Do you EVER feel this way?

Do you EVER feel this way?

I have my good days and bad days but oh watch out when I feel this way (see picture). We are moving faster, rushing through meals and traffic as if the world is coming to an end. We know it is…but is your spiritual life like this too? I feel as though there are times where I skim through scripture just to get to the point. Don’t you? Or am I the only one here…help me out! This week I started attending my grief share class at a local church and it was amazing! I received my workbook and realized on Wednesday that I had to read through the next section and answer some questions. As I was reading and answering the questions in the workbook, I felt that I needed to slow down and really take my time reading and absorbing all that was written because I didn’t want to rush through my grieving period. I was taken back by how much the scriptures meant to me now much more than ever before. Have you ever felt that way? I hope so….that is the H.S. (Holy Spirit) prompting! Don’t you love it? Ok, so here’s my challenge during Lent: I am going to bask and absorb more of what scripture is telling me more so than ever before because even though we live in a crazy fast paced world, reading scriptures does not have to be that way. Are you in? Try it! You won’t regret it. In fact, you will feel more peace and joy. I’m thankful for these times of reflection.

Happy International Women’s Day and Godspeed~

Cindy

Note: Picture was taken in New York City this past January on our way to my sister’s graduation ceremony where the school was paying tribute to her accomplishments. And, this little man is my nephew who has an amazing personality and already displays love for God and people!

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

The word “boundaries” is what I think of when I read Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote.

Growing up a timid and shy girl I had a few bullies tell me awful things. I knew better and should have said something but kept to myself most of the time. As I grew older I became outspoken and created boundaries. I learned that speaking up would keep me safe but I didn’t do it often enough. I still struggle with speaking out at times but for the most part I won’t let anyone make me feel inferior without my consent. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13).

What are some things you struggle with that keeps you from moving forward? Do you create boundaries?

Know that you were created for a bigger and greater purpose. How do you overcome from others making you feel inferior?

Scripture, prayer, quiet time and by speaking up are just a few I’ve come up with that helps me conquer all of my fears. They give you courage, strength, wisdom and knowledge.

Reading bible verses can inspire you and give you strength. Prayer time alone with the Father allows you time to talk and listen to what God is telling you. Quiet time gives you energy, peace and serenity. The ability to speak up gives you confidence and builds character.

I encourage you to create boundaries and not feel inferior. I encourage you to seek ways to help you to be strong and stay confident. You were chosen for such a time as this to do big and mighty things.

Psalm 139:13-14 says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Be enCouraged and create boundaries.

Godspeed,

Cindy

Spring Ahead

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Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Spring is only a month away and I’m already thinking about cleaning my closets.  Aren’t you? 😉 You know that saying, “Out with the old and in with the new”? Well, I am sure you know what I mean when I tell you that just the other day I went to an outlet store with my cousin and with the mindset that I was not going to buy anything.  Well, what a dumb thought because I left that place with a pair of shoes! Can you believe that? Of course you can! Who does that, right? When I got home I felt convicted. I thought if I had bought another pair of shoes then certainly I must get rid of an old pair. I am still on that thought. I am going to go through my closet to get rid of what I no longer wear so that someone else in need can benefit from what I no longer use.
What am I getting with this thought?
I believe we do the same thing with our gifts and talents. We have great gifts but we don’t use them to bless others and honor God.
Where is your treasure?
What talents are you hiding in your closet?
I have a few I am working on bringing out and dusting because I feel the conviction.
I want to honor God.
I challenge you to go into your spiritual closet and bring out your gifts and talents.
What are you waiting for?
Stop reading and get going.
Be empowered and enjoy the gifts and talents God has given you! ♡

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Be blessed and bless others!

btw: my parents have a compassionate ministry where we provide all kinds of resources. Check them out here: http://www.kissimmeefamilymission.org or search their page on facebook. 

Godspeed

Courage: Bring It On

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Remember your first immunization shot? I do. Remember your first day at school? I do. I remember many of my first of mostly everything I have experienced. I also remember the fear. The fear of that needle touching my a arm for the very first time and screaming so loud until I couldn’t any longer. And, the first day of school was rough for this introverted and shy little girl who walked pigeon toed and sas…sss…stuttered!  When I was 5 years old, I sang my first solo at church for our Christmas cantata. That was fun but I was horrified.  Courage. Do you have it? Are you born with it? How do you learn to keep it? After so many shots for the flu and blood work growing, up I grew accustomed to seeing that needle go through my brown skin and can say I have the courage. Singing? Well, I still get nervous but its a good kind of nervous. I am no longer horrified. And, I thank God for the strength and scripture like Proverbs 3:5-6 that helped me overcome my fears. Take a deep breath and let go. You too can trust and take COURAGE!

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I Am Woman: Here Me Roar

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Must I roar to be heard? Do I necessarily have to make a big deal in order to be heard? Or, should I simply act quiet and not make my opinion known. In the workplace, in school, at home, and yes even at church. Women have been given many tools in order to advance their skills and talents and many are taking advantage of them. We have more women in office, police academies, construction, in the medical field and in church leadership to name a few. I am a woman, Latina, educated, bilingual, talented in many ways and did I mention, a Christian. I love to hear about other women graduating from institutions, receiving an achievement award and accomplishing what they are passionate about.

Over a week ago, my family and I traveled back up to New York City to represent my sister and accept her Master’s degree in Social Work at Hunter College. What an honor I thought to myself and then thought my sister would have loved to have seen all our faces at the school ceremony…I bet she was smiling down from heaven along with my younger brother! It has only been a little over two months since she passed away to be with the Lord due to bronchial asthma.

She was inspiring to others and her colleagues and classmates were very proud of her. And, of course we were too! She made a difference in the Latino/a community and it definitely continues to resonate as I hear their stories. Her friends and colleagues contact me to tell me their stories about my sister and how she made them laugh-she made everyone feel really loved!

Just the other day I was talking with my mother about the different kinds of behavior and how many of us lack love and I said if we could just love because “love covers all things” (Proverbs 10:12) and the following scripture came to mind:

John 15:9-17 (NIV)

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.” 

My sister definitely loved the people she touched on a daily basis and I can see how she did that. She simply loved them! What an honor to have spent 40 years with my sister and to later have more friends added to my friend’s list because she made a huge impact in their lives!

Are you bearing much fruit?

Are you remaining in His love?

What legacy will you leave behind?

I am woman, here me roar! I could never say that growing up but now I have every reason too! God is my Savior, my Friend and I will shout it from the rooftops!

p.s. I apologize for not writing for the past week or so. Traveling took my time away for a bit but I’m back and looking forward to writing frequently.

Godspeed!

Cindy

Your Grip, Your Grace – Tenderly

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Heard this song today and thought of the many ways that God has a grip on my life! He loves me so much and cares a ton about me…and about you! Think for a minute…he actually created you to be here in this world…today (Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 139:13-14).
What you do is up to you but including HIM in your plans is even better (Jeremiah 29:11) because it says that you need HIM to guide, direct and take you on to the next best thing because HE knows BEST (Psalm 35).


Be empowered! Grow! Learn! Teach others what you have learned-leave a legacy!

Enjoy Jamie Grace and her powerful message in this song!

Cindy

Butterflies

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Butterflies

 At only five foot two she had a presence that filled the room

with arms outstretched like butterfly wings-

and her fingers certainly bore the painted bling.

Yet, in her arms you could resolve all things

if you only took a moment to believe in your dreams.

 

Her arms protected; her arms cradled your weary head,

and erased most of your heartache that filled you with dread.

She was the reason your tears went away and led you back to

your path if you were astray.

 

In her arms you found strength, comfort, and peace

and her guiding words put you at ease.

She never judged the people she loved and she never let your sins

stain the beauty she saw within.  

 

She was a Taino queen, majestic and fierce,

and being brave for you quenched her own fears.

So that she was able to take on your fight

as she embodied God’s splendor and all of his might.

 

You see, Brenda Lee is now that painted lady butterfly you see

flying there just out of your reach.

And if you just try to remember her smile

she just might land on your palm for a little while.

Her delicate wings outstretched towards the sky

but it is in Heaven is where she flys most high.

Poem by Jennifer (written for her best friend and my sister -Brenda)

(Used with permission-thank you Jennifer!)

 

2014 Vision Board

I hope this inspires you to start your very own vision board. I started my board last year but it is now in 2014 that I am beginning to fill it up with new goals, inspiration and dreams! Begin NOW! 🙂

Joshua 1:7

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.”

My New 2014 Vision Board

My New 2014 Vision Board

The Rock

Psalm 40:1-3 “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit,  out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock  and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.”

When I was studying at a Christian college in Virginia in my early twenties, I joined the Gospel Choir and I remember singing a song related to this scripture verse.  I could honestly say that God has definitely placed my feet on the (solid) rock so I can stand firm through many trials. He is the Rock and standing on Him allows me not to waver to the left or the to the right. There are many things that do not surprise me any longer! This has been my cliché lately. So, my question to you is “are you standing on the (solid) rock?”  “Will you keep standing on the (solid) rock?” “How will you act when your world is rocked by trials and tribulations that are out of your control? Psalm 40:1-3 has been my comfort these past few days.

Just last night, I was in my bedroom in silence and it felt so good after months of on going drama and chaos within my family. I embraced this silence and allowed God to give me the strength that I needed and oh it felt so good. He is my ROCK where I can stand, trust and know that He is in control of EVERYTHING in my life!

This week’s challenge: When your world has been rocked, changed, disorganized and in a frenzy, what will you do? How will you react? Will you get angry, frazzled, scared or will you pray, be still, or simply run to the word for comfort?

May Psalm 40 be just that for you! A place to stand on the rock and not be rocked because the Most High will sustain you and keep you firm.

Be encouraged! Be motivated! Stand on the ROCK!

Cindy