My Recap of My Naked Pastor...

So, I am a bit late on my recap of one of the coolest series I have been a part of: My Naked Pastor.com...The camera shut off on Sunday- October 14, 2007 in the green room. Some people had the opportunity to talk about how the series was a blessing to them before the camera shut off. Unfortunately, my shyness kicked in and I didn't say what I would have liked too. But I did write it on Pastor Troy's blog. I have to say that seeing my Pastor and his family open up like that says alot. And I am thankful for their honesty and authenticity and their obedience before God to do something out of their lazy-boy zone to reach those who are lost, hurting, depressed, saved, and those who need encouragement. It was great following everyone around- while at their house, at church, on trips, etc. It was nice to follow them in Chicago and Indiana, so I could see my husband :)

The series has shown me the importance of being real before God. In the moments of my anger, tiredness, insecurities- God wants be to just be real before Him. We taught the kids the same principal- authenticity. The children's ministry actually wrote the curriculum for this series and it went so well. My Life in a Fishbowl was so fun and this Sunday we have our recognition for all the students that attended all 5 weeks. Some blessed child will be winning a Nintendo DS. And the rest $5. gift cards to Coldstone. They had a terrific bible memory verse: "Nothing in all creation can be hidden from God. Everything lies open and clear before HIm and to HIm we must explain the way we have lived". Hebrews 4:13 And that was from memory. So, hopefully i got it :) But that verse is so clear, so naked and I hope they got it hidden in their hearts.

MyNakedPastor will run for two more weekends, without the camera, kids are jumping into Initiative, and we will soon start the Domino Effect series. Now I have to work on Trunk or Treat...which I'm a little behind on, but hopefully will get everything done by this weekend. I encourage everyone to continue praying for the Gramling family as they take a rest from the cameras and that they continue serving strong. And I read this devotional this morning, and the verse talked about: Let no unwholesome talk come out of OUR mouths, but only that to encourage and lift each other up...Epehsians....And I am just praying that only encouraging words would reach our pastor and not unwholesome talk ("garbage") :) But as we learned this past weekend...to reach greatness, we must go through the pain...Drink from His cup...

God bless everyone....I finished my classical drawing class..I'll be posting those pictures up when i finish two of my drawings..have a great day!!!!

Recap of the Weekend & Heroes Premiere

It has been a great weekend. My husband came back Saturday morning and I was sooooooo happy. I really missed him and miss him right now. He left on Sunday night to Chicago. He is there right now probably having dinner with Pastor Troy. I just can't express how much I miss him. The weekend was also exciting because Pastor Troy spoke on the second lesson of the My Naked Pastor Series- I get Angry. It was a great service. Even though I didn't stand up during the invitation, I do need improvement with anger issues. I've noticed that I get mad, maybe not totally angry, fairly quickly- especially on the road. I really have to pray before I hit the streets because every little person in their cars that don't respect the law really irritate me. So yea, I'm getting naked right now.

Sunday was Beach Baptism. I had the privilage to speak to one of my students and her brother about salvation and baptism. Their parents sat in with us and I am just so blessed by that family. Even though Heredes and I couldn't go to the Beach Baptism, we did see the whole thing through www.mynakedpastor.com and let me tell you, it was soooooo cool. I saw my student and her brother take a pic with Pr. Troy and Stephanie. They are on his blog. Congrats guys! It was so cool to see couples getting baptized, wives getting baptized, husbands, teens, and one that really got me was a little elderly woman who got baptized. Phew, I almost broke down with tears of joy right there on my bed. It was so awesome. God is awesome. He is so great! And to see people taking a stand for Christ and making a commitment its just what its all about.

My Life in a Fishbowl has been going great. Our kids at Doral have really connected well and I think we are all having a great time learning about God's word and being Authentic. I bought two little fishes as our maskots. The kids called them Fiona and Shrek. This morning though, I found Shrek dead :( so I have to go back to Walmart and buy another one. I introduced Jesus is my Superhero and the kids loved it! I am going to record it next week and post it because that truly has to be the ultimate best kids worship song ever!

Well, Heredes is in the windy city and I hope Pr. Troy and him are enjoying dinner. My mom cooked this awesome Tilapia with Tostones and my dad made the salad. Delicious! And yesterday she made Aji de Gallina. Woo Hoo! And today the second season of HEROES started. Wow! Okay, as always I am lost but who cares..it's what makes the show. There are a couple of new characters and it just looks like it is going to be an amazing season. If you guys haven't seen any of the episodes, buy the DVD for season 1, finish it, and start the second season.

Well that's about it for today. I have an early and exciting day tomorrow :) and I'm just praying that Heredes can get back home earlier.

I miss my husband....

My husband, Heredes Ribeirois in Tampa as we speak. I dropped him off last night at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport. I'll be staying with my family until Saturday morning. I totally miss him. It's so weird; I miss sleeping in my bed with my husband. My sister has been kind enough to share her queen size bed with me. Thank you Chanti. It's times like these that you realize how much loved and important people in your life really mean.

Heredes has been working really hard to help Pastor Troyand the church make MyNakedPastor possible. There is a bunch of people who are really doing a great job, like: Arturo, Megee, the staff, the video team, etc. But I just wanted to brag on my hubby because he really is doing alot. Good job handsome! Heredes comes back on Saturday morning and then, from my understanding, leaves again to Chicago & Indiana on Sunday night. Ohhhh WHHHYYY!!! I think he is out for like a whole week. :( Either way, I am very excited for him because he will be visiting Granger Community Church for the Innovate Conference(check out the video) & Willow Creek & taking mynakedpastorover there too.

So, I am very proud of my hubby. And I just wanted to mention that the new series started off on a great start. We had over 8,000+ in attendance or viewing the service on Saturday and Sunday. The teaching on I Fight was really good. Pastor Troy and Stephaniedid an excellent job teaching together. They are such a blessing! And I am really anxious about this weekend's topic on I Get Angry. God knows I need to hear that. The devotional that I am on today in our Fish Food book ( I think I am a day behind) gave the verses of Ephesians 4:31-32- "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." I don't think I need to go in depth about this verse; pretty clear on what it's saying.

So, now I will wash my car, run some errands, try to draw, and come back to my parent's house and not be home alone.

Happy Birthday To You....

I would like to say Happy 21st Birthday to my sister Chantal Alexandra Meza. A.K.A.- Chanti. Since I haven't blogged in a while, I am going to blog and brag about my best friend, my sister. Many of you have seen the mynakedpastor UTube videos of my friend and her. Yes, that is my sister & no, that is not me. :) I can't believe she is 21! Man, life goes by fast.

My sister is the greatest person ever! She is soooo funny. I really think there isn't anyone who makes me laugh more than she does. She is my Mia Rudolph (SNL). She is in Texas this weekend. She is a hard worker. She works with my mom at Rowland Coffee Roasters...yup the wonderful people who make Cafe Pilon. (yum, nothing like Cuban coffee) She was in Vegas last week, got back on Tuesday and left on Thursday for Texas. She is doing a little marketing here and there & is at some music festival having a good time passing out coffee drinks. :) She is a full- time student & full-time worker. That alone is amazing.


I remember when we were younger, we would fight here and there. i think I have a picture of us with the same outfit (my mom found pleasure dressing us alike), my cabbage patch, & me pulling on her ear as we smile for the pic. I also remember having wrestling matches in our huge walk-in closet. Aww, good times, good times. I think when Heredes leaves to Indiana & Chicago I'll have to go over & have a wrestling match with the sis. I also remember me being so afraid of the dark. I think God healed me from that like at the age of 16.lol. But my sister was such a good sport at night. We use to have 3 beds in our room- our nanny's, my sister's, and mine. Of course, my bed had to be near the door (scary) and my sister's was in the middle. In the middle of the night, I would carry my sister out from her bed and place her on my bed and then I would sleep in her bed thinking that I would be safe because I had her on one side and my nanny on the other. The when morning came she would wake up and realize that she was not in her own bed. Let me tell you, she always looks out for me, even if I was the biggest scardy cat of all.

I remember our No Doubt, Googoosdolls, Dc Talk , and Oc Supertones times. Rock the universe, pink hair, spikes, and hot green. Ha, making our own headbands and shirts. Playing in the band. Playing soccer together on the same team. Woot woot! Learning through hard, weird times & getting stronger. (hopefully :D ) You being the most beautiful Maid of Honor, driving, working, and owning a dog.

I LOVE YOU CHANTS. I can't express that enough. You are beautiful inside and out. You have a heart that is bigger than stupid drama. Thank you for being my best friend, my sister, the one who beats me at every card & board game. lol. I love you and don't you forget that! I'm so happy that you & the family are at FRC. So happy! And I love to see you serve and SING. Yay! Can't wait to hear you.

Chants, happy birthday once again and IIIIIIIIIIIIIII lOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEE YOUUUUUU!!!! May God continue blessing you with many more wonderful years, so He can continue using you for His glory! You are wonderful. Enjoy the pic. LOL

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...

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."

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!

Naked?!

Click here please. :)