Homemaking Degree...

Last week, while exercising on our step machine, I was watching the Today Show. This topic came up that I was totally ready to get into and debate about. The Southwestern Theological Seminary in FortWorth, TX has just offered a Homemaking Degree. A degree for women, who CHOOSE, to study how to be better moms and homemakers. You know, I really think that is great. During the interview, the president of Focus on the Family was on and some crazy feminist author and they were both sharing their sides on the topic. (I don't know if she's a feminist, but she sure had weak arguments.)

The lady argued that it was sexist, offering classes only for women and not men. She also argued that it was setting us back in time, to when women had no rights. The guy, on the other hand, was simply saying what is the big fuss, no one is forcing these women to study this, it's their choice. What bothered me the most was the two women, the author and the host, would not shut their mouths and let the guy speak. I truly hate that. When women try to make such a statement that they aren't fair to the other side. (Talk about sexist)

Today, when I got home from school, Heredes was watching the same argument again. This is like a week after. The host was very fair in listening to both sides. The "feminist" lady's voice started cracking because she was making a big deal out of nothing and had weak arguments.

Now, I want you to know that I don't believe that the only role of the woman is to stay home, clean, cook and take care of the kids. (even though I wouldn't mind it one day) I believe a woman is just as smart and capable of doing what a man can do. I mean their were judges who were women, one woman killed a man named Sisera, etc. The Proverbs 31 woman seems to do it all. Let's face it being a woman is wonderful! My problem is when women start taking this women's right thing way out of proportion. The issue here is not about being sexist and it's not about telling women to find a degree that is actually worth something, a degree you can fall on. I really think that if a woman, wife, mother wants to stay home and learn better and creative ways to make her home as peaceful and wonderful as possible, then she should feel comfortable doing so.

Ladies, if you don't like to cook or clean or whatever, fine, then you go get a lawyer's degree, but please, if a woman wants to CHOOSE to go and study homemaking let them be. I think our society is forgetting the importance of respect for spouses', the family, and the home. I strongly believe that the man is the head and should be guiding their homes. That is being lost. And dad's who do stay home and take care of the home, props to you. And women should be able to take care of their homes and kids and submit to their husbands. (that is another topic we can get into).

I just think God has given each of us, woman and man, very beautiful roles to live out. Unfortuanatley, sometimes most people don't care what God has to say and only care about what they want. The bottom line is: I don't have a problem if a woman wants to get a home making degree. Plus, how does anybody know if they haven't already received a degree in medicine, education, art, etc. and just want to add another degree to their plate. And, if you think staying home is easy work, trust me it's not!

Well, I just had to get that off my chest. It's been a good week. School was great. Have to draw alot and get ready for the weekend. DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT MYNAKEDPASTOR.COM. Whoo Hoo!

MyNakedPastor & other stuff

It's getting closer and closer: FRC's MyNakedPastor.com series is almost here. Now, we aren't talking about naked literally, but being AUTHENTIC and honest about who we are, what we go through, & how we deal with those things. Our Pastor Troy will be filmed live 24/7. (at least that's what i've heard) The topics are as follows: I get angry, I Fight, I'm insecure, I'm tired, & I'm tempted (my life).
The cool part about this series is the fact that the kids will be doing the same series & topics. Our creative kids team has been working very hard to come up with the curriculum and I must say the team is filled with fun, gasy (lol), creative people who love children & the ministry. It's going to rock. So, if you are at any campus, check out the adult service & pass by the kids and check out The Real LIfe of Isabella & Gianmarco: My life in a Fish bowl.


Before I head out, wanted to ask you guys to pray for our Peru team that leaves today. Pray for safety and that they can do exactly what God wants them to do . I wanted to give a big hug and shout out to my family/friends: Maria, Bob & Kristy Selecky. A whole family on a mission for Christ. Isn't that awesome. I love you guys. Bring Alfajores...lol...

Everything Butt

I am moving into a funny post tonight. I was chatting with my sis, Chanti, on aim and she sent me her debut video. It was a team effort with our friends Johanna and Ceasar being part of the creation. I hope you enjoy this video, done my the mighty butt gang, as much as I did. Chanti, Johanna, & Ceasar THANK YOU for making me laugh so much. And sis, I never knew you had those dance moves. lol! Enjoy everyone.

SORRY I HAD TO TAKE THE VIDEO OUT BC OF ALL THE STUPID EXTRA VIDEOS THAT SHOW UP....thank u dave

Praise GOD!!!

Thank you, first of all, to everyone who has been praying for my husband for these several years over his immigration situation. My husband went in today to court to figure out what would happen next. I just got his phone call on such awesome news. Now, I don't know all the details, but what the lawyer wanted happened. Oh, I am so grateful and, Lord, I love you. Your will is so perfect!!! The bottom line is that they terminated Heredes' case, which means that he can start from scratch and be able to get his paper work all fixed within a couple of months. The judges heard his story, cried, and believed him. God is a God of justice. Amen!

So, our request now is that the next few steps would run smoothly and, if all possible, quickly.

To my family in Brazil: this is what you guys have been praying for and hoping for. Obrigado por tudo! Pr. Jamil, Elzeli, Sarah, & Higor I love you guys and we really believe that soon we will see each other. Beijos pra voces y que Deus a bencao voces muito.
And thank you to my family as well for their prayers, help, and I know they are excited about their son-in-laws news. Thank you everyone!!!

Please don't forget to keep praying for Peru and the families hurting and for the Christians there to reach out.

Romans 12:12
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

Learning to truly trust Him...

Yesterday, I was talking to my friend Katrina R.. She is a special woman in my life. There aren't many who fill up my list of women who truly mean something to me. I don't know if that is a bad thing or a good thing, but I do know that those few women that set an example for me, mean the world to me. Katrina was my youth pastors wife. His name was/is Joshua Jefferson. To some of us who are in ministry today have very grateful hearts for his life and ministry while here on earth. You see, my youth pastor, softball coach, & leader passed away 3 years ago- August 4, 2004.

I can remember the day so clearly when we found out the news. I was at summer camp with my old church. The pastor called a few of us in to the lunch area- it had to be like 10 of us- and he told us that Joshua had just passed away. At first, it didn't click that it was my youth pastor, I thought it was another Joshua. When it sank in, I couldn't believe it. I ran, with my husband & friend Tati, outside to call Katrina. And after our short conversation, I remember going back in the lunch area, hugging my sister and Heredes and just crying. Oh, as I write this I am in tears, though I know he is in Heaven and having the time of his life! Amen!!! (He battled with a sickness since a youth & passed away at the age of 27. Katrina you can correct me on that.)

Katrina is a woman with a story- a beautiful story- that God has written and is still writing. God has blessed her with a new husband, that I have only met once, but know he is incredible. Katrina- THANK YOU! I love you with all my heart. I just want to scream it out!!!

You must be wondering why I am writing about this. Well, yesterday I found out that an ex- co-worker from Christ Fellowship Academy (I worked there like a year ago) passed away on Monday due to stomach cancer. I really didn't know her, but I do remember praying for her and seeing her face around campus. Also, FRC lost a dear member, but Heaven gained another soul. I remember my friends, the Riling's, who lost their husband and daddy to cancer not too long ago. Katrina's friend, who is 15, is also fighting a disease and taking medication and visiting doctors, etc. My friend Jescel, has just gotten back from her home country- the Philipines- visiting her ill mother and father, who are both fighting cancer. Check out her blog. She is an incredible woman, who will inspire you.

I don't know, but right now I'm thinking that this is a pretty sad post. I have yet to encounter such difficulties in my life and sometimes I think, Lord, if that day ever comes or when it comes, please help me be strong and hold on to You. I'm a weakling and I don't want to be.

I read this incredible devotional yesterday by Beth Moore. The title is "Songs in the Night"- Job 35:10; Acts 16:25-31. As a summary to the story in Acts, Paul and Silas are put in prison for casting a demon out (in the name of the Lord) of a young girl, because she was prophesying & being used as business. While in prison, after being beaten and locked away, they are praying and praising God. One night, the prison walls fell and the warden for sure thought that all the prisoners escaped. Just about to commit suicide, Paul yells and affirms him that everyone is inside; no one has left. Because of this, Paul and Silas' song & example, the warden asks what he must do to be saved. The end result: his whole household and himself accept Christ as Savior.

Here is Beth's conclusion: "When we sing a midnight song or speak praises in the darkest hours, the chains of hopelessness not only drop from our ankles but sometimes from the ankles of those who listen. The message is never clearer than when God's people refuse to cease their praises during intense suffering."

In the midst of every pain, every loss, every unanswered question, God is real, God is great! There is power in prayer and song. There is power in a life lived by praise. I am learning that- slowly but learning. I know that those I have mentioned above, have or are doing that. If you are not, can I encourage you to start today.

I share this for all of you, especially those who are going through the storm that will just make you stronger, and for me, a weakling who needs to hold on to this truth and live it out.

As I conclude, may you be blessed and remember to live a life of praise no matter what the circumstance. And if you can you please pray with me for: Peru that just got hit by a 7.9 earthquake. Things are looking okay, but just pray that nothing will arise during the night. For our campus, my family, and those who lost family members.

Also, for my husband as he goes tomorrow morning to court for his immigration situation. We are trusting God.

"Thank you God for your goodness, mercy and forgiveness. Thank you because You are a great God! I thank you for the good and the bad that comes our way. Thank you because suffering produces: perseverence, character, and hope. Thank you for those I know who have already gone through some suffering and yet, have been such an example of true faith and trust- in the midst of the pain and confusion. Thank you that Your will is perfect and I and all of us can trust that. Be with those today who are hurting, have questions, and are Yours. For those who don't know You, may they turn to You and not away from You. Give them the strength that they need & the song that will bless Your Name. In your powerful name Jesus, Amen."

Hanging with my friends

I've been taking care of my buddies Jonathan and joshua. They are both being a little bit grouchy. But we have been having fun taking crazy pictures of our faces on photo booth. Here are some pics that I want to share with you guys. Jonathan starts school tomorrow. He is entering K-4. Read his mom's blog for more updates. And if she isn't updating, go remind her to do it.

I want to finish by saying, again, that my husband ROCKS my socks off. You are the best baby. Thank you for loving me. muah!

La, la, la ..Relaxin' & Chillin'...

Just finished putting away clothes, watching Shrek, and my most favorite chef/cook is on on the Food Network - Giada deLaurentis. I've been taking care of our friend's, David & Vicky Aguirre, kids. They are the cutest. You can see their picture on Heredes' blog. He took the camera with him, so I couldn't post their pic, but I will later. Our friends, Dave and Vick, are the Student Ministry leaders at our Doral campus and they are super great friends. Thank you guys for dinner last night and entrusting me with your children. I really enjoyed the drop off yesterday at my house :) And, thank you for dinner again tonight. Mahi-Mahi was delicious. And keep up with the blogging.

I had a great last week, great weekend, and it's been a great day today, so far. So thankful!!! Last Friday I got to hang out with two of the most wonderful, most beautiful women I know- which would be my sister Chanti & friend Kristy. They took the time to hang out with a free wife (Heredes was at Orlando). We watched "Becoming Jane". OMG how sad of a love story. The movie was good, hard to understand sometimes because the audio was so bad, but was good. When my sis finishes reading Jane Austen's novels, I think I will start. So, if you are a fan of the author or want to know a little about her life, go check it out.

Heredes got back Friday night and he had such a blessed time. Make sure you read his posts about the speakers at the Willow Creek conference. This is a good spot to give some "props" to my one and only Heredes. My man is just amazing. I'm like speechless of how great he is. I am a very blessed woman to have him as my husband. Trust me, I'm not always smiles. He is an innovator, imageneer, focused on his calling, lover of our God and people, and is everything I could ever need. He is so patient, so fashionable, and to cool to own a Blackberry. (lol) I get so excited when I see how God opens doors for him (us), his discipline, and love for life. Baby, I love you and I am yours FOREVER!!

Okay, now for those who know me, you know that I really enjoy to cook and bake. I have been in the mood to bake and cook all sorts of stuff. My inspiration has been- not all the cooking books I own- but this awesome, incredilbe magazine called Cooking Light. Here is the menu of things I was inspired to try.

On Tuesday night I grilled Salmon, made a nectarine glaze (which I didn't have nectarine jam or nectar, so I used real nectarines), and cooked up a spinach pilaf. I liked the outcome, even though next time it will come out better.

The same night, I made White Chocolate, strawberry (changed for craisins), & oatmeal cookies. Once I started blending the mixture I new this recipe was going to be SIMPLY DELICIOUS. Oh you guys, if you want the recipe I'll give it to you because it is great. I sent the cookies with Heredes to share with the peeps on the trip.

On Saturday, Heredes and I had a breakfast picnic at our pool. I love picnics. I made an egg frittata- the italian version to an omelet. This one came from my head. They are not that hard to make. I diced some tomatoes, added spinach, green peppers, turkey, egg whites (for my cholesterol), and topped it off with a slice of provolne cheese. And don't forget salt and pepper. It was gooood. We had that with some grapes and water. 'Tis was a nice morning.

Oh boy, for lunch I tried cooking with eggplant. It was this sandwich that you grill eggplant slices, purple onion, top it off with 2 slices of tomato, lettuce (I used spinach) and finally spread the breads with an aioli mayonaise. It was different, but very good. It was the first time I have ever cooked eggplant and second time I eat it. Might become one of my favorite veggies.

Lastly, last night I made these banana, walnut, oatmeal muffins. HMMM...Bam!...they were spectacular. Just got home actually from the Aguirre's house and I shared the muffins with them. So, what's next on my recipe list..I'm not sure...Maybe a Jerk chicken with mashed plantains...I'll keep you posted.

The Antology series at church is going GREAT! This weekend's service was incredible. Pastor Troy used the ant, of course, and bread to remind us that just like the ant gathers its grain for future ants to eat (they never eat it because an ants life span is 45-60 days), we are to gather our grains that will be prepared and left for the future generation to eat and live out! God has entrusted each one of us with talents to be used for HIS mission goal: to seek and save that which is lost. Not to be lazy, like the sluggard, and watch our talents disappear into our lazy boy chair. I had to ask myself what am I doing with what God has entrusted me with? Am I even thinking about the future generation that will carry God's name on High? Am I reaching my God potential today? I hope you can ask yourself those questions and answer them honestly and see how much bigger the real picture is. It was so great and I just have to say thank you Pastor Troy for your push on discipline and importance about finding our individual God potential.

Don't forget to click on the MyNakedPastor link and make sure to be part of it in September. It's going to rock! Until next time, goodnight!

Welcome back!

My brother gets here at 5:40 am today. I am so excited. Praying that he gets here safely especially since he is traveling alone....And my Husband gets back at 6:30 pm in the evening. I'm so excited. I just finished playing cards with my parents. My sister joined us for the last 2 games. I lost and cried. I'm such a dork. I got a new book yesterday and I finished the first chapter today. It is really good. Developing the Leader within You by John C. Maxwell. Got alot of stuff to learn and start applying...especially that "teachable spirit" part...I'll write more when I'm done with it. Right now, I'm just happy my bro and hubby are coming back home!!!

Don't forget to check out MyNakedPastor at FRC.

Naked?!

Click here please. :)

With my parents

Last night, Heredes and I went to my parents house. We swam in the pool, my mom cooked dinner, the boys bought us dessert, and we watched Apocalypto. It was a good movie. If you haven't seen, watch it. It's about the Mayan civilizations in Central America and one indian's escape from a crazy, bloodthirsty tribe. I don't want to go into details if anyone out there hasn't seen it yet, but I do recommend it.

While watching the movie, our dog Xena, had a fun time chewing up my new shoes. (well their like 3 months old, but still). So, that fun pic I posted is what she did. She got in big trouble for it.

Our church- Flamingo Road Church- is starting their new series: ANTOLOGY. It's going to be good. So come by and check it out. You can visit FRC for the closest campus and service times. Well, I've been doing a little bit of research on ants. It's amazing how much you can learn when you read. :) During my research yesterday, I read about a species of ants in Asia that are used to heal opened wounds. Hear this out. People attach the ant's pinchers or mandible on the open wounds, rip the body off so only the head stays on, and the ant's head works like stitches. The most exciting thing, though, is that during the movie last night, a little boy cut his leg and his mom was using the ants to stitch up his wound. How cool is that. You read about something interesting and then you get to see it in action. I had to share that because it blew me away. (And I felt so smart bc I was the only one who knew what the mom was doing with the ants. Yay!)

I had a great night with my parents and my hubby. And hope to see you guys at FRC for Antology. God bless!

Peru- Gabo I love you!

My mom and brother went to Lima, Peru about two weeks ago. My brother is actually still there and having a blast! My mom is from Peru. She was born in Iquitos. Yup, the jungle area. Her dad still lives there with his family and my grandmother and the rest of my uncles, aunts, cousins, etc. live in Lima. I was so happy for my mom. She was able to see her mom, which is like the best grandma ever! She was able to visit the FRC campus while she was there. I think I already mentioned this, but I'll say it again:) She invited two of her unsaved friends and they liked it alot. She met Steve & Dorcas & got to chat with them a bit.

My uncle is constantly sending us pictures of what they are up to over there. My uncle took his family, wife and two kids, and my brother to Cajamarca. My uncle made sure to give his kids and my brother a lesson about Cajamarca and then test them on it before they lef to their destination. From what I understand, it is pretty much where the last civilization of the Incas lived before the king surrendered his crown to the Spaniards. It's the northern countryside of Peru. I found a website, if you guys are interested, with some information about Cajamarca

So, there are some pics I am posting so you guys can see my handsome brother (milking a cow, with a parrot on his neck, & with a little boy from the village), beautiful mom (in the dark sweater & white turtle neck), and part of my family (my uncle's wife and two kids, my grandma next to my mom, & my grandma's sister in front of her). I'm happy to be half Peruvian (my other half Venezuelan) and that I am part of a church that is ministering over there. Can't wait until Heredes and I can go. Enjoi!

Days at FRC

So, I am encountering what some would call "writer's block" but I will call it "Blog block". Since I don't really know what to write about, I will write about what I have been doing the past week. I have been visiting my husband at his office up in Cooper City. It has been so fun and incredilble! I have been able to talk to people a bit more and hang around and see how they work and joke around. The atmosphere in the offices are so great. I have had the great opportunity of helping Sharon D. with some of the stage props. She is so creative. I love it! I got to hang out with my dawg Jackie Huetter, soon to be Fuller. Yay! Black magic sisters 4 life yo!!! :) I also learned to cut paper in the cool printing room. It feels like Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory in there, just that its all printers & paper machinery. I also helped out for the first time as a lifegaurd on 1st Wednesday. And how can I forget hanging out with my friend Heather P. and chatting on aim..

God is really opening some awesome doors that I am still shocked about. I am so amazed and thankful and totally excited. We had a great staff meeting on Tuesday and Pastor Troy is back! Lot of cool series coming up like Antology and much more.. It's just been a fun week and half here in the office with my husband Heredes.

Oh and i took some time to change the layout of my blog because two people had the same one. Hope you like, because I like it for now at least. And there was a poll for you guys to vote on, but right now it is not working...well, i'm out and maybe i'll have some other stuff to write on my blog that will inspire you ....