Purity-a vow rarely taken

Adriana came to Jose and I about 3 weeks ago and told us about an experin e she had over the summer. 

Her friend took a Purity Vow. She admittedly was jealous of the ring the girl recieved during to ceremony and wanted one. But then she told us that she was convicted of the jealousy she held for this ring. She began to talk with God and ask him about Purity. What the purpose of taking a vow is, what his words says about abstinence, etc. 

She told us how God would give her scripture. She would look it up, take notes and allow him to speak to her through it all. She shared with Jose & I a few scriptures God gave her. Talk about WOW!!!!

She opened up about her fears and we were able to speak the word and life into her. She asked about some things that concerned her and again we were able to minister to her. In the end, after us talking she said she wanted to take a Purity Vow. Yeah, try to hold back the tears with that one! After crying for a minute, we discussed two options she has. 

One, to take the vow and make it personal between her Papa, God and I.

Two, to open up to her youth pastors and discuss the possibilities of doing this in front of the church. 

Adriana isn't one for attention (yeah, I am as shocked as you.) She really isn't one to seek out attention although she is loud and obnoxious. Hahaha

Well after some thought and discussion as to why we would like her to take the vow in front of the congregation, she agreed to. 

We went to Angel & Allan the following Friday and discussed everything. They of course are honored to do it and have already taken steps with our head Pastor, Todd. 

Prayerfully we will be able to do it on her birthday, November 3rd. 

Last week we were approached by Angel & Allan about having another girl join Adriana. What a blessing!  Knowing that MY DAUGHTER- OUR- opened a door for another young lady to take this vow is amazing!

God has always shown me, he has GREAT things for my children. Above and beyond I could ever dream or imagine. 

Since the days of our talk Adi has come to me with some personally but truly God Only Testimonies!  She is a teenage girl growing up in a dark and evil world. Sex is every where and accepted by so many. But my baby girl is going to stand out!  Like a seed that is placed into a dark, murky water. My girl is gowing to blossom and bloom like a beautiful Lotus Flower. Her beauty will outshine the dark waters and dirty muck!

So today, I bought her her ring. I've been looking for one with the scripture 1 Timothy 4:12- "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV)

I found it and in the exact ring style I wanted for a price I could afford!

Praise God!

I can't wait for the day her Papa and I stand with her and present her with this ring as a representation and symbol of an amazing vow she will take as God's Girl!

Delayna's Dedication

Well, in 2 Sundays, Jose and I have scheduled to dedicate Delayna. This is something that I honestly have struggled with for a year. To me, a dedication is taken seriously.
Merriam-Webster defines dedication as: 1. an act or rite of dedicating to a divine being 2. self-sacrificing devotion (amongst 2 other definitions).
In my heart, when I dedicated my other 3 children, I was standing in front of not only my church family, but ultimately God. I took a vow that I would trust Him with my precious children's lives. That NO MATTER what would happen, come our way, Jose and I would trust that He would take care of my children at all times. Now you tell me that you can put your children's lives in someones hands and just be ok with it.
So this time with Delayna, knowing she's my last baby, my precious jewel, I've battled with her dedication. Not that I don't trust God, in all his ways. Or that I don't want to believe that all will be ok, etc. I do trust him, I love him, and I know he will carry my children all the days of their lives...but it's just been hard.
So, Jose and I were talking and we decided it was time. We are doing it on the 24th, because, well, she'll be a year on the 20th and it's the following Sunday ;-)
I also struggled this time with having Godparents for her. I asked very special people that were in my lives with Anthony & Adriana to be their Godparents. Unfortunately through those experiences it damaged my thoughts of Godparents and ever being able to have someone in my children's lives that I could KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that no matter what ever happened to Jose and I, that they would be there to raise them up under His laws, ways and love.
Well, through MUCH prayer, seeking & careful consideration. Jose and I agreed that we would give Delayna Godparents. I feel as though my children should have someone in their lives that they know they could ALWAYS, no matter what, turn to them and find Godly counsel (yes, there is a difference!). And family sometimes is just too close!
So, we approached Noe & Monica with the offer of being Delayna's Godparents. I can happily say, they accepted the responsibility. Monica even stated, that she would like to take all 4 under and be their Godparents too. So, we will see what God has in store for that.
I have also asked some very special people in my life, that through our lives have been by my side through thick and thin. I have been able to turn to them, cry on their shoulders, find comfort & refuge when I needed someone other than my family.
So I asked Allan & Angel, Jessica and Mona (awe,well Mona is another story) to stand with my family. Promising to be there for my baby girl, just as they have me. They all agreed to take the responsibility also.
Wow, what a day it is going to be!

Here is her GORGEOUS dress, she will be getting a little jacket type thing to wear with it. Her Granina & Tianina(that would be Monica's mom & sister...get it her Grandma+Nina=Granina, Tia+Nina=Tianina...LOL, I bust myself up sometimes!) is going crazy having finding her stuff!


And her little shoes


She is gonna be the queen of the ball!

What I'm Thankful For & My Warm Fuzzies

Tonight was my church's annual Candlelight Service. I was TRULY blessed by everyone there and their stories!
In particular Arlene's, Angel's, Noe's & Jessica's. I won't go into particulars about what they said, because it was dear to their hearts & shared with us in confidentiality.
I do want to focus on Angel & Jessica telling me how much they appreciate me and what I have done for them this year. As I reflect & was talking to God about it, He spoke to me and reminded me of something he taught me recently. I always say, "I just do what I do and am who I am. Not looking for any thanks or special appreciation." What God has revealed to me is that it's through HIM that I can do this. Being quiet & still, allowing me to hear what He has to say to me and being obedient in His will for what he has for me. It's in and through Him that I can touch these lives. In the same breath...when 'Melissa' tries to do it, whether in my own strength, thoughts or wants, that's when I fail, exhaust myself and don't accomplish what was sent out to do.
WOW, isn't God awesome!
It just reveals to me that through Him, I can do any & everything! That even though times get tough and I go through crap, as long as I turn to Him, I can still walk without growing weary. Serve and accomplish His will. Reach out and be used by Him...Hahahahaha, I am chuckling at the very thought that this vessel of doubt, insecurity, pain, whatever I think of myself, can still do His Works!
Then Noe got up and talked about who he appreciated. He then went to give his "warm/fuzzy". As he spoke, he said, "This gentleman (key word my friend!) has been placed in my life. I have gone through some times where I was a Joseph, but God has given me a Jonathan to turn to. That gentleman is, Jose Herrera". WOW, that's my husband. So I came home & looked up Joseph & Jonathan, what a blessing, is all I have to say!

So, tonight, I wanted to get up and honor a few people, but my thoughts just would not come together! Needless to say, I didn't get up & say anything, but I wanted to just take time to blog & express my appreciation about a few people in my life.
Before I do that, I must add...I do have the best church family EVER! They are closer than my own & I wouldn't have it any other way!
My Pastor & his wife are the BEST you could EVER come by! The light that they shine, the example that they set, I could go on & on! Pastor Todd & Mishelle,,,Thank You! Words couldn't describe what you two mean to my family & I!

First of all is, Robin. Where do I even begin? Robin has been such a role model to me through her life. No matter what she went through, she remained in her walk with the Lord. Declaring His promises, standing on His word & covering her family with prayer. She lived 30 FULL years & touched everyone she came in contact with. I even had people on my prayer chain telling me what she inspired in their lives. Robin, I love you for all you are, did & stood for!

Secondly is Kindra Crandell. Kindra has been one of those people in my life that (through the whole time of me knowing her) has been one to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. God has spoken to me numerous times through Kindra and has helped me on my journey of finding Melissa. She has allowed me to serve the Lord by serving his Princess' at MOTS, a position I DON'T take lightly. And encouraged me in many areas. Kindra, I thank you & am SO very grateful for you!

Last but not least is Monica...Even Monica! *that would be an inside joke ;-)* My warm/fuzzy goes out to you Mon!
I remember singing a song as a child, "What a friend we have in Jesus." When I think of Monica, I literally sing, "What a friend I have in Monica." Talk about sensitive to the spirit! This girl hasn't a clue that I am going through things in my life, but the spirit whispers to her and she acts on it. There have been days & times in my life this past year where I am DONE! Monica wouldn't have a clue of what I'm going through & I get a text or a call from her. She allows me to vent without judgement & condemnation. She encourages me in love, lifting me up.
God has really been putting me through the fire with my personality. Finding who I am, not only as Melissa, but who I am in Christ. If anyone knows, it's NOT easy! It hurts, tries, breaks, and everything else that's unpleasant. Well, Monica has been there for me through it all. Speaking life into me, encouraging me, telling me like it is but in love. I have 2 best friends in my life that I know I can turn to no matter what. I believe God has placed Monica in my life to be my third.
Monica, for ALL you are, all you do for me & my family, everything that you have stood with me through...I thank you & love you!

I pray everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving. Remember what this is all about! If it wasn't for God giving us His son, we would not be here.
Thank you my Father for your love, grace & mercy! It's beyond anything I could ever dream or imagine!

If you so feel, please share your Thanks with me!

Weekend Update; Cleaning, Luau, Father's Day

Well, our weekend started Friday. The WHOLE family cleaned all day long! Jose went & rented a carpet cleaner & did our carpets. The kids helped with the downstairs while I organized & dusted like crazy. Then they went upstairs. It was a LONG, HARD DAY!
Saturday I got up early and started decorating for the party. Then I had to head out to Costco to pick up the cake.
Here's pics from Saturday...
The Cake


Kid's waiting for CAKE!


My Silly Devin


Licking frosting off of the knife


Mr. Al Dog himself, thinking he's sexy eating the cake


Courtney got a pic w/ me, couldn't leave her out


The poker game going on


My pretty Little


Feeding Delayna, YES, I am SUPERMOM!


Chelsea playing with the boys


My Sexy Honey doing his thang


Silly Bits!


Branden copying & his silly Mama, Jodi


Courtney & Sarah, munching on some Grubbage (in Pauly Shore's voice)

Me w/ my 2 Besties; Me, Jessica & Angel


Silly Sexy Girls...LOL


Our backyard looking like Hawaii


FOOD!





The fish net with Adriana as the 'catch'


Soccer side



Father's Day, we all got up late & started hopping to get ready for church. We even forgot that it was Father's Day =( My poor Honey. We realized it was Father's Day when we got to church & Jim told Jose Happy Father's Day...WHOOPS!!!!
We had a wonderful service!!! Jose really enjoyed it and took it home talking about it. We got home, made lunch & cleaned the house from Saturday. Then we went to our friend's Noe & Monica's for a BBQ with a few of our friends.
Noe smoked ribs, brisket, chicken, and made home made mac n' cheese. Oh man, was the food good! The rest of us all brought sides & Janie made us desert.
It was really a great time! As the evening wore down, Steve & Mike brought out the guitarras and we all sang praise & worship songs. It was AWESOME!
I didn't take many pics, but I did get pics of Delayna & Eden, so here they are...

Fun with Friends

Jose, Noe & Allan all went to a business rally. Angel decided to come over & hang out with the kids. I must say, "It sure is nice to have my bestie around like we did before!"
So here's some pics...

Mama & the pretty girl


Lil Allan


My bestie putting my girl meemee's


Aunt Vonnie came over & saw Delayna. It was the first time since she was 2 weeks old!


Celine wanted to take a pic of Adi


Celine & Shelliana


Mom, hanging out talking with Mona


Mona visited with us before Angel & the kids came over


We had Devin over THurs & Fri night. I gave them both a bath & had to take a pic!


That's it for now!