Monday, December 13, 2010

voice of truth!


If I am going to be honest, I have to tell you I woke up defeated! I am finding quickly that in order for me to focus on food and fitness, my faith needs to be right.. Why? because my heart has to be right. I am struggling big time!

I started off the race good and then I hit a roadblock on Wednesday when I went to the doctors. Because I am nursing, she advised me that I should not diet or decrease my calorie intake. She advised me that I can "lightly" workout, doing to much can release toxins in my milk and ruining it.

So I left there wondering? Wondering how am I going to drop the extra poundage if I cannot burn more than I am taking in? Because Caleb eats so much and often, I am also hungry ALL day! This is not good to snack healthy. So then there it happen, I slipped back into panic mode, and instead of turning to the Lord for guidance I grabbed a red vine!

I missed many opportunities to get into the word, to read and pray. To seek God and how he wants me to live this life and to draw the strength that only comes from him. The truth is that in order to be good with everything in the horizontal (Food & Fitness) I need to be good with the vertical (faith.... God)

I got on the treadmill this morning put on my ipod and a song came on, and the words that spoke to me went like this:

Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win,
you'll never win."

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

I am facing a giant, I am not sure exactly what it is just yet. Its not the extra 20 pounds I need to lose that would be easy. I have done it before! Its not giving up the sugar, I have done that before.

This week I am going to prayerfully seek out what is holding me back, what is it that I am scared of. Am I afraid to fail? If so what am I afraid of? I was encouraged by this song. I got of the treadmill and had a new thirst! What is your giant.

This weeks challenge:

This week lets make it about faith. What is your giant? What does it look like? What is holding you back from getting to where you need to be? Are you praying? Are you reading? Have you really surrendered your unhealthy ways to the Lord. Have you REALLY asked Him for help.

If you haven't join me this week in doing that. Lets ask God to really help us with this journey and before we even try to get our bodies right, lets get our hearts right!

I'm praying for you ( no really I am, if you are reading this, I am)!

Pursing Gods strength to continue running,
Mon

Monday, December 6, 2010

Run like a girl!

Good Morning ladies,


How are you all doing this fine rainy Monday morning.. Probably finding it hard to get out of bed if you are like me right? Well if you found that the first week was a lil tough then that means you are doing something right..


I have to admit I was having a weak day yesterday. I was tired and hungry and that is a recipe for disaster if you ask me. That equates to laziness and eating whatever looks good but not necessarily good for you! Yup I did it. I ate pizza after church..I tell myself that it was only one slice however it was one of those big guys that cut down to two.


I was definitely reaping when Caleb was up all night with bad gas from my tainted dairy infested breast milk... sigh.... It was last night at like 3am in the morning that I ask myself “Why do I continue to do this to myself?” Now I am not saying that pizza is totally bad, but while I am in this laying the foundation phase it is not a wise food choice. Not to mention the effects it has on my lil baby boy.


Yesterday my Pastor was talking about the story in John chapter 15. Jesus talks about the vine and the branches and bearing good fruit. In summary, the vine can only produce good fruit if the dead branches are pruned. Likewise the only way we are going to see good results in FFF is if we cut out the dead branches in our lives. This can be whatever is keeping you from that achieving good results ( good fruit)! So lets start to prune ladies!


Here are my dead branches- Sweets, Fear, Laziness, Excuses.... to name a few, and no particular order. What are yours?


This weeks challenge:

Faith:

Continue to journal daily.. Thinking about the dead branches in your life, what is it going to do to get rid of those? Pray and give it to the Lord. Seek scriptures that you can meditate on and think about encourage you along the way. Write them down, keep then in your pocket and look at them throughout the day.


Food:

This week start to actively cut out the sugars.. This is sweets and anything that is high in sugar that is not natural sugar. Substitute fresh fruits for cookies, cakes, scones, high sugar creamers AND soda etc. Be careful with the diet, fat free and no sugar added stuff it contains artificial sweeteners that isnt good either.


Continue drinking your water throughout the day.


Fitness:

Try to incorporate at least 15-30 min of exercise in your day.. Doesn't have to be in the gym, get creative. Try walking instead of driving if possible. We take our legs for granted, we don't use them as much as we should. I bet if you ask anyone confined to a wheelchair they will tell you that!


One suggestion is what I had to do when I was pregnant on my diabetes plan. I would eat for about 20 minutes then after I would exercise for 30-45 minutes. My exercise was walking and lifting minor weights. If you can do this with every meal or at least two meals, you are off to a good start. This is also helpful for those who struggle with diabetes, since it will immediately lower your blood sugar.


Now this activity isn't going to make you drop pounds however it will cause you to eat a lighter meal and also get you used to moving, all in one hour! Later we will incorporate exercise in your diet.


I have adopted a scripture for FFF, I searched and prayed and this morning this just jumped off the bible and spoke to my heart in what I am trying to achieve in my life! First in my Faith then in my Food and lastly in my Fitness!


“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.

Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.

But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

1 Corinthians 9:24-27


Lets RUN like a girl!!!!!!



Have a great week girls!!! May the Lord guide you in your pursuit of FFF!

Mon

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Getting through week one!!!!

"Get behind me satan" I believe was the words that I used on monday when I saw the pumpkin pie in the fridge on monday! Can you believe it was right after the blog I went down stairs to make a healthy snack food option and low and behold shining like the morning star there it was a pumpkin pie.. My favorite!!!


Weak I know but strong enough to overcome this time.. This time because I know that as I move along this process the temptations will get stronger and overcoming them will be greater.. I remind myself that it is only for a season, and not forever. I remind you that to.. some of the foods that I must give up right now for a season I will be able to incorporate later in moderation and for holidays etc.


How did your week go? Mine went ok.. I did my journal, sought the Lord and tried my best to make good ol water my BBF Jill.. I also started to pray how I am going to incorporate fitness into my newly busy life as a mom of two.. I will let you know on monday what I came up with.. It is simple wont take to much time and will ease my way back into the gym when I can and Caleb gets older.


I am going to meet with my diabetes nutritionist in two weeks and excited to use her as a resource. Reading my bible and devotion time seems to still be a challenge due to the boys however I know that in order to change I need to be in prayer and the word!


So pray for me! How did your week go? Did you start? Share your thoughts!!! Oh and I did step on the scale and I am buying another one because I think it is wrong.. hahah j/k... I will not let me weight define me...


oh and do you watch the biggest loser? If not I highly recommend it, although there are not many episodes left.. I tell you that watching it does motivate you to get off the couch..!!!


So till monday, enjoy your weekend.. Love you guys!


p.s. another prayer request.. My mom bought noah a 4lb tub of red vines.. help me in prayer not to take it to the head!!! they are my favorites!!!!! thanks

Monday, November 29, 2010

Bringing Back Faith, Food and Fitness for real!


Welcome back! I am back with a refocus on FFF! I set out on a journey last year on how to obtain that Faith, Food and Fitness that we as women struggle with. It took a unexpected turn and I did learn alot about the three just in a different way than I expected.

I didn't run a marathon, I didn't drop the weight I thought I would.. Instead I had Caleb, gained 20 pounds with the pregnancy and ended up with gestational diabetes. Imagine that! Although my diabetes came and went, what didn't was the desire to be healthy.

What I felt that day sitting with the diabetes nutritionist I will never forget. Poking my finger 5 times a day, eating certain foods all day, eating every two hours and working out after EVERY meal, I will never forget. Dramatic it may seem to some because it went away however I cant think of the risks.

I have a 50 % greater chance of getting type 2 diabetes later in life because I had it when I was pregnant. It is because of this risk that I have a new focus. I cannot take that risk and I need to be healthy. I know that it is IMPOSSIBLE to do it without of God. I know that the bible has alot to say about food and fitness. I know that it is the balance of the three that will help me to achieve my goals.

All my life I have been doing it wrong. There were times I was counting the points, neglecting the fitness. There were times I was working out, and pigging out. And there were many times that I didn't allow God to help me in both of these areas. In the bible it clearly states in EVERYTHING do it with God. And this my friends is the new refocus on “FFF for Real”

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink , or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” - 1st Corinthians 10:31

This is not another diet, important to remember that if you are following along. You wont be counting points ( and you know I love me some weight watchers) You wont be following some elaborate working out plan. You wont be doing long bible studies.. Or at least to start. I am smart enough to know that as a mom of a toddler and a newborn, doing to much will set me up to fail. So I am going to keep it simple...

I wont be blogging everyday.. I will be blogging monday with the weeks challenge and then on fridays with a wrap up. If I find some time during the week I will add some bonus stuff. If you are following I really encourage you to join in on the conversation. Share your fears, failures and successes. If you have questions, whats working and whats not working for you.

Here is what you can expect.. You can expect prayer, you can expect a support system and you can expect to change if you really commit to it...

Here is what you should not expect.. As I said it is a lifestyle change and not a diet. You cannot expect to drop the weight fast, obtain that childlike faith and be able to run a marathon in a week... It is a process, some of us have been battling these areas in our lives forever so it will take time to rid of the old man, so to speak!


Here is what you will:
A journal and a willing heart!

I am not a nutritionist, I am not a pastor, and I am not a trainer.. Everything that I do will come from the bible, research and resources. If you are following with us feel free to share your knowledge and wisdom in FFF. Make it your own journey.. You can do everything that I am doing or some or none. If you simply just want prayer and encouragement that is fine to!

So here is this weeks challenge:

Faith:
Get out that journal today and write out a letter to the Lord asking Him to help you in the process.. Ask Him to show you were you are lacking in the the areas in your life and what He wants you to focus on. Then remember a time when your faith was tested and how you felt during and after that time. Did it seem impossible at the time? Sure did and did He get you through? Absolutely!!!

Think about a goal, and the steps it will take to get there! And by faith hop on the scale and write that number down. We will revisit your weight on a later post..

Food:
The other day I prayed as I normally do before I eat.. some how the words “Lord may this meal make me healthy and strong” seemed foolish when I opened my eyes to a burger, fries and a milkshake :/
Alot of times we are just hungry and we don't even think about what we are putting into our mouths. So I came up with this process for every meal.

Pray-- Pause-- Consider-- Proceed

Pray for your food, Pause and take a look at your plate, Think about the food options is it really healthy? And then eat.. doesn't have to take long to do this.. It is just bringing awareness of what you are putting in your mouth.

(Try this week to drink at least 2-3 more glasses of water that you normally do)

Fitness:
This week spend time researching a workout plan that is obtainable and realistic for you. We will start workouts next week...



In close:

Overall this week pray for the discipline needed to start your journey. It is a pretty simple week to get us into next week when we really get started. May seem pretty basic but we are simply laying the foundation..!
I know this is super long.. I will try to cut it down. It was the first one so bare with me. I am excited to share this journey with you.. If you are doing nothing more than reading this then I ask that you pray for me and keep me accountable!

See you friday! Love you guys!!!!!

FFF,
Mon

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Caleb Joshua Pereyra


I ha vent blogged in awhile.. A long while actually.. Things just got to busy and well I was pregnant! I cant use that excuse anymore to get out of jail free.. Now it is back to cleaning, lifting, cooking etc!

So I wanted to blog because I have been overwhelmed with the love, support and prayers from so many friends and family that I wanted to send out a praise report.
As some many or many not know I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, this was told to me back at the beginning of September.

In my determination NOT to take medication I was put on a STRICT diet and had to work out at least 30 minutes after each meal. This was a challenge and many days it seemed impossible. Even after all the effort I still found my sugar high.. I didn't give up and many of you were praying. It actually turned out to be a blessing, I lost weight and it actually put me back into a healthy weight gain for the pregnancy.

This past Sunday after I ate I noticed something unusual, I noticed that even though I was eating the same and I did not work out my sugar was in the lower end of the normal range. So I experimented and the next day I ate normal didn't work out and my sugar was fine.

I called my diabetes lady and asked if it was possible to get rid of the diabetes before delivery and she said no. We tried to figure how it was that my sugar levels went from high to normal without medication and without the extra working out. After talking with her for a half hour, I had to to tell her that I believed it was the power of prayer and I still do believe that.

Tuesday night, I woke up a few times with a tummy ache, no big deal.. Then on Wednesday night I kept waking up ever 30 minutes with the urge to go to the potty and cramping. I told sal I thought I was coming down with a stomach flu. It wasn't till around 5am in the morning when the cramps were coming four minutes apart that I realized I was in labor :O

We rushed to the hospital and got there around 830am and then they slowed down and I was dilated to a four. The nurse asked me to walk around for an hour and come back.. So I did and in that hour I started getting them every two minutes apart. It was now about 9:50 and I was now at a six for dilation. They took me in a labor room, where I progressed. I signed the paper for a epidural however I had a strong desire to try and do it without it. As the pain got worse I opted to get a shot of some pain meds, hoping that would work and a epidural was not needed.

It took the edge off and it did help, but it was then I prayed. I said “Lord, I know you cant take this pain away. In the bible it says I have to endure the pains of child birth, so please just give me the strength to endure it.” The very next contraction I had an urge to push. I told the nurse I feel like I need to push. She checked and sure enough I was at a nine. It was now about one... The doctor came in a minute later, broke my water bag, saw that I was at a ten and told me it was time.

Three or four contractions later, and for pushes, Caleb Joshua Pereyra was born and 1:23pm weighing in at 7lbs 4ozs!

Now I listen to my hubby tell the story of how labor went down and I have to admit. He makes me sound like a gladiator, he makes it sound like I have been the only lady on earth to give birth in the natural form. I smile and wish that it was me and that I was that strong, but I am not.

I wish that I could take full credit but the truth is that when I was pushing I felt so weak. I felt that I couldn't push anymore, and at one point I said I couldn't’t. It was at that time everyone in the room said yes you can one more push. It wasn't so much their voice but the Lords voice telling my that I could because He could.

My best friend tells me that I was pushing so hard that she had to kick off her shoes to hold my feet. Friends I wish that it was my strength but it wasn’t. I look at Caleb and I am in love again.. I never thought that I could fall in love with another lil man, but I have. I am so blessed with my boys that my heart is overwhelmed.

Truth is I am tired, only slept about 9 hours total since Wednesday. I am scared, to go through those tough infant seasons again. I feel guilty when I look at my Noah and see in his face that he misses his mommy. I hurt when I look at my tired hubby trying to be everything that I am not and trying to be the leader of our home. Also frustrated when Caleb was crying 80 percent of the night because of gas and I couldn’t calm him.. But you know what.. I am so blessed and loved.

I know that God is love and love is all you need. His hand has been in everything and I know will continue to be.. So Praise Him for that.. Thank you all for your prayers, support and love!!!!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

waiting in silence!

Ive been silent.. Not because I have been lazy or no time, but because God told me to be! Whaaaaaaat? Not sure why but when He gives me the ok, you better watch out cuzz I think I have alot to say.. hahah

Its been hard because I have had a ton of blog topics, but being obedient!

I miss you guys, Still praying for my readers and waiting on the Lord to have me speak....!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Not just a father but a daddy... My Hubs!


"Daddy, Daddy".. Noah cried as his daddy walked out the front door to go to work. "Son, daddy has to go to work, I will be back later" he said.. As tears rolled down his face he said " No daddy, come, come." Taking Asher away from the door the look on my husband face was one of sadness....

It has been said many times that being a mom is one of the toughest job, I could agree.. But I would have to admit that being a daddy isn't any easier. Anyone can be a father, but it takes a special man to be a daddy. There is a difference you know. Being a daddy is taking on more than what the job requirements are.

I cant imagine how hard it must be to be the leader of a home, yet that is what a daddy does. He is strong enough to protect his family, yet gentle enough to comfort a hurting child. He is tired after working a long day, yet finds the energy to play cars with his son, then gets him in the bath and off to sleep. He forfeits his male bonding time, to spend time with his family because he has had a busy week of work and school.

He walks around with some worn out shoes because he puts the needs of his family ahead of his. He celebrates the little things, making even the smallest a big deal, like no cavities! Or crazy outside the line coloring projects. He spends quality time with his children and doesn't sit in front of the TV wasting time.

He is humble enough to recognize that with out the Lord as headship of the family the family will not be a family. He teaches his family and children about the Lord and keeps prayer alive. He is the leader of the home but is the most willing servant of them all. He is a loving husband and daddy that ensures the words " I love you" are never lacking within these walls.

He bares all the family burdens, the financial ones, the spiritual ones, the emotional ones ( yup us women get emo sometimes, hard to believe I know) and everything else in between. He leaves in the morning knowing that he must make the days wage when all he wants to do is stay home and spend time with his son.

He gives more, requires less.. He does more and expects less. He is a selfless man that puts the needs of the family first! I knew that husband would be a good daddy, but never dreamed he would be the one he is today. He makes me a better mommy because of who he is. There is no other person I would ever do this " parenting" thing with and the Lord knew and that is why he gave me this man. With God and my husband, I know all things are possible and I never have to worry!

May God be with these men. May He give them the strength, wisdom and knowledge needed to be the headship of the family!

A blessed and grateful wife,
me

Friday, June 11, 2010

The heart of worship

The house was quiet, the boys were gone and I slipped into the warm tub. I put my water pillow behind my head ( ok it was a rolled up towel, ghetto I know) and slipped on my ipod careful not to get it wet. I laid there with my eyes closed and played worship music.

As I started to sing, tears rolled down my face. Perhaps it was the long challenging day I had or maybe something a friend recently told me. I saw my friend the other day and she had to have surgery on her throat. They removed her thyroid due to cancer. She said the worst part of it was that her voice hasn’t come back and she was unable to sing and worship. Her eyes filled up with tears as she explained that we take the ability to worship for granted. I saw the pain in her eyes as she explained how she desired to sing out to the Lord and is unable to with her voice.

I was playing worship on the computer today, I walked into my room to find Noah sitting on my bed signing. I said “son what are you doing” He looked up at me and said “worship”. My eyes filled with tears as I watched my son sign and sing worship. I want that heart to worship.

Life and circumstances can take us from that place of worship. The other day as I was in the tub I sang a lil louder. Today as I sat on the bed, I signed with my son more passionately.

It doesnt matter how we come to worship, it could be in a cancer stricken voice barely there, in a off key tune in the tub or simply through sign on the bed. Let us not take for granted the ability to worship the Lord.

Here are the lyrics to “ The heart of Worhip” by Micheal W Smith:

When the music fades
And all is stripped away
And I simply come

Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless Your heart

I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required

You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart


I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
It's all about You, Jesus

I'm sorry, Lord for the thing I've made it
And it's all about You
It's all about You, Jesus

King of endless worth
No one could express
How much You deserve

Though I'm weak and poor
All I have is Yours
Every single breath


Coming back to the heart of worship,
Mon

Friday, May 28, 2010

Hope lost on a Freeway

I know its late. I wanted to get in a blog today but the day got away from me. I really want to just turn in from a long day that ended in a great birthday celebration dinner with a friend. The truth is I am not sure how well I will sleep if I don't blog about today.

Today was the day we were going to get a ultrasound to determine the sex of the baby. We headed out to Costa Mesa and was driving on the 5FWY south carpool to get the 55 south. For a mile or two if you are not familiar, you are on fwy overpass that is above the 55. I happened to glance on the shoulder of the opposing traffic to notice a motorcycle parked up against the shoulder. Didn't appear to look like it had been in an accident. I started to formulate why someone would leave it there and drew my own conclusions.

Excited on the way back from the ultrasound place we got back on the 5 North carpool lane and as we were to go on the overpass there was CHP blocking it. It forced us to go straight on the 55... Sal said I wonder if they are trying to see where the driver of that motorcycle is. I said yeah I thought it was kinda weird, that the bike was there.

No more than a minute later my heart dropped as I glanced over to the opposing side of the FWY. There were cops, cal trans workers and a corner standing over what appeared to be a body. "OH my Lord, Oh my Lord" I cried out.. " He jumped, He jumped" My eyes immediately filled up with tears and my heart started to ache. It appeared that this man must just jumped right before we passed his motorcycle.

I cant imagine what someone must be thinking to jump from the overpass onto oncoming traffic. What was this man thinking as he drove, parked his bike and got on the ledge to jump? He took his life because he saw no hope. Did anyone? I wondered if this man had family, friends? Did they know that this man was hurting and walking around dead? How come they didn't intervene or perhaps he didn't let anyone into his world.

I could not stop thinking about this man. I couldn't imagine the call his mom was about to get that her child is no longer alive. My excitement turned to sadness. As I was celebrating life, one was lost. What happens to a person that feels the only way is to take their own life? I don't know, I am not sure anyone on the outside will ever know. People think suicide is selfish, today I didn't feel that for this man. My heart ached for this man who lost hope, who lost the will to live.

He was someone's son, he was the Lords son. I pray for his family, his friends and others that are like this man. I pray for the hope that Jesus gave me in some of my darkest days. I pray peace in their lives. Please help me in praying for these people.

Remembering tonight how fragile life can be
mon

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Hot Dog, Pork n Beans and A glass of Kool Aid

Today I poured myself some Kool-Aid and as it went down the pipes I closed my eyes and remember the summer days as a kid. My Tia used to watch my siblings and I during the summers. I remember having a hot dog, pork n beans and a nice glass of kool aid for lunch everyday, every summer till we were old enough to stay on our own.

Those were the summers we would do crafts, run through the sprinklers when we were to lazy to get out the slip n slide. We would be outside for hours. We would smell like sweaty puppies and the grass stains were as green as could be on the knees. Occasionally at a local school they would give out free lunch, and those were the only days we got a break from the hot dogs.

I cant ever remember ever getting tired of eating that same lunch, because back then nothing matter. Four thirty would roll around and like clock work my mom would come to pick us up. It took her about an hour usually to round us up and persuade us to get in the car.

My Tia was a special lady. She was always sick with diabetes and there were times when we thought we would lose her. She made our days spacial and fun. We would do talent shows, make homemade kites, walk to the park for picnics ( yup the same hot dogs). She always had a camera to, snapping shots as we ran around the yard. We loss my aunt about six months ago. Her diabetes finally took her out. Kool Aid will always remind me of her. I thank God that we had those special summers. I learned alot from her, she taught us kids how to be creative and never let us just sit in front of a t.v.

Who knew that after many years a hot dog, pork n beans and a glass of kool aid could still bring joy to my heart!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Peace not understanding!

I have a friend that is waiting for probably one of the most important things in her life to happen. It has been many, many years of waiting. In less then 2 days she will find out how the Lords Will will unfold. As I prayed for her yesterday, I couldn't imagine being in her shoes.

I really had a hard time sleeping because I have been on this journey with her and I know her desires. With faith as I prayed. I prayed that should it not happen the way we desire, that she would have understanding. Right after I prayed that something hit me and I said, " no Lord I pray for peace and not understanding."

Now whenever I start a new book it appears that what I read just ends up on here. As you know "Big God" is the new book I started. Pastor Britt talks about the time when he found out that his little girl had cancer, and how he prayed. He said that he prayed for peace and not understanding because we sometimes will never understand. It is so true! I meditated on that for a few minutes.

Our God is big and we are really little. Our little minds will never comprehend some of the things that happen in this world. Instead of racking our brains trying, it is better that we pray for the peace. It is the peace that God can give that will help us not to ask the "why" questions. Its the peace in God that instead of saying "why God" we say "Ok God". Is it easy, HECK no but I always say "whats the alternative?"

I thought of Philippians 4:4-7 some of my favorite scriptures. I have been rambling it off for years in prayer, in situation and to people. I said it today and saw verse 7 differently. And after many years of quoting this memorized Scripture I finally got it! Yup I finally felt in my heart what it really meant!

"and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Let us stop praying for understanding and pray for peace. Please pray for my friend, Lord knows her name and situation. I covet your prayers. I hope to bring you back a Praise report when this is all over, I promise!

In His love,
Mon

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Dance in the rain


There is something about the a rainy day that can really make you feel like a drag and lazy. So I sat here looking on the Internet trying to find bedding for Asher's new bed. Then I started to think of all the other things that I needed to do or buy. Oh no here it goes zero to stress in 1.5 seconds.

As Pandora radio played, I surfed the net, Noah playing with his train. A song came on and sparked excitement from him. He came up to me and said "mommy dance" and grabbed my hand. I got up and we danced around the loft singing...

(Chris Tomlin's song entitled "Everything")

"With rain, with sun
With much, with less
With joy, with pain
With life, with death

The only thing that satisfy comes from you,
they come from you

Everything that's beautiful
Everything that's wonderful
Every perfect gift comes from you

Your grace, your heart
Your voice, your touch
Your word, your peace
Your hope, your love"

I could go on singing the song. As we danced together holding hands singing at the top of our lungs laughing at how silly we were, my mood changed. This song reminded me that in everything perfect or not, everything comes from God.

So appropriate that the song starts off with "with rain." It maybe raining in your life today, and perhaps you don't see a rainbow just yet. We have to remember after the rain comes the rainbow and that, my friends is what is beautiful.

You not feeling so well, get up and dance in the rain. I tell you it really does make a difference. As I danced with my beautiful son, and think about the perfect one forming in my belly, and my wonderful husband. I forgot about everything but what was perfect.... My life! Am I perfect? No way! Is what I do perfect? No way!

My life is perfect but because no matter what is in it, good or bad it comes from..

"The Father of Lights
It comes from the Giver of Life
It comes from the Heavens above
It comes straight from my heart, To the people I love"

That is the last chorus from the song! I pray for the Son to come out to you on this rainy day!

Much Love for you~
Mon

Monday, May 17, 2010

"Dont wait, till you need it"

How is your spirit? Is it enough to carry you through sickness?


Proverbs 18: 14 says:
The spirit of man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?


I started to read Pastor Britt Merricks "Big God" last night and it really spoke to my heart. He explains that when we are hit with something that is so heavy like "hearing your child has cancer," we immediately should turn to Jesus.

He explains that when we have the word in us. When we are hit hard with something, that is immediately were we go. We don't need to run to the bible for verses or wait for those to give us the verses. He says this:

" By being in the word of God and knowing the stories when famine of hard times come, we have the food that will sustain us."

Speaking of a scripture (psalm 91:3-4) that came to his mind while praying he says this:

" Because we have read the Word of God, we know we could hide under the wings of God. We knew we could cling to the person of Jesus. We understood God's character and knew that His faithfulness would be a shield for us. In His word that nourished us, like good food when your body is sick."

I thought about this statement for a minute and it reminded me of our immune systems. When we are born they are very weak and over time we take shots, and as we grow we build it up to fight off disease and germs. When we get a flu generally it isn't enough to kill us, we take some meds and are as good as new.

How is your spiritual immunity system? Are you building it up daily in the Word? So that when spiritual attacks, physical illness attacks its enough to get you through? Or will it kill you spiritually so to speak?

Britt says not to wait till you need it! I agree in shame, that we should not wait till something happens to be in the Word of God. Start today and build up your immunity so that when you are attack your body automatically fights it and your mind immediately goes to Jesus!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

I shall not be moved!

Afternoon my peeps! How are you doing on this fine windy day! Sneezing, blowing and runny? Yup my nose to!!!!!!!!

So yesterday I sat there staring at my chili Relleno with rice and beans and my chips.. What don't hate, you know that sounds so good to you right now! It was then that I realized that once again I failed!!!! Yup not because I should have ordered the taco's either fail, I am talking something more serious..

See when I started FF & F For real, it was in the quest that perfect "fuel" produced out of a perfect balance of Faith, Food and Fitness. So today I find myself not working out, When able to keep the food down it isn't the most healthiest and my faith is wavering to be honest. So what happen? What happen when I started this blog back in February till now? My circumstances changed.

And in true fashion I allowed my circumstances to change me instead of me changing my perception of the circumstances. I think that is why we fail, and I know that is why I fail. I do not allow good habits to form to become second nature and because it is not a part of me it doesn't last. Make sense?

Life could be easier if circumstances never changed, so I think. I knew this godly women, there was always a sense of peace about her. She was always smiling and very happy and spirit filled for sure. I remember one day someone told me that she had found out her daughter was sick and she had lost her job. I would have never knew had I not heard about it. Although this ladies circumstance changed she continued to live life the same because she had that true faith and peace.

She didn't allow her circumstances to change her attitude and defeat her. So I am going to real, I understand that only God can change certain situations. The thing that we can change is how we handle them and how we see them. When we are truly walking with the Lord and have peace in Him then NOTHING shall move us!

Now I can blame the morning sickness for working out.. I can but there is no excuse for my lack of faith during this season. I can still be in charge of what I put into my body. I can still be in the pursuit of FFF just in a different way now. Not only for me but for the one growing in me!

What about you? Do you choke up when circumstances change? Or is who you are strong enough to carry you through your circumstances? Or do you embrace it and tackle it head on like David did against the philistine giant? I pray we don't, I pray that once we make that commitment we don't just find peace through the still waters, but when the waves come in that we will not be moved!

Looking to God to be the Perfector of my FFF!
Mon

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Celebrating Mothers Day & Cancer

I never imagined how hard the job of being a mom could be.. When you are growing up you see your mom and others and think I can totally do that and I just wont do that. When I became a mom I realized a few things.. 1. How foolish to think that it was an easy job anyone can do.. 2. How much faith I really didn't have. As tough as it is to be a mom, keeping up with the demands sometimes some moms are demanded to do more, be more and believe more.

Being sick with morning(aka.. all day) sickness for the last three months has really open my eyes.. There is nothing worse than physical illness when trying to raise a child and take care of a family. And yet there are many women out there that have fought the odds or are trying. There are some that lost the fight in this life but gained eternity. Today I want to talk about them.. I celebrate these extraordinary women who have more faith than me, more strength than me and more fight than I have. These women have battled, are battling or lost their life's to cancer....

My Mom,I remember the day my mom came home and told me she had breast cancer. Not knowing how bad, what stage or what the future hold I remember her telling me this.. "She said God is going to do a work, no matter what happens I am ok, and I am going to fight and I will use it later for the Lord." My moms cancer wasn't as bad, she went through radiation and a surgery, continuing to work and take care of the family. I never saw her pain, never saw her having pity but only saw her strength and ability to trust in the Lord during this time. My mom beat cancer and has now been in remission for about 8 years now.. My mom taught me how to trust in the Lord and she is a extraordinary woman.

Denise Johnson-Scott- is the kinda women that you wanted your meetings, have at your parties, at your pot lucks and just around in general. I became a new manger and had the privileged to sit next to her. She brought life to the party and there was always a laugh when Denise was around. When she was diagnosed with stage four cancer, It was my hope that the laughter she created was enough to carry her through. At the time she was diagnosed she had four kids ages 1, 4,6 & 12 and a busy mom who went between work, PTA and sporting events. She overcame many surgery's, chemo that took all her hair and many complications, radiation and spent five months at home unable to eat and needed a nurse to feed her. Denise didn't quit she fought the good fight. She fought the battle for her and her family. Today Denise is cancer free and has been for 6 years. Still has some post cancer complications but does not stop her from, traveling all over the states for her kids, baseball, basketball, football, cheer, acting classes and everything in between. Denise taught me how to fight through the pain and to always laugh, she is a extraordinary woman.

Brenda was a women at church that I got to meet only months before she passed away. She had many tumors in her head and when diagnosed her daughter was only one years old. The doctors gave her only a year. She was a woman of much faith and fought to the very end. When I saw her she always looked as though she had peace. I couldn't understand why she did. I later found out that she asked God to give her two more years with her daughter when she found out about the tumors. She ended up living six.. She had peace because the Lord gave her more than she asked. She had hope that one day she could actually be healed until the day she died. In her last breathe she thanked God for the extra time. Brenda taught me how to have hope, and to be thankful for every new day because it is extra time, she is a extraordinary woman.

Grandma Gloria was in remission for many years. Grandma Gloria is sals grandma, on his moms side. She had lymphoma and it came back after many years. In her illness she cared for her husband, sal's grandpa who had a bad heart. She always put her husbands health first and was selfless. She lost her battle about 4 years ago and was healed eternally. Grandma Gloria taught me how to be unselfish and she is a extraordinary woman.

Lucy, I saw Lucy today in church.. She stood there in her cap without hair and a clearing up infection on her face due to chemo. Seeing her at church today was awesome since a week ago she was in the hospital with blog clots in her lungs and having a hard time breathing. Lucy has cancer, she has cancer in her brain, lung and on her hip. She is the head of her home. She is a good friend of mines mom. In the middle of her cancer fight she continues to support her daughters still putting their needs above hers. She is in the battle of her life, doctors only gave her a few years. She has faith and today it was good seeing her at church praising the Lord. Please pray for her, she has had a long road but still has miles ahead of her. Lucy has taught me to how praise the Lord during the storm, and she is a extraordinary woman.

Deborah Johnson Deborah hasn't battled cancer but she has been through her share of battling and so I celebrate her to. She is Denise's mom, losing her son Duane a few years prior to Denise's diagnosis. Still grieving she was left to take care of her daughter and her family. She is truly the foundation to her family. She was a nurse, a mom, a grandma, a taxi and everything else you can imagine when Denise was sick. To day you can find her traveling from San Diego to Orange County and well beyond the borders to see her grandkids. She is there supporting sports events, plays and her husband who is a NFL coach. She is a lady that retired for the airlines only to accept the job a full time working grandma. Deborah has taught me how to be strong and be that backbone for your family during difficult times, she is a extraordinary women.

I have had the privilege to know and be a small part in some of these ladies lives. It is because of women like them that I have hope. I have hope in the Lord that one day there will be a cure. I celebrate their lives, the ones that are here and the ones that are with the Lord. I have a new compassion for them and how they can have the ability to maintain a family and go through their illness. It blows my mind, I know that in a month or so my season shall pass but for some it will not. These women did not let the cancer define them and that is what I love!

Please continue for those that are in remission and battling because one day it can come back. Cancer is real but so is God and with Him all things are possible...

Happy Mothers Day!
Mon

Friday, May 7, 2010

Is He calling?

Have you ever had a time when God is calling you to do something and you can think of every reason why you shouldn't. Perhaps it is something that is going to take more faith than you have, or more time than you think you have to give. You start to formulate in your small mind of the what if's? Or this can be really difficult or I'm not equipped or I cant, I don't want... and the list goes on and on...

Yeah well that is me.. And perhaps it is also you.. Sometimes we forget how big God really is. We cannot comprehend the crazy work He can do in us.. Why? Because we sometimes don't believe in ourselves.. We see the mistakes, we see the past and we have no idea what is in the future.

God knows and there is no doubt that if He is calling you to do something it is for His purpose but it is for OUR lesson... If you think about it, God is God... He really doesn't need us for much.. He can accomplish pretty much anything however He wants us to live that abundant life.. He wants to stretch us and form us so that we can celebrate the success with Him.

There is a saying " The will of God will never lead you where the Grace of God cannot keep you." If we really embrace that, then when He calls we have no problem going or doing what He is asking us to do. He knows what we are capable of.. We fail because we think we know what we are capable of, and the truth is we really don't. There have been times in my life where I think how in the world did I make it through that? Or Lord how did that happen that way?

If we believed in ourselves the way God does, we would accomplish more, love more and be more. I pray that what ever it is in your life God is calling you, weather it be big or small that you pray for God to see yourself the way He does. God doesn't make mistakes so if He is tugging or calling you, know He also comes with a plan....

I pray for you and ask you pray for me as I take this new challenge that I am not ready to share just yet.. I pray in His timing I will..

Have a great weekend, love you all!
Mon

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Dare to be different!


As he walked through the restaurant everyone turned their heads and gasp.. "how cute" "awww" I heard as I walked holding Noahs hand. There he stood not much over three feet... he was wearing high water fireman pants because he insisted on wearing his suspenders... His shirt that one time was white was not so much.. His fire hat was backwards and a little off to the side. He also made sure that before we left he was wearing his badge.

Back up a half hour, I pleaded with him to change. We were meeting grandma and uncle for lunch. He looked at me and with little tears and said " no change".. Perhaps I blamed it on time or maybe be deep down pass the embarrassment I wanted him to have his way this time. What was it to hurt to let him sport his costume way past October.

I sat and watched him eat and he had no clue that he looked different. He was just happy that he was wearing what he loved and didn't mind the attention. After feeling alil ashamed that I was embarrassed to take him out and become that "mom" the Lord spoke to me.

He was different than anyone else and they enjoyed it and in response he interacted with some of the people at lunch. He brought a smile to many. How come we worry so much about looking and being like everyone else that we are ashamed to look and act different?

God calls us to be different and set apart from the rest of the world. I often admit I don't want to be because it is more comfortable not to be.. Or is it? Are you tired of trying to keep up with the rest of the world? God created all of us different and unique in our qualities so lets stop trying to be like everyone else and be ourselves... Let us love who we are and enjoy what God made us to be....

Had Noah not wore his costume he would have been just another toddler out to lunch with his mommy. But the fact that he was different allowed him to stand out in the crowd. Because he did he was able to show off his personality and be a light to those around.....

Praying to be different!
Mon

Monday, May 3, 2010

Faith that Heals!

So often we pray to God as if He was santa claus or just a miracle giver. I was reading in the book of Matthew the other day and I am not sure why I never really noticed it before but I did that day. See as Jesus went around healing the sick there was one thing He was consistant in saying.. He said " Because of your faith you are healed... It is your faith that heals you.. Your faith has made you well."

So often we operate with the assumtion that in order to be healed or have a prayer answered we have to do nothing but simply ask. It takes two parties to make it work, you and Jesus. It takes you having faith which is a tall order sometimes and then the will of the Lord if it is time to answer prayer.

There is so much to faith than just having it. There comes trust, believing, discipline and obedience. I wish I could cover it all in this blog, truth is I cant. I am not feeling that well and I think that a short blog doesnt do justice. I am praying for a womens fellowship in May or June. For those who have been before, this is the once a month study we used to do. Please pray if the Lords will that he will confirm it to me and show me the right time.

In the meantime, examine where your faith is. Do you have faith that heals or can answer your prayers? Or are you giving the Lord your christmas wish list? I know at times it depends as you are being stretched but remember that God wants us to do our part to!

Praying for Faith that Heals....
Monica

Monday, April 26, 2010

Impossible Past brings A Possible Future


The other day I had a revelation.. The only way this baby is coming out is through labor.. Yeah I know right? I cannot go through labor again! I had a moment of fear, again.. Yup I said again, maybe perhaps I am weak sauce but I am sometimes fearful.. So I prayed and asked the Lord to give me peace that would surpass my understanding....

I had a dream.. Not like Martin Luther King, just a simple dream, cuzz I am not that big time. I was standing in front a few thousand people giving a presentation. I cant remember what I was presenting but I remember I was kinda nervous. When I woke up I prayed like I usually do thanking the Lord for waking me up and He reminded me of a time in my life when I was fearful.

It was early in my career... I was working on a project with a team and we were to give a presentation to the whole LA market at a all employee meeting. It was going to be at the Cerritos performing Arts center. So I showed up to work our table and pass out these cool text messaging cheat sheets. It was well before text messaging blew up.. This was a good 8 years ago... Anyhow, when I got there, they informed me that our presenter did not feel well and was not able to present, as we stood there I all of sudden felt 6 pair of eyes looking at me.. Ok really? I am the rookie here... But they convinced me that since I worked heavily on the project I was the best one to present the 20 page slide. True or not.. I tend to believe not! They just did not want to do it, anyhow I was the sucker!

Ok seriously who wants to hear a presentation about the network and texting capability and our vision for our group when everyone only cared about the raffles and give aways. It was going to be a tough crowd to begin with! I was going in cold, no notes, no slides and the first time seeing them would be when I went on stage. I remember pacing in the back and a Area Manager coming over to me and perhaps I looked pale or maybe my pacing drew her in. She said “lil mon, relax and pray and you will do fine.”

I said a quick two minute prayer and I felt a little better. “How many people you think is out there I asked her? ummm about 2000 and then I felt a rush of anxiety, and I was up... I stepped on stage preparing for the worse and you know what? It really wasn't so bad.. There was so many lights hitting the stage that I couldn't see not one person, all I saw was the light.

It made me realize this... sometimes we are called to something that seems so big and impossible. We build ourselves up worrying for nothing. When it comes down to it, it really isn't that bad and the Lord shows us the light. We think that we are not equipped enough and He puts us in a situation to remind us that He prepared us for such the time. He shows us time and time again that He got us through ( you fill in the blank) and He will be faithful to get us through again....

Hey listen God test Abraham many times to produce faith before He asked him to sacrifice his son. You think that Abraham would have went if he didn't remember what God had did for him before? No way..

Things seem impossible? Then remember your past to be confident about what you can overcome in the future...

Love you guys!
Mon

Thursday, April 22, 2010

A lost resume brings revelation

I couldn't sleep the other night because I realized for some reason I wasn't sure if I had a copy of my resume.. So in the morning I searched my files that I had taken off my work laptop when I quit over 2 years ago, and no luck. Then I found a few usb cruisers and nope not there. If I wasn't so sick I would have went into the garage and searched the 6 boxes I have yet to clean out when I packed up my office...

Now this poses a problem if I dont have a hard copy in my desk files in those boxes I am not sure what I will do.. So you are probably wondering why I would be looking for a resume? Am I looking for a job? Nope, however I am from the school of business that unless you document something then it never happen. That is the first rule you learn in management..

So after my third night of tossing and turning I had to ask myself why in the world is this bothering me? And I realized the hard truth, at the end of the day, when my career ended all I have is that piece of paper. When I turned in my laptop, staff meetings, conference calls and a office, for baby bottles, diapers and a nursery my world changed and I have regrets.

It made me really reflect on how hard I worked for soooo many years to obtain that title, obtain that office, obtain that pay missing out of the more important things in life. I admit with shame that there are days when I realize I worked harder for att trying to please my director than in my home trying to please the Lord.

Don't get me wrong I loved my job and 90% of the time loved my company, and I met lifetime friends however I was in bondage to my job. It sucked the life out of me, I lived on my phone, lived on my laptop and lived in the office. In the blink of the eye it was gone. My desire changed, the Lord called me home and all I have left of that time of my life is a piece of paper. And maybe not even that!

I would lie to say that I am ok if I never find that resume but only for selfish reasons to celebrate my accomplishments that really mean nothing now. Perhaps you are working at a job that consumes most of your time. Or maybe you don't realize it does. I know I was there, my husband used to tell me but I was in denial.

Just remember that tomorrows never promised. People in your life may not be there tomorrow, and your job may not be there tomorrow. Don't have regrets, like I do, I thank God that he used my sons birth to pull me out to what is really important.... Life and those that are in it!

I will leave you with some advice a area manager gave me one time she said this "monica, at the end of the day this business will run without you, if you drop dead on the floor, this business will still run there will be someone climbing over you to take your position." This was harsh words but she got her point across loud and clear and she was only concerned over the time I was spending in the office....

Is this you? Who are you trying to please? This blog took a random turn but after all I am the one losing sleep over a resume so go figure... If this is you.. I pray for you. Seek God for wisdom on how he wants you to use your time. He never in tented this life to be spent trying to earn that dollar for things that will make it with us to eternity...


Praying for you, be blessed not stressed ( as Momma Tate used to say)
Love you guys!!
Mon

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

"Hose water never hurt anyone!"


I was looking at a old video the other day of some cousins and I playing and I could help to wish just a little that Noah could have been growing up in those times.. You remember the times when it was safe to drink out of the water hose.

Or when your parents had to bribe you to come inside the house for dinner. Kids weren't stuck in front of the computer, tv or video games. It was safe to walk to the park with your friends and play for hours. It was actually fun to ride your bike to school or the store, not cuzz you had to because you didn't have a ride. We had to be creative in finding new things to play with outside and actually ran around playing tag, dodge ball and hand ball.

Barbie had modest clothes back then and G.I. Joe was a hero! People stopped by to visit with out fair warning.. They didn't set up visits in the blackberry, palm pilot or through outlook. People didn't tweet, text or FB to see how you were doing they actually called or stopped by. People kept promises and didn't let the life get in the way of missing "dinner or coffee dates".. You know what I am talking about the occasional "lets get together soon for dinner or something" only never to schedule the date and let the time pass by. I know I am guilty of it.

Kids respected parents and actually walked around without a ipod attached to their ear. When did we start letting life live us instead of us living life? Blame it on technology, but it is sad that we have allowed the busyness of life get in the way of living life. Faith has been lost in the home, because no one is there and family time doesn't exist. People are obese because lets face it we have become convenient. You can do anything from the Internet and it has made it easy to be lazy. And food has become fast and quick because no one has made the time to cook anymore.

I speak not because I have authority or because I have it together but I share my heart because I also am guilty of every single thing! I challenge you today... Drink from the hose.. come on it never hurt anybody... Drop in on a friend.. call someone up instead of using the social outlets of the Internet or phone, set up a family day with the family... Get outside and play tag with your kids or teach them one of the old games you used to play.. More importantly in anything that you do include the Lord so he can bless it!

As I pursue Faith, Fitness and Food for myself and family I pray you do to!
Mon

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

My Heart- My Son


If you ever wanted to know what my heart looks like, I will tell you.. He stands a little over 3 feet, has his daddy smile and his eyes are full of Joy, and he is probably wearing a “CARS” hat.


I never really pictured myself as a mom, I thought about it because that is the thing you do after you get married.. Come on you know, when you dating they say “when are you getting married?” then you get married and it is “when are you having kids?” then after your first it is “when are you having another one?” am I right? So the thought crossed my mind until it became reality on March 12, 2007.


Lets back up a minute, one day back in about November of 2006 I was in the mall and I for some reason had paid attention to the many kids that were there. It must have been the worse of the worse that day. I saw toddlers not obeying their parents to disrespectful teens using foul language with no consideration to those around them.


I remember driving home that day listening to worship and crying. I was so hurt for some reason with the youth of today. I remember crying out to the Lord “ Lord if you never give me child I am ok with it, what I cant be ok is one that will never follow you. If my children will not follow you then please close my womb and keep me barren..” I know right? Those kids that day scared me straight!


So when I found out I was pregnant, it was the night that sal left for Israel. That is a another story in itself.. But I want to talk about our son today. Noah has always been a little different than some kids I think from birth. It was confirmed that his name was Noah in a dream I had about a flood, Noah means “comforter” and Asher was given to daddy when he was reading the bible one day. Asher means “blessed one” or “smiling one” and that he lives up to.


He came into the world with a swollen kidney, meconiun in the sac at birth, the umbilical cord around his neck during labor, a dropping heartbeat, Jaundice and a small hole in his heart. A little testing of our faith for sure for me and my hubby but as we trusted in the Lord with His son and time he was healed of all things by his 7 month birthday!


Who is my son.....


He is the two year old that reminds mommy to pray when we are leaving in the car if I am in the hurry.


He is the two year old who prays for all his meals, even snacks.


He is a two year old who asks to go to the fire station to “pray for the guys” There are times we pray and only minutes later they are called out.


He is the two year old who will tell you that he is reading “ Psalms, Numbers” when asked what are you reading in the bible.


He is a two year old who prayed for aunties car for two whole weeks and we found out later that for two weeks auntie felt like she was going to get in a accident.


He is a two year old who has been carrying a bible around since he was only months old.


He is a two year old who loves to worship and will raise his hands when he sings, and there are times at night he lifts my arms up to worship to.


He is a two year old who loves people and has always been social and brings smiles to peoples face. The other day we were at a funeral and he wanted to talk to this random lady, we didn't know her, but he was so set on talking to her. My husband took him over and he said “ I love you” to her and then left.


He is a two year old who has a heart for Jesus. During the week of Easter I read him a Easter bible, and it had cool animated pictures in it. When we got to the picture of Jesus by the cross with torn clothes and some scuff marks on his face and body he said “NO NO NO Jesus” he tried to wipe the dirt off his face and when he saw the crown he said “ Off, momma off” he wanted the crown off Jesus.


Who is my son, he is a child after God’s heart. I am a better mommy because he continues to show me how to be a better Christian. Jesus loved children and I know why. The Scripture over Noah's bed on the wall says “let the little children come to me and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”- Matt 19:14


When I picked it I always thought that would be a good scripture for Noah, but as I have learned it speaks more to me. I am so thankful and honored that the Lord would choose me to be the mommy of this extraordinary kid. Ive said it before and I will again say it, that if I had the faith, the love, the joy that this kid has I would be a better person!


Thank you for letting me share my son with you!

Mon

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

My house- My husband


He is a son, a father, a brother, a uncle, a grandson, a great-grandson, a husband, a dad, a friend, a uncle, a Biola Grad, a student, a teacher, a hard worker and most important a child of GOD.

I realized that you cant possibly know who I am without knowing who I love.. Today I want to blog about my best friend, my helpmate, my love, my strength, and my world. A Godly man, a amazing husband and a wonderful father.... my husband!

Like everything in my life it was God’s Divine hand that brought us together.. I saw him for the first time when I mixed paint for him at my job back in 96’ and I realized when he left two things.. I should have flirted more for his number and I had no idea how to mix paint!

A year later I walked into a new job and what do you know.. The Lord provides because he was one of my bosses! We were friends for about two years before we decided to go out. December 12th, 1998 we started dating, got engaged in 2001 and were married on Oct 13, 2002... We started our marriage in the Lord back in January of 2003 and it has been an amazing ride. I couldn't imagine my life without him. He is the person that makes me better. He pushes me when I want to give up and extends much Grace when I am a brat ( I know hard to imagine huh?) . He is one of the most selfless people I know. Even though I do not live in a castle and I am a total tomboy he has away of making me feel like a princess.

He is a great provider for our family, putting our needs before his and always protecting us. He is patient when I am not, which is most of the time! He is calm when I get fluster, he is slower to anger and never has said anything to me that is not pleasing to God.

What I love most about my husband is that he loves the Lord more than me. He embraces loving his wife like Christ has loved the church. His heart is as big as his wonderful smile and his love for children is infectious. He loves to teach the bible to his six grade Sunday school, he has a heart to share Gods love to the Apache people and their children. He has a heart to get out and change the world, and he knows that nothing is impossible with God.

I love my husband because he makes me a better person. He points me to the Lord and builds me up. If I could see myself through his eyes, I would have more confidence, I would stand taller and I would be prouder.

This Christmas we went to his Christmas party for work. I met many guys who told me how much they appreciate the man he is, the talks, advice and what a blessing he is to them. Everyone I met acted as if they knew me, they all said “ we have heard so much about you”. I am reminded of something my pastor said on time. He said you know how much your spouse loves and talks about you when you meet the people at his work.

They knew me because my husband loves me, but I love him because he first loves the Lord. He is a great dad and I see so much of him in my son. I thank God that He choose my husband to be the leader of our home. I know with him and God nothing is impossible for our family... I am blessed!!!!!

Giving props to my man,
Mon

Friday, April 9, 2010

God's Grace in a Locked Garage!


Today I was reminded that no matter how far you feel from God, He is not as far as you think He is. I have been neglecting my Lord... Yup I said it out loud, I have been to busy focusing on how sick that I am that I haven't taken the time to talk to the one who holds the very hand He created. The almighty physician, my Lord, my Savior who has carried me time and time again during the valley of my life...

So today I was feeling a little defeated, asking the Lord for forgiveness for self pity, laziness and my lack of communication with Him. For my lack of Praise for the wonderful blessing He is fashioning and forming in my womb during this time of sickness. Then like always He used a simple situation to show me that He is a God of much Grace!

They are working on the concrete outside our town home today. So we had to move the car out of the garage onto the street this morning. I rarely go out the front door, so I don't even have a house key. So Noah and I exit the front door this afternoon and locked the bottom lock and shut the door. I have my garage opener in the car and we could get in that way when we come home.

So we get home from a blessed lunch with grandma, open the garage and go to open the door into the house from the garage and guess what LOCKED.. We have a lock on top of the door from the inside so Asher doesn't go into the garage and because I didn't go out through the garage today, I didn't realize it was still locked from the morning :( So what do I do, in true hot mess fashion.... I panic.. what are we going to do Noah? I made a few calls with no luck, and just then as usual the lunch decided to come up.. So there we were sitting in the open garage, me crying throwing up in a bucket, Noah crying because he wanted to ride his power wheel and a few Mexican workers wondering what the heck in going on my garage.

As I was throwing up, I was crying out to the Lord, help me please Lord.. A minute later our property manager walked up and asked if I was ok. Now this is a miracle in it self because we rarely see this guy. I asked if he had keys to our place on him. He said no, he came to open the town home next to us to check it out. A simple sorry and he was on his way and I was crying again.. I know who cries that much... Well a pregnant lady ok!!! A minute later he came over and said you aren't going to believe this but " I accidentally brought the keys to your place which is letter "E" instead of the place next to you which is "F".

Then I cried more because I know it was not a coincidence but God's showing His Grace that no matter how far we think we are from God. We sometimes aren't.. A friend said to me today that we are sometimes more disappointed in ourselves than God is sometimes ( thanks Nay!) and you know what it is true. Yes I have been a little neglectful in my reading, my devotion time, in my prayer time and my blogging about God's love but He reminded encouraged me. He reminded me that He is a God of Grace and we also need to extend that to ourselves sometimes and especially to others.

Thank you for hanging in there with me. I want to share this journey with you all.. I am committed again, as a pregnant mom trying to find the balance of Faith, Food and Fitness. I may not be running marathons this year but I will definitely be on one! I appreciate your prayers and encouragement... Love you Guys!

Thanking God for His Grace today...
Mon





Tuesday, March 16, 2010

You Glow Boy!


The other day, a co-worker asked my husband if we were expecting another child?
He said there is just this glow that you have, and I remember it from the last time you had a child. My husband was shocked because he had not told anyone we were expecting. Really? Let me see your face I told him.He said Honey. I looked in the mirror that night and I was trying to see if I had the glow. You know the one that Moses had when he say the backside of the Lord?

Where is my Glow lord? Then Proverbs 27:19" As in water face reflects face, so a mans heart reveals the man" came to mind and I said ... oh I see.. ugh.

See what is in your heart will display in your countenance and your actions. And I realized that my heart wasn't so enlightening! Blame it on the pregnancy but I have been tired, irritable and just blah! So it was no wonder that I haven't had that glow.

Proverbs 23:7 says "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." There it is, case and point. Have you ever heard someone say I just didn't get a good "vibe" or there is a certain "vibe" about them. The vibe is the aroma of their heart. So often we try to cover up what is really in the heart by slapping on makeup putting on a fake smile, however if the heart ain't right it is still going to stink!

I remember one time I came home from a great workout. I came home to company, that was waiting on me for dinner. I'm not sure how the time got away from me and we were on a serious time crunch. I literally had time to throw on some clothes put my make up on the car and throw on some deodorant. I remember arriving to dinner and someone said " you look great" I said thank you holding back tears because I smelled horrible. ok maybe no that bad, but even though I was put together, I was dirty and smelly!

The point that I am trying to make is that there is sometimes no hiding what lies in the heart. I love scientist and physiologist, because in their long research studies and analysis they always come to a long drawn out conclusion to something that is summed up in one small scripture. Its OK though, something to keep them busy. I read "Physiologist teach that the way people think effect their emotions, their ability to relate to each other, and their ability to cope in different circumstances. Um hello guys, here is one for you... " A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken."- proverbs 15:13

Now here is what the bible says about that: Believers are to meditate on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Phil 4:8) Their minds are to be filled with virtuous and praiseworthy thoughts. Those whose hearts have not been changed by God's Spirit will find that ultimately they are powerless to combat evil in their minds, for the condition of the hearts determines the condition of their thoughts (Matt 15:19).

Is there something in your heart that is corrupting your thoughts? I know I had a really tough time with that reality the other day. Maybe your heart isn't that bad, or maybe you don't want to admit it. Are you glowing? If you aren't, why don't you get rid of whatever it is that is not allowing your light to shine. I pray you do!


Praying that we are that light set on a hill!
Mon

Words in Italicize are taking out of my women's study bible.