Dude wheres my chai?

One hour photo, In n Out, Panda Express, Quick Lube, iPod,  iPhone, iPad, iWant....

Today we are a people of I want and I want it now. There is no joy in the waiting, and being patient is like labor pains. Ok well maybe I am being a little dramatic but this is coming from someone who struggles with Patience. Please pray for me! 

The other day while waiting for my coffee, I  watched the young guy move as slow as molasses and I could feel the hairs on the back of neck stand. Really? dude wheres my chai? My grandma with no arms can make that chai faster! How long can it take to make two coffees?

After he perfectly whipped my  husbands Mocha, he was proudly handed it over waiting for the coffee gods to applauded his perfectly brewed perfection. I, on the other hand looked at him like I had been aging for several years waiting for my chai. But truth be told, I didn't really have no where I needed to be, so why on earth was I so irritated with the speed of the barista? 

 I have to tell you that the last six months have been kinda gnarly. We have experience death, upon physical illness, spiritual  illness, mental illness and spiritual attacks. Last night before my head hit the pillow my knees hit the carpet. Now before you applaud me for my holiness, you should know that this doesn't happen every night or as often as it should.

As Noah was sick yet again, I cried out to the Lord expressing how tired I was of this season, when would it turn, when will the work be DONE. When could this season be nothing more than a memory of the spiritual growth. 

In the book of  Matthew a gentlemen brings his child to Jesus in the 17th chapter and asks him why the disciples were unable to cast out the demon who brought his child epileptic seizures . Jesus brings up the first problem. Unbelief? He says a "Because of your unbelief, for assuredly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there and it will move: nothing will be impossible for you." But, then he goes on to say that certain things require fasting and prayer.  In other words your drive by request and in and out healing or confirmations are just not going to be sufficient.

So what are you trying to tell us? Here, is what I want you to know. Gods timing. I know you are cringing. We throw "gods timing" confidently in our prayers, and they sound so good rolling off the tongue as mature believers. But at the end of the day what we are really asking for, is our timing with Gods anointing. 

Here's the thing friends, we cannot change Gods timing. Have you ever thanked God for not being somewhere ten minutes earlier? Or perhaps you heard about an accident on the freeway you would have been on had you not gotten off  work late. So if we are grateful for those moments, should we not also be thankful for all the other things in our lives that He is working on in His time. I think that He has proven Himself fully capable of working all things for good? Amen? 

But I get it! Its tough because we want healing and we want it now. We want that job or that helpmate and we have been waiting forever! The hardest part about the waiting is not being able to see the plan from start to finish. Hebrews 11:1 explains that is what faith looks like, being sure of what we hope for and not what we do not see, paraphrased. Friends I'm soooo there with you, today I took the advice of Jesus and fasted and prayed for the things in my life ,I'm waiting on him for. I stood in the gap for friends who are in the waiting for husbands, healing, for jobs and the list goes on and on.  

I'm not sure what is going on in your life? Are there things that you are waiting on? Perhaps your are tired of being in the same season. Can I challenge you to take the advice of Jesus....pray and fast. The first step to being ok with Gods timing is realizing that God is not a short order chef. He has a purpose and a plan for your life. It's divine! It is well thought out and it is good because He is good, and He wants the best for you.  But, you have to believe that He knows what is best. If you are a parent you'll understand this way of parenting and lastly we need to pray and fast! 

So let us not be consumed with time, let us slow down, allow God to work. Pray for the patience to be ok with where we are. Let us fast for the things that we cannot change. More importantly let us have that unwavering faith, that truly believes that mountains can be moved. 

#TrustingGod #Beingfaithful

Moni

What's under the wrapper matters!

We stood there in front of the table that had a bowl full of candy . I grabbed two purple tootsie pops and gave them to the boys. Caleb, spotted a yellow one and insisted that was the one he wanted. Knowing what was under the yellow wrapper tasted, like I tried to convice him, that I knew what he would like.

Something you should know about Caleb is once his mind is set, there is no changing it.

Fine! After moments of pleading, I swapped out the purple for the yellow. Here you go, but I know your not going to like it, I muttered as I gave it to him. We walked away for the table and he ripped off the wrapper with the anticipation of the goodness of the yellow sucker. It only took a second for the sucker to his lips that made his smile turn to a frown. By this time we were half way to the car. Mommy, I don't want this, I want the other one, tossing it in a near by trash can.

I explained to him that it was to late, he made his choice and we were not going back. He pleaded as we continued to the car and of course cried. Looking at his brother enjoy his sucker he was upset that his was now in the trash. You should have trusted me son, I knew you were not going to like that one.

It was then I was reminded of the character of god, how He is such a loving father that always has our best interest at hand. How so often he chooses something for us, but we are enticed by something that "looks" better. Yet He wants us to trust Him because He knows what is under the wrapper. 

And because we have free will, He permits us to make our own choices. He allows us to "exchange" the flavor. And when that happens we find ourselves with consequences of not trusting God and taking matters into our own hands.

It was a good teachable moment for the boys and a reminder how we need to trust God.

Hebrews 11:1 say "now faith is being sure of what is hoped for and certain of what we do not see. "
Sometimes what God is doing in your life may not make sense, but trust that He knows what's best for you, taking things into your own hands may result in a flavor that is not pleasing to your palette.

Trusting God, Being Faithful
Moni

Sea of faces

A new year , new blogs... I find myself sitting in front of the computer lately with intentions of completing a full blog. The truth is as i start yet another attempt to complete one, Im staring at endless drafts in my feed. 

I am motivated by friends that have started new ones, and old blogs that had a facelift, yet I just cannot seem to put in words what my heart wants to share. And then I am plagued with does anyone really care? I read a few years back there were 153,205,413 blogs on the Internet with 47719 added on a daily basis. 

That is so crazy to me? The other day I saw this  interesting ad for apple. It had gentlemen holding a tripod with the new iPad attached and it said "what will your verse be." Below it, it read:

"Each of us has something to share, a voice, a passion, a perspective. The potential to add a stanza to the worlds story."

There are two things I love about this ad. First it's asking what will, your verse be? In other words , what do you want to be known by? And then what story are you bringing to the world. Kutless put out a song several years ago called "sea of faces" . 

" .....I am not just a man vastly lost in this world, lost in the sea of face, your body's the bread, your blood is the wine cuzz you,traded your life for mine." 

When I sing that I am reminded that despite the gazillion of people that exist, I am not lost in the crowd. My blog is not lost is the sea of social media. Your blog, your story matters. We all have a story to share, and to someone it matters. 

What story are you going to contribute to this world? Are you contemplating writing your story or a blog but feel like it doesn't matter? You have to know it does! So here is to more writing in the new year! I can't promise better spelling or grammar but I can promise honesty and truth! 

trusting God and being Faithful, 

Moni

pumpkins, going in peace and crossfit of faith (part 1- Faith)

It has been some time since I last blogged. I wish that I had a better excuse as to why, but as I learned many years ago, no excuse is good, its still an excuse. I wanted to take some time to come on here and reflect on what the Lord is doing!

I often ask, why I was prompted to do this blog, and put my "Stuff" the good, the bad and the ugly out there,  and I always come back to obedience. He asked, I do and He gets glory... At the end of the day that is all that matters anyways right?

So lets first talk faith!

Wow!!!! You know, Ive heard it say that "Faith is like a muscle, the more it is exercised the stronger it will be". Let me tell you friends I have been on the crossfit of faith the last few months. I have a Tuesday group, and now saying "Tuesday group" doesn't give justice to these ladies and what they mean to me. We are going through a intense non conventional bible study, called "go in peace", lead by another one of our friends who has gone through this study. This study requires alot, it is spiritual therapy, truly, asking God to search your heart, writing letters of hurt and anger to people and letters of forgiveness is only a portion of the labor that's involved to purge out what is not keeping you from living a life of peace.

Here's the deal, I thought I was good, a cool cat! I thought I was living a life of peace until, I started this study and I was sadly mistaken. I was simply not choosing to deal with things that I have stuffed down in the inmost part of the heart. I had hidden sin in my heart. Yup hidden sin... How you asked? When it came time to write our letters, I thought I didn't have many to write. I don't hold grudges, and pretty forgiving. As I prayed and asked God to search my heart, I was prompted to write a letter to my dad that had past away from cancer. It was as though my heart took over my pen, and my mind rested. I was mad, I was angry with the Lord for taking my dad home months before my wedding, and stuff just came pouring out. I NEVER knew that, I never knew I was angry. That sin has been with me for 11 years. We look at sin and think of thou shall not, lie, kill, steal etc. But in reality sin can develop out of a situation that takes place where you are sin against.. Did you know that?

In the book Cherie, the author, first teaches us that when you are sin against, that will turn to hurt, then anger, then bitterness poison that will cause you to sin. So initially it wasn't your sin, but it turned into that because the way you choose to deal with the situation. A few months ago I did a loft redo, wanted to get the spaces done before, daddy and Asher started school. One day, as I started clean out and take out all the old stuff, I looked around and it was a mess! There was stuff everywhere, it was kinda overwhelming actually. The kids jumping all over the stuff didn't help either.. And I was reminded by the Lord that before it gets clean, it has to get ugly. I have never seen a remodel, a renovation, or a restoration that has been clean, tidy and organized through the process. But as I worked at it, day by day, one day it was done and you wouldn't have even believed it was the same room. If you are in the process, hang in there during the ugly, I promise one day it will be finished.

 We have about 6 weeks left and I have to tell you its been a crazy ride of spiritual battles, nightmares, anxiety, crying , weeping, laughing, and rejoicing. I was telling my husband that this study brought more issues that I never knew I had. I have never been to therapy, but I would imagine this is what happens. God has been so good, so faithful and has spoken to me like He has never before. His word has been such a well spring of love, hope and healing. This morning I was pondering the work that was going on in my life, and I gazed upon a pumpkin.

I cant help but feel like that pumpkin. I feel as if God took that knife carved out the top of my heart and started to scrap away the ugly. And if you ever have cleaned out a pumpkin you know it is a ugly, dirty, labor some job to get out the guts! And with each scoop of Gods hand I feel my heart getting cleaner. I would imagine there is stuff He is throwing away that I need not anymore, and then there is stuff He is setting aside, to keep. Just like pumpkin seeds, He is taking those seeds outta my heart, washing them off, baking them for me to use. To use for His glory and seeds that I can give away! I am also aware that it is IMPOSSIBLE to get the inside of a pumpkin completely cleaned and smooth. I know I have tried. There are things in my heart that might not get cleaned out this time around. Perhaps scars that will be painful reminders of times when I had to cling to the Lord, because I was at my weakest. And you know that's OK to! I know God is faithful to take my lid off and do the maintenance, IF I ask Him to truly search and clean my heart. ( great all this pumpkin talk is making me want a pumpkin spice latte!)

I so wish I could tell you all the work that is happening at this kitchen table that the 7 of us sit at Tuesdays, after Tuesday..Miracles.. I am sure one day we will look back at that tables and see the stains of our tears, the comfort food shared, the sound of laughter ingrained in the wood,  smell of answered prayer and the aroma of healing taking place. Only if that table could talk!!!!!!


Come back tomorrow, for part 2- Food is up next!

have a great weekend.. love youz!
Mon

Puppy love

Caleb was double fisting two of his dogs this morning on the way to take Asher to school. I tried to get him to leave blackie at home but , he said that puppy needed a friend. So there he was barely could see over the two walking clutching them tight.

" Man you really love your dogs huh?" he responded.. "Yes, they are my best friends." Caleb is the best pet owner you can have. Although puppy isn't real, he has loved on  and taken such good care of his dog, that puppy feels like part of the family. So much so we have him family photos, and he always gets a matching bow tie for special holidays.

I thought about this bond for a moment and couldn't help but think of our Lord. In the middle of weeks filled with excitement, anticipation, fear, and busy I needed to be reminded that just like puppy who NEVER gets left behind, I also have a God who is by my side everywhere I go.

And just like puppy who ended up in a fountain at daddy's school, because "he" was too hot, there are times the Lord will take us to places we may not want to be. The rad thing about it though is that HE is there!

Summer came and the new school year has started. I would be lying if I said that all is well. The truth is, my heart is trusting. My faith is being exercised and I am letting go of control. Asher is in a new school, new teachers, new principle and is there ALL day (more on that on another blog). Daddy started a new semester and is back to juggling work, school and ministry along with super hero duties with the kids. It is also a new season for me and Caleb.. We don't have grandma to care for anymore and we have more time to do what the Lord wills.

My Tuesday group and I started a really good bible study called "go in peace" and I realized that before we I can truly go live a life in peace the way God intended, I will have to purge the ugly I might still have hidden in my heart. All this to say that I have been on a little emotional roller coaster the last few weeks but I know that like puppy I am loved, taken care of sought after.

(by the way I do intend to blog more through these weeks. You all have been a part of my journey here on FFF and as always I want to be transparent to what the Lord is doing in my life.)

Hebrews 13:5 says " I will never leave you nor forsake you"

How refreshing to know that even in those moments we feel weary we have a God that  will grab you by the ear and bring you along and some days....... bring you a friend because you need one. I love how God ministers to us through our children and a dirty old puppy.

Jesus reminds us that the birds of the air don't worry about food because, He provides for them, and how much more valuable are we! Listen in case you need to be reminded today, God is with you, no matter what you are going through or feeling He is a God that will never leave you nor for sake you, remember that!

Love you! Here is to a new school year!!!!
Moni
p.s. As always you can privately email me with your prayer requests!

Introducing FFF Diet Bet 2013!

A week ago I got invited to play a new social media weight loss game, called Diet Bet. A fun way to lose weight and win money. I could have joined an existing game but I was prompted to start my own. I have several friends on my social media outlets that have a desire to loss weight AND I want to see them (you) do just that. So how does it work? I will break it down briefly but you can google “diet Bet” and it will take you to the host site that houses these games. 

I am sticking with the same rules, but since I know everyone playing, I am changing it up a little, make it less complex, cheaper and more comfortable.. 

The concept is this, you pay $20 bucks to play. You figure what 4 % of your body weight is, and you have four weeks to lose just that. All the money goes into the pot, and at the end of the four weeks EVERYone who hits their goal splits it! So you are competing against yourself. If and when you win you are at least guaranteed your money back and possibly more. According to the history of the game about 90% of those people playing have hit their goal! 

The money is the secondary prize the first is the weight loss and a springboard for more to come. If you need some motivation, then this is a game for you! It wont be easy but I promise you it will be worth it! I am praying for you, and playing along side of you! 

Here is how it will all go down. 

1. PAY

If you are seriously wanting to play, I must have your money by the 16th of september! The only ones that will be eligible to play are those that I receive money from. There is a true commitment when you have paid out of pocket (trust me I know). Money or Checks can be mailed out to me:

  ---------> Email me for address!

2. Weigh In

Before the end of day on Monday 9/16 I will need each player to step on the scale and take a picture of their weight. The weight needs to be visible, you do not have to do full body if you do not want to. And if you do please be dressed appropriate! Be sure to hang onto this picture you will need it at the end of the four weeks. After you do this, please email me and send me a confirmation that you have weighed in. Once I get everyones payment and confirmation that they weighed in I will post a list of the players and the total amount of the pot! 

 Play

Now its time to get to work! You will not need to update your weight within the four weeks, it does help to keep a journal! Don’t forget to drink a lot of water and if you need some help along the way, reach out. I am not an expert but I am available. 

Weigh Out 

The game ends on Wednesday, October 16.. Again you must get on that scale and take a picture of your weight. You have 24 hours to send me a email confirming that percentage of weight loss that you had for the four weeks. Now if you were playing online you would need to submit your photos. At this time I will not. It is on the honor system. BUT if there is a question it is good to have your pictures as back up. 

Feel free to invite, but understand that you are vouching for them that they are honest and will play the game fair. Once I have everyones results, I will post the winning players and all money will be sent out on Friday, October 18th.

Extra's

Because I love you all so much and I really want to see you all succeed, I will be randomly drawing a name a week for small prize! And the person at the end of the four weeks with most percentage loss with get an additional $20 dollars!!!! 

So are you in? Have any questions, email me at faithfoodfitness@gmail.com 

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!!!!