He picked you, too. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. II Peter 3:9. Wow, for God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17. Does that mean something to you? It totally blows my mind.
I woke up thinking today, why me? I'm nothing, I yell at my girls, I am stubborn, I am not the perfect wife, I ignore those who need me, I pout, I complain, I get lazy, I don't apply myself like I should and I struggle with obedience, all that doesn't matter to Him. He knows who I am, He created me. Jesus wants our heart, He wants our love, and He does want our obedience. As a parent, that's what I want from my girls. Why wouldn't God want the same thing from us? He is our Father. I have always told my girls "Don't tell me that you love and then disobey me." Has that statement brought me my own conviction towards my Lord. We hold our children to certain standard and then we fall short.
God knows we struggle with all that I mentioned above and even more. He wants us to run to Him and give Him our struggles. Again, isn't that what we want from our children? We want them to turn to us when they have troubles. We want them to reach out to us and lay their head on our shoulders. Friends, this is a picture of what our Father wants from us. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. Psalm 116:7. He knows who I am and He still wants me, that's a big WOW.
There is true freedom in seeking the Lord, seek Him my friends. There is a true peace in seeking the Lord, seek Him my friends. There is forgiveness in seeking the Lord, seek Him my friends. There is no place like home in the arms of our Father, seek Him my loved ones.
Marisol
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Cuz it's not easy.
One of my favorite Disney movie's is Pete's Dragon and today I had the lyrics from one of the songs in my head. I don't even know why. I can't remember the last time I saw that movie. Below are two stanzas from the song, "It's Not Easy".
"It's not easy
To find someone who cares
It's not easy
To find magic in pairs
Now that you have him
Hold him
Treasure him from day to day
It's so easy"
It's not easy to find someone who cares but we have someone who has cared for each and everyone one of us since before we were even born. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;" (Jeremiah 1:5). We have someone who will never leave us or forsake us. (Deut. 31:6, 31:8, Joshua 1:5, Psalms 9:10, 27:10, Isaiah 41:17, 42:16, Hebrews 13:5) So why do we seek anyone else?
Yes, God created us to have fellowship, families, and love with one another but our first love should always be God. It's something difficult to understand. It's taken me my whole life to get to this place. Now that I have found my first love, I do want to shout it from the top of the mountains, "God loves us!!!!".
He loves us and our life will not be perfect because it, it will perfect because of HIM. Trials are tough. I was somewhat spoiled in my past trials. God always answered me quickly and trials never seemed to last very long, even when my Mom passed away. Now, it's another story. My trial is very painful and it's lasting longer than excepted. My daughter Nicole told me it's lasting longer because God wants to teach me patience which might be true. I don't know what God has in store for me, I do know that I have a different way of looking at HIM during my wait. I'm excited through my pain, I know that sounds strange, I'm excited to have found my love through this storm and I look forward to having God's plan in my life.
It really is easy to find magic in pairs, you and HIM.
Marisol
"It's not easy
To find someone who cares
It's not easy
To find magic in pairs
Now that you have him
Hold him
Treasure him from day to day
It's so easy"
It's not easy to find someone who cares but we have someone who has cared for each and everyone one of us since before we were even born. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;" (Jeremiah 1:5). We have someone who will never leave us or forsake us. (Deut. 31:6, 31:8, Joshua 1:5, Psalms 9:10, 27:10, Isaiah 41:17, 42:16, Hebrews 13:5) So why do we seek anyone else?
Yes, God created us to have fellowship, families, and love with one another but our first love should always be God. It's something difficult to understand. It's taken me my whole life to get to this place. Now that I have found my first love, I do want to shout it from the top of the mountains, "God loves us!!!!".
He loves us and our life will not be perfect because it, it will perfect because of HIM. Trials are tough. I was somewhat spoiled in my past trials. God always answered me quickly and trials never seemed to last very long, even when my Mom passed away. Now, it's another story. My trial is very painful and it's lasting longer than excepted. My daughter Nicole told me it's lasting longer because God wants to teach me patience which might be true. I don't know what God has in store for me, I do know that I have a different way of looking at HIM during my wait. I'm excited through my pain, I know that sounds strange, I'm excited to have found my love through this storm and I look forward to having God's plan in my life.
It really is easy to find magic in pairs, you and HIM.
Marisol
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Hi My name is Noah.
Hi. My name is Noah and I'm building an ark. It will take me 10 years to complete and when I do it will begin to rain. No one believes me but my only job is to be obedient to my Lord.
Hi. My name is Marisol and I'm waiting on the Lord. I don't know how long it will take my Lord to fulfill His promises. Some doubt that I should be waiting but my only job is to be obedient to my Lord.
These words came to me as I sat throughout my day crying and moping. Many friends and family do not understand why I am waiting on the Lord. It's okay, like I have said before we are not a society who is accustomed to wait on anything especially on something they don't see. Today was not a good day, God promises new compassion every morning so I will thank my Lord for today and look forward to tomorrow.
Exodus 14:31 And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him.....
I will ask you all to pray for us and for yourselves. God has big plans for all of us who trust in Him. Ask Him to reveal to you His plans for you life. Sometimes we have to wait and it's tough but sometimes God will flood you with His promises right away. Either way trust Him like so many before us have trusted Him. It's not easy picking up our cross and following Jesus but in the end we will see His Glory.
What happened to all the people that ridiculed Noah...they drowned.
Marisol
Hi. My name is Marisol and I'm waiting on the Lord. I don't know how long it will take my Lord to fulfill His promises. Some doubt that I should be waiting but my only job is to be obedient to my Lord.
These words came to me as I sat throughout my day crying and moping. Many friends and family do not understand why I am waiting on the Lord. It's okay, like I have said before we are not a society who is accustomed to wait on anything especially on something they don't see. Today was not a good day, God promises new compassion every morning so I will thank my Lord for today and look forward to tomorrow.
Exodus 14:31 And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him.....
I will ask you all to pray for us and for yourselves. God has big plans for all of us who trust in Him. Ask Him to reveal to you His plans for you life. Sometimes we have to wait and it's tough but sometimes God will flood you with His promises right away. Either way trust Him like so many before us have trusted Him. It's not easy picking up our cross and following Jesus but in the end we will see His Glory.
What happened to all the people that ridiculed Noah...they drowned.
Marisol
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Draw me close to YOU.
If you've been following me you have to know that my word is "Wow" and it's because God always "wows" me. For nine months I have diligently been listening to Christian talk radio, online, and tv. When the subject of trials, suffering, and tribulation are preached they mean more to me now. The one item all these sermons have in common is that trials always bring us closer to God. When everything is fine in our lives we don't pray as often, we don't seek God with desperation. So true and so sad.
This past week-end Tatiana was sick, so guess what? She and I spend Friday and Saturday together. She needed me to be near her. She needed to lay with her. She needed me comfort her and let her know it was all going to get better. If she wasn't sick she'd be out and about not even thinking of her Momma. It was a great week-end because since the storm started in our lives, Tati takes every opportunity not to be home. It took her feeling ill to want to be near me and I embraced it. God reminded me that this is exactly the way He holds us close when we need Him to comfort us. He allows trials and suffering to occur in our lives to draw us near.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
I recently read on my cousin's Facebook that she noticed the only time her one year daughter calls her Mommy is when she is hurt or sick. Even as children we lean on our parents in desperation and walk away when everything is fine and dandy.
Embrace your trials and allow God to embrace you.
Marisol
This past week-end Tatiana was sick, so guess what? She and I spend Friday and Saturday together. She needed me to be near her. She needed to lay with her. She needed me comfort her and let her know it was all going to get better. If she wasn't sick she'd be out and about not even thinking of her Momma. It was a great week-end because since the storm started in our lives, Tati takes every opportunity not to be home. It took her feeling ill to want to be near me and I embraced it. God reminded me that this is exactly the way He holds us close when we need Him to comfort us. He allows trials and suffering to occur in our lives to draw us near.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
I recently read on my cousin's Facebook that she noticed the only time her one year daughter calls her Mommy is when she is hurt or sick. Even as children we lean on our parents in desperation and walk away when everything is fine and dandy.
Embrace your trials and allow God to embrace you.
Marisol
Saturday, September 12, 2009
The Big Picture
God never ceases to amaze me, that's why I wake up everyday wanting more of Him. A few weeks ago, maybe I have no sense of time, Tati and I were going to Wal-Mart and the subject of parents knowing more came up. I explained to her that as parents we see the big picture. We know what's best because we've been there and God has trusted us to make decisions for our children. I remember feeling her frustration when I was her age. It seems like the minute we turn 13 and officially become teenagers something inside of us clicks and we go from sweeties to monsters in an instant. My Mom used to call me the rebel without a cause, I took it as a compliment with teen pride. Now I know it was not a compliment and it's far from God's will for our life.
The toughest lesson I've learned and continue to learn is that joy can come from suffering and trials. See, God sees the big picture. We don't always understand why God allows trials to happen in our lives. We need to learn to expect them and embrace them because trials always bring us closer to God, if we choose to turn to him.
The night after we got back from Wal-Mart the girls went to bed and I stayed up reading the bible and asking God for healing in my soul. I then remembered my words "You don't see the big picture, but I do", God was reminding me that He is my father and He sees the big picture that I don't yet see. Wow, God uses our own words to convict us.
Remember that if you are hurting, if your life feels like an earthquake just hit and you don't know where to start cleaning up, sit back and allow God to clean it up. He sees the passed the messy earthquake, He sees your life through His glory and soon you will see it too.
Marisol
The toughest lesson I've learned and continue to learn is that joy can come from suffering and trials. See, God sees the big picture. We don't always understand why God allows trials to happen in our lives. We need to learn to expect them and embrace them because trials always bring us closer to God, if we choose to turn to him.
The night after we got back from Wal-Mart the girls went to bed and I stayed up reading the bible and asking God for healing in my soul. I then remembered my words "You don't see the big picture, but I do", God was reminding me that He is my father and He sees the big picture that I don't yet see. Wow, God uses our own words to convict us.
Remember that if you are hurting, if your life feels like an earthquake just hit and you don't know where to start cleaning up, sit back and allow God to clean it up. He sees the passed the messy earthquake, He sees your life through His glory and soon you will see it too.
Marisol
Monday, September 7, 2009
It's Been Nine Months, but who's counting.
I want to thank each of you for your prayers, support, and encouragement. This has been the most difficult year of my life. I am only here because of God's grace. So many good things have already happened because of this storm and I praise God for them.
Time heals all wounds doesn't always feel true or it takes a whole of time, lol. Lately I have wanted to give up and totally walk away. Hector and I rarely talk and we are in limbo. I heard a sermon by Louie Giglio, he spoke about interruptions done by God and interruptions are the best place to be, so I will say I'm in a great place. It doesn't mean there won't be pain but the outcome will be worth the hurt. His example of a great interruption was the one of Mary. Can you imagine? She was soon to be wed and now finds out she is carrying a child. When Joseph finds out he wants to divorce her. The interruption of fleeing to Egypt, to a land that was not their own, feeling like outcasts while in their homeland babies are being killed because of their baby. Wow!! Major interruptions of what they imagined their life to be. It was the best interruption because her child was Jesus, our Savior.
This week has been difficult because as humans we want answers and we want them now. God tells us to wait and be still. He says to trust Him because He is in control. He says to rest in Him. So today after a major break down I turn to my dear friend. I tell her I'm tired and I am not sure why I'm waiting. She asked me "Why are you waiting?" I tell her because I want to be faithful to God. I want my family restored, my whole family restored, in-laws, cousins, and close friends. A quote from "Sweet Home Alabama", So I can kiss him anytime I want. I want to grow old with my husband. I want to see our girls graduate from high school and college together and I want my future grandchildren to have a grandparents home to visit, not two different homes. Then she reminds me, "Is that worth more than giving up? Is it worth waiting days, months, or even years for it to happen?"
Thank you Jesus for speaking through my friends and family. If I have to endure hurt for the end result to be glorious, YES it's worth waiting for. Just like the irritation of sand in a oyster becomes a pearl. I will endure irritation with God's help and your prayers.
With that said, please continue to pray for us. Please pray for endurance and peace while the wait. Please pray that we will open our hearts and ears to hear God's will for our lives. Please pray that God will not delay. Please pray that we find joy through fellowship with our Lord and Savior. Please pray that God will open doors for Hector and I to communicate. Please keep us in your daily prayers.
There is also so much to thank Him for. Relationships have been restored and relationships have been brought together through this trial. People are praying more and recommitting their relationship with God. God is good all the time.
Habakkuk 3:16 I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us.
Know that you are also in our prayers. Words cannot express our appreciation for your support and prayers in this season of our life.
Marisol
Time heals all wounds doesn't always feel true or it takes a whole of time, lol. Lately I have wanted to give up and totally walk away. Hector and I rarely talk and we are in limbo. I heard a sermon by Louie Giglio, he spoke about interruptions done by God and interruptions are the best place to be, so I will say I'm in a great place. It doesn't mean there won't be pain but the outcome will be worth the hurt. His example of a great interruption was the one of Mary. Can you imagine? She was soon to be wed and now finds out she is carrying a child. When Joseph finds out he wants to divorce her. The interruption of fleeing to Egypt, to a land that was not their own, feeling like outcasts while in their homeland babies are being killed because of their baby. Wow!! Major interruptions of what they imagined their life to be. It was the best interruption because her child was Jesus, our Savior.
This week has been difficult because as humans we want answers and we want them now. God tells us to wait and be still. He says to trust Him because He is in control. He says to rest in Him. So today after a major break down I turn to my dear friend. I tell her I'm tired and I am not sure why I'm waiting. She asked me "Why are you waiting?" I tell her because I want to be faithful to God. I want my family restored, my whole family restored, in-laws, cousins, and close friends. A quote from "Sweet Home Alabama", So I can kiss him anytime I want. I want to grow old with my husband. I want to see our girls graduate from high school and college together and I want my future grandchildren to have a grandparents home to visit, not two different homes. Then she reminds me, "Is that worth more than giving up? Is it worth waiting days, months, or even years for it to happen?"
Thank you Jesus for speaking through my friends and family. If I have to endure hurt for the end result to be glorious, YES it's worth waiting for. Just like the irritation of sand in a oyster becomes a pearl. I will endure irritation with God's help and your prayers.
With that said, please continue to pray for us. Please pray for endurance and peace while the wait. Please pray that we will open our hearts and ears to hear God's will for our lives. Please pray that God will not delay. Please pray that we find joy through fellowship with our Lord and Savior. Please pray that God will open doors for Hector and I to communicate. Please keep us in your daily prayers.
There is also so much to thank Him for. Relationships have been restored and relationships have been brought together through this trial. People are praying more and recommitting their relationship with God. God is good all the time.
Habakkuk 3:16 I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us.
Know that you are also in our prayers. Words cannot express our appreciation for your support and prayers in this season of our life.
Marisol
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Jumping Jehosaphat
Why do we make believing in God's goodness so difficult? Or maybe it's only me. I have been so frustrated with myself lately. Jesus has been with me throughout my life and my being here blogging is a miracle in itself. I am sure it's true for many of you, too. We all have been through many events in our lives and wonder how we survived it physically or emotionally.
As I stated before I've been reading Chronicles. Last night I was reading II Chronicles 17 - 22. Jehoshaphat walked with Lord and the Lord established his kingdom. God protected Jehoshaphat and he became very powerful. Have you ever been in that place where you delight yourself in the Lord? His greatness takes over you and nothing can penetrate your love for Him. Well I shouldn't say nothing because one thing always breaks that bond, sin.
Let's shorten Jehoshaphat's name to JJ. In chapter 18 JJ hooks up with Ahab, king of Israel to go against Ramoth, big mistake. In the midst of this battle JJ cried out to the Lord and guess what, the Lord saved him. Wow...JJ goes against God and because JJ cried out God saves him. What an awesome God we serve. JJ brought the people back to the Lord. The people of Moab and Ammon rise against Judah. Because JJ sought the Lord, the Lord said "Don't be afraid for the battle is not yours but MINE."
When the soldiers of Judah arrived to the battle all the bodies were dead because God had set up an ambush and the Moabites and Ammonites destroyed each other. There was abundance in valuables and the people of Judah were able to retreat them all and they rejoiced. Do you think that was enough to keep loving God? To stay be His side? God blesses us everyday and it's not enough for us.
Towards the end of his reign, JJ allied once again with a wicked King, Ahaziah and the Lord destroyed his works. Why? Why would Jehoshaphat keep hooking up with the wicked kings when God blessed him abundantly? Does that sound like you? It sure sounds like me.
God pours down His grace every morning on all who believe in Him. What do we do with it? Do run to Him and praise Him? Do we run towards the wicked kings? It takes work to keep our eyes on God. This morning I prayed for God to deliver me from speaking negative through-out my day. I did pretty good till the evening, then Tati, my younger daughter, asked me, "Mom do you remember what you prayed for this morning?" Conviction.
God has always blessed my life even when I took it for granted. This year God has poured His blessings full force on our lives, but because of the storm that is surrounding us we don't see. I should say we don't choose to see it, to see HIM.
My prayer is for us to focus on God's goodness, His grace, His mercy, and His love. I pray that we will able to stay away from the wicked kings and keep our eyes on HIM and His greatness.
He loves you and He is waiting for YOU.
Marisol
As I stated before I've been reading Chronicles. Last night I was reading II Chronicles 17 - 22. Jehoshaphat walked with Lord and the Lord established his kingdom. God protected Jehoshaphat and he became very powerful. Have you ever been in that place where you delight yourself in the Lord? His greatness takes over you and nothing can penetrate your love for Him. Well I shouldn't say nothing because one thing always breaks that bond, sin.
Let's shorten Jehoshaphat's name to JJ. In chapter 18 JJ hooks up with Ahab, king of Israel to go against Ramoth, big mistake. In the midst of this battle JJ cried out to the Lord and guess what, the Lord saved him. Wow...JJ goes against God and because JJ cried out God saves him. What an awesome God we serve. JJ brought the people back to the Lord. The people of Moab and Ammon rise against Judah. Because JJ sought the Lord, the Lord said "Don't be afraid for the battle is not yours but MINE."
When the soldiers of Judah arrived to the battle all the bodies were dead because God had set up an ambush and the Moabites and Ammonites destroyed each other. There was abundance in valuables and the people of Judah were able to retreat them all and they rejoiced. Do you think that was enough to keep loving God? To stay be His side? God blesses us everyday and it's not enough for us.
Towards the end of his reign, JJ allied once again with a wicked King, Ahaziah and the Lord destroyed his works. Why? Why would Jehoshaphat keep hooking up with the wicked kings when God blessed him abundantly? Does that sound like you? It sure sounds like me.
God pours down His grace every morning on all who believe in Him. What do we do with it? Do run to Him and praise Him? Do we run towards the wicked kings? It takes work to keep our eyes on God. This morning I prayed for God to deliver me from speaking negative through-out my day. I did pretty good till the evening, then Tati, my younger daughter, asked me, "Mom do you remember what you prayed for this morning?" Conviction.
God has always blessed my life even when I took it for granted. This year God has poured His blessings full force on our lives, but because of the storm that is surrounding us we don't see. I should say we don't choose to see it, to see HIM.
My prayer is for us to focus on God's goodness, His grace, His mercy, and His love. I pray that we will able to stay away from the wicked kings and keep our eyes on HIM and His greatness.
He loves you and He is waiting for YOU.
Marisol
Friday, August 14, 2009
I'll keep it short today.
Every time I get ready to open my bible I pray "Lord speak to me". Well, for the last two weeks I open up to II Chronicles and I think "I don't want to read this, I must have opened to the wrong the chapter". This morning I did the same thing and guess what, I opened up to II Chronicles, okay Lord I will read it. Oh my gosh, I started reading and it was all popping up at me. I started to take notes. I only got to chapter 15 but I can't wait till tonight to finish it.
God is so faithful to those to cry out to Him. I didn't read I Chronicles but I will. I really believe God knew I needed to read II Chronicles first. God's people turn away from the Lord and the Lord doesn't hold them back. He lets them go. When they get in trouble, they cry out to HIM and they humble themselves and God is FAITHFUL to save them, over and over again. Solomon in chapter 6 prays for his people for if they turn to sin for God to hear in heaven, and forgive the sins of Your servants.
II Chronicles15:2b The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.
II Chronicles 15:7 7 But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
How can we not trust our lives to such a wonderful God? He loves us.
Marisol
God is so faithful to those to cry out to Him. I didn't read I Chronicles but I will. I really believe God knew I needed to read II Chronicles first. God's people turn away from the Lord and the Lord doesn't hold them back. He lets them go. When they get in trouble, they cry out to HIM and they humble themselves and God is FAITHFUL to save them, over and over again. Solomon in chapter 6 prays for his people for if they turn to sin for God to hear in heaven, and forgive the sins of Your servants.
II Chronicles15:2b The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.
II Chronicles 15:7 7 But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
How can we not trust our lives to such a wonderful God? He loves us.
Marisol
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
I can.....
Okay, okay..I know Adam Sandler movies are not ones I should be quoting but here I go anyway. In the movie Big Daddy, Sonny (Adam Sandler) is a lazy law school graduate who ends up watching a young boy, Julian, and then decides to keep him. Towards the end of the movie CPS realizes that Sonny isn't the real father and they come to his home to take the Julian away. Julian shouts as they take him away, "But I can wipe my own butt...I can wipe my own butt!!" In Julian's head he blames himself for CPS coming. He feels as if he would have done all the things right this wouldn't be happening. Don't we all feel that way? If only I had not done that awful thing, said that lie, or had a bad attitude. If only.
Yesterday I was mowing the lawn only the second time I had done it in my whole life. As I was mowing Julian's words came to mind, "But I can mow my own lawn...I can mow my own lawn." I was feeling the anxiety a child feels when they do something wrong and then try to make up for it. I guess I am trying to make up for all the wrong things I have done by mowing the lawn, sounds silly huh?
The beauty of having Jesus as our savior is that we don't have to make up for any wrong doing, all we have to do is repent and move forward. Sounds easy enough, but we make it difficult.
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, Acts 3:19. It's easy and Jesus longs to give us a new chance without anything else but repentance from the heart. We might suffer some consequences from our wrong actions, but God is there to make it all new again. Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26
Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." I need some rest, don't you?
Yesterday I was mowing the lawn only the second time I had done it in my whole life. As I was mowing Julian's words came to mind, "But I can mow my own lawn...I can mow my own lawn." I was feeling the anxiety a child feels when they do something wrong and then try to make up for it. I guess I am trying to make up for all the wrong things I have done by mowing the lawn, sounds silly huh?
The beauty of having Jesus as our savior is that we don't have to make up for any wrong doing, all we have to do is repent and move forward. Sounds easy enough, but we make it difficult.
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, Acts 3:19. It's easy and Jesus longs to give us a new chance without anything else but repentance from the heart. We might suffer some consequences from our wrong actions, but God is there to make it all new again. Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26
Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." I need some rest, don't you?
Seek HIM, He is waiting for you.
Marisol
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Wait for it.....
We spend one third of our life waiting. We wait in line at the groceries, we wait in traffic, we wait at the post office, and how about waiting at a doctor's office. "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him" those are the words I hear. Seems simple enough, right. In a society where we wait for nothing it's nearly impossible to be still and wait, although it can be done.
As a kid I had the most fun while waiting, well while my parents waited. I remember waiting to cross the bridge from Juarez, while my parents were frustrated waiting, the kids had fun singing, counting cars, and eating ice cream from the bridge vendors. Moving forward 20 years to when my mother was first diagnosed with cancer we spent three weeks in the hospital waiting room and a lot of those moments were the best times we had as a family. We cried, we laughed, we fought, we held our children close, and we prayed together while we were waiting.
Waiting is obedience. There is a relief in waiting for the Lord because it takes off all the worry in us and places in the only place it should be, in our Father's hands. There is no place safer. I have learned more in the waiting periods than when I am in church, bible study, or everyday life. Waiting and being still causes us to look up, the only place we should be looking. It has made me look to the Word for peace and it makes me pray which in turn brings me closer to God. It places our trust in Him, Job prayed, "If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait for my renewal to come."
There is a reason God tells us to wait, there is power in waiting. Over and over God had his people wait on Him and every time they were saved. There is so much to learn from Job, he waited and endured faithfully and in the end "the LORD blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first." Why is it that we are so impatient when it comes to waiting on God? If we knew we were going to get a million dollars and the only stipulation was to wait, would we wait? Of course we would, so why can't we be still and wait when God can offer us so much more than a million dollars? He offers us eternal life, peace, joy, and to supply all our needs.
Believe me it's not easy, we are human and in a society where we rush in the morning, rush to work, rush the kids to school, and then rush home at night; being still is something we have to learn. It's something we have to make into a habit. When we let go of the life we planned, when we let go of the circumstances around us, and we begin to accept the plan God has us waiting on for our lives we will be blessed. A good friend reminds me all the time, "We don't see the big picture but He does, so wait."
We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20
Marisol
As a kid I had the most fun while waiting, well while my parents waited. I remember waiting to cross the bridge from Juarez, while my parents were frustrated waiting, the kids had fun singing, counting cars, and eating ice cream from the bridge vendors. Moving forward 20 years to when my mother was first diagnosed with cancer we spent three weeks in the hospital waiting room and a lot of those moments were the best times we had as a family. We cried, we laughed, we fought, we held our children close, and we prayed together while we were waiting.
Waiting is obedience. There is a relief in waiting for the Lord because it takes off all the worry in us and places in the only place it should be, in our Father's hands. There is no place safer. I have learned more in the waiting periods than when I am in church, bible study, or everyday life. Waiting and being still causes us to look up, the only place we should be looking. It has made me look to the Word for peace and it makes me pray which in turn brings me closer to God. It places our trust in Him, Job prayed, "If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait for my renewal to come."
There is a reason God tells us to wait, there is power in waiting. Over and over God had his people wait on Him and every time they were saved. There is so much to learn from Job, he waited and endured faithfully and in the end "the LORD blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first." Why is it that we are so impatient when it comes to waiting on God? If we knew we were going to get a million dollars and the only stipulation was to wait, would we wait? Of course we would, so why can't we be still and wait when God can offer us so much more than a million dollars? He offers us eternal life, peace, joy, and to supply all our needs.
Believe me it's not easy, we are human and in a society where we rush in the morning, rush to work, rush the kids to school, and then rush home at night; being still is something we have to learn. It's something we have to make into a habit. When we let go of the life we planned, when we let go of the circumstances around us, and we begin to accept the plan God has us waiting on for our lives we will be blessed. A good friend reminds me all the time, "We don't see the big picture but He does, so wait."
We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20
Marisol
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Greater things are yet to come: The Prayer
Aron Rolston " My tragedy was the greatest blessing of my life, to have been a part of a miracle is something I wouldn't give back to have my hand again." Aron Rolston is rock climber who had to amputate his own hand to survive. My reaction to his quote is wow...wow.
When I was fifteen years old, I attended a youth trip in Kansas. On the drive up there I sat in the front seat and while everyone slept I kept our youth pastor company. I don't remember any of the conversations but I do remember at 2:00 am we stopped to pray. My youth pastor was a friend of our family and he knew divorce ran rampant in our family.
I remember as if it was yesterday, he turned to me and said, "Marisol, I am going to pray for your marriage." I answered in a shout, "What, I'm not going get married!". He said, "I'm going to pray for your future marriage that you will be the one to break the chain of divorce in your family." I have told this story hundreds of times and each time I told it I felt protected. I am the second to youngest of five daughters in our family and I have been married the longest, 16 years. My younger sister comes in second within 10 months behind me, both our marriages have been hit hard this past year and I do believe it's a spiritual warfare. The enemy doesn't want to see that prayer come to pass, but God has already won the battle.
Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Beck Weathers is best known for the 1996 Everest disaster. During the climb he was left for dead, but survived with severe frost bite. He lost his right arm, his left hand, parts of his feet, and his nose was amputated and reconstructed. He is happier and more peaceful after his tragedy. "Would I love to have my hands back? Sure. Would I like to have my hands back enough to go back to who I was? No." quote from Beck Weathers. Another, wow!
If you are going through some trials or storms in your life, be still and trust God is working. Both these men should have been dead, but God had something better in store for their lives.
Marisol
When I was fifteen years old, I attended a youth trip in Kansas. On the drive up there I sat in the front seat and while everyone slept I kept our youth pastor company. I don't remember any of the conversations but I do remember at 2:00 am we stopped to pray. My youth pastor was a friend of our family and he knew divorce ran rampant in our family.
I remember as if it was yesterday, he turned to me and said, "Marisol, I am going to pray for your marriage." I answered in a shout, "What, I'm not going get married!". He said, "I'm going to pray for your future marriage that you will be the one to break the chain of divorce in your family." I have told this story hundreds of times and each time I told it I felt protected. I am the second to youngest of five daughters in our family and I have been married the longest, 16 years. My younger sister comes in second within 10 months behind me, both our marriages have been hit hard this past year and I do believe it's a spiritual warfare. The enemy doesn't want to see that prayer come to pass, but God has already won the battle.
Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Beck Weathers is best known for the 1996 Everest disaster. During the climb he was left for dead, but survived with severe frost bite. He lost his right arm, his left hand, parts of his feet, and his nose was amputated and reconstructed. He is happier and more peaceful after his tragedy. "Would I love to have my hands back? Sure. Would I like to have my hands back enough to go back to who I was? No." quote from Beck Weathers. Another, wow!
Today God showed me the purpose that my youth pastor prayed for me on that dark highway. It was a prayer to protect my marriage from the trials of today. God wants us all to prosper and have hope for the future. I would like to thank my former youth pastor for being obedient that faithful night. I want to thank our Lord Jesus for this trial in our life, better things are yet to come.
If you are going through some trials or storms in your life, be still and trust God is working. Both these men should have been dead, but God had something better in store for their lives.
Marisol
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Are you there God, it's me Mari?
Do you remember the book "Are you there God, it's me Margaret?" by Judy Blume. The character Margaret had constant communication with God. If I remember correctly Margaret was a pre-teen and throughout the book she mentions that her family is not religious but feels a connection with God. The last six months of my life a day doesn't go by without prayer; now my whole day is filled with prayer. When does prayer become conversation? When we realize that we don't have to come into His presence because we are always in His presence. As a child, prayer was the what we did at meal times and before bed. As a teenager and young adult my prayers were "get me out of this mess, God". As a mom and wife I wanted prayer to be more effective but I wasn't dedicated enough to grow in Christ. I know God was always besides me whether or not I spoke to Him, now my prayers are so much more.
There is a bible character that reminds of the fictional character Margaret, Enoch in Genesis 5:21-24. Enoch was dedicated to have a fellowship with God and walked with God for 365 years. His relationship was habitual and he pleased God. The bible doesn't explain why God took Enoch without experiencing death, I believe it was the faithful relationship Enoch had with God.
Matthew 22:36 -38 Tells us about the greatest commandment. "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' "This is the first and greatest commandment.
Do we not long to be spend time with our spouse, our children, our friends, or our relatives? When there is a party or get together planned, does our heart fill with anticipation? At the dinner table, isn't the best when everyone is sharing and laughing? This is exactly how God feels about us. He longs with anticipation to spend time with us. He created us to have fellowship with Him.
How do we begin this relationship? Day by day, reading our bible daily, getting into the habit of speaking directly to our Father God, and asking Him to show us the best way to start this relationship. I know someone who texts God. I always picture Him next to me where ever I am. When I am driving alone I clear the front the seat for Jesus. When I go for walks He walks with me. I even talk to Him out loud. Begin first thing in the morning, start on your knees with thanking Him for a new day and new mercies and then go from there.
If I remember correctly I believe somewhere in the book Margaret gets upset with God and the last line of book reads, Are you still there God? It's me, Margaret. I know you're there God. I know you wouldn't have missed this for anything! Thank you God. Thanks an awful lot....
God is there for you, talk to Him.
Marisol
There is a bible character that reminds of the fictional character Margaret, Enoch in Genesis 5:21-24. Enoch was dedicated to have a fellowship with God and walked with God for 365 years. His relationship was habitual and he pleased God. The bible doesn't explain why God took Enoch without experiencing death, I believe it was the faithful relationship Enoch had with God.
Matthew 22:36 -38 Tells us about the greatest commandment. "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' "This is the first and greatest commandment.
Do we not long to be spend time with our spouse, our children, our friends, or our relatives? When there is a party or get together planned, does our heart fill with anticipation? At the dinner table, isn't the best when everyone is sharing and laughing? This is exactly how God feels about us. He longs with anticipation to spend time with us. He created us to have fellowship with Him.
How do we begin this relationship? Day by day, reading our bible daily, getting into the habit of speaking directly to our Father God, and asking Him to show us the best way to start this relationship. I know someone who texts God. I always picture Him next to me where ever I am. When I am driving alone I clear the front the seat for Jesus. When I go for walks He walks with me. I even talk to Him out loud. Begin first thing in the morning, start on your knees with thanking Him for a new day and new mercies and then go from there.
If I remember correctly I believe somewhere in the book Margaret gets upset with God and the last line of book reads, Are you still there God? It's me, Margaret. I know you're there God. I know you wouldn't have missed this for anything! Thank you God. Thanks an awful lot....
God is there for you, talk to Him.
Marisol
Friday, June 26, 2009
The Little Mermaid
We just finished watching The Little Mermaid....and wow! I'm sure many of you are familiar with this Disney movie. Ariel, the mermaid, falls in love with a human Prince. Her father finds out and gets so angry he destroys all of her human collections including a statue of the Prince. Ariel is devastated and she cries inconsolably. Ursula's sidekicks come to her. Isn't that just like the enemy, to approach us when we are most vulnerable, when we are hurting, when we are so sad, and when we are feeling desperate. "Poor unfortunate souls" sings the sea witch, Ursula.
Ursula first tempts and convinces Ariel to give up her voice for the chance to unite with the Prince. Although Ariel knows it's wrong, she accepts because Ursula dangles Ariel's wants in front of her eyes. Dangling our wants instead of our needs is how the enemy works in our lives, too. God will provide all our needs. Ariel signs the contract, the Prince has to kiss her before sunset on her third day on dry land. If she doesn't get that kiss she will belong to the witch. How naive?? Did Ariel really believe the witch was going to give her her heart's desire? It never crossed Ariel's mind that the Ursula would do everything in her power to prevent the kiss from happening. Wow...she really did become human.
Just when Ariel believes her dreams will be coming true here comes the sea witch in disguise and steals the Prince away. Ariel finds herself in trouble and turns to her father. She shouts to him that she is sorry. Her father gives up his throne to save his daughter. In the end the witch is destroyed by the unselfishness of Ariel and the Prince.
The enemy is always disguising himself in order to tempt us out of the blessings Jesus would love to give us. We humans don't realize that God gives so much more than the enemy could ever provide. Our Lord Jesus also gave up this throne to save us. When the sea witch dangles happiness, Jesus provides joy. Joy is everlasting, happiness is temporary. Which will you choose?
Marisol
Ursula first tempts and convinces Ariel to give up her voice for the chance to unite with the Prince. Although Ariel knows it's wrong, she accepts because Ursula dangles Ariel's wants in front of her eyes. Dangling our wants instead of our needs is how the enemy works in our lives, too. God will provide all our needs. Ariel signs the contract, the Prince has to kiss her before sunset on her third day on dry land. If she doesn't get that kiss she will belong to the witch. How naive?? Did Ariel really believe the witch was going to give her her heart's desire? It never crossed Ariel's mind that the Ursula would do everything in her power to prevent the kiss from happening. Wow...she really did become human.
Just when Ariel believes her dreams will be coming true here comes the sea witch in disguise and steals the Prince away. Ariel finds herself in trouble and turns to her father. She shouts to him that she is sorry. Her father gives up his throne to save his daughter. In the end the witch is destroyed by the unselfishness of Ariel and the Prince.
The enemy is always disguising himself in order to tempt us out of the blessings Jesus would love to give us. We humans don't realize that God gives so much more than the enemy could ever provide. Our Lord Jesus also gave up this throne to save us. When the sea witch dangles happiness, Jesus provides joy. Joy is everlasting, happiness is temporary. Which will you choose?
Marisol
Saturday, June 20, 2009
You Lord.
Lord, we trust You.
I trust in You.
You are in control.
There is no one else that can come close to You.
Your power is magnificent.
Your love in unconditional.
You are merciful.
You are forgiving.
You are REAL.
You give peace.
You cry when we cry.
You laugh when we laugh.
You hurt when we hurt.
You know every hair on our head.
You hold every tear we shed.
You are the voice of Truth.
We should not be afraid, You are with us.
You are our hope.
You rescue us.
There is no condemnation in YOU.
You speak to us.
You listen to us.
You are wonderful.
You watch us as we sleep.
In the morning you give new mercies.
You are compassionate.
You are faithful.
You are strong.
Your love endures forever.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Today
Today is the first day of the rest of my life. What does that mean? I remember my mom had a plaque with those word in our living room and I never really understood it.
God loves us so much, He gives us new mercies every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. How awesome is that? Every morning we have a beginning. Every morning we have a new opportunity.
What are you going to do with God's great gift He gives to us EVERY SINGLE MORNING?
- Psalm 5:3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
Today I will surrender it all at His feet. Today I will ask HIM, "What is your will for me today? I will do it." Today I will rejoice for this is the day the Lord has made.
Marisol
Thursday, June 11, 2009
I'm not on your top 5?
Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube......guilty. Why are we so addicted to these websites? Why is it so easy to chat, post, status, moods, bulletins, and what's on your mind?
My addiction was ebay...more the ebay discussion pages. I could spend all day talking, discussing, and arguing with strangers. I haven't been on ebay for over a year. Last year we allowed our girls to open a myspace page, so I opened one up for myself to keep an eye on my girls. Nicole fixed up my page for me and it started all over again. I became somewhat addicted, this time the kids would make fun of me saying I was too old for myspace. My feelings would get hurt when I wasn't someone's top friends, especially my kiddos or my younger brother-in-law's top friends. We all want approval from others, but why is it so important?
Myspace got old for me really fast. I didn't care for the ads they post and I really didn't care the pictures some of the members post. I didn't understand all the different options. It wasn't something I needed to keep in touch with others. But wait....that didn't mean there wasn't something else lurking to tempt me....FACEBOOK.
My addiction was ebay...more the ebay discussion pages. I could spend all day talking, discussing, and arguing with strangers. I haven't been on ebay for over a year. Last year we allowed our girls to open a myspace page, so I opened one up for myself to keep an eye on my girls. Nicole fixed up my page for me and it started all over again. I became somewhat addicted, this time the kids would make fun of me saying I was too old for myspace. My feelings would get hurt when I wasn't someone's top friends, especially my kiddos or my younger brother-in-law's top friends. We all want approval from others, but why is it so important?
Myspace got old for me really fast. I didn't care for the ads they post and I really didn't care the pictures some of the members post. I didn't understand all the different options. It wasn't something I needed to keep in touch with others. But wait....that didn't mean there wasn't something else lurking to tempt me....FACEBOOK.
Facebook has been fun. It allows communication with family and friends that would otherwise be impossible to achieve. It's easy to move around and post pictures. It's fun to see what everyone is doing and how everyone is feeling. I do limit my time I spend on Facebook otherwise I would be on it all day like I was on ebay.
I wonder if Jesus had a Facebook or Myspace would it be easier for us to communicate with Him? I am convinced that it would be easier because we have become a society of convenience and high tech. So if we can easily sit at the computer for hours, why can't I sit with Jesus for the same amount of time. Is it because I can't see Him face to face? Or our mind is easily distracted? What ever the reason, there is no good excuse.
What I like to do is to picture Jesus sitting right besides me when I am driving, on the computer, or even watching TV. When things get tough I picture myself in His arms crying my eyes out. I use my imagination and you know what...it works. I begin to feel great peace knowing that He is truly with me.Take time to talk to Jesus, sit with him, tell Him about your day. Share your feelings with Him, share your happy times and your sad times with Him. HE is waiting for you. You are in His top friends.
Marisol
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
I'm here for you, Babe.
Have you ever said to someone who is hurting, "I'm here for you"? Has anyone ever said it to you when you are in pain? What happened when you needed them? Or when they needed you?
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you (Psalms 55:22), He means it when He says "I'm here for you.". As humans we say a lot of things we don't mean, sometimes we have good intentions, but you know what they say about good intentions "The road to hell is paved with good intentions."
I am guilty of the making promises that I don't keep and guilty of good intentions. Just today my younger daughter reminded me that I promised to purchase an online game for her two years ago. When she asked for this game I told her it would be a birthday present then her birthday came around....and okay we'll get next week-end. I guess she finally gave up because it's two years later and she doesn't have the game. Good intentions aren't good enough. It hit me today, God is always there and He always fulfills His promises.
If our goal is to be like Christ then we need to leave "good intentions" behind and fulfill what we say we are going to do. If you say "I'm here for you" then do all you can do to be there. This season in my life has taught me that I have failed so many people in my life and I want to take this time to ask for forgiveness from all of you who I hurt, who needed me and I wasn't there, and who I just plainly forgot. There is no excuse and I truly apologize.
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you (Psalms 55:22), He means it when He says "I'm here for you.". As humans we say a lot of things we don't mean, sometimes we have good intentions, but you know what they say about good intentions "The road to hell is paved with good intentions."
I am guilty of the making promises that I don't keep and guilty of good intentions. Just today my younger daughter reminded me that I promised to purchase an online game for her two years ago. When she asked for this game I told her it would be a birthday present then her birthday came around....and okay we'll get next week-end. I guess she finally gave up because it's two years later and she doesn't have the game. Good intentions aren't good enough. It hit me today, God is always there and He always fulfills His promises.
If our goal is to be like Christ then we need to leave "good intentions" behind and fulfill what we say we are going to do. If you say "I'm here for you" then do all you can do to be there. This season in my life has taught me that I have failed so many people in my life and I want to take this time to ask for forgiveness from all of you who I hurt, who needed me and I wasn't there, and who I just plainly forgot. There is no excuse and I truly apologize.
- John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
When the calamities pass away I want to come out of this storm a person who is so in love with Jesus that my commitment to Him will not waiver. I want to be more like Jesus and want to do what I say I am going to do. Again doesn't that sound like good intentions. How do move away from "good intentions"? We pray without ceasing. We read His word. We believe His promises. He will move in us so much that we will not be the same.
"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Marisol
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Let it Go!
In the words of Hannah Montana "Everybody makes mistakes. Everybody has those days. Everybody knows what, what' I'm talkin' 'bout. Everybody gets that way.........If I'm not doin' too well, Why be so hard on myself?" My soon to be 16 year old loves Miley Cyrus, so I get to listen to all of Miley's music, lol. This song really touched my heart and I'll tell you why.
When my girls were very young they loved their Barbies and then came the Brat dolls. After they were done playing, if their Barbie shoes were in box with the Brats shoes it would drive me crazy. So, once I was done scolding them, I took the joy out of their playtime. This behavior was a constant for me. I knew everything I owned and where everything should be placed. I not only harassed my babies, I harassed my husband, and harassed everyone who walked in my path. What did my behavior produce?? It pushed everyone I loved away from me. They feared me and not in reverence. They were afraid to do anything wrong because they didn't want to deal with me. There was no true fellowship. And for me, it made me hard and hard on myself because I pursued perfection in everything and everyone. Seeking perfection brought me to a place of anxiety and anxiety caused me make bad choices and actions.
I am speaking completely of myself when I speak of OCD - Out of Control Disaster. I know OCD (obsessive–compulsive disorder) can be a very real disorder. I know I suffer from it and now I am being freed from it. Although I had been letting things go in the past few years, in my mind I was still hanging on. I don't know what was worse dealing with OCD in my mind or physically, either way it made me miserable. and it has brought me where I am today.
When my girls were very young they loved their Barbies and then came the Brat dolls. After they were done playing, if their Barbie shoes were in box with the Brats shoes it would drive me crazy. So, once I was done scolding them, I took the joy out of their playtime. This behavior was a constant for me. I knew everything I owned and where everything should be placed. I not only harassed my babies, I harassed my husband, and harassed everyone who walked in my path. What did my behavior produce?? It pushed everyone I loved away from me. They feared me and not in reverence. They were afraid to do anything wrong because they didn't want to deal with me. There was no true fellowship. And for me, it made me hard and hard on myself because I pursued perfection in everything and everyone. Seeking perfection brought me to a place of anxiety and anxiety caused me make bad choices and actions.
I am speaking completely of myself when I speak of OCD - Out of Control Disaster. I know OCD (obsessive–compulsive disorder) can be a very real disorder. I know I suffer from it and now I am being freed from it. Although I had been letting things go in the past few years, in my mind I was still hanging on. I don't know what was worse dealing with OCD in my mind or physically, either way it made me miserable. and it has brought me where I am today.
- I John 1:8-10 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
So where am I today? In a place of learning and change. It's all about change, accepting responsibility for my actions, recognizing my failures, and giving it all to God. I am in a place where I have been convicted and I am repentant. It's an everyday "thing", every morning, every hour, every evening, and sometimes every minute I give it God. He uses it as an opportunity to work in me and isn't that what it's all about. He has the answers all we have to do is trust Him.
- Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
I am far from where I need to be, everyday I am one step closer to my destiny, to my goal, and to my Father God.
Remember: Let it go and Let God. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff and it's not worth losing a minute of your precious time to the unnecessary. Instead enjoy every minute living your life through the way God designed you to be, peaceful. The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11
Marisol
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
He calls me friend
Beth Moore, http://www.lproof.org/about_beth_moore.asp, she is someone I really enjoy listening to every chance I get. I love how she describes her relationship with Jesus. I use to think, how is that possible, I want a relationship with Jesus just like hers.
I loved her story where she describes putting on ballet slippers and just dancing away for her Jesus. Or when she stayed in the governor's mansion and reminds Jesus she is not at home in case He was looking for her.
How do we come to a place where we can dance for Jesus? laugh with Him? tell Him about our day? remind Him we're not home in case He is looking for us? I yearned for what Beth Moore has with Jesus, but I didn't know how to receive it. Unfortunately or fortunately, I am learning through pain and trials how to show Jesus my new shoes.
I try to walk for exercise everyday, key word is try, lol. When I get out there I make sure it's "You and me, Jesus time". When I first started taking my walks I would pray for my needs instead of talking to Jesus. Now as I walk I begin to talk to Him and I picture Him looking at me from behind the mountains. I wave my hand and say "Hi Jesus, I love when you watch me walk". I know He loves to watch me walk and laughs when I trip, it happens. Lately I have been talking to Jesus out loud and then smile big when a fellow walker passes me by.
My trial has brought me to this place in my life with Jesus and I couldn't be happier. I am sorry it took my pain to cling to Jesus while I was drowning, but if that is what had to take place to get me here, praise God. I'm here now and I am not leaving this place.
I pray if you don't know HIM, get to know Him now. He's awesome and He is waiting to hear from you.
Marisol
I loved her story where she describes putting on ballet slippers and just dancing away for her Jesus. Or when she stayed in the governor's mansion and reminds Jesus she is not at home in case He was looking for her.
How do we come to a place where we can dance for Jesus? laugh with Him? tell Him about our day? remind Him we're not home in case He is looking for us? I yearned for what Beth Moore has with Jesus, but I didn't know how to receive it. Unfortunately or fortunately, I am learning through pain and trials how to show Jesus my new shoes.
I try to walk for exercise everyday, key word is try, lol. When I get out there I make sure it's "You and me, Jesus time". When I first started taking my walks I would pray for my needs instead of talking to Jesus. Now as I walk I begin to talk to Him and I picture Him looking at me from behind the mountains. I wave my hand and say "Hi Jesus, I love when you watch me walk". I know He loves to watch me walk and laughs when I trip, it happens. Lately I have been talking to Jesus out loud and then smile big when a fellow walker passes me by.
My trial has brought me to this place in my life with Jesus and I couldn't be happier. I am sorry it took my pain to cling to Jesus while I was drowning, but if that is what had to take place to get me here, praise God. I'm here now and I am not leaving this place.
I pray if you don't know HIM, get to know Him now. He's awesome and He is waiting to hear from you.
Marisol
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Journal Entry 1-17-09
Lord, I turning it all over to you. I know I go back and forth but I only want to go forth. I repent of all my sins.
Romans 15
-I don't have to take the pain or insults Jesus took them for me.
-He took my suffering to understand me and to feel what I feel.
Psalms 141 & 140:8-13
-I trust you Lord. You have a plan.
-Keep me from evil.
-Keep my eyes on You.
Today I woke up, cleaned and went outside, where I heard God's voice. I was looking at my yard. We love our yard, it is still winter and everything is still dormant. I look at our bougainvillea (I posted a picture of it on the top of the web page) and I think "This dumb bush never blooms till the end of summer. I should pull it out". Then I felt a need to prune it.
As pruned it I felt God say "You are this bush. You don't want to be pruned. You don't even want to bloom until you feel it's time. You are on your time just like this bush you complain about." I begin to prune and God shows me something, "See the dead branches cut right off. There is no life in them. The branches with life fight. They are not easy to prune. But those are the branches of anger, hate, bitterness, and envy. Those branches must be cut off for the bush to grow stronger". "Yes Lord" I start to think. "Please change me!!" I plead with God.
Then I feel in my inner spirit. "There is hope! There is no hope for the dead branches. There is hope for you, Hector, Nicole and Tatiana. There is still life in you, because I dwell in you and I am LIFE."
I felt a peace. I understood for the first time what Pastors and speakers feel when they say they hear from God. I understood what it was like basking in His presence. (end of journal entry)
I would love to say that from that day till now my life has been filled with peace and joy, it hasn't. I am still struggling with my stubbornness of not letting go but everyday it gets a little easier as God continues to show me His mercy and love. It's a daily challenge we have with ourselves to let go and let God. When we do it...when it lay it ALL at His feet, then we feel the peace that surpasses all understanding.
I am very happy to let you know that that dumb bush that only blooms in August sometimes September bloomed in April this year. The picture you see is a recent picture I just took a week ago. My bush that I love so much bloomed. Now if that isn't God speaking to me, speaking to us, I don't what is.
My prayer for all who are reading this to allow God to prune you and make you stronger.
Marisol
Romans 15
-I don't have to take the pain or insults Jesus took them for me.
-He took my suffering to understand me and to feel what I feel.
Psalms 141 & 140:8-13
-I trust you Lord. You have a plan.
-Keep me from evil.
-Keep my eyes on You.
Today I woke up, cleaned and went outside, where I heard God's voice. I was looking at my yard. We love our yard, it is still winter and everything is still dormant. I look at our bougainvillea (I posted a picture of it on the top of the web page) and I think "This dumb bush never blooms till the end of summer. I should pull it out". Then I felt a need to prune it.
As pruned it I felt God say "You are this bush. You don't want to be pruned. You don't even want to bloom until you feel it's time. You are on your time just like this bush you complain about." I begin to prune and God shows me something, "See the dead branches cut right off. There is no life in them. The branches with life fight. They are not easy to prune. But those are the branches of anger, hate, bitterness, and envy. Those branches must be cut off for the bush to grow stronger". "Yes Lord" I start to think. "Please change me!!" I plead with God.
Then I feel in my inner spirit. "There is hope! There is no hope for the dead branches. There is hope for you, Hector, Nicole and Tatiana. There is still life in you, because I dwell in you and I am LIFE."
I felt a peace. I understood for the first time what Pastors and speakers feel when they say they hear from God. I understood what it was like basking in His presence. (end of journal entry)
I would love to say that from that day till now my life has been filled with peace and joy, it hasn't. I am still struggling with my stubbornness of not letting go but everyday it gets a little easier as God continues to show me His mercy and love. It's a daily challenge we have with ourselves to let go and let God. When we do it...when it lay it ALL at His feet, then we feel the peace that surpasses all understanding.
I am very happy to let you know that that dumb bush that only blooms in August sometimes September bloomed in April this year. The picture you see is a recent picture I just took a week ago. My bush that I love so much bloomed. Now if that isn't God speaking to me, speaking to us, I don't what is.
My prayer for all who are reading this to allow God to prune you and make you stronger.
Marisol
Monday, June 1, 2009
I'm a Princess.
I don't remember really wanting to be a princess as a child. I saw myself more as the queen. Yep, I wanted to reign, unfortunately that feeling affected my whole life. My name is Marisol Padilla and I am a control freak.
It started out small. We don't realize as parents how all our actions affect our children. We spent all of time in Juarez as a child, true for most El Pasoans. So I remember on our return from Juarez as we would approach the bridge my mom would always tell me to choose what lane to go on. She would say, "Marisol always picks the fastest lane." No big deal right, wrong that's where my ego got started. It seemed like a innocent game a parent plays their child.
Looking back my mom depended on me for a lot of silly decisions but it molded me into thinking that I was in charge and that I could make adult decisions at an early age. It made me feel independent and that NO ONE could tell me what to do. How would that attitude affect me in the real world? Well me tell you, it only brought destruction.
It started out small. We don't realize as parents how all our actions affect our children. We spent all of time in Juarez as a child, true for most El Pasoans. So I remember on our return from Juarez as we would approach the bridge my mom would always tell me to choose what lane to go on. She would say, "Marisol always picks the fastest lane." No big deal right, wrong that's where my ego got started. It seemed like a innocent game a parent plays their child.
Looking back my mom depended on me for a lot of silly decisions but it molded me into thinking that I was in charge and that I could make adult decisions at an early age. It made me feel independent and that NO ONE could tell me what to do. How would that attitude affect me in the real world? Well me tell you, it only brought destruction.
- Psalm 10:4 In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
I had no room for God in my life. I thought I did, but I didn't, that doesn't mean He wasn't by my side because believe me He was there. I choose to ignore Him, because I was in control. I wanted to date who I wanted, I wanted to go where I wanted, I wanted to disobey my parents, I wanted to drink, and the list goes on. I never submitted myself to HIM. I never asked Him, "what are Your plans for my life?" I prayed and I attended church thinking that was all I needed to do to keep close to Jesus.....it's so much more.
Now that I am learning to place Jesus first in my life every day all day I do feel like a Princess. I don't have to be in control because my Father the KING is in control. All I have to do is wear my pretty princess dress knowing that in the eyes of my Father I am special. Every morning I jump on His lap and ask Him "What do you want me to do for Your glory, Abba Father?"Through my storm I have come to know that I am a princess because my Father is the King
Marisol
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Blogging? What the heck is blogging?
In the words of my brother in law, Jerry, who would have thunk it? Well here I am blogging. Read my blog, are you blogging, did you blog today? WHAT are you people talking about? I had no idea but here I am a year later blogging.
I will begin by thanking my Lord Jesus for His grace and mercy He has poured out on me and my family this year. He has always been by our side but the past five months I have felt His presence like never before. It's so easy to take everything in our life for granted especially our Creator.
I grew up thinking I was "Christian", for 40 years I thought I knew Jesus, but it took a storm in my life to really know Jesus. It's not about the church you attend or the way you were raised to think about God or religion. It's about getting on our knees and repenting for all wrongs, errors, and sins in our life. Repentance brings us to the shoulder of Jesus, where He holds us tight. He will NEVER let us go!!
Marisol
I will begin by thanking my Lord Jesus for His grace and mercy He has poured out on me and my family this year. He has always been by our side but the past five months I have felt His presence like never before. It's so easy to take everything in our life for granted especially our Creator.
I grew up thinking I was "Christian", for 40 years I thought I knew Jesus, but it took a storm in my life to really know Jesus. It's not about the church you attend or the way you were raised to think about God or religion. It's about getting on our knees and repenting for all wrongs, errors, and sins in our life. Repentance brings us to the shoulder of Jesus, where He holds us tight. He will NEVER let us go!!
Marisol
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