Saturday, August 29, 2009

Week full of emotions...

My little boy started kindergarten and my little girl started Jr. High.
We got up Monday morning and did really well getting ready. We took Ant & Adi to the school and of course walked them in. Ant took off with his friends and we walked with Adriana to her first class. On our way, we ran into Alyssa and that's who Adriana ended up staying with. The bell rang and we left her to be a "big girl on campus". Of course I cried after we walked away, but not as bad as when I left Anthony. I guess he helped to prepare me.
Then off to Dominic's school. It was like a zoo, seriously!!! Every parent was there & it was ridiculous! Anyway, Dominic played with Shellianna until it was time to line up and go to class. All the kids lined up & so did the parent's with their cameras in hand. Needless to say, Dominic was not happy about this. He didn't want to stand in line, he didn't want to walk to class, he didn't want to go into the class. Jose was able to get him in and sit with the class. We hung around for a minute then left him.
When we picked him up, he was VERY HAPPY to see us! He had a really good day, but wasn't happy about going. That night we discussed him going to school again tomorrow and what the procedure was going to be. He said he was going to cooperate, but was that what was really going to happen???
Tuesday morning we all got up, without Jose. Got ready & headed out. We dropped the two older ones off at school and headed towards DOminic's school. I was talking to him about staying, having a good day, Angels watching over him, etc...
We got to the school and found Emilio & Shellianna to play. The yard duty blew her whistle and it was all over!!! Dominic was clinging to my thighs, from the back. Screaming & crying, throwing a fit and just not happy with the idea that he once again, has to stay at the school without mom. I pried him into the classroom and as the teacher continued on with her routine, Dominic & I stood in a corner fighting over willpower. I wasn't too happy that nobody came to help me, but I guess I should thank our "wonderful" governor for that one...There was no one but the teacher in the class with 35 children.
After about 3 minutes of tears, I was able to finally get him over to the carpet and sit down with Shelli. I said my "goodbye" and walked out crying myself.
I went home and sat sad for 3 hours anticipating to go get my baby boy. I picked him up and he wasn't too happy about everything, but had an alright day.
Wednesday, same morning routine. I continued to talk with him & pray over him. Once the whistle was blown I told him he needed to stand in line with Shelli. I kissed him and told him to have a wonderful day and remember who is with him. I turned around and walked away. I had to head out to Yucaipa for my MOTS meeting. I got to the school to pick him up a few minutes late, so Mona grabbed him for me. Mona spoke with Mrs. Boursaw and said Dominic had a better day today. Once I looked at his work, I was able to see he did better. He wrote his name & did his work (he just scribbled the days previous). He told me he had a better day, I was SO relieved! He also told me that Mrs. Boursaw wouldn't be at the school Thursday, that she had a meeting to go to. Made me a bit worried! So once again we prayed and talked about things.
Thursday was a much better day as well as Friday.
So, here's some pics...

Here's my broken hearted boy on the classroom rug


Standing in line, very upset!


He did NOT want to smile



Emilio, happy as can be!


Adriana & Allyssa


Not wanting to take a pic


Thursday, August 27, 2009

WOAH, Gut Check Time!!!

Lately God has been dealing with me with my 'self worth' I guess you could say. Something I have ALWAYS dealt with. Just not feeling worthy enough for anyone, thing or body. He has been placing me into positions and places that I wouldn't normally place myself & if I was in it, I would run as fast as I could to get myself out of the 'situation'.
Well, this past month or so He has been placing me in situations that I have opened my heart to, stepped into and accomplished.
For example, something so simple & stupid (IMO)...
I am the Fundraiser Coordinator for AYSO (Soccer). I have no problems talking to people 1:1, but presenting something is a whole other ball game for me. For the past 2 years I have skidded out of presenting the Fundraiser Info at the Team Parent Meeting. Well this past week, not only did I show up for the Team Parent Meeting, but I stood up infront of who knows how many people and presented the fundraiser info. It was a little intimidating, considering I had about 4 friends out there that in the past I would have been afraid of them judging me. Not to mention, my Pastor & his wife...I know, they're just humans just like I am, but it's a little intimidating to me (just being transparent).
Well, in my opinion, I did one heck of a job presenting & getting the info out to the parents. I had a few trip ups, but I kept on going & enjoyed myself.

So, a few months ago, I was presented with the opportunity to become a table leader at my MOTS group. Not something that I had ever intended on doing, I'm just fine coming every other week and spending time with Godly women, fellowshipping, eating, praying, etc. But, I felt a nudge. So I contacted Kindra in regards to becoming a table leader...Come to find out, she was praying about me being one...WHAT, NO WAY! Now that was just a confirmation that God wanted me there.

Now this past Saturday, Monica informed me that there was a Leadership Meeting that Jose & I was supposed to attend. Well, I was all confused. Jose told me about it a while back, but I didn't hear anything else about it. Jose reminded me that Mick & Janie asked him that we both attend. So we changed our plans & went. Once again, Ken stated that not only him & his wife, Lisa, was praying about every person there at that meeting, but so was a couple more married couples regarding who they wanted trained up to be leaders in the church....WOW, God once again has told me that He wants me in this position.

One more...I have had a nudge to start leading a Women's Home Bible Study...Do I feel worthy? Nope! He has been telling me this for quite sometime now, but I shush Him and tell Him, NO! Who am I to "Shush" God??? How dare I! So, I stepped out and called Janie in regards to this...Once again, confirmation from her about it. I still have to sit with her and go over somethings, but I know God is positioning me...WOW!

Today, I checked my daily email & was reading my Proverbs 31 Encouragement For The Day... And, yes, again, another confirmation. Here's what it said...

27 Aug 2009

Lysa TerKeurst

"I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws." Psalm 119:30 (NIV)

As a little girl, I had longed for a daddy to pick me up, swing me around, and tell me I was lovely and loved. When this childhood longing went unmet, it became an adult emptiness and brokenness that drove me to seek out all kinds of misguided remedies.

My primary remedy was to look for someone or something that would make me feel loved and significant. It's as if I carried around a little heart-shaped cup and extended it to whatever or whomever I perceived might fill it.

I presented the cup to my education: "Will you fill me?"

I offered it to my husband: "Will you fill me?"

I held it out to my child: "Will you fill me?"

I extended it to my material possessions: "Will you fill me?"

I presented it to each of my jobs: "Will you fill me?"

Within these questions were many more entanglements: "Will you right all my wrongs?" "Will you fill up my insecurities?" "Will you make me feel significant?" The more I offered my emptiness hoping something could fill it, the more frustrated I felt.

And when I had grown in my faith, I was especially perplexed. Wasn't being a Christian supposed to fix these kinds of issues in my heart? What was I missing?

Have you ever been there?

Why is it so tempting to look to things of this world for fulfillment? This notion that worldly things can fulfill is all around us. It's on TV, the focus of countless secular songs, and it's what dominates American advertisements. I can't even stand in the grocery store checkout lane without being bombarded with suggestions for a more fulfilling life. A better husband. A better body. A better career. A more beautifully decorated house. The magazines seem so slick, their promises so enticing. They sneak into our thought processes and make us think, "If only I had _______________, I'd be so happy. I'd be so fulfilled."

So, we chase and chase until we bankrupt our relationships, our bank accounts, and our very souls. The reality is every single thing the world offers is temporary. No person, possession, profession, or position can ever fill the cup of a wounded, empty heart—not my heart, not your heart. It's an emptiness only God can fill.

Whatever "if only I had" statement we are struggling with, we can replace it with solid truths from Scripture that will never leave us empty. It's a bold statement to make and might even sound a bit trite, but it's true.

When God's Word gets inside of us, it becomes the new way we process life. It rearranges our thoughts, our motives, our needs, and our desires. Our soul was tailor made to be filled with God and His truth; therefore, it seeps into every part of us and fills us completely. It is the only perfect fit.

Dear Lord, we ask today that You set within us a passion for Your Word. A passion that will override the fleshly desire within us to chase after fulfillment from people, possessions, professions, or positions. Lord, help us place the highest importance on getting into Your Word every day. And may we always approach Your Word with a humility of need and a heart ready to receive all You want to teach us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit Lysa TerKeurst's blog for a list of her favorite Bible Verses. This is just the jump start you need to get into God's Word each day.

If you connected with this devotion, you won't want to miss Lysa's upcoming book, Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl. To order your copy today, click here.

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

Application Steps:
Fill in this blank: I've always thought, "If only I had _________________ I'd be happy and fulfilled.

Now, visit Lysa's blog for a list of Bible Verses to help replace this faulty script we play in our minds.

Reflections:
What or who have I tried to get fulfillment from?

How does this damage my relationships?

Power Verses:
Psalm 19:7a, "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul." (NIV)

Psalm 27:10 -11a, "Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. Teach me your way O Lord; lead me in a straight path…" (NIV)

Psalm 45:1a, "My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king…" (NIV)

© 2009 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.


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Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Matthews, NC 28105
877-P31-HOME (877-731-4663)
WOW, what a 'Gut Check'. Thank you Father for who you are in me! I praise you for your love & the fullness I can find, ONLY IN YOU! I praise you and give you ALL of the Glory!
I pray that I continue to seek your face daily and listen to your voice. That even though my life is hectic that I continually see the work you are completing in me. In Jesus name...Amen


PS, school updates are coming, I just needed to get this out...My schedule & life has me running at the moment, but I will catch up!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Quotable Sunday

Today at church, Pastor Todd spoke on "Making Time For What Matters Most".
So I am going to do my quotes on 'Time'.
Here is one he shared with us...

"Time invested on improving yourself is less time wasted dissapproving others!"
Here are the ones that really stuck out to me...
"Procrastination is the thief of time." ~Edward Young

"Time is an equal opportunity employer. Each human being has exactly the same number of hours and minutes every day. Rich people can't buy more hours. Scientists can't invent new minutes. And you can't save time to spend it on another day. Even so, time is amazingly fair and forgiving. No matter how much time you've wasted in the past, you still have an entire tomorrow." ~Denis Waitley


"Time is the most precious element of human existence. The successful person knows how to put energy into time and how to draw success from time. "
~Denis Waitley

"
Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you. " ~Carl Sandburg

So what are you doing with your time?

Friday, August 21, 2009

This is VERY Interesting!

I just clicked onto my blog to see what 'hit's' I've had recently and what did my curious eyes see?
No, not two birds looking at me,,,BUT...
A hit from Opencongress.org. I don't know how they came to my page, I am assuming it was because of the blog post that I wrote about Rep. Jerry Lewis, but I did a google search and my blog didn't come up.
This is VERY interesting to me! I guess you better watch what you say, because there is an eye watching you at all times.
I don't have anything to hide & I actually think it's neat that I had someone from a possible security department looking at my blog. I think I have some pretty interesting posts.
Well anyways, who ever you are reading my blog, I hope that you get a good laugh, cry a few tears or are blessed before you click out.
Goodbye my visitor...

Bed Time Story

I was getting Dominic & Delayna ready for bed tonight and reading them a new book we got. It is a Nemo book about him going to school, perfect with school starting next week.
Well, I was reading where Mr. Ray asks Nemo where he lives, and in the book Nemo answers 2 times. When I was reading, I was really messing up, because I know how to say it, but reading it is, well a bit more tricky.
While I was attempting to pronounce ANEMONE, Dominic shouts out...
"Ok, Ok, Don't Hurt Yourself."
OMG, Adriana & I busted up laughing. I could not get my composure back to finish the book.
Here is the clip from the movie if you haven't seen it or don't remember...
Now just picture my little Domi saying this to me!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Well lookie here

My Grandpa made the paper! If you know my Grandpa, he is a VERY knowledgeable man that has been gifted of knowledge in politics...Not my favorite subject, but that's ok. He informed me through an email that Rep. Jerry Lewis (who was a local Senator that assisted in bringing Jose back to the states when they tried deporting him) was planning on having a rally in Redlands. Like I said, I'm not too big into politics, so I didn't think twice about going.
Well, my Grandpa & all his wisdom submitted a question to ask Rep. Jerry Lewis & was chosen. He just so happened to be the second person to ask the question & the paper snapped his pic and put him on the front cover on the PE.
My Grandma called me Friday morning & said, "Your Grandpa said to go buy the paper." I of course said, "OK." But then asked curiously, "Why?" She said, "Grandpa just said to call you and tell you to go buy the paper, it's a surprise. Call us when you get it."
So I told my mom & she ran out to get it.
She came home with paper in hand and this is what I saw...


HEY, That's My Grandpa In There!!!!!!!!
Isn't he handsome!?!?!?
If you didn't know, I love my Grandpa!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Just Thinking Back

I just finished the Beach Blog Entry and it got me thinking of when I was a 'teen' growing up in Bethel Temple Church Of God in Banning, Ca. I have LOTS of memories there! It was always a very small and close knit church. Had it's ups & downs. I dated my first boyfriend in that church (he was a Pastor's son...LOL!), I met my first best friend (whom I am still best friends with through all of our ups & downs), my mom met my 'step-dad' in that church, and SO much more. But on my way home last night I was just thinking...

Thinking back, I never thought that:
1) I would be back in the church that I was raised in, serving the Lord with ALL my heart.
2) I would be a youth 'leader' (I guess I am a leader. It's very hard for me to think of myself as one).
3) I would ever do anything to impact anyone. (You see, I have always had a very low self esteem. It's always been hard for me to think that anything I would do would impact anyone, let alone a teenager)
4) I would be married to the AWESOME man I am married to & serving the Lord by his side.
5) I would have 4 blessings that I have been entrusted with to raise up as children of God and support their dreams and goals
6) I would live in a home, as gorgeous as mine. My goal was just to live in a house & not a trailor or apartment.
7) I would have so many people in my life that honestly & truly love me & my family, for who we are.
8) I would be a soccer mom, a PTA mom & my kids' #1 cheerleader
9) I would have people placed in my life that God expected me to minister to. He obviously sees me higher than I see myself & knows MUCH more than I know.
10) I would be the woman I am. I have been truly blessed!
It's not always been an easy ride, but every bump has been worth it!
I am just in awe with where my life is today. There are so many things that I get on myself over, but I know that I am doing the best I can do.

Thinking back, what are some things that you thought you would never become, but have?

Sun, Surf & Sand

FUSION STYLE!
So, Jose, the kids & I headed out to Hunington Beach with our Fusion Youth Group.
It was a LONG day! Jose had an usher's meeting at 8 am, so he was up around 7 am getting ready, then left at 7:30am. I got up just after he left & tried getting a head start on things that needed to get done, no luck there though.
He came home at 9 am & I was still rushing around like a crazy woman. We all got packed up & headed to the church to meet up. Got situated & realized I forgot a few things. Headed back home & got what I forgot, then headed out to the beach.
We got there around 11 am & helped set up.
Finally, we could have fun! A group of kids & leaders headed out to the water to go swim. I stayed behind with Glenda & Aida. I'm not one to go swimming in the ocean. I HATE the sandy feeling you get after you get out of the water & it seems like no matter what you do, you can't get the sand off of you or out of places it doesn't belong.
Anyway, it was nice getting to know Aida. She is our new bus driver for Street Life Ministry. She really has a passion for the people she buses in to the church every Sunday, and just a neat lady! Of course Glenda is ALWAYS a pleasure to be with!
After a while, everyone came up to eat & get a few volleyball games going. Of course, my husbands team/s are reigning champions =)
I had to hold Delayna most of the day, so I didn't get to interact too much in the games, but just hanging out & talking with the kids is always nice. I talked to one girl about the Christian Club at Adriana's new school. She gave me lots of info & was excited to hear Adi would be joining with her next year.
The leaders all agreed to finish the bash over at the Evangelista/Vasquez home due to lack of firepits & friendly people willing to share the fire with 20+ teenagers. The kids all had a blast jumping into the pool at night & roasting marshmallows (always my favorite treat!).
We left around 10pm back to the church.
On the way back to the church, I was thinking of the impacts my family may have left on one of the kids. I remember so many things from when I was their age growing up in the church. The trips that I took, the things that we did, etc.
It was a great day & if I was able to touch just one kid, it was worth everything I went through to get there!

I am truly 'Nothing'

I have always loved the process of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. Getting a 'butterfly' tattoo was quite popular for a while. Because of that, I kinda put off the idea of getting a tattoo.
Recently I saw my cousin's tattoo that she had put on her wrist. It's of a key representing "Who hold's the key to your heart? Scripture referencing to Matthew 22:37 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."' I absolutely loved it & loved that it was placed on her wrist.
So, I've been thinking of getting a butterfly tattoo on my wrist. Then I was thinking, "Why?"
Tonight while searching for a shirt I want, I found this:

"We are truly nothing without God. To me I try to live by this. Because only God could take the wormy caterpillar and make it a beautiful butterfly. Only God can take what is dreadful in me and make it something beautiful. It's when I think I'm something that things get ugly! God help me to live as if I'm nothing without You. Like a ship without a sail I am nothing without You.

John 15:5 - "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."

And a shirt with this pic on it...


I absolutely LOVE it! I now would love to save up to get a tattoo on my wrist of the cross with wings in it. Just something to look down daily and remind myself that, "I am truly NOTHING without Him!"

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Oh Me, Oh My!

We went school shopping today.
8 hours, 10+ stores, lots of money, just a few outfits later & we are still not done!
Jose, the kids & I are absolutely wiped out from the extremely long day, but we did get some good deals & learned more about our children's taste.
Anthony is totally into this whole skull thing. He even tried to buy a t-shirt with naked women on it...I THINK NOT!
Adriana is all into this whole 80's fashion with brite colors & peace signs...Ugh once again...I THINK NOT!
So we settled & agreed on some nice clothes for Ant.
I convinced Adriana to look at some other shirts in a totally different style that she liked. Definitely girlie and I LOVE that!
I still have to go get Adriana some pants/capris/skirts, basically whatever I can find. Some more shoes, because a girl can NEVER have enough & accessories...Yes, We are accessorizing!!!! I actually think I have some accessories in my caboodles that she can have, but we will see.
Ant still needs some shoes, but we pretty much finished him off today.
Dominic is done also. I would like to find him some sandles he can wear to school, but it's not a necessity.
I finally went to a store I've been told about 1,000 times called C2:8. It was an awesome store, but quite expensive! Then 'Eric' striked up a conversation with me & I started sharing Robin's story to him. In the middle of the store, he asked me to pray with him. Wow, I was shocked, but blessed!

Oh, Ant just informed me he needs undershirts, boxers & socks and Little needs bras...guess I'm not done.
Well for now, it will do.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

AWESOME NEWS!!!!


I am totally doing the Happy Dance!!!! I got a letter in the mail informing me that Dominic got placed into a morning Kindergarten Class!!!!!
I know, probably no biggie to you, but it was a huge burden on my shoulders. Just things that my days face, having him in a morning class would work so much better for me. They told me that the chances were slim to none.
But, guess what...I am a child of the MOST HIGH GOD & He gives me favor =)
K, off to do my happy dance some more...

First Check Up

My little girl had her first physical today. She was scheduled to get her first shots, but we discovered she had a pretty bad ear infection. So we opted out for a couple more weeks.
As of today she is 29 weeks & 1 day old = 6 months, 4 weeks, 1 day
She weighs a whopping 18.4 lbs (90-95%)
Is 27" long (75%)
Has a head circumference of 17.25" (75%)
The Dr said she is pretty well proportioned.
She is sitting unassisted, crawling, standing while holding onto something, cruising furniture, playing by herself and basically above her expected goals.
She is eating lots for fruits, vegis, cereal & yogurt. She's not a big eater though.
Delayna is an extremely happy baby! She adjusts to things fairly easily.
Her sleeping is an issue. Before her ear infection, I was dancing her to sleep to praise & worship music. She loves me to sing to her (glad I'm not the one listening to myself...LOL!) so I do. It's a special time that we have together.
So all is well with my big little girl!
I will be doing some photo shoots soon and will get some pics up.

good food, salty sand & wild waves...

Yay, we went to LA again! We LOVE going! Jose takes us to a Panaderia Guatemalteca (Guatemalan Bakery) that has authentic Guatemalan food. So we make a trip at least once a year to LA. Here's some pics, of course.

The Boys


Yummy Pan (bread)

Mama & the baby girl

First time eating frijoles negros (black beans)



Some of the food. Platanos con crema (fried bananas & cream), Panza (tripe) con frijoles negros (black beans) & arroz (rice), fresh tortillas & some tostadas...AWESOME FOOD!


Then we headed out the the beach. Here's Adi & Domi going in

One of my favorite pics

My second fave pic. She sure does love her Papa!


Sandy Toes, Love 'Em!



We have a tradition of burying the kids in sand. Here's Ant digging his hole.

Domi in his hole


Little doing her hole


All 3 buried

Until next time, find the simple ways to enjoy your family!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

I got my computer back!

But, I still haven't had time to get on here and catch up. Promise, I am working on it, but I have a very picky 6 month old baby that demands my attention.
So, keep holding on, I'll be back soon!