Her tribute...

Guys,

Heather's last post "Tribute to you" is a must read. Check it out!!!

Rejection...

How many times do we suffer unbearably, because somebody does not give us what we think they ought to give us, when really they have no perception at all that we even need that?
How many times do we feel rejected by those around us, just because they don't respond to a situation the same way we would?
How many times do we hurt, feeling unloved, when those around us are only trying to love on us to the best of their abilities, but our blinded eyes cannot see this and our wounded hearts cannot feet it?

I've started listening to a series called "The root of rejection" by Joyce Meyer, and it's so sad to hear how many people around us are affected by this. It's even sadder to have to admit that I'm one of them. This is one of the enemy's favorite attack against God's people. Great, however, it is to know that we do not need to continue to live life this way. Great is to know that we serve a powerful God who wants us to live life victoriously and in His Word we find the medicine to our wounded hearts.
Our responsibility? To do our best we can to get to emotional freedom by studying the Word, reading helpful books, listening to series such as this one and trusting God with our hearts.
God's responsibility? To do the rest...nothing is impossible for Him, remember?

Until we meet again....

Today was the day when one of my Grandmothers graduated. She was my Mother's Step Mom. Something God helped me see this past week, was the way in which my Grandpa and her loved each other. I mean, I obviously knew they loved each other, but I hadn't really seen how much until the other day. I went to visit her at the hospital and I walked into the ICU area with my Grandpa, since we got to the hospital at the same time. As he walked towards her, she stared at him and then I was engaged. He leaned over and kissed her on her lips with such tenderness, asked her how she was feeling, she said she was OK. He stared at her and then put his hand inside his pocked and took out a piece of candy. He cut it in half with his teeth and took a piece of it and placed it on her mouth. She looked at him and ate it, as if this was something that he did all the time. The whole scene seemed so sweet, it made my heart melt. My Grandparents loved each other so much after over 70 years of being together...that's beautiful!

I'm glad I was there, I'm glad my Grandpa had a woman who loved him so much that she could overcome the challenges that came their way...and those were many. I'm glad to know that they were so happy together and so close. I'm also glad to know that they will one day meet again in Heaven and maybe angels will witness their love as the candy scene repeats itself.

Goodbye Abuela...until we meet again.

Some pics of Promissa's last event in Boston...

Hey Guys! These are images from our last trip to Boston. We were part of an event from the city of Boston. This event was honoring the baseball player David Ortiz (Big Papi), from the Red Sox. Sorry to have taken so long, but I was waiting to receive the pictures. I just got them...

Getting it all started at the cocktail hour...

Singing Happy Birthday to David Ortiz from the Red Sox...

He liked it.....

We were amazed to see God's grace at work everywhere we went. Looking forward to the next adventure. Thank you all so much for always keeping us in your prayers.

Promissa

Living life the "Ikea" way...

So I've never been too big on reading instructions. When putting anything together, I would just go for it. I would open the box, grab the instruction's manual and put it aside and then I would just try to figure out how to assemble. As you would imagine, many times I would end up very frustrated, not being able to accomplish my task and by that time too mentally tired to even think about reading any type of instructions. I would waste time, energy and effort and would accomplish nothing but a headache. This is why I would normally avoid having to put anything together...I just don't like reading instructions! It's such a drag!

Well, this week Ikea taught me a lesson. Helping out at Church for the set change this week, guess what happened...I was asked to put together a lamp that seemed like quite a challenge. Some had already tried to put it together, but it seemed like no one could quite get it right. Obviously, I saw this as a challenge and decided to go for it. Now, since I already knew how things usually end up when I don't read the instructions, this time I took the piece of paper, opened it and read it carefully. What a sense of accomplishment when I saw the lamp all put together...by ME!!! Mind you, I had no headache once I was done... The next day, yesterday, I put together a set of 2 stools and 1 table. Later on I put together another table. All very easy tasks, why? Because I read the instructions. I allowed those who made the products instruct me on how to put them together.

This might mean nothing to you all, but to me it means a lot. It made me think of my life and the many times I've tried to live it my way...not following God's instructions. Sometimes reading them, but not wanting to follow, because it seems as such a drag or sometimes not even reading them at all. I would just think "I got this, I know how" and then I would end up frustrated, tired, disappointed and with a headache...many times, with a heartache.

Ikea taught me that if I let God guide me, if I carefully pay attention to His voice and to His word, I would succeed and would avoid many unnecessary setbacks. Ikea taught me that no one knows the product better than the one who made it, so who in a better position to guide on how to go about putting it together. Ikea taught me that if I stop trying to figure out my life on my own, and start paying close attention to God, my maker, and His steps to follow (whether those steps make sense to me or not) I will live a life of more accomplishments and less frustrations.

I encourage you to today to stop ignoring God's instructions and to start living life the "Ikea" way. I know I will....

I will rejoice!

I was reading Habakkuk chapter 3 this morning and the last 3 verses just stayed in my head.
17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vine,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,

This is the best part

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
He enables me to go on the heights.

Rejected or protected?

My Sister Milca met with a couple today. They are the pastors of one of the Churches where Promissa will minister in Boston this coming Sunday. The three of them met for hours, Milca sharing our vision and them sharing theirs. One of the things they shared was the testimony of how God had granted them a great blessing: acres and acres of land for them to build a huge building for their Church. The story impacted me in a very personal way. They shared that they were able to get this great amount of land for only $500,000 dollars, which is hard to believe for the Boston area. Then they went on explaining that the reason why all that land only cost them this much was because the land had been rejected. No one wanted it, no one was interested in it, no one found it appealing, including my Sister Milca to whom the couple showed the pictures of what the land looked like when they bought it. The land had been neglected by so many and that was great, because this people were the ones meant to have it. They did not reject it nor did they find that it wasn't what they wanted, instead, they saw what God had saved just for them. Everybody else needed to be blind, in order for them not to take this blessing away from the ones it was meant for.

As I heard the story tears started coming down my face. Could it be that many times we are like that land? This could be in any area of our lives or any situation. In my case, the area of relationships...the love department. How many times have I felt sorry for myself for not having that someone, "the one", that significant other. How many times, when I've been interested in someone, but the feeling is not reciprocal, have I wondered "why God, what's so wrong with me?" How many times have I felt rejected, unwanted, unappealing, just because the one I see as a great catch does not see the same in me or feel the same way about me? But could it be that all that time they only saw what God had allowed them to see? Could it be that those eyes were never supposed to see the jewel that I am, because they weren't the ones meant to? So, then It's not even that I'm not appealing or special, it's not even their fault that they can't see; it's just that they have not been the ones meant to see.

God knew the plans He had with this land, he kept it away from other people, He kept it safe for the right time and the right owners who would use it for the purpose which God had intended. God knows the plans that He's got for me. He has kept me away and safe from the wrong guys, from the wrong husband. He has blinded some guys who I wished had seen me, who I wished had loved me...all because He's saving me for the one who I was meant for. That one will value me and see me as the precious jewel that I am and not only that, but he will also love me.

Man, I've question God so many times. I have felt not good enough, not pretty, I have been upset about not being loved by the one I've loved, but should I be grateful instead? Grateful that the wrong guys have been blinded, so that one day the right guy can find me and then God's purpose can be fulfilled? Instead of feeling rejected, shouldn't I feel protected? Shouldn't I feel special...I should...I do.

Thank you God, for protecting me time and time again. Thank you from keeping me safe from the wrong guys. I pray that you keep on blinding them, until my Prince comes my way.

Days like these....

Have you heard the phrase "practice what you preach"? I'm sure you have. Well, it's my turn now. I've been telling myself all day "practice what you preach Priscilla!" But why is it so difficult sometimes? Why is encouraging others a much easier task than encouraging myself? I don't know.

I mean, I know my God, I know from experience that He's my guiding light...yet sometimes I feel so lost. I know from experience that He's my provider...yet sometimes I get so anxious about my needs. I know from experience that He's always by my side...yet sometimes I feel so lonely. I know from experience that His timing is ALWAYS perfect...yet sometimes I just get tired of waiting. I know from experience that in Him, I can do all things because He's my strength...yet some days life seems extremely overwhelming and, at times, even scary. Is this human nature? Does everyone, or better yet, does every Christian face these challenges or am I dropping the ball somewhere? I'm not very sure.

I just wish that on days like these, I could do a better job at trusting, believing and resting. I wish I would live up to my words, but God knows why sometimes I don't. Maybe it's a way for me to understand when others struggle. Maybe it's a way for me to overcome my emotions and to go, not by what I feel, but by His promises.

Loving Father and Creator, today I choose to look at you, to trust you with all my needs, to long for your presence only, to wait on you, to believe I can...beyond what my eyes may see.

Back home...after all that...

It all started on Thursday for me, when I was handed 1000 Cd's at the reproduction lab. My mission was to fit into my bags as many Cd's as possible, since there was no time to ship them by ground and no money to ship them overnight. It was a mission alright, but after a lot of packing and unpacking, changing bags and rearranging, four bags were finally packed. Inside, a couple of outfits and 500 Cd's. In case you're wondering, yes, I did have to pay some funky fees due to the excess luggage and overweight (Spirit Airlines don't play man), but the job was done. We were all in Boston by midnight...me and the Cd's, that is.
Friday morning came very quickly and we (Promissa) were on our way. First was the recording of the Liz Walker Show, Sundays with Liz Walker http://wbztv.com/bios/local_bio_052115506/, which went great.




Then, we were headed to Worcester to perform at a High School. What an experience this was! We felt so honored to see how God had placed us in front of all this kids, giving us the opportunity to influence them and make a difference in their lives. It's truly amazing what God's grace can do. We all really enjoyed the experience...those kids were awesome.





The women's retreat on Saturday was amazing. There were two different seminars prepared, one for the young girls and another one for the adult women. God allowed Promissa to minister to both groups. The cool thing about it was
that God also brought us there to be ministered...and boy did we need it. Over 800 women united with one purpose, the purpose of worshiping our Saviour...wow!
Sunday was the busiest day. It was Nueva Vida Church (East Boston) in the morning, NGC Church (Providence) in the afternoon and Vida Real Church (Sommerville) at night. The people were great, they embraced our music and made us feel really welcomed. We also got to see some old friends along the way, which was also nice.

You know, these weekends tend to be very crazy and intense, since everything is pretty much non-stop. Today we are very tired, however, the satisfaction in our hearts is even greater. To know that we have accomplished the mission once again, to see God's promise continue to come true, to have the honor of becoming an instrument for God to touch those in need....all this is priceless and way worth the effort.

Thank you all for your prayers. We can't wait to do it again!!!!

Much love...

Sweet victory...

As you see this image, since most of you either watched the game or heard the news about it, I would imagine that you already know what I'm blogging about. Must I say it? OK, I will....WE WON!!!! The Red Sox are champions and I'm loving it.
Man, as I saw them jumping and celebrating, I felt like I was there. My Sisters called while they celebrated with friends and enjoyed the team's victory...our victory.
Something interesting is to see that, even though I'm not the one that played, even though I'm not the one that was there batting or catching the ball, I'm still a winner. I'm a winner, because my team won.
Same applies in the spiritual world. The Bible states that we're more than conquerors. It states that our battle has already been won by our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. You see, He died for all our sins, but on the third day he conquered death, making us all (His children) more than conquerors. I mean, I didn't have to actually play in the World Series in order to win. My team won for me. Jesus beat death for us, so victory has already been granted and all that's left for us to do is celebrate. Celebrate having eternal life, celebrate being forgiven, celebrate having won the battle that Jesus fought for us.

Victory is indeed sweet. Go Red Sox!...but better yet, GO JESUS!!!!!!

On my way...

You know, sometimes I get frustrated. I get frustrated about not being where I would like to be, or where I think I should be at this point of my life. I get frustrated about being weak sometimes and making mistakes, I get frustrated about things not working out my way...bottom line, I just get frustrated about being human.

I wonder if God gets frustrated with me when I mess up. Does He say "I'm so disappointed at my daughter Pris, she's not meeting my expectations"...I don't think so. Instead, He looks at me with mercy and loves on me even more. He tells me "I got you girl, you'll do better next time...I love just as much".

Isn't this awesome? Instead of bringing me down, as I do to myself, He holds me, loves me and tells me not to give up, because He'll continue His work in me and assures me that His power is made perfect in my weakness. You gotta really love a God like this, you gotta really feel honored to be His child...I know I am.

I mess up, I screw up, I'm human, but as someone once said: I might not be where I want to be, but thank God I'm not where I used to be. He's done so much in my life and He's still working...He's not done with me yet, and that, my friends, is a wonderful thing to know...

Nothing to worry about...

Yesterday was a cool day. I got to hang with the boys at Church. Recorded some vocals for rehearsal this weekend, went to lunch with The Garcia's, Rebecca, Miguelito and Ricky Ricardo. Had a nice talk with Pastor Garland (he's so sweet) and overdosed on Hillsong worship...I was helping out listening to Cd's and finding good songs for our worship. Then some friends invited me over to have a nice home cooked meal and my day ended watching the Red Sox win the first World Series game...Go Sox!!

There are so many things that are not yet defined, there's so much to figure out in my life at this moment, a lot of unanswered questions, an unclear view of what's to come. However, in the middle of all this, His peace has never left, His blessings can still be counted, His love is still revealed through those around me that take any opportunity to say "Hey Pris, I'm praying for you". No doubt about it, I'm very fortunate...

What a difference it makes to know that my God, my Creator, my Provider is the one in control of my life. He has not yet given me clear instructions on what to do next, but He's kind enough to give me cool days like yesterday...days when He chooses to show me in so many different ways that I'm special to Him and that His purpose is being fulfilled in my life, no matter how unclear my circumstances may seem.

I don't know what the future holds, but I know the one who holds the future...the Almighty One, the One that's never failed me and never will.

To think about...

Choices are the hinges of destiny.

-Edwin Markham

I know how it feels...

Why is it so easy for us to judge? It's so easy to just point the finger and say "your fault". I know, I've done it. I've done it many times. I can actually be very good at it, I'm sad to admit. I could see something, form an opinion and stick to that, because that's how I see it...how terrible.

The whole thing tastes a lot different when we're the ones sitting on the chair being pointed at. Then, at that moment, it's not right to judge. At that moment, we want mercy and deserve nothing less.

If we would just remember to not do to others what we wouldn't want done to us. If we would be slower to pass judgement and quicker to offer mercy, we would probably get more mercy in return. I'll try not to forget...

Ahhh! Why did I watch?

Dancing to me is a great expression of freedom...dancing in public, that is. You have to either really know what you're doing or not care at all about the opinion of those around. In other words, you have to be confident.

Last night, I saw myself on TV. My Sisters and I were invited to a show and we had an interview and sang a song...we danced too. I was very nervous, because I'm not a dancer, instead, I'm very insecure. The show had been recorded the night before, so my Sisters and I got the chance to watch. AHHHH!!!! Why did I watch? It reminded me of something Troy said last week. He said that when someone takes a picture of you in a group, the first thing you look for in the picture is yourself and all the things you're insecure about. Well, that's exactly what happened last night. Instead of enjoying the show, instead of celebrating the great opportunity that God had given us, instead of also noticing how great my Sisters were doing, I was suffering! I was watching my every move, hating every single one of them. I hated the way I was sitting, the way my face looked whenever I smiled, I hated the fact that I felt shy so I didn't really talk much, and my dancing...I was totally troubled by my dancing. I compared every move I struggled to make with the very smooth way in which my two Sisters just cruised through the song. The experience, instead of being joyful, turned into a sea of insecurities in which I felt I was drowning.

The show ended, everyone celebrated and I was totally depressed. Of course, my family knows I'm not a pro at dancing, but none of them saw what I saw. However, I made sure to tell them every little thing I did wrong, I pointed everything out to them and I doubted and rejected any encouraging comment or compliment that they gave me. They tried to lift me up, since by that point I was already in tears, hating myself and my insecurities, but the effort was in vain.

You might think Pris! You need therapy. Why are you sharing this? I don't know...I guess it's liberating to me when I'm naked in front of you guys. Maybe this is my therapy, to share with you how I struggle with accepting who I am, to talk to you about the giants I get to face everyday. Maybe this is my therapy, to tell you how weak I really am. So glad to know that God's power is made stronger in my weaknesses. How can He use someone like me to bring life to others and to even encourage other people that struggle with my very same issues as me? That's how He works. God doesn't look for perfection, He looks for hearts that are willing to let His name be glorified.

You see, when I get a compliment about my singing and how God touched someone's heart as I sang, all I can do is think "thank you God, for using this imperfect vessel to fulfill your perfect plan". I know, no doubt at all, that it's all of Him and nothing of me.

I'll continue to work on being more confident, accepting how God made me and embracing what makes me different from others. I'll also start looking into taking some dancing lessons...that wont hurt : )

That was good therapy....I feel better now.

A love so great, the one you offer me

that when I fall, you're there to rescue me

I might go low, but there you are

as present as ever, lifting me up

No matter what challenges life may bring

I find in you shelter, I find in you peace

and when facing a giant or going through a storm

I don't doubt that you'll help me, 'cause you've done it before

Dear Father and Creator, I'm so honored to be loved by you and to be called your own. Thank you for not expecting perfection of me. My life is yours, you're my inspiration...my muse.

Te amo!!!

Be you...no matter what

Not everyone will understand you...that's OK. Even if you're likable, no everyone will like you and that's OK. When you mean well, there might be someone misjudging you...that's OK. Not every time you love you will get love in return and, though it hurts, that's OK. When you do your best, not everyone will be satisfied and again...that's OK.
The thing is, we will never be able to please everyone around us. Each head is a different world and it would be very exhausting to try to keep everyone happy. Instead of forgetting who we really are, by getting lost in the unreachable mission of pleasing everybody or fitting in, let's make the choice to be ourselves, real and genuine. Those who now don't get you someday will and if they don't....that's OK, because the one whose heart we need to please is already smiling.

My home....

I love my Church!

God brought me to FRC over a year ago. I remember the first service I went to felt like a glass of cold water. I was broken, tired of serving, tired of giving. I was done, I needed to rest. It had been more than 11 years non-stop and I just needed to be refreshed. At first, all my guards were up: "Who are these people"? "Are they for real"? "No way I'm getting involved, I'm too tired of being abused...this time, I'm just going to seat and receive." Yeah, that was me when I first came in July last year. Then God started doing His thing. He started giving me the urge, you know, the one that you feel when you know it's time to get to work. Well, I decided to jump and join the praise team in January of this year and, let me tell you, what a blessing it has been in my life. I know for a fact that I am exactly where I'm supposed to be, I know I'm exactly where God wants me to be and I'm so grateful for being able to feel that way.

There's a lot that I don't know, a lot of things in my life are not very clear right now, but at least I'm sure about one thing....Flamingo Road Church is my home!

Two more reasons...

In a life so complicated, God never forgets to give us reasons to smile. He gave me two today...

Meet my Nephew Gabriel "hunk" Medina (5 yr) and my Niece Camila "fabulous" Medina (4 yr) !

We'll always have a reason to be thankful...we just must be willing to see it. Right now, can you think of one thing, big or small, for which you can say to God "thank you"?

OK, now smile....

In great hands...

Life doesn't always work out the way we plan it, but then again, I bet you already knew that.

Well, my life has turned out quite different from what I pictured in my head when I was a little girl. Don't get me wrong, I've actually been very blessed and have accomplished things I never even imagined. However, life has been a bit more difficult than what I expected, specially when it comes to matters of the heart.

It's good to know that my life is in better hands than my own, that my Creator has much better plans for me than what I had in mind. It's good to know that, even though the future seems unclear, there's nothing to fear, because God's plans are and will always be better than ours. I'll be just fine!

"For I know the plans that I have for you..."

Seasons...

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1

This morning I found out that the radio station that I listen to the most will no longer exist after the end of this month. The owner's have decided to sell it, leaving me and God knows how many others in a state of shock. I mean, what now? What am I supposed to listen to know? I don't want them to go! So many times I tuned in and heard exactly what my heart needed to hear, so many times I listened and a song described what I was going through. Man, Spirit FM was there during my darkest hours and during happy times as well. I don't get it! Why must they go? I guess it was out of their control...
The Bible tells us that there's a time and a season for everything, so, in this case, I have no choice but to accept...even if the reason seems unclear or somehow unfair. I thank God for every single time I tuned in and they were there. I'm grateful for all the times I felt alone and God used them to play the right song, with the right words to bring encouragement to my life.
I wish they would stay, but God knows why they wont. I don't know how my drives will be now that I wont have them there anymore, but I will be forever grateful for the times when they were.

Father, thank you for the blessings you bring into our lives. Whether they are here to stay or for just a season, only you know.

What now? I don't know, but I know I'll soon find out. My Father, the God that knows all my needs and has promised to meet them, He will come up with something, and then...a new season will begin.

Our gift to the world...

If I won't be myself, who will?

-Alfred Hitchcock


Nobody!
Throughout our lives, we might be able to meet people with a similar mentality than ours, people that believe in what we believe, people that like the things that we also like and people that enjoy the things we also enjoy. Although these are people with whom we have things in common, God has created each and everyone of us unique and special. There are things that only you can offer to the world, because they were only given to you by our Creator. By trying to be someone we're not, we're actually denying ourselves the opportunity to impact the world around us in a way that only we could.
Today, I choose to embrace who I am, the wonderful me that God created...special and unique. I choose to offer the world the very best of me, the real Pris.
I invite you all to do the same...I'm sure you wouldn't want the world to miss out.

Giving up or letting go...

When should one give up? When is it acceptable, if ever?
In any circumstance, whether it be in a struggling relationship, the difficult pursuit of a dream, or whatever process we might be going through, we all come to a point when the thought of giving up knocks on our door. This tends to happen when we're tired, when we feel like there's no more strength to fight inside of us, when we're overwhelmed, when we've lost hope, that light at the end of the tunnel that kept us walking towards it, but all of the sudden is gone...or at least so it seems.
The reality is that giving up has been an option chosen by many, if not by all, at some point or another. There's a point during the journey, when we are so tired, drained and weak that we feel that the reason which got us there on the first place, the purpose for which we're fighting for, is suddenly not worth one more effort. But, does that mean that it really isn't? Could it be that the fight has gotten so intense and, since we're already tired, we'd much rather tell ourselves that there's nothing else to do? That's definitely possible. I mean, can we proudly say at that point that we've done all we can, given all we have, gone as far as we can, pushed as hard as we can and held on as strong as we can? Can we say that we've tried everything possible in our power? If the honest answer to any of these questions is no and we still choose to give up, there's a possibility we might one day face regret. However, if the honest answer to all these questions is yes, then we wouldn't be actually giving up, but instead, we would be letting go...having in our hearts the satisfaction of knowing that we did our part.
Whatever our circumstance, whatever our struggle, whatever battle we might find ourselves in today, let's make sure to fight with all we've got. Let's not see giving up as an option, but instead, let's remember that, as long as we're fighting, we have a chance to win.

I'm blessed...

If we could only see clearly at all times, if we would take the time to notice, we would see how blessed we are. Do you know how many times I've sat in my car thinking of the many things I wish I had? Many times! We all do it, we all tend to invest more time feeling unhappy about the things we lack. I could give you a long list that would have you reading for a while. Things I wish I had, problems I wished I didn't have, places I wish I had already been to, goals not yet accomplished, memories I wish I could erase, and so on... Anytime I want to, I can find many reasons to be unhappy and feel sorry for myself. It's easy, we all know this, we have all done it many times, I have done this many times.
Fortunately, there are times, like today, when my eyes are able to see clearly. There are times, like today, when I'm not blinded by my "I wants", but instead, I'm amazed by seeing and counting my many blessings. First of all, I'm saved! I'm healthy, good looking (you know I had to say that :)...) I have amazing Parents, who are ALWAYS willing to show me how much they love me. I have two beautiful Sisters, who are also my greatest friends and supporters. God has blessed me with a great job, a wonderful gift and passion for singing and an amazing, totally awesome Church I can call home. I've seem dreams come true and prayers answered. I have been blessed with wonderful, WONDERFUL friends who touch my heart and show me God's love time and time again. This is just to name a few. This list would actually be longer than the first. Can you believe it? I have so much, I have received so much by grace and so many times I fail to see what has been given to me, because I let myself be blinded by what hasn't...the cruel reality of human nature.
Today, I'm just glad to be able to see, to be able to embrace my many blessings and rest in God's promise to provide ALL my needs. He can worry about the things I want and still don't have, since He's my God and provider. And me? Well, I'll rejoice counting my blessings. I'll give back from what I've received by grace and, hopefully, one day God will allow me to be counted as a blessing on somebody else's list.
I like being able to see clearly how good my God has been to me. When the enemy reminds you of what you don't have, take out your list of blessings...he'll have no choice but to run and you'll have no choice but to rejoice.

Much love...

Nothing to fear...

The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you

No better place...

If all wishes came true I would be in Heaven tonight. Don't freak out, let me explain and then you'll see my point. On my flight back home today I decide to take out my iPod and listen to some music. After listening to a couple of songs, a new one started to play and that's where my journey began. The song was "Always" from Hillsong...wow. I've always felt connected to that song from the first time I listened to it, but it had never taken me as deep into God's presence as it did today. I listened carefully, I felt every word and, as I did, I found myself before my saviour. I walked in the streets of heaven with the best companion one could ever had, Jesus Himself. I sat under a big tree, played with little bugs without fear, felt the breeze of everlasting peace caress my face, stared into the eyes of love, true love. I told Him so much without words, He answered with a smile that filled my entire heart with the desire of never leaving His side. At that very moment, with tears running down my face, seating on my airplane seat, I asked God "would you just take me? Can I just stay with you forever?". It's just that being in His presence made everything else so insignificant, so small. He was all I wanted, He was all I needed. I thought about my family and how they would suffer if God decided to take my life, but not even that was strong enough to take away this feeling of wanting to experience His presence forever. Nothing compared to the feeling of being made whole, nothing was worth letting Him go.
I'm still here, He didn't take me, but things have changed. You see, our lives are never the same after we have walked with Him, after we have stared into His loving eyes. His love fills the deepest most hidden corners of our hearts, making us whole.
So, until the day I graduate, until my mission and purpose are fulfilled on this earth,until the day He tells me I don't have to come back, I'll continue to visit heaven through worship. I'll cherish every walk I get to take with Him, even if I can't stay. I'll seek His face knowing that He desires to be found and I'll never forget His smile. By the way...He wanted me to tell you that He's waiting for you. It's your turn to visit...

Mission accomplished

This was Promissa's second trip to Boston. It was non-stop since Thursday and it all ended today with Promissa ministering at 3 different Churches back to back. Even though we've learned a lot since our CD came out last May, we realize that we still have a lot more learning to do.
I'll tell you though, what an amazing feeling it is, to do what God has called you to do. We're tired, exhausted actually, but feeling like we've done our job. We have accomplished this mission, with God's help. We have, once again, overcome the obstacles that the enemy had placed in our way and we have received the victory. The victory that only those who persevere get to taste.
Wonderful God and Creator, thank you for choosing us, Promissa, to do this mission. Thank you for allowing us to bring life to others through our music. Thank you for choosing this three imperfect girls to fulfill your perfect purpose. We love you and forever thank you.

Always better...

As we know, we all go through life and, during this journey, we get to experience a large number of different situations which determine our grouth and shape our character. These process cannot be avoided. Why? Because if we did, if life actually spared us its tests, we would just be a bunch of big children walking around without the ability to bring life to those around us. In my case, man I've been tested. God must really have big plans for this Dominicana, because He's really determined to help me grow...it's pretty obvious.
I'll tell you, in the middle of life's trials, in the middle of every situation, there's a choice to make. Yeap, we can either let ourselves be brought down, defeated and ultimtely made worse by life's unavoidable storms or we can decide to face whatever comes with the conviction that at the end of the storm, after going through the fire we will indeed come out purified...we will come out as gold. That's what Job said when he had to endure his share: Job 23:10 "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold."
When I look back, I see how I've come out better out of each situation. It has not been easy or fun to face the storms that I've faced, but the me that has come out of every single one of those has been better and better each time. Don't get me wrong, I'm not at the point where I actually look forward to going through the fire, I would be the biggest liar if I said that. I've just learned that once I'm in it, God's power helps me get through and I come out victorious. I get tired sometimes, I can't deny. My heart wants to take a break, a breather, but God knows the plans He has for me and He knows how ready I must be for them. I cry and try to get away from trials and suffering...I'm human, aren't I? But the truth is, I ain't scared! I've seen God's hand way too many times, I've seen good come out of bad situations many times, I've seen tears turned into laugther, I've seen how God can use a broken heart. So here I am, standing, knowing that no matter what life may bring, the result, the me to come will always be better. Guys, I can't wait to meet the new me!

A naked dreamer...

It may be that those who do most, dream most.

-Stephen Leacock

Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.

-Dale Carnegie



I'm a dreamer, I can't deny it. I've been a dreamer since I was a little girl, so by now I master the art. The great thing is that I've seen many of my dreams come true and I must say that this brings one's heart a wonderful sense of fulfilment. Like when I heard one of my songs play on the radio for the first time or back in June when, at one of our concerts in Boston, I stopped singing and the crowd continued to sing our song word by word. Makes you want to go back and live those moments over again, doesn't it? The sweet moments that only a dreamer can taste.

You know what though? There's a whole lot of other things a dreamer gets to experience. As a dreamer, I have been discouraged and have faced disappointment time and time again. I've been tired, sad and all these has felt so strong and overwhelming that, at times, I have even prayed "God, please take this dream away...I can no longer". So glad that during those times He has decided not to grant that request. You see, when God plants a dream in your heart, He doesn't do it to make you suffer or to make you miserable, knowing that you will never see it come true. I refuse to believe something like that...my God loves me too much to do something like that to me. Instead, throughout your life, He prepares you, whether you are aware of it or not. He allows moments of glory as well as moments of what to our eyes seems as defeat, all as part of our intense training...all part of His purpose in order to fully equip you.
I have my days...days when I don't want to feel this burning flame in my heart that tells me what I'm meant to do, because I feel like I have no clue of how to go about doing it. I have my days when I feel like I want to just be a "normal person" a non-dreamer, only because I'm so tired, only because the road seems to long and difficult to walk on, only because I don't have the resources to make things happen. I have my days...when those closer to me are the source of my discouragement, when I want to mute every voice that says "you can't, that's not possible, it will be very difficult for you and your Sisters to do this, it will never work out, are you sure this is what God wants you to do?, you should consider doing something else", and blah, blah, blah... I have my days when I feel like throwing in the towel, taking out my white flag. As hard as it is to believe,however, these days are still part of my training. They teach me to persevere, to exercise faith, to endure, to push through, to not believe what my eyes see, but instead, trust that what my God has promised will come to past. That's why I can't just give up, I choose not to...for only I know how strong this flame burns in my heart, for only God can plant a dream so strong. I'll just do what I possibly can and He'll do what seems impossible. I'll see through His eyes when I find no hope seeing through mine. You see, it's not really my dream, it's His.

A dreamer goes through ups and downs
a dreamer cries when feeling doubt
a dreamer knows the fight that takes
but also knows how sweet can taste to see a dream come true.

A wonderful gift to give...

Nothing worth doing is completed in our lifetime;
Therefore, we are saved by hope.
Nothing true, beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history;
Therefore, we are saved by faith.
Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone;
Therefore, we are saved by love.
No virtuous act is quite as virtuous from the standpoint of our friend as from our own;
Therefore, we are saved by the final form of love which is forgiveness.

REINHOLD NIEBUHR

What a great feeling it is to be forgiven! When we know we have messed up and, in repentence, we come before our Father, ask for forgiveness and He does not deny it.
This is truly amazing and undeserved. Don't we all wish it was as easy for us to do the same? Instead, we struggle...trying our best to "forgive", but making sure we don't forget. I'm guilty of this myself...
Forgiveness sets us free, whether we give it or recive it, allowing us to move on. Isn't this one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and others...the opportunity to move on? I know the relieve this brings to the heart..I've been forgiven. I pray that I can get better at this forgiveness thing, that I don't deny anyone this amazing gift and that I'm forgiven by those I may hurt...again and again.

No matter what...

Everything works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end.

-Unknown

As we read in His word "everything works together for good, to those who love the Lord..." Powerful promise, isn't it? It's full of hope, it tells you "you'll be just fine, no matter what comes your way". Seems like our job is to simply believe it...to trust that whatever situation we're in, will eventually have a good outcome. The kind of outcome that makes you look back in time and say "I get it, that's why...thank you God". What a sense of piece this brings!

Naked...

Is it my turn to get naked?
There's so much I could talk about, but I'll focus on two things right now which I've delt with all my life...fear and insecurity. I even hate the actual words, the way they sound, because i wish they didn't exist. I face fear every day, no vacation, no break, it's constant, it just shows up in different forms and insecurity is no different. This is really a constant battle, some days I win and some days I loose, but it doesn't stop..at least it hasn't in 32 years. These are two of our enemy's favorite weapons. He uses fear to paralize us, to keep us from moving, from trying, from daring. Fear cuts our wings to keep us from flying...and insecurity? Insecurity tells you that you were never going to be able to fly anayway...so sad, but so real.
So what do I do? Well, I do the only thing that really helps me, I hold on to my Father's hand and He gets me through...each day, each time I face fear or feel insecure He helps me through. Except for those days when I somehow think that I can handle it on my own...that's when I loose.
I do wish I was less fearfull and more secure, that would be great. The question is, would I want to hold on to His hand anymore if I didn't face these giants? Are these things here to remind me of how much I need Him to make it through each day? Are they here to keep me coming back to my Father and Creator and asking, "God, would you help me today? I can't do it alone"? If that's the case, then I'll keep on. I'll keep on asking and I'm happy to know that He'll keep on helping. His hand will always be there for me to hold on to.
You can do the same...trust me, His hand is big enough for all of us.

Thank God for Mercy!

The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.
-William James

It's so challenging at times though, isn't it...the whole "knowing what to overlook" thing? It is for me anyway, so if you have mastered this art, you're definitely someone I respect and admire...someone I would like to learn from. For the rest of us, this continues to be an area of growth. Sometimes, instead of overlooking the bad in those around us, we, sadly, overlook the good by fixing our eyes on little things, which, seen through the magnifying glass of our own insecurities, are too big to ignore. Something that seems to help is going back and seeing the whole thing again looking through the minimizing glass of Mercy...you'd be surprised how different things can look when you switch glasses.

How many times have others had to do this switch in order to be able to put up with me?...no need to answer that... Thank God for Mercy!!!

I must agree...

A boss creates fear, a leader confidence.

Russell H. Ewin

Tell a person they are brave and you help them become so.

Thomas Carlyle




Are we leading right?

In Stevie's words...

"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you
there."
~ Stevie Wonder

Sounds like character is somehow important, right? The crazy thing is how character is developed...usually by enduring trials, facing fears, exercising tolerance.....should I go on?

It's great to see how God places us in different scenarios, not always comfortable to our skin, with the intention of developing our character. As hard as this whole process can get, He's just doing us a favor, if you think about it. After all, what's the point of "getting to the top" if you can't stay there?

Almost had it...

I guess by now you all have figured that this is not an everyday thing for me...pretty obvious. Now, yesterday I was home early, I sat down and said "let's blog a little". I actually liked what I had for you guys and for those that prefer to read more than two lines (you know who you are), let me tell you, you would have been proud. Then I decided to do spell check and somehow, can't seem to figure out how...I deleted EVERYTHING!!! After trying to go back to recover my masterpiece and failing beautifully at it, I paused...took a deep breath and turned off my computer. I'm sure that the inspiration will come again...and when it does, you all better be OK with misspellings.

Can't keep this one to myself...

Talk happiness; talk faith; talk health. Say you are well, and God shall hear your words and make them true.

-Ella Wheeler-Wilcox

Yes, I do believe that we eat from the fruits of our lips. Don't you all thing that the world would be a much better place to live if we all trained ourselves to speak positive? Think about it...

I decided to join...

So I thought I would give this whole blog thing a try. Hope you guys don't regret insisting...I'll keep them short, well...I'll try my best.