19 Years Ago

A day like today, 19 years ago, right about this time, I was saying "I DO"


The lucky one? Me, of course. I had no clue. But I bet anyone's story isn't as romantic as ours. Everyone knew we were in love, but us. I truly married my best friend.


I miss him today. He is far in Europe singing someplace, but I am sure I am there with him.

Thank you God for such a great gift. The gift of friendship, companionship, love and sex. Specially the last one. :)

I still do! And I will until death do us apart!

I love you Jorge!

The Gipsy Story

While Jorge is gone and it seems to be the only thing I can talk about, there are exciting things happening. I'll share one of them.

Jorge is introducing the ministry to some gipsy churches in Spain. In those circles you either make it in or not. Since I have a fascination for gipsy fashion and jewelry, Jorge used that as an icebreaker at the first gathering. At the end of the celebration he saw a lady with a plastic bag going around collecting things the ladies were taking off themselves to send me as a welcoming gesture. It was original gipsy jewelry. Lots of them! Knowing me, you can imagine my excitement. I wasn't sure if I was happy because Jorge was welcomed or because I got so much "genuine" pieces coming my way! At least I'm honest!

Good job Jorge!

I must post some pictures when Jorge gets back.

I miss Jorge!

Since my last post my life has been upside down and back up. All I'll share right now is that Jorge is in Europe and I am in North Carolina. No, he didn't leave me. I mean, he did, but not like that...I couldn't go with him. So in my attempt to try and survive 5 LONG weeks without him, I packed my 2 monkeys (Dan & Sainad), the dog, and the 2 fish (Charlie & Lola) and here I am. That was the easy packing. Try getting Jorge's life confined to a suitcase and a carry on! Now, that was a challenge! I was able to fit his special hair gel, skin care, vitamins, allergy pills, pain killers, antibiotics (just in case), his special pillow cover, emergency snacks, TV-make up, clothing for 5 weeks (thank God he didn't take his red shoes!). He made it to Italy with every little thing intact. Praise God!

As I write I remembered that he flies to Spain today, probably right now. And I miss him.

I am enjoying my sister, but missing Jorge.

I enjoyed an incredible day with a good friend from yesteryears, but still miss Jorge.

I am having a great time doing water aerobics and relaxinfg in Stepford city :), but still miss my Jorge.

Please pray for us as he tours these few, but long weeks away from home and what he knows.

Very Excited

Have you ever been so excited that you go kind of crazy? Maybe tried to tell a story of something important but all the words came out at the same time and then nobody understood what you were trying to say. Or so hiper about going somewhere that you got ready too fast and your shirt was either inside out or you had a spill/stain on your clothes.

Well, that's me right now. Not that I am going anywhere or that I have a story to tell, but there is a sense of excitment like the advent of something big is around the corner. That is an awesome feeling.
Let me invite you to join me and indulge in God's presence, even if only for a short while.

I'm back!

DREAMS

I am a "dream girl."

I have been dreaming for years. It has been the same dream. Sometimes it has special effects; some other times, it might be very glamorous; and at other times, it is very selfless and giving. But always the same dream.

I've had to give up many things for my dream. I've had to sacrifice much to stay focused through the years. But, I've also had a lot of fun seeing God do his part.

One thing I've learned in this business of dreaming is that the fulfilment of my dreams and my fulfilment as a person, does not come from seeing it happen, but for believing it is happening. It is not so much about the destination, it is entirely about the journey.

I am not dreaming alone. I am not walking alone. When tired on the road, a little rest and food for the soul always do the trick, and then, on to wherever my dreamgiver takes me.

What do you live for? What is your dream?

A Mirage

As a christian, I've learned to walk my dessert many times. It is always the same thing. Walk, walk, walk... eat dust, get dry, complain, see a mirage... then eat manna from heaven and walk through the red sea.

Why do we eat the dust? Is it really because it looks like water, or because we forget the difference?

Why do we complain? How can we forget the times we've been rescued before?

To tell you the truth, I don't like the dessert. I strongly dislike manna. Mirages make me feel stupid.

I can't wait to walk through the red sea!

A Friend is Always a Friend (Prov. 17:17)

Some friends don't help, but a true friend is closer than your own family. (Prov. 18:24)

The longer I live the smarter I get. Isn't that nice!? Really... I've come to realize that true friendship has very little to do with the time you spend with someone. It is more about the commitment of cheering someone on, even from a distance, even when things are not going so well.

I have been very blessed to have a few of those in my life. Just last night I realized how wonderful it is to be under their influence.

Thank you Heather! It doesn't matter how I feel, you always cheer me up and encourage me to press on. I know how busy you are, but you always have time for me. Just the fact that you wanted me to go to Italy so bad, like if it was your thing... gave me the courage to wish on and believe it can be.

Thank you Diana! It doesn't matter what it is, I can tell you about it. I can disturb your sleep, get you out of work, have you get on a plane, just because... you are my friend.

Thank you Mariela! I've never seen so much undeserved faithfulness. I've invested so little in your life, yet you are always sure to speak such beautiful and powerful words into my life. I am sure when your Mom looks down she has a huge smile on her face.

Human Nature's Predicament

"For what I want to do I don't do; and what I don't want to do is what I do."

Imagine someone as incredible as Paul struggling with doing/not doing right. I am sure there's been times when I've felt somewhat victorious and strong and maybe even powerful in God and yet, just like Paul, regreted doing or not doing right.

Choosing right or wrong is not always easy, even though we might be sure of the choice we should make.

I take it a step farther. Even when we clearly know what is right and wrong, our natural tendency is to do wrong. We know the choice should be time spent with God, yet CSI Miami sounds more enticing. A kind response might build our loved one, yet it is easier to just growl. Walking away from harmful foods is the right thing to do, but we fall for the high cholesterol/damaging sugar treat. Remembering our covenant and commitment to our spouse is the better choice, but how many times it is not the first one?

I am not even talking big sins here like adultery, killing, stealing,... I am talking every day little things that build up and destroy us. Just like a toaster. Once brand new and shiny, little by little, a drop of butter here, a very tiny piece of cheese there... Today, full of black grimmy gunk almost impossible to clean.

But I feel very positive today. I know that as easy as it is to choose wrong, it is to call on to God. He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own. It is as easy as calling His name, JESUS. He can help me choose right and if I've already chosen wrong, He makes me right!

How wonderful is that!

Just by calling on to His name, JESUS!

I like what I do!

And what is that?

I love taking care of Jorge. Choosing his looks, keeping his things together, working his agenda, making him happy and feeding him.

Packing lunch for my monkeys. There is something about it that makes me feel like a good mom. The little lime juice on the apples, just like Dan likes it. Half a sandwich for my Saini and a little something sweet.

I enjoy bringing beauty in disguise to display. I love the transformation of dark to light, rough to suave, coarse to smooth. When a lady sits on my make-up chair and allows me to transform her into a masterpiece I think I enjoy it so much more than she does.

When I am to speak into somebody's life and I see God use any word I say I get all hyped up. It's like I can't get enough of it.

Well, I did all of the above this weekend and I feel great!

I did what I am best at and enjoyed the blessings of God on it and through it.

So much to tell, so little time to write!

Something was bothering me today. I kept thinking...what is it? Until I figured it out. I had not blogged in about 3 weeks. How can that be possible? I have so many exciting things happening, yet non publicly recorded.

Here are some of the highlights:

• I got my physical done. The doctor was very excited at my weight loss over the past year. I was also CHALLENGED to begin a new regimen since diabetes decided to visit me.
• Jorge got signed by one of the most respectable Spanish Christian labels in the industry. This distribution deal is awesome for our ministry and it came at the perfect time.
• Sainad got A's & B's on her report card. That is a MAJOR accomplishment!
• Dan got a job at Publix right accross from our development.

What can I say? Life is full of exciting moments that remind us God was in control, is in control and will continue to be, no matter what we do.

Love you friends!

GIANTS! There is always hope

At the beginning of the football season it didn't look like the Giants would be having a good year. In fact, last year was not a good one.

Their victory was a surprise to many. It made me stop and think how many times we don't seem to be having a good season. The tendency, to quit. Much too early we declare defeat, when maybe all we need is a change of strategy.

I am encouraged today to continue trying new ways, different things, whatever, to accomplish my purpose in Christ. It may look like I might not be having a good season, but God has the real picture of my life. He knows exactly every little thing I must go through in order to win my game.

It doesn't matter how bad or complicated life may look right now. It doesn't matter how terrible the economy is. God has my game under control. The one I trust is the allpower, allknowing, allcapable God who created me, takes care of me and is cheering me on.

I will win the race!

Decisions

Are you the kind of person that can decide easily what to wear, what to eat, where to go, what to do on your day off? If you are, that is great and you belong with me. I am a fast thinker and won't fuss much about choosing.


I can make decisions in a flash, I think, good ones. At work, is part of every day functioning to make decisions and you need to be prepared to make them without much error.


At home, that is another story. Two teenagers and a husband! You see, I didn't say making a decision was easy or fun, I just said I can make them most of the time. When it comes to permission for an outing, or money, or school stuff is really not a big deal. But when it comes to affecting our lives and the lives of those whom we love, or changing radically our routines or familiarities, then, even people like me become whimpies and have a hard time deciding.


I am a whimpie today. I have to rely on God to make me strong. He can. I know if He is leading the way there is no reason to fear.


God, I decide to trust you with everything today!

Star Customer Service

When you work for a company that emphazises customer service as a priority, your goal is to make sure everyone is satisfied BEYOND their expectations. You see, when I went to business school (just a few years back :)) good customer service was to meet the clients' expectation. Now days it is to exceed it. It is amazing all the effort that goes into that. And we are talking of simple purchases, providing a service, trivial stuff.

I tried translating that thought into Christian life. How can I WOW the people I come in contact with beyond their expectations? I was sad to realize that it takes so little in this scenario, yet I am not incline to make the effort.

I said good morning to a custodian at the mall with a big, sincere smile, and the poor guy was so confused I had to say it again, "Good morning sir" he kept looking at me like waiting for me to ask a question or something, then, he smiled back and replied. I saw the same guy a few days later, and asked him how his day was going, and I could see his face light up and his shoulders going back. He answer a simple "very good" and I kept going my way, but I know he was WOWed by my noticing him.

I want to be a Star Customer Service provider for God! How many people can I WOW in a day?

Are you a gift returner or a gift keeper?

Well, let's see! How many trips have you given to the mall to return or exchange gifts? Since I have been working at the mall I could say none to return. It would be true, because the main reason I go is to work. Now, did I exchange or return any gifts during my stay... that's another blog!

The truth is that I've had the opportunity to see how easily people reject/exchange a gift. They walk up to the register and simply say "this was a gift and I don't like it, or it doesn't work for me" and that's it.

It stroke me in a very special way this season. How much thought, or care, or money is put into giving a gift, for it not to be received. I am aware that many times we don't even find out, but still, our gift hasn't been apreciated.

I think of the many gifts God has given me and question myself... did he see me exchange it at the mall?

I did take the gift of salvation, but... what about the gift of mercy? Did I exchange it for another gift that suit me better? I don't know, maybe I need to examine more closely all the gifts God has given me and make sure I find a use for them in my life and not return them when he is not looking.

What gifts has he given you? Are you going to keep them?

Dear God, help us count our blessings each morning and to remember that every perfect gift comes from you! Amen.

Christmastime!

My favorite time of year! In 1989, the year I got married, I put my Christmas tree up in October. I loved it.

I have been very frustrated for the last few weeks. I have been so sick all I could do was sleep, drink water and P.

I write a Christmas newsletter every year to update my out of town friends on our lives and to review with those near the great things God has done through the year. I like finishing it early. I did. But, being so sick I couldn't print it, I couldn't get the envelopes ready... to me, I am so late it is not even funny! I basically finished my holiday shopping in November. Wrapped a few gifts, put a few things inside the stockings...and the rest? Sitting on my dresser and under my bed waiting for some energy to finish wrapping.

But, miraculously, last night I made it to church and I remember at a certain point our pastor prayed for those who had a tough week, those sick, discouraged,... and all of a sudden I woke up this morning so energized and ready! It still bothers me that I am late in my Christmas business, but I think I can handle it!

I pray for health for all of you. I pray for rest. So you may enjoy the most fun time of the year!

BIG HUG!

Sick!

Hello my faithful friends in blogville! I shall be back soon. I've been so sick I even miss church altogether this weekend.

Hope you all had a memorable Thanksgiving!

Which way are you going from here?

'Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?' 'That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,' said the Cat. 'I don't much care where --' said Alice. 'Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat.'--so long as I get somewhere, ' Alice added as an explanation. Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

I don't want to just get somewhere. So to me, it makes a difference which way I take so I can end where I want to go. You must be clear where you want to go so you don't get confused on your way there. I am reminded of Moses leading the Israelites into the Promise Land. He was clear that was his final destination. He consulted God for the strategies on how to get there. The route God gave him didn't look right, but he followed it.

You must be pretty certain God has mapped out your route so you can follow it even when it looks like you are going away from it. You must hang out with him to know for sure this is the right way.

Only then, you could be facing your worse enemy and destruction, feeling trapped and helpless, yet see your Deliverer open the red sea and make a dry path for you to get to YOUR Promise Land. My pastor talked about this the other day and it stayed with me. Only God can bring you to the other side. Why not trust Him with our destiny?

Dear God, I know where I am going, would You help me get there? And, please help my friends know where they are going and to trust you to take them there. Amen

The American President

This has been one of my "mostest" favorite movies. I can watch it any time. I own it but, if it comes on TV, I am always tempted to watch it with commercials and all. It is somewhat a modern Cinderella. I get at the edge of the bed (I like watching movies in bed) every time there is a romantic scene or a leadership debate. Besides their reconciliation scene after the State of the Union speech, my favorite scene is the argument between Lewis Rothschild and the President. I thought I'd share that with you:

Lewis Rothschild: People want leadership, Mr. President, and in the absence of genuine leadership, they'll listen to anyone who steps up to the microphone. They want leadership. They're so thirsty for it they'll crawl through the desert toward a mirage, and when they discover there's no water, they'll drink the sand.

President Andrew Shepherd: People don't drink the sand because they're thirsty. They drink the sand because they don't know the difference.

At my church, we take leadership very seriously. Not to brag but, we have a very solid group of smart leaders. This scene from the movie reminds me how desperate people are for answers to their life pains, frustrations and failures. They are willing to go anywhere in search for those answers, and be it that they may drink the sand either because they can't see anything else or because they might not know any different; it is our job as leaders to step in. We have to step to the mic and share the good news we know.

I know the difference between a mirage and water, JESUS is. I know what I need to quench my thirst for life ambitions, dreams, struggles, shortcomings... the Living Water, Jesus.

And whoever drinks of this water, will never thirst again!

A story about building walls, defeating giants, a Book and a Spirit

A long time ago, a guy was asked to build a wall around his city to protect it from the enemy. There was a little problem, he didn't have enough time, man power or the resources to do it. What amazes me is that in spite of the difficulties, he managed to get the job done.

Many times we see the difficulties. We focus on the problem, on the impossibilities. This particular situation reminds me that God is not asking for miracles from us. He is asking that we believe He can. He is not asking for super powers, he just asks for passion and obedience. The beauty of it all, we do see miracles and super powers in action!

This particular guy came up with an idea: If EVERYONE built a wall in front of their own places with their own resources and families, the job could get done in record time and completely. They did.

This is what I see about this man:

• He was able to hear what God wanted for him/of him
• He was able to believe he could do something about it
• He had the passion to pursuade others to believe it also
• He had the energy to make others act on it

As I reflect on my own life and what God wants of me, I wonder if I could build this wall for real. Do I see the wall as a powerful undefeatable giant or do I see it as an opportunity to glorify God? Do I really trust God to provide the resources to defeat my giant? A Book and a Spirit don't sound like much some times. But when I try it, it is always more than sufficient!

__________ (fill in the blank with me, whatever the name of your wall/giant; and say) I come to you not in my own power, but in the Power of God Almighty! You are defeated in His name!

Sorry I hurt you back!

Carlos, you hurt me. A few months have gone by since my brother passed away. Carlos was really charming. He had a look on his eyes that always made you say yes to him. He was so popular you would not believe it. Yet, he hurt me. When we were growing up he always called me names. He found reasons for rejecting me. I was never good enough in his eyes. Even my accomplishments carry some sort of negative connotation to him.

I fell for it. I was his pray. I felt fat, ugly, not nice and inadequate. Yes, all of it. I tried harder and harder to succeed and drifted farther and farther away from him. I never longed for his company though I missed having a brother.

It was not the same with the baby sister. Those 2 were close and well bonded. She was pretty, for real. She was very friendly, I really wasn't. I got so jealous of my sister that I pushed her away too. I was the typical middle child but, I decided to move on to higher places and buried myself into achieving at school. I did well and earned my parents' admiration and favor. That was not enough. I didn't have a relationship with my brother or sister. I blamed you, Carlos, for that.

I've realized that, yes, Carlos hurt me, but I've had the power to change things around all the while. I chose not to. Years down the road when I saw what a great thing could be to have a sister, I decided to pursue it no matter what. Good thing she wanted it also. it was so much easier to work through all the junk. She is my best friend! I love her to pieces!

I never got Carlos though. By the time I wanted to pursue him, God decided to take him home. Carlos, I am so sorry I hurt you back. I promise you, we will be together forever from heaven on.

I love you Manito!