It's December alright!

Hello everyone!
Cheers and Blessings to all as we enter the fabulous month of December.

It's December Alright.

The Fall is almost gone

The air is quite crisp.

It seems as if it just might snow,

are those bells I hear?

The sound of the chimes 

fill the air 

as a cold breeze passes by.  

It's December alright, 

It's December.

It's a time to enjoy hot cocoa 

while cuddling with a loved one 

or a favorite book, 

by the warmth of the 

flickering flames from the fire place. 

It's a time filled with laughter

and fond memories of

Decembers long ago.

It's a time when you don't

so mind the cold,

'cause love fills you and warms you. 

It's December alright 

It's December.

With the first day of the month

you begin to count down

from the first to the twenty-fifth

'Cause soon enough Christmas will be here. 

Christmas comes with bells and whistles

It comes with joy & peace.

Humming along to carols 

singing makes you tap your feet.

Your body begins to sway 

and life fills all that you are

as you sing that song.

It's December alright,

It's December.

It's December indeed, 

Yes it is!

So as you go through your days

whether the first or twenty-fifth

Singing Carols to your hearts content

remember the Love for which we sing.

 It's a time to remember

when such a long time ago,

in a sweet little manger a couple stayed there, 

with no other place to go.

They made the best of what they had, 

and in that manger there was a break 

in the silence of the night

with the sound of the coos and cries

 of a new born babe.

It was the first sound our Lord Jesus Christ made. 

And so we celebrate 

the Birth of our savior.

It's December alright,

It's December.

May the Love of the Lord fill each and everyone of you with JOY & PEACE.

Be blessed,

Minda

Thanksgiving!

Hello Everyone,
Thanksgiving is around the bend and typically on the Tuesday before, my house would be full of the aromas of a home made sofrito and adobo.  My hands would be either helping my sis and dad season the turkey and maybe preparing one of our many desserts for our Thanksgiving dinner.
This year however, I do not have to do a bunch of cooking, I will be joining my beau at his family's dinner.  While it's a great feeling to know that I can rest and just take myself and my appetite to the dinner that I was invited to... I have been going back and forth, figuring out what I should take to the hosts.  They said I need not bring anything.. but it's such a foreign feeling.. no cooking at all on thanksgiving, not even a pie or cookies?
So, I think that I may just take a box of chocolates, or chocolate covered pretzels and strawberries, with a homemade batch of chocolate chip cookies.. come on, who can say no to CHOCOLATE! Chocolate is an always welcomed treat in my book.

in the mean time I will give thanks.. to have a happy stomach and free hands!

Be blessed,
Minda

Every Day is a Gift

Hello everyone,
I pray you are doing well. These last few days have been interesting and have taught me a bunch.   I am like many who believe that each day comes with it's own set of lessons, and mine senses have been opened to take it all in and further appreciate all that this day, my today brings.

Every day 

Is a gift from above. 

Arise, arise I say

From that sweet slumber, 

For the sun has risen.

With outstretched hands 

I greet the day.

With blessings on my lips,

My lids begin to flutter.

The bright light 

Speak to me this hour

as I stretch and sprawl.

Every day

Is a gift from above.

I am reminded of this 

As I toss and turn

Searching through my thoughts

For the dreams I dreamt.

And soon, the comfort of my head rest

Has gone with the dark skies.

Alas a new day has come

Arise, I say arise

and...

Take in this day 

Knowing that the dreams will come

Take in this day

For it will be like no other

Take in this day

Choosing to walk in love

Take in this day 

With a smile in your heart and on your face

For every day 

Is a gift from above.

be blessed my friends, 

Minda!

Love is on the Move

Hello everyone!
I pray you have been well, I have been doing quite famously. It has been a busy time here and I have not been able or rather disciplined enough to post a blog.. I know, I know, but alas here I am and was so uplifted today as I was reading through my devotional "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. For those of you who have yet to come across this devotional, it is written as daily notes from God to you, or me in this case.   Today's message served as a reminder that God is with us.  And how we should strive to remain conscious of His presence even in our busiest moments.
Life can be very very busy. In it we can lose sight of who we are and what we are about not to mention remember God. What's my name again? ah.. yeah.. but it is important to take time and in our time even the busy time talk with God and share with Him what makes us happy or delights us and even what makes us upset, whatever is on our mind. And to take time to spot the sacred.
Hmmm, spotting the sacred, just a few moments ago I was going through one of my books, a small little book filled with images and a keynote address given by Bono back in 2006 at the National Day of Prayer. That book, spoke to me, I heard through it God speaking to me, reminding me of His love for me, and all of creation.  It reminded me about our call to help the least of these and to see in them His face, and through service to them and all understand to new depths the power of love in this age of grace.
I leave you today with a few quotes from his book, and a video from a group called Leeland, so that you too may be inspired to meditate on God's goodness through the busy-ness of your day and remember those who are in need this day.

"Jubilee - why Jubilee? what was this year of Jubilee, this year of our Lord's favor? 

I'd always read the scriptures, even the obscure stuff. There is was in Leviticus (25:35)... 

"If your brother becomes poor," the scriptures say, 

"and cannot maintain himself...you shall not led him your money at interest, 

not give him your food for profit."  It is such an important idea, 

Jubilee, that Jesus begins his ministry with this.... 

His first words are from Isaiah: "The Spirit if the Lord is upon me," 

He says, "because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor." 

and Jesus proclaims the year of the Lord's favor, the year of Jubilee. (Luke 4:18) 

What He was really talking about was an era of Grace - and we're still in it."

Love is on the move, Mercy is on the move, God is on the move.

http://youtu.be/etXqqGAPYhY


be blessed,
Melinda

Fall Breezes & Rustling Leaves

Hi Ameegs!
I hope you all had a great Labor Day Weekend.  With your fair share of BBQ's and Water fun getting in the last bit of Summer!  With the end of one season, commences another, so... so long Summer and hello Fall.   Each season comes with its own beauty and awe.  While I love the long summer nights, and the sound of giggles and joy that fills the air as children are playing in the sun, I love to see the trees turn from beautiful shades of green to amazing hues of red, orange, and yellow.
The commencement of Fall and the turning of the leaves always brings me to a state of renewal.  It's as if it's New Year's Eve and I am thinking about the months gone pass and what's to come in the months ahead.  It's a time to review and re-evaluate.  Perhaps it stems from years of starting school in the Fall, I don't know, but with the crisp Fall breezes and the colorful trees that comes with it, I am excited to awaken to the next season wherein great things abound.
So as you listen to the rustling of the leaves as the Fall breeze passes by, think about the things in your life that may need to turn to allow new life to begin. A new day is indeed coming, are you ready for it?
Take a moment to listen once more and pay attention to the signs of the times.   Fall is upon us, it is time to review and re-evaluate, it is a time of change and a time of harvest.  It will take time, and definitely energy and can even be hard work... while, you may be missing those Summer Nights and lazy days of summer... the bounty of the harvest and the blessings that come are all worth it!

Fall is upon... 

A time for Change 

A time for Harvest

be blessed,
Melinda

A Walk in the Park on a Rainy day

Hi Friends,

Ever have one of those days where you just feel deep down inside like you have to get away from it all?  

Not that anything is wrong and you are fleeing from an issue or that you have ants in your pants, or una patita caliente as my mom would say... You just have to get away, separate yourself from it all, because even if you are at home alone, you feel the need to go somewhere and spend time in solitude... Just you and God. 

I felt that way today, I went to run some errands and felt an urgency to get them done and as I hit the road my eyes began looking for a park.  I thought, but it's kinda rainy, my hair is gonna get puffy and I'm a bit clumsy what if I trip and fall or what if there is a puddle?  But the desire to be alone with God and Walk with Him overwhelmed any and all questions. So on I went driving. 

I found a nice quiet park, open green and a lil path that I had overlooked until I saw an older woman pop out from behind the shrubbery with her dog.  I took my purse and keys and trekked on over and while my walk through that park did not take too long, my heart was content. I was walking with my Lord, sharing with Him my thoughts and desires and giving Him my heart.  

Beyond speaking to me through thoughts, I heard Him in the calm breeze and gentle song of the crickets.  He shared His love with me, and allowed me experience His sweet aroma through the fragrance of the berries and flowers that grew throughout the paths. It was not at all overwhelming, but one that delighted my senses and had me walking on what felt like clouds, elevated to a place where He, the God Almighty enveloped me with His love.  

Be blessed,
MelindaMinda

Pray for Prayer

By: PriscyMarie

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray …

This past Thursday at bible study we had a surprise prayer service instead and it was great.  I didn’t think about it when we all knelt at the altar but it was hunger provoking yet satisfying.  I have been feeling the Holy Spirit pulling me closer lately but frankly I have had a struggle to pray for more than five minutes.  If you are anything like me you will understand.  Some people kneel to pray and you won’t see them again for like five hours.  My mind runs on the 4^th gear for most of the day and when I kneel to pray, recently especially, I go into neutral.  I’ve been praying for God to help me pray.   I have so much I now I want to pray for but it all either gets summed up or I forget completely.

This Thursday was a refreshing experience.  As soon as I knelt the Holy Spirit did what He was probably waiting a while to do. He took over.  With Tears rolling down my cheeks I felt it.  The open void inside the depths of my soul was crying to be filled by the only permanent satisfaction.  I didn’t know what my spirit was praying but I knew I needed it.  The words my mind couldn’t formulate or didn’t know I should even ask for, my spirit requested.

I am constantly thinking and meditating on the Lord, loving on Him and thanking Him but I am far from Knowing Him.  It is a bit crazy to think that God, above all wants alone time with me and wants to bring me close to Him even when I’m an idiot, but He does.  How I long to be in His uninterrupted, unadulterated, limitless and tangible presence.  I am confident that with all the wonders and miracles I’ve seen I have yet to experience the greatness of His presence where repentance flows and His holiness is a standard as oppose to our tainted view on what holiness is.  Just be with HIM.

This past Thursday was refreshing and needed.  God answered my prayer.  He helped me pray.  I want His permanent overflow.  Forget about everything else and just have Him.  I know Christ died that we may go to Him directly but sometimes I’ve felt the veil was still covering the Holy of Holies.   I hope you join me in seeking an unveiled relationship with the Lord where the impossible is the norm.     

We interrupt your regularly scheduled program....

Hi friends,

Earlier this week, I was thinking about INTERRUPTIONS! How we can be going by our merry way and BAM! You are interrupted but a call or information that can practically shake your world.  So what are interruptions, recently I heard a minister friend describe them as abrupt changes that occur. They may not be negative, just abrupt.  

It's like when I watch episodes of "I didn't know I was pregnant" I love that show!  While I have never been preggers, I have been around my fair share of pregnant friends and family and well.. even the least 'showing' one, showed and they all knew that they were pregnant, and were expecting big changes in their lives.   However on this show, we see that these ladies unknowingly experience a tremendous and abrupt change overnight. Yet it is amazing to see how as soon as this major change or "interruption" occurs, they step into Mommy mode and then in a brief time, cannot imagine their lives without their precious little one. 

It's amazing how an interruption can change someone's life so dramatically. 

I want to encourage you that whether you know change is coming or one comes unexpectedly...embrace it and enjoy the moment... you will never live another moment, or day exactly like that one.  Remember that  change can bring about great things, and teach us about ourselves and allow us to adjust our stride and sometimes help us make changes that will be for the better.  

Keep Smiling! & Be Blessed,

Minda

You may now return to your regularly scheduled program.

like fish, after three days...

It can strike at any moment.
It can veer its ugly head...
You won't even notice it and may even invite it...
But when it's there, it's there!
and likes to stay where it has been invited!
But like fish, after a few days, it goes bad.
You don't like it
you don't want it
frankly it STINKS!

It's DMMD.
Double Minded Mess Disorder.

It can come by and visit, by way of a situation or even an opportunity.... maybe it started by simply venting your day's woes. And in doing so you begin to wobble, wondering and over-wondering about this or that. You wobble some more, and can get lost in your wonder and soon in your wonder you begin to wander.  And that which you were so certain of, you begin to doubt.  That which you loved, you begin to despise.
But we are called to be stable, firm, grounded, and not wishy-washy, gone with the wind kind of folks.

But when you allow, for whatever reason, DMMD to take root, and not combat those thoughts with the Word of Truth... Then you will see that it will indeed be like that fish....You will have put on some gloves, and a clothes pin on your nose to approach it, bag it, and throw it away.  And once you've gotten rid of it, you will have to air out the room & clean the area where it was, disinfect it, and fill the air with some much need freshners and enjoy the start of a new day!


Be blessed,
Minda

Why is it...

By: Priscy Marie

Cheesecake, cookies and mmm fried anything…  As soon as I think of eating healthier I start craving fattier and more decadent food.  I start dreaming of donuts and muffins. It’s even worse when I’m fasting. I smell food everywhere and at any time. People I rarely talk offer to treat me to dinner or lunch or randomlyshow up with sweet buttery treats.  I could have not eaten a single donut for weeks but as soon as I can’t have it, I can’t live without it.  It doesn’t help when you have a great mom that cooks like an iron chef and wants to see you eat her cooking!

Recently, I decided to eat healthier and exercise more.  I plan on dropping a few pounds and dress size and just be fit within a certain time period, but as I am approaching week 3, I am a little discouraged that I have not reached my weekly goals yet.  I know that I can still reach my overall goal if I focus but I find myself fixated on the lack of pounds lost. 

In same this way I guess I have experienced spiritual life struggles.  I could be totally fine living a righteous life but as soon as I decide to truly consecrate myself there is a struggle.  Sometimes I am so focused on how I need to improve that I forget that I have come such a long way and that my thoughts are a little more like His thoughts every day. 

It is quite frankly wonderful to know that I have a holy Daddy that is determined to see me succeed and reminds me of His dreams for me.  He doesn’t just point out my shortcomings but also where He has already glorified Himself.

SO, if you are, like me, trying to lose a few pounds or separate yourself for the Lord, remember to see what you need to work on without leaving behind your accomplishments.  They might be just what you need to get you the rest of the way.

    

a few words...

These last few days I have gone from prepping to teach area students science to going to the Lancaster area to spend an awesome morning with youth on FIRE for the Lord. We were able to share an original Spoken Word duet with them.  Then yesterday we had an amazing time at our service! We sang our hearts out.  This was definitely a weekend where the heavens opened and the presence of the Lord was evident.  

I must have shouted to the Lord a lil too loud, I am almost completely without my vocals.  Me, not able to to talk is nearly impossible.  I spent all day unsuccessfully trying not to talk.  Now my throat feels quite wretched.. so as I sit here working on this week's blog I was thinking about just a few words that I could say... well write, so I leave you all with just a short poem to pique your interest and hopefully even in just a brief moment.

Re-Energized

I feel as if though I must take a moment and reload.

to get re-energized!

Jumped out of my seat, 

Twirled in the air,

Lifted my hands

& extended my arms trying to reach the heavens.

I need more momentum, 

I need more strength

So I land on the ground, 

Knees bent and face down, 

I cradle myself and try to focus on my energy source. 

And sit there patiently until I am reloaded with strength. 

I feel as if I am glowing 

For there is a light from the heavens shining upon me. 

I feel a fire burning within me

And in my hand I feel that my grip is strong,

Around the handle of the Sword of Truth 

I feel protected by the Breastplate of Righteousness 

And the invisible Shield of Faith. 

I feel stronger so I jump up in the air, 

Arms extended out with my Sword at hand 

And God's love shining upon my life.

I feel a new bout of energy, I feel rejuvenated...

'cause I am re-energized, 

You are my strength. 

And I can once again

Join the fight and battle 

And surely victory is mine! 

(c) 2007

Be blessed,

Minda

Label me

By: Priscy Marie

Take a look at that little tab sticking out your shirt and you will see a label.  This label will not only let you know the designer and size but often it will inform you on the materials used, where it was made and how to care for it.  You may also find a sticker label on your shirt, perhaps displaying the size or a special feature.

Not unlike store bought clothing, we have different types of labels attached to us.  Some give a name
brand clout and others weigh us down and distort our form.  We acquire these labels a few different ways.  Either someone puts said label on us or we put it on ourselves.  You may be the “smart one” or the “cute one” or the “rebellious one”, and whatever the label you are dubbed it seems to suit
you for even the smallest period of time.

Over the past few days I have been contemplating the power of perception.  When it concerns labeling or stereotyping or whatever you call it, how does it stick? And you know what I found?  It all comes down to us.  How we see ourselves. Labels stick so well to a shirt sitting on a shelf but put it in the washer or take out some scissors and watch the labels come off.  We have control over which labels we live up to.  We choose to live as the dumb jock or the smart aleck, feisty Latina.  Ok, that one might be true.  See, what  other people brand us as is like the sticky tag on top of the clothes that we have the power to remove.  What we think of ourselves is the inside tag that is sown in. We trust this tag, we live by this tag and although it doesn’t always seem like it we have chosen this.  However, information about the materials and care and even the brand name may have been put on the in error.  How many times have you followed the care instructions to the letter and your favorite shirt shrinks? The truth about the garment lies in the fabric and manufacturer.  Whoever made and designed it knows what it’s really made of and what it was made for.   God is our creator, designer and manufacturer.  He alone knows what we are made of and for.

 I hope my clothing analogy isn’t too cheesy.

The world puts lots of labels on us and we, for whatever the reasons, let them stick and become part of us, but the creator has trademarked our destiny.  We are not anything that He didn’t want but rather we were and are created in His image.  The Almighty God I know and love is righteous, pure, holy and full of security. His Brand name is our seal and we belong to Him.  We were made with the finest materials and constructed with the best care possible. 

So now, What does your label say?              

Be Glad

Hello Everyone!
Today, on my way home, I was waiting for the light, when I see that there is a huge mack truck making a tight turn in my direction, which became increasingly difficult due to the road work. There I was praying, as I see this HUGE truck coming at me, that the guy knew what he was doing as there was no place for me to go with a line of cars behind me.  At that very instance I began to sing.  Crazy right! But, in doing so, it put me at ease and I was able to keep going on my way, nerves in place.  What was I singing? My Morning Song.  You see,  I developed a little habit a few years ago and would write down in my journal a lil bit of my Morning Songs, it came about as I would arise most mornings with a song in my head.  These songs, have become my day's song, sort of like theme or background music for that day's episode of Minda Live! 

For the last few days I have been awakening to the song "You've made me glad" by Israel Houghton.  Even if I would go for a nap, like I did earlier today, arise I would with that lovely beat. No matter what had happened during the day, what struggles or thoughts tried to infiltrate, I would awaken singing "I will rejoice 'cause You've made me glad!" Just in singing these words, almost involuntarily, did indeed make me smile and put a lil pep in my step.  I found myself humming the song throughout the day, even while doing some monotonous tasks.  I noticed how much happier I had been these last few days as I've been singing of the joy of the Lord!  This reminded me of the passages in scripture when it says "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!...Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." (Philippians 4:4, 8)  It's amazing how powerful staying focused on the Lord is, it can take work but you can indeed think on such things. You can focus on His goodness and truth!

When we pray, seek the Lord and think on His goodness we are being elevated to greater heights and are reminded that no weapon formed against us shall prosper.  Not even a huge mack truck, which at this height, looks more like a Tonka toy.  Perspective is amazing, see, we have been raised up and made to sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus our Lord, far above all principalities, power and might and dominion and every name that is named.  We are far above, FAR above all of these things, we have been given supernatural strength, vision, and a renewed mind.  If we set our eyes on things above, and would just realize that He has given us a JOY that is eternal, a LOVE that is everlasting, and a POWER that is all-mighty, how differently we would walk and go about our days.  We need to remember and celebrate with full joy and excitement that sweet, sweet salvation that we have in Christ Jesus.  We have the very God of heaven with us, we have His Holy Spirit living within us! He lives inside of us, from that very day when we said YES! Yes, Jesus I believe in You and I want You to be the Lord of my Life!  That gives us much to be excited about!  

So whether it is strife or monotony or a big ol' truck that is trying to get in your way of joy and happiness, I encourage you to do as the Word says, to think on those things which are praiseworthy & noble, focus and set your eyes on things above, to rejoice in the Lord and be GLAD!

be blessed,
Minda

Remember His Faithfulness

Hello Everyone!
I hope you are having a great day!  I was pondering earlier on our, ok my gratefulness to the Lord.  Growing up I recall hearing the Biblical accounts of the Israelites and how they would see the great and mighty hand of the Lord and then fall back and turn their backs once things got tough, and how we were almost trained to think of how foolish they were, for not recognizing that God would see them through.  In thinking about that.. I was wondering how different are we? We get a great word from the Lord and are hyped, but when things do not happen the way or in the time that we want it, we oft begin to pout and do things our own way... to find out that if we would have just waited a bit longer.

I will like to challenge you to think upon all the blessings that you have, and the very many things that the Lord has done for you.  Begin to list them.. from this new day, to the air I have to breathe to the ability to breathe to clothes I wear to those loved ones around me. The list is indeed endless. In times of strife and struggle we forget to focus on those things, or sometimes what I have found is that through the tear filled eyes, I have much difficulty in looking to those things ahead, for greater things are yet to come and the glory that is to come far surpasses the troubles we currently are enduring.

Know that God is Faithful, He cannot fail.  While we may not understand His timing, no that he does not tarry, and His clock is not set to slow or fast, but is set just right.  We may not understand what's the best or most right response but He does, and His faithfulness is grand!  I speak to myself and to all of you out there, who are holding on to hope and keeping the faith! Remember His Faithfulness and that He does not change! He is once and for all times faithful.

Be blessed
Minda
PS.. point to ponder on: Problems are just an opportunity for God's solutions.

Hello World

By: PriscyMarie

It has been a long road to recovery from DMMD (Doubled Minded Mess Disorder) and every day, every moment is a choice.  It is so easy to miss the plan of God when we have our thoughts divided.  It is just as easy to be in His perfect will, unfortunately DMMD is unrelenting and affects every aspect of our being.  DMMD effectively persuades us that we don’t have a choice but we do. 

Last week I celebrated my 1 year anniversary with my boyfriend.  It has been a truly wonderful year.  And as I rejoiced and reveled in our happiness, I thought about how it could have been different.  We could have not been celebrating anything to this likeness at all. 

See, a couple years ago I was actually engaged to another guy and I was so star-seeing in love, till he broke my heart.  It seemed that overnight he had completely, undoubtingly, changed his mind about marrying me.  It had caught me off guard and I was faced with a few choices.  I could wallow and be miserable in the, apparently, endless suffocating pain or I could pick myself up, forgive him and move on believing that joy would come in the morning.  But which morning?  DMMD had me in a severe death match struggle for a few of weeks.  I desperately wanted to believe what I knew to be true, this too shall pass, but it was not at all as easy as eating a bowl of ice cream and definitely not as pleasurable, but just as acheivable.

I decided early on that I would take my mom’s advice and “enjoy the moment… whether good or bad”.  I would have been the first to say it, my mom was crazy, but I am so very glad I listened.  A moment would never happen again and I could rejoice in knowing that.  Also, good things are always happening and no matter what is going on I want to relish the good stuff. 

The Holy Spirit guided me to use my mom’s not so crazy advice and because of that DMMD could not get the better of me.  I was able to repel the constant flood of negative thoughts about myself and actually make room for God to shape a better me.  Out of a bad situation where I felt like less than crap for a minute there, He showed a meadow of beautiful, fragrant, colorful flowers.  And that wonderful garden would not have been possible if the soil in my heart was not willing to be broken, handled and ready to have stinky crap mixed in.  The soil settles and produces sweet beauty from a smelly mess.   It reminds of the book of Matthew, when the Lord speaks to us saying not to worry what you eat or drink and how the lilies of the valley are more magnificent than Solomon in all his splendor.  The non- toiling flowers were MORE mind-blowingly beautiful than anything the richest man ever had to offer but before those lilies graced the field they were broken seeds in stinky ground. 

I wonder if when God looks at me He sees such a splendor as fashioned by the lilies of the valley year after year.

If I had allowed DMMD to devour me in my circumstances I would not have been ready for most of the gifts that were awaiting me and are still waiting for me.  I either wouldn’t have this amazing boyfriend or any relationship would have been much harder and I don’t think I would be following my dreams, God’s dreams for me. 

This whole time when we’re crying and hurt and just a mess God has been manufacturing an even better, one of a kind, us.  If we would believe what we know then we could live what we think.  Now, that is pretty awesome, don’t you think?  So every time things begin to stink put on some nose plugs and smile because something remarkably beautiful is in the works!       

It's About Time!

We all have dreams that we are designed to achieve, and oft we put things off till tomorrow, but tomorrow isn't promised to anyone. Make the most of the moments you have, and live them to the fullest! Some may not agree with my mantra:  I will be worn out before I rust out! But I want to do all that God has empowered me to do.  It's like what are we waiting for?

Do you believe? have you made that choice or are you waiting for your tomorrow? You see, there is One whose dream is that you may have life in abundance and who gave His life that you may live the dream! 

Read the poem below.. I wrote it a few years ago.. 

Time Passed Me By

A soul that finds itself with no time left; no time to live, love or laugh. No time left, simply crying out for mercy as it knows that once this last moment in time is passed it will go to its eternal home, either basking in the presence of the Creator or forever suffering right along with the destroyer of life.

I find myself separating from this life I have grown so fond of. 

I find myself slowly separating, 

And feeling desperate,

And anxious about what’s to come.

Somehow I know that Lord, 

You are listening

And see what I am going through. 

I know You are there.

Out of nowhere and everywhere the soul is impacted by conviction of a life wasted. Sin becomes apparent, as if though it just stepped before the presence of the Holy One. And at once the soul understands that the life that it so desired and enjoyed was not the life that God wanted for it.  The soul found itself weeping, knowing the future that was ahead.  And to its memory came the days long gone when the Holy One prompted it to follow Him.  The soul cries out trying to take its last few moments to regroup and find any reason to be excused for the life it led.

Time passed me by, 

I don’t know what I did

Where I went,

How I lost track of time.

Time passed me by 

And with time so went my life

To live is all I wanted to ever do

I don’t know what I did 

Where I went,

But somehow, 

I lost track of time

The soul cried hoping that the Holy One would have mercy upon it, and grant it life.

Time passed me by 

Sometimes it feels like I was

Born yesterday

To live today and 

I’ll sleep tomorrow

Time passed me by 

Things I wanted were forgotten

Things I needed were disregarded 

Here I am with no time left 

Lord, have mercy on me

Because it’s just that time passed me by

Time passed me by 

I don’t know what I did 

How I lost sight of what mattered and 

How I never listen when You called me

I guess I thought I would just reach out to You in my tomorrow.

But here I am crying out to You

Asking you to forgive me 

For being foolish and not realizing that 

Tomorrow is promised to no one

But I know now

And I cry out to You

And I ask You to please have mercy.

When I look back at the Life I lived

At the times I rejected

 Your gentle nudging 

And loving whisper of my name,

I cry for I know that if only I would have listened 

If only I would have embraced Your love and mercy

If only I would have responded willingly, 

even if just yesterday.

Now here I am crying and begging for mercy 

Because in thinking that I had all the time in the world 

Time passed me by

And so the soul cried out and the Holy One listened to its plea. So moved by its sincerity, the Lord says “you still have time, for you are still living, though, not for much longer, and you still have time to decide.  Will you reject me as you have always or will you embrace the life everlasting that you can have in Me?” And with his last breath the soul with joy and peace in his heart declared loudly, wanting the whole world to heart its heart proclaiming:

Jesus I believe in You

And I thank You for all You have done

For You have forgiven me for my sins,

For all the wrongdoings and ignorance, and 

For letting time pass me by.

© 2007 Minda Montero

So, once again I ask.. what are you waiting for? Live today! chose Life today! And as my sis says.. you will surely live "real-life dreams"

Be blessed & a Blessing

Minda

from footprint to loveprint

Hello everyone,
God bless! I hope you all had an amazing Memorial Day. We had a very relaxed and enjoyable one.
Spending time with the familia, window shopping and grilling some ribs.  While we were shopping I picked up a few books, ok a bunch of books, they had a sidewalk sale, as many books as you could fit in a bag, for 10 bucks! I was able to fit 22, that's less than 50 cents a book! Love it when I find deals like that!

Books ranged from novels to inspirational to business related to poetry to Bible study guides.  One of the books that I found was a small booklet about making your days matter. Giving back to society, sharing with others. Doing small deeds that can add up to really make a difference. The books gives you ideas of things you can do once a week from Writing a letter to a Military Hero, to Learning CPR, to Donating clothing and blood.  Some of things may not seem as if they are important, or if they really contribute, but it's about small steps and changing one's mindset, and realizing that their life does count and a little can go a long way!

Most people want to contribute, make a difference, and have a positive impact. We want to respond positively when we think about our legacy and the type of footprint we are leaving behind. Do we want to leave one that says we took, all the time or one that also shows how we gave, lived & loved.  You can be ordinary you and do extraordinary good things for those in this world. We are called to love our neighbor as ourselves... will you join me in making our footprint into a loveprint, one wherein little by little we change the world!  I think that you will find that while you will be making an impact on the lives of those you serve, they will make an unforgettable impression on your own.

Over the course of the year I will blog ever so often of my experience of making my days matter, and share the love!   As I write this a few songs and quotes come to mind. One is from
 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "Everyone has the power of greatness. Not for fame, but greatness.  Because greatness is determined by service."

be blessed & a blessing,
Minda
ps..
let me know about your experience in going from leaving a footprint to a loveprint!

TGIF

By: PriscyMarie

It’s FRIDAY! It’s the end and the beginning.   You might ask, how can that be both?  Of course it’s both, it’s the end of the week and the beginning of the weekend.   In the same way, many things in our lives are both the end and the beginning.  It may be the end of a relationship, romantic or otherwise, but it’s also the beginning of freedom or self-discovery or the beginning of a new relationship.  Maybe it’s the end of a work experience but the beginning of you following your dreams.  It’s the end of your childhood but the beginning of your adventure as an adult.  

God is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.   When we think He has finished with us He has just begun something new.  He never lets up.  It’s quite refreshing a reassuring to know
that our Lord is has a love for us that is renewed daily. 

I am guilty of having thought that when things have ended they stay that way but that just isn’t true. Even in our end, our death, we have a new beginning, a new life.  Keeping this in mind will change your perspective when things change.  Instead of dreading a dreary end you can live a new beginning filled with hope and wonder.  After all, new beginnings start every day and you can make them whatever you want!

Whatever the end, there is always a beginning.

You know Love, Makes the World Go Round

Hello everyone! 

This past Sunday I had to speak at my church and I while in time of prayer I thought to look through a bin of notes that I have and found some information and notes on love.  All about love you see, which was great because this past Thursday at our Bible Study at church, we were speaking about enduring and perseverance that one gains, as love increases.  We were looking at John the beloved disciple, who endured great strife and turmoil, yet still to his dying day, spoke love.  

Since my thoughts naturally tend to be in rhyme or some sort of cadence or meter, I automatically began to hear many old love songs and began to sway.  You know which ones I’m speaking about, those oldies but goodies: from Stevie to Aretha, from Marvin to the Temptations, and a few others mixed in between.  They reminded me of how love really does make the world go ‘round, and how important it is to know the very source of love.  

I was also reminded of all the church songs that praise and uplift the name of God, I thought of the love that we sing about, the love that we long for, the love that God gave His Son for us to have freely... I was reminded of all of these and began to sing a song that Kathy Troccoli sang “I Call Him Love.”  In my trying to remember the rest of the lyrics I ended up writing this poem:

 I call Him loved & He calls me Beloved

Some call him a prophet 

some call him a fake

some feel He’s a distant father that 

they cannot embrace

but I,

I have felt His touch 

& I will 

never ever be the same! 

You see I call Him love,

I call Him love

and He calls me His beloved,

His precious child,

sweet thang.

Now don’t get it twisted 

it ain’t like you think 

I dont just have fanciful thoughts 

of one I wish to be. 

God’s love surrounds 

and it over abounds

changing my very thoughts 

to the thoughts that 

are His thoughts 

filled with life and love.

You see He is love

the very essence of all 

love’s beauty

all that love endures 

and all it conquers 

it all comes from Him

the maker and fulfiller of it all

You see that’s why I call 

I call him love

& He calls me His beloved

In knowing Him and receiving His love

you will learn what it means to truly love

loving you, all of you 

faults and all

it will allow you to live out that love

and that love that God has planted

that which He has invested in you. 

This is what it’s all about

Loving God,

Love Yourself,

Loving other People.

 & letting love run its full course.

I call Him love & He calls me beloved

I am talking about LOVE folks, Loving God, Loving yourself, and Loving People.  It may be difficult to love someone else, but this is only until we learn of that great unconditional love of God that we can then learn how to love ourselves and when we learn to love ourselves we then can learn to allow love to flow through us unto others!  And that’s when we will then truly let love run its full course! 

Be blessed & live love,

Minda

Doting Doubt

By: Priscy Marie

Sometimes I just don’t understand myself.  I’m a weirdo!  Although I always want to be completely sold out for the Lord sometimes my actions and thoughts betray me and go against my
wishes.  I know that my confidence is in the Lord yet I somehow lose my confidence in myself to be this awesome person but instead am steadfast in thinking I’m horrible and a huge disappointment.   I have realized and accepted that I have a disease to combat.  James, being led by the Holy Spirit spoke on this, DMMD.

Double Minded Mess Disorder!

Yes, you read correctly, DMMD is double minded mess disorder which is clearly spoken about in the book of James.  Specifically James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Many are just like me in that we long to please the Lord and do what the Apostle says here, draw near to God… Purify our hearts, but it’s a catch 22 in that DMMD pulls us away, so,  how am I supposed to overcome DMMD, be healed, restored, if my heart is too torn to stick with the decision?  It feels overwhelming and overpowering.  In fact it feels too powerful for me to overcome.  The Lord is calling me to purify my heart.  

How blind have I been? How long? If it’s now that I realize that all this DMMD is a lie for the core of Satan.  Its what he’s been doing since Adam and Eve.  Planting, watering and harvesting insecurity.  Doubting myself is just an extension of doubting the Lord, who, by the way, purchased my eternal security with His blood.  His pain ridden, tired, gruesome, precious, loving blood paid for me.  Not
just a piece of me but all of me!  He knew the antagonistical schemes I would have to endure and that I would fail many of them.  He knew of each and every offensive thought I would have and every horrific lashing my heart would take.  He knew and knows it all. He saved it all. Now, if only I could remember that His power has raised me from fleshly death that I was already experiencing and that I don’t have to die again.  I belong to Him, the King, the all in all GOD, now my GOD.  So, why is there ever even a droplet of uncertainty?  People say it’s normal but I’m done with trying to be normal. I’m ready to embrace my weirdness and stand out because at the very least I’ll be standing!  No longer will I treat my skepticism, double minded mess as a “normal” reaction that I accept.  From now on, I will believe the unbelievable and hope for the impossible knowing, not wishing, but knowing that God is able and willing to do the incredible.  

I urge anyone who decided to read this, to be honest with yourself and your DMMD and join me in being God’s peculiar people.  Let’s purify our hearts knowing the He who requires it of us, does the actual purifying for us and that the thought that it can’t or won’t happen is again a lie from the
core of satan, the father of lies. 

I am encouraged and expecting great things from God’s people, my people.