Hope you all enjoyed your Christmas holiday! By now all the tamales should be out of the house and your probably feeling a little guilty about all the stuff you ate. I know that feeling all to well. BUT I will start on the first because we have one more celebration to get through New Years! I aint hating!
Are you thinking about your goals and what you want to do in the new year? I know I am praying on some. A friend texted me the other day and asked how I did on my laundry list from this year. I love that she called me out on it, I love the accountability. Well I will talk about them in the next few days.
Today , I want to talk about Children's Cancer and how you can help. Perhaps you don't know any children who have had cancer or have it now. So to you it may not seem like an urgency to find a cure. But this I know, at the rapid rate that this monster is growing that can change. And then at that time it could be to late.
So what can you do? You can use your legs, time and money. Once again "Runners for Grace" will be participating in next years Reaching for a Cure event. It is to raise money for pediatric cancer research. I personally saw last year, a friend and her son take part in a cool event that was paid for by this foundation. What I loved, was seeing that what we did directly impact someone we knew! I have greater expectations this year for this event.
Its my prayer that runners for grace will be participating in each event and that we would raise double of what we did last year. I know everything is possible with God. You are probably thinking of alot of excuses why you cant do this. I know, trust me, I am too. I said that I was never going to do another half marathon again, but guess what by faith that is what I am registering for.
Why? Because I don't have the cure and all I can give is me. I have health, I have heart and I have legs that work. There are families that are praying and battling everyday on behalf of their children. Gracie fought till the end. Every day that Noah ( not mine) gets up it is a blessing, because he is still fighting. His cousin Jonathan is a fighter to. Daisy Love, doctors say she needs a miracle or a divine intervention from God. And the list goes on. Can we intervene? Can we do what we are scared to do on behalf of these children?
There is no greater feeling than to finish something that goes beyond yourself. To step out in faith and out of your comfort zone to bless someone else. I have to tell you that the cool thing is that you will be blessed abundantly. So do it as one of your resolutions, your goals, whatever it takes to get you moving.
I pray that you would consider! If you would like all the information, off to the right you will find a link to the information under "2013 Runners for Grace information" in that body of text there is a link to the site. Please hold off to register till Friday, because I need to set up the team registration.
Also here is the link to the blog of last years recap..!
Running for Him
Moni
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Christmas Funk, Hope & Family
Christmas Picture 2012
I ain't going to lie, I have been in a little funk the last few weeks. With social media it makes it easy to connect and get to know people that you would not have had an opportunity to in every day living. It is because of this that you become social media friends. You get to know them, their families, their ministries and what makes them....well them.
You open up your heart and they become part of it. Then when tragedy hits them or their family, you wonder how your heart hurts so much for people that you don't even "really" know outside of the social media realm. There were so many times within the last two weeks that I wanted to blog but didn't know where to start. There were times that I went out to shop and stood in the isle and felt guilty trying to decide the perfect present for my boys, when there are 20 families that were picking out caskets for their babies. Newton Mommies, I am praying for you!
This is the first year that I got my husband a Christmas card. Never thought of doing it before, just wasn't the way I was brought up. As I sat in the card isle trying to find that card to let my husband know that I loved him and grateful that we had another Christmas together. I wept.. Thinking of a lady who lost her husband last week and it would be her first without him. Frank Pastore was a instrumental part of my husbands life. Although we never knew his voice on the radio he sparked the urgency of the importance of defending our faith many years ago. Frank Pastore, we will miss your voice on the radio and Gina as a wife I am praying for you!
unfortunately the list went on, from a pastor losing his five year old daughter, to a friend losing two teenage cousins in a car accident. Lusko family and Sandy I am praying for you.
Saturday night, the house was quiet the family was asleep and I sat there staring at gifts that needed to wrap and I asked God why? Lord please show me that there is more than this. Please show me the hope in the brokenness of these people. My heart ached for these many families.
Yesterday I watched Pastor Levi Lusko preach the most powerful message I have ever heard on the power of Jesus. The hope of Jesus, in the midst of his own hurt and brokenness, he proclaimed the good new of God. He reminded me of the Hope we have in Jesus. The reminder that we are simply passing through this earth. We are traveling to the shores of Heaven a place where we will settle and there will be no more hurt or pain. A place where there is perfect peace and a place where we have some waiting to greet us.
We took in our first candle light night service this Christmas. We visited a local church and what I loved is that we sat in the back with just our small family, and didn't know anyone so I felt as though it was just a true intimate time with us and Jesus. As the lights went out and one by one the candles were lit, darkness fell to the power of just one small candle. As one by one, the candle were lit and people proclaimed out loud that "Jesus is light" I found hope. I was reminded that Jesus came to give us life, even in death He gave us life.
This Christmas is quite different, sal lost his nana, I am sure it will be hard today for his family. My grandma is still in rehab trying to get well, and Noah is now under the weather. Despite all the tragedy and losses we have hope in Jesus. Today I celebrate the birth of our Lord, the one who was born to die for our sins. A living sacrifice because He came to pay a debt that I couldn't pay, and a debt that wasn't His. He is the perfect gift and the only one we need! I pray that your Christmas is more than food and the wrapping paper. I pray that is is wrapped with the love, I pray that its about the time spent with family and not the money spent and I pray that you recognize why we celebrate. If Jesus was never born there would be no Christmas!
I'm going to end this blog with a few pictures. I have been blessed to practice my new hobby of photography with some trusting friends. What I love best about photography is the ones in front of the lens! Celebrate family!
Broxton Luke! Adorable!
Sanders Family! Love this family!
Family a girl in our family.. My niece
Auntie B and Uncle Eddie and their miracle baby! coming soon!
Merry Christmas! Love you Moni!
P.s. I realized that I am the only with the ability to be silly in our family pictures!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
A full life!
My husbands great grandma passed away about a week ago. Yesterday we had her services and celebrated her life. When we have told people that she was 100 years old, the common response is that she led a "full" life.
As we were driving home yesterday tired, he asked what does a full life mean? So if I died tomorrow at 37 years old , I didn't live a full life? Because my Nana lived to 100, it means that she lived a full life? It was a good question and a good point. No disrespect to those wanting to give condolences, but what do you consider full?
This morning, I convinced my hubby to stay home one more day. He looked tired and needed extra TLC from the family. He went to Noah's school to help in the class, and then we packed a picnic, went to the park, played, laughed and watch ducks. We took the boys to their favorite place for dessert, came home to play avengers and made gingerbread houses.
Our day ended as we did our family devotion, tag teamed on the bath time, prayed and sang worship as they both drifted off to sleep!
Its days like these that add to a life. Is my life full? My tank can use many more days like this, but I surely my tank ain't empty! That is a fact! May God help us, that despite our circumstance that we would have full days of love, Gods love!
On the way out I grabbed my camera, not because it was an occasion, but just because and I am so glad that I did. I captured what will probably be the most important pictures I will ever take. The day the Lord showed me what a full life looks like!
I would like to share them with you, because I love you!
Only thing I regretted was not jumping in on a few. The day was beautiful and the natural light was awesome!
As we were driving home yesterday tired, he asked what does a full life mean? So if I died tomorrow at 37 years old , I didn't live a full life? Because my Nana lived to 100, it means that she lived a full life? It was a good question and a good point. No disrespect to those wanting to give condolences, but what do you consider full?
This morning, I convinced my hubby to stay home one more day. He looked tired and needed extra TLC from the family. He went to Noah's school to help in the class, and then we packed a picnic, went to the park, played, laughed and watch ducks. We took the boys to their favorite place for dessert, came home to play avengers and made gingerbread houses.
Our day ended as we did our family devotion, tag teamed on the bath time, prayed and sang worship as they both drifted off to sleep!
Its days like these that add to a life. Is my life full? My tank can use many more days like this, but I surely my tank ain't empty! That is a fact! May God help us, that despite our circumstance that we would have full days of love, Gods love!
On the way out I grabbed my camera, not because it was an occasion, but just because and I am so glad that I did. I captured what will probably be the most important pictures I will ever take. The day the Lord showed me what a full life looks like!
I would like to share them with you, because I love you!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Thankfulness
Today is Thanksgiving and I tasked our tuesday night fellowship group to write what they were thankful for in 100 words or less. I wanted to share mine!
I am thankful to be the daughter of the most high king, yet lacking the qualities of a true princess. Thankful to be a wife to an amazing man, knowing I don't fit the tall order of being the Proverbs 31 women.
Thankful to be a mom to boys who think that I walk on water, but have no idea that some days I feel like I am sinking. Thankful to be a daughter, sister, auntie, friend and neighbor to those who love me. Thankful for my health, wealth that doesnt come in currency and Gods grace to do another day!
I know in the storms of life it is easy to see the pain, trials and tribulations. For today may the Lord bring you peace, love and comfort meeting every one of your needs. There is so much to be thankful for despite our circumstances!
Thankful!
Moni
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Asher, 5 through pictures!
We pulled into the garage and just watched them as they slept. "Can you believe he is five"my husband whispered. Only I think that every year we will find ourselves asking the same question.. Can you believe he is 6, 7, 8.... until the day that we ask ourselves can you believe he is leaving for college.
But until then we celebrate each year that we have him. The other day in our homemade studio we flicked some pictures, only I know he is getting older because he is becoming less willing to my bright ideas and getting some of his own! Here is his five year session and who he is!
A Silly Cat- When you laugh you are all teeth! When you laugh I see it come from the most inter most part of your being. You are not afraid to laugh, to crack jokes and be silly.
But until then we celebrate each year that we have him. The other day in our homemade studio we flicked some pictures, only I know he is getting older because he is becoming less willing to my bright ideas and getting some of his own! Here is his five year session and who he is!
A Son- The smile you produce always radiates the joy in your heart. The smile in your eyes can be a comfort in the most difficult days. Its no wonder your name means "comforter" because you do!
A joy to raise you up and see the work that is being done in your life! But please slow down just a bit, because I am just not ready for the day you no longer want to hold my hand on the way to class.
A Helper- Captain America may pack muscles, but the gift of helps that you have in your heart surely can conquer a world that needs servants. I love your heart that you always want to help, whether it is making your dinner, lunch or serving at church picking up trash!
Never cease to lose that passion to help people. I love seeing you take care of little grandma and brother!
A Learner- I love that you love to read. I have seen you grow so much in the short time that you have been in school. Your imagination blows my mind. You are creative, not afraid to think outside the box and your willingness to teach is far beyond your age. I know the word of God does not go void, because I see the application you display in different moments of your young life.
"Daddy, I cant wait to get big so that I can teach the high school kids" I pray that you never lose that heart to teach the word of God to others.
A Silly Cat- When you laugh you are all teeth! When you laugh I see it come from the most inter most part of your being. You are not afraid to laugh, to crack jokes and be silly.
I can sit on the couch for hours, listening to you laugh watching funniest home videos. The joy and laughter in your heart makes me smile!
A Thinker- Then there are the times, when I would love to know what you are thinking. The times when your emotions don't make a little sense. These are the times I see me in you.
I see a boy who can care a little to much about something. A boy who is passionate about a cause that it hurts your little feelings. I understand you are a growing boy, changing in attitudes and emotions. Learning how to adapt to a world that can produce hurt, anger and disappointment.
This is all part of growing up. Be patient with me as I adapt and grow with you. You should know that I am always praying over your mind and ability to make good choices in life!
A Brother- Fan boy and chum chum! You don't know this, but there are times I sit outside of your door and listen to you both while you drift out to sleep. Listening to the sound of worship that you sing to bed, and Caleb asking you to sing one more song. Then after his continued convincing of one more song there is silence. Then I know you have both drifted to sleep.
Sometimes it only takes that few moments, to help me forget about the things of the day. The moments of disobedience, struggles of trying to share and attitude of the day. I know it is a great responsibility to be the older brother. As we have told you the choices you make play a role in your brothers life as he is looking up to you. As we have seen he is always watching you. Take care of him!
Happy 5th my boy. I love you with all my heart and look forward to watching you grow, Lord willing! The day you were born changed our lives forever! You have helped daddy and I be better people, increased our faith and learn to love beyond ourselves! Thank you Asher!
We love you!
Mommy!
Happy 5th my boy. I love you with all my heart and look forward to watching you grow, Lord willing! The day you were born changed our lives forever! You have helped daddy and I be better people, increased our faith and learn to love beyond ourselves! Thank you Asher!
We love you!
Mommy!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
God doesn't make mistakes in who he appoints as leaders!
The question resonate in my mind, and as I took a second to gather my thoughts I answered with every ounce of my being standing behind what I believed. " I believe that if you choose me, I can and will make a difference because I care. I truly believe that what I know and my willingness to try is can be an asset to this department."
As I went to bed that night Id imagine that I felt the same way President Obama and Governor Romney went to bed. Both feeling capable and believing they were the man for the job, yet leaving the decision in someone elses hands! The anticipation of potentially being leader they believed they can be or failing to convince the other party!
Only I was up for a position as a manager in a department of about 50, these men campaigned long to be the President of the United States a task of carrying the burden of our country. In the end the reality is this. We have two men who woke up this morning different! One celebrating that many felt confident in him to lead our country. The other feeling defeated after a long campaign of money spent, time away from family and not being good enough to be our leader.
I know that NO one is good enough to lead our country. Our world is in turmoil on so many levels, there is war, financial crisis, disasters of great proportion, violence that we have never seen before! But the only person that is able and capable is the Lord. As a leader I have made many mistakes, there will be no president that will be exempt from that because we all know that man is not perfect.
Because God is ruler of my life, I know that he promotes and demotes, there is nothing that happens to us that He does not allow. For such a time, He has allowed and appointed Mr. Obama to be a leader in our country and so now we pray. I know God well enough to know He never makes a mistake, never has in my life and so I trust in Him. We pray President Obama, his wife and his children who have a great task ahead of them. Mrs Obama is still a wife that needs strength to lift her husbands hands, which she can by the way with those guns she has! The obama girls who looks at their daddy without fault, who don't live normal childhoods. I would imagine there are great sacrafices to be made in any family that accepts to be the first family. So for all the reasons and for the state of our country we pray!
As I was in my car this morning, I heard the song "God in the city" By Chris Tomlin, and it was such a perfect song for a perfect morning. The chorus states that " Greater things are yet to come, great things are still to be done in the city". Friends there is so much to do in this city, state and nation. People need help and people need the love of Jesus. Lets move forward and do the work. Lets go out and truly make change happen. Right now the east coast can use some extra love. Will you donate? Will you help be the change that you voted for. Don't wait for the change, be the change! It takes an army not one man!
Today is my birthday and I thank the Lord for another day of service to Him! May I not waste it on things that don't matter! Thank you all for being my friends, readers and support! You truly bless my heart!
"This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24
I am Monica Pereyra and I support this message!
As I went to bed that night Id imagine that I felt the same way President Obama and Governor Romney went to bed. Both feeling capable and believing they were the man for the job, yet leaving the decision in someone elses hands! The anticipation of potentially being leader they believed they can be or failing to convince the other party!
Only I was up for a position as a manager in a department of about 50, these men campaigned long to be the President of the United States a task of carrying the burden of our country. In the end the reality is this. We have two men who woke up this morning different! One celebrating that many felt confident in him to lead our country. The other feeling defeated after a long campaign of money spent, time away from family and not being good enough to be our leader.
I know that NO one is good enough to lead our country. Our world is in turmoil on so many levels, there is war, financial crisis, disasters of great proportion, violence that we have never seen before! But the only person that is able and capable is the Lord. As a leader I have made many mistakes, there will be no president that will be exempt from that because we all know that man is not perfect.
Because God is ruler of my life, I know that he promotes and demotes, there is nothing that happens to us that He does not allow. For such a time, He has allowed and appointed Mr. Obama to be a leader in our country and so now we pray. I know God well enough to know He never makes a mistake, never has in my life and so I trust in Him. We pray President Obama, his wife and his children who have a great task ahead of them. Mrs Obama is still a wife that needs strength to lift her husbands hands, which she can by the way with those guns she has! The obama girls who looks at their daddy without fault, who don't live normal childhoods. I would imagine there are great sacrafices to be made in any family that accepts to be the first family. So for all the reasons and for the state of our country we pray!
Today is my birthday and I thank the Lord for another day of service to Him! May I not waste it on things that don't matter! Thank you all for being my friends, readers and support! You truly bless my heart!
"This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24
I am Monica Pereyra and I support this message!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Facebook, Elections and Being Better!
This morning I heard on the radio that this elections has caused so many arguments, strife and broken friendships than ever before. So what makes this different from years past? Facebook! Many people find FB as an outlet to campaign, complain and vent! These are conversations that might not take place in a casual conversation outside of facebook.
The other day, I was asked by a friend why I have not posted anything in regards to who I was voting for or my political views etc. Well for me I don't feel that is a place for me. If you are interested in a friendly conversation then, lets chat it up. It doesn't make me ashamed of who I am or less radical for Jesus! Its just who I is!
FB is fun, sometimes to fun to play with. That is just it, I don't use it as a place for a statement to make, I dont use it to mend a friendship or to break up a friendship. I don't use it for drama and I surely don't use it as my therapist. My post are about life and the things I enjoy. So does that me everything in my life is perfect! Heck no just read this blog. I don't throw stuff out there and hide behind it.
The same person said, but you are not scared to throw scripture out there and that could offend people. Scripture has become who I am. It is the instruction in my life. If it ministers to me, I share. It is my hope that those who wish to be my friends on FB love me for who I am, and all of me. I have many friends who do not believe in everything I believe. I am in no way offended by that. I have built strong relationships and love some who don't even believe in the same God I do. I am not offended by their comments or status as long as it is not direct attack on me or my family.
Although I have made some great friendships through social media, I have also seen some dangerous habits come out of it. Some that I am in guilty of. Bottom line is that we are a people who need to be touched physically. I don't say that in a sexual way, but only trying to make the point that we need to hear each others voice, we need to embrace in a hug, we need to hold a hand of a friend we are praying with, not just leaving a comment. We need to know that we are here for each other and not only by words that appear on our screen.
Like most I cannot wait for this election to be over. No matter who is president I still have hope in the same God, and I will continue to pray for ever is in charge of country. I also know that even when the elections end there is still that part of social media that will always be a never ending dumping ground of ugly.
But I do ask one thing... Take this challenge, instead of facebooking or texting a friend, call them. Perhaps visit them.. Pick up the phone and let them hear your voice. What if we took a day when everyone decided to use there status update to praise a friend, or encourage someone they would mostly not!
By the way the conversation I had with a friend was not a debating conversation. It was just a time of honesty and getting to know more about me. I love that, I love when I can have real deep conversations with friends that run deeper than my day plans. I have alot to think about and alot to do.... May God help us to be better people!
In His service,
Moni
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, In all way acknowledge HIm and He will direct your path! "
Prov 3:5-6
The other day, I was asked by a friend why I have not posted anything in regards to who I was voting for or my political views etc. Well for me I don't feel that is a place for me. If you are interested in a friendly conversation then, lets chat it up. It doesn't make me ashamed of who I am or less radical for Jesus! Its just who I is!
FB is fun, sometimes to fun to play with. That is just it, I don't use it as a place for a statement to make, I dont use it to mend a friendship or to break up a friendship. I don't use it for drama and I surely don't use it as my therapist. My post are about life and the things I enjoy. So does that me everything in my life is perfect! Heck no just read this blog. I don't throw stuff out there and hide behind it.
The same person said, but you are not scared to throw scripture out there and that could offend people. Scripture has become who I am. It is the instruction in my life. If it ministers to me, I share. It is my hope that those who wish to be my friends on FB love me for who I am, and all of me. I have many friends who do not believe in everything I believe. I am in no way offended by that. I have built strong relationships and love some who don't even believe in the same God I do. I am not offended by their comments or status as long as it is not direct attack on me or my family.
Although I have made some great friendships through social media, I have also seen some dangerous habits come out of it. Some that I am in guilty of. Bottom line is that we are a people who need to be touched physically. I don't say that in a sexual way, but only trying to make the point that we need to hear each others voice, we need to embrace in a hug, we need to hold a hand of a friend we are praying with, not just leaving a comment. We need to know that we are here for each other and not only by words that appear on our screen.
Like most I cannot wait for this election to be over. No matter who is president I still have hope in the same God, and I will continue to pray for ever is in charge of country. I also know that even when the elections end there is still that part of social media that will always be a never ending dumping ground of ugly.
But I do ask one thing... Take this challenge, instead of facebooking or texting a friend, call them. Perhaps visit them.. Pick up the phone and let them hear your voice. What if we took a day when everyone decided to use there status update to praise a friend, or encourage someone they would mostly not!
By the way the conversation I had with a friend was not a debating conversation. It was just a time of honesty and getting to know more about me. I love that, I love when I can have real deep conversations with friends that run deeper than my day plans. I have alot to think about and alot to do.... May God help us to be better people!
In His service,
Moni
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, In all way acknowledge HIm and He will direct your path! "
Prov 3:5-6
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Teetering on self discipline & self indulgence of wisdom!
In the playground of choices, I have been teetering between self discipline and self indulgence. Making good choices, as we tell Noah and making some not so good choices in some areas in my life. Its been awhile since I broke down some scripture and perhaps that is where the problems begins.
Like many times before, I don't think it was a coincidence that the Lord had something to say to me in the proverb of the day. Proverbs 4 the "Security of wisdom" was so relevant for this time, this day in the fear of my thoughts of not been strong enough to teeter over to the side of self discipline.
The whole proverb is great, but let me take you to verse 20 where I felt the shocks to the heart like someone was using an AED to bring me back to life. Over the next seven verses, I will talk about a few "H's"- Hearing, Heart, Health, aHead, Hoover and Headway. Are you ready? Lets get the paddles and shock the heart to wisdom.
Vs. 20 " My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my saying"
How it spoke to me:
Concentrate on my words, give me your ear to Hear what I have been trying to tell you. Just listen!
Vs. 21 "Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart;"
How it spoke to me:
When you see it, hold onto it, and only let it go if it is going to your heart!
Vs. 22 "For they are life to those who find them, And Health to all their flesh."
How it spoke to me:
Wisdom is the life to those who look for it. Find is a word of action. You must obtain wisdom and when you do it is health to the your body. It is impossible to be physically fit if you are spiritually unhealthy. The other day, I was talking to a friend and totally complaining. I was complaining about a situation, and then I jumped to another situation and complained about that. I hung up the phone and I felt physically nauseous and had a headache. In that moment I knew it was the nasty in my heart that caused my body to feel physically ill.
I know when I am not in tuned with the word or in prayer that it is impossible to be utilize wisdom in my interactions, speech and discipline in all areas of my life. I have to be diligent in the seeking for Gods wisdom if I want to be healthy.
Vs. 23 " Keep your Heart with all diligence, for out of it springs the issues of life."
How it spoke to me:
The issues that you are having- impatient, laziness, not motivated, short tempered, are coming from your heart and not circumstances. I looked up diligence in Webster and it read " Careful and persistent work or effort." Meaning it is going to take work or effort to keep our heart clean and retain the wisdom. The other day it was hot, I walked into my house that was a mess. Immediately I found myself ten degrees hotter. I told my husband if I cleaned the house it would be much cooler. He thought I was crazy. Perhaps it was a mental thing, but the fact that it was clean dictated how my body felt. When wisdom is hanging out in your heart, there is not much room for a mess.
Vs. 24 " Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you."
How it spoke to me:
Shut yo mouth. Plain and simple! Boom! stop complaining, stop gossiping. The other day I was watching a you tube video of a motivational speaker who was sharing with the youth. He had been speaking and had a mic that he thought was turned off. A man who was a skeptic that thought he was "too good" of a person and fake, was listening to him have a conversation with his driver for that day. When he got off the car this man approached him and told him that he had listen to his whole conversation and he was wrong. His exact words to the motivational speaker was "your legit." He brought up the story, because he told the kids that we should live our lives like we were mic'd up. I humbly admit that I would not like the world to hear some of my conversations. Would you?
Vs. 25 "Let your eyes look straight aHead, and your eyelids look right before you."
Always look ahead, forget about what was, work on what is and what can be! Stay focused and on course. For those of you that arnt into horse racing, horses run with blinders. I found it interesting what they had to say about the reason behind it:
Horses have their eyes at the sides of their heads, which indicates that they are hunted in nature — similar to rabbits, for example — as opposed to the hunters such as cats. So, horses have peripheral vision, which means they can end up running off course unless they are made to remain focused.
Blinders are small squares of firm leather that attach to the bridle at the side of the horse’s head. Some say that blinders were invented when a preacher had a wager with one of his friends. The preacher bet that his horse could walk up the stairs in his home, which the horse did with no problem at all. But, when he tried to coax the horse down again, it wouldn’t budge! So, the preacher covered the horses head and lead him down. He realized that covering all or part of the horse’s vision could encourage the horse to take chances it would not normally take.
Horses sometimes need to be made to focus and blinders keep the horse’s eye focused on what is ahead, rather than what is at the side or behind. That is why race horses are often given blinders – for the purpose of keeping them focused when racing round a racecourse.
Strap on your blinders homies!
Vs. 26 " Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established"
Ponder or Hoover means to think about something carefully before deciding or concluding. Think about your actions before you make a move. Is this good for me? Is this glorifying God? Is this healthy?
Vs. 27 " Do not turn to the right or left; remove your foot from evil"
Make Headway use those blinders to keep you from looking left and right to stray you away from the course and what is right. The only way you can move ahead is by moving forward not running to the left or right. Don't dabble in evil or tempt yourself in the things which are not good.
I know this is a long post and not the norm, but these verses really just spoke to the core of my heart. I have been running on the treadmill the last month, I am ready to put on the shoes and run the course outside. I am speaking spiritually now friends! If you are also in that slump, let come along together! lets obtain wisdom, harbor it in the heart and make good choices in every area in our lives!
Love you,
Moni
Friday, October 26, 2012
Happy 2nd birthday Chum Chum
When I found out I was pregnant for the second time, I cried and thought that I could never love another child the way I did with my Asher. Two years later, I could not even imagine doing life with out my Caleb Joshua.
Tomorrow he will be two years old, yet his personality goes well beyond his age. He is gifted with the same love for music and worship that his brother has, yet rambunctious and fearless, completely opposite of his brother.
Caleb Joshua-
My boy the day you busted out of my tummy, I knew you would not be a boy that would stay still. The energy that drives me crazy some days, is the very thing that I know that will make you do great things for Jesus.
I am so proud of the boy that you have become at only two years old. I love to sit and watch you read, and your love for worship, just blesses my heart. Your memory blows me away and your passion for what you want ministers to. You don't give up, and you are so strong in your abilities.
The love and loyalty you have for your brother, lets me know that you will always be taken care of not only by God by your brothers. No fear right now worries me, as I foresee many broken bones in our future. But that same thing will not hold you back from sharing Jesus with others and doing things that might seem crazy! I only pray that they are crazy for Jesus.
Son I also know that there will be times that you may not want to listen to mommy and daddy. You may even not want to listen to Jesus. You will have to learn to depend on your own faith and not ours. I know, It is my prayer that when you walk away it isn't to far. I want you to know that you have a mommy that prays for you. A mommy that is on her knees, and will battle with the enemy who tries to steer you away from what is right.
You also have a mommy that is human, which means I will make mistakes. I am not perfect, but as long as I am in prayer and in Gods word, then I hope in His instruction in my life. Although your daddy and I love you so much, you should know that you have a heavenly father that loves you more. I know it is hard to imagine right? When I think about how much I love you, and think how God loves mommy more than that it blows my mind.
Another thing that you should know is although I love you, your brother and daddy that much, I love Jesus more. I know it is hard concept to learn, but as you grow you will learn that in order for you to love others and be the man you are called to be you must love the Lord more that anyone else.
Oh son I so look forward to the things you will do, and also the trouble you will get in because I know those times will be growth opportunities in your life. I pray that you never lose the heart of worship, listening to you sing just soothes my soul! So as we celebrate another year of life, I thank God for your health and allowing me to love and take care of you and the laughter that you bring to our family!
Happy 2nd Birthday Chum Chum!
I love you,
Mommy
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Halloween and a Parenting Failure!
It was no surprise that this Halloween Noah Asher wanted to be Captain America. About 8 months ago we bought him a captain America costume for a super hero party he was invited to. We paid about 75 bucks for the costume and the accessories, and let me tell you that he has gotten 750 dollars worth of usage out of it!
For weeks he has been telling me he wanted to use his costume and for weeks I have been telling him we are getting a new one. So last night there we were in the middle of the costume shop going back and forth why he "needed" a new one and he pleaded his case why he wanted to wear the old one.
And like Holifield being taken off guard with a bite to his ear by Tyson . There I was about to get side swiped with the parenting fail left jab!
MANY years of my life I struggled with what others thought of me. I struggled with me or my stuff not being good enough in the material sense. Although, I have made tremendous improvement in this area, there is still the old man that seeps through all to often. We have vowed to instill in our kids what we have is sufficient, not wanting more, not needing what we cant afford and being confident in who we are.
There in the store he said in the most innocent voice " mommy I dont need a new costume I just want to be the Captain America I have at home. Why do I need another one?" And there it was in my face exposed. My insecurities trying to be passed off to my son. He could never be so right. And if I could have been honest to him my answer would have been this. Son, you dont need a new costume, the old one you have is perfectly fine, looks good and still fits. But you see mommy is concerned with other moms would think about you not getting a new costume, when they have all gotten their kids new costumes. Mommy is more worried about what you may look or not look like more than the fact that you are content in just being captain America.
Ugh, awful right? But as the Lord is my witness its the truth. I just looked at those big brown eyes, and with a few tears, I knelt down asking him to forgive me, thanking him for teaching me and praised him for being simple and content!
Its funny how this parenting thing works sometimes, at times I often wonder who is teaching who here? I love how God uses our kids to teach us the simple lessons that we "think" we are teaching to our kids. I thank God for Noah's heart to be content. I thank God for keeping me humble, by revealing the nasty in my heart.
Do you struggle in this area? If you do, I come along side of you in prayer. May we be content in who we are, what we wear and not worry about what others think. Trying not to be perfect but be perfect in who we are!
So Caleb will be Hulk and I decided to have fun and use what we have here and spend minimal on his costume and you know what he actually looks pretty cool! So here is to simple, and not trying to keep up with anyone else!
Much Love.. Avengers Assemble,
Moni
For weeks he has been telling me he wanted to use his costume and for weeks I have been telling him we are getting a new one. So last night there we were in the middle of the costume shop going back and forth why he "needed" a new one and he pleaded his case why he wanted to wear the old one.
And like Holifield being taken off guard with a bite to his ear by Tyson . There I was about to get side swiped with the parenting fail left jab!
MANY years of my life I struggled with what others thought of me. I struggled with me or my stuff not being good enough in the material sense. Although, I have made tremendous improvement in this area, there is still the old man that seeps through all to often. We have vowed to instill in our kids what we have is sufficient, not wanting more, not needing what we cant afford and being confident in who we are.
There in the store he said in the most innocent voice " mommy I dont need a new costume I just want to be the Captain America I have at home. Why do I need another one?" And there it was in my face exposed. My insecurities trying to be passed off to my son. He could never be so right. And if I could have been honest to him my answer would have been this. Son, you dont need a new costume, the old one you have is perfectly fine, looks good and still fits. But you see mommy is concerned with other moms would think about you not getting a new costume, when they have all gotten their kids new costumes. Mommy is more worried about what you may look or not look like more than the fact that you are content in just being captain America.
Ugh, awful right? But as the Lord is my witness its the truth. I just looked at those big brown eyes, and with a few tears, I knelt down asking him to forgive me, thanking him for teaching me and praised him for being simple and content!
Its funny how this parenting thing works sometimes, at times I often wonder who is teaching who here? I love how God uses our kids to teach us the simple lessons that we "think" we are teaching to our kids. I thank God for Noah's heart to be content. I thank God for keeping me humble, by revealing the nasty in my heart.
Do you struggle in this area? If you do, I come along side of you in prayer. May we be content in who we are, what we wear and not worry about what others think. Trying not to be perfect but be perfect in who we are!
So Caleb will be Hulk and I decided to have fun and use what we have here and spend minimal on his costume and you know what he actually looks pretty cool! So here is to simple, and not trying to keep up with anyone else!
Much Love.. Avengers Assemble,
Moni
Friday, October 19, 2012
Sacrificing, Blessings and 10 years!
It felt like the night before our wedding, only this time I needed to get three boys ready for the next days celebration. I sat down at midnight looking over my to do list, to ensure that every detail had been covered.
It was the night before our wedding times two! Yup ten years later to the day before family and close friends we were to witness us take new vows before the Lord and each other. Lets back up a second, actually Feburary 7th to be exact:
This conversation happened on a blog. When Bianca challenged us to do more, and asked us what we were giving up for Jesus. You see it was always my desire to renew our vows for our 10 year along with a short expensive laundry list of to do's on our tenth! As you can see. And so there on that day I left the desires of my heart there before the Lord, and gave it up. Sacraficing my will to the Fathers using our time and finances, so be it!
And here eight months later. I sat in awe of a God who not only allowed us to serve him in service but ALSO granted me the desires of my heart. As I read Bianca's comment I cant help but cry. I look back at a year of abundances of blessings, forgetting and wondering where was the sacrafice? I forgot because it was so minimal to what God has blessed us with. We put our finances in the Lord and he tripled them back down to us. Now I didnt get that upgraded diamond, oh and I am not that holy because it was not for lack of trying! I did get earring though.. woot woot! On saturday before a group of about 50 we gathered and glorified the Lord.
We stood as a represetation of how Christ can take jacked up people like us and make a family that love and works! I said my vows in true fashion, giving refrence to the Kardasians and lady gaga, and of course my husband in true fashion loved me the way Christ loves the church. He got down on his knees and surprised me by washing my feet. I cried, he cried and I think 80 percent of our guest cried. He said I cried because he choose a red bucket that clashed with my color scheme. Yup interenet a RED bucket, bless his heart that he also took a towel that we use to dry the cars with after a car wash :/ I think he was half right!
It was an amazing afternoon and many tears shed of gratitude, remembering and love. Laughter bounced off the walls as we caught up with friends and family. The un-newlywed game we played with a few couples just put a stamp on this love letter! We ended the night in Laguna Beach the place we got engaged and married. We had a wonderful dinner and finally for the first time since having the boys stayed the night away!
As we laid there flipping between dumb and dumber and the baseball game, yup I know totally romantic right... we were in awe. I could not have asked for such a better day and night. That day on February 7th, I laid my desire and it was the very day that the Lord granted it. We put the Lord before all things and He? well He just blew us away. It was our prayer that we would glorify Him with our celebration and He would be in every detail. Before we left the mining company, the head waiter wanted to talk to my husband.
He said in the 20 years he has been working there, he has never seen such a beautiful display of love and celebration. He said that it made him take a look at his life and re-evaluate many things, he didnt finish because he was starting to breakdown but Lord knows. To God be the Glory always.. In our marriage and in everything we do... !
I dont have all the pictures for the day yet but here are a few to share...
Ten tables for each year, each table had a willow tree to correspond with the significance of that year this was table #2 and it was 2003 which was "Growing in Love"
Our colors were silver and blue the tradiational ten year colors. Our scripture was Song of Solomon 6:3 "I am my beloved and my beloved is mine, he feeds his flock among the lilies." The flock reminded us of our little family and so we used the sheep to represent that. It was a cookie from the double tree hotel. The two bibles there were our first bibles, as a married couple and the ones that got us through a first tough year of marriage.
Ten year tradition is tin, so we used a tin that the cookies came in. The pliability of tin and aluminum is a symbol of how a successful marriage needs to be flexible & durable and how it can be bent without being broken. This has signifinace for us because our wedding night we stayed at the Double tree hotel, and fell in love with their cookies. Every year on our anniversary we buy a tin, ok sometimes we go more often :)
I want to thank Carmen of Expressionary Events who did my flowers. They were amazing! She is a one stop shop for weddings and parties, you can find her on Fb here!
Aganist my will, a friend paid to have my make up done.. I gotta say, although I am more the natural type, I fell in love with what she did! Thank you Britney of Rock Me Up Sudio & Spa! Check her out here!
I wish I had a picture, but also want to thank Shannon Quintana for her amazing voice in leading us in worship that day. Look her up on Fb here!
Also want to thank Bianca for challenging your blog readers to do more and be more! You can check out her blog and keep up with her and all she is doing to change the world here on her blog. I promise you will not regret the reads!
I want to thank everyone that help make our day special and joining us.. For those that couldn't make it you were missed! I want to thank my Lord for loving so much that He gave me a man that I could love a little less than Him!
It was the night before our wedding times two! Yup ten years later to the day before family and close friends we were to witness us take new vows before the Lord and each other. Lets back up a second, actually Feburary 7th to be exact:
And here eight months later. I sat in awe of a God who not only allowed us to serve him in service but ALSO granted me the desires of my heart. As I read Bianca's comment I cant help but cry. I look back at a year of abundances of blessings, forgetting and wondering where was the sacrafice? I forgot because it was so minimal to what God has blessed us with. We put our finances in the Lord and he tripled them back down to us. Now I didnt get that upgraded diamond, oh and I am not that holy because it was not for lack of trying! I did get earring though.. woot woot! On saturday before a group of about 50 we gathered and glorified the Lord.
We stood as a represetation of how Christ can take jacked up people like us and make a family that love and works! I said my vows in true fashion, giving refrence to the Kardasians and lady gaga, and of course my husband in true fashion loved me the way Christ loves the church. He got down on his knees and surprised me by washing my feet. I cried, he cried and I think 80 percent of our guest cried. He said I cried because he choose a red bucket that clashed with my color scheme. Yup interenet a RED bucket, bless his heart that he also took a towel that we use to dry the cars with after a car wash :/ I think he was half right!
It was an amazing afternoon and many tears shed of gratitude, remembering and love. Laughter bounced off the walls as we caught up with friends and family. The un-newlywed game we played with a few couples just put a stamp on this love letter! We ended the night in Laguna Beach the place we got engaged and married. We had a wonderful dinner and finally for the first time since having the boys stayed the night away!
As we laid there flipping between dumb and dumber and the baseball game, yup I know totally romantic right... we were in awe. I could not have asked for such a better day and night. That day on February 7th, I laid my desire and it was the very day that the Lord granted it. We put the Lord before all things and He? well He just blew us away. It was our prayer that we would glorify Him with our celebration and He would be in every detail. Before we left the mining company, the head waiter wanted to talk to my husband.
He said in the 20 years he has been working there, he has never seen such a beautiful display of love and celebration. He said that it made him take a look at his life and re-evaluate many things, he didnt finish because he was starting to breakdown but Lord knows. To God be the Glory always.. In our marriage and in everything we do... !
I dont have all the pictures for the day yet but here are a few to share...
Ten tables for each year, each table had a willow tree to correspond with the significance of that year this was table #2 and it was 2003 which was "Growing in Love"
I want to thank Carmen of Expressionary Events who did my flowers. They were amazing! She is a one stop shop for weddings and parties, you can find her on Fb here!
Aganist my will, a friend paid to have my make up done.. I gotta say, although I am more the natural type, I fell in love with what she did! Thank you Britney of Rock Me Up Sudio & Spa! Check her out here!
I wish I had a picture, but also want to thank Shannon Quintana for her amazing voice in leading us in worship that day. Look her up on Fb here!
Also want to thank Bianca for challenging your blog readers to do more and be more! You can check out her blog and keep up with her and all she is doing to change the world here on her blog. I promise you will not regret the reads!
I want to thank everyone that help make our day special and joining us.. For those that couldn't make it you were missed! I want to thank my Lord for loving so much that He gave me a man that I could love a little less than Him!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Where does the time go?
As I turned to walk away I heard a little voice "Mommy." I glanced back to see him standing there in his brown faded cords, vintage superman shirt, blue cons, and a smile that was brighter than the sun. " Bye, Mommy.. I love you"he yelled as he waved standing on the the playground. If I stayed any longer I would have ran back and taken him out of school. I turned walked away crying, and wondered "where did the time go?"
Tonight, as I sat a small table, with a chair that I felt I was going to break, I saw the name "Noah" written on a tag tapped to the table. His artwork hung throughout the class, and when I saw a picture taken of him on the first day of school, I wondered... where did the time go?
"Can you believe we are here?" My husband must have asked at least three times. My memory is distorted by the disturbing fact that I sported a piece of bean on my tooth for the whole night. Please forgive me for forgetting some of the details.
I realized tonight on our drive home, that we worry so much about not having enough time, that we miss out on time, then wonder where it went. Where did the time go? It went when I was worrying about a clean house, when I should have been playing. It went when, we were trying to cram so much stuff on a Saturday, that we missed hanging out with each other. And I have to tell you this, just because you are together doesn't me that you are spending time together.
Last Saturday we planned nothing! Like literally nothing. We casually went about the day doing absolutely nothing that "needed" to be done. I have to tell you that we enjoyed every single moment of it, we hung out, went to a book store, ate, played games and watched football.
I have to admit there were a few times on Saturday when I felt like we should have been "busy" doing something else. That we were missing out on something or someplace we needed to be. Oh Lord help us with our time. I pray that I would not miss out on the important minutes with these boys..
I thought it was always cliche to hear " enjoy it, it goes by fast." It is so true, time doesn't stand still, and we don't know how much time we have so lets enjoy it not being busy. Lets play, let the house get dirty and go get dirty outside, and heck lets drink out of the hose like we used to..
Thank you so much for allowing to share my heart as we transition into the new normal.. I have to admit that some days I still feel jacked up by it, but I am learning so much...
Moni
Tonight, as I sat a small table, with a chair that I felt I was going to break, I saw the name "Noah" written on a tag tapped to the table. His artwork hung throughout the class, and when I saw a picture taken of him on the first day of school, I wondered... where did the time go?
"Can you believe we are here?" My husband must have asked at least three times. My memory is distorted by the disturbing fact that I sported a piece of bean on my tooth for the whole night. Please forgive me for forgetting some of the details.
I realized tonight on our drive home, that we worry so much about not having enough time, that we miss out on time, then wonder where it went. Where did the time go? It went when I was worrying about a clean house, when I should have been playing. It went when, we were trying to cram so much stuff on a Saturday, that we missed hanging out with each other. And I have to tell you this, just because you are together doesn't me that you are spending time together.
Last Saturday we planned nothing! Like literally nothing. We casually went about the day doing absolutely nothing that "needed" to be done. I have to tell you that we enjoyed every single moment of it, we hung out, went to a book store, ate, played games and watched football.
I have to admit there were a few times on Saturday when I felt like we should have been "busy" doing something else. That we were missing out on something or someplace we needed to be. Oh Lord help us with our time. I pray that I would not miss out on the important minutes with these boys..
I thought it was always cliche to hear " enjoy it, it goes by fast." It is so true, time doesn't stand still, and we don't know how much time we have so lets enjoy it not being busy. Lets play, let the house get dirty and go get dirty outside, and heck lets drink out of the hose like we used to..
Thank you so much for allowing to share my heart as we transition into the new normal.. I have to admit that some days I still feel jacked up by it, but I am learning so much...
Moni
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Living life front facing!
As I pulled out of the garage, I heard "whoa" followed by a "Wee". I looked in the rear view mirror and was blinded by his smile. Yesterday we turned Caleb's car seat around. For almost two years he has been riding around rear facing.
We drove Asher to school and coming over a hill Caleb said "hey your getting me dizzy." Id imagine it was dizzy at first his eyes had to adjust to the opposite movement. Now he was able to see what we were seeing, not seeing things in passing, but getting a full grasp of everything. Cars, trees and people the way that he should see.
It made me reflect on life. Sometimes we are walking backwards, living life thinking about the past or living the past that we are not seeing the beauty of the present or the future. We are watching things as they pass us by because of fear. Life is a trip, but you can decided whether you want to live it rear facing or front facing.
Sometimes it will get you dizzy, but I can tell you that the ride is much funner when you can see the beauty of what's ahead. Don't be skerd! Live life looking forward to your future. You don't have to worry God is already there!
In Him!
Moni
P.s. by the way because I am not ashamed to ask for prayer will you pray for me. I had a terrible morning, I was irritable and not the mommy I should have been with my boys, very impatient. My heart was not where it should have been. Thank God for forgiveness!
We drove Asher to school and coming over a hill Caleb said "hey your getting me dizzy." Id imagine it was dizzy at first his eyes had to adjust to the opposite movement. Now he was able to see what we were seeing, not seeing things in passing, but getting a full grasp of everything. Cars, trees and people the way that he should see.
It made me reflect on life. Sometimes we are walking backwards, living life thinking about the past or living the past that we are not seeing the beauty of the present or the future. We are watching things as they pass us by because of fear. Life is a trip, but you can decided whether you want to live it rear facing or front facing.
Sometimes it will get you dizzy, but I can tell you that the ride is much funner when you can see the beauty of what's ahead. Don't be skerd! Live life looking forward to your future. You don't have to worry God is already there!
In Him!
Moni
P.s. by the way because I am not ashamed to ask for prayer will you pray for me. I had a terrible morning, I was irritable and not the mommy I should have been with my boys, very impatient. My heart was not where it should have been. Thank God for forgiveness!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Faith through the new normal
As mentioned in my last post, the Asher started school. Daddy started school, the BFF moved across country and I joined a new small group on Tuesdays. As crazy and tired as I feel, this my friends is our new normal. Having to actually be functioning at 6am and sitting in a school parking lot at 7:30am reading the proverbs is the new normal. Not being able to call my friend to meet me at target or come over for dinner is the new normal. Having to do homework and be on a tighter schedule is the new normal.
Sitting around ladies on Tuesday getting deep, opening up on what is really going on so they can pray for me is the new normal. What is normal? Well here is what the dictionary says....
-Not deviating from the norm or pattern
-free from mental disorder
-occurring naturally or expecting
-Having a straight-chain structure
After reading the definition of normal I can tell you one thing.. I am not normal! This new change made me flip my wig! Why because I didnt embrace the change, complained about it and doubted if I was ready for it! Then I remembered faith that I have in Jesus. Faith to know that after a few months, the new normal will no longer be new. I think back to many times in my life when I had to embrace the new normal, like when I got married, when my dad died or my mom had to go through cancer treatments, when I became a stay at home mom.. the list goes on and on.
But I find hope remembering the new normal of the past, to embrace the normal of the present and the new normal of the future! You see although our seasons change, our God and faith remain the same. God is the same yesterday, today and will be in the future, clinging to that will help ease into the new normal.
Are things changing in your life, are you heading into a new season of changes.. its ok, because once you get used to it, chances are it will change again :) Embrace it, ride it and find faith in it!
Love you,
Moni
BTW I was challenged to do a full marathon.. UGH after my half I vowed never to do another one and I am actually considering doing another one and 13 miles longer! What are your thoughts? You interested in it? challenging yourselves? Can we do it together? Hit me up..
Friday, September 7, 2012
Letting him grow... Letting her go!
Back in my working days, I use to score pretty high in the category of adapting to change. In the wireless industry you had to or you would be left behind. What we did one day we would do different the next and then back again a week later. You surely needed to be on your toes at all times.
This week my world got flipped upside down, yup Internet if I sound dramatic? Well I can tell you I cried lots of crocodile tears this week. Change happened and what I thought I was prepared for I was not. If I was getting my review this week I would not have passed with flying colors in the area of adapting to change.
My Asher started school this week. Transitional kindergarten in a public school. "Be a light, be a good witness and represent Jesus well" my usual last words a kiss good bye and walked out. He didn't cry, but as soon as I hit the door, the flood gates were open. I kept looking back waiting for him to run out and beg me to take him out, he didn't. I drove home sobbing, yes sobbing asked my best friend she heard the cry of my heart. I waited at home for the teacher to call me, but she didn't.
I went to go pick him up 3 1/2 hours later still crying waiting for him to be pressed on the window waiting for me but he wasn't. Up until Thursday I was a mess. What if I didn't prepare him to be on his own. What if I am supposed to be homeschooling him? What if he should have been in private school? What if the kids are mean? What if he needs to go potty and no one helps him with his belt? What if he falls off the slide? What if someone tries to take him? Will he go with a stranger? And because we live in a twisted world what if someone goes to shoot up the classroom?
Fear was paralyzing me, it was making me sick to my stomach. And the thought of him growing up... well I wasn't ready to let him grow.
Thursday night I was a ball of nerves, but I found myself sitting around the dinner table with 11 women celebrating. A send off dinner for one of my best friends. She got married and will be leaving to North Carolina. A friend who has been in my life for 6 short years but felt like 20. A staple to our house and our family, a auntie to our boys and a great friend to me.
Saying good bye to someone who has seen your best and worst isn't easy. Someone who has celebrated births, birthdays, and the every day occurrences of life isn't easy. But it wasn't in the happy times that grew us closer, but in the times of trials and tribulation and times when trusting in Jesus was all we had.
As we drove away from dinner I thought, what if I wasn't a good enough friend to her. What if I wasn't good example of a wife for her to be to her new husband. Who is going to do target runs with her on an island where she will know no one. Who is going to stay the night with me when my hubby is outta town? As I gave her a hug and tears rolled down our checks... well I wasn't ready to let her go.
This week I was faced with two hard changes, letting my boy grow and letting my friend go! I learned that we cannot hold onto anything tighter than Jesus. I was reminded that Jesus is the only one who can hold tight those He calls His own. I cannot allow my fears to cripple the faith I proclaim I have. The faith I know I have.
Will I ever be prepared enough to let him grow or let her go? No, have I been the best of friend? Probably not. Have I prepared my son enough? Maybe.. could I have done better? Probably so. Some time ago God showed me that he did not call me to be perfect. He called me to live and love perfectly. Having faith in God can be easy, but trusting Him? Well that is where I have some work cut out for me.
Change is good, it is needed for growth. Like the changes we have in the seasons and weather it is needed to produce fruit. I am reminded that in my life seasons need to change to produce that fruit. I have peace, I am trusting in the Lord to take care of both. Is it hard? Totally but I have an two options, allow fear to consume me or allow my faith to uplift me.
So here is to changes and new seasons of life
XOXOX
Moni
This week my world got flipped upside down, yup Internet if I sound dramatic? Well I can tell you I cried lots of crocodile tears this week. Change happened and what I thought I was prepared for I was not. If I was getting my review this week I would not have passed with flying colors in the area of adapting to change.
My Asher started school this week. Transitional kindergarten in a public school. "Be a light, be a good witness and represent Jesus well" my usual last words a kiss good bye and walked out. He didn't cry, but as soon as I hit the door, the flood gates were open. I kept looking back waiting for him to run out and beg me to take him out, he didn't. I drove home sobbing, yes sobbing asked my best friend she heard the cry of my heart. I waited at home for the teacher to call me, but she didn't.
I went to go pick him up 3 1/2 hours later still crying waiting for him to be pressed on the window waiting for me but he wasn't. Up until Thursday I was a mess. What if I didn't prepare him to be on his own. What if I am supposed to be homeschooling him? What if he should have been in private school? What if the kids are mean? What if he needs to go potty and no one helps him with his belt? What if he falls off the slide? What if someone tries to take him? Will he go with a stranger? And because we live in a twisted world what if someone goes to shoot up the classroom?
Fear was paralyzing me, it was making me sick to my stomach. And the thought of him growing up... well I wasn't ready to let him grow.
Thursday night I was a ball of nerves, but I found myself sitting around the dinner table with 11 women celebrating. A send off dinner for one of my best friends. She got married and will be leaving to North Carolina. A friend who has been in my life for 6 short years but felt like 20. A staple to our house and our family, a auntie to our boys and a great friend to me.
As we drove away from dinner I thought, what if I wasn't a good enough friend to her. What if I wasn't good example of a wife for her to be to her new husband. Who is going to do target runs with her on an island where she will know no one. Who is going to stay the night with me when my hubby is outta town? As I gave her a hug and tears rolled down our checks... well I wasn't ready to let her go.
This week I was faced with two hard changes, letting my boy grow and letting my friend go! I learned that we cannot hold onto anything tighter than Jesus. I was reminded that Jesus is the only one who can hold tight those He calls His own. I cannot allow my fears to cripple the faith I proclaim I have. The faith I know I have.
Will I ever be prepared enough to let him grow or let her go? No, have I been the best of friend? Probably not. Have I prepared my son enough? Maybe.. could I have done better? Probably so. Some time ago God showed me that he did not call me to be perfect. He called me to live and love perfectly. Having faith in God can be easy, but trusting Him? Well that is where I have some work cut out for me.
Change is good, it is needed for growth. Like the changes we have in the seasons and weather it is needed to produce fruit. I am reminded that in my life seasons need to change to produce that fruit. I have peace, I am trusting in the Lord to take care of both. Is it hard? Totally but I have an two options, allow fear to consume me or allow my faith to uplift me.
So here is to changes and new seasons of life
XOXOX
Moni
Monday, September 3, 2012
Mickey ears and a 200 meter marathon!
He stretched and stretched and stretched.. As I stood there impatiently ( yup because unfortunately that is how I roll) drinking my chai, wondering why my husband was stretching my son like he was running a full marathon, when he was only doing 200 meters.
"Hon, hurry I want to make sure I get a good spot so I can see him run, its getting crowded." "Mommy I have to stretch for my marathon." To me it was 200 meters to him it was a marathon that he has been counting down the days to. Finally, lil Carl Lewis and his coached were done and with all excitement my son showed me how he was going to run, game face and all.
As they called out for his age bracket to line up, I turned to him and say run well son. He said "I will mommy, I'm going to run fast, come on daddy." They walked away and I stood there front in center of the finish line. With anticipation I held my camera waiting for him to cross, to see that huge smile, big eyes and mickey ears cross that finish line.
Minutes later, there he was running with his big ol smile, waving for brother and I to see. "Brother" Caleb screamed just as excited to see him as I was. Although he had already passed the finish, I kept cheering him on to continue running through to get his medal, and he ate it up!
Caleb and I made our way to Noah and my husband, and he was beaming, couldn't show me his medal fast enough. Look mommy, I got a medal like yours. I ran fast mommy, I ran for Jesus. With tears, I said "yes, son we are always running for Jesus."
As we drove home I reflected. If you are familiar with my blogs and my running experience you will know for me running is more spiritual than physical. Why? Because I am terrible at running, yet it has been something that I come to love, because I can relate to the athlete Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 in a different way.
If we parallel the events of the day to the race of faith we run we can learn a few things from my lil guy and his mickey ears. I was impatient, wanted to be a spectator, foolishly trying to cut down his time to prepare. He wanted to run, so he prepared himself for the race. I imagined myself like Jesus for a second, as I sat there will anticipation for my son to finish and do well. I thought about my God who also looks on waiting for me, encouraging me to finish strong and finish well.
It was hot, and crowded, Noah had mickey ears (that I convinced him would be cute) and when he ran he still had that smile. I saw the Joy that just beamed off him because he was proud to finish. I thought about the Joy I sometimes lack when I am running my race, and how I can sometimes allow circumstances to rob me from it.
Then he reminded me what we run for. He reminded me that we don't run for medals that will perish but crowns and Jesus. He later told me that he got a little tired but he remembered that he had Jesus in his heart so he was strong. Oh how strong we are when we have Jesus in our heart!
I paid 20 bucks for his "marathon" but what he got from the day was so much more. It was application for life, not in the physical sense but the spiritual one. He got to put his faith into practice, he ran his race well that day and it is my prayer that he will never stop running, and he will run it well with Joy and for Jesus always!
Are you running? Are you tired? Or you just a spectator trying to find a good spot to cheer on those doing the work? I encourage you to put on your mickey ears and run, and run well!!!!!
Mad love for you all!
Moni
Friday, June 15, 2012
Fathers day, life and death and in between!
I cant help but to think of my three cousins as we approach fathers day in a few days. A few short days ago, I gave the eulogy for my uncle at his funeral service. This was our first unexpected death in our family. Typically death in our family has resulted out of an illness. I asked myself which one is easier, and I have come to the conclusion that neither is.
This past week we have spent numerous hours at my moms, sitting with my grandma and having deep conversations about life, family and the good ol days. We saw family that we hadn't seen in years and caught up on the important stuff.. Conversations lasted long, hugs were tighter and no one looked at their watch worried about being somewhere.
This past week we have spent numerous hours at my moms, sitting with my grandma and having deep conversations about life, family and the good ol days. We saw family that we hadn't seen in years and caught up on the important stuff.. Conversations lasted long, hugs were tighter and no one looked at their watch worried about being somewhere.
In this day and age of social media we have managed to stay connected through facebook statuses and twitter tweets. We have managed to be disconnected with personal visits, phone conversations and dinner dates. We harbour hurt, anger, bitterness and pride for silly situations and have no regard for the fragility of life. We know that only God knows the hour and day that we will be going home, yet we live our lives like we will live forever.
It has been 10 years since my dad passed away, some days it feels like forever ago and then there are days that it feels like just yesterday. I am still blessed that my kids still have two healthy grandpas and know that there are many that never knew theirs. Fathers day, a day we honor the men that have made our families stronger. Men who have sacrificially given themselves for the better of their family. I know that we moms get alot of credit, but I know that I could never be my husband!
A man who bears the financial weight on his shoulders, a man who needs to be the strong super hero even when he is tired. A man who will miss out on the firsts, because he has to go to work. First steps, first word or first turd in the toilet ( yup Internet, this is something to celebrate to). A man who fights against the temptation of the world and what it has to "offer" because he honors his wife. A man who is strong yet gentle, a man who is humble and meek, not weak and a man who loves God above everything else.
This fathers day, I give thanks to the men in my life. I remember the ones that are no longer, and I appreciate the family and friends I still have. I closed my uncles service with exhorting my family to make time for those still living. To let grudges go, to mend relationships and let by gones be by gones. The last time I seen my uncle was a few weeks ago, and I had no idea it would be the last. Had I known it was going to be the last time, my conversation wouldn't have been superficial, and I would have had a more meaningful one.
When is the last time you had a meaningful conversation with someone you loved. When is the last time you dropped in on a friend you haven't seen in awhile. When was the last time you actually followed through on the " hey lets connect or get together soon" comment on a facebook status. When is the last time you had a BBQ with family just because and it wasn't a holiday. When is the last time you called someone instead of shooting over a text because it was faster. When was the last time you said "I love you" to someone that should here it more often?
May we live a life of loving each other, making time for each other with Gods grace! I will end the post with a picture of my family from my brothers wedding few weeks ago!
Love you!
Moni
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