Reminders about Marriage...

This morning I drove up with Heredes to Cooper City. It's a day of meetings, planning, and doing homework. As he is down stairs in a meeting, I was looking up some devotionals about marriage. Can you believe it! It will be 3 years of marriage on December 27. So far, marriage has been great. I am so blessed- I've been given such a great gift, my husband. I take that for granted to much I think. I take alot of things for granted. Sucks! As we all know, marriage is filled with good times, but sometimes those nasty, ugly little times show up. It is those bad times that I believe so many people give up on their marriages and end it with that ugly D- word. (divorce) I never want to even think about getting a divorce or even having that word come out of my mouth.

As our marriage grows, sometimes it can be tough. I'm not going to lie, I am such an emotional person that sometimes I let the stupid things pile up rather than having fun with my best and only half- HEREDES. Every month women, we get a little friend that passes by and ruins 4--6 days out of that month. I find myself so weak during that time..and i mean weak in every area of my life. Spiritually, physically, & emotionally. I think the only good thing that happens during this time is the fact that I can't stand seeing the house dirty, so I start to clean. :)

So, this morning I wanted to read a bit about what God has to say about marriage, feelings, and commitments through His word and some devotionals. First, I read my friend HP's devo. about how in the beginning GOD created everything and that TODAY (& everyday) I need to lift His glory up and not mine. Then I jumped into James McDonald's devo. about "...walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness." Galatians 5:16,22: meaning- Marcy, stop getting angry and bitter about stupid, small stuff and walk in the Spirit and let His fruits flourish within you.

Next, I stopped by www.crosswalk.com and read a devo. about kids and parents (holy cow, that is another level that I am not even ready for), The next two devos. are the marriage ones and the first one is titled: Three Attitudes Needed in a Successful Marriage. The three attitudes are: trust, appreciation, and acceptance of differences. I sit here and think, Lord, I trust my husband. And when I say that I trust him...I really trust him. "Baby, I trust you." To my friends who are newly weds or are about to wed, trust your husband's and tell them that you trust them and encourage them in their most weakest moments. If I am an emotional freak, then that tells me that my husband struggles with something too. So, be sensitive to his needs and reaffirm him constantly.

Appreciation and acceptance of differences are areas I need to work on. I hope I am an appreciating wife. "Heredes- from the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank youuuu so much for washing the dishes yesterday. It means alot and I am so thankful. :)" The auther writes, be honest & sincere in you appreciation. Lastly, it's funny how "we" say that our husbands/wives are our better halves, but so many times we want to change them or wish they weren't the way they were. I'm guilty of that. So, I go back to HP's devo. about God creating each one of us so differently and uniquely; all creation is like that. So what right do I have to want to change my husband. Of course, there are always areas that need improvement, but I think we understand what the author is trying to say here.

The last devo. I want to share (bc this is getting to long) is titled "Building Marital Securtiy while Living in a Culture of Divorce". This is a conversation between the author and his wife. Something that really hit me was the question "How do you build security in 'our' marraige?" She answers by acknowldeging that she would never say the words hate, divorce, or leave, even if she thought them. ;) And second, (and I remember my mom always telling me this) is her vows were not only said to her husband, but they were a true commitment before the Lord. And that my friends is what I find so amazing. How true is that!!! My commitment the night of our wedding before the whole congregation, was for my husband, but above all to my Heavenly Father. She reminded me that "feelings will change so many times during the day because situations change- but my decison to love him was a commiment for life". A solid foundation in Christ will produce a solid foundation in the HaM relationship. LOL. I remember the song by Geoff Moore and the Distance: "Right here, right now, in the midst of the crowd...I stand alone and make my vow. Whatever it takes I will be faithful. Right here, right now, Let there be no doubt. Let every whisper, with every shout, Let the whole world know I will be faithful. This is my vow." (Oldskool, but great and so true)

These were all great reminders to just keep at it. Fight the good fight. Honor God, Remember I am not even close to being perfect or knowing it all. And that as a wife, I have a responsibilty, duty and service of commitment to my loving husband and my AWESOME, forgiving, merciful Father. My encouragment to all the women who are late in years in their marraiges, in the middle, are new, are about to get married, or are single and one day it will happen....keep those attidudes fresh in our brains: trust, appreciation, and acceptance of differences and remember your commitments. (not only in marriage, but in everything) I was having a weak weekend, but thank you Lord for pushing me to get out of my lazy, dull feelings and getting up and reading your word and thoughts to encourage me today in my relationships- especially my relationship with my husband.

Naked Pastor Video Contest- Kristy & Chanti

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."