Yes we all want Spring here and now but Winter has to happen for Spring to come. The Snow and cold provides for the seeds, flowers and trees to go dormant and feed from all the water and grow into beautiful flowers, leaves and everything in between we enjoy.
So until Spring comes just stay home and hibernate! LOL!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
How people can change your heart
Today I had a rough day at work. I am a co-manager at a Grocery store. I am used to getting complaints, compliments and all other sorts of issues about my employees and my store. These never bother me since that is part of my job and I don't take it personal. Last night before I left, Ireceived a phone call and I realize how "evil" still exits and tries to steal our joy. A customer, was complaining about the signs in our store, which were in Spanish since we serve a large Hispanic population. We have some that are translated for the benefit of our Hispanic customers. The point I am trying to make is, this customer proceeded to scream at me in the phone with very inappropriate comments (racist and sterotypical of the Hispanic culture), I am not used to that, insults, disgrace and everything I grew up with and stand for in my culture was basically worthless. As a Hispanic woman, I was totally appalled of what she had to say. It is incredible to me how much hate this woman had in her heart and how a simple sign had made her so angry. Then I realized it was not her. Evil is out there to attack, steal and just hurt.
Although the occurences happened last night, when I went to work today it just didn't seem the same for me to be there. I was just getting by and "dragging my feet" most of the day. Later in the afternoon, I had a customer who was very friendly and needed some help getting some products and as I helped her she was smiling at me. I said "It is nice to see someone smile in this cold weather". She told me, "It is nice to see God putting people in my life smiling and helping me. You have a beautiful accent". Of course I said, "Thank you, but helping you is part of my job". She told me that God had told her to come to my store evethough she is not a regular at my store. She told me that she was glad she gad. God is so amazing! I finished my day with a big smile and a weight lifted off my shoulders. It almost seemed like she took all my negative thoughts away, the black cloud that sat over my head. She had made me forgotten why I was upset before and restore my joy for what I do and why with a simple smile and kindness you can change hearts over. I am glad that God loves me so much that he places people in my life to just make me smile and praise him.
I will definitely keep praying over the people that come in my store and ask God to bless me with people who keep me in check and show me his way. I just hope I can be that special someone for somebody else. Don't you want to be the light in the darkness? The person who changes people's heart over to HIM! Life is awesome and I am loving it!
Although the occurences happened last night, when I went to work today it just didn't seem the same for me to be there. I was just getting by and "dragging my feet" most of the day. Later in the afternoon, I had a customer who was very friendly and needed some help getting some products and as I helped her she was smiling at me. I said "It is nice to see someone smile in this cold weather". She told me, "It is nice to see God putting people in my life smiling and helping me. You have a beautiful accent". Of course I said, "Thank you, but helping you is part of my job". She told me that God had told her to come to my store evethough she is not a regular at my store. She told me that she was glad she gad. God is so amazing! I finished my day with a big smile and a weight lifted off my shoulders. It almost seemed like she took all my negative thoughts away, the black cloud that sat over my head. She had made me forgotten why I was upset before and restore my joy for what I do and why with a simple smile and kindness you can change hearts over. I am glad that God loves me so much that he places people in my life to just make me smile and praise him.
I will definitely keep praying over the people that come in my store and ask God to bless me with people who keep me in check and show me his way. I just hope I can be that special someone for somebody else. Don't you want to be the light in the darkness? The person who changes people's heart over to HIM! Life is awesome and I am loving it!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Friends for life!
I have just realize the wonderful life I have. On Saturday, January 24th, I had the opportunity to really think and analyze my life and my friendships. I have had so many wonderful people in my life that have made me who I am today. I am sure that God will put many more too. But during this past Saturday I got to share a very special moment with some very special ladies. They invited me to their circle of friends and participate in a special moment for their group. Although I was going for moral support and to photograph the awesome moments, I ended up getting closer to 7 very special ladies. I met the beautiful ladies for breakfast at Frisch's in Erlanger Kentucky. Then walked next door to Mother's Tattoo Parlor and Piercings, yes! a tattoo parlor. If any of you know me, you know I am terrified of needles and basically anything that can poke me. But on this day, I was willing to observe and take picture and share a very cool and significant moment with these wonderful sisters in Christ, as long as the poking was not on me.
When we walked in the place there was a great gentleman, Eric, missionary from Nicaragua. He was very peaceful and very gentle. His voice was even soothing. He welcomed us and Craig, the tattoo artist, was there too. I got to talk to Eric in Spanish, of course, about what he did and wehre he lived in Nicaragua. We talked about family and why he was here. Craig and Eric, who was visiting Craig, were very nice to us eventhough we were a bunch of excited ladies taking pictures and rambling on about what was going to happen next. When we got to Mother's it was a very relaxed atmosphere, almost like we were going to someone's house. It was really neat. Anyway... I'll try to stay on topic. Somehow in this wonderful place my fear of needles and "anxiety" really was almost gone. I was just as excited to be there. Then someone suggested, I think Tracy, I get a love dot. I said, "a what?". A love dot, just a little poke and you are part of the group. I said, "I'll think about it". I am thinking to myself, there is no way they are getting me tattooed today. I am not sure what happened in the next few hours while Craig was working on the designs of the tattoos that I said, "OK, I'll get a love dot." They all cheered me like I had made the biggest accomplishment in my life. As I talked about it with everyone, about where I was going to get my "big" tattoo, Kelly K suggested I get three for the Holy Trinity. I thought that was a great idea although I was thinking, it went from one poke to three. Oh well!
When the time came to get the tattoo's, Craig asked. who is first and I said, I will. He smiled and said, "Weren't you the one not getting one?" Yep, but you better do it quick or I will change my mind. So the adventure began, he drew my three love dots (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) with a marker and went to work. The first one was like a little poke and I smiled and grinned really big. The second and third were ok although I was so scared that I am not sure if I even felt the pokes. It was done just like that and I was so happy. I can honestly say, I felt so proud of my tattoo. You would have thought I had done a whole arm or something. Now I felt like I was part of a team of ladies that really mean so much to me. I feltl like part of the family. Thank you for letting me share such a special moment. I did not believe I could do it but you girls made me feel like I really belonged somewhere. Thanks for allowing me to share such a special moment with you.
My life, as I recall it, has have its ups and downs but Saturday I felt like I have had friends forever, like I was on top of the world. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I really need you guys to know how much this meant to me, even with my three love dots.
When we walked in the place there was a great gentleman, Eric, missionary from Nicaragua. He was very peaceful and very gentle. His voice was even soothing. He welcomed us and Craig, the tattoo artist, was there too. I got to talk to Eric in Spanish, of course, about what he did and wehre he lived in Nicaragua. We talked about family and why he was here. Craig and Eric, who was visiting Craig, were very nice to us eventhough we were a bunch of excited ladies taking pictures and rambling on about what was going to happen next. When we got to Mother's it was a very relaxed atmosphere, almost like we were going to someone's house. It was really neat. Anyway... I'll try to stay on topic. Somehow in this wonderful place my fear of needles and "anxiety" really was almost gone. I was just as excited to be there. Then someone suggested, I think Tracy, I get a love dot. I said, "a what?". A love dot, just a little poke and you are part of the group. I said, "I'll think about it". I am thinking to myself, there is no way they are getting me tattooed today. I am not sure what happened in the next few hours while Craig was working on the designs of the tattoos that I said, "OK, I'll get a love dot." They all cheered me like I had made the biggest accomplishment in my life. As I talked about it with everyone, about where I was going to get my "big" tattoo, Kelly K suggested I get three for the Holy Trinity. I thought that was a great idea although I was thinking, it went from one poke to three. Oh well!
When the time came to get the tattoo's, Craig asked. who is first and I said, I will. He smiled and said, "Weren't you the one not getting one?" Yep, but you better do it quick or I will change my mind. So the adventure began, he drew my three love dots (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) with a marker and went to work. The first one was like a little poke and I smiled and grinned really big. The second and third were ok although I was so scared that I am not sure if I even felt the pokes. It was done just like that and I was so happy. I can honestly say, I felt so proud of my tattoo. You would have thought I had done a whole arm or something. Now I felt like I was part of a team of ladies that really mean so much to me. I feltl like part of the family. Thank you for letting me share such a special moment. I did not believe I could do it but you girls made me feel like I really belonged somewhere. Thanks for allowing me to share such a special moment with you.
My life, as I recall it, has have its ups and downs but Saturday I felt like I have had friends forever, like I was on top of the world. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I really need you guys to know how much this meant to me, even with my three love dots.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Pie Day?
My friend told me today is American Pie Day. I really like pie. My favorites are Peach and Cherry although I like Apple too. Does anyone have another flavor they like? Anyone have an awesome recipe to share? The best part of pie is when the Vanilla Ice Cream is added to the side. Ok, Did I say I like pie? Anyone that can help with this craving? I can't bake at home, do not have a working oven. :)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Serving others
I was watching the inaguration today, probably because it was a "historical" moment in time. I want to be able to say I watched the Inaguration of Barack Obama on TV many years from now. But as I watch and listen to some of the comments people were making and the President's speech, he was encouraging everyone to serve each other to help each other out, to work together to make a better America. Isn't that what we are doing at Vineyard Westside already? Don't we serve our communities, our life groups, each other?
For a few minutes I wondered what it would be like when everyone would take time for someone else. Really that is the America, The World, I want to be part of and belong to. I want to be able to stretch my hand to the fellow man that is in need. I also want that fellow man who was or will be helped to in turn turn around and praise God and help someone else. That is what serve each other means!
I do recognize that there is a lot of serving to do, but we need to start somewhere, why not here, in Cincinnati ? Why not be part of something that we already know how to do. Let God be the Glory and bless his people for becoming faithful servants. God is within each and everyone of us, let us be His light. Let us serve!!!!!!
For a few minutes I wondered what it would be like when everyone would take time for someone else. Really that is the America, The World, I want to be part of and belong to. I want to be able to stretch my hand to the fellow man that is in need. I also want that fellow man who was or will be helped to in turn turn around and praise God and help someone else. That is what serve each other means!
I do recognize that there is a lot of serving to do, but we need to start somewhere, why not here, in Cincinnati ? Why not be part of something that we already know how to do. Let God be the Glory and bless his people for becoming faithful servants. God is within each and everyone of us, let us be His light. Let us serve!!!!!!
Monday, January 19, 2009
What are you thinking?
Not sure... What am I going to have for dinner? What should I wear to work tomorrow? How many more loads of laundry do I have to do? Am I ever going to get done with cleaning? All the things I need to get done on my day off. As you can see, So.. what are you thinking? Let me know. By the way a great recipe for meatloaf is on Pioneer woman written by Ryan, check it out, maybe dinner tonight.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Just a few minutes to ponder...
As I was eating lunch before work today, I wanted to make sure I just share my few moments with God. He has blessed me so much these days and how can I ever pay him back. I already have dedicated my life to Him. I tried my best to do what He tells me although I have to admit I might not be the best one at it. I have volunteered at church and other places where I am needed. There has to be so much more, but not enough time. Work takes so much of my day. Wait a minute, that is it! Work! What can I do at work to make a difference, What can I do to change someones life or just a moment in their life to look at God as another alternative to live happily. I have always said, "Love what you do and share it with others" I have finally understood this phrase, just by smiling , loving God and talking about it is what God wants us to do. He just wants us to share in his Joy and let other ones know about it. Share His love! So, for this few minutes of pondering and thinking before work I am off to share His love at work and be me which is what God wanted me to be anyway! Love you all!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
My awesome experience
Just wanted to share my experience at Encounter in our church. Encounter, for those of you who don't know, is a time at church were you are given the opportunity to have a close moment or "encounter" with God. It is another way in which God communicates and loves on you. At least this is the way I see it.
This is my second time attending Encounter, my first experience was awesome. I really wanted to experience God like that again. After working all day at work on January 7th, all I wanted to do is to feel God's love embracing me and letting me know how much He loves me.
I considered myself to be a pretty "happy" person and always like to see the positive in most things in life. My main talent is positivity, but I have always carried the sadness of losing my father at the young age of 15. I always felt like he missed so much of my life and I felt like I did not get the time to know who he really was. My sadness, guilt or whatever you want to call it, made me a very emotional rollercoaster. Although, I always carried the grief with me, I could not explain at times why I was crying for no reason. I used to make little occurrances, like a reprimend from my boss or an argument with my husband, a melodrama and a tragedy. It really did not need to be. I basically used to wear my heart on my sleeve. I do have to admit I am a little more sensitive that a lot of people but the tears at times were a little too much, even for me.
When I was 15, my father died of Cancer. I was not at my house when he passed and I have always felt guilty that I never got to say goodbye. But looking back, my father prepared me for this journey way before he was sick. About 5 months before he died, when he was diagnosed, he talked to me and reassured me of how much he loved me. He made me promise that I would be a good girl and that I would become someone he could be proud of. He tried to explain that even if he was sick and could not hug me (our favorite thing to do) that he would always love me. By now you are wondering why I am telling you this...well it was not until I attended Encounter and wrote this blog that I really understood what had just happened at that moment.
At Encounter there was a moment during the service that people who were feeling guilt, shame or grief got to step forward to be prayed for. I am telling you that before the prayer was over I felt a sense of grief be lifted. It was almost like if I had lost 25 lbs automatically. My heart felt so lite and relieved. When Don Eichhorn put his hand of my shoulder and prayed over my grief it was like God had just told me everything will be ok. At the end of the evening, I was so uncertain of what I was feeling or "not" feeling that I had Don and Helen prayed over me again making sure that my grief was totally gone, WOW! It was totally gone!
I can now remember the great memories I had with my dad. I am able to remember those special moments I had with my dad when he was preparing me for what was to come. I can remember the times we laughed and hugged. I remember the times he told me how much he loved me. I really remembered!
If you have never been to Encounter, go! It changed my life. I honestly can say I am a much happier person. My life has totally changed. I have an even more positive way of thinking. My grief has not only made me happier emotionally but it changed my whole life. I have lost about 15 lbs, physically in a week and a half. I am exercising, making healthy eating decisions. I started the year as a renewed believer, God took my grief away and now I can focus on me and my relationship with my God. What else is there in life? Well the best thing is, "Love what you do and share it with others".
Love you all and thanks for giving me the opportunity to share this story with you.
This is my second time attending Encounter, my first experience was awesome. I really wanted to experience God like that again. After working all day at work on January 7th, all I wanted to do is to feel God's love embracing me and letting me know how much He loves me.
I considered myself to be a pretty "happy" person and always like to see the positive in most things in life. My main talent is positivity, but I have always carried the sadness of losing my father at the young age of 15. I always felt like he missed so much of my life and I felt like I did not get the time to know who he really was. My sadness, guilt or whatever you want to call it, made me a very emotional rollercoaster. Although, I always carried the grief with me, I could not explain at times why I was crying for no reason. I used to make little occurrances, like a reprimend from my boss or an argument with my husband, a melodrama and a tragedy. It really did not need to be. I basically used to wear my heart on my sleeve. I do have to admit I am a little more sensitive that a lot of people but the tears at times were a little too much, even for me.
When I was 15, my father died of Cancer. I was not at my house when he passed and I have always felt guilty that I never got to say goodbye. But looking back, my father prepared me for this journey way before he was sick. About 5 months before he died, when he was diagnosed, he talked to me and reassured me of how much he loved me. He made me promise that I would be a good girl and that I would become someone he could be proud of. He tried to explain that even if he was sick and could not hug me (our favorite thing to do) that he would always love me. By now you are wondering why I am telling you this...well it was not until I attended Encounter and wrote this blog that I really understood what had just happened at that moment.
At Encounter there was a moment during the service that people who were feeling guilt, shame or grief got to step forward to be prayed for. I am telling you that before the prayer was over I felt a sense of grief be lifted. It was almost like if I had lost 25 lbs automatically. My heart felt so lite and relieved. When Don Eichhorn put his hand of my shoulder and prayed over my grief it was like God had just told me everything will be ok. At the end of the evening, I was so uncertain of what I was feeling or "not" feeling that I had Don and Helen prayed over me again making sure that my grief was totally gone, WOW! It was totally gone!
I can now remember the great memories I had with my dad. I am able to remember those special moments I had with my dad when he was preparing me for what was to come. I can remember the times we laughed and hugged. I remember the times he told me how much he loved me. I really remembered!
If you have never been to Encounter, go! It changed my life. I honestly can say I am a much happier person. My life has totally changed. I have an even more positive way of thinking. My grief has not only made me happier emotionally but it changed my whole life. I have lost about 15 lbs, physically in a week and a half. I am exercising, making healthy eating decisions. I started the year as a renewed believer, God took my grief away and now I can focus on me and my relationship with my God. What else is there in life? Well the best thing is, "Love what you do and share it with others".
Love you all and thanks for giving me the opportunity to share this story with you.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Need some answers! Can anyone help?
Why is it that we have free time and we waste it doing "nothing"? I was blessed with a whole weekend off from work, these are rare. I had so many things I was going to do in my house, God only knows how much it needed it, and I do nothing! I procrastinate, walk around do one or two insignificant things and then find an excuse to leave the house and never come back. I have all these plans of what I want to do in the house and then "bam" time is up and I have not even started. I have read tons of books telling me how to organize and how to get started but, Have I really follow any of their suggestions?, of course not. Am I the only one with this problem? How can we fix this? HELP!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Start fresh in 2009
What a week? Finished with Christmas shopping, open presents, all the family gatherings and then New Year's eve! Wow! I worked all morning but my thoughts were somewhere else. I could not wait until the baptisms started. After watching the baptism video at church on Sunday, I was debating if I really had to do it. I kept talking myself out of it. I had been baptized before and I know it was significant, but my walk with God had grown so much in the past 3 years that I felt like I had to start over and tell the world how much my life had changed. Why now? Because I want the 2009 year to be one of great growth and excitement in my life and the life of others. We saw so much suffering during 2008 and I want to make sure I am part of the change for 2009.
Growing up, I have always believed in God. My life experiences were not always positive but somehow I always got through them and God always bless me, even when I did not necessarily gave him the credit. I decided a couple of hours before church that I was going to bring extra clothes with me just in case I would do it. When I arrived at church I started to cry, I was so nervous, I was telling myself that God had already blessed me and I did nto need to tell him. My insecurities where getting the best of me. I asked to talk to Tim, our pastor, and help me understand if this was what I needed to do. He talked to me and told me to listen for God's word and when the time came to step forward to do it if it was of Him. Well, after much crying and struggling, I did! I walked with the rest of the people in the back of the church waiting for our time to get dunked. As we walked back in the church, my anxiousness went away and a sense of peace came over me. I was so happy to be part of such a remarkable group of people that were ready to commit their lives to the One who had sent His only son to save us. All I really needed to do is to tell the world how I felt and show it. So I did! After a much exciting and intense wait, I stepped in. My friend and sis in Christ prayed for me along with all the other family members of my life group and church. Tim was there too. The best part is that Jon Price and band were singing the song "Tell the world that" which is perfect for what I was about to do. So my friends, I am telling the world, my life belongs to Jesus and I am sharing it with others. Thanks for those of you who took part of witnessing me telling the world. Peace!
Growing up, I have always believed in God. My life experiences were not always positive but somehow I always got through them and God always bless me, even when I did not necessarily gave him the credit. I decided a couple of hours before church that I was going to bring extra clothes with me just in case I would do it. When I arrived at church I started to cry, I was so nervous, I was telling myself that God had already blessed me and I did nto need to tell him. My insecurities where getting the best of me. I asked to talk to Tim, our pastor, and help me understand if this was what I needed to do. He talked to me and told me to listen for God's word and when the time came to step forward to do it if it was of Him. Well, after much crying and struggling, I did! I walked with the rest of the people in the back of the church waiting for our time to get dunked. As we walked back in the church, my anxiousness went away and a sense of peace came over me. I was so happy to be part of such a remarkable group of people that were ready to commit their lives to the One who had sent His only son to save us. All I really needed to do is to tell the world how I felt and show it. So I did! After a much exciting and intense wait, I stepped in. My friend and sis in Christ prayed for me along with all the other family members of my life group and church. Tim was there too. The best part is that Jon Price and band were singing the song "Tell the world that" which is perfect for what I was about to do. So my friends, I am telling the world, my life belongs to Jesus and I am sharing it with others. Thanks for those of you who took part of witnessing me telling the world. Peace!
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