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!

Sweetest Blessings

My babies are just being so sweet to each other, I just love it!

Anthony tripped outside and busted his arm all up, and Mama had to play Mama (I don't get many opportunities now that he's 15 & "too old").  Delayna saw that 'bobo' hurt his arm and she was all attentive to him.  Then Anthony went and sat down in the living room and she up to me and asked me if Ant could go outside with her.  I told her, go ask him to play outside.  So she went to Anty and said, "Bobo, a play side Me 'a You".  Awe, she's so cute.  He asked her, "you want me to go play outside with you?"  Of course she was telling him yes & he never did, but they were just too cute together.  She is her big bobo's baby sister for sure!

Then Ant was watching Domi play TS3 on the X-Box and he wanted to play with him.  He went to get the remote to 'help' him, but Dom my attitude child got all mad and was fighting with him.  But eventually, they were playing together.

Now Ant just came to me with Dee's head band and flower over his head and she's crying over it.  He tells me, "Mama, tell her I look so pretty."  

My Sweet Blessings.  There isn't a day that goes by that I am flabbergasted that God gave me such awesome babies!

30 days of Thankfulness ~Day 7

I just want to say a simple...
I am so thankful for my blessings! God has truly blessed me beyond measure! I have 4 awesome children that can drive me to insanity, but continually put a smile on my face and fill me with so much contentment.
I have a husband who is just awesome...He's already received his spot light.
I have a mom who loves me, supports me, and raised me to be a heck of a woman...even though we butt heads more than we get along.
I have great friends, women and people in my life.
Many talents that God has allowed me to use to bless his children with.
I can go on & on...but you get the point.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart

This is what I captured at 5:30am from my back yard...Pure & simple beauty!
God has been telling me for awhile to take the time to spend with him daily. Since I'm not much of a "New Years Resolution" girl, but more of one to set goals that I can attain, this was one goal I made for myself this year.
6am has been the "special hour" that I am to get up and seek him daily. Well this morning He had me up at 3 am. Since having Delayna, my sleep has not been good AT ALL! Well, recently she has finally been sleeping for blocks of hours. Jose and I went to sleep at 10pm last night & Delayna slept until 3 am. I patted her back to sleep, but my body was awake. So as I laid in bed, I just prayed over some situations that have been going on in my family. After a while, I fell back to sleep, but was awoken by my dear husband at 3:45, then Delayna at 4 am. After nursing her back to sleep, I decided to get up and take advantage of my body being awake. I got my coffee & toast and sat in my chair, bible, highlighter, pin & bible study in my lap as I began to pray.
Then I opened my bible study book up to begin the work after my chapters. My book is:
A Woman's Secret to a Balanced Life, focusing on the Proverbs 31 Woman. As I did the study guide, it took me to Proverbs 31:10-31. I read the passage & I was remembered of the first time I read it. I lived in my house on Orange Street. I was in my back yard with my mom and I had just discovered the passage. I can remember the feelings, thoughts, emotions I felt as it was revealed to me and I remember how deeply I wanted to be like that Proverbs 31 woman. Time went by and as I was brought back to it today my eyes were open to some things.
My book titles it "A Wife of Noble Character". It has you read the passage it asks you to list the qualities that made this wife excellent. So as I read, I listed...Comforter, Encourager, Provider, Nurturer, Loves, Hard Worker, Counselor, Strong, Dignified.
Then it asks, "What kind of choices has she made that make her worthy of praise?"
In my book, it has a footnote on vs. 29 & 30, where we find the answer to this question. Verses 29 & 30 states, "Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well, but you excel them all. Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain, but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!"
My footnote states, "In what way did she "excel them all"? In her spiritual and practical devotion to God, which permeated every area and relationship of her life. Her secret, which is open to everyone, is the Holy Spirit's climax to the story, and to this book. In Prov. 31:30, it becomes clear that the "reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord", which is "the beginning of Wisdom" (Prov. 9:10), is put forth as the true foundation for a life which is valued by God and her husband as "far above rubies or pearls" (Prov. 31:10)
So am I a wife of noble character? No, I'm by no means meeting all of these expectations, but I see how my heart has been changed to live the exampled life. How I am striving to meet these goals.
Jeremiah 29:13 states: "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart"
So, as I begin my early mornings, my plan is to seek him with all my heart. This may not always be easy, but thru Him and in Him I find my strength. Knowing as the verse says, "seek with ALL your heart" I will find him.
Becoming that wife of noble character, the woman who can comfort, encourage, rise while it is yet night, preparing food & organizing her day, is a financial steward, has endurance for her daily tasks, quick to assist anyone in need, girding myself with strength (spiritually, mentally, and physically), opening my mouth with skillful and godly wisdom. Then my children will respect and bless me, as my husband will join in with boasts and praise.
I pray you have a blessed day and that the Lord reveals his grace and love in your life.

So Long 2009...Hello 2010

What a year this has been, let me tell ya! I think everyone is in the same boat as to financial bumps, but there have also been so much more that my family, friends & loved ones have been affected by!

I started last year, 9 months pregnant, stressed and just believing God for great things as we were about to have our fourth baby.
God showed himself in a miraculous way, very personally. I saw things working together as he continued to teach me to trust in Him & Him alone. I had something deep down inside telling me that my baby was going to be a girl (because if it were a boy, things would have been MUCH more difficult!). Well, I feel as though God was showing me that it in fact was a girl, it was a promise to me about our blessing & for me to learn that "ALL things work to good for those who love the lord."
January 20, 2009 we gave birth to our blessing, promise, baby girl, Delayna Lynn Herrera.

My Honey has truly grown tremendously in God. He always loved the Lord and attended church with me, but MAN this past year he has really become a Man of God!

Anthony & Adriana had AWESOME soccer success. They both made tournaments & Spring Select. We traveled with Ant's team all over, watching them play AWESOME games!!!
Adriana set a goal for most goals made in a U10 girls division...My girl KICKS BUTT!!

Anthony went to Hooters for the first time with his soccer tournament team.

I have lost a total of 30lbs since getting pregnant with Delayna.

I clothed diapered, then gave up.

I learned the true meaning of the need to take care of myself. As a mom, wife, Youth Leader, Soccer Fundraiser Coordinator, friend, and the list goes on I forget to remember I am a human & need nurturing also.

I was blessed with the position of a table leader at MOTS.

We got a Wii! Yes, that's a big deal!

Dominic came down with a CRAZY illness, that we still don't know what was wrong with him. He was running crazy fevers, lethargic, blood in his urine, just crazy! Through prayers & trusting in the Lord, he was healed.

I went to my first LIFT conference. Wow, incredible!

My baby girl promoted from the 5th grade & started 6th grade

My baby boy started kindergarten...Now that was hard! He is such a MAMA's boy!!! It was a transition!

My BFF's Allan & Angel made the decision to commit their lives to God & were "re-born" in my church and have been serving besides us since!

My dear friend Arlene was diagnosed with cancer. We are believing for a total healing in her body!

I turned 31! I must say, they are SO much better than 20's!

Jose & I were called to be leaders in our church. Where we will be leading is still to be determined, but God has a plan that we are working on. NOT easy, believe you me, I have been going through some growing pains.

Patrick Swayze died...Yes, it was sad!

I taught my first small group at FUSION.

My dear cousin Robin went home to be with the Lord. As much as it was a great homecoming for her, she is dearly missed! I wear her necklace her mom sent me everyday. Seriously, it hasn't came off but one day to wear another that matched what I was wearing better.

We learned that Delayna is allergic to Cefdinir. And not the easy way!

I learned that the Lord has SO much for my family than I could ever dream or imagine. That as long as I walk in his will, it will all come to flourish-in!

I hope you had a great New Years Eve & a blessed New Years! Welcome 2010

He cares about the little things...

As I just did my WFW post, it was meant for this post. I intended on sharing my story, but the Lord had another plan & it ended up being the post that I posted.
So, now on to my story...
With everything going on lately with Dominic, I have been ubber busy! Well, Adriana's promotion is tomorrow & I haven't had a chance to do anything to prepare her or for her luau on Saturday.
My plan was, Little & I were going to go have mani-pedis done today after school. I was planning on buying some decorations for the luau and just making everything special for her.
So much for my plan. How does the saying go, "We make plans & God laughs". Yeah, well he must be laughing histarically right now. Needless to say, NONE of my plans have gone accordingly. But, I've also continued to trust that the Lord is working, not only in my little boys body, but for my girls party. I know, it sounds funny, that He would care enough to 'help' me get her party done & made special, but He does.
Yesterday, I was late picking up Adriana. It was just one of those days. She called me and told me that she was over at her friend, Chelsea's house, to pick her up there. So, I went over to Joanna & Chelsea's to pick up Adriana. Joanna & I started talking about Dominic (Joanna is Guatemalan, just like Jose. They have different 'beliefs' I guess you can say regarding health issues. They amaze me, they make me laugh & sometimes I wonder about some of them). While we were talking, Chelsea announced that she was going to get her nails done. I told Joanna that I planned on taking Adriana, but with things going on, I haven't had the chance to take her. So Joanna said, "Melissa, why don't you leave Adriana here & I will take her with Chelsea to get her nails done." Like the typical Melissa that I am, I told her no, that I would take her at some point. Joanna wouldn't let me tell her no & made me leave Adriana to go with them.
See, God even cares about my daughter's little nails being pretty for her promotion! Not to mention, What an awesome friend I have in Joanna! She has really blessed me with Adriana so many times! She is a great friend!
Then, today was my MOTS day. Yesterday Jose was telling me that I just shouldn't go, to stay home & get stuff done. I told him that I needed to go, I needed just 2 hours to myself with my "sisters" and some spiritual uplifting. I got up this morning, took the kids to school & had my whole morning planned. Well, once again I was faced with opposition! I went to take Ant to school, when he realized that he left his yearbook at home. So I turned around to get his yearbook. When he went in, Dominic was at the top of the stairs crying, which in turn woke Delayna up (now before I get bombarded with comments or messages...I don't leave the little ones home alone. My mom is up in her room when I run the kids to school). So now I had to pack them up into the truck & take them with me. Then instead of coming home & showering while the two littles were asleep, I had to feed Dominic, change a dirty diaper, answer my cousin's text messages & shower with a fussy baby outside my shower door. Dress the fussy baby while being wrapped in my towel, blow dry my hair with the fussy baby on my hip, put the fussy baby into the sink with a towel while I did my make-up, fight with Dominic to get dressed & ready to go. Then pack them into the truck & head out...
Once we got there, Dominic did NOT want to go into his class. Had to fight that, yadda yadda yadda. MAN, let me tell ya!
So once I was able to go into the group, sit & eat, I was good. We were doing raffle baskets.
My plans was to put 4 of my 22 tickets into the 'Green Basket', 6 of my tickets into the 'Picnic Basket' and the remaining 12 tickets into the movie basket in hopes of getting the movie 'Fireproof' and 4 movie tickets. I did them wanting the movie basket, but willing to take the other two. My theory behind it was to get something I could make time to spend with my family enjoying each other. Well....I didn't win any =(
BUT, God had another plan!
When everyone was cleaning up, Suzanne went & asked Wendy what she was going to do with all the Hawaiian stuff that we used for decorations.
Wendy told her she was going to throw it away, unless she wanted it. Suzanne told her that I needed it & she told her to give it to me!
So out of nowhere, Suzanne yells at me, "Hey, Melissa, all this stuff is yours for Adriana's Luau!"
PRAISE GOD!
He knows ALL my cares & cares about them more than I do!
I am completely besides myself with his blessings & love!

I have THE BEST!!!!

I just have to let everyone know.... I HAVE THE BEST PEOPLE IN MY LIFE!!!!!
I have been repeating through my pregnancy "God has really humbled me through my pregnancy".
I have always been one that has had to have control, know what's going on, be on top, always be the "do'er" and yet still didn't feel 'accepted' (I guess would be the word) enough.
I know it's not our works, but my flesh has always told me that it is.
Well, with all the people that have stepped up in my life, I have been humbled to a point where I have realized that I don't have to be all that to be accepted and open to what people want to do for me.
~When I found out I was pregnant I didn't know what I was going to do in regards to supplying for the baby. It really overwhelmed me. Well, Jose and I were talking the other night and have been SO blessed with people just giving me clothes for Delayna. This girl will have so many clothes to last her, I may never have to buy her a single outfit! I even had a friend mail me a box of clothes from South Carolina!
~Noe & Monica (Jose's boss, who also happen to be awesome blessings in our life!) have overly blessed us in so many ways! Monica has bought Delayna so many outfits it's awesome! She brought a few over a couple of different times then last Tuesday when we were at Bible Study, she was telling me about an outfit that she bought someone and Noe told her,,,"Give It To Her." Monica got so excited and handed me the bag and commented, "I've been waiting for him to tell me to give it to you." It was an adorable brown jumper with flowers and shoes to match! Lovin the shoes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Squeeeeeeeeeeee!
Then last Wednesday while Jose was at prayer night at the church, he walked out to the truck and there was a bag from K-Mart and a brand new bouncer sitting on the hood. He came home and walked in the house with it. I said, "what did you do?" He replied, "went and got something." Then chuckled and told me the real story. I sat there just bawling my eyes out! I couldn't believe that someone would go out of their way to bless in such an awesome way. Then to know that God is SO good! Just the night before at bible study, the girls were telling me that I need a bouncer or swing to put the baby into to help soothe her. Well financially we can't go out and do that, but God blessed us. Come to find out it was Noe & Monica! I was just beside myself that they have done so much. I talked to Noe Thursday night at church and he just kept repeating, "Melissa, know that God WILL provide." I know it, but to hear it is just so much more.
~One of my besties came over to visit with me yesterday. Jessica came over and kept Dom company while he showed her his LeapFrog movie. Then was holding Delayna and comforting her while I got some stuff done in the kitchen. She is the sweatest!!! After a while, I had to go get the kids from school and I left the kids with my mom and Jess while I ran out. When I got home, my 2 loads of laundry I was doing was folded for me!!!! Ack! She is the bestest!!!!
She's also going full force for Delayna's baby shower this Saturday. She has really stepped up and helped my mom alot. Another great blessing in my life!
~My sweet cousin Lourdes has stepped up to do my baby shower. In the begining she called me and asked me if I was going to have one. I commented, "No, I don't think so. I'm sure my family is sick of giving me baby showers." Lourdes really jumped on me for thinking like that and helped me to see that once again, I am loved! So, she stepped up and is going fanatic with this baby shower! She has been calling me at least once a week to follow up with stuff. She told me the other day that she would be calling me everyday until the shower...LOL. *Some background to why that's special...Lourdes & I were close as kids, but as we got older, we went our own ways. We have always loved each other, but haven't been as close. This is bringing us closer, just taking the time to reach out to each other as adults.*
~My Grandma Roof. Just because I love her! She has called me a few times to ask if 2 of her close friends would be welcomed to come to the shower with her. I have meet both of them and they are really sweet ladies. My Grandma was the first one there at the hospital after I had Delayna, she was the first one to hold her & changer her diaper. I can call my grandma at anytime and tell her my woes and she always has a good word for me. I just love my grandma and thank God for letting her be my Grandma!!!
~My mommy. Even though she is a pain in my hiney sometimes, she is a good mommy! She tries her hardest and is really getting better. I must say that this was the first pregnancy and birth of my baby that she has been enjoyable. We have been on one hell of a rocky road together, but the Lord has placed where we are and things continue to improve.

I just thank God for all the blessings that he has poured out upon my family & I. I am beside myself and like Jose says: "I don't have enough words to thank Him."

I will always...Love You

So, I have found a new band that I REALLY love! I haven't heard a song that I don't like yet.
I had my myspace page up listening to a song and it hit me different today that it had in the past.
Maybe post partum hormones, maybe cabin fever, maybe all the love that has been revealed to me these past two weeks. Who knows, but I wanted to post the song and lyrics.
I am dedicating it to not only my new little blessing, but all four of my blessings...

Here is the video & the lyrics will follow


Out of nowhere
You came
From a little dust
And a little rain
And when I looked down at
Your face
It showed to me
The truth and grace

I will always try to keep you very safe

So open up your eyes
So they can look in mine
And see a small reflection
And when you close your eyes
I pray the thoughts inside
Are beautiful and true

I won't always
Be this strong
And I won't always
Be the one
To kiss the bruise
Or heal the scrapes
To wipe the tear drops
From your face
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com

But I will always love you more each day

So open up your eyes
So they can look in mine
And see a small reflection
And when you close your eyes
I pray the thoughts inside
Are beautiful and true

I will always love you more each day
I will always try to keep you safe

So open up your eyes
So they can look in mine
And see a small reflection
And when you close your eyes
I pray the thoughts inside
Are beautiful and true

I will always
I will always ... love you

My blessings

A follow up to my "complaint baby post", that I posted yesterday....

God is just SO good! I am sitting here just in AWE with tears rolling down my face! I just read one of my dearest friend's blog : This Is Me
She invited my little girl over yesterday just to hang out & what she says about my baby girl in her blog, in my opinion, is just awesome!
I've known this stuff about my Little, but for someone to see it and just say how "cool & smart & awesome & has a great sense of humor, etc..." is something that as a mom is VERY touching!
My little girl is awesome! She's got her eyes focused on so much and is very focused on what God has for her too.
Jose always comments how beautiful she is and the is afraid for her to get to the age of dating, because he doesn't want her just running off with any boy, or anyone taking "advantage" of her. You know, the pretty girls seem to be the ones that get damaged the most, they're beautiful and they have an advantage.
BUT, I know that our girl is not only gorgeous, but she's got some smarts! She is focused on what God has for her & as long as we continue to raise her up, I believe the Lord will continue to do a work in her life. She may stray at some point, but God's word does not return void, and my baby will be strong & has a future!

Then, last night while at FUSION (yes I went, God wanted me there, because he had a word for me from Mike) Mike was teaching the kids about disobedience & disobeying your parents, etc.
Anyway, make a long story short and get to my point...
He was talking about his life as a child/teen and stated that soon he will be having his baby Eden & what will happen the day that she does some things that he did as a child.
Then he said these words...
"One day you will all be given a gift. Look at Jose & Melissa, they have been blessed with 4 gifts. I will be getting my gift anyday. We will all, hopefully be blessed with at least one gift from God."

When he said; "Look at Jose & Melissa, they have been blessed with 4 gifts." I felt like a rush of wind just hit me. I sat there and just began to cry.
God has BLESSED Jose & I with FOUR (4) GIFTS.
WE ARE BLESSED!
I *know* that, but for someone to see that and speak it was different than me *knowing* it.
Some people "just have kids". It's not a big deal to them. There is so much pain and hurt out there towards children. I guess as a grown woman who knows that pain, it's hard to accept that God has blessed *ME* with 4.
I've not "just had" four children, I've been BLESSED with four children.
WOW!
I praise you Father & thank you for your blessing!
I am in awe.

Complete frustration and disbelief

OK, I am having two totally different emotions going on right now!
I am COMPLETELY frustrated!! Why you ask?
It's 1:42 am and I am still AWAKE! URGH!
I was laying in bed watching Dog The Bounty Hunter until 10, then flipped over to the news. My eyes were very heavy and I was exhausted! I have had a full week and it seems to be catching up to me.
Yeah, well, I turn the t.v. off and what happens? Anxiety, stress, restlessness and my brain all turn on at once.
I tossed and turned, prayed, counted, etc & no work until about 12am.
Finally I'm asleep, until 12:42...Dominic wakes up with a bad dream.
Jose got up with him, but he needed a mama's touch.
So, I crawl out of bed and go into his room, rub his back, head and butt and he's out.
Head back to bed and toss and turn until 1:20 am. I get up, and Jose is awake too. He can't get back to sleep.
I was done. Not only could I not sleep and shut my mind down, but now I have heartburn.
I told him, I'm going downstairs to have some Chamomile.

Here I sit, with my beloved laptop and a cup of Chamomile checking my email.
I open them up one by one and what do I see?
The following...

Hey Chick!

I saw your blog about the haves/needs/wants and have a question. Do you want a Nursing Cover that is gender neutral or do you take the stance that it doesn't matter? haha I know some mama's get the colors THEY like and others get it for the baby's sex.

I still have that one I made for Katie a while back, it's pink & brown though.

I could also make you one with just about any color.

Let me know.

From my dear friend, who I wish I had more time to get to know on the deeper level that I know her now, Kelly Bellamy

Wait, that's not it. I keep going and find this:

even if your baby is big...these will fit for the first few weeks:
A message on Freecycle...
i have a brand new package of PREEMIE SWADDLERS (up to 6 lbs)
im in beaumont

From my sweet friend Darci, who I do not take enough time to let know how much I appreciate her friendship!

OK, that's awesome, and I see God just working in every which direction. But those aren't it!
I get an email from Target, which I almost deleted, until I saw a name that is familiar to me in the subject line.

Just for you!
Now choose just what you want at Target.com. Just for you!
$50.00
To: MELISSA HERRERA

From: TERESA WALLACE

THOUGHT YOU COULD PICK UP A FEW THINGS FOR YOU AND THE BABY. LOVE YOU GUYS, CHRIS, TERESA AND THE GIRLS

OMG, YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!?!?!
My Aunt is the awesomest!!! I wish we made more time to visit each other and be in each other's presence. Since day one of me meeting my Aunt Teresa, I have LOVED her. Not in an Aunt/Niece way, but as a woman to woman kind of way. She is just an awesome awesome person that I really look up to.
I did not expect this, but...WOW
I am in complete disbelief that while I was laying in bed, tossing, turning, worrying, fretting over all the things that I need/want/have to do and get before this baby is here, God is working.
As I was laying there in bed earlier talking to Him, He asked me...
"Do you trust me?" I answered, "Of course I trust you. I know things will come through, but when, how, what should I be looking for."
He told me, "That's for me to worry about, you just wait."
He has been telling me this WHOLE entire time of this pregnancy the same thing...
"Just wait."
Do you know how hard that is!?! Gees, I don't have that kind of patience.
But, everytime I go to look at something, buy something, think "gees" I really need that, something comes through.

Thank you to all my friends and family for all you have done.
I can't even begin to express my deepest appreciation.
Now let's pray I get some sleep.

Recent Scores

Well, yesterday must have been a day of blessings.
I have recently found a group called Freecycle (new to me, old to others). What Freecycle is, is a group of people that posts things that they are trying to get rid of, instead of throwing it away or selling & people post things that they need.
Well, on Monday I went and picked up 2 older dressers that had been sitting outside of a house that someone was trying to get rid of. Well, I am in the process of re-finishing them and changing them into dressers for Dominic & Baby D.
Well, here I will just cut and paste. Makes it easier for me, and you can just read it all out...
I have been SO stressed over things for the baby, it's not even funny!
Anyways, I have been praying that the Lord will bless us with things that we need, not what we want.
Well, my friend told me about a local Freecycle (never knew they existed) and so I joined.
Monday night I went and picked up 2 really nice dressers. They are only 3 drawers, but one will be used for Dom and the other will be used for the baby.
They needed to be cleaned (DONE!) and I have to sand parts down and repaint them, but they are perfect & I can customize them to what *I* want
Then I saw a post the other day

Infant sling. This is the kind you wear around your body to craddle your infant. New Fisher Price Baby Monitor w/Receiver in the box. Never used. Would like to give these to someone who really needs them. Please indicate in your email the day and time you can pickup. Will make a decision by tomorrow evening.

So I replied to the post

Hi Elisa, I saw your offer. I am going to have my 4th in January and unfortunately gave everything away from my last baby (not expecting to have another.) I was interested in your items. Also was wondering what type of a baby sling it was, I LOVE wearing babies. I think it is SO much better for them. Thanks for any response.

And this is what I found in my box yesterday

Hi!
I'm going to offer them to you. I just had my 4th (unexpected), so I know what's like getting rid of everything and start over.
The baby sling you wear around your body and you tuck your baby inside to carry with you. It's more for a new baby. If you're not interested in it, I could give it to someone else. I think it's very nice.
When could you come pickup?

Elisa

Yeah, I was SO excited that I posted on a board that I have been on since having Dom, just to share my excitement. Well, to my surprise, these were the responses:
Steph~"wow Melissa!! What a blessing!!
I'm so glad that God is providing thru unexpected sources for you and for this baby!!!
So do you seriously have NOTHING??
just the stuff that you've been given recently?? "

My reply~"I seriously have nothing.
Actually, a girl that works out at my work brought in a bag of 3-6 mos girl clothes, a pink & brown diaper bag and some funky toy that attaches to the car seat I am assuming.
My SIL bought a car seat for me from a yard sale (I posted about this a while back).
I have bought some baby soap, baby lotion, baby powder and a pack of onsies(those are all the onsies I have).
I have a friend giving me her son's crib and I plan on making my own bedding since it is so expensive.
That's it... "
AGAIN, not my intention to "whine", just answering a question. I am BLESSED to have what I do have now! Well, this is what I get next...

Jen~"melissa, that rocks!!! can you list other things you want/need, so i can keep an eye out on freecycle and stuff? you know i am the master at finding good deals "

My reply~"You can list what you want. I am still new and feeling it out, so really don't know.
It's a Yahoo group here for me.
Try looking it up. "

Jen~"OH no no melissa, you misunderstood, sorry i was clearer-i am a freecyle pro, been doing it since i was preg with mairi.

i want YOU to make a list for ME of the things YOU want and need for the baby So then I can keep an eye out locally for stuff, and then ship to you (I'll pay, I want to bless you!)

So make a list already "

Leah~"I wish I would have realized you needed some things, I would have held on to all the baby boy clothes I just gave away to someone else for you (until you had the baby-- to see if you need BOY clothes). I literally just gave away 6 big black trash bags FULL of baby boy clothes. I kept all of Slaydes things, I guess at the time I didnt realize the amount I actually had. Until I pulled them back out for Griffin.... I was totally overwhelmed and had to have my mom come over and help me sort through them all. I also threw out a baby monitor, and a basinett, and a wipe warmer (I didnt like it)."

Kelley~"Melissa, if you'd put the list on here I could watch freecycle and craigslist here for you. Plus sometimes Moms at my Preschool will offer stuff to me (for the preschool dept) and I'd be glad to send some good stuff your way!

Give us a wish list!!

Are you not finding out what you are having?? "

Can you say, 'Emotion Overload!?!' I am so set back by my dear friends (they are all across country, LIKE N.Y. & VIRGINIA!). They care SO much that they are willing to go out of their way to find me things for my baby and bless me.
WOW. Absolutely Speechless!
Thank You My Dear Friends!!!!! Off to grab the box of tissues again! I can't even bring myself to make the list, I am just SO overwhelmed!

Your willing to give what you have

Recently Jose & I have been having a time, if you don't know...Jose has been VERY slow on work! Times are tough, but we are continuing to stand on our promises and know we will get through.
Well, yesterday I had a friend call me and ask some questions. Here's what our conversation sounded like,
M~"So Melissa, do you have any paper towels?"
Me~"Yeah, I have a roll, why?"
M~"Can I have some?"
Me~"Well, I only have one roll, but I will give you some if you need some."
M~"Do you have any toilet paper?"
Me~"Yeah, I have a few rolls and a new package, why?"
M~"What kind do you have?"
Me~"I bought White Cloud this week."
M~"Can I have some?"
Me~"Yeah, how much do you need?"
M~"Do you have any laundry soap?"
Me~"Yeah, I have a bottle, why?"
M~"What brand do you like?"
Me~"I buy what's on sale."
M~"You don't buy a certain brand?"
Me~"No, I'm not too picky, especially being tight on money."
M~"Well, can I have some?"
Me~"Sure, how much do you need?"
M~"Do you have any Downy?"
Me~"No, I bought Suavetel this week, do you need some of that too?"
M~"Yeah."
Me~"Ok."
M~"Alright, I will be over after work to get it from you."
Me~"Well, tell me how much you need and I will have it all ready when you get here."
M~"Don't worry about it, I will let you know when I get there."
Me~"Alright, I will see you later then."
M~"Ok, bye."

So a few hours later, I was in my kitchen cleaning and getting everything ready for my brother's birthday dinner. Anthony yells, "Mom, 'M' is here!"
So I tell him to let her in and have her come to the kitchen.
She comes in, carrying 2 bags chuck full of stuff. I said,
"M, what are you doing!?!"
She replied, "Melissa, you have nothing and your are struggling, yet you are still willing to give me things that I might need. These are for you."
UGH, my heart about dropped! I know I have friends in my life who care, but WOW!
I'm not one to take hand outs, nor am I one to "whine" about my situation. I know the Lord will provide and I feel like I don't need to go around announcing my problems to everyone. But the Lord knows what we need, and as long as we are faithful and have a giving heart, I feel like He WILL bless us in return.
It's not what we say, it's what we do and what is TRULY in our hearts that matters the most.
So, Thank You 'M' & Praise You Father God!

A Vessel Of Honor For God

Well, some may know, and others may not. I have been doing a bible study at the YCC church for 5 weeks now. The study is called Daniel and it is by Beth Moore.
I have had my grandma, 2 of my great aunts & a cousin just boast about how awesome Beth Moore's bible studies are. Personally, I am not one to sit and watch christian channels on t.v. all day. I guess you can say that it is something that I have been turned off of due to my mom's extreme watching of it my whole life.
*I am NOT saying that there is anything wrong with watching those leaders on t.v., it's just not my thing. I would rather hear my pastor and learn from personal bible studies rather than watching some random person teach on television.*
Well, my MOTS group was announcing a while back that YCC was going to be doing a study on Daniel by Beth Moore. I remembered my cousin, Robin, telling me about it. She really had an experience with that particular study and highly recomended it to me.
Knowing this, I had a yearning in my hear to go, but looking at circumstances, I didn't see how it would be possible.
Well, talking to a friend of mine, she suggested that I ask my co-worker to come in an hour early so that I could get home, get Domi ready and get my butt to the church by 9am.
Well, I prayed and asked the Lord to open the doors and sure enough, he did!
I began my bible study and was just in awe.
To save time, our sanity and cut down on the reading, I won't go into all that I learned in the begining. I do have to say though, I don't understand how anyone can denounse God. I know there are SO many things in the bible that show how real he is, but read Daniel 2 and really pay attention to the profetic empires that came to pass. Even history books tell about those empires. How can we denounse this!?!
Ok, so on to today...
While in small group, I opened up and asked for prayer. The Lord has opened my eyes to what Satan is attempting to do in my life since starting this bible study. I shared with the group that since the start of the study, satan has been attacking me in places in my life that I didn't think were issues anymore. Things are coming up inside of me, making me take a step back and evaluate myself through this.
I praise God that He has given me wisdom to turn to Him in this time of need. To stand up to Satan & lean upon God's grace and loving mercy.

And So, We are starting the study on Daniel 5.
As I sat and listened to Beth go through this chapter and write out the points that she brings out for us, I sat in awe.
Exactly what I just asked for prayer for, God spoke to me right through this video of Beth.
Here are some points

• We are holy vessels in the house of the Lord. BUT, Satan can make you feel unholy. By making you feel unholy, you will begin to live that way.
• I have been declared Holy, God set his name upon MY head. I have to claim it and allow myself to feel this way.
• Nothing makes Satan more happy than us to go against what God has for us. If he can convince us that we are less than, he can get to us and make us "toast an unholy cause." *anyway that we choose to act less than who WE ARE!*
• Satan has no greater agenda than attempting to desecrate what God consecrates.
• Vessels that have been treated as unholy can be treated as HOLY AGAIN! PRAISE GOD!
  

After the bible study a woman from my small group came up to me and really spoke life into me. Basically telling me that I am blessed. The Lord has something for my life and satan is fighting hard to make Melissa feel less than what Melissa is.
Growing up my mom & my great Aunts have always told me that I am blessed. That the Lord has destined me for something great. And that He has always have and always will have His hand upon my life.
I never doubted this, but also never completely understood it until today.
I thought that my blessings were just having a home, a husband, my children & living life to the abundance I am.
BUT, it's not. I am blessed beyond measure. The Lord has blessings bigger than I can EVER imagine.
Pastor Todd has been preaching on "What to do when." and he stated something that is lining up with all of this & I am opening my eyes to it all. He stated, "The Lord has something greater for our lives than what we think." "We think medeocracy and he says GREATNESS, ABUNDANCE & MORE THAN YOU CAN DREAM." (That was all translated into my own words :-) )
As of today I am seeing that I am more than a blessing. I have so much more waiting for me than what I expect for my life.
I am a holy vessel & I will learn to treat myself this way.
Before closing, I want to share a prayer that Beth prayed with us today...

A Vessel Of Honor For God
I, (your name) belong to God.
I am a holy vessel because I house the Holy Spirit of the Living God.
The Lord of heaven and earth has said over me, "I declare you holy."
Today I commit to start believing what He says. I AM HOLY!
Empower me daily, Spirit of the Living God, to treat myself as holy.
Open my eyes to every scheme of the enemy to treat me as if I'm not.
You God, are God.
Your Word is truth.
This day, Father, I choose to believe You.
In Jesus Name, Amen.

Then before the study we sang a song that is about 30 years old. The director said he never heard it, but I KNOW I have! Maybe going to church with my grandma or mom as a child, but I have sang this song!

A Vessel Of Honor
A vessel of honor for God
A vessel of honor for God
Sanctified Holy, that I may be,
A vessel of honor for God.

Proud Mama Moment

WARNING BRAG SESSION!
Anthony & his friend Brandon have been looking for ways to make money.
Well, Anthony started (as usual) the idea of doing yards in the neighborhood. Brandon wanted in on it, and Anthony of course allowed.
So about 2 weeks ago Anthony decided to go around asking people in the neighborhood if they would like him & Brandon to do their yards. Our 2 neighbors right next door agreed to them doing their yards.
Well, the other boys in the neighborhood got wind of what Ant & Brandon were doing and snagged up the jobs that the boys got.
They cut the 2 guys yards & did the most horrible job!!!!
So this past week, Anthony & Brandon decided to make fliers & business cards.
They wen't door to door looking for business & the neighbors that previously said would allow the boys to do the yard, but then turned & allowed the other kids to do it (confusing, I know) told Ant & Brandon that they want them to do their yards, because the other boys did a horrible job....HA HA HA HA HA HA! Kinda what those boys got for doing them dirty.
So after going door to door, Ant & Brandon now have 5 houses total that they are going to be doing, plus they got a weed pulling job.
When they went to go ask one of the neighbors about doing his yard (this guy is known as the 'baller' of the neighborhood). He told them that he didn't need mowing, but he did need someone to pull the weeds on his hill.
So he asked the boys how much.
They told him $15 each.
He said, "You boys are crazy, your worth more than that!"
So the boys said, "$25 each."
The guy replied, "I'll tell you what, I know how much that work is going to be. If you do a good enough job, then I will pay you $50 each."
They agreed.
Those boys are on Cloud 10 right now!!!
They can't believe they are going to be making $50 each!
So they will be out Monday morning to do his hill.

It is really a blessing my eyes!
Jose & I have been struggling financially and camp is coming up. We weren't going to be able to pay for it, but the means came in and we were blessed.
Well, Ant was doing his laundry the other day and he told me;
"Mom, I have 5 pairs of clothes." I asked, "what does that means?"
He said, "I have 3 pairs of shorts and 2 pairs of pants that I can wear to camp."
I felt like a dagger had been thrown at my heart.
My son only has 5 pairs of 'bottoms'!?!
He is making his plans of what he can do with what he has, but as a mother, I should be able to provide.
Well, as a mother, I SHOULD be able to provide, but the Lord must give me to provide.
But the Lord is showing me, I will provide, and it isn't in the way you think.
Anthony will be able to make this money, and he will be able to learn what a dollar is and buy himself some new clothes.
He will not only learn what it's like to to work for your money, but how fast it can go and take pride in all he is doing.
It's a lesson for Anthony, but a provision too.
End of my brag session.