Next Up...The Best Yes

I have been meaning to devote some time on here and blog ever since I was asked to look up the very first time I started Jesus Girlz but I kept putting it off.  Today I'm not and if it takes me 3 hours just to finish this blog post, GOSH DARN IT, I am going to do it!

So our new study is The Best Yes by Lysa Terkuerst.  I absolutely adore Lysa!  Her teaching, her speaking, the way she explains things and opens your eyes to what God is teaching us through His word.  She has become my Bible Best Friend (May not be a real person but to me she is!).  Jesus Girlz have done 3 of her studies and she hits it on the head every single time!
I always tell my girls, "I am afraid to start 'this' study because I KNOW God's word is going to be tested in my life and I'm going to have to stand on the promises that are being given to me in the study."  Sure enough, it never fails!

After looking back recently, I realized how much my life has changed through these studies.  Growing in Him, learning His word, building a relationship with my Lord.  I truly wished I would have blogged more so that I can not only go back and read where he has brought me from and what he has taken my family out of.  But also so that others can come and read it for themselves.
It is my prayer that I not only complete another study, but that I can blog my way through it.  Touching lives of those who may need that hope that is only given through Christ.

Am I terrified of what I am going to go through, ABSOLUTELY!
But, I trust Him.  No matter what my family will face (because this is life and we are always facing something) He will get us through and we will grow stronger from it.

I also pray that through my testimony you can see that God is good!  His grace is always sufficient for us, it's not what we do but what He did!

So, on that note...Yesterday I had to say my Best Yes and I was NOT happy about it!  My BAFF called to see if I was busy.  Her hubby was going to keep the kids for the day while she got a day away.  Did I have "plans"?  No.  Not technically.
Reading the study and talking with God, trying to iron out my life and the things that I need or should be doing to make my family's future better.  My plan is for Mon & Tues to hit Jazzercise at 5:25am then come home, get kids ready for school, take them to school, get home no later than 9:00 am and get working!  So, yes, I should be working but I didn't 'HAVE' to.
I had to make my best yes decision.  I wasn't happy about it at all!  I want a break, I want to get away and hang out with a friend (I seriously NEVER do it!  Last time was 5 months ago, one morning after Jazzercise I went to breakfast), I wanted to get away.  BUT, I had to say The Best Yes and I had to tell her 'no' so that I could say yes to my work.  In the end, I'm glad I did.  I was able to make some connections and get some follow up information to get rolling on bringing in some new accounts.
We can always find an excuse as to why we should do something other than what we should really be doing.  I have a feeling I am going to be kicking and screaming my way through the next few months until I learn to always make the better decision, in all areas of my life.

Here's to the first Best Yes Decision....Praying I have several more!

PS, it took me 6 hours to do this blog post ;-)

A glimpse into my whirlwind

I have been an emotional boob lately!  Trying to keep everything going on straight while staying a float and my head above water.  So this is everything going on and I will break it down...

~Anthony's Senior Year Activities & Planning
~Jazzercise Training & Audition
~Relay For Life
~Jose's new adventure
~Bible Study
~Mom...That is an ENTIRE blog post for itself!
~My new job and endevour
~Life in general (Kids, Home, Church)

Anthony's senior year activities: He has Prom coming up, Senior Awards, Grad Night, Senior Trip, Senior Dinner and then Graduation (Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa).  This is all happening between now and June 4th.  I still need to get his pictures done, announcements done and I'm planning his graduation party.  I am super excited but then I have my moments I can't believe my baby is graduating.  I know, some people think I'm over dramatic or whatever but this is my baby!  I was 17 when I had him.  I have moments that I look at him and am in awe that he is MINE!  God blessed me with this kid.  There are moments I want to strangle him and smack the crud out of him so he can realize the dumb things he is doing.  But all in all he is a good kid.  I want to give him an amazing senior year and graduation party.  He deserves it!

Jazzercise: I received an email last night and started BAWLING!  I am truly in disbelief that I am doing this.  Yes, I've had my ups and downs with it.  But this past week I met and trained with Tana and Jamie.  The feedback and encouragement really helped.  I feel like I am going to do this!  No more trying, I've got this!  When I read the email, I sent Jamie a message to make sure she received it also.  Not to put Jamie on the spot but this meant a LOT to me!  This was our convo: 
Friday

• 

  3/28, 7:09pm
  

  Melissa Herrera
  

  
  

  
  

  I received an email from Holly and wanted to make sure you received it as well. Let me know. If you didn't I can forward it on.
• 

  3/28, 9:34pm
  

  Jamie Carrillo
  

  
  

  
  

  Yes I got it too!!! I'm excited.. We got this whoop whoop
• 

  3/28, 9:36pm
  

  Melissa Herrera
  

  
  

  
  

  I seriously started crying. I can't believe this is happening!
• 

  3/28, 9:38pm
  

  Jamie Carrillo
  

  
  

  
  

  I know!!!! We are going to kick butt!!! I'm so glad we get to do this together..
• 

  3/28, 9:42pm
  

  Melissa Herrera
  

  
  

  
  

  Me too! You have been a true inspiration to me! Now I'm crying again!
• 

  3/28, 9:46pm
  

  Jamie Carrillo
  

  
  

  
  

  Good tears I hope really Melissa I am really happy to have you there I was starting to think I was going to be by myself... I try to remember that when 2 or more are gathered together God will hear our prayers.. and Girl this is a test if faith!!!
• 

  3/28, 9:50pm
  

  Melissa Herrera
  

  
  

  
  

  They are tears of disbelief. Never believing I could ever be capable of something this amazing. I'm truly blessed to have you by my side also. You inspire me, push me and challenge me. It was rough last year when everyone dropped and I was alone. I felt defeated and beat. I'm not one to give up though and vowed to give it my all this year, no matter what! God provided an amazing partner in you and he is opening doors for us both. What doesn't kill us makes us Stronger!
• I was terrified about the money situation but God is opening doors. I guess this is my time. I'm terrified, excited, anxious, feeling of doubt at times. But I know, If God Is For Me Then WHO Can Be Against Me? Yes, it does pertain to Jazzercise too! So, to make an official announcement...June 13th is my OFFICIAL Audition Date!!! That is 9 days after Anthony's graduation. Too imagine us both making a HUGE step together is awesome!!

Relay For Life: WOW, LOTS GOING ON!!! I have a Bunco night scheduled, need to start planning the decor of my booth. Get everyone signed up and situated. T-Shirts ordered, raffle prizes, and the list goes on! As of right now, I'm pretty much doing this all on my own. I held a Jazzercise Benefit Class last week and we raised a little over $700! I was very excited about that!  

We will be next to AYSO this year, which I am excited about. I've taken myself out of the organization as a board member and haven't had too much connection with them for a few years. But with new people and some who are friends, I'm excited to see us come together and enjoy each other's company for Relay. It's always a special time for me!

Jose's New Adventure: He will be enrolling in school and getting his Contractor's License. We are both very excited. I believe this is the direction God has been leading Jose for a while. His heart has always been to own his own business, I guess God just had to allow us to learn some life lessons before getting to where we are and allowing us to start our own business. I truly can't wait until we have everything done and can say "We own our own business". BUT in the same hand it terrifies me with the responsibility of owning. I know I must trust God.

Bible Study: is going good. It has dwindled and I'm seeking God if this is where he wants me and wants me doing. I stopped for a few months to situate life. We just started back up and as excited as I am to get into the word and do this study, I'm questioning myself. It could be me. But I also want to be in the will of God. I don't want to do anything, especially a bible study, out of flesh. I want it to be God. I want to be led by His spirit. I want Him to use me. I'm really praying and seeking God. I have my next study I want to do and I'm really trying to allow Him to lead me. I guess we shall see after this study where He leads me.

Mom: well, she had her knee replacement surgery done on her right leg. She is in a convalescent hospital now recovering and doing physical therapy. I don't want to get too much into detail but if you are reading this, be in prayer! There are some big decisions my brother and I ultimately have to make. Again, I need God to show me which direction to go, what steps to take and what actions need to be done. Like I said, this can be an entire blog post dedicated to her. BUT there are some sensitive things that don't need to be out for everyone to see. Those who need to know, know.

My new job/en devour: HEE HEE! SO, I am super stoked and haven't told too many people because I am kind of taken back by the whole thing. BUUUUUTTT, sometime after Relay I will be head of Sales & Marketing for a local company. I don't want to put the name out there as of now, because I don't want to cross any lines with my new "boss". But I am UBBER STOKED to take on this new position. I have been praying and asking God to give me an avenue that I can start making good money (Pampered Chef is good, if I keep consistent. I've been having issues with keeping a consistent calendar). Well, a door opened up last year and I wasn't sure what was going to happen. I sat down with her in February and we discussed some details and the job in depth. I accepted the position but let her know I can't take it on until after Relay. It just takes too much out of me. She was/is ok with that. So after Relay we will be sitting down and transitioning me into my new position. Of course, I'm nervous about that also. Finding a daily routine, focusing time to my new position along with the rest of life, making sure I get everything else done that needs to be done, etc.  

Things were said while we were speaking that confirmed this is a path God has ordained and is taking me down. We both shared some things that confirmed God in this on both ends. It's going to be a change but once everything is situated and I'm in a routine it will all be a breeze that will eventually turn into some growing challenges. But it will be good!  

This is a job that is truly too good to be true. But with God, all things are possible. RIGHT!?

Life in general: Must I go into detail? Kids are doing good, it's just lots of work. Dominic and Adriana are both swimming. Dominic is doing amazing! A lot better than I had ever expected. He whined he didn't want to do it but he is loving it. Delayna is NON STOP as usual. She is learning a lot in school. It's good that she is going but my days are extremely hectic with drop offs and pick ups at all hours of the day. All of the older 3 are doing very well in school. My kids seriously amaze me! It amazes me that I am their Mama! It amazes me that they are simply amazing kids. Yes, they can be pains. Make dumb choices. Want to go out with their friends more than I like. But they are good kids. They have a bright future ahead of them!

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!

Good one God, you got me!

I've been studying Unglued by Lysa Terkeurst. It's teaching me how NOT to become unglued in stressful situations and how to handle it "God's Way."

Not easy for a hot head like me!

This week I've been struggling doing my study. I have a lot going on and honestly can't seem to focus (even now my mind is racing a mile a minute and I'm Multi-taking). This morning I woke up at 5:30 and sat on the couch reading my study while Jose was on the phone. 

Dominic and Delayna both woke up early and Delayna was in quite the grouchy mood. Struggling to deal with her, enjoy my coffee and read some things were hitting me in the book. 

The morning went on and I took the older ones to school. Traffic at the HS is beyond ridiculous!  Sitting in the turning lane to turn left into the school, it's my turn and I slowly erk forward (because only God knows how dangerous it is, even when it's your turn to go). Well sure enough I pull out and Ant yells, "watch it Mom!"  The suburban to the left of me in a right turn only lane pulls out going left and I almost run into him. I slam on the brake and horn and of course yell at his stupid @$$. Oh yes I did, I became UNGLUED!!!  Along with the other parents in the cars watching the idiot. 

Then I drop the kids off and am now in the right hand lane going to leave the school. The left hand lane is backed up as usual and I go to drive off when a little black Honda in the left lane pulls right in front of me. What the heck!?!?  So I throw my hands up in my car like, "What the heck!?!?"  I follow the car, well we seem to be going the same way. Until we reach the stop sign where I went left and she went straight. I was NOT happy and planned on letting her know when she pulled up next to me at the stop sign. 

So I'm sitting there and look over to give her the evil eye. She pulls up with the biggest smile, waving. It's then I realize...It's my friend Lisa!

Gah, I couldn't help but laugh and shout..."You Got Me God!"

It's not easy to deal with situations the way God wants us to. But if we allow HIM to control us we can do it. I will admit, I have a HOT temper and fly off the handle at the drop of a dime. I'm trying and as life's pressures keep getting tossed my direction I'm learning to have the spirit and attitude God intended me to have. It was never his intention for humans to be angry, hateful, nor ticking time bombs. 

His way will prevail one way or another. I guess this was his little reminder to me this morning. 

Here's to a better day!!!

Daniel Fast 2013-thoughts and encouragement

Just wanted to share and send some encouraging words. I remember doing the fast last year and everyone talking about how God is revealing Himself to them. How they are "growing" and learning. I was pretty envious and wondered if I was going to feel this way. No, I didn't.
Then this year I went into the fast and didn't know what to expect, what God was going to do, where I was going to be led. But one night during my bible study I read, "we need to be willing to be willing." I told Fod at that moment that I am willing to be willing for His works! Honestly, I always worry what I'm going to go through or what He's going to have me do. Well so far there has been nothing great or grand. I am seeing Jose in his days watching him lean on our Father as we are going through horrible withdraws (I blogged about that one!) and he is growing before my eyes in our Father's strength. I kind of started feeling down and questioning God. Wondering what I'm doing wrong. Well, this my friends is what he told me:
"There are four common categories of toxic thoughts. These are negative, fearful, discontented, and critical. Chances are you are struggling with toxic thoughts in one or more of these four ways. Don't let these toxic thoughts grab hold of you and consume you. The deeper you let them take root inside you, the harder they will be to shake off. Identify those thoughts and reject them today.

Which types of toxic thoughts do you experience most often? What are some examples of your toxic thoughts?"
I am letting those thoughts toy with me. Let me encourage you, if Satan has come and made you question why you are doing this fast, what your getting out of it, etc. KNOW, it's the enemy trying to come in and make you question. Stand strong. God may not use you in the way you think or you expect him to. Just being there to speak life into someone or encourage them is a sign that God IS USING YOU!
Take those thoughts captive and stand on His word!
Huge Hugs from Me!

30 Days of Thankfulness

Day 14- As I sat here about an hour ago pitching a hissy fit not wanting to get up to sweep & mop my floor God whispered in my ear...
Melissa, you should be grateful for the floors you have to clean. The beautiful home that is yours to keep tidy. The legs that get you up to do your chores, the arms that work hard to clean everything, the nose to smell the scent of a clean home, the eyes to see t

he difference between clean and dirty. Ears to hear the worship music on in the background as I clean.
A mop to mop the floors with. A broom to sweep the floors with. Bleach to clean the house with. Music to listen to and Praise Him while I clean.
So, today I am grateful for the blessing my home has been to me (and others). I don't take it lightly to live in the gorgeous home that I do live in and the thought of loosing it rips my heart to pieces!
I'm also grateful for my physical being working in proper order so that I can keep and maintain my home.

And because God speaks SO much through my Praise and Worship and HE knows all that I deal with, here is a song that spoke volumes while I was cleaning today...

30 Days Of Thankfulness, Day 13

I wasn't able to get on here yesterday and blog or post.  I didn't put it onto facebook because I have more to say than what facebook will publish.  I figured I'd do a blog post instead.
Today I have to say I'm thankful for God.  Before you read it and think, "well isn't everyone?" just hear me out.
There have been many times in my life that I wonder, "am I where God wants me?  Am I doing what God wants me to do?  Am I in the position God wants me to be in?"  I don't always get an answer but I will live my life as though I feel God is directing me.  Seeking his word, keeping in constant communication with him (Don't get me wrong, I will be completely honest and transparent.  I don't spend time with Him in the morning like I should.  I don't get up and pray or study in the morning.  I don't pray alone or with my husband before I go to sleep, although I do with my younger children.  I do my study at night.).  I really do try to seek His direction for my life on a constant basis.
Well yesterday He showed himself to me in a mighty way (don't get nervous, God didn't show up in my living room and have a pow wow...Although that would be pretty cool!).  First off, it was a super busy morning and I had a lot to get done since I was down for two days with a migraine.  I knew I had to call and speak with my Pastor regarding the Thanksgiving outreach but the night before when I had texted him, he told me he had some things to discuss with me.  I wondered all night and really just wanted to know what he would want to talk with me about.  I love my Pastor and our relationship has grown this past six months but the last time he had something to talk to me about it was asking me if I would like to be the church's Event's Coordinator.  So this time I wasn't sure what was up his sleeve.  So I gave him a call and he was busy at the moment so he shot me a text to let me know he'd call me back...Cool.  He called me back and I was able to speak with him regarding some areas of the outreach I needed to talk to him about.  Then he let me know what he wanted to talk to me about.  I can't honestly tell you what he said.  I mean, I know what he said, I was listening, but it was almost as though God was opening my eyes to something.  Our church has been in a great trial for about 2 years now.  We have had a family loose their infant, many church members left, there was a division (obviously satan's hand was in that one!), financial strife to most recently people struck with cancer, families literally torn apart by those they trusted and did I say financial strife?  So much my Pastor's wife had to go back to work full time.  So as we spoke, I felt his heart, I KNOW how he is feeling, I'm there!  My heart is SO broken over everything going on.  PT started telling me about his plans for 2013 and what direction God is leading him in.  He basically was telling me, it's time to go back and take back what belongs to us!  We needed to rebuild our city and specifically our church!  We need to put aside our own "comfort" and step out to do what God is calling us to do, to allow our hearts break for what breaks His, to give a little more of ourselves and do whatever it takes to do it.
This all struck a cord with me.  I interrupted PT and had to share with him.  I've been seeking God's direction for the next study for my Jesus Girlz group.  I read a synopsis on Kelly Minter's book Nehemiah and REALLY wanted to get my girls into this study.  But God kept stopping me, literally!  He wouldn't let me do it.  I wasn't sure why, yet.  He was directing me to the study of Ruth by Kelly Minter.  No matter which direction I tried to go around it, Ruth is where he kept directing me.  So, Ruth it is!  I ordered the books and told God, "Lord, you know what you are doing.  Have your way.  Bring those that need this study to the study."  I now see why God didn't want me doing Nehemiah...YET!  He is going to take us into the new year studying Nehemiah.  Why?  Because it is lining up with what HE is going to do in our church.---seriously crying right now!---
Todd confirmed my thoughts as I was telling him this.  He is seeking a study out of the book of Nehemiah for our church.  God confirmed both of our directions in that moment (HA, PT and I had a moment...HAHAHAHA).  Anyways...WOW, how good is God!?!?!  I am where HE wants me!
Well my dears, that isn't the end of my day.  The night before I received a text message from my newest Jesus Girl, Michelle.  She wanted to let me know how excited she is for Friday.  I teased her asking her if she was excited for the next CIF game (she assist's the football coach and we are in CIF!  Another blog post I owe you all!).  Of course I knew what she was talking about.  Then I thought...How crazy is it that I met Michelle about 10 years ago.  She was a helper at the city after school day care that babysat Ant & Adi.  We have kept in touch, thanks to a small town and facebook.  Who knew that God would lead me to her to be her bible study leader.  That after 10 years she would be coming to my bible study...MINE!  I mean, I know I have my girls but it amazes me, truly it does!
Oh and that isn't all...I had another GF posting on facebook wanting to help out with the Thanksgiving Outreach.  We started instant messaging regarding some other stuff but this is how it turned:

• Jennifer
  

  
  

  Thank you. Was thinking this is what we BOTH need. God, answered us through you.
• Melissa
  

  
  

  Awe, your so sweet! You are the second person that has told me this week how God works to place people in others lives for a reason. Pretty cool!
• Jennifer

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  It's true Mel. God is mysterious, and revealing all in one. He puts us in each others lives to make it a better world. All people have to do is listen. Sorry...didn't mean to get all "religious" on you! Lol
• Melissa
  

  
  

  HaHa, I should be the one apologizing for getting religious! Ha Ha...really though, God has us all positioned for a reason. We may never know, we may find out years later. It's amazing the things God does in His timing. I just pray I can be used for His glory!
• Jennifer
  

  
  

  Amen Mel!

It is such a humbling thing to see how God is placing you and positioning you for HIS glory.  I don't know where this will take us.  I do pray God softens her heart and she joins me one Sunday at church.  But until them, I'm going to continue to be Melissa.  By the way, just to mention it...Jennifer and I met through me doing a Pampered Chef party for her.  So don't tell me God doesn't have me doing Pampered Chef for a reason!
To wrap this up, I just thank God for who He is.  For His grace, love, mercy, faithfulness...even when I'm not!
I'm going to leave you with a video of a song that struck me today while cleaning.  I heard it and thought, that would go good with my blog post!

• 
  
  

30 Days of Thankfulness, Day 2

Day 2~ It seems everyone is on the same page with Day 2. I've been thinking and I'm going along with everyone else!

Jose & I supporting our #1 Football Player

I'm beyond grateful for my Honey! He is my Yin to my Yang, my calm to my storm, my #1 supporter, my soul mate, my better half, the spiritual leader of our family, our prayer warrior, an awesome Papa to our 4 blessings, a VERY hard worker that allows me to stay home to care for our 

blessings. My husband is everything and more! I thank you Jose Herrera for all you are and all you do. Our paths met when I was 12 years old. Our story has an AMAZING testimony that will touch lives we may never know. But God knew what he was doing when He placed us in that trailer park. I praise Him for you. I couldn't ask for anyone better. I love you more today than ever! ♥

KFGHDGP&*(p8UFRE4WIOJRVNGU7&*(uio

YUP, that's about how I'm feeling right now!  I won't go into details, because my life doesn't always need to be put on public display.  But I'll just say...same 'ol crappy ola with my mutha.
But, my computer did some updatey thing and shut down and restarted.  When it restarted, it was loading facebook and it happened to stop on someone's status update that I follow.  Delayna was messing around and so I hit the little thing that stops her from moving the mouse.
Man, God knows what He's doing...ALL.THE.TIME!
Because I read this and it was exactly what I needed!  I am worn out and exhausted and this really hit home!

"I pray in Jesus' name, may you fight the temptation to engage in relational battles that drain your strength, trying to prove your point or win your way or defend yourself. I pray you let your Lord be your defense. I pray you will never again get caught in the trap of blame of bitterness. May our God give you the wisdom to know what to fight for, for those your love, and how to fight in a way that brings blessings and breakthroughs to all of your relationships. In Jesus' Name, Amen" ~ Taken from Freedom for His Princess by Sheri Rose Shepherd

Day 5 of my 21 Day Daniel Fast

I have been really wanting to blog about the Daniel Fast I started on the 1st of January.  But 1-I've been too busy to be on the computer and 2 I haven't really known what to blog about. 
Sure, I can blog my prayers, struggles, praise reports, but I guess I just haven't been able to pu my thoughts into words.  I have a some things I wanted to put on today, just for rememberance.
Yesterday, I made the kids potatoes and ham per their request.  I figured, since Jose was out of town (or so I thought) I would just make extra potatoes for myself and some soyrizzo on the side to go with it.  I was kind of excited for the potatoes, something yummy, comforting and fried :)  I didn't expect to have any issues...
Du Du Du  Yup it was coming!
I warmed the kids up their ham and MAN, I wanted to devour it!  Especially the fat!  I had to move myself to the counter next to Oscar's bowl and dump the trimmimgs off into the bowl.  I made it threw and my dinner was very scrumdiddleyumptious, but it wasn't easy.

Now today has been challenging today also.  I was faced with a ghost from the past.  Thank God for friendship, because without me being able to reach out to my friend (not someone who will tickle your ear, someone who will tell you like it is and put you in yuy place!)
She talked me down and gave me revelation.  Thanks Jen!
I did okay with food.  I ate really well all day.  I made the kids spaghetti for dinner and Jose & I a yummy soup.  I had Adi make most of the dinner.  I went in the kitchen to check on her (I was getting ready for my PC TRNG) she had the pasta sitting in the pot of water.  Um HELLO!?!?!  She said she didn't know if it was done or not.  So I automatically took the spaghetti fork and pulled 3 noodles from the pot and popped them in my mouth.  After I chewed them, I realized what I did and yelled, "Oh my gosh, I just ate pasta!"  Ha Ha!
But, it made me realize the nindless things we do, just out of habit or routine.  I want to be more concious of things I do.  It can't be a good thing to be living life so mindlessly.  Which takes me to ny scripture I was reading tonight (because I skipped my morning read & had to play catch up.  But, God knew what He was doing.  I wouldn't have had this scripture hit me after the circumstances from the day)
So we are reading Proverbs for the mont of January, through my church & bible study.  Today was obviously Proverbs 5.  I almost highlighted the whole chapter it was that good.
Of course the program I use won't let me copy and add my notes, so I'll try later.  But I wanted to just jour down a free things for the day :)

More on Loving the Unlovable

Wow, has God been talking to me lately and then what's even crazier is that He talks to me and then on Sunday, Pastor Todd confirms what was said to me.  It's just crazy!  I'm really beside myself!
So, here's what I was spoken to this past week...

Day 7, Step 4  "The Top 10 Ways to Love the Unlovable"...
I highlighted the following excerpts from the page and then rolled off of those.  So, I will bold & italicize the excerpts. Underline some things that jumped out at me...

So Evinda quotes the scripture, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free".  Another saying I've learned to live by is actually a name of a book written years ago by the wife of Raul Reece: "For things tto change, I must change."...As long as you do something with it, in other words, work on you, that unlovable/difficult person no longer holds the same power over you!

This step does require some honest reflecting into your own character because you must go back and look at the three adjectives you used to describe that unlovable person and asee if any of those adjectives actually equal a mirror held up reflecting you.  Most of the time you WILL see yourself staring back at you through those descriptive adjectives....

If you still don't really see your own reflection after digging deeper, then you can move on.  Don't get frustrated because after all, it never hurts to examine your attitudes and behaviors because the reward of understanding yourself better equates to less junk in your trunk.

First of the the verse Evinda quotes jumped out at me and I needed to dig deeper.

It is located in John 8:32, "Then you should know the truth and the truth shall set you free."

Are you asking God for his glasses to see others through?  Do you want to see the truth about what junk you are carrying inside of yourself?  The bible obviously says, "...The Truth Shall Set You Free."  It's the truth about YOURSELF!  Not the difficult person/people in your life.

Luke 10:26 in the Message Bible says,

He answered, "What's written in God's Law? How do you interpret it?"
He said, "That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do yourself."

vs 27 states what?  AND THAT YOU LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS WELL AS YOU DO YOURSELF."

SAY WHAT!?!?  Oh yes it does!  And don't try to think for one minute, "well that's my neighbor, it's not the difficult person in my life.  Their two different people.  My neighbor is so sweet, caring and easy." --Oh whoops, did I just speak my thoughts out-loud?

These people are in your life for a reason.  And it may just for us to dig into our own crap or junk and see that we've got some cobwebs to clean out.  It may be to touch that person with the love they've never received before.  It may be to show them the LOVE (agape) that only the Lord can give.  Maybe it's for them to learn from you.  

OH BUT WAIT!  What read just one more verse further and what does it say?

vs.28~"Good answer!" said Jesus.  "Do it and you will live."  ~Message Translation  

And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. ~King James  

And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE. ~New American Standard  

“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” ~NIV   

“Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”  ~New Living Translations

Guess what, EVERY SINGLE TRANSLATION QUOTES THE SAME 5 WORDS THE SAME...
"DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE."
What does that mean exactly?  I wanted to know, so I dug.  The bible says in John 10:10 ~"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." NIV  Some translations say "I have come so that you may have life and have it more ABUNDANTLY."  So, what does Abundantly mean?  According to Dictionary.com it states:  
adjective

1.

present in great quantity; more than adequate;oversufficient: an abundant supply of water.

2.

well supplied; abounding: a river abundant in salmon.

3.

richly supplied: an abundant land.

So in other words John 10:10 is telling me that He has come so that I can live my life in great quantity, adequacy, being well supplied.
Now let's put this all together shall we...
God wants us to not only see others through "His Glasses", but He wants us to see ourselves this "His Glasses".  By doing this, we can love our "neighbor" or the difficult person in our life with the "abundant" love or supplies He has given us.  When we love our difficult person, He is then able to give us our life even more "abundantly".
I pray this opens your heart to unspeakable joy knowing that through God, we can live an abundant life in and through Him!
Learning to love my unlovables...

Bible Study #4...Coffee Hour With Chicklit Power by Evinda Lepins

I had to come and share my most amazing encounter lately.  I posted it on facebook and I'm just going to transfer everything here.

So, after much prayer and seeking the Lord in the direction that He wants me, I have finally recieved confirmation on the summer study.I have to give you the story behind it all, just so you can all see how good God is...You all knew I was praying regarding the bible study.  I wanted to do something light, but deep, something that we wouldn't have as much work and time devoted to the study, but yet something that would keep us in the word on a daily basis.  Keeping us connected to God and keeping our relationship built up.  Some of you came to me with suggestions, but nothing was 'it'.  Well, I had the opportunity to meet a woman name Kim.  She came to my MOT's group last year and shared her testimony as well as some of her information & book.  I was fortunate enough to have her at my table and I was able to spend some time with her and share my life testimony with her.  We've kept contact and she recently visited MOT's again.  She brought her products this time and I purchased her book.  Now, unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to read any of her book, but I did glance at it.  Something kept telling me that I should use this for the summer bible study.  Now being that it's not in a bible study format, I kept pushing the 'idea' out of my head.  WELLLLLL, last Friday, I jumped onto Facebook while I was outside looking for something for dinner.  I noticed that Kim invited me into her group.  So, I accepted the invite, but didn't have a chance to really look at it.  Later that afternoon Jose and I were in the garage and I went to her page on my phone.  The first thing I saw was the following..."Okay, so I'm really giving some serious thought to something because I keep getting this question from complete strangers: "Does CPM have a women's Bible Study?" So, let's put it out there. Would anyone be interested in a once-a-month Bible Study using our "Coffee Hour with Chicklit Power, A Cup of Encouragement for the Day" book? There's some great series in there. Let us know:)"OMG...ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!?!?!  So I replied the following:"Hey Evinda Lepins, this is awesome!!! I will be wrapping up my M2C bible study next week and I have been praying about doing a summer bible study. I have had your book next to my bed and it's been taunting me to use it for the summer bible study (HONESTLY!!!). But I didn't know, because it's not in a format that I could figure out.  So, I brought the subject to the table at my bible study today. We will be meeting every other week. I want something light & not too deep. And a book that we can get our hands on now. Then I saw your post on this. I would LOVE to be your "guinea pig" and use your book as our bible study!!! Let's talk about it. I would like to start June 10th. You can either message me here or contact me on my cell phone. I will be in San Diego for soccer tournaments this weekend, but I will get with you!!! LET'S DO IT!"
Personally, I don't believe in coinsidence...As Kim aka Evinda told me, "absolute GOD things".  So, not only do we have a bible study and one that we can get our hands on right away, BUT...ARE YOU READY FOR THE KICKER!?!?!?!Kim aka Evinda (btw, that's her author name) is going to be joininig us on Friday for our Luau and will be selling the books, signing our books and explaining the bible study to us!!!How freaking cool is it that God confirmed this the way that he can only do and we not only have an amazing bible study set up for the summer, BUT...WE GET TO MEET THE AUTHOR IN PERSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ACK!  HOW COOL IS THAT!?!?!  Come on, how often have you met an author of a published book?Okay, I'll settle down now.  I just can't tell you how amazing God is and how hard it's been to keep this cat in the bag.  It's been clawing at me all week!  And, being with Amber all weekend, had the book on me and I couldn't share with her!  It killed!!!So, I hope you all are as excited as I am!

Follow up to that...We met this past Friday and I can't tell you the excitement my girls had!  I actually have one girl that declined the summer bible study, but after hearing Evinda's story and what we believe God is going to do, she decided to join!

God is good & is giving us favor.  On July 22nd we will be wrapping up the next bible study called, Loving the Unlovable.  The next day, Evinda will be having her CPM's One Year Anniversary Party...guess who will be there with a testimony of her book becoming a bible study!?!?!  YEAH, The Jesus Girlz...HA HA HA HA!!!  AMAZING, SIMPLY AMAZING!  I can't wait to see what God is going to do, the break throughs that I am praying to happen, the walls to be taken apart one brick at a time. 

I will keep ya'll updated!