His Love Perfected in us

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

JOHN 3:16-17

Earlier today I was reading the above passage, and taking time to reflect and dig deep as I read it. I paused for a moment as I read verse 16, John 3:16, such a well known verse, by both the believer and non-believer alike. As I read it, my eyes drew near to the words 'so loved', "For God SO LOVED the world..."  and I began to wonder, How exactly is the love that the Father has towards and for us?

A prayer almost spontaneously began, for the Father to allow me to know all the more His love. 

This took me to other parts of the Word and I began to Read 1 John 3 & 4.  I have read these verses time after time, but today I read them with new eyes... and while it was known information, it spoke to me in a clearer way.

In chapter 3 we see that Christ laid his life down for us, for his great love for us... and so in turn he calls us to love one another, and it is this love that has us pass from death to LIFE.  Thus, without Love we remain in death.  LOVE is Active and produces LIFE!

Therefore LOVE is a Verb, so we are to love with actions & in Truth!

When we move on to chapter 4, we see that This very Love comes from God, and if one knows Love, then we know God, for God is LOVE.  

God=Love!

And he sent His son as a sign of that Love.  And because God loves us, we ought to love one another... what an inference!  It is by us walking out and exhibiting this Love for one another that we can see that God LIVES IN US and His love is made complete, or perfected within us.

But God is perfect & complete, as is His love, so then, how can it be MADE COMPLETE or PERFECT? perchance it means that because within us, imperfect us, we hold back or rather not give room for His love to fully exhibit itself, BUT GOD still loves us, imperfect us, quite perfectly, and it just shows all the more how perfect is His love!

And the Word goes on to say that we know & rely [depend] on the love God has for us, WHY? 

Because God is love, who ever lives in Love, lives in God & God in Him,

and it is in this way that HIS love is COMPLETED in us! 

And then I read on to verse 18, this was like AHHH, that had me going leaps and bounds... 

1 John 4:18

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

Which took me to 

*2 Timothy 1: 7

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid [spirit of fear], 

but gives us power, love and self-discipline"

*Romans 8:15

"The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; 

rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. 

And by him we cry, “Abba,Father.” "

for the Lord is Love and has given us LOVE... and not fear, therefore fear not!! he has given us LOVE, POWER & SELF DISCIPLINE. What a package, comes with His love, so much so, that He calls us His Children, upon the receipt of His love!  How amazing is His love! Let us bask in it for a moment....

ah...

As I read 1 John 4:18 again we see that the Word says, Fear has to do with Punishment, however this takes us back to John 3:17 we see that:

 "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, 

but to save the world through him."

So this fear that we are speaking of here, could not come from the Lord...this was speaking to my heart so loudly and clearly... Sin = Death, this is the punishment for our sin, But we are redeemed by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, for he took upon Him our sins, every single one, and the punishment of our sins that is, DEATH, when He, Christ died on the Cross. So upon receiving Christ I am set free from the slavery of sin and therefore slavery of fear of the punishment to come, but in turn, I have been given the Spirit of LOVE! Love = Life

If you live in fear, in whatever form it takes, from a lil here or a lil there, or heck a lot a bit in other areas... we know by the Word, that God's who is LOVE, shared with us His LOVE, which Pushes away, out of our minds, hearts and very lives, any and all fear.

let His love be perfected in you... let his love grow, and push out all fear.. so that His love may be perfected in you!

Help me expound on this.. what are your thoughts

Be Blessed, 

Minda

Je suis americaine

Et Vous?

That is the length of Priscy's French. Sorry girl, had to put it out there. She makes me laugh so hard because she says it in her best Julia Childs impersonation, and sounds a little like Robbin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire.  (both of which are not French either) Laugh, it is quite funny.

To her defense she only picked up a little bit of it, in my attempts to learn a new language, so I would play Learn Basic French tapes at night, and I guess, that phrase went on repeat in her head.  So now and forever more she will be able to tell our brethren in France that she is American! Which is a good thing that she knows at least a little something as she has a desire to go to France and learn some of their cooking and baking techniques first hand.  Oh to be able to taste fresh baked made from scratch still warm croissants... ahhhh but you have to make sure you say it with just the right amount of saliva in your mouth and the depth or raspiness in the back of your throat. CROISSANT go ahead try it.. it's always as if there is a W adjacent to that R in the word, croissant... YUM DELICIOSO

Ok this is not good.. it is 12pm and I am now thinking about breakfast again, and I just ate! But wait... I don't have any CROISSANTS.  oh NO!!!  I only have some oatmeal. Alas my breakfast will have to be that of but one of an Oatmeal Smoothie. That doesn't sound as YUMMY as CROISSANTS... hmmm

All in due time, all in due time.

As you can guess one of mine and Priscy's, do you have any favorite words or phrases from other languages (clean ones por favor)??

Hello again my Fellow Crime Fighting aficionados

Hola Amigos!

It has been a long while since we last conversed. I have been off fighting crime and uncovering all sorts of mischief and all too preoccupied to sit down and share with you my fellow crime fighters, or perhaps your just an avoider.... sorry in a silly mood, I was not watching Dick Tracy, Poirot, Matlock, or Chuck Norris -anything... I promise.. not today at least, though last night I did watch Dark Knight again (love that movie).

Ah, the fight of Good vs. Evil. Classic and timeless tale! I love how the Dark night exposes the truth of what the enemy tries to do, he is not after money, or even the lusts of this life as we oft see and picture them. And he sure enough knows that he cannot bring down the Big Guy Himself, but in longing to cause pain to God, he seeks out to kill, steal and destroy all those whom God loves... You and Me. 

Though this is the case, and the enemy is a crafty one, we mustn't forget who we have on our side. For the Lord knows the schemes of the enemy and knows when he plans on doing an attack, we simply need to be alert to hear, see, and feel the signs as they are exposed by the Light.  Be prepared, and if you aren't when it comes, get prepared and armed, with the tools at hand.  I.e. the Word, Prayer, Godly friends & encouragement, praises and worship

Know that the enemy will use any and all methods to distract you just enough to neutralize you, especially if he realizes that he cannot fully take you out of the faith, he can have you stagnant and ineffective for kingdom building and deeper God-loving.

As of late I have been noticing all the more the workings of the enemy and seeing how strongly he has been attacking and so I am determinedly joining the ranks of my brothers and sisters before me and during this time, to lift up the Body of Christ in prayer as we face these many great challenges and opportunities to expand the Kingdom of God and Believe for New Victories.  Will you join me as we fight the Good Fight!?

Until later be blessed & Live love, 

Melinda

A Fast that at times seems to go Slow

Hello Everyone! 
On Sunday, May 3rd our church started at 21 day fast, we all got to choose the type of fast, as long as it was for the 21 days, some decided to fast from 6-3pm others 6-6pm a few decided to cut out sweets and even TV, it's similar to a Lenten period, where you are sacrificing something, for a spiritual purpose.   We know that the Word says that we should grow accustomed to fasting and praying, and fasting is called a private discipline that can bring about public rewards.  If you read the Bible, you would see that most of the major characters fasted.  


For the past few weeks I have been excitedly awaiting this fast.  I will admit, that along with the sensation that a great breakthrough was oncoming, I was also thinking, a Daniel Fast..."I GOT THIS!" (yes, a la George Lopez).  For those of you who are unaware a Daniel fast is one where you don't eat, meat, sweets, breads/pasta & dairy. So while you can eat, you are limited to primarily Fruit and Veggies, think organic Vegan. 


So, it has been that for the past 3 days of the fast, the Lord has been using this time to well.. strip me of my pride, and today show me that I, yes I need to De-Throne King Stomach!  You see, along with my "I GOT THIS!" attitude, I am also a grazer... yes I eat all day. I LOVE TO EAT. HUNGRY and I are not bedfellows, close kin, nor should we live in the same zip code. If I have ever given you a ride, you will see a pink basket in my back seat with an assortment of snacks, that I am usually willing to share!


Today i will admit I had to look up the word Fast, because it was painfully clear that today was day 3 of 21. THREE....TWENTY-ONE... THRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. And the Fast, as much as I tried to stay chipper and keep my eye on the prize it was difficult around dinner time. Why today? Why so soon? Well, you see today we (the Sanchez fam that is), knocked down one of the kitchen walls along with removing most of the appliances, namely the oven and the stove.  Normally I would have no problem with take out for a few days, but not today, when I am limited and after my 2nd oatmeal smoothie.  


So off we went to Wendy's where I got myself a Baked Potatoe and a Side Garden Salad YUM! plus a few things for the other folks at home. Just to realize when I get home that they did not give me MY salad. Papi & Mami had their Caesar Salads, but my Garden Salad, was NOT there, I repeat NOT THERE! Can I be honest with you? I think I will, (well I'm fasting aren't I, I think it's the only becoming thing to do), I almost cried I think I felt a tear formulating.


Foolishness right!??! I KNOW! Well it was not that I thought I was going to starve or that I could not figure something out at home, in our half kitchen with no appliances and a broken wall, but I really felt like saying OH YOU STINKY FILTHY DEVIL!!!! and shed a lil tear.. 'cause I was really wanting that salad. No I did not cry, nor did the tear shed, I, just after a few minutes, drove right back to the Wendy's and told them of the lil mistake, and the attendant after looking at me as if I was LYING or TRULY MISTAKEN (reprende al diablo), gave me MY salad. ALLELUYAH!


The whole experience made me realize how much food dominates me, be de-throned king stomach, de-throned I say!  Yes, I know we need food to survive, but I know I need God all the more. And it made me think...do we get anxious and quickly saddened when we don't get our serving of Jesus throughout the day? Do we long for the day to be alone with Him as some long for Chocolate or Ice Cream, or even a big o' bowl of Pasta, a slice of pizza or a chuleta frita? 


Earlier today the Fast went quite Slow, and now I would like to stay at this pace, so that I may be able to enjoy every moment of it to the fullest, even the ones that present themselves to be challenging, as it is through struggle that we see progress...growth, and I am awaiting, excitedly so, my breakthrough! So king stomach move aside, Day 4, in Jesus' name I will victoriously reach my 21 days, Kitchen or no Kitchen! Fast or Slow.. I do know the difference! 


Be Blessed, 
Minda
"If there is no struggle, there is no progress." ~ Frederick Douglass




PS
Below is the Etymology of the verb Fast, if you are interested:

fast (v.) 

O.E. fæstan "to fast" (as a religious duty), from P.Gmc. *fastejan (cf. O.Fris. festia, O.H.G. fasten, O.N. fasta), from the same root as fast (adj.). The original meaning was "hold firmly," and the sense evolution is via "firm control of oneself," to "holding to observance" (cf. Goth. fastan "to keep, observe," also "to fast"). Presumably the whole group is a Gmc. translation of M.L. observare "to fast." Related: Fasted; fasting

Through the eyes of a Child!

It is resurrection Sunday, The day we commemorate not only the Passion of the Christ, but the Hope we have in His Resurrection from amongst the dead. This has long been a favorite Holy-day of mine, not just because on occasion it has landed on my birthday (4/11), but because it was during this time, when I was all but 11 years old, that I came to have the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.


Whilst, I grew up in the church, and heard the stories of Jesus and the prophets of old all my life, it was during a practice for the Easter Play, while seeing the kids act out the scenes, and learning the words to the Via Dolorosa, that it all made sense and hit me like a ton of bricks. I cried, and asked Jesus to live in my heart.

I was reminded of this when this past Good Friday I observed Brian watched the Easter Play. Brian, is all but three (3) years old, and is at that oh so curious age, he has questions about everything, this time was no different. During the play, he sat on Priscy's lap and paid attention ever so closely too all that was being portrayed as he listened to his Titi Priscy, explain to him what was occuring. He wanted to know why the soldiers came for Jesus, why did they beat Him, and why no one stopped them? His eyes widened as the soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross, and mocked Him. I wondered, is this too much for him? Does he or can he even understand all of this?

We could not turn his eyes from the scenes. He stared intently even when he gasped and covered his mouth in disbelief that the very Jesus that, he, Brian, had heard of in all of his 3 years of existence, the one that right before his eyes on stage grew from a baby to a man, died on the cross at Calvary. With tears at the brink of flowing forth, Brian received a warm embrace from Titi Priscy who told him lovingly, "Jesus died so we could live." At that moment he looked at Carmen, and with his eyes still teary, wanting to know if what his titi said was true asked her "Why did He die, Mami, why?" and she took hold of him, and explained in words that a child would understand and receive, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for the ungodly! He died for you and me and alas, do not fret, for in a few short days, Jesus Christ would Resurrect! And at ease Brian was indeed.

See, it is through that resurrection power, that we are given hope of a life eternal with Him! I am grateful to know my Jesus! Yes, He is MY Jesus! I take hold of all that He is to me, my Prince of Peace, my Strength and Refuge, My Joy and the very Lover of my Soul. I rejoice in knowing that He cares for me, and thinks of me, and loves me unlike any other ever has or will. At times, more often than not, we must be reminded of the simplicity of the Gospel and be re-introduced to it as a child, as Brian was just a few days ago. So that we too, in wonderment maybe taken aback, to then be made anew!

Happy Resurrection Sunday! May you take a moment today or even throughout this week, and see the Lord's sacrifice and offering of hope, through the eyes of a child!

Be Blessed,
Minda

On Movies and Life -- part 2

As i last posted, I have been watching movies off of my "Movies to Watch" List.
Some of the movies came with high recommendations from friends, others are classics and still others are silly and filled with laughs, so I hear.  I have movies from King Kong to Six, from My Fair Lady to Rosemary's Baby, from Citizen Kane to Chariots of Fire, and from Crash to Spartacus to name a few.  Yes, the list is a myriad of genres and cinematic eras, and on my list I have about 100 movies on my list, I have seen about 17 of them, and it seems that new movies pique my interest everyday and I am tempted to add more movies to this list.

About two weeks ago I saw for the first time, Rain Man with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise.  It was a delight.  Hoffman did an incredible job of portraying a person with Autism.  The story line allows you to grow enamored with Hoffman and love to go UGGGHHH at Cruise for the way is character is at times. I think movies like this one, really hit a soft spot in my heart as I have both a brother and a sister that have developmental delays.  Some people might just call them retarded in a derogatory sense, yes they are delayed and don't always see things the way most people do, but when I sit back and take moment to understand how they think or see things, it is most refreshing. There is a peace that they have that is amazing and they are also  some of the most strong-willed people I know, when they want something a specific way, that's the way they want it and almost need it.

The film also reminded me that we all have our unique abilities and where we may be weak in one, we may be strong in another.   When we come together, we can compliment each other's abilities and encourage one another as we strive to break down those walls that form against us.  Maybe, you think I am getting a bit fa-fetched with the impact that this and other movies have, but I think that art, in its plethora of forms speaks to life and is to make us think, laugh, cry, and etc.  And so Rain Man, as did movies like I am Sam, while they bring tears to my eyes also remind me to look beyond any limitations that I or another may have,  and to take a moment and look at what one can do...be grateful, and see how you can be a blessing and give a helping had to another person, or in my case, my brother an sister.

So, what films have had an impact in your life? Which films do you think I should add to my list?

Be blessed
Minda

on Movies and Life - Part1

Good Day my friends! I pray you are having a fabulous day!
As many people, I have a Movies to Watch List, yes I actually have a hard copy of this list, that I have kept throughout the years and little by little the list has grown, and from time to time I have been able to scratch movies off the list.   This week I watched two of the films on my list, Amelie and Rain Man.

Amelie, in all its quirkiness, I really enjoyed. Not being fluent in French I had to pay attention to the subtitles, and even if you are you really do have to be watching this film at all times, for little motions that are made have a big significance, even when there is only silence heard.   In the film Amelie, decides to do good deeds for those around her, without their knowledge of how its happening or who is causing these things to occur.  It reminded me the value of acts of kindness and benevolence in our society.  It reminded me that the one who gives is just as blessed as the one who receives it! I loved seeing her expression of glee when the person received the kindness and then the ripple effects of the kindness! Over all it spoke to life and how our actions have an effect that long outlasts the initial act.

Be encouraged to be kind! Share the Love and see the world benefit from a single act of kindness that you are able to do!  You might be surprised to see the great love that is passed from one person to the next... and how quickly a hard heart can change so soft and receive and give love like it never did before!

Be blessed and a blessing today!
Minda!

Valentine's Day with the Domestic Diva

The other day I was talking with my sister and our friend and she asked me about my V-Day plans, and I said other than chillin' at home with my Bunny and our girls, not much, we then proceeded to invite her over for a movie night at our place that night, if she so desired. My response must have surprised her as I helped her pick up her jaw from the floor. I told her truth be told, I've never had a Valentine, well other than my Sister-Bunny and my friends.  With this, the jaw dropped once more... so if I was not feeling a lil down about that fact, I just had to enter into this conversation YAY ME! 

So as my sister concurred the truth of my statement, I told her that well.. I guess I just never played the cards right, and never had one, cause though I have had a few boyfriends, however during this time of the year, they were either out of town or out of the picture! In reality it does not really bother me, until someone so graciously makes it seem weird, (I personally prefer the term unique).  Also, I have enjoyed my movie and dessert nights with my siblings, and my dad every year brings me flowers and usually chocolate (I love DARK Chocolate, for any who want to know), it's actually very sweet. 

And so it is that today, wherein we are celebrating romantic love, I found myself well-wishing my friends and family as I got up to not go out with a gent, but to clean house and be the fabulous Domestic Diva that I am, I had a date with the bathroom and it was so gracious as to come on time, and say Hey! and I got the gloves and the cleaning supplies and scrub, scrub, scrub away.  It really was not in bad shape, but we are having some of our girls come over for movies later, so I figured a clean and orderly house was in order, once again YAY ME! 

And don't worry, you may be thinking but you cleaned the bathroom, what does the bathroom in turn give you.. the privilege to be the first to shower in a freshly cleaned bathroom.. 'cause there is nothing quite like it! 

So to those of you with a special loved one or maybe your just have a love for life... Like ME! 

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Weighing In -By Priscila

So it’s the start of a new year! Woo hoo! Right? I, like many others, thought “hey, I can stand to lose a few lbs”. I just can’t stand the thought of a resolution.  I rarely keep mine when it comes to food and didn’t want to start the year disappointed.  I mean I love food. We’ve been in a love/hate relationship for years and as many times as I try to leave it, fried food calls my name and I too often answer. This year I decided I would do things differently. This year I would dominate it instead of it walking all over me.  So, when my Cousin Miriam told me she wanted to lose a few lbs too we decided to start our own club.  Bikini Body babes or Dangerous divas! Ok so the names are lame, we’re not set on a name yet and we’re open for suggestions.
We started officially on Jan 15^th .  We had a meeting and everything.  It was cool, our goals actually feel attainable now.  My Ideal goal is 25 lbs or drop 2 dress sizes and be confident that I look really good in a bikini if I ever decide to wear one outside the dressing room of Macy’s.  At first, it seemed unreal and a setup for failure but now I am motivated and I know we can both do it!  We’re meeting weekly and our 1^st mile mark is on Feb 12^th.  I already lost 2 lbs and she is shedding the pounds even more quickly!  So far we have just decided to eat smaller meals throughout the day.  We’re filling our days with more water and fruits and healthy lite snacks so that larger meals aren’t large. Also we’re working toward working out at least 1hour 4 times a week.
Pretty soon I’ll be sun bathing and she’ll be a skinny Mini!  

Living Love,
Priscy 

CHEESE Please

It has come to my attention that there are those who presume that CHEESE is my favorite food. While I have not quite settled on any particular dish or food type as my favorite, I do believe that cheese, in its myriad of colors, tastes and aromas is ever so delectable, and in my opinion can make just about anything taste all the better.  Of course one must understand the full flavor of the particular cheese and the food item that it is being added to.    

I will also ask, why must we have a favorite? Or for that matter 1 favorite over another. This has long bothered me, because at any given moment whatever my taste buds are longing or my nostrils a sniffing might be my favorite at that moment in time.  but alas I do love CHEESE.

CHEESE is awesome, I believe that it is the promised land food of God, last I read the promised land was flowing with Milk and Honey and what is cheese made out of MILK! 

and so it is because God loves us, and me in particular,  He gave us CHEESE. So to all those who are even just slightly lactose intolerant, boldly go forth grab the most aromatic cheese you can get your hands on thank the good Lord for His promises, proclaim it... you can and you will take a big o' bite of CHEESE and enjoy it!