nothing.
Jen knew better and did the right thing. I thank her for this.
The note they left on the counter read:
"Thank you for what you did right, and we forgive you for what you did wrong. I hope that you do the same for us."
With tears streaming down my face I read that note.
If what I did wrong involved telling the truth... then it's ok. I actually think that I did them a favor.
It's time to walk by faith and not by sight.
Quoting the Bible is not enough.
A true believer has to LIVE the Word of G-d because G-d cannot be fooled.
They helped with the July electric bill, but left me stuck with the one for August... and I wasn't even home for an entire week. What were these people doing all day? Turning on ALL the appliances? $255.88. My goodness gracious!
Jen left everything nice and clean and after checking the account they did pay the electric bill as I requested.
On Sunday when Rick told me that the check he got was going entirely towards his car payments, Jen saw the look on my face.
Jen right away said that they would pay it. Rick said nothing.
Jen knew better and did the right thing. I thank her for this.
The note they left on the counter read:
"Thank you for what you did right, and we forgive you for what you did wrong. I hope that you do the same for us."
With tears streaming down my face I read that note.
If what I did wrong involved telling the truth... then it's ok. I actually think that I did them a favor.
It's time to walk by faith and not by sight.
Quoting the Bible is not enough.
A true believer has to LIVE the Word of G-d because G-d cannot be fooled.
They helped with the July electric bill, but left me stuck with the one for August... and I wasn't even home for an entire week. What were these people doing all day? Turning on ALL the appliances? $255.88. My goodness gracious!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Dear Abba
Please Abba... please.
Please love me right now because I am heartbroken.
Abba... I trust You.
I simply trust You.
I don't get what other people do... but I get what You do.
This hurts, but it's ok.
You've got me, right?
You've got my kids... I know You do.
I just don't want anybody else to get hurt... especially if they love You like I do.
Please love me right now because I am heartbroken.
Abba... I trust You.
I simply trust You.
I don't get what other people do... but I get what You do.
This hurts, but it's ok.
You've got me, right?
You've got my kids... I know You do.
I just don't want anybody else to get hurt... especially if they love You like I do.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Well...
Is this how it feels?
I've been down this path before...
No. I am no fool.
But for G-d's sake ... one needs to pretend to be dumb sometimes.
I did my part and I feel proud of myself and good with G-d.
Behold, G-d is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the L-RD YAWEH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
Isaiah 12:2-3
I've been down this path before...
No. I am no fool.
But for G-d's sake ... one needs to pretend to be dumb sometimes.
I did my part and I feel proud of myself and good with G-d.
Behold, G-d is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the L-RD YAWEH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
Isaiah 12:2-3
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Letters to God... WOW!
Tonight as I was pondering on all the events of this week, my daughter suggested we watch a movie from Netflix. It was my time to choose, and on the new releases we noticed a movie called "Letters to God".
At first I thought it was a secular comedy, but this movie turned out to be EXACTLY what we needed to watch tonight.
It was filled with prayer and the presence of G-d was felt so strong through each and every scene that we cried almost through the entire thing.
A true story!
Filmed entirely in Florida.
The places were all too familiar to us.
The hospital.
The children's playground.
The letters to G-d... oh my goodness! Claudia has a diary that is all about letters to G-d. I've been writing letters to G-d since I was like ten!
This movie touched so many personal aspects of our lives that it was as if we were there... going through it again.
Claudia was sobbing so hard.
I was crying so intensely.
G-d used this movie to send a message to the three of us that was so deep, and so full of G-d's love!
G-d used this movie to tell us that no matter what happens, He will love us through it, but most of all... that He DOES read our letters! Hallelujah!
That really meant a lot to Claudia.
Wow.
I have no words.
My best friend Marcos died of leukemia when he was 17, and I was his "Sam".
The kid in the movie looked so much like him! I mean... down to the bandanas!
Claudia had been diagnosed with a medulloblastoma several years ago... and when while watching the movie she said, "Look Mom. That's my hospital."
I couldn't help but respond, "No Claudia. That WAS your hospital. G-d healed you!"
So we cried even harder.
Then again words cannot express, so you all have to see it and experience it yourselves.
What an incredible movie! G-d's Word is everywhere in it. The Holy Spirit is felt all through it! Intense and precious... and filled with the presence of G-d!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Tanned!
Yeah... by the time we took this picture it was really dark and well... no flash and all. It's going to rain big time!!!
My kids are black! Oh my gosh! I am lobster red... but I tanned. Yup!
Love our tans. Love the way my skin feels and looks after being sun kissed!
Nice and smooth!
Now we are back at the condo doing laundry and getting ready to take off tomorrow.
The beach was awesome today.
The G-d I serve is real.
Hmmm... I wonder if I might need to stop somewhere for a few school supplies for the kids. I think we have everything, but I am almost certain that Claudia needs lined paper for her essays, and that Ricardo needs a handwriting workbook.
Cursive this year... yay!
On with life.
G-d's got me. G-d's got us.
Feels good to know that.
Claudia likes this picture. Bad quality camera...plus I look like a boy.
NO MAKE UP! FREEDOM! WHOOO HOOOO!!!!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The Bridge? NO WAY... OH NO WAY!!!
As most of you already know, I am terrified of highways and heights.
So much so, that I rarely travel and I NEVER fly. It took a bit of courage to drive all the way to Jacksonville.
Well, this is what happened to me today.
As I was headed to the zoo with the kids, I was paying more attention to the water around us than to what was out in the horizon.
Suddenly I hear Claudia shout, "MOM! Look at the cool bridge!"
As I looked at this thing and at the signs that said, "NO STOPPING ON BRIDGE" I freaked out. I was at the point of no return, and there was no way out of it!!!
I did my best to keep my kids from noticing that I entered my "panic" zone, but it was useless. The tears were already streaming down my face and I could barely breathe!
Prayed the whole way through this thing!
I knew that my car was not powerful enough to make it up that tall steep bridge! I turned off the a/c to see if I could give things a bit more power... but it was torment. My kids started asking me why I was crying and I just could barely talk. In all truth I think that I was about to faint when I finally saw the other side. LOL.
My only words to them were, "Just trying to get across... that's all."
OH MY GOSH!!!!
Needless to say, we got back home on the ferry.
So much so, that I rarely travel and I NEVER fly. It took a bit of courage to drive all the way to Jacksonville.
Well, this is what happened to me today.
As I was headed to the zoo with the kids, I was paying more attention to the water around us than to what was out in the horizon.
Suddenly I hear Claudia shout, "MOM! Look at the cool bridge!"
As I looked at this thing and at the signs that said, "NO STOPPING ON BRIDGE" I freaked out. I was at the point of no return, and there was no way out of it!!!
I did my best to keep my kids from noticing that I entered my "panic" zone, but it was useless. The tears were already streaming down my face and I could barely breathe!
Prayed the whole way through this thing!
I knew that my car was not powerful enough to make it up that tall steep bridge! I turned off the a/c to see if I could give things a bit more power... but it was torment. My kids started asking me why I was crying and I just could barely talk. In all truth I think that I was about to faint when I finally saw the other side. LOL.
My only words to them were, "Just trying to get across... that's all."
OH MY GOSH!!!!
Needless to say, we got back home on the ferry.
It's HOT
This has been a really hot day! Oh my goodness!
We opted out of the water park because the zoo had a splash zone, and we really don't want to go to the pool again.
I think that I might just crank the a/c while we watch Wipe Out tonight.
Tomorrow we go to the beach again!
Need the ocean!
Need the sand!
Need the waves!
Vacation is almost over, but it has been a blessed one!
G-d is sooooo good!
We opted out of the water park because the zoo had a splash zone, and we really don't want to go to the pool again.
I think that I might just crank the a/c while we watch Wipe Out tonight.
Tomorrow we go to the beach again!
Need the ocean!
Need the sand!
Need the waves!
Vacation is almost over, but it has been a blessed one!
G-d is sooooo good!
Jacksonville Day 5: The Zoo!
Well, it's been great. Today we went to the zoo and got to feed the giraffes!
I know that people my age get excited about other stuff (such as make up, hair, shopping,etc.), but life is about enjoying the simple things too.
Love simplicity.
Love G-d's creation!
Love giraffes!
They are so cute! REALLY cute!
Noah must have had such a hard time getting them into the ark! Can you imagine? He probably had an entire corner just for them. LOL!
Here are some pics!
I know that people my age get excited about other stuff (such as make up, hair, shopping,etc.), but life is about enjoying the simple things too.
Love simplicity.
Love G-d's creation!
Love giraffes!
They are so cute! REALLY cute!
Noah must have had such a hard time getting them into the ark! Can you imagine? He probably had an entire corner just for them. LOL!
Here are some pics!
“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”- 1 John 5:12
So glad to have You Yeshua!
You are our EVERYTHING!
You are our LIFE!
I know that things will be different when I get back home...
but I welcome the changes. It's time for a new job and You, my L-rd are the only one who knows where You will place me. All I ask dear Abba is that I don't have to commute an hour to get there. It's getting really difficult for me at this point.
Then again, I just have to continue trusting that our lives are in Your hands.
Todo obra para bien para aquellos que te aman mi Dios.
Yo te amo HaShem.
Yo te amo con todo mi corazon.
Time to get on with our day.
Thank You so much for Your peace my King.
Oh... and as silly as this seems... can you please tell a giraffe to come straight to me so I can feed it? I want awesome pictures today L-rd!
This time with my kids has been so precious, but please make the next two days EXTRA special Abba!
I have never seen a giraffe up close before, and I can't even remember the last time that I went to a REAL zoo!!!
Look at me. I am 39 years old and I feel like a kid, but that's a good thing, I guess. LOL!
I love You Abba.
Thank You for loving us through it all. Thank you for this peaceful and fun time that I get to spend with my kids. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Yours forever,
Rose
So glad to have You Yeshua!
You are our EVERYTHING!
You are our LIFE!
I know that things will be different when I get back home...
but I welcome the changes. It's time for a new job and You, my L-rd are the only one who knows where You will place me. All I ask dear Abba is that I don't have to commute an hour to get there. It's getting really difficult for me at this point.
Then again, I just have to continue trusting that our lives are in Your hands.
Todo obra para bien para aquellos que te aman mi Dios.
Yo te amo HaShem.
Yo te amo con todo mi corazon.
Time to get on with our day.
Thank You so much for Your peace my King.
Oh... and as silly as this seems... can you please tell a giraffe to come straight to me so I can feed it? I want awesome pictures today L-rd!
This time with my kids has been so precious, but please make the next two days EXTRA special Abba!
I have never seen a giraffe up close before, and I can't even remember the last time that I went to a REAL zoo!!!
Look at me. I am 39 years old and I feel like a kid, but that's a good thing, I guess. LOL!
I love You Abba.
Thank You for loving us through it all. Thank you for this peaceful and fun time that I get to spend with my kids. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Yours forever,
Rose
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Jax Vacation Day 4: Today We Relax
It's a beautiful day outdoors and I might take the kids to the pool later for a quick splash.
Today we relax.
I'll do laundry, clean, cook, and take an evening stroll later on.
My kids are just happy, all cozied up on the sofa reading their books.
Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day. We are going to the zoo and then we are hitting the water park. They're excited about that.
Me? I just want to feed the giraffes! LOL!
My sister had to be at a funeral today and she is home early with the baby. She is not feeling very good. She has had migraine headaches for two days now.
I'll watch the baby while she rests.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Jax Vacation Day 3: St. Augustine!
Today we decided to go to St. Augustine and do it all! We visited the Castillo de San Marco, the Menendez Fort, the Colonial Spanish Quarter and the Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum of Oddities!
After all the History we went back to the condo and took a little break before going to the skate park so that Claudia could use her rip stick to her heart's content. Ricardo's reaction was priceless when he saw the park.
"Mom! She's going to kill herself! These are literally holes deep into the ground! They look like empty swimming pools! MOM!!!"
My reaction to his paranoia?
I kept myself cool, calm and collected... on the outside.
On the inside I was truly freaking out.
She had all the gear on and all, but these "whatever you call them" were pretty deep, so I was totally glad when the dude in charge told her that she should start at the "free style" section. Claudia was a bit upset because she wanted to do it all, but I was not ready. All I kept seeing were kids all over the place disappearing after dropping into one of them holes, and that was just too much for me to handle. She finally convinced me to let her go down the infamous "snake pit" and I agreed but prayed the entire time.
She did good.
With more practice I am sure that she could take on the half pipe, no sweat.
Ok. Had trouble with the blogger pic uploader, so I decided that the quickest way was to let Movie Maker do it's thing. It's not as good as I would've wanted it to be because I set it up for "auto movie", but it will do for now.
WE HAD FUN TODAY!!!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Jax Vacation Day 2: Atlantic Beach
Ohhhh my gosh! We had a blast at the beach!
My kids loved it!
We are so tired that at THEIR request (still can't believe it) we are not going to the skate park today. After taking a shower they both cozied up on the floor to read their books. Ricardo is into his dinosaurs and Claudia is into her American Girl series.
I'm just ready to post these pics and do some laundry.
Then, it's honey BBQ beef ribs for dinner! Yummy!
Yeah. I parked my stuff right next to the "Bay Watch" dude... just in case. LOL!
My kids loved it!
We are so tired that at THEIR request (still can't believe it) we are not going to the skate park today. After taking a shower they both cozied up on the floor to read their books. Ricardo is into his dinosaurs and Claudia is into her American Girl series.
I'm just ready to post these pics and do some laundry.
Then, it's honey BBQ beef ribs for dinner! Yummy!
Yeah. I parked my stuff right next to the "Bay Watch" dude... just in case. LOL!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Jax Vax Day 1: We Arrive at Lee's
We left the house at approximately 4:30 a.m.
It was the best decision ever! With the kids asleep in the backseat, the a/c off (no need for it early in the morning), the messianic praise and worship cd on, I was relaxed and ready for the road.
We arrived at approximately 8:30 a.m. after pulling over at a rest stop for bit.
After spending the morning with Lee and baby Angelee it started to rain, so we all decided that lunch and a movie would be a good relaxing start. Afterwards we went to Publix for some groceries and then came home and chillaxed.
I did the best I could to get some school work done, but I was soooo tired.
I don't like cell phone pics. They suck... but this is all I've got for now.
More vacation pics to come when I have the time. Right now I am just having too much fun to be logging on to a computer!
Hugs y'all!
It was the best decision ever! With the kids asleep in the backseat, the a/c off (no need for it early in the morning), the messianic praise and worship cd on, I was relaxed and ready for the road.
We arrived at approximately 8:30 a.m. after pulling over at a rest stop for bit.
After spending the morning with Lee and baby Angelee it started to rain, so we all decided that lunch and a movie would be a good relaxing start. Afterwards we went to Publix for some groceries and then came home and chillaxed.
I did the best I could to get some school work done, but I was soooo tired.
I don't like cell phone pics. They suck... but this is all I've got for now.
More vacation pics to come when I have the time. Right now I am just having too much fun to be logging on to a computer!
Hugs y'all!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Ready! Ok!
I know. That was soooo cheerleader-ish, but hey. Got my tire.
Got my stuff packed. Mom helped.
Got my plan for the week all set up. Yeepee yay!
Got G-d.
Can't leave without G-d by my side!
Can't wait.
Vacation time!
I'm sooooo ready for this.
Bye bye Central Florida! See ya en una semana!
My kids are excited.
I'm going to have some fun with my babies! Love being a mom.
What a privilege.
Ok. Time to catch some Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz's.
Rush...
Oh my gosh. I need a new tire.
Well... it's simply going to have to be a used tire this time around.
List of things to do today.
*Find a Used tire sale somewhere!
*Pack our stuff (bathing suits!!! Must not forget bathing suits)
*Go to Wal Mart (Jenn's list)
*Beach Umbrella anchor - buy one.
*Pay rent
*AMS
*Call Sheraldi to see how her grandma is doing.
*Call Julito to see if Marilu had her baby already. She was about to pop.
*Call G-d. Yup. Use the direct line. I'm sooooo going to need Him today! :o)
Oki doki.
Time to get going.
Well... it's simply going to have to be a used tire this time around.
List of things to do today.
*Find a Used tire sale somewhere!
*Pack our stuff (bathing suits!!! Must not forget bathing suits)
*Go to Wal Mart (Jenn's list)
*Beach Umbrella anchor - buy one.
*Pay rent
*AMS
*Call Sheraldi to see how her grandma is doing.
*Call Julito to see if Marilu had her baby already. She was about to pop.
*Call G-d. Yup. Use the direct line. I'm sooooo going to need Him today! :o)
Oki doki.
Time to get going.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
My friend Jenn just sent me this and I love it!
Patience:
"It is victorious endurance, Christian steadfastness, the brave and courageous acceptance of everything life can do to us, and the transmuting of even the worst into another step on the upward way. It is the courageous and triumphant
ability to bear things, which enables a man to pass a breaking point and
not to break, and always to greet the unseen with a cheer."
She is right in saying that this is where we are in life right now.
Yup!
(smile)
Patience:
"It is victorious endurance, Christian steadfastness, the brave and courageous acceptance of everything life can do to us, and the transmuting of even the worst into another step on the upward way. It is the courageous and triumphant
ability to bear things, which enables a man to pass a breaking point and
not to break, and always to greet the unseen with a cheer."
She is right in saying that this is where we are in life right now.
Yup!
(smile)
Sandra's Brain Fart
So... here we were planning this road trip to Virginia to pick up Sandra's car because she didn't want to leave it at the base for an entire year.
We were almost done trying to plan it all out when my mother asked the golden question, " So, where do we pick up the car keys?"
Um...
Yeah. For those of you who know my sister Sandra, I am sure that you guessed correctly.
She took both sets of keys with her on the ship. Right now her car keys are cruising somewhere near Pakistan, and she won't be able to mail them out until mid September.
Well. Huge brain fart.
Way to go Sandrita!
I guess it's just Jacksonville and St. Augustine for now! LOL!
The look on Mom's face was priceless.
Yeah. It really was. LOL!!!
I'm bummed, but more relaxed.
Ok. Back to my original plans.
We were almost done trying to plan it all out when my mother asked the golden question, " So, where do we pick up the car keys?"
Um...
Yeah. For those of you who know my sister Sandra, I am sure that you guessed correctly.
She took both sets of keys with her on the ship. Right now her car keys are cruising somewhere near Pakistan, and she won't be able to mail them out until mid September.
Well. Huge brain fart.
Way to go Sandrita!
I guess it's just Jacksonville and St. Augustine for now! LOL!
The look on Mom's face was priceless.
Yeah. It really was. LOL!!!
I'm bummed, but more relaxed.
Ok. Back to my original plans.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Going to St. Augustine, Newport News, Virginia and Washington D.C!!
Holy cow.
My vacation is going to be soooo incredibly busy!
Here is the thing...
As it turns out, I am going to Jacksonville to visit my sister at the base, but on my way we are making a small stop in St. Augustine to visit the beach, the fort and the Historic District.
So done with that, I have to go with Lee to Newport News, Virginia to get Sandra's car at the base over there. Lee will come back to Jacksonville and I will stay in Virginia to go to Colonial Williamsburg and while I'm at it, drive to Washington D.C. for a tour with the kids.
Wow.
Am I going to be able to do that in one week and drive back and make it on time???
Oh my gosh.
Is that going to be possible?
Sheesh... I really need to think about this. I was kinda hoping for a relaxing week in St. Augustine, but Sandra was deployed to the Middle East, and Lee, who is back for a few weeks, is trying to get her stuff in order before being deployed again for an entire year!
Military life.
Military family.
It sucks sometimes, but if this is my chance of lifetime to go somewhere other than Florida, then let it be.
I'm going to be doing some serious driving and truth be told, I am terrified.
Then again, my kids and I really need this.
We seriously really do.
Sigh. Now Mom wants to go.
Triple sigh.
Ok.
Let's do this.
I gotta go pack.
My vacation is going to be soooo incredibly busy!
Here is the thing...
As it turns out, I am going to Jacksonville to visit my sister at the base, but on my way we are making a small stop in St. Augustine to visit the beach, the fort and the Historic District.
So done with that, I have to go with Lee to Newport News, Virginia to get Sandra's car at the base over there. Lee will come back to Jacksonville and I will stay in Virginia to go to Colonial Williamsburg and while I'm at it, drive to Washington D.C. for a tour with the kids.
Wow.
Am I going to be able to do that in one week and drive back and make it on time???
Oh my gosh.
Is that going to be possible?
Sheesh... I really need to think about this. I was kinda hoping for a relaxing week in St. Augustine, but Sandra was deployed to the Middle East, and Lee, who is back for a few weeks, is trying to get her stuff in order before being deployed again for an entire year!
Military life.
Military family.
It sucks sometimes, but if this is my chance of lifetime to go somewhere other than Florida, then let it be.
I'm going to be doing some serious driving and truth be told, I am terrified.
Then again, my kids and I really need this.
We seriously really do.
Sigh. Now Mom wants to go.
Triple sigh.
Ok.
Let's do this.
I gotta go pack.
Waiting
I am just here... waiting.
Waiting for Bible Study.
Thirsty for G-d's word.
So need it.
Need it.
Need it.
Waiting for Bible Study.
Thirsty for G-d's word.
So need it.
Need it.
Need it.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
My Provision (Part 2)
G-d HAS provided.
Wow.
Let me just say that my previous encounter with G-d did not end at the Home Depot parking lot. That afternoon G-d kept speaking to me and loving me throughout my stress, and well, here is the story.
As I drove home after that very special moment when G-d reassured me that He would provide, I felt peace, but I was still somehow exhausted from the struggle. G-d knew that, so in His infinite mercy He continued to speak to me and love me.
I picked up my kids a bit later than the usual and my daughter told me that we really should go to service. I was tired, but I knew we had to go.
During Friday service the pastor began to speak about how we as believers need to keep our focus on G-d regardless of our circumstances.
One by one, several members began to testify about the amazing way in which G-d had provided for each of their needs.
I was sooooooo glad to be there and I felt so encouraged by each testimony.
Then, it was time for some interactive fun. We were divided into teams and to make a long story short, at some point we had to try distract someone who was trying to count crayons. We did everything possible to make him lose count, but the more we pestered him, the louder he counted his crayons. He did not lose focus AT ALL!
Bottom line, we all learned that the enemy will try to distract us, but that we cannot lose focus. We must "keep counting our crayons" regardless of our circumstances.
G-d has got us in the palm of His hand.
That however is not the best part of my story.
The best part is that G-d had been preparing my heart for something very special that would happen on our way home that night!
On the way home from service I heard my son Ricardo sobbing in the back seat so I worried that something was wrong with him. Claudia asked him if his stomach hurt but he continued sobbing so hard, that I seriously thought of pulling over to see what was wrong.
Then out of his mouth came the most amazing words...
"Mom, I am trembling before the presence of G-d!!!"
I was rather shocked, but it didn't stop there! I will do my best with Claudia's help to remember as much as I can and quote it here.
"I love you G-d! I love you! I love You soooo much! You are my father! You are my King! You are my everything!!!
Thank You for Your provision! Thank You for a roof over our heads! Thank you for the food on our table! Thank You for living in my heart! Thank you for being a G-d of second chances! Thank You for your forgiveness! Thank You Abba! Thank YOU my KING!!! THANK YOU for welcoming us into Your kingdom! Thank you for saving us! THANK YOU for PROVIDING for US! I LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH! I tremble before Your presence Father!"
This went on for over 30 minutes. I simply sat there driving and crying. It was as if fire was coming from the back seat! I had the a/c full blast, but my entire body was burning up! I could barely see Claudia through the rear view mirror, but whenever the light was right, I could see the tears just flowing down her cheeks.
We were both quiet, stunned, as Ricardo literally sobbed and yelled out this gratitude prayer at the top of his lungs. Not once did he ask for anything. This entire prayer was a prayer of worship, love and gratitude.
The Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) was so strong that he was simply unable to stop.
G-d used my son to remind me to of how much we must express our love and gratitude to our L-rd and King, because HE CARES FOR US!
HE NEVER FAILS US!
It took me exactly 30 minutes to get home and at some point I figured that perhaps I might have to continue driving until it was over, because if I got home with him like this, he would wake up all of Marion Lakes!
As soon as we got home, we sat in the car quietly as Ricardo finished praying and crying.
When he opened his eyes (since they were closed the entire time) he had the biggest smile and he told me how G-d had gotten into his "soul" and told him how to pray.
Then he said, "Mommy, this was the best birthday gift EVER! G-d gave me the gift of having Him inside my heart and I am so happy!"
I wept.
I held him.
I held Claudia.
I was happy too. My son had just been baptized in the Holy Spirit and He knew it was a gift!
Ricardo turned 8 this past Sunday, and he got lots of cool presents. Dinosaur books, dinosaur dig experiments, dinosaur arts and crafts... but G-d gave him a gift that will never go away.
I praise You Abba!
I praise You for loving us like only you can!
Amen. Hallelujah.
This week G-d provided just as He had promised. G-d took care of us just as He told us He would.
I am in love with my Savior!
I am DEEPLY in love with my King.
Thank You Abba!
Thank You!
Thank You!
Thank You!
YOU ARE OUR EVERYTHING!!!
Wow.
Let me just say that my previous encounter with G-d did not end at the Home Depot parking lot. That afternoon G-d kept speaking to me and loving me throughout my stress, and well, here is the story.
As I drove home after that very special moment when G-d reassured me that He would provide, I felt peace, but I was still somehow exhausted from the struggle. G-d knew that, so in His infinite mercy He continued to speak to me and love me.
I picked up my kids a bit later than the usual and my daughter told me that we really should go to service. I was tired, but I knew we had to go.
During Friday service the pastor began to speak about how we as believers need to keep our focus on G-d regardless of our circumstances.
One by one, several members began to testify about the amazing way in which G-d had provided for each of their needs.
I was sooooooo glad to be there and I felt so encouraged by each testimony.
Then, it was time for some interactive fun. We were divided into teams and to make a long story short, at some point we had to try distract someone who was trying to count crayons. We did everything possible to make him lose count, but the more we pestered him, the louder he counted his crayons. He did not lose focus AT ALL!
Bottom line, we all learned that the enemy will try to distract us, but that we cannot lose focus. We must "keep counting our crayons" regardless of our circumstances.
G-d has got us in the palm of His hand.
That however is not the best part of my story.
The best part is that G-d had been preparing my heart for something very special that would happen on our way home that night!
On the way home from service I heard my son Ricardo sobbing in the back seat so I worried that something was wrong with him. Claudia asked him if his stomach hurt but he continued sobbing so hard, that I seriously thought of pulling over to see what was wrong.
Then out of his mouth came the most amazing words...
"Mom, I am trembling before the presence of G-d!!!"
I was rather shocked, but it didn't stop there! I will do my best with Claudia's help to remember as much as I can and quote it here.
"I love you G-d! I love you! I love You soooo much! You are my father! You are my King! You are my everything!!!
Thank You for Your provision! Thank You for a roof over our heads! Thank you for the food on our table! Thank You for living in my heart! Thank you for being a G-d of second chances! Thank You for your forgiveness! Thank You Abba! Thank YOU my KING!!! THANK YOU for welcoming us into Your kingdom! Thank you for saving us! THANK YOU for PROVIDING for US! I LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH! I tremble before Your presence Father!"
This went on for over 30 minutes. I simply sat there driving and crying. It was as if fire was coming from the back seat! I had the a/c full blast, but my entire body was burning up! I could barely see Claudia through the rear view mirror, but whenever the light was right, I could see the tears just flowing down her cheeks.
We were both quiet, stunned, as Ricardo literally sobbed and yelled out this gratitude prayer at the top of his lungs. Not once did he ask for anything. This entire prayer was a prayer of worship, love and gratitude.
The Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) was so strong that he was simply unable to stop.
G-d used my son to remind me to of how much we must express our love and gratitude to our L-rd and King, because HE CARES FOR US!
HE NEVER FAILS US!
It took me exactly 30 minutes to get home and at some point I figured that perhaps I might have to continue driving until it was over, because if I got home with him like this, he would wake up all of Marion Lakes!
As soon as we got home, we sat in the car quietly as Ricardo finished praying and crying.
When he opened his eyes (since they were closed the entire time) he had the biggest smile and he told me how G-d had gotten into his "soul" and told him how to pray.
Then he said, "Mommy, this was the best birthday gift EVER! G-d gave me the gift of having Him inside my heart and I am so happy!"
I wept.
I held him.
I held Claudia.
I was happy too. My son had just been baptized in the Holy Spirit and He knew it was a gift!
Ricardo turned 8 this past Sunday, and he got lots of cool presents. Dinosaur books, dinosaur dig experiments, dinosaur arts and crafts... but G-d gave him a gift that will never go away.
I praise You Abba!
I praise You for loving us like only you can!
Amen. Hallelujah.
This week G-d provided just as He had promised. G-d took care of us just as He told us He would.
I am in love with my Savior!
I am DEEPLY in love with my King.
Thank You Abba!
Thank You!
Thank You!
Thank You!
YOU ARE OUR EVERYTHING!!!
Friday, August 6, 2010
My Provision
Well... G-d spoke to me so clearly in my car that I had to stay there, parked at Home Depot for a bit. Wow. I wasn't even going to Home Depot. I just had to pull over and Home Depot happened to be there.
Yes. He told me flat out that He WILL provide.
Yes. He will provide and I am not to worry about a thing.
Geez.
That was something. He does that when He knows that I am stressed pretty bad, and well, He hadn't done that in a while.
He will provide and He made it so crystal clear that I just had to sit there and take it all in.
Ok L-rd. You are in control.
You are.
You are.
You are.
I am simply Yours dear Abba.
Lee (my sister) told Mom that she'll send me the keys to her condo in Jacksonville and that I am welcomed to stay there as long as I want. In the meantime, I'll look for work while I vacation. She told mom that they are hiring at the base... civilian jobs, you know.
I'll go apply.
Central Florida is going bonkers with all the teachers that were laid off and we all need to find a way to survive somehow. If I find work in Jacksonville, it will probably pay a lot more than here and what I'll do is pay off the rest of my lease and simply move up there IF that is what G-d wants me to do.
Yes. He told me flat out that He WILL provide.
Yes. He will provide and I am not to worry about a thing.
Geez.
That was something. He does that when He knows that I am stressed pretty bad, and well, He hadn't done that in a while.
He will provide and He made it so crystal clear that I just had to sit there and take it all in.
Ok L-rd. You are in control.
You are.
You are.
You are.
I am simply Yours dear Abba.
Lee (my sister) told Mom that she'll send me the keys to her condo in Jacksonville and that I am welcomed to stay there as long as I want. In the meantime, I'll look for work while I vacation. She told mom that they are hiring at the base... civilian jobs, you know.
I'll go apply.
Central Florida is going bonkers with all the teachers that were laid off and we all need to find a way to survive somehow. If I find work in Jacksonville, it will probably pay a lot more than here and what I'll do is pay off the rest of my lease and simply move up there IF that is what G-d wants me to do.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Godzilla!!!
I cannot believe that I just finished watching a Godzilla movie.
What the heck is wrong with me?
YUCK!!!!
Horrible! Words were going one way and mouths another... and the toy helicopters really had me in a daze of some sort.
I must have been tripping to have watched that whole piece of... doo doo.
I need to pray this out of my system before I go to bed tonight!
What the heck is wrong with me?
YUCK!!!!
Horrible! Words were going one way and mouths another... and the toy helicopters really had me in a daze of some sort.
I must have been tripping to have watched that whole piece of... doo doo.
I need to pray this out of my system before I go to bed tonight!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Prayer Time with Pastor Danny and Sharlene
This morning I woke up very early (4 a.m.)and met Pastor Danny and Sharlene at BLCC for prayer. It felt so good to be able to share with them what was stirring in my heart, and for the three of us to agree in prayer and place it before the L-rd.
One of the things we did talk about involved the end times, and they will be doing a Bible study (I think tomorrow night) about how to interpret the times. He'll go more into detail pertaining Chronos, Kairos and Hora.
We started that class last week, but focused more on interpreting Yeshua's love... whether it was phileo or agape.
I'm not sure if I am saying this right, but I want to "agape" Yeshua... and not just "phileo" Him.
Huge difference.
Because I am so thirsty for G-d's Word and I am desperate to get the right information, sometimes I can't wait and I start asking around.
Turns out that the AG movement mostly believes in a "pre-trib" but Danny and Shar explained to me that when they went to college (they are AG) they were taught about all three possibilities and were allowed to come to that conclusion on their own. So they were not forced to believe in one particular possibility. Based on what they learned they told me that although they initially believed in a "pre-trib", through their studies they ended up concluding that Yeshua's return would happen before these things take place.
I welcome the knowledge... but something deep in my heart still tells me that believers EVERYWHERE will experience persecution right before Yeshua comes back. I'm willing to learn, though, because maybe I'm wrong.
Then again, I received a text this morning that made something very clear to me.
The time of Yeshua's return and the times of tribulation are not the most important thing. The most important thing is that we must all be ready as if we were the last generation before Yeshua's return. So whether we go through it all or not, we simply must be ready.
So want to learn! My heart aches for knowledge and although I've received a lot of that lately, there is so much that I want to know.
The Messianic perspective is, in my opinion, very good... but it lacks something.
In the same way, the Christian perspective is good but it lacks as well, so in trying to seek balance, I had to seriously have a talk with Shar and Danny.
I left there with lots of peace in my heart remembering so much what G-d had told me about having the authority to make decisions and the warning He had given me at the retreat regarding someone who would come to me with lies. When one takes the time to seek G-d's face, He takes the time to warn and protect His people. I thank the L-rd so much for that.
One thing that I have learned is that whenever peace overflows it is because G-d has truly spoken to one's heart.
Amen?
Amen!!!!
One of the things we did talk about involved the end times, and they will be doing a Bible study (I think tomorrow night) about how to interpret the times. He'll go more into detail pertaining Chronos, Kairos and Hora.
We started that class last week, but focused more on interpreting Yeshua's love... whether it was phileo or agape.
I'm not sure if I am saying this right, but I want to "agape" Yeshua... and not just "phileo" Him.
Huge difference.
Because I am so thirsty for G-d's Word and I am desperate to get the right information, sometimes I can't wait and I start asking around.
Turns out that the AG movement mostly believes in a "pre-trib" but Danny and Shar explained to me that when they went to college (they are AG) they were taught about all three possibilities and were allowed to come to that conclusion on their own. So they were not forced to believe in one particular possibility. Based on what they learned they told me that although they initially believed in a "pre-trib", through their studies they ended up concluding that Yeshua's return would happen before these things take place.
I welcome the knowledge... but something deep in my heart still tells me that believers EVERYWHERE will experience persecution right before Yeshua comes back. I'm willing to learn, though, because maybe I'm wrong.
Then again, I received a text this morning that made something very clear to me.
The time of Yeshua's return and the times of tribulation are not the most important thing. The most important thing is that we must all be ready as if we were the last generation before Yeshua's return. So whether we go through it all or not, we simply must be ready.
So want to learn! My heart aches for knowledge and although I've received a lot of that lately, there is so much that I want to know.
The Messianic perspective is, in my opinion, very good... but it lacks something.
In the same way, the Christian perspective is good but it lacks as well, so in trying to seek balance, I had to seriously have a talk with Shar and Danny.
I left there with lots of peace in my heart remembering so much what G-d had told me about having the authority to make decisions and the warning He had given me at the retreat regarding someone who would come to me with lies. When one takes the time to seek G-d's face, He takes the time to warn and protect His people. I thank the L-rd so much for that.
One thing that I have learned is that whenever peace overflows it is because G-d has truly spoken to one's heart.
Amen?
Amen!!!!
We Made Lots of Noise in the Library!!! LOL!
So today is my day off and much to our delight we had a blast at the library.
Bongos!
Yay!
Ok. I'm getting hungry, but I don't want to cook.
Chinese food anyone?
Yeah.
Chinese food it is.
Yum.
Then it's back to the library because I have tons of work from college that I have to finish, and then we go home to chillax. It's Wipe Out Tuesday. Oh... and Laundry Tuesday too.
Wow... yup I better get going.
Shalom y'all!
Bongos!
Yay!
Ok. I'm getting hungry, but I don't want to cook.
Chinese food anyone?
Yeah.
Chinese food it is.
Yum.
Then it's back to the library because I have tons of work from college that I have to finish, and then we go home to chillax. It's Wipe Out Tuesday. Oh... and Laundry Tuesday too.
Wow... yup I better get going.
Shalom y'all!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Who's the Stupid Now???
When one adult openly calls another grown adult "stupid", it is a bit baffling.
It makes one wonder how this person treats his own wife.
As I stood there, watching the whole thing unfold, I couldn't help but smile inside.
Why?
Well... some stupid people have no idea how truly smart the people they just called "stupid" really are.
LOL! If they only knew. He he he he...
It takes someone really smart to keep quiet at comments like that, not out of fear of being fired, but out of personal conviction that the idiot is the one who can't tame his tongue in the workplace and respect others.
So glad this person kept quiet in demonstration of how normal people deal with the alpha male personalities in the work place.
Kudos.
It makes one wonder how this person treats his own wife.
As I stood there, watching the whole thing unfold, I couldn't help but smile inside.
Why?
Well... some stupid people have no idea how truly smart the people they just called "stupid" really are.
LOL! If they only knew. He he he he...
It takes someone really smart to keep quiet at comments like that, not out of fear of being fired, but out of personal conviction that the idiot is the one who can't tame his tongue in the workplace and respect others.
So glad this person kept quiet in demonstration of how normal people deal with the alpha male personalities in the work place.
Kudos.
My Shell
It is time for me to get back into my shell.
It was cool for a while, to be all social and all... but it's not my style.
Perhaps I tried too hard.
Time to hide for a bit once more.
Shalom.
It was cool for a while, to be all social and all... but it's not my style.
Perhaps I tried too hard.
Time to hide for a bit once more.
Shalom.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
G-d is Testing My Level of Grace...
Well... I love being there for others, and although my level of grace has not
reached its limit, I am a bit concerned with something.
Let's see how that one goes this month.
G-d always takes care of things.
reached its limit, I am a bit concerned with something.
Let's see how that one goes this month.
G-d always takes care of things.
Oki Doki...
Well... I had posted something on plastic coffins, and I must clarify. Casket liners go OVER caskets, not inside. So, the fact that these liners are bigger than a casket, is ok.
Now, here is what bothers me. The lids.
Casket liners don't have lids. They mostly cover the top and sides of the casket.
The quantities ordered per state don't make a lot of sense, but I will leave it at that. I don't want to post inaccurate information on here.
Won't take my chances.
Now, here is what bothers me. The lids.
Casket liners don't have lids. They mostly cover the top and sides of the casket.
The quantities ordered per state don't make a lot of sense, but I will leave it at that. I don't want to post inaccurate information on here.
Won't take my chances.
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