He calms and quiets as He heals

For the Lord your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm/quiet all your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
Zephaniah 3:17

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Twice this verse was sent to my Mother. 

Praying and believing that He is among her as her mighty savior. I praise Him for with His love He quiets her fears, and calms mine. And we all will rejoice as He rejoices over her now. 

[photo credit]

Tomorrow morning she has an appt. 

Continue praying for His healing hands to be upon her and His knowledge, wisdom and anointing upon the medical staff at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Thank you for praying. And know that the victory from this battle will also be yours. 

Lyrical Friday - Beautiful

Happy Friday!!! Praying that as you watch these two videos, God would reveal His heart to you. He loves you and nothing you can do or anything anyone has said or done can change that truth. God bless YOU!





But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved! Ephesians 2:4-5
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This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:10
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What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? 

If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else? 

Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for His own? No one— for God Himself has given us right standing with Himself. 

Who then will condemn us? No one— for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. 

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.  And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below— indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-39

You are altogether beautiful, my darling, 

beautiful in every way. Song of Solomon 4:7 nlt

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You are all fair, my love,
And there is no spot in you. Song of Solomon 4:7 nkjv 
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All beautiful you are, my darling; 

   there is no flaw in you. Song of Solomon 4:7 niv

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You're beautiful from head to toe, my dear love, 
   beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless.

Song of Solomon 4:7 the message 

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Toda tú eres hermosa, amiga mía, 
    Y en ti no hay mancha. Cantares 4:7 rvr

Saturday's story

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:12-13

These things I command you, that you love one another. John 15:17

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11

Let brotherly love continue. Hebrews 13:1

Above all things have fervent love for one another, 

for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

Dear friends, you are about to watch Saturday's story. A real story that brings all of the above verses to life. I pray that you may understand how love can change everything. God's love is powerful and He wants to manifest it to the world through you and me. 

Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 1 Peter 2:17

Your act of love can be the game changer for someone today. 

*shout out to Shessy Pacheco soon to be Moreno! 

Lyrical Friday - One Thing Remains

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 
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For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 

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What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8
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Beloved Friend, Jesus loves you.
He loves all of you.
He loves you in your best.
He loves you in your worst.
He loves you at all times.
His love for you has no end.
His love for you has no bounds.
His love for you is unmatched.
His love for you is yours forever.
There is nothing you can do that will ever diminish His love for you.
There is nothing anyone can do that will cause His love to be removed from you.
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For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5
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But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, [your name here],
And He who formed you, [your name here] :
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
Isaiah 43
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One Thing Remains, Jesus Culture

little princess

Yesterday was a wonderful day. My dear Mother, her best friend, my Aunt, her daughter (my cousin) and I went shopping together. Not only did I see beautiful jewelry, but I got to take a few pieces home. Yet the most valuable and treasured keepsake I have of this day is not a tangible jewel but a picture and a lesson.

My little cousin is 7 years old and is fitting of the title, "Little Princess". She is vibrant, smart, funny and like all little girls a lover of all things shiny, sparkling and pink! Every shop that we went to there was something that she liked. Whether it was pretty or tacky in our eyes, it was beautiful to her. She tried on countless bracelets and if given the opportunity she would have tried on every piece of jewelry in that entire Mart.

My Mother's best Friend has a heart of gold. She is a generous giver of her love, her friendship, her time, her talents and yes, her money too. And every shop we went to she wanted to buy a gift for someone, my little cousin being one of them. Indeed, she did buy her little girl sets and some adult jewelry for her to play dress up with. My little cousin learned rather quickly that if she wanted something all she had to do was make sure that our dear friend knew it. LOL I told you she is smart!

This morning the screen on my phone lit up and there was this picture of my little cousin and I. A huge smile came upon me as the Lord spoke to me, "You are my Little Princess. Talk to me, what is it that you want?"

So often, We get caught up in the distractions and affairs of this life that we forget that we are God's Little Princess' and He wants nothing more than to spoil us with His love, His goodness, His grace and His blessings. He has His best for you, for me!

You are God's Little Princess. Take Delight in YOUR God, YOUR King, YOUR Daddy! What matters to you, matters to God... so talk to Him. Tell Him what you lack. Tell Him what you want. Don't be afraid to ask for BIG things. God is greater than our dreams.God is greater than our disabilities and our infirmities; greater than failures and shortcomings. God is greater than our debt. God is greater than our insecurities. God is greater than our faithlessness. God is greater than that which we fear. God is greater than death. He is greater than the box we put Him in, He is limitless. And don't you ever forget that every good and perfect gift comes from our wonderful Father, so thank Him.

Childlike faith is what Jesus requires of us.
Like my little 7 year old cousin, let's look to God, the one whom is the giver of all good things, and humbly share with Him our dreams, our desires, our hopes, our petitions and thanksgiving.

Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

birthday blog & birthday lessons

Yesterday was my birthday. I must say, Tuesday is a odd day for a birthday.


Once again the Lord has demonstrated His faithful love for me through those around me. My morning started with homemade breakfast and a special prayer from my Parentals. The Brotheroonie named our internet after me, lol. The Sisteroonie picked me up from work and took me shopping (always amazing). A couple of friends surprised me and showed up at my house with balloons, gifts and food. My dear Mother cooked one of my favorite dishes. And the most special of all, my two younger cousins surprised me with homemade Nutella brownie cupcakes (yum) and gifts (see the picture).

These two little ones (that I consider more than cousins, they are to me my children) reminded me of the the Widow in Luke 21:1-4. They looked for a recipe to bake for me, went to the store and thoughtfully picked out a gift to bless me with and together chose a card that described me to the T. Not that any of the other gifts are meaningless or insignificant, but my Cindy and Gaby don't have a job, they don't have wealth or riches, nor did they give to me just because. They gave to me from the little that they have, they gave me their all. It pleased me so much. It taught me a lesson, It pleases God to give to Him the little that we are, to give him our all. God isn't fooled by boastful giving, or elaborate donations. God doesn't care for our lip work. God cares more about our heart and the conforming of it.

Another lesson He taught me yesterday had to do with their gift: a candle.
I am a bit obsessive when it comes to candles and scents. I never told anyone but there is a candle that I've been wanting to get. Its a bit costly so I haven't bought another one. Just last Saturday, I almost bought because it wasn't in my budget to buy it. So I prayed... "God, please help me buy this candle next weekend. Or better yet, put it in some one's heart to get me a --store name-- gift card. Amen." By now you know I pray silly little prayers. Three days later, it's my birthday and I open up Cindy and Gaby's gift and you won't believe it, they bought me the candle I wanted. God whispered to me: "What matters to you matters to Me, even if its a silly little candle. I not only care about the "BIG" stuff, I also care about the "little" things too." Maybe that's a word for you today.

Last year I shared with you some of the texts and Facebook comments my friends left me. This year I will do the same. These are some of the wonderful messages I got throughout the day. Beautiful reminders from the Lord, through His people. All glory to God, because apart from Him I am nothing.

MT- Happy B-Day Raquelita! May the Lord keep blessing you daily with all kinds of blessings from above. You are a dear friend and sister and I love you lots! Have fun in your birthday & Celebrate your life!! :)

SN- Happy Birthday Beautiful!! You have been such a huge blessing in my life! I praise God for your life and rejoice with you on your big day! Enjoy it, Embrace it! Its just one more year of growth and blessings. love ya! (:

CN- Raquelita! Happy birthday to you! You are such a wonderful example to our young ladies. I am thankful for you! God bless you and have an awesome day!
 
LA- Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates." proverbs 31:30-31
This is how I wanted to begin telling you that above loving you just for being my cousin, I love and honor you just for being YOU!  May your day be filled with love, joy and riches :) you deserve them all! Happy birthday my Kelibubu!! I love you forever!!! Have a blasssst on your day ♥ ;)

MF- Happy, Happy, Happy birthday to a special and wonderful friend!! I thank God for your life and pray that He will grant you many more blessed years. Hope you have an awesome day. I love you.

JL- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!! I thank God for your LIFE!!! YOU are a SPECIAL and WONDERFUL blessing in my life!!! May the Lord bless you abundantly with every desire in your heart and may this year bring you closer to Him!!! love u!!! ♥

BS- Happy Birthday sweet Raquel! You are so special and I just know you make God smile a whole lot. Blessings

MF- Happy Birthday Raquelita! Have a good one. May you be blessed with lots of money to shop with!!! :P xoxoxo ♥ ILY! (I had to put this one!!!)

OS- Happy Birthday beautiful may the Lord Bless you today and everyday. What a joy you are.

JF- raqi!!! happy birthday!! I pray that you have the most amazing and loving day!!! Im so happy you were born, =) you truly are a great friend and a blessing to have in my life!!! love you Raq!!! I pray that the Lord blesses you with your hearts desires !!!

VG- Happy Birthday beautiful women of God. So thankful God made an amazing person like you. Have a fantabulous day. Xoxo

IA- Happy BD!! You fill any room with joy and happiness. May God continue to bless you and fill you with His Holy Spirit for HIS GLORY!!

DC- Happy birthday my beautiful sister! May our Lord bless you abundantly today and forever more.

ZB- Hi raquel....I don't know you for too long..but long enough to know that you are such a beautiful and Godly woman!!...may God give you many blessings in your life and keep smiling...that smile can move mountains...:-)..Happy B-day!!!!

MG- Happy Birthday Raquel! May God continue to bless you and shine his light and glory all around you all the days of your life! Thank you for being such an awesome Youth Leader!

DH- Happy birthday Raquelita!!! :) I love you & pray for the Lord to continue to bless you and use you!! Xo

JH- Happy birthday emi! Hope you have such an incredible day. May God continue to bless you and use you to bless others :) You're an amazing person and I love you! ♥

CS- Happy birthday my wonderful special friend! You are such a blessing to so many.. May God shower you abundantly with His blessings :)

CV- Happy Birthday Mama Hen. only God knows how much I miss your words of wisdom and comfort. Rachel you are such a beautiful person, your is one that is rare and on fire for our King. Your passion and desire for the word challenges, inspires me daily. Happy Birthday Rachel. I love you and I miss you like a crazy person. (But I know my God sees my heart and that either in this world's paradise ot the real deal I will see you again, I cannot wait. -Corina (you know this made me cry, cry, cry)

Delight yourself also in the LORD,

And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

birthday surprise! It's Caro.

Hello.
I am very excited to share with you a woman who is very special to me: Caro. I met her when she was attending youth group and I was her leader. Definitely a cool girl, in the sense that you know this girl loves Jesus <-- what cooler way to be!? She has flourished into an amazing woman. I absolutely love her post and pray that you be encouraged tremendously by it:

Seed Planters!


My way of thinking is very scatter-brain like. If I lose you in my train of thoughts, I won’t feel offended. hah!

I’ve been thinking a lot on not being worthy for God. Thinking why God would choose me?? Why me?? I probably mess up more than I should yet He chose me anyway. (there’s a thought....)

There, right there you notice something about God. You notice that there is a purpose in his choosing and second the type of love He has. One that doesn’t stop once you become a complete fool but it’s a consistent love even when you mess up. Hmm, okay so here’s a new concept for people. “HEY I’M STILL GOING TO LOVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT, AND IT’S A REAL LOVE THAT WILL ROCK YOUR WORLD!” -God.

Woah, What, Really? A love that stands the test of time? One that will be pure, amazing and beyond spectacular!? Yep, that type of love. But that’s not what I wanted to write about...so you’re thinking “Okay, then what?”

I wanted to talk about God and why He chooses the most unlikely, the rejects, the strange, the mess-ups and pretty much the complete weirdos!

I’ve been reading Acts, and one thing that really jumped out at me is in Acts 9, The Conversion of Saul. Let me give you a run-down of this dude, he definitely hated the disciples, and the disciples were definitely scared of him. Wanted them ALL jailed/killed etc (the good stuff). The best part.... he DESPISED that they were from The Way.

The ironic thing is God ends up using Saul to further his ministry on earth...WOAH WHAT! back up, wait a minute..yeah Saul the most unlikely of persons is chosen by God to spread the Gospel. Who also is Paul (name change), the one that we all know and love! Let’s rewind and review: Saul who was not the most loving person (can we say jerk?) towards the disciples is called to join them and does so!

One of the things that astounds me of that story is that you see God’s guiding hand in the whole thing. You see that God had a purpose for each one of their lives, and has one for ours also. It also gives me the perspective that not one person is too sinful to get to know Jesus as their Lord.

I think when it comes down to us in our lives, (at least I do) we look at people, and we see that they are so far from the truth they’d never be willing to hear about the loving goodness of God. I pray that our assumptions of those be crushed so we’d be able to just share just how stinken’ good the Lord has been in our lives.
Let’s be the seed planters!!

...(and if you’re thinking why doesn’t God just blind the ones he wants and tells them clearly; read Matthew 28:16-20)

For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? Romans 10:13-14

I pray that God continually humbles us where we see everyone as someone who can be used for the kingdom of God. Lord let us not grow cold and presumptuous but continually remind us that at some point we were a Saul also.

Help us to love how you love us.
xoxo, Carolina

If you want to read more from Caro, ck our her blog HERE!