Goooooaalllllllllllll and the belly of a whale

He said his legs were tired, then it was that his head was hot, followed by "I get dizzy when I stand." He looked at me and when I wasn't buying into his non convincing story, he just cried, " I don't want to go."

I looked at his big brown droopy eyes and his body language that told me the truth, "I want to stay home, watch an episode of the avengers and be lazy. " As much as it sounded like a good plan, I couldn't.. I couldn't let him miss the last soccer game of the season. It wasn't so much that it was the last game but, I couldn't allow him skip out on his commitment because, he just didn't want to or was lazy.

As I explained to him that his teammates were counting on him to be there, he cried. I explained that if he didn't show up they would have to run faster, play harder to make up for him not being there. Eventually he got dressed and we headed out. Before we got outta the car, we prayed. I prayed that all his "symptoms" would go away that God would touch his body and that he would play a game pleasing to God.

All season he has been praying for a goal, I explained that as long as he plays his best, its good enough.  I love to watch him play, there is just this genuine joy and excitement when he is out there running, playing hard yet gentle enough to still care for the other players. As much as I think daddy wants him to love baseball, I have a feeling his sport is going to be soccer.

This league is our first time playing in it. Not playing before I had no idea that they were to receive trophy's and awards. When we walked in the earlier game was concluding and we took our seat as Asher went to warm up. Noah started at goalie and had several saves. The next half he was pulled out to forward. He played the best game of the season, ending it with two goals! He was so excited and over the moon with the smile every time the ball went in.

On the way home, I was prompted to use this time as a teachable moment. And it went something like this.

Me: Wow you had a great game. And think about it, you didn't want to come. Can you imagine what would have happen if you didn't come?
Noah: Yea mom, I wouldn't have gotten my goals, my trophy, my award, my treat ( in youth sports treats are EVERYTHING)
Me: Yes what a blessing, you would have missed out on. See God wanted you to go to your game because today he has called you to be a soccer player, and when he calls you and you don't want to go. what happens (waiting for him to say, I miss out of a blessing)
Noah: Oh mom, I could end up in the belly of a big whale!
Me: YES, like Jonah, sometimes God calls us places we don't want to go at the moment. And the times we don't want to go are more than likely the times something great will happen. If you don't go you miss out on what God has in store for you. God wanted you to have this moment, and if you didn't come you would not have been able to experience how great He is. He answered your prayer, He gave you the best game yet.

As I drove I couldn't help but to be so thankful to the Holy Spirit... my Helper. Life is tough and Parenting is tougher. I could have NEVER explained it better to my child how important it is not to give up. How being disobedient can cause us to miss out on Gods blessing. Ok ,so lets see how it could have played out.

I let him stay home, we hang out, watch TV and rest. No harm in that right? No.. Its ok to be tired today, its Saturday. There is always next season. So he had a good season, I'm sure that the trophy and award would have eventually made its way to our home. But do you think that is Gods best? Do you think that is the way God wanted his season to end? It might have been ok for him, but God wanted better. He wanted to answer his prayer, let him have that goal he has been working hard for. And you know what is even better? He goes beyond what we ask. He gave him two......

Is God calling you to go somewhere? To do something? Or perhaps you are running your race tired and you are ready to stop. Go, don't be lazy, do give up... chances are your prayer or blessing is just around the corner. God wants His best for you, don't settle for just ok!

"Its not how you start the race its how you finish." - Unknown

BTW, I believe todays lesson was just as much for me than him.. Usually is! I love that!!!!

Finding Rocks

There is was poking outta the warm soft sand. Exactly what I was looking for the perfect rock. I wasn't sure what I was looking for ,but when I saw it, I knew it was the one that would be perfect for our family vacation shadow box.

I spent some time walking along the beach looking for this rock. Noah helped and with each rock he would come across he would ask the question.. "Is this the one?" Nope keep looking we will find it son! Growing tired he said "Mommy can't we just pick one they are all the same."

Ahhhh then it was on of those moments, you know the teachable ones that are to good to pass up.. So I grabbed a few rocks and the one that was to be displayed in our box. And the conversation went a little like this...

"You see son, yes they are all rocks, yet there are different in shapes and sizes. And although they are all great rocks, this one (pointing to our rock) is perfect, because it is the one we chose for our family. There is no other rock on this beach that is the same, like you and me, that makes us wonderfully made and special." 

On the four hour drive home I had time to reflect on our time. I also thought alot about the rocks on the beach. I thought about how each rock had a story on how it ended up on the warm sandy shore of Pismo Beach. Some were smooth, perhaps rode a nice peaceful current to shore. Others looked a little rough around the edges, maybe it was tossed to and fro from the breaking current.

I wasn't sure how it got there, but one thing I knew for sure was that no two rocks were the same. And although each rock was special in its own, the one I choose was perfect, because we choose it for our family purpose.

Think about that for a second... We all have a story on how we got to the place were we are today. Some seasons have been smooth sailing and other times we have marks to show the breaking current. But out of all the "Rocks" on the shore God choose you.

I have to tell you.... We are not chosen because we are perfect, but we are perfect because we are chosen. God has a purpose and a plan for each one of us. Jeremiah 29:11 says that He has plans for us, that is for a hope and a future. Are you called? Do you know your purpose? Do you know that you are special and wonderfully made? Do you know know that there is no one else out there is exactly the same as you?

I hope you do, I am praying for you. I am praying that you would embrace whatever it is that God is calling you to do and know that outta everyone here on earth, God choose you!

Wanted to share some pictures of our family trip!!!!

 He is all boy, he kept trying to show his food in pictures.....

 They have formed a special bond, ever since daddy came to his aid.

 Love our Family!!!! 

 This is not a flattering picture but I just love the way we love to laugh. 

 Caleb was bummed that puppy didn't get in any pictures, so he asked to take a picture of him and puppy.

 Love

 Brothers

He never stops smiling...

Xoxoxox,

Moni

Heart attacks, attacks of the heart & modern day miracles- revised!

The other week, I was posting and save a draft entitled.. "Heart attack, attacks of the heart and modern day miracles." In that post I poured out my heart on how it appears that everyone around us was either having a physical heart attack or some sort of attack of the heart.

That night I was trying to pour out my heart pretending what it felt like to have one of these types of attacks. I couldn't, mistaking that I had to much to say and couldn't get it out on words, with what the real issue was. The issue of not being in that moment, until it happen.

Until Sunday when I came down the stairs to find my husband holding our lifeless two year old in his arms, trying to get him to wake up. His eyes rolling, and the only thing  he knew to do it is pray. To pray over him and call out to him, telling him to hang on and that Jesus loved him. The only thing I could do is listen to the voice of a 911 operator trying to assure me that help was on the way and that we were going to be ok.

In that moment, all I knew what to do was also call out to Jesus. Not knowing in that long five minutes of not knowing, I called on the only one who knew.. Jesus. This was the attack of my heart or very well could have been my heart attack.

That night we walked out of the hospital holding our boy. As scary as it seemed it wasn't as bad as it could have been.  Still  not knowing what caused the fever that caused the seizure, we thank God for that moment. The moment of taking our baby home.

I would be lying if I said that all is well, but truth is we have been shaking up. We experienced a glimpse of how precious life can be and at any moment without warning, our loan could be expired and   God could call His child home.

The chances of this happening again, is more likely till Caleb turns five, and my heart wants to turn to fear, worried about the what if's and it has many times. Replaying the images over and over again as if it was on a DVR. But then I have to ask myself is that what God wants for my life?

And the answer is No. I listen to an amazing study last night from Pastor Levi Lusko on using Pain as a microphone. Divine timing for a much needed reminder on how we need to use the trial and pain as a platform to profess what God has done in our life. Its during these times we are placed with keys to doors that would not be opened.

We had a follow up appointment Monday to see why Caleb had a high fever. As I waited in line for his prescription, I saw a lady buying some bed liners. Knowing I had a garage full of them the Lord prompted me to ask her if she needed them. In that moment, the last thing I wanted to do was be social and worry about anything other than getting my boy better. And just like it when the Lord wants you to do something, the prompting got stronger, my heart started racing and I spoke up.

" Do you use those alot?" She replied "Yes I go through a pack a day" We exchanged numbers and made plans for her to come the next day. Tuesday morning she showed up and picked up the liners, dropped off an unexpected bag of goodies from Trader Joe's and a beautiful plant. Then I opened up a the card. It read:

" Thank God, for the blessed gift you have offered to our family, in a great time of need."

You know what I love about this card, is that this lady recognized that the gift came from God, that He met her need. Friends, this divine appointment would not have happen had we not been there due to the attack of my heart. To keep this post from becoming a novel, I will spare the details on how see even ended up there, but just trust me when I say it was God appointed.

Last night as I tried to fall asleep I had to ask myself what I was going to do next? Live in fear, never leaving the house and hoovering over my child or really believe and trust in what I proclaim that Jesus is the anchor to my soul and in Him I find hope.

Friends, I believe in miracles, I believe in a God who funded a friends 30 thousand dollar cd, by using people to donate 15 thousand dollars in day. I believe in a God who after 15 years of prayer gave a baby to a friend. I believe in a God who held my son in the palm of his hand and gave him life, when all we could do to help him was pray.

Modern day miracles, we have seen in just the last month. Will my life be different? Sure it will, I will spend more time, doing things for Jesus and less time on the things that don't matter. You don't realized how precious moments are when you have your nose buried in your phone, until you almost lose them with the ones you love. God is not done with our Caleb yet or our family. It would be a disservice to our God to not allow this attack of our heart change the way we live for Him!

Thank you for your prayers, love and support for our family and boy!

"This hope we have as an anchor of the soul.." Hebrews 6:19

Serving Him,
The Pereyra family!

Recapping the Race- Part 1

Forgive me if this blog is long! I will have to break it up in parts. I wanted to follow up on our event. You have been along for the ride, thus far so it only makes sense to keep you in the loop.

Before we get to the race, I want to tell you the why?

Why this race?

This event is so important. A few years ago this was my first ever 5k that I did for time, that I ran and not walked. It was divine, because at the time we had a little buddy who was about 2 years old battling cancer. So to run for children's cancer research it only made sense! The only thing that I struggle with is that it is always on a Sunday. We have made a commitment in our family that we would not allow Noah to play sports that require Sunday games. We want him to understand that Sundays are for church and family.

Why mile 5 is so important to me?

Six months after this first race, I did the long beach half marathon. This marathon was ran on behalf of a few children that were still battling cancer. In that short time, we lost one. Gracie Arroz, she was 16 years old and my inspiration for this marathon. She was a fighter and her endurance to run her race of faith battling this disease was what drove me in my training and my run.

In that marathon, at the fifth mile, I had a moment. I posted a picture of that mile marker and the caption read, "The first five were for you Gracie". Immediately after the Lord gave me a vision and placed a desire in my heart. A desire to get people off the couch , encouraging them to do something they probably would never do. To run in an organize race. Not just for a medal, but so that they can experience the spiritual journey of training, and in the process hopefully get a little healthy. I knew if I could do it anyone can! fo real folks!

To really understand what Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Immediately after that vision the Lord gave me the name "Runners for Grace." As I continued to run, and pray I was reminded that the number five in numerology means Grace! Gracie is the heart and soul of our team!

Last year was the first time "Runners for Grace" participated in this run/walk.
3- 5K Runners
10- 5K walkers
3- Kids 1k
For a total of 16 people
I expressed to a few last year that it would have been cool to have someone in every event. That day I went home with that prayer, that RFG would be represented in every race.

God answers prayers!!!
This year? We had someone in EVERY event! Even the bike event!!!!

1- Biker for the 14 Mile Fun tour
6- Half Marathon Runners
8- 5K Runners
11- 10K Runners/Walkers
12- 5K walkers
2- Kids 1k Runners
For a total of 39 people

I was so overwhelmed that I am not sure what to pray for, for next year! We were blessed to have our shirts donated, Thank you Mike! We were blessed to have a place to set up shop! Thank you Emma and Patricia for helping set up. We were blessed to have a team sign, Thank you syl. And I am blessed to have a husband who supported everything that the Lord has called us to do.

This day could not have been possible without the help of several people. I will share more about the day on tomorrows blog. As I left and reflected on the day, I realized that although we were not at church on Sunday, we were the church and I will talk more about that on the next post!!!!

Run to Win!
Moni

P.S.  If you participated this weekend, feel free to share.. unfortunately I didn't get to sit and talk with everyone and would love to hear how you all did and how you felt today?

Also it isn't to late to still donate! Our team page will be up for 91 days so feel free to share!

The voice in my head

The voice in my head tells me that our team isn't big enough. The voice in my head tells me that my attempt to fund raise sucks (for lack of a better word). The voice in my head tells me that I didn't train enough and eat good enough. The voice in my head tells me that I am crazy for doing another half marathon, when I was reminded a few days ago, I said I would never. The voice in my head tells me that on Sunday everything will fall apart, shirt sizes will be wrong, people will be late and it will be my fault.

BUT...........

This why we are doing it! 

 This is who we are doing it for, and the many more who are battling! 

And this is how we are doing it! Together in prayer! 

The voice in my head lies! God said, He will and He does. First step... don't listen to the voice in your head. Next step.. Pray.. and lastly... Run! I'm going to run like someone is chasing with a gun! haha better yet I am going to run like someone is dangling a donut in front of me!!!!

I am going to run to win!!!!
xoxox
Moni

Runners for Grace #2

"Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize." 1 Cor. 9:24-25 NLT

We are a few days out to our walks and runs. Perhaps, like me you are sitting there thinking you could have walked more, ran more or ate better? Well, yes I know, I am right there along side of you. But what I love about Gods word, is that we are reminded of what is important. 

Not your time, or the place you will come in, or the medal you will get for finishing. Paul says at the tail end of that scripture that we are competing for an eternal prize one that will not fade away. What is that prize? For me it is the time spent with the Lord while training. The tears shed and prayers said while I was running. It was hearing Gods voice when I was tired.  It is the money earned that will be put to research to potentially save a child and spare a parents grief. It is the 3 or maybe more hours that I will run along side my sister friends completing what we started. It is knowing you, your prayers and support. It is the sacrifices that were made by my family, and the obedience to God for doing what He called us to do. And it is the voice of God when I cross the finish line saying "well done". 

What is it for you? I pray it is much more! I am praying for you all! 

Here are a few things I have learned that might help if you are a first time runner. I am sure the Internet can give you more, but here are a few. 

1. Typically it is kinda cool in the morning. If you are going to wear a light jacket, wear one you don't mind leaving. If you are running and don't want to carry it, typically you can toss it to the side and they will pick it up and donate it. 

2. Pack light, although we are going to have a spot to put our stuff you wont need much. There are vendors and most of the food is free but there will be food trucks, so you might want to bring cash. Last year Lucille's was there giving away free plates of food. 

3. Those doing long runs, there are water stations. A few spots for 10k people and 5k, for half marathoners there is some every two miles typically. If you are used to drinking it more, than that I would bring a water bottle or water belt. 
     10K & 1/2 marathoners- I would carry some type of protein bar, gel or shot blocks for your run. This is more for the 1/2 marathon people. This will give you that extra energy as you run. It really does help. I use shot blocks. They are these natural gummies, I take one at 3 miles and every other mile after that! Another good snack to pack is pretzels. The salt will be good for you.
     Chewing Gum will help your breathing! 

4. There is this thing called "Glide" you can find it at the running store. It looks like deodorant. It is good to put this in place that might rub together. I wont go there but it helps you not get blisters. Like under your arms, between your toes etc.

5. Starting tomorrow, start to load up on water and stretching and continue to eat healthy, do this till the day of. Saturday night, have fun with carbs, you will burn them Sunday. I am going to eat a fat pizza! 

6. If you cant sleep Saturday night because of excitement or nerves, don't worry most runners don't really sleep. They say it doesn't make a difference, just don't go out and party! haha.. No really I think I slept like 4 hours last time. 

7. Be sure to come early! Last thing you want to do is run late and not be able to stretch properly etc. I will send out the times and meeting place on Saturday night! 

If you have any questions or need help, give me a call. I am by far an expert but I just learned a few things from last time around! 

Run to win!!!!!
Moni

One week! Runners for Grace, need to knows!

Runners for Grace!

So are you excited? We are exactly a week away for our marathons! I have to first apologize for the lack of communication and motivation on here. We are a week away and I haven't really been good about updating the blog, and fundraising. 

I know from the beginning, It was one of my desires is to really get out there and fund raise, because it is such an important cause. I have seen first hand the funds raised being used for kids that are battling this awful monster! This foundation is legit!  

But we still have one week to really push! I have to tell you how blown away I am to see us reach our team goal of walkers and runners! Seriously God blows me away! Last year it was our desire that we have someone represent us in every event, and guess what we do! We have someone doing the bike tour Saturday, people in the 5k, 10k , half marathon and the kids run! 

I am not going to hang my head though, because we know it isn't how we start the race it is how we finish it, right? So start to hit up your friends, co workers, family or near by businesses. I am sure you have bought cookies, wrapping paper or cheesecake in the past right? Now's your turn! 

Few important things:

1. Pray.. Be sure to be in prayer this week! Specifically for:

           Health, Eating, Injuries, the Team, all the runners, and our cancer warriors! 

2. As you eat healthy, drink lots of water and make sure to stretch alot throughout the week. 

3. Don't worry about getting out to Irvine to pick up your bibs, shirts etc. I will pick up everything for the team. 

4. I will have everything for you all Sunday morning. More details on that to come! We will have a booth, and we will have someone there at all times so you have a place to leave your stuff that day. I would pack minimal though. 

5. If you can please do me one favor, if you can email me at faithfoodfitness@gmail.com with your email address and phone number I would appreciate it. I will be emailing you all on Saturday with the meeting times and location. 

6. I will be drafting a fundraiser letter, if you are interested in it, please let me know I can send it to you, this would be good to send out asking for people to sponsor you.

7. Team Shirts- so with registration, you all will get a shirt. In addition to that shirt, We got sponsored by Mike Garcia company for team shirts. This will have our team name and scripture on it so we can be in unity that day. This shirt will also be given to you on Sunday. We might have a few extra for those who signed up late or that day. 

8. look out for more communications from me coming this week! 

I am really excited and pumped up. I have been praying for you all and thank each and everyone of you that have taken a step of faith to come along side our team. In your prayers please remember my knee! I would appreciate it! 

If you have any questions, You can contact either myself, Patricia or Emma! 

Love you guys! 

Mon