Wednesday 30 January 2013

"Call Me Fanatic" - Poem

Call me fanatic if you will.
Call me crazy if you will.
Call me abnormal if you will.

But you just don't get it, you just don't understand.

You weren't there, when he gave my life meaning
You weren't there, when he held me in my loneliness
You weren't there, when he gave me strength in deception
You weren't there, when he healed my loved one of cancer
You weren't there, when he saved my sibling from disaster
You weren't there, when he kept me from drugs & disease
You weren't there, when he kept me from addiction
You weren't there, when everyone left, only He remained
You weren't there, when he healed my soul from pain
You weren't there, when he kept me from harms way
You weren't there, when he provided, when there was not a cent left
You weren't there, when he showed me love in my weaknesses
You weren't there, when he made a way, where there was no way
You weren't there, when he opened a door, that was forever shut
You weren't there, when he gave me peace that surpasses all understanding
You weren't there, when he showed me light in the darkness
You weren't there, when he wiped my tears
You weren't there, when he filled me with wondrous power
You weren't there, when he forgave all of my sins
You weren't there, when he blessed me, with more than I deserved
You weren't there, when he answered all of my prayers....

Call me fanatical if you will, but YOU JUST WEREN'T THERE.

-Me

Some people will never understand why we dedicate so much to serving God, why we spend so much time in his presence, why we work in his business without getting anything in return. But the truth is, there's nothing that can compare, to God's presence, it's a bit of heaven on this earth! Anything that we do here on earth, could never re-pay the Lord for the salvation he offers us, for his mercies every morning and for the faithfulness he has shown us, even in our weaknesses. He's done so much for us, how can we not serve HIM!?!? If they want to call me fanatic, so be it, I am a fan of JESUS. Why not? The world has so many idols and love for human beings, and even cry and scream when they see them, just another human being, like you and me! So why is it fanatical and crazy to cry and worship in the presence of the almighty GOD, who is not human, who is all power, who has done so much for me and the ones I love? I say it's more crazy to worship a human being, than it is to worship, the CREATOR of all. But I'll leave that up to you to decide. Call me crazy if you will, but you just weren't there.


"Preaching about the cross sounds foolish to those who are dying in sin. But it is the power of God to those of us who are being saved from the punishment of sin" - 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NLV)

Monday 28 January 2013

The Biggest Loser: Week 4

TheJavaMama


So it's that time again.

Progress:

I'm down 1.5 pounds from last week - for a total of 7 pounds in 3 weeks of this madness (HA!), my short-term goal is 20 so I'm getting there! Longterm goal is 35.

Last week was another rough week for me, it was really cold in this part of the world and I wasn't feeling too great - Health wise, so both things got to me. I really dislike being cold. lol...my blood is tropical. All I wanted to do when I got home was cuddle up in bed with warm blankets, however, I did manage to get 2 workouts during the week, despite not feeling too great and it paid off. :)

I must say I'm impressed with my water consumption, I've been able to do more than 8 glasses a day and don't even realize it.

Things I struggled with:

Getting motivated to workout, since like I said  a few things drained me out. But I started looking at that dress I really want to wear again and that helped. LOL...

Cravings for fast/junk food. I've been pretty good at staying away from the fast food, but last week I was craving everything (it was that TOM), from burgers, to poutines, to pizza, to chocolate! OH boy it was hard not to sink in, but I didn't! I try to stock up on low-fat/healthy snacks at home and at work, to keep me full and stop my cravings. I also try to re-create lower fat versions of my favs like pizza and poutines. lol...and it works! I have those for lunch, for exampe a baked whole wheat tortilla with a light sauce and light mozarella cheese and add a side garden salad. I'm trying to have a heavy lunch and really light dinners. It's been working for me.

Things that motivate me:

Maybe y'all could use similar things as motivation.

-Looking at pictures of myself of the weight I want to be at again.
-The sweet hubs is taking me to Buffalo for a shopping trip in a few weeks - I want to have lost a few more pounds to buy some new clothes!
-Looking at clothing in my closet that I used to wear and would love to wear again.
-Thinking about the weight you already lost and how much more you will lose if you keep going!!

I think that's about all I have to say for today! Hope you had a great week. :) We can do this.

Thursday 24 January 2013

Growth Through Pain - Testimony

 photo mom_zps9a91f44d.jpg
About 5 years ago, my beautiful mother went through a rough year, health wise. She was constanly in pain, in surgery after surgery. There were times when she would call me crying and I would feel helpless. It was a tough time and when I think about how she and I got through it all, I can only thank God. It is very possible that my mom would not be still alive today but by the mercy of God she is. It was a hard time in my life, but we made it through.

I remember one particular time, I was going to visit her at the hospital after work. I was feeling very down because of this ongoing situation. I wanted to see my mother's health restored. This had just gone on for too long and there was also a fear in me of my mother not making it. I didn't feel ready for that, eventhough I was married, I felt that I still needed her alot in my life for guidance and advice. She's always the person I turn too. That day, I felt so heartbroken, asking God "why?", I could not bare to see my mom in so much pain and suffering any longer.  I decided to play a CD I had in my car to calm me down the rest of the way to the hospital. I did not want my mother to see me in the state I was. I needed to be strong for her. As the CD played, a song came on that ministered to my heart, oh so dearly (it was God sent, I don't believe in coincidences!). It was a breaking point for me. I had my moment with God that gave me the strength to endure the rest of my mother's sickness. The tears just started to flow and I thanked God for being my strength, my refuge, my hope and my peace (Psalms 37:39 - "He is their strength in the time of trouble"). Although I was still concerned for my mother, I was finally able to leave my burden on God instead of carrying it myself.

Now everytime I hear that song, it takes me back to that moment and time. And I get teary. There are moments you have in the presence of God that impact your life forever. I'm thankful for the moments God has allowed me to pass with him. My moms sickness made me learn to trust him more, it made me grow in faith (as I saw him heal her from Cancer!), it made me mature in him, it made me value the right things in life, the things that are worth it and to enjoy even the smallest moments of life with your loved ones.

From everything we learn and I'm thankful for that. It was a painful time of my life, but now when I look back, I realize all of the great lessons it taught me. I don't think I had ever gotten as close to God as I did, when my mother was sick. I believe that is another reason why I had to go through that time, to learn to get close to Him and stay close to Him for the plans He had in my future, I needed to learn to have that close relationship with him. I needed to stop focussing on the things I was, to focus on Him and His plans for my life. During that time, He wrapped me in his arms and sustained me.

The chorus of that song goes like this (it's in spanish but I translated the chorus).
You are my Refuge, and my Salvation
In you I find, comfort in my pain,
I know that you desire, my time and my life
I give it all to you.

I leave you with this verse, which I truly believe: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28

Tuesday 22 January 2013

Some People Just Want To Talk

As I posted in my Resolutions post for 2013. One of the things I wanted to focus on this year is giving more one-on-one bible studies. It's a challenging thing for me to do and it keeps me from being comforterable with what I already know about scripture! During these one-on-one bible studies, you never know the questions that will come up, but if we have a constant relationship with God, with his spirit, with his Word, the Word just flows! I have experienced that the right words just flow and I'm left thinking, "when did I read that again?" The point is, I did at some point and God allowed that word to penetrate into my heart and mind, so in the right moment I could speak it out! - Scripture completes itself, when it says...."I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them” Hebrews 10: 16 - his word is written in our minds! :)

Anyhoo, so I had a bible study scheduled with an elderly lady from the church who has been visiting us for a bit. I wanted to share the plan of salvation with her. So we met and before we started the study, she started talking about her life, her family, her children etc.  Through her tears, you could tell how much burden she carries inside for her family but the lovely part was that she said that she depended on God for strength. After chatting away for bit I was finally able to start on the bible study. I proceeded to explain about our church's beliefs and with about every point that I said, she had a story or question to say/ask. I had about 5 pages to go through and we barely covered the 1st page because she had alot on her chest which she wanted to express.

Our time ran out and I wasn't able to complete the study. As I meditated on the situation, I was not upset at that, I realized that some people really just need a person to listen to them, to listen to their needs and minister to them by just listening. Sometimes this can do a whole lot in the "conversion process" of the person, than you carrying out a lesson plan word by word. They need to see the love of Christ in you and  that we truly have love for their souls and are there to minister to their particular needs. Of course, the teaching is important, but it can go hand in hand. Again, this is why we always have to be in tune with what God wants to do instead of what we want to accomplish out of a bible study. This lady, at this point, just really needed someone to hear her out and to speak words of encouragement to her.

So I guess what I learned, once again, you can never be tooo ready for a bible study, you never know how things will play out, just be in tune with the Spirit of God and He will direct what you have to say. Remember to be a good listener, that's a way to minister as well, some people just want to talk. : )


Monday 21 January 2013

The Biggest Loser: Week 3

TheJavaMama












So today is Monday! Time for The Biggest Loser update.

Progress:

From last Monday I've gone down 1.5 pounds. I'm happy I went down but must say, wish I could lose more in a week. LOL..however, I know some weeks are better than others. I didn't exercise this week as much as I wanted too, mostly due to exhaustion. We had a lot of things going on this week so only had 2 days of workouts. My goal is 4 times of week. Overall I'm keeping positive and motivated. This week will be better. Slow and steady they say is better, but as humans we always want to rush things. lol...

Things I want to work on:

I need more sleep. Sleeping definitely assists when you are trying to lose weight, I need to get in some proper rest. I was getting in bed at a decent time a few days in the pass weeks, but last week wasn't that great. I will work on that this week.

I want to add an extra 10 minutes to my normal workout this week.

Recipe I tried:

I tried a simple recipe I saw online for whole wheat tortilla wraps with Re-fried beans and Avacado. I must say it was delicous. I had 2 medium size for lunch with a side salad. I used Pinto Beans (my favs) but you can use black or red bean (or whatever bean!), mushed them and re-fried them in a tad bit of olive oil. I added lemon to 1/2 of an avacado and a pinch of salt (you can omit, but I need a pinch!). Than I put it together. I warmed up the Tortillas. I really enjoyed them. Maybe you can give them a try.

Funny Story:

My two year old (soon to be 3), seems to love when mommy is working out. It's cute how she watches the workout video so intently and tries to do the moves. It's quite hilarious. The other day, I was doing sit-ups and she said she wanted to do some too. She laid down and did a whole set of "2" sit-ups. She got up and said, "mommy I'm tired"...lol...okay sweety....

Looking forward to reading your progress! Until next week. :)

Thursday 17 January 2013

Weekly Favs: "More, More, More"

This week's weekly song is More, More, More, by Joann Rosario.

As we start a new year, this is definitely the cry of my soul. I need more of Jesus, we all do. It is my desire that by the end of the year, I can feel that have reached a higher level in Christ. That he can continue to be the centre of my life and leader of my paths. Less of me and more of Him. I would hope that each day He and His ways can be more reflected in my person, than myself and this sinful nature.

My husband recently challeged us in one sermon to Make Godly Resolutions for 2013 and that aside from any material objectives, we make spiritual goals a priority. He quoted this scripture, which I love and desire to come true each day in my life.

"He must increase, but I must decrease." - John 3:30 NKJV

Can I challenge you to desire More this year of Him? Trust me, He won't let you down. His presence is Wonderful.



Tuesday 15 January 2013

Biggest Loser: Week 2

 

TheJavaMama

 
So I came across a post from the Java Mama Blog here about a Biggest Loser Blogger Challenge!

A few friends and myself have teamed up to motivate each other to lose those extra pounds which have been hanging around for just too long! As I mentioned in my 2013 Resolutions Post here, my goal is to lose at least 20 pounds this year, so when I came across this blog, I knew I had to link-up as well. It's fun and motivational. With a few friends we created a secret group on Facebook called "The Biggest Loser" to share our victories, meal ideas and to keep motivated. It becomes more easier to keep on track if you have others motivating you.

I started my meal and exericise plan last week and as of Monday, yesterday, I have lost 4 pounds! Pretty happy about that. I've got a long way to go but of course it's boost of motivation to see that scale drop to the left. lol...Using the MyFitnessPal to log meals and exercise has been extremely helpful too, maybe you should try!

Today I will share a Picture of where I would like to be! This picture is from when I was on maternity leave. I took care of my weight and ate right that year. Coming back to work was my problem. The busy schedule, of being a fulltime worker, mom, wife, ministries etc, got me into the habit of eating badly, becuase I wanted quick and easy. And not, to mention, at work there's always free food, lol, and mostly bad things like sweets, I love my sweets!! But I've come to realize that with a little planning, motivation and will POWER from above, we can all eat healthy even with our busy lifestyles. I started also thinking that I don't want to be 40 years old and with alot of health problems. A lot, if not all, of the health problems in North America stem from not eating properly. I want to be healthy for me and for my family. I can do something to today to ensure I'm around for those important moments in my families lives. This is not just about losing weight, I'm determined to make this a lifestyle change!


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One of my goals during this challenge is to try new receipes each week. I will try to post here about the new things I try, maybe they could help you! :)

Tuesday 8 January 2013

Some Resolutions for 2013

Today I wanted to share some Resolutions that I want to work on this year. This list is not complete. There are many other things that I want to work on but are my secret. ha ha...Oh and these are not listed in order of importance, I'm to lazy to go and put them in that order...lol...

1) I want to perfect my spanish! I want to speak it, write it, read it more often. I don't want to sound like I'm having trouble expressing myself, I want to speak it with confidence.

2) I want to sing a challenging song. There's a song I've been meaning to practice and sing because it scares me! I need that type of challenge to grow as a singer. I don't want to be comferterable.

3) I want to lose at least 20 pounds, I know this is like on everyone's list! lol...But I want to do this to feel and be healthier, to be healthier and more energetic for my daughter. I want to be a fun mom, not a boring, tired mom. I remember my mom being a fun mom. I want to be that for Bre.

4) I want to grow my clothing business in the time that I can. It's hard with a full-time job, ministry duties, and mommy and wifey to do's but with God's help I will grow it, without stressing like I WAS at first. I'm thinking a Modest Consignment/High Quality Thrift Store in my 5 year plan. ; )

5) I want to give more bible studies. Last year was a very busy year with the purchase of the church building and other personal things that happened, so our focus was a bit deviated and I don't feel like I did enough one-on-one of these. I want to share the plan of salvation with many! AND I already have my first one of the year in the works, I shall write about it. :)

6) I want to be a better wife, mom, friend, sister, daughter, servant of the Lord, singer, etc. The list could go on. I want to be a better in all aspects. With God's help I can.

7) I want to write another book (write more in general!). I have one in the works but sometimes I lose motivation. I need to get back at it!

8) I want to be disciplined with my time and use it wisely.

9) I want to sleep more. lol...I think I get an average of 5 hour sleep every night. Not good. Need beauty rest!

10) I want to study the scripture more, pray more! Like I said before, sometimes with fulltime responsiblities, the time to do this becomes minimal, when it should be first priority! With this in mind, we started a weekly morning prayer before work at church with a friend and it has blessed me so much. I'm thankful for my friend and friends who push you to be better in your spiritual walk!

11) Less of me and more of Jesus. Any pride please KAPUT in Jesus name. It's all about HIM!

12) I want to learn by memory Chapter 5 of Revelations in english and in spanish. It's my favourite scripture and I have trouble memorizing! I will tackle this.

I think I got a little carried away and this list is too big, so I will stop here. lol...sorry, or maybe not sorry, this is my journal!!

Thanks for reading! Would love to read some of your resolutions. :)

Friday 4 January 2013

Weekly Favs - "Favor"

This week I want to feature this song called "Favor" by True Worshippers. It's simple and sweet. My favourite phrase of the song is "Oh your favor and your Grace Lord, last a lifetime" because those words are so true. During the 28 years of life that I have lived, I can sincerly say that I have seen the hand of God, his grace, his mercy and his love with me. He has never once left me alone, even when I haven't been so faithful. He is such a faithful God and that is why I love Him and Serve Him.

"I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." 
Matthew 28:20

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life..."
 Psalms 23:6


Wednesday 2 January 2013

What I'm Thankful For From 2012

I must say I had a great holiday season, spent it with family and church family! It was really one of the greatest new years we've had as a church family. Because we didn't have our own church building (we sold our previous one) we hadn't really had our normal end of year celebrations for 3 winters in a row! We all missed it. We bought our new church building in the summer, so this year we went all out. We had alot of fellowship and alot of fun. You could see the joy in everyone's faces. I'm so thankful for what God has done at our church.

I'm thankful for alot of the things God gave me in 2012, good and bad because from everything we learn and grow. I'm thankful for the simple things (which are not so simple!) like a family to love, a place to live, eyes to see etc. But as I meditate on last years events, one of the major things I'm thankful for is our newly aquired Church building. Now, I know it's just a building, but there are many reasons why I'm thankful for it. I'm thankful for it because 1) working towards the goal, united us as a church more than we could have ever imagined, 2) it increased our faith, because their were things during the process that truthfully only God could have made possible, and really, obtaining a building like we did was only an "in your dreams" type of thing, because of the location itself 3) because it has open doors to do more things for the glory of God and the growth of his church and 4) because the church is in such a strategic area (the area we really desired!) that people have been coming to the church just from seeing our church sign alone.

Truthfully, obtaining this church building was a dream come true for many of our members. And with this new blessing, God has provided us a new vision, new passion, a new love for the growth of his church. I see the brethen working with love and passion and that is truly inspiring to me. Also, seeing my Pastors overjoyed about what God is doing also makes me happy. They have endure alot of heartaches during their years of ministry and I feel like they deserve this blessing so much.

Like I said, I'm thankful for a lot of things, but what we've achieved out of this new church building are memories, experiences and growth with God which I will never forget.

Our lovely church. :)