Friday, February 29, 2008

Just a quick thought...

My husband and I were driving to work yesterday morning and I saw something on the Turnpike that made me content. So, I thought why not write a list of the little things in life that make me content. Here goes.

1. Driving and seeing something just floating in the air. Ex. A publix trash bag or white piece of paper. (That's what I saw yesterday morning.)
2. Having my husband back in my arms after a long trip.
3. Laying on or seeing gorgeous, luscious, green grass. Ireland or a golf course would do.
4. Watching the funniest "Kids say the darnedest Things" video with my sister in her bed. (I had too.)
5. Watching "Never Been Kissed" on a rainy day, in my pj's, with cereal and a blanket.
6. Listening to Hillsong in the car.
7. Having a God and I moment. Those are the best. Thank you Jesus.
8. Eating a home cooked meal at my parent's home with them and the hubby and seeing everyone just laugh and enjoy being FAMILY.
9. Looking up at the sky when it is pure blue- no clouds- and sunny with a hint of wind. Ahh satisfaction.
10. Listening to my husband speak to his family in Brazil.
11. Seeing birds sit on a dead tree or sitting on the electric posts.
12. Hearing the waves crash.
13. Completing a drawing.
14. Flamingo Road Church
15. The numbers 5, 15, 25.

Those are just a few. It is those little things that remind me God is good and He is great! He has given me more than I could ever dream of. He has blessed me.

What are the little things in your life that bring contentment, satisfaction, and gratefulness? Share it or write them down in a journal or somewhere and say thank you to God.

Monday, February 25, 2008

VBS in Lima, Peru...


Today our Flamingo Road Church Lima Campus will begin their Vacation Bible School. (Escuela Biblica de Vacaciones) I'm not sure what theme they are using this year, but it should be a great hit. They will be hosting it in the KFC in Lima- which has two floors. Very cool! So for my family in Lima, I invite you to go and have some fun.

Para mi familia en Lima, les invito primos que participen. Comienza a las 4 de la tarde y termina a las 6 de la tarde. La direccion es Comandante Espinaz 240 Miraflores, Peru. (Kentucky Fried Chicken) Edades 4-12 anos; febrero 25-27. Bye!

Friday, February 22, 2008

Holy Moly....

Heredes seems to be having a great time at the C3 conference at Fellowship Church. If you want to see his "Holy, Moly" elephant moment check out Brian Vasil's blog. Handsome I hope you are doing fine with your little jacket in the cold weather!


Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Photo Competition...

Check out the website for more information on registering.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Coconut Grove Arts Festival...


Today, Heredes and I woke up at 10:00 am (which I was really happy about) and drove to Coconut Grove for their 45th annual art festival.  We walked, held hands, observed, talked, and had a wonderful time.  I love date days with my husband.  There was a lot of great talent and I didn't get to capture all my favorite artists on camera- because it wasn't allowed- but there are a couple of pictures posted of what I liked and did get to capture.  There was great photography, water color, drawing/printmaking, painting, fiber, and metal/jewelry making art pieces.  The food looked awesome and there was live music.  
If you've checked out my husband's blog, you will see we have a special art project in the works. (When this will happen, I'm not sure)  And, I think we differ in taste of art because of Romero Britto- Heredes loves him, I'm indifferent.  But stay tuned for our future artwork(s).  
We ended the day eating at Cheesecake Factory. Yum, yum!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Happy Valentine's Baby

Leave it to Heredes to always find the coolest things ever online. Thank you baby for your candy message, so I'm sending one back to you! You guys can try it out as well.

Happy Valentine's to my family and family in Peru, Venezuela, and Brazil. And to all my friends, co-workers, loved ones, etc. hope you have a great valentine's day filled with love from our Heavenly Father and those dear to you.

Friday, February 8, 2008

Watch your Backs Invaders....

Heads up to my husband!  
This morning, the ladies that make sure our offices are spick and span, called me to Heredes' office because there was a load of destruction.  Here are the pictures of the crime scene and I have an idea of WHO the suspect could have been.  Now, it's all fun and games and I don't want to ruin this exciting part of my husband's life, but just remember to not mess up my office supply and mail room PLEASE.  :)  To the "Who" I think it is, thanks because it made us ladies here in the office laugh, because as you all know- Fridays are a bit slow.  Enjoy the pics Handsome!!

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Quarterly Staff Meeting Notes...

Yesterday night we had our Quarterly Staff Meeting and it was Incredible. I think it was so incredible because so much was directed to me and my personal life. The key word I remember is DISCIPLINE, DISCIPLINE, DISCIPLINE. I am one with very little discipline. I had to write down my notes and share with anyone who reads this and for my children's ministry team.

Hebrews 12:1-13
* Two things verse 1 tells us to get rid of: Sin and the things that hinder us.
* God initiates the vision and perfects it. v. 2
* How does He do that? Discipline (endurance)
* The greatest enemy to ministry is: DISCOURAGEMENT
* How do we/I/you keep going when others quit? Discipline
* Discipline is the battle of the skin.
* My skin Always pulls the opposite direction of my destiny. (the Destiny God has created for me)

There are 4 types of discipline: (This was great)
1. Self: 1 Corinthians 11:31-32
We can discipline ourselves. "I will not eat that cheesecake."
2. Authority: Proverbs 13:24
People above us discipline us- like our parents, boss, etc.
3. God's: 1 Corinthians 11:32
God disciplines. He disciplines those He loves.
4. Consequential: Proverbs 5:11-13
Consequences can discipline us. The last resort. Not a fun one.
* If we can't discipline ourselves, the authority steps in and can discipline us. If that doesn't work, God steps in and disciplines us. If we still don't obey and improve, then sadly the consequences of our lack of discipline step in. (sickness, depression, death, etc.)

Discipline Truths:

* When you are weak, something will be strong. Let God be strong in those moments because you are disciplined. Don't let emotions, negativity, anger, etc. be strong in moments of weakness.
* Discipline bleeds. Read more here: Potential Blog
* Discipline is not like riding a bike, more like building a muscle.
* Discipline is never fun, the results always are. (True that)
* Discipline is initiated by VISION
- If you don't know why you are doing what you are doing, then it won't last. Christ endured the cross because he saw the joy of redemption ahead of Him. He saw us who would accept and believe and be saved. How beautiful!!!
* Discipline is fueled by progress
* Discipline is passed on by success

The Discipline of ETHOS demands:
1. DIVERSITY: We have to discipline ourselves to listen (to those different from me) and to engage (get to know & love them).
2. COLLABORATION: Discipline to be authentic (open about our fears & failures) and to be truth tellers.
3. POTENTIAL: Discipline to growth (mental, spiritual, emotional, physical)
4. MOVEMENT: Discipline ourselves to evaluation and make a hard decision.
5. ENVIRONMENT: Discipline to prepare and not to settle and make excuses.
6. THINKING: Discipline to ask questions and not to accept the answers.

I left thinking and encouraged. I left knowing that I have to improve on three of the above Ethos and work on the weakest ones. (Which would probably be all of them) But Discipline- the Christian walk should just be defined that. I hope you guys got something out of this and I encourage you to search where you need discipline and start taking One day at a time. I know I will. Pray for me.