A time to THINK...

Being one of our values at Flamingo Road Church, we're very aware of the importance of thinking. As leaders, taking time to think is essential, helping us put things into perspective. So here I am, over 2000 miles away from home doing just that. Enjoying some quality time with my Sister and her little ones, loving this great California weather and doing lots and lots of thinking. With a willing heart and an open mind, thinking can be very productive, bringing clarity and direction to our lives...I'm looking forward to that.

To think about...

Man improves himself as he follows his path; if he stands still, waiting to improve before he makes a decision, he'll never move.

-Paulo Coelho

A smile and a great story...

Yesterday, after the 1st service, some on the Magteam members came out to the lobby to shake a few hands and greet some people. A lot of people where coming out of the auditorium and, since I felt like I was blocking their way, I moved over and stood next to a woman that seemed to be waiting for someone. I looked at her, smiled and asked her "how are you today?" and she answered, very surprised, "good, thank you for asking!" Since I'm shy, I wanted to leave it at that, however I was still standing there and so was she, so I proceeded to ask "did you just come out of service or are you waiting to come in?" She looked at me, like if I had rescued her and said "I don't even know what to do or where to go! This is my first time here and my first time at a Church like this...I'm catholic." She told me how she's a very shy person and was just standing there wondering what to do. I told her I would stand with her until she could come inside...she smiled. After introducing her to worship pastors V and R, talking about our countries and her sharing what brought her to FRC, we went on to start the service. We told her we would meet her again after, so she could tell us about her experience.

Service done and there we where. She came up to me and told me how she loved worship and the overall experience and then THE WORDS came out of her mouth "I will definitely be back again."

Only God knows this lady's needs, only He knows what truly grabbed her. I know, however, that it all started with a smile...and then God took it from there. I think that's pretty cool, don't you?

Green stuff...

Apple, cucumber, parsley, ginger, spinach, celery, lemon and lime. Who would have made me eat some of these when I was a kid? Nobody! "But it's good for you", my Mom would say to try to convince me to even try it, but it never worked. Now, at 33, she makes me a juice that has all of the above combined. She hands it to me and tells me "drink it, it's rejuvenating! I saw this on Oprah!" What was she thinking? Why would I even try to drink this nasty green stuff?? Just because it's supposed to make me feel younger??? PLEASE!!! Is that a good enough reason for me to put aside my anti-veggie feelings and take a zip??? YOU BET!!!!!
Are you kidding me? Give me that green stuff!!!!!


Amazing what time can do...

A hair miracle...and more

BEFORE










AFTER

With time, patience and willingness I can definitely make a difference in my hair. It takes me about 45 minutes, a lot of heat, a lot of brushing and pulling, but more than anything, it takes my willingness to go through the process. It's tiring, but I love the way my hair looks after I'm done.

Same happens in our walk with God. He can change us, He can make of us something beautiful, He has all the time in the world, all the patience, the only thing He needs from us is our willingness to go through His life changing process. I do get tired, at times, it seems like the best of me is dying in the process, but the new me that comes out of that is way better than the old.

Think about it, if I can do this with my hair, imagine what God can do with my life? I guess the real question is: Am I willing?

Just because...

I'm happy just because
you woke me up today, gave me lots of love
and, even though I didn't thank you, you kept on giving more

I'm happy just because
the sky called out my name
and everywhere I went today, your signature was there

I'm happy just because
I don't walk alone

My Mom the mechanic...

A couple of weeks ago, my car started developing a weird, yet annoying noise. I started worrying, wondering how much money my mechanic was going to charge for fixing whatever was wrong with it. However, I didn't tell anyone, didn't call my mechanic, didn't do anything, all because I was afraid it was going to be a mayor problem and I was not going to have the money to fix it. Each day my car was more uncomfortable to drive and the noise got louder and louder. "Man, if I could afford it! It's probably the transmission or something big like that. God help me" I would say to myself.

Well, today I asked my Mom to go somewhere with me and, as I started driving, she heard it. She heard and said "Priscilla, you need some steering oil in your car, honey!" I laughed and said "what are you a mechanic now?", but she was sure. We went to Walgreen's, she picked up a bottle of steering oil, she even asked me to open the hood so she could take care of it.

I turned on the car and started driving. It was magic! the noise was gone and it was a lot easier to drive my car. I can't believe how simple the solution was. I can't believe I spent so many days driving it like that, getting worried, frustrated, sad, because I didn't have the money to fix something that only required a $5 bottle of steering oil. Can you believe that?

Fear makes things look so much bigger than what they really are. I'm so done with it! That's why I'm so determined to break free from it. I'm on my way...and not alone :)

Thank you Mom, for finding the problem. Thank you God, for the $5 dollar solution and the lesson that came with it.