Moving forward...a daily choice

I face it every morning. Some days, the choice is easy to make and the past seems to have lost its power over me. Other days, the battle is greater, the past is more present and the walk is much slower, but He remains faithful. He reminds me that He makes all things new.
Nothing better than holding on to His promises, relying on His strength, trusting in His plan, resting in His peace and dwelling in His love to help you to keep moving...


I'm not going back
I'm moving ahead
I'm here to declare to you
my past in over
In you
All things are made new
Surrender my life to Christ
I'm moving, moving forward

Content

Can't believe it, but this coming Saturday will be one year since I moved to LA. The crazy thing is not the twelve months that have gone by so quickly, but the amazing things that God has done in those twelve months, proving that our obedience to His voice is always the right choice.

James 1:3-4
"For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing"

When the word of God states "perfect and complete, needing nothing" it's referring to more than just material things. I believe it refers to a level of fulfillment and contentment that goes beyond the circumstances we might be facing. I believe and have experienced that the only way to find complete fulfillment, the only way to get to a place of contentment is surrendering my life to God's purpose and living entirely in His will. Whatever that takes, it's worth it.

There are many things I want and deeply desire, but my heart is content even without them. What a great place to be...He leads, I follow.

Reflecting....

"God, my steps are ordained by you." This one thought is constantly on my mind as I think of this wonderful journey we call life. Since I was a little girl, His hand has been present in an undeniable way saving me from death, healing my body, keeping me from accidents, providing for my needs, closing some doors and opening others, telling me "no" when everyone else around me has been telling me "yes" and telling me "go" when everyone and even my own feelings have been telling me "stay". He has protected me, protected my heart with a tenderness that's even hard to explain. It's just so obvious...He loves me. He loves me and has my life planed out, since before I was born. He knows every tear I've cried, because He's been right there, by my side. He knows every dream that dwells in my heart, because He planted each one of them there. He tells me I can and expects me to succeed. He has brought me here, to this right now when my heart has no regrets and my hope is entirely placed in Him and His perfect plan.

God, my steps are ordained by you...and I wouldn't want it any other way. You love me so well!

These verses spoke to me ...

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed.
We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but NEVER abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are NOT destroyed....
...That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles ARE SMALL and WONT LAST VERY LONG. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and WILL LAST FOREVER. So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

2 Cor 4:8-9, 16-18

One thing I know....

ALL I NEED IS YOU, LORD

You hold me now...

The words in this song speak to me. I thought I would share it with you...

You Hold Me Now - Hillsong

On that day when I see

All that You have for me

When I see You face to face

There surrounded by Your grace

All my fears swept away

In the light of Your embrace

Where Your love is all I need

And forever I am free

Where the streets are made of gold

In Your presence healed and whole

Let the songs of heaven

Rise to You alone

No weeping no hurt or pain

No suffering

You hold me now

You hold me now

No darkness no sick or lame

No hiding

You hold me now

You hold me now

In this life I will stand

Through my joy and my pain

Knowing there's a greater day

There's a hope that never fails

Where Your Name is lifted high

And forever praises rise

For the glory of Your Name

I'm believing for the day

Where the wars and violence cease

All creation lives in peace

Let the songs of heaven

Rise to You alone


For eternity

All my heart will give

All the glory to Your Name

"You Hold Me Now" words and music by Rueben Morgan

Therapy...

The what is painful, but somehow, it's made me strong and fortunate to be able to feel something at all
The where is deeper, felt in every heartbeat
The when was then and still today
The how, I wonder. It caught me by surprise, proving that it's stronger the second time around
The why, unclear
The who? It's you...it still you

But there's a greater plan....

Not guilty anymore...

"Doesn't matter what you've done...you're not guilty anymore...I love you. Mercy is yours"
Aaron Keyes - Not Guilty Anymore

Listening to this song today, I'm just overwhelmed by God's mercy and TRUE forgiveness. We've all missed the mark somehow. We've all sinned, made mistakes, let Him down. We've all been tortured by shame, guilt and regret before...who knows, maybe even now. But isn't it wonderful knowing that we DO NOT need to remain this way? Jesus paid the price! He took our shame, our guilt, our sin and gives us, instead, forgiveness.

No matter what you've done, the past has no more power over you, because you've been forgiven. You're not guilty anymore.

What if sin is not in my past? What if I'm missing the mark now, today? I can tell you that His mercy is available for you today, right now, as you ask Him to forgive you and deliver you. In His power and strength you can do all things. You can, in His name, walk away from whatever this is that has had power over you. Come to Him...His arms are open and ready to embrace you as He whispers in your ear "You're not guilty anymore...I love you...mercy is yours."

We are in good hands...

When I don't get me, when I can't figure myself out, when I'm confused by my own reasoning, when so much around me seems uncertain....Whew! I find joy in knowing that He gets me! He knows me better than I know myself! He has a clear vision for my life and directs every single step I take allowing me to walk in the divine protection of His will and purpose! When life gets overwhelming, I can confidently say "I know in whom I trust!...the God that's greater than ALL. He's got me!"
He's got you too...we're in good hands ;)

Happy Birthday baby sister!

Baby girl,

You have no idea how much your existence has blessed my life. You've grown to be such a courageous, bold, confident, loving, mature and beautiful woman. Everyday, somehow, you manage to bring encouragement to me, sometimes with tough love and others with gentle words of affirmation. I'm so honored to be your sister and thankful because God brought you to us.

Happy birthday Milca, beloved princess!

Te quiero...and I'll hug you soon ;)

Surrounded by impossibles?

Then you're in the PERFECT position to see the hand of God, the all powerful ONE. We do what we can...after that, He takes over to do what we can't. Today, believe that your eyes will see His power move the mountains in your life. NOTHING is impossible for Him....guaranteed!

I almost missed it...

Every time I passed by and saw them enjoy themselves so much I would say to myself "I wish I wasn't scared to do that...it seems like so much fun." Today, as I walked by with my friend Carmen, she suggested "let's do it!" with a big smile on her face. Again, I wished and then said "no...but I can take your picture while you do it." I'm glad that she didn't take no for an answer. She insisted, paid for both of us and totally encouraged me to experience flying with her. I can't believe I almost missed it! What I thought was too scary turned out to be a moment that I'll never forget...a moment of complete letting go. What an amazing feeling!

I always say that fear holds our wings and keeps us from flying. I'm so glad that tonight I didn't let it and, because of that, I experienced a new sense of freedom. Won't be the last time...

I've been a stranger...I know

I could start by giving excuses to explain why I haven't blogged in a while, but I wont. Truth is, no excuse is good enough. Honestly? Blogging is very serious to me. When I blog, I want to leave you with something that would encourage you, help you, make you think, make you live out your purpose, inspire you or at least make you laugh. In my journey, for a while I felt very incapable of doing any of those things, so I was silent. You see, sometimes I get tired of facing the same battles or going through the same ups and downs, so I get discouraged and doubt how God could even bring life out of my brokenness. Yes, nonsense...I now know.
Holly Wagner said something that made me come back to my senses on the last day of the Godchicks conference. She urged us to "mark the trail" in whatever situation we are facing. Mark the trail for those that will come behind me, those that will face the same struggles, lead the way for them to arrive safely to their God given purpose. WHAT?! You mean I need to put my situation out there? I need to show them when I'm down or when I doubt or when I'm scared or when I'm confused or when I'm just sad??? Well...That's when His power is made stronger, isn't it? In my weakness, in my mess ups, in my moments of darkness that's when the light of His grace shines and that's when He brings out life from my brokenness.
It's easy to get caught up on everything that's going on in our lives, but I hope I never forget that my job as a leader is to mark the trail by letting others see that God's power is available for me and for everyone else....no matter what you're facing.

Be encouraged!

"For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do."

Hebrews 6:10

Meet Priscilla...the Precisionist

Hi, my name is Priscilla and I'm a Precisionist. (This is the part where you all shout "Hi Priscilla!")

During one of the membership classes at Oasis, we were offered the opportunity to take the DISC personality profile. I got my results in the mail and read them last night. It was so interesting to read a detailed breakdown of, well, me! Unlike other times when I've taken other personality assessments (as attempts to figure myself out), this results did not leave me wanting to be somebody else. Although the breakdown includes a number of areas in which I need to improve, its all presented in a way that makes it easy to understand, accept and potentially improve.

Some of my good characteristics:

Reliable, dependable, analytical (not to an extreme though), Loyal, compliant, calculated risk taker, careful (very), common sense

Some of my challenging areas:

Resist change (not when it comes to my hair ;), too predictable (not when it comes to my hair), Hold a grudge (working on that...life's too short to be bitter), sensitive to criticism (more than I would like to be...but improving)

It was so cool to read about this. I understand myself and the way I react to things a lot more. At the same time, I accept myself, the good and the bad, a lot more. Before last night, I guess I just focused too much on my bad qualities and how much I hated them that I couldn't see and embrace the great qualities that I do possess. It's so great to discover that I'm actually, how can I put it...AWESOME! It's a pretty cool feeling to like me :)

Fighting the lies with the TRUTH...

Lie -I'm lonely
TRUTH - "...And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 8:20

Lie - I can't
TRUTH - "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

Lie - I'm hopeless
TRUTH - "But I will keep on hoping for your help; I will praise you more and more" Psalm 71:14

Lie - I'm afraid
TRUTH - "Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me..." Psalm 23:4

Lie - I'm worthless
TRUTH - "You have been set apart as holy to the lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure." Deuteronomy 14:2

Lie - My life has no meaning
TRUTH - "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10

Lie - God has forgotten me
TRUTH - "For I know the plans I have for you...they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

In the battlefield of our minds, God's word is the only weapon that guarantees our victory...let's use it!

Her birthday...

Today was my Mom's birthday. Today there was NOTHING I wanted more than to be with her, hug her, laugh with her, spend time with her, but things didn't work out that way. Instead, I wasn't able to speak with her until 8pm due to our different time zones and crazy schedule. Did this make me sad? Yes....all day. Thankfully my sadness turned into a smile as I sat and remembered my great times with her while living at their place this past year. From walks on the beach early morning, to spontaneous "lets jump in the water" moments, from sharing a meal together to doing each other's hair, from times of laughter to moments when we would just be quiet enjoying each other's company. All that, and more, made me smile and helped me be grateful for having her and loving on her...birthday or not.

Life doesn't always bring us what we want, we don't always get our way. But what a difference it makes when, in spite of our circumstances, we choose to find the good stuff. The stuff that can take a whole day and turn it around. I'm glad I did.

Mami, you know it, I LOVE YOU...can't wait to hug you.

New favorite...

I can't help pumping up the volume and rolling down the windows when I hear this song. The singer is Francesca Battistelli, the song is "Blue Sky", the album is called "My Paper Heart"


Blue Sky
Francesca Battistelli

When you’re down and you’re out
And you don’t think you have a friend
When you’re lost in the doubt
And you can’t see what’s around the bend
Just hold on
Don’t turn around
Keep on walking
Don’t lose heart
‘Cause I am here, I am here
Wherever you are, wherever you are

(Chorus)
When the rain is falling
And there’s no silver lining
And you just can’t seem to find the light
When you need a reason
To help you keep believing
Let my love be your blue sky


Don’t you know that I know
Life can be so hard it makes you wanna give up
But don’t you know over the horizon
The sunny day you’re looking for
Is waiting right here in my love
Just hold on
Don’t turn around
Keep on walking
Don’t lose heart
‘Cause I am here, I am here
Wherever you are, wherever you are

(Chorus)

Come on come on
Don’t you be afraid
Whatever comes tomorrow
My love is here to stay

More pics...more will follow

Promissa in NY - Report

IT WAS AWESOME! Guys, I can't put into words how evident God's grace was in our lives this past weekend. It just confirmed one more time that when you follow His will, He takes care of the rest. We were the only Latin act at this event, which had a somewhat diverse crowd, but mainly African American. People would come up to us to say "I don't know what you were singing, but I could feel it inside of me and it was good", "I don't understand Spanish, but my heart knew what you were singing and I loved it!"God opened a door, we walked through it trusting that He would back us up...and, again, He did. We also had an amazing time as sisters and friends, had good laughs, good pizza, great cheese cake and Dominican Chimis....Yum!Here are some pictures, but I'll post more as I get them ;)

View from backstage (Apollo Theater)

If you've ever watched "Live at the Apollo" you know what this is...

More pics coming soon!

Much love...

Promissa in NY

Next Thursday night, I will get on a plane with Cynthia heading to the big apple. Milca will meet us there when we land on Friday morning. It will be our first gig trip to this awesome city and we're pumped! The American Heart Association has organized a concert at the Apollo Theatre and we are invited to perform a couple of our Spanish songs, one of them being "Quedate con mi Corazon" "Keep my Heart".

Please keep us in your prayers. We know that it's not what we do that changes lives, but His Spirit flowing through us. He's chosen 3 imperfect, screwed up, complicated sisters to show that His power is made perfect in our weaknesses. Please pray that we can put our struggles, brokenness, insecurities, self, all aside and that His name may be lifted high....because He's bigger than ALL.

Here is the agenda:

Promissa @ Apollo Theater with American Heart Association
Harlem, New York
May 9 2009
11:00A
Promissa @ Gothem Hall - Fashion Show
Harlem, New York
May 10 2009
12:00P
Promissa @ Iglesia Rios de Liberacion in Queens, NY
Queens, New York


Counting on your prayers...

Pris

Forward...

Time does not stop...no matter how much we wish it did at times. Reality is that we're walking towards our future. The question is, are we walking forward or backwards? Forward with expectancy for what's to come and what God has promised us, or backwards, looking at our past and thinking that our best days are behind us?

"...but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."

Philippians 3: 13-14

Israel Houghton would put in these words in one of his songs:

You make all things new
Yes, you make all things new
And I will follow you FORWARD

Are you being pruned?

PRUNING

The removal or reduction of parts of a plant, tree, or vine that are not requisite to growth or production, are no longer visually pleasing, or are injurious to the health or development of the plant.

Pruning enhances plant shape and flowering potential; new growth emerges from the bud or buds immediately below the pruning cut.

In our journey, one of the many ways God shows His great love for us is by pruning us. He wants us to grow. He wants us to be healthy and give more fruit to bless others and ultimately bring honor to His name. It takes pain, it takes brokenness, it takes even dying, but it brings strength to our lives, increases our potential and, suddenly, we find ourselves being surprised by our growth...a growth that we experience and others can't help seeing.

Are you being pruned? I know I am. So, I encourage you to endure in His strength. Soon enough those around us will have no other choice but to get closer and smell the aroma of Jesus in us.

I couln't have said it better...

The Real Me

Foolish heart looks like we're here again
Same old game of plastic smile
Don't let anybody in
Hiding my heartache, will this glass house break
How much will they take before I'm empty
Do I let it show, does anybody know?


But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me


Painted on, life is behind a mask
Self-inflicted circus clown
I'm tired of the song and dance
Living a charade, always on parade
What a mess I've made of my existence
But you love me even now
And still I see somehow

Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When you look at me
You're turning the tattered fabric of my life into
A perfect tapestry
I just wanna be me

But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me
And you love me just as I am
Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When you look at me

-Natalie Grant

Keep trying...

"But I don't like to loose!"these were the words that my Nephew yelled between tears today after a handball game where he was eliminated. I couldn't help feeling His pain. Truth is, nobody likes to loose, we just learn to handle it better as we grow...or so we should. Winning some and loosing some, that's part of life. And at age 7, like Gabriel, or at age 34, like me, the same advice applies: If you loose, feeling sorry for yourself wont make things better, but trying again will.

God's working...He never stops

God's working! The truth is that He never stops, but He's been working in me more evidently since I moved here...or is it that this time I'm actually letting Him? Hmm....

Anyways, the deal is that He's working. He's working in areas of my life which I wasn't even that aware of. He's showing me things about myself that I never saw before and, in the process, He's loving me and loving me and loving me some more.

I'm excited! I have this sense of expectancy, because I know that He's doing something amazing in my life. Something that might not be obvious to the naked eye, but that is very real, powerful and life changing...I can feel inside of me and I can't wait until it starts to show.

In the meantime, I'll just keep letting Him work, He'll keep on loving me and, with all that I am, I'll keep on loving Him and loving Him and loving Him some more. NOTHING is more fulfilling...

I encourage you to let Him work in every area of your life. His hands of love transform everything they touch. The result will ALWAYS be a better you....guaranteed!

Amen to that!

14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And 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. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Ephesians 3:14-19

After reading these verses, I have nothing else to add but a big AMEN.

One blessing in common...

Those of us that for one reason or the other no longer call Florida our home have one blessing in common: the FRC Internet Campus. It's not the same when it's just an alternative to driving to Church and getting to seat in the front row. Now, when it's your only option, that's when you really appreciate having the opportunity to be there while not there. The opportunity to worship with familiar faces to familiar songs for our one true God. That was for me today at 4pm Cali time. Thanks to the vision, passion, dedication, willingness and devotion of some, many of us were able to witness the ultimate worship experience at the FRC Easter Rally.

Thank you and your team, P. Brian. Although I live 2000 miles away....I was there.

Embrace

EMBRACE - to take or receive gladly or eagerly; accept willingly

Embrace today. No matter where you are or what circumstances you find yourself in, take today and do EVERYTHING possible to make it count. I'll do the same...

My heart speaks...

When I look away I start to drawn. Doubt, fear and confusion take over and I get overwhelmed. When I look away I become unstable second guessing my every move, every decision...the ones made and the ones to come. When I look away my life gets chaotic, because I loose that sense of peace that only comes from you. When I look away my emotions torment me, my heart deceives me and my soul is uneasy. When I look away from you I forget who I am in you.

God, let my eyes only see you. Let my ears only hear you. Let my heart only love you. I can only walk on water when I'm focused on you....

He Will....

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek His will in ALL you do, and He WILL show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Why should we trust Him? Because He loves us that much. He wants nothing but the best for us.

Check in...

Hi Familia,



You havent heard much from me the last few days. I've been thinking, examining my heart, my life, surrendering, facing my giants, fighting my battles. God is working, He's molding the clay...making something beautiful.
He's so loving, so patient and He's determined to help us reach our potential. I'm determined to let Him...are you?

What song is speaking to you these days?

Mine would be Hillsong's "You'll come"

I have decided, I have resolved
To wait upon you, Lord

My rock and redeemer
Shield and reward
I'll wait upon you, Lord

As surely as the sun will rise
You'll come to us
Certain as the dawn appears


You'll come
Let your glory fall as you respond to us
Spirit rain
Fall into our thirsty hearts again
You'll come, you'll come


I told you mine...want to tell me yours?

Where did you see Him last?

Truth be told...we have an awesome God. A God who loves us without conditions, accepts us without expectations and forgives us without exceptions. I can only imagine that one of the things that make Him smile is when we, His children, are able to see Him. Someone might say "but we can't see God, Pris! Our eyes are not able to!" And I would respond Oh yes, we can....He's everywhere...all the time. We can see Him in the sunrise (creator), we can see Him in a smile (loving), we can see Him as we have a meal (provider), we can see Him on the road (protector), we can see Him when we laugh (our joy), when we cry (our comfort), when rest (our peace), at the beginning of a new day (faithful), when He answers a prayer (powerful), when we fail Him (merciful), we can see Him in a nice gesture from a stranger (kind), we can see Him EVERYWHERE. His signature is imprinted in every detail of our day.

Having said that...where did you see Him last? Care to share?

God is...

FAITHFUL

- True to one's word, promises, vows, etc.
- Steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant
- Reliable, trusted, or believed.

and

TRUE

- Real; genuine; authentic.
- Sincere; not deceitful.
- Exact; precise; accurate; correct.
- Legitimate or rightful.
- Reliable, unfailing, or sure

Determined to love like Him...

Galatians 5:14

For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Could it be that there's a typo on this verse? Was it meant to say "Love your GOOD neighbor as yourself" instead? Don't we wish? Well, at times I do. At times I wonder if there any exceptions to this commandment. But the truth is...there aren't.

It's not a surprise to any of us that some people make it extremely difficult to be loved by others. However, when Jesus died on the cross, He did it for all man kind. Thank God He didn't have a list of names of "deserving" people, because my name would not have been in it. Instead, we were ALL lovable in His eyes.

Allow me to introduce you to another area of growth in my life: Loving that hard to love neighbor (friend, boss, family member, stranger). It's obvious that God is teaching me to love, not based on my standards or requirements (as if I was anywhere close to perfect), but based on grace...the same grace He chooses to love me with the times when I'm hard to love...and believe me, there are many.

So what am I doing about this? I'm determined to learn to love like Him. To show mercy and grace to those who need it the most and deserve it the least. This is not something I will be able to accomplish on my own. I can actually think of a couple of people who might make this VERY challenging, but God's word tells me that "I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). He can make my love deeper and my heart stronger...

The learning continues...

I've woken up to the sound of birds having a concert by my window. I've woken up to the sound of a rooster announcing that the morning has arrived. I've woken up to the annoying sound of leaf blowers on a Saturday. I've even woken to the sound of a truck picking up the trash in the neighborhood. But today? Today was a whole different deal...today I woke up to bad news.
Both my Sister and her husband came into my room at around 5:30 am with a very concern look on their faces. They proceeded to tell me that my car, yes, the one I was so excited to have finally been able to bring to LA...it had been hit by a drunk driver (messing up the back) and pushed right into my brother in law's truck (messing up the front). This was the first time something like this happened to me, so, after the initial shock and the one eye inspection outside (since half of my brain was still asleep), I went back to bed with question after question: Why did this happen? Why did God allow me to spend $750 dollars to bring my car not even 3 weeks ago, if this was going to happen? Why, if I was so happy to finally have my own transportation here in LA?
The questions went on for a while, bringing with them anxiety, sadness and even anger toward the horrible person that did this...I was mad! Then I started thinking (I guess the other half of the brain had woken up) that God is too good to have me go through this just for His amusement, too loving to want to see me worried, to smart to not have a plan in this situation and too faithful to not come through for me. It hit me, "God, what do you want to teach me?...help me see it."
So, what have I learned about on the first day of this adventure? 1-Mercy. I went from being mad and calling this guy every single name on the book (in my head) to asking myself "is this the neighbor the Bible tells me to love?" Oh man!...I guess so. It took me most of the day, but I finally gave in to the nudge and prayed for him. For God to set him free before something even worse happens to him or to somebody else because of him. 2-Gratitude. I could have been in my car when this happened and I could have gotten hurt. But that didn't happen. God kept me safe and I'm grateful.
God will indeed come through. Nothing happens to His little ones without a purpose and an opportunity for us to become more like Him.

Good stuff from quiet time...

I had never read this verse found in Zechariah 4:10
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..."

Joyce Meyer comments:
We need to remember that God anointed David to be king long before he actually became king, and David was tested in many ways while he waited. Patience must be tested, humility must be manifested, and faith must grow. Only after we pass our tests do we get promoted into the next level of what God has in mind for us.


If we're faithful now (with the small things), God will promote us. There's no limit to where He can take a humble and willing heart.

Just sharing...

Pris(cilla)

Promise of a lifetime - Kutless

I have fallen to my knees
As I sing a lullaby of pain
I'm feeling broken in my melody
As I sing to help the tears go away

Then I remember the pledge you made to me

[CHORUS:]
I know you're always there
To hear my every prayer inside
I'm clinging to the promise of a lifetime
I hear the words you say
To never walk away from me and leave behind
The promise of a lifetime

Will you help me fall apart
Pick me up, take me in your arms
Find my way back from the storm
And you show me how to grow
Through the change

I still remember the pledge you made to me

[BRIDGE:]
I am holding on to the hope I have inside
With you I will stay through every day
Putting my understanding aside
And I am comforted

Magnify Him...

MAGNIFY

1. To increase the apparent size of, as a lens does.
2. To make greater in actual size.
3. To cause to seem greater or more important.

This word blew me away at Oasis yesterday. Right before the third service, we were asked "Is there anything in your life today that seems too big? Is God bigger than that? With these questions we (the choir) were urged to magnify God, to make Him bigger than our circumstances, bigger than our mountain and to worship Him with everything that was inside of us, making that mountain seem totally insignificant compared to our greater than all God. Man, that made all the difference.

Is there something in your life that seems too great, something that's bigger than you? Magnify God and His presence will make all the difference...I dare you.

We're His beloved...

Let the beloved of the Lord (you and me) rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves (you and me) rests between His shoulders.

Deuteronomy 33:12

Walk on....

And love is not the easy thing
The only baggage you can bring...
And love is not the easy thing...
The only baggage you can bring

Is all that you can't leave behind
And if the darkness is to keep us apart
And if the daylight feels like it's a long way off
And if your glass heart should crack
And for a second you turn back
Oh no, be strong

Walk on, walk on
What you got, they can't steal it
No they can't even feel it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight...

You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed to be seen
You could have flown away
A singing bird in an open cage
Who will only fly, only fly for freedom

Walk on, walk on
What you got they can't deny it
Can't sell it or buy it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight

And I know it aches
And your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on

Home...hard to know what it is if you never had one
Home...I can't say where it is but I know I'm going home
That's where the heart is

I know it aches
How your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on

U2

To think about...

"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was you."
- Unknown

Need I say more?

My wings have arrived...

After almost 2 1/2 months, my wings have finally arrived. My 1999 Corolla has never been more loved and appreciated. I even walk by it and look at it with sincere affection now. These past two months without my car were extremely challenging, to say the least. So true that you never know what you've got until it's gone...

God, thank you for your provision and faithfulness. You take your time in order to teach and mold us as we wait...but you ALWAYS come through.

In the storm, but not alone...

At Oasis, P. Phillip Wagner has been teaching about prayer for the past copuple of weeks. This weekend's topic was "prayer in the middle of the storm." And, since storms are pretty much guaranteed for all of us, I thought it would be good for me to share some of my notes.

24 Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.
Matthew 8:24-26 (New Living Translation)

Was the storm happening because Jesus had gotten off the boat? No. Did Jesus disappear when the storm started? No. He was there, still present.
The presence of a storm in our lives does not mean the absence of a saviour. When tough times come, Jesus is still present. He does not panic when we do. Instead, He's in complete control...able to rescue us when we cry out to Him.

Valentine Hug...

Today I want to celebrate you, my friends. I'm blessed to have you and determined to keep you. I hope and pray that I may be a blessing in your lives as you have been in mine and that I never, EVER, take you for granted. I love you all...seriously...I do ;)

Happy Valentine's Day

Proverbs 18:24 (New Living Translation)
24 There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Big hug...

Tonight at Oasis...

As I walked into the Creative Arts Meeting tonight, I saw everyone standing. There were way over a hundred volunteers, some with their hands up, some on their knees, some at the front of the stage...all worshiping together. It was impossible not to be captured in the moment, it was impossible not to surrender in worship. What an amazing experience when passionate, creative, crazy about God people get together and worship. It doesn't have to be hours, it doesn't have to be a bunch of songs or an hour and a half message. One tag, not even a full song, was enough to take me to the throne: "You never fail me Lord, you never fail me Lord, you never fail me Lord. You are good, always." Wow....I sang, cried and was renewed.
We can't deny that where two or more gather in His name He shows up...and after He shows up our lives are never the same.

There's something about proclamation....

Last night, we had God Chicks Unplugged at Oasis. A night for women to worship together and hear a great teaching by Pastor wife Holly Wagner. The night ended with an unexpected proclamation of love, as one of the ladies received an amazing surprise. Diona, one of the dancers, was called to the stage to be honored as volunteer of the month. Holly spoke highly of her, shared her story and how much of a blessing she's been to Oasis. Out of nowhere, Diona's boyfriend showed up nicely dressed and the microphone was handed to him. After a few words, he proceeded to get down on one knee and propose. An auditorium packed with women, an amazing testimony and a sudden marriage proposal...If you guessed that I was crying you're totally right...we all were. There's just something that gets me about love proclamation. I don't think I'm the only one though.

God proclaimed His love for you, me and the world by sending His only son to die in order for us to be able to live. He told the world "I love you this much" the day Jesus died on the cross. Now, that's love proclamation right there. That's the most beautiful love story I've ever been part of.

I hope my life proclaims my love for Him always. I hope my every move yells to the world "I love Him this much!"

I thanked Him...then He gave me a job

So this morning, as I looked for work and applied for different positions, I decided to thank God for the job I knew and trusted He would provide. This time I wasn't praying "God, give me a job!", instead, I was saying to Him "God, thank you for the job you will provide." I think that made all the difference.

Tonight at around 6:30pm, I got a phone call. It was from Zara, the clothing store...I've got a job.

I know the ladies understand when I say "Yeah baby!...looking forward to that discount!!!"

"Not in my list"...what is that!??

Then Peter replied, "I see clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation He accepts those who fear Him and do what is right." Acts 10:34-35

As I read this verse this morning, I couldn't help thinking of times when I have shown favoritism or have thought of some people as "not in my list." Shame on me. Who am I to minimize someone's value? Who am I to pick and chose who deserves my attention? Who am I to be so "selective"? Imagine if God did the same. If He was to pick who to love or whose prayer to listen to or who to use in His kingdom based on our level of performance or based on how clean our hearts are, I know I would not be on "His list." What a blessing is to know that his love is the same for all, that He He doesn't have a "click", a preferred list, but that instead we're all royalty to Him. All children of the same father...the King of kings.

God, thank you for loving everyone the same. Thank you for giving us all priority. Help me look at others the same way as you do. Close friends, not so close friends and those I don't even know...that I may think of them and treat them with the same respect and love as you would. You've chosen to see the best in me...PLEASE, allow me to see the best in those around me. Help me remember that when it rains, it rains for everyone and when the sun rises, it rises for everyone.

God,

As the earth falls asleep in your hands tonight, help me rest knowing who I am in you. Help me remember that in your presence, everything else becomes small. The mountains, the worries, the challenges, my limitations and fears...they all turn to nothing when I stand before you. So as I sleep, can you whisper in my ear one more time how much you love me? Call me needy, but I'm proud to proclaim how much I need you...your love is what keeps me breathing.

Held...

This is what it means to be held:

When the sacred is torn from your hands and you survive.

This is what it is to be loved and to know that the promise was:

When everything fell, we'd be HELD

Natalie Grant

Self worth...

We all know where we should find it or, better yet, in whom we should find it. But do we really?
Many times I don't. I need to keep reminding myself that my worth comes from being His child, His creation, His loved one. No matter what the world says, no matter what my own standards say, knowing that He calls me His own gives me value...we're talking about the Creator of heaven and earth here. Think about it...

Promissa's first video...

Promissa report

It was a busy weekend for Promissa. We had a concert on Saturday night and sang at 4 services on Sunday. Each time we sing together, we learn new things about ourselves, the audience and our role as women in ministry. This time we also got more creative by splitting songs and switching leading parts with each other. One thing that never fails is how God always brings a message to us. A message of encouragement that always tells us that we must keep going.

There's a lot more to see, a lot more to hear from Promissa...God's not even close to being done.

Promissa update...

Guys, I want to thank all of you that always keep me and Promissa in your prayers. We feel God's love through each and everyone of you.

We have a gig tomorrow night in Panorama, CA and will be ministering at a Church in North ridge, CA on Sunday. Please join us in prayer, that God shows up to do His thing, that we allow Him to flow through us and that lives may be touched by His amazing power.

I'll give you the report of how it all went down ;)

When I make it to the top...

31 God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a SHIELD for all who look to Him for protection.

33 God is my STRONG FORTRESS and He makes my way perfect.

34 He makes me as sure footed as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.

2 Samuel 22:31, 33, 34

I don't know if you like hiking, but I do. My favorite part is to just stand and look at the awesome view once I get to the top. I like to embrace that moment; me standing there and remembering the great effort that took to actually make it to the top of the mountain. My first hike was when I was sixteen and I still remember that moment, I still remember the view and how awesome it felt to make it there. I also remember how difficult it was. I remember some friends holding my hands and encouraging me to not give up.

Life hasn't gotten any easier since then...in the contrary. The mountains have gotten bigger, the pain and effort have been greater, but the view from the mountain top has also gotten better and better.

This time the mountain seems bigger than ever. The thoughts of giving up or finding shortcuts have popped up. I've had many friends hold my hand and told me "you can do it!", I've cried because of how much it hurts and, at times, I have even regretted starting the hike. But then I remember His promises, then I remember how He has strengthen me during other hikes and how He promises to make my way perfect and to not let me fall. That's when I remember how good it feels to get to the top. I can hardly way to see the view from this one!

"Time flies when you're having fun", I'm sure we've all heard this common phrase. But the truth is that time flies whether you're having fun or not. It doesn't stop or slow down. Time keeps going and it's our responsibility to use it wisely. Don't let it pass you by, don't wake up one day wondering where time went. Instead, do something with it....today!

Keep on....

Keep on walking. When discouraged, when tired, when sad, when crying, when weak, when hopeless, keep putting one foot in front of the other...strength with rise as we wait upon the Lord. Walking will turn into running and you WILL finish the race. Just keep on....

Don't get it twisted...

Because some things don't turn out as we desired or as we had planned, that does not mean, in any way, that God has failed us. It just means that He's the one in control and His plans for our lives are way better than ours. When we know this, and truly believe it, we can be at peace.

Do I really love?

Have you ever been confronted by these verses found in 1 Corinthians 13?

Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.

Today, I have.

Consistancy...

Definitely one of the things I need to work on. Whether it's blogging, working out, prioritizing my quiet time with God, writing or reading, I struggle with being consistant. So today, although I don't have a deep life lesson to share or some life transforming revelation, I've chosen to be consistent and blog anyway. Have you struggled with this too? What do you do to help yourself be consistant? Please share...I can use all the help I can get.

Good stuff from the weekend...

"When I give up on my dream, I'm not the only one that misses out." Pastor Garland Robertson sure made me think, when he said these words during his teaching this weekend. It is true that when God plants a dream in our hearts it is not for our own fulfilment only, it's actually more than that. With that dream comes a big responsibility, a task that only we can execute, but that will benefit, impact, change, transform, tattoo the world and the lives of those around us. In some cases, even the lives of people we've never met and never will. Knowing this makes me want to keep going after it, encourages me to be persistent and not give up...because the world is still waiting to be touched by God through me.

Today is the perfect day to...

- Choose to be happy
- Forgive and ask for forgiveness
- Love myself
- Make the right choices
- Be grateful
- Embrace God's will
- Trust in His promises
- Dream again
- Believe in His power within me
- Get up and do it
- Remember that only God is perfect
- Smile
- Be merciful
- Encourage someone

Today....because tomorrow might be too late

God's favor, great friends and good times...

God knows the heart, He knows our deepest desires and He enjoys showing His love to us in many different ways. In the past few days, His favor, love and grace have been evident in my life. Spending my birthday among my dear friends, Dominican cake, cup cakes, Gerber Daisies (my favorite), good times and great memories. Can I ask for more?

He surprised me... and I'm grateful. He loves me!!!!! :)

When the ground shakes...

Tonight, I experienced earthquake #2. It was stronger than the first, but still no big deal. However, my heart was beating so hard it almost popped out of my chest. I guess no one likes a shaky ground. At least I know I don't.

Life is full of ground shaking moments though. Small and sometimes big earthquakes that totally shake us up. But aren't we fortunate to have a safe place to run to when this happens? A strong structure that wont come down no matter how hard the ground is moving, a strong structure that would actually protect us from anything that might fall on us. At my sister's house, that would be the huge, heavier than a bad marriage wooden dining table. In life, that refuge is God. Our ground can shake unexpectedly because of many reasons, but God, our shelter, strong tower, our rock, He's always there for us to run to...and nothing can touch us.

He says I can....

Self doubt, do you ever deal with that? I do...a lot. So much that sometimes I get depressed thinking of everything I want to accomplish, but feel incapable of. Having days like that is OK, having a life like that is not. I am my biggest opponent. Me, a dreamer, a woman passionate about God's purpose, a woman that completely believes that she was created to lead others to God through the gift of singing, I hold myself back. I discourage myself by thinking that I don't have what it takes.
Check this out though, in 1 Samuel 30:6 King David was greatly distressed, but he chose to encourage himself in the Lord.
How do we do that? I'll spell it out for you, B-E-L-I-E-V-I-N-G what His word says about us. That we're more than conquerors, that we can do ALL THINGS through Christ, that He is in us, that His power is in us, that we have His grace and favor, that everything we do shall prosper.

I'm tired of contradicting God! Tired of believing the total opposite of what He says about me. Tired of listening to that whisper in my ear "you're not good enough, you're too shy, you'll never break away from all your fears", I'm tired wanting to DO IT and ready to actually DO IT.

Moses didn't think he was suitable for the job, but God said "I will surely be with you." He didn't say "you wont be scared" or "it will be easy", He said He would be with him and the same applies to us.
So I'm encouraged and you can be too. If God says we can, who are we to disagree?

Good stuff from quiet time...

New year and this is how mine started...with a double breakfast! Both delicious, both important and both required time and effort, but were totally worth it.

Body and spirit both need to be fed in order to have a healthy life. My body had some eggs, sausage and a white corn tortilla (my new favorite...better than bread).

And my spirit? My spirit had a lesson on seeking and resting in God's presence.

"Now therefore, I pray you, if I have found favor in your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You....And the Lord said, My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest. Exodus 33:13-14.

Joyce Meyer comments, Moses had a big job on his hands. He knew he needed God's presence and sought the assurance that God would go with him and help him. No matter how difficult our circumstance, the knowledge of His presence will strengthen and enable us to do the job at hand.

The combination worked and I'm doubly satisfied. My tummy is happy and my heart is glad to know that He will go with me this year and that, no matter what situation I'm in or what my task may be, I will find strength and rest in His presence. I think I'm off to a great start!

May His presence, grace and favor be with you and yours in 2009...