Crisis

Doug Sauder: 

Crisis is a gift that nobody registers for, for obvious reasons.  But here's something that can't be denied: Crisis reveals true character. You never know the true nature of something until it is under duress or put to some sort of test. You'll never know if your roof is solid without a thunderstorm. And you'll never know the true character of someone apart from the context of crisis, and I would encourage all church leaders to embrace that reality. Here's why:

Crisis will reveal the true character in those around you, and you really need to know where people are in regard to you. Who is for you and who is against you? Nothing clarifies that like a crisis.

Also, crisis reveals the true character in you. Let's be honest, none of us are perfect and we all need to surrender and submit areas of our heart to the Lord's transformational touch. But we need to recognize what those areas are before we can yield to Him changing them in us. Nothing reveals those blind-spots like a crisis, because it's then and there that the "true you" is seen. 

Lastly, crisis reveals the true character of the Lord. God's character is constant and never changes. But there are times when we're more dialed-in than others to His voice and His actions on our behalf. Crisis is the time when our hearts tend to be most attuned to His, and He has a perfect track record of faithfulness towards those who trust in Him."

Excerpt from an interview with Phil Cooke: HERE

Let's be REAL. Christians Hurt.

photo credit 

Let's be REAL. 

Christians hurt. Contrary to popular belief, Christians do hurt, and they cry. 

Now that the cat is out of the bag, I am tired of hurting people being pushed aside simply because they are hurting and not getting over it.

We can so easily forget that Christians are human, not some strange creature that has the supernatural ability of only experiencing three emotions: happy, joyful, and cheerful. Too often, those who hurt are afraid of speaking up because they “shouldn’t feel that way” or “should get over it”.

I am not free of guilt.

I once had a friend who was in deep despair. Her hurt was bottomless. It wasn’t difficult understanding that her heart and mind were crushed. But after a few weeks of her crying over this ruin, I grew tired of it. I purposefully planned to not meet with her many times, to avoid hearing her talk about the same old thing. And even though I genuinely had remorse for what I was doing, the thought of her ongoing hurt made me cringe a bit. When would she get over this? This version of my friend was an inconvenience and I wanted my happy, joyful, and cheerful friend back.

It wasn’t till I went through a similar season of gloom that I realized what a terrible friend and sister in Christ I was. In my agony, and through the depression, I simply wanted a friend to hear me out. At other times, my need was for a friend to sit in silence while I cried. But I wasn’t honest with many people, faked the funk, and displayed a bogus joy. Sure, publicly I acted indifferent to my circumstances but in the face of worship and God’s Word, I would fall apart. In solitude I deteriorated and feared what others may think of me if they found out I was broken and weak.

I decided to write my feelings out in a blog post. Unbeknownst to me, someone would read my words and be a friend.

She wrote to me,“Raquel I will be writing more to you. You are a brave woman...People will never see us as having found a Savior if we never confess we struggle. Otherwise, they think they don’t have it, or it doesn’t work for them. On my real blog I have a few posts about cancer: keeping it real... This is wicked nasty stuff that God uphold s me through, that Jesus rides in the boat with me through.”

She didn’t tell me that as a Christian I am to be strong for those around me, or strong period.

She told me to be real. And she prayed with me. 

I shied from being real because after all, I am to be joyful at all times.

I hid behind the façade that I was getting over it.

But the truth is:

Christians do hurt.

Christians experience wicked nasty stuff.

Christians struggle.

Her words began to mend a part of me that had vanished. It was then that my wounds began to heal. She didn't dismiss my hurt, but let me know it's ok to hurt and she didn't think less of me because of it. I engraved her words in my heart, and I cry every time I go back to the wisdom she shared with me. Cancer took her life but her legacy is still with me.

We can’t ignore the hurt or cover it as with a Band-Aid.

We can’t ignore the person who hurts, or push them aside because they inconvenience us.

Words spoken to a person who is hurting, though well meaning, can’t diminish the pain they are experiencing.

We are to be Christ-like, long-suffering with those who are hurting.

We are to be a safe haven for them.

We are to be a refuge where hurting people are free to speak or sit in silence, where they can cry, and struggle.

We are to be a lighthouse, guiding those who are hurt out of darkness and into the light.

We are to show hospitality to those hurting in solitude; share meals, time, space, and love.
We are to be shepherds, pursuing after the hurting Christian.

We are to be warriors, warring with them through prayer.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.  Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.  Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically, rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Romans 12:9-17

A friend is always loyal, and a sister is born to help in time of need.

There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a sister. Proverbs 18:24

a year in verses

Hello Lovelies!
I so look forward to this post every year. I am sharing with you various verses that got me through this year and the date I read them. It's a challenge/tradition of sorts to journal  one daily verse. I pray that in this list, you may find a precious gem to treasure in your heart! Farewell 2013 and Cheers to a bright 2014!

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January 31, 2013
May you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. Esphesians 3:18

February 20, 2013
 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. Thessalonians 5:13

March 15, 2013
There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking. Proverbs 29:20
April 25, 2013
What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. 1 Corinthians 14:15

May 31,2013
For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 1 Timothy 4:8

June 11, 2013

And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, "My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you." Hebrews 12:5

July 3, 2013

For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. Psalm 36:9
Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right.Psalm 97:11

August 8, 2013

When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies. Jeremiah 15:16

September 30, 2013

 Honor and majesty surround him; strength and joy fill His dwelling. O nations of the world, recognize the Lord, recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong. 1 Chronicles 16:27-28

October 23, 2013

Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off. Romans 11:22 

November 26, 2013

Rather, cling tightly to the Lord your God as you have done until now. Joshua 23:8

December 16, 2013

And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for the work of His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. 2 Timothy 4:18 

Year in Verse: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 

blessed is...

photo credit myself

Admire/Envy

For wrath kills a foolish man, and envy slays a simple one. Job 5:2 

Don’t envy violent people
or copy their ways. 
Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord,
but he offers his friendship to the godly. Proverbs 3:31-32

A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones. Proverbs 14:30

And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.Galatians 5:24-26

Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone. Titus 3:1-8

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:13-18

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 1 Peter 2:1-3

Follow/Imitate

Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:7-9 

The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But He loves him who follows righteousness. Proverbs 15:9 

He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21

Thus says the Lord God: “Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!Ezekiel 13:3

Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, "Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go." Matthew 8:19

Now when He [Jesus] got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. Matthew 8:23

And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.Matthew 10:38-39

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.Matthew 16:24-25

Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Mark 1:17-18

As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him. Mark 2:14

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.Hebrews 6:11-12  

Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. 3 John 1:33

Praise/Flatter

Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; 

a stranger, and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2 

Her children rise up and call her blessed; 
Her husband also, and he praises her: 
“Many daughters have done well, 
But you excel them all.” 
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, 
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 
Give her of the fruit of her hands, 
And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:28-30

Help, O Lord, for the godly are fast disappearing!
The faithful have vanished from the earth! 
Neighbors lie to each other, 
 speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts. 
May the Lord cut off their flattering lips
 and silence their boastful tongues.

Psalm 12:1-3

He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue. Proverbs 28:23

 A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet. Proverbs 29:5

 These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.  But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. Jude 1:16-19

Lead/Manipulate

Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. Proverbs 12:24

When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability. Proverbs 28:2 

So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. Mark 10:42-44

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy,let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:3-8

If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Romans 12:18

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:3-5 

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

    For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,

    For they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

    For they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

    For they shall be filled. 

Blessed are the merciful,

    For they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,

    For they shall see God. 

Blessed are the peacemakers,

    For they shall be called sons of God. 

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,

    For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. 

Matthew 5:3-12

my struggle with fear

Happy Monday!
I am struggling to write this post because I know that I have to be honest. And honest means I cannot hide behind a smile or pretty words. So I'm just going to jump into this thing.

Weight

Weight-loss

Food

Eat Clean

Exercise
Fit

Fat 

Obese

Skinny

All these words, as individuals and as a whole, have always provoked one sentiment: fear. It's difficult to explain, but I will try. Anorexia not only affected me physically, it also scarred me mentally. I do believe that I was physically healed, but mentally I have been in bondage to the fear of relapsing. I fear that if I begin to restrict certain foods or the amount of food, that I will spiral down to a cracker a day. I fear that if I begin to work out, I will work myself out as I have done in the past. I have yet to tread down a path where self control and balance is the norm. I have only known extremes and fear.

A month ago I took a step of bold courage and applied for a boot-camp held at my job for the employees. I told my dept (we are only 5 ladies) that I had applied and hoped that in doing so it would keep me accountable if I was selected. One of my coworker applied as well. Three weeks ago, we received notification that we were chosen. It felt as if a ton of bricks were dropped in my stomach.

Two thoughts came to mind:
1. You are so out of shape and will be the fat girl in the camp. You're going to hold everyone back. They are going to laugh at you, or look down on you for letting yourself go this much.
2. What if I do well and two days a week becomes three days, and then four days becomes five days, and then six days, seven days? What if then I'm working out two times a day, seven days a week? How will this work out? No one has to know how much I am actually working out. I don't need people in my life, I can just work out.

And then, a third thought.
3. Stop thinking like that! You haven't even begun and you're already being extreme. Don't start the boot-camp, its taking you down a bad road again.

These thoughts have been my struggle for 15 years. These thoughts have crippled me and shackled my ability to do anything more than fear. So I was left with a choice. Attend the boot-camp in a step of faith or sit on the couch and fear. I asked 10 ladies close to me to pray me through the next 7 weeks. With their help, I have completed two weeks of the boot-camp and a the Susan G. Komen 5k race/walk for the cure of breast cancer in my Aunt's honor. Has it been easy? NO! Probably one of the most difficult obstacles I've had to overcome in a very long time. I have five more weeks of boot-camp left to accomplish and Lord willing, a lifetime of reaching daily goals of not fearing, taking every thought captive, and relying on the Holy Spirit for self-control.

Why am I sharing this?
Not because it feels good to be transparent. On the contrary, I am vulnerable right now, ashamed, and embarrassed. But I know that I am not alone in struggling with a form of fear. Let the encouragement of my faithful friends encourage you to step out in faith and trample fear.

YD- 

Don't be discouraged, you can do this! When you feel weak HE is strong! HE gives you what you need. Rely on HIM for strength. When you look back at the end of boot camp you are going to amazed at how far HE has taken you. In your moments of weakness set your eyes on HIM. Call to HIM for help. HE will answer! Just like when a parent teaches a child to ride a bike; a parent holds the back of the bike and runs alongside the child until the child gains enough confidence and stability, and slowly the parent starts to let go of the bike. Right now the LORD is running alongside you, "I've got you, Raquel." "I won't let go". "Don't give up!" "I'm with you." "You CAN do this!" 

CG- Jesus will be with you every step of the way. And so will your girls. You are not alone. You are in my daily prayers. 

PG- The Lord gives us strength we didn't know we had. 

MC- Look at it this way, its like bringing a new sacrifice unto the Lord. Praying for you because I am right with you! I promise it will pay off, and in a few weeks you will feel like you are on top of the world!

1 Corinthians 10:31- Whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Fireflies : Eve

Happy Saturday!
Last week was the October meeting for the Fireflies. The girls and I took a deeper look into the first woman ever created: Eve! We learned so much and embraced the Eve in all of us. I pray that you may be blessed by her. Feel free to use these notes if you have a little girl in your life.



October's meeting during our Bible study of Eve



EVE

Genesis 2:18-23

Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” So the LORD God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and the man chose a name for each one. He gave names to all the livestock, all the birds of the sky, and all the wild animals. But still there was no helper just right for him.

So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the LORD God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man.
“At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’”

A woman was created not by accident or chance but with purpose: born to be a helper. She was not equal to an animal, or a tree or even God, but equal to a man. God created her to perfection, ready for every good work.

Her responsibility as helper was to assist Adam by sharing the work of overseeing the earth. She was to help him so that he could improve in his work. She was to be a servant, a remedy to the man. Through this woman, God rescues Adam from his loneliness. Alone Adam could not fulfill the call of being fruitful and populating the earth, even in this, the woman would equally work to help complete the task. Together they become one, the visible representation of an invisible God.

Unfortunately, the woman is not known for her courageous and marvelous works as a helper but rather is known for her failure.

Genesis 2:15-17
The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. But the LORD God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden— except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.”
Genesis 3:4-6
“You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.

Her one act of disobedience not only affected her, it affected everyone after her. Fortunately for the woman and all of humanity, as many as the Lord loves, He rebukes and disciplines (Revelation 3:19). As a loving Father, God didn’t dwell on their sin(s); He rebuked and justly spoke to each the consequence for their sin.

As women, we have not only borne the results of her sin but also a name. From Genesis 2:18-Genesis 3:19 she is only known as “the woman” but in verse 20 a name, an identity, a declaration is given.

Genesis 3:20
"The man called his wife's name Eve [life giver], because she would be the mother of all the living."
Eve is embedded in all of us:
(This list is homework. Read through the verses with your helper and life-giver aka MOM!)
• Each one of us has been created with a purpose; our days have been fashioned for us (Psalm 139).
• God intended for us to live the life we each have, to look the way that we do with the unique personalities that we have for such a time as this (Esther 4:13-14).
• We are helpers, assistants, aids, co-laborers (Ephesians 4:11-12, 15-16).
• We are to help one another’s burden be easier to carry (Romans 12:9-21) and cause improvement in each other’s life (Romans 15:1-3).
• We are to be servants (Philippians 2:3-4) who remedy the pain of those around us (Isaiah 35:3 & 61:1-3) and rescue those who are lonely (Hebrews 10:24-25).
• As helpers we are to be fruitful (Galatians 5:22) and multiply (Romans 10:14-15).
• It is no longer Adam who gives us a new name but Jesus, our Lord and Savior, through His precious blood. He has given us a name, an identity, a declaration: life giver (2 Corinthians 2:14-15)!

I encourage you to be the helper and life giver that God created you to be. What better way to be a helper than pointing people to Jesus. In doing do so you will be a life giver, for only Jesus has life to give. Love God. Love the Word. Love the Lost. Love the Found.



He graciously gives!

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32

Graciously give all things. 

These words are resonating heavily in my heart. How many times has God so graciously given me exactly what I needed, and I overlooked it? I am guilty of acknowledging God for all the big breakthroughs yet neglect to recognize His gracious hands taking care of the smaller matters of my life. 

He graciously gives all things. 

May we be a people who are aware that all out needs are met in Christ. 

love without clinging

Hi lovelies. One of my favorite writers is Ruth Bell Graham. I treasure her words and thoughts as if my own Grandmother would be speaking them to me. I came across this poem that a young Ruth wrote to herself as Billy Graham's wife. More than a poem, or even words to herself, I believe this to be an encouragement to those women who are wives... wives to husbands that are given to studies, career, ministry or what not. I dedicate this post to all the wives in my life who love deeply, cry often, and pray fervently for their husbands.

photo credit

Love
without clinging;
cry
if you must—
but privately cry;
the heart will adjust
to the newness of loving
in practical ways:
cleaning
and cooking
and sorting out clothes,
all say, “I love you,”
when lovingly done.

So—
love
without clinging;
cry—
if you must—
but privately cry;
the heart will adjust
to the length of his stride,
the song he is singing,
the trail he must ride,
the tensions that make him
the man that he is,
the world he must face,
the life that is his.

So
love
without clinging;
cry—
if you must—
but privately cry;
the heart will adjust
to being the heart,
not the forefront of life;
a part of himself,
not the object—
his wife.

So—
love!

a good word.

[photo credit]

Happy Thursday! I'm a week late in sharing this post but not really because God's word is relevant ALWAYS! This past Friday I received a text from a friend in Nashville, TN. She faithfully sends me a verse a day and I do the same. At exactly an hour later, another friend in Miami, FL shoots me a text with a verse carrying the same promise and truth. I was overwhelmed with much needed peace and joy. The Lord is perfect in His reaching out to us... always timely! I pray that they are perfect in reaching you. 

Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.

Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.

Psalm 37:5, 7

Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed.

Proverbs 16:3

Commit: to put in trust or charge; 

entrust; to put into place to be kept safe or be disposed of. 

God's family - my family - your family

 Last night I met up with a friend I hadn't seen in over a year. She moved out of town and was back. In catching up I shared with her my Mother's journey in the past year with Glaucoma, loosing her sight, numerous procedures, and her sight being restored. As the words poured forth from my mouth, my heart remained steadfast and at peace. For my mind understood that God had done a great and mighty work in my Mom. My mind recognized that the prayer of God's people availed much. My faith was firm, therefore by God's doing I was able to stand firm. 

I continued sharing the grueling testimony and her eyes watered, she looked away, folded her hands, and even cringed in her seat. I then shared the last sentence, "So that's where we are at. Tomorrow (which is today) she has an appointment with Dr. Bennett who is a cornea  specialists and a glaucoma specialist. This appointment will determine the possibility of a future surgery, a delicate surgery." Her words that followed, "Raquel, this may seem strange... My grandfather who was a Pastor for many years lives just around the corner. I feel that we need to have him and my grandmother pray for your mom. Is this weird?"

Not. At. All. 

One thing I tell everyone is to never reject prayer. Never! 

Brethren, pray for us. I Thessalonians 5:25

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. II Thessalonians 1:11-12

And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:15-16

Without further ado, she made a call, told her grandparents that she was with a friend who needed prayer for her mom. They did not hesitate to have me over. These wonderful people are in the picture above. 

Jose Raul and Eda Maria Borroto welcomed me in and greeted me like their own family. I have them a quick summary of my Mother's condition and Eda Maria began to pray. She prayed for our hearts to be cleansed from our iniquity, that we may enter his throne room of grace empty of ourselves, and prayed for us to be filled by His Spirit. She praised God for giving us His Spirit who teaches us all things and gives us the right words to pray. From there we spent a sweet time in prayer and praise.

 I was given the opportunity to pray for Jose Raul, a 90 year old man who not to long again fell and fractured his elbow and hips. The doctors have been astonished with his recovery and ability to walk again. May I remind you he is 90 years young! He continued speak the Word to me and gave me specific scriptures to share with Mami. He reminded me that God is all powerful and above all He is love. 

I experienced last night the joy of being a member of God's family. In Christ, Jose Raul and Eda Maria are my family, and because you and I are family they are your family too! What wonderful and glorious news. And so I ask you to join me in prayer for these two faithful saints who are our relatives. They both suffer from numerous health complications and are in need of prayer. Continue praying for Mami's eyes, for her faith to be strengthened and her spirit renewed. 

May the Holy Spirit fill you as Eda prayed and teach you all things pertaining spiritual growth and give you words to pray. "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 "For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:12

Happy Friday friends! 

revive me

I lie in the dust; revive me by your word.
My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your word.
Psalm 119:25, 28

Praying that you may be revived, strengthened, encouraged today to be real with God as David was in Psalm 119. If you need revival, tell Him and ask Him to revive you. If you need strength, tell Him and ask Him to strengthen you. Whatever it may be that you need, tell Him of your need and ask Him for it. He is a wonderful God who promises to never despise a broken and contrite spirit.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105

Look upon my suffering and rescue me,
for I have not forgotten your instructions.
¹⁵⁴ Argue my case; take my side!
Protect my life as you promised.
¹⁵⁵ The wicked are far from rescue,
for they do not bother with your decrees.
¹⁵⁶ Lord, how great is your mercy;
let me be revived by following your regulations.
¹⁵⁷ Many persecute and trouble me,
yet I have not swerved from your laws.
¹⁵⁸ Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart,
because they care nothing for your word.
¹⁵⁹ See how I love your commandments, Lord.
Give back my life because of your unfailing love.
¹⁶⁰ The very essence of your words is truth;
all your just regulations will stand forever.
Psalm 119:153-160

Sentence Tuesday

Whatever problems we're going through, 

they didn't come to stay; they came to pass. 

- Grandma Barb, from Tiffany Meyers

Miami Fog

email: pressing on to know God

I was checking my email at work, when one unread email caught my attention. I work for a faith based company and we receive daily emails with a verse, a Christian thought or an encouraging quote titled Spiritual RX. However, the title of this email read: Pressing On To Know God. For sure I opened it and read it. I am so glad that I did. Below I have copied the email for you and pray that you would also press on to know God is a mighty way this year.


Haiti, 2012

Pressing On

By Chaplain Roy Gaton, DMin., BCC

Let us press on to know the Lord; for as certain as the break of dawn He comes to know us. – Hoseas 6:3

Pressing on to know the Lord. What a New Year’s resolution! At the beginning of each new year, one of the most common activities for everyone is making a list of New Year’s resolutions. Usually at the top of the list is exercising more, losing weight, taking a vacation, spending more time with family. But how about this one: Pressing on to know God. That means more than a mere acknowledgment of a higher power. It means an ever-deepening acquaintance with him.

As surely as the day follows night, the awareness that God exists will dawn on every soul who wholeheartedly “feels after him” (Acts 17:27). But if one goes no further, this realization fades quickly into nothingness.

On the other hand, if we are earnest, we will not be content with the mere knowledge that God exists. In other words, the more we know God, the more we want to get to know him. Having encountered God, having learned to appreciate his character, we long to know him better. We look forward with eagerness to times of communion with him.

For most people, there is no better time for these encounters than first thing in the morning, after a good night’s sleep. It is then that the mind is the clearest and least encumbered by the cares of our everyday lives. For me, this is a very special time at the beginning of the day when I “get to know” my God more.

I would like to share with you a quote that has been very important in my life as a pastor, husband, father, and man.

“Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, take me O Lord as wholly thine. I lay all my plans at thy feet. Use me today in thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in thee. This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as his providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ.”—Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ.

As you commune with God morning by morning throughout this year, may your knowledge of him be profound, intimate, and loving.

A Year In Verses

Hello Lovelies!
Before I even begin to write about Haiti, I wanted to end the year with a little tradition. For the past 7 years I have written a verse-a-day in my journal. I leave you with the verses that sustained me, encouraged me and got me through 2012. From the pages of my journal, I share with you one verse from each month. Remember, the Word of God never returns void, it accomplished what it sets out to do! Make it a new year's resolution to get God's word in your heart and mind daily!

[photo credit]

January 31, 2012
You are altogether beautiful, My darling, beautiful in every way. Song of Songs 4:7

February 24, 2012
The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:22

March 12, 2012
He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Job 8:21

April 19, 2012
Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. Proverbs 19:11

May 6, 2012
You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth. Psalm 71:20

June 13, 2012
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise. Hebrews 10:23

July 22, 2012
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 1 Timothy 2:1

August 14, 2012
When the storm has swept by, the wicked are swept away, but the righteous stand form forever. Proverbs 10:25

September 22, 2012
The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know His name trust in Him, for He will not abandon those who search for Him. Psalm 9:9-10

October 6, 2012
My child, if your heart is wise, My own heart will rejoice. Everything in Me will celebrate when you speak what is right. Proverbs 23:15-16

November 19, 2012
Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. His faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God was able to do whatever He promised. Romans 4:20-21

December 15, 2012
I rejoice in your Word as one who discovers a great treasure. Those who love your Word have great peace and do not stumble. Psalm 119:162, 165

Year in verses: 2009, 2010, 2011

Waiting. Delighting.

[photo credit]

Earlier this week I was chatting with a friend. She asked me about my upcoming trip to Haiti. As I shared with her the minor and major details, I found myself saying, “This is different. It’s not something I was anxious about, or waited for. I truly believe that the Lord has seen my delight in Him and is now granting me my heart’s desire.”

Two years ago the desire to go to Haiti was planted in my heart. And though I prayed, I was not consumed by it. In my years of waiting, I could have hustled God, nagged Him, thrown fits, and questioned His purposes, or made attempts to make it happen. But for whatever reason, beyond myself, I did not. Looking back, I delighted in the Lord and now, well now I am about to experience God granting me the desire of my heart.

It seems that we are always waiting for something: a job, a raise, a deal to go through, a spouse, a child, deliverance, a response from Heaven, or, you fill in the blank according to your situation. Basically, we are waiting for life to get better. I do believe that most of the things we are waiting for are not selfish, but God planted desires that will satisfy the “abundant life” that is promised to us in John 10:10. I ask for us to stop and consider this question: How are you waiting?

In considering my waiting for Haiti and my waiting for other desires, I see a difference. I normally wait and wait and wait and continue waiting. Somewhere in between waiting and waiting, a series of happenings begin to unfold:

I over think

I doubt and nagg God

I become anxious

I am led by emotions

I contemplate methods of manipulation

I try to help God and accelerate His purpose

I grow weary, burdened and discouraged

Bitterness kicks in

Hold up! You too?! When we wait and our expectations aren't met within our time frame or in a less favorable manner we can spiral into a series of ugly and rebellious attitudes. Therefore, learning what delighting in the Lord is and it's benefits is instrumental for our waiting season. Delighting cannot happen if we are not in God's word, committed to prayer and active in His service. Delighting removes our constant fixation on the desire and causes us to focus on the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Delighting on the Giver will enable us to wait joyfully and patiently. Delighting through the waiting process will also guard our hearts from losing hope or lacking faith. Lastly, Delighting will change us, for it may be that the very outcome we are waiting for could differ from the outcome God has already chosen for us (which is always the better of the two). 

Whether you have begun to wait or have been waiting for x amount of time, know that God is fully aware of your desires. He has not forgotten you. He loves you and is working all things out for your good, and ultimately for His glory. My encouragement to you as you wait for ____________, is to not delight nor glorify a desire or its outcome, but delight fully and wholly in the Lord (not for what He can do or give, but for who He is). In His perfect timing He will grant you your heart’s desire and give you the abundant life He intended for you to live. 

May we be delightful people with delighting hearts. 

Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:3-5 

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalm 37:13-14 

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.