a lily among thorns

God's family - my family - your family

2013-05-17T11:56:00.002-04:00

Last night I met up with a friend I hadn't seen in over a year. She moved out of town and was back. In catching up I shared with her my Mother's journey in the past year with Glaucoma, loosing her sight, numerous procedures, and her sight being restored. As the words poured forth from my mouth, my heart remained steadfast and at peace. For my mind understood that God had done a great and mighty work in my Mom. My mind recognized that the prayer of God's people availed much. My faith was firm, therefore by God's doing I was able to stand firm.

I continued sharing the grueling testimony and her eyes watered, she looked away, folded her hands, and even cringed in her seat. I then shared the last sentence, "So that's where we are at. Tomorrow (which is today) she has an appointment with Dr. Bennett who is a cornea specialists and a glaucoma specialist. This appointment will determine the possibility of a future surgery, a delicate surgery." Her words that followed, "Raquel, this may seem strange... My grandfather who was a Pastor for many years lives just around the corner. I feel that we need to have him and my grandmother pray for your mom. Is this weird?"

Not. At. All.

One thing I tell everyone is to never reject prayer. Never!

Brethren, pray for us. I Thessalonians 5:25

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. II Thessalonians 1:11-12

And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:15-16

Without further ado, she made a call, told her grandparents that she was with a friend who needed prayer for her mom. They did not hesitate to have me over. These wonderful people are in the picture above.

Jose Raul and Eda Maria Borroto welcomed me in and greeted me like their own family. I have them a quick summary of my Mother's condition and Eda Maria began to pray. She prayed for our hearts to be cleansed from our iniquity, that we may enter his throne room of grace empty of ourselves, and prayed for us to be filled by His Spirit. She praised God for giving us His Spirit who teaches us all things and gives us the right words to pray. From there we spent a sweet time in prayer and praise.

I was given the opportunity to pray for Jose Raul, a 90 year old man who not to long again fell and fractured his elbow and hips. The doctors have been astonished with his recovery and ability to walk again. May I remind you he is 90 years young! He continued speak the Word to me and gave me specific scriptures to share with Mami. He reminded me that God is all powerful and above all He is love.

I experienced last night the joy of being a member of God's family. In Christ, Jose Raul and Eda Maria are my family, and because you and I are family they are your family too! What wonderful and glorious news. And so I ask you to join me in prayer for these two faithful saints who are our relatives. They both suffer from numerous health complications and are in need of prayer. Continue praying for Mami's eyes, for her faith to be strengthened and her spirit renewed.

May the Holy Spirit fill you as Eda prayed and teach you all things pertaining spiritual growth and give you words to pray. "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 "For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:12

Happy Friday friends!

Mother's Day weekend

2013-05-13T17:27:00.000-04:00

I had the most wonderful weekend...

It all began with a bridal shower. I love party planning, and bridal showers are my favorite! I don't often admit to being a romantic but I am, not a hopeless romantic but a hopeful one. Here are a few pics I took of Daisy's Bridal shower.

Theme: April Showers bring May Flowers

The shower was followed by a mini family reunion to celebrate Mother's Day. My dear Momma, Grandmother, Aunts, Cousins, and Family friends made up the beautiful group of Mother's that we love so much. Unfortunately, I'm related to a big group of women who don't like to take pictures and none were taken.

Sunday morning I woke up early to prepare a breakfast feas for my family and my God-Mother's family that came down from Tampa. We had a wonderful time eating, laughing, and sharing funny stories of the outrageous things my Grandfather did.

Later in the day I headed to the downtown service for church. It was very special because it was my best friend's FIRST Mother's Day and her baby's dedication. Nando, Nana, and Pastor Pedro introduced little Levi to the congregation and He was dedicated to the Lord and prayed over. So amazing to be a part of this little guy's life. After the service we took pics at our annual Mother's Day photoshoot.

My best friend Nana, her husband Nando, Levi and Pastor Pedro

Levi was mesmerized by the cars and wouldn't look at the camera

That's Yessy! Always a fun time with her! LOL

We are a tad bit on the wild side, hehe.

Top: Nana Bottom Left: Marilyn Bottom Right: Denise

And the best of all... Momma Hen and her chicklings. LOL

Indeed, a great weekend.
How was your Mother's Day?

"and peace I give as a gift"

2013-05-08T11:18:00.000-04:00

Are you in need of peace? Peace of mind? Peace of heart?

Perfect peace which surpasses all understanding is made available to us because the Father longs to give it freely to us, through the Word which is Christ, and produced by the power and work of the Holy Spirit. No positive thinking will ever produce perfect peace. No yoga, meditation, or getaway can give it to us. No messenger of God can fully produce that which only God can do. For any and every situation the Bible is our peace maker, so let's stop seeking our own solutions and go to the source of peace:

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:8

The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you. Psalm 9:9-10

The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. Psalm 29:11

Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. Psalm 119:165

People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace. Proverbs 10:10

A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones. Proverbs 14:30

Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting—and conflict. Proverbs 17:1

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. Psalm 16:33

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Romans 12:17-19

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

And now may God, who gives us his peace, be with you all. Amen. Romans 15:33

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:6-8

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me.
Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23

Go on, do a word search on peace and be filled.

Sentence Tuesday

2013-05-07T17:32:00.001-04:00

When the Lord’s standards are not our standards,

the natural occurrence is to have double standards.

-Garid Beeler

firm faith and a right point of view

2013-05-02T10:44:00.001-04:00

Happy Thursday. Take a look with me at 1 Samuel 17:32-50:

“Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!”
“Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth."

But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! ³⁷The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!”

Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!”
Then Saul gave David his own armor—a bronze helmet and a coat of mail. David put it on, strapped the sword over it, and took a step or two to see what it was like, for he had never worn such things before. “I can’t go in these,” he protested to Saul. “I’m not used to them.” So David took them off again.

He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine.
Goliath walked out toward David with his shield bearer ahead of him, sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy. “Am I a dog,” he roared at David, “that you come at me with a stick?” And he cursed David by the names of his gods.“Come over here, and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!” Goliath yelled.

David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel!And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!”

As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him. Reaching into his shepherd’s bag and taking out a stone, he hurled it with his sling and hit the Philistine in the forehead. The stone sank in, and Goliath stumbled and fell face down on the ground.
So David triumphed over the Philistine with only a sling and a stone, for he had no sword. Then David ran over and pulled Goliath’s sword from its sheath. David used it to kill him and cut off his head.

[photo credit]

Powerful little read!!!

I covet David's unwavering faith. His was firm because he knew His God. I feel so foolish as I remember all the times that I lacked faith in my God. I know so many who have shared in my folly. May we (especially me) not lack common sense in our faith. For it is reasonable and logical to wholly trust God in all circumstances.

David's perspective is admirable as well. When He realized Goliath's size, he didn't run or hide, he didn't quit or manipulate a way out. David did not put excuses or obstacles to forfeit the task. His perspective wasn't dictated by the monstrous size of his trouble. His perspective wasn't determined by his ability, training, or knowledge. His point of view was God. Oh that our eyes would always be fixed on the One who is greater than our dilemma.

Praying for us, that our faith would be firm and our eyes on the Lord.

Unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm. Isaiah 7:9
Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Psalm 119:18
My eyes are always on the Lord, for He rescues me from the traps of my enemies. Psalm 25:15
I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven. We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal. Psalm 123:1-2

promise of the Spirit

2013-05-01T09:03:00.001-04:00

Promise of the Spirit // by Jack Hayford (Check out this reading plan on YouVersion)

The blessing of being filled with the Holy Spirit is not for the sake of mere enjoyment. It is rejoicing, to be sure! But at the core of a life of growing discipleship with Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is what’s most important.

It is the Spirit who keeps the Word alive.

It is the Spirit who infuses prayer and praise with passion.

It is the Spirit who teaches and instructs.

It is the Spirit who brings gifts and giftedness for power-ministry.

It is the Spirit who will bring love, graciousness, and a spirit of unity to our hearts.

God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. Acts 2:32-33

[photo credit]

If you are interested in sound doctrine on the Holy Spirit, I recommend these:

For an individual or home study: When The Spirit of God Moves

Reading: Spirit Rising, Fresh Power, The Holy Spirit, God's Promise of Power (a favorite of mine), Touched By His Spirit, Forgotten God, The Holy Spirit: Activating God's Power in Your Life, The Code of The Spirit.

YouVersion reading plans: Who Me, Gifted?, Celebrate, Praise in the Presence of God

Sentence Tuesday

2013-04-30T12:31:00.001-04:00

The only thing that ever hinders peace

is when we refuse to surrender our troubles to God.

—Jack Hayford

Lyrical Friday - Great Are You Lord

2013-04-26T10:09:00.002-04:00

[photo credit: Kerry Halasz]

Hello Friends. A few days ago I read Ezekiel 37, the portion where Ezekiel is found in a valley with dry bones. These words haven't left my mind:

The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry.

And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”So I answered, “O Lord God, You know.”

Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”’”

So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them.Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’” So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.

Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves.I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it,” says the Lord.’”

Wow! Every time I read this passage my bones are rattled, my faith renewed, and my hope restored. Oh to have been present at this valley and witnessed the breath of the living God filling the lungs of these dead bones, being raised to life. This is the mighty power of God. Guess what? He didn't limit His power to only that valley, He is still pouring His Holy Spirit on dry bones today. He is still breathing upon those who are frail and lifeless.

I have experienced my share of valleys:
Valley of discouragement
Valley of depression
Valley of uncertainty and confusion
Valley of waiting and growing weary
Valley of injustice
Valley of brokenness
Valley of hopelessness

Need I continue? I am human and at the core, I am dry bones with skin. But God— He breathed upon me each and every time as He did these bones in Ezekiel. He breathed life into my life, His life.

Are you in a valley? Are you feeling dry, frail, or practically lifeless? God can do the same with you, and breathe life into your lungs and raise your dry bones from this pit. He is that great! His hand is not too short that it cannot save, nor is He deaf that He cannot hear you (Isaiah 59:1). I am here cheering you on: Go on, cry out to God. Ask Him to breathe upon you with His Spirit. If sin has kept you far from God, repent of your sin and cry out to God. If you are bitter confess this to God and cry out to God. Believe that He can help you forgive. And the best remedy to life's hangups is praising God. Worship Him and sing His praises, for His faithfulness and loving kindness endures forever and ever. I believe that He will fill you with His Spirit.

Spirit of God breathe upon us.

Great Are You Lord, All Sons & Daughters

You give life, You are love
You bring light to the darkness
To give hope, You restore
Every heart that is broken

Great are You, Lord

It's your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
We pour out our praise

It's your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise

To You only

All the earth will shout Your praise
Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing
Great... Are... You, Lord

Sentence Tuesday

2013-04-09T07:58:00.001-04:00

Prayer keeps spiritual oxygen supplied to the body

to keep it productive and alive.

-Lois Evans

[photo credit]

when you're troubled...

2013-04-08T10:59:00.000-04:00

Imagine with me the disciples troubled in a room. Their leader was constrained by a tomb, lifeless and powerless. They must have be frightened, discouraged, and ashamed. And then, Jesus appeared.

Overwhelmed
Discouraged
Defeated
Ashamed
Afraid
Empty
Lost

Whatever it may be that is bringing you down, think of this scene.
And then, Jesus appeared.

In your troubles Jesus can and will appear.
He will comfort,
He will refresh,
He will renew,
By the power of the Holy Spirit when you cry out for Him.

"In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land." Jeremiah 29:12-14

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Lyrical Friday - Holy Spirit

2013-04-05T10:09:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday!
So excited to be sharing with you a song that has overtaken my Thursday nights. The girl youth leaders and I have been doing a bible study on the Holy Spirit by Pastor Jim Cymbala. (I highly recommend it, get it HERE). On our first day meeting together one of the leaders asked if we had heard Holy Spirit by Jesus Culture. Only she had known of it, and with that we were each encouraged to listen to it. Every Thursday since, these lyrics have been sung and prayed out. We are crying out for the Holy Spirit. May you long for the Spirit of God and seek Him! God bless you.

I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:25-26

I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Matthew 3:11

Holy Spirit, Jesus Culture

There’s nothing worth more,
That will ever come close
Nothing can compare,
You’re our living hope
Your Presence Lord

I’ve tasted and seen,
Of the sweetest of Loves
Where my heart becomes free,
And my shame is undone
In Your Presence Lord

Holy Spirit You are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your Glory God is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by Your Presence Lord

Let us become more aware of Your Presence
Let us experience the Glory of Your Goodness

Sentence Tuesday

2013-04-02T07:33:00.000-04:00

Waiting on God requires the willingness to bear uncertainty, to carry within oneself the unanswered question, lifting the heart to God about it whenever it intrudes upon one's thoughts.

- Elisabeth Elliot

[photo credit]

hello April

2013-04-01T12:30:00.001-04:00

[photo credit]

Happy April to YOU!
Where did March go? It was been a busy month. Lot's of birthday fun and love, with many breakfasts, lunches and dinners. It was a great month that ended with the greatest celebration of all: Easter. Jesus is Risen!

I'm secretly hoping for a quiet April.
With two bible studies happening, I find it more difficult to actually sit down and receive from the Word without it feeling like homework. So as the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers, I am praying for an out pour of the Holy Spirit to shower over me and bring forth much fruit. I pray the same for you!

From the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth, may God always give you abundant harvests of grain and bountiful new wine. Genesis 28:27

I will be to Israel
Like a refreshing dew from heaven.
Israel will blossom like the lily;
It will send roots deep into the soil
Like the cedars in Lebanon.
Its branches will spread out like beautiful olive trees,
As fragrant as the cedars of Lebanon.
My people will again live under my shade.
They will flourish like grain and blossom like grapevines.
They will be as fragrant as the wines of Lebanon.
Hosea 14:5-7

Lyrical Friday - Oceans

2013-03-22T09:59:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday!

I am squeezing a little bit of time to post Oceans, a song that has captivated my heart from Hillsong United's most recent album. The lyrics are simple, yet from beginning to end its a spiritual awakening. May your strength be renewed, your faith fortified, and your feet swift to follow Jesus. May the Spirit lead you to where your trust is without borders.

Oceans, Hillsong United

revive me

2013-03-21T10:09:00.001-04:00

I lie in the dust; revive me by your word.
My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your word.
Psalm 119:25, 28

Praying that you may be revived, strengthened, encouraged today to be real with God as David was in Psalm 119. If you need revival, tell Him and ask Him to revive you. If you need strength, tell Him and ask Him to strengthen you. Whatever it may be that you need, tell Him of your need and ask Him for it. He is a wonderful God who promises to never despise a broken and contrite spirit.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105

Look upon my suffering and rescue me,
for I have not forgotten your instructions.
¹⁵⁴Argue my case; take my side!
Protect my life as you promised.
¹⁵⁵The wicked are far from rescue,
for they do not bother with your decrees.
¹⁵⁶Lord, how great is your mercy;
let me be revived by following your regulations.
¹⁵⁷Many persecute and trouble me,
yet I have not swerved from your laws.
¹⁵⁸Seeing these traitors makes me sick at heart,
because they care nothing for your word.
¹⁵⁹See how I love your commandments, Lord.
Give back my life because of your unfailing love.
¹⁶⁰The very essence of your words is truth;
all your just regulations will stand forever.
Psalm 119:153-160

boundaries

2013-03-04T10:19:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday!
This morning I read from a little book called: Moments of Peace from the Psalms. It is one of my favorite devotionals to pick up. I read from Psalm 74 and knew that I had to share today's read.

[photo credit]

The Establishment of Boundaries

You set all the limits on the earth. Psalm 74:17 NCV

Fire is a wonderful thing—especially when cooking food or keeping warm. Unfortunately, if a fire gets out of control in your home or a forest, it can be devastating. The flames quickly consume everything in their unhindered path.

To avoid disaster, one must only build fires within the confines of a suitable fireplace or pit, where they can be easily managed.

Likewise, boundaries keep the resources and relationships of your life from becoming damaging. That's why God gives you His commands He knows that too much of a good thing can be harmful, and He wants you to flourish rather than self-destruct.

So don't be afraid of His laws—they'll always keep you safe.

God, thank you that your boundaries are not meant to limit me but protect me. Help me to always abide by your life-giving commans. Amen.

You have been our King from the beginning,

O God; You have saved us many times.

Psalm 74:12

example and praise

2013-02-27T11:49:00.001-05:00

I spent some time in Psalm 71 this morning. Verse seven caught my attention above all others:

"My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection."

It caused me to measure up my life. Am I a representation of this verse to the world? Can others claim me as an example because God has been my strength and protection? It's an even bolder statement to claim for oneself. I think of the many times that lack of faith has not carried me through a trial but paralyzed me. Or when worry got the best of me, as in a rocking chair swaying back and forth but going nowhere. I am shamed by the thoughts of, "what if..." when I clearly knew what to say or what to do but did not do.

Oh wretched woman that I am.

I love the following verse:
"That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long."

I know the real me, the one that worries, the one whose faith wavers and even lacks it at times. I know me, the one who stares at the promises of God and dares to pray, "Lord will you really protect me?" Because I know me so well, that is why I can never stop praising Him. Praise, despite me, declares God's glorious strength and protection in my life. Praise reminds me that He is who He says He is. Praise speaks His promises and quiets my fears. Praise can, and praise will, mold me to be an example. So praise on dear friend and you too can be an example to many!

[photo credit]

Sentence Tuesday

2013-02-26T07:40:00.001-05:00

Whatever problems we're going through,

they didn't come to stay; they came to pass.

- Grandma Barb, from Tiffany Meyers

Miami Fog

Lyrical Friday - Here In This Place

2013-02-22T10:22:00.000-05:00

[photo credit]

One of my favorite things to do it to sit back on a comfy couch with a great friend. I could be in their presence for hours. Unfortunately,moments like these to happen often because of schedules and responsibilities that collide with time.

However, there is one friend that always has time for us. We don't have to schedule or make it a "date" to sit back with Him. Fortunately for us He tells us to come boldly to His throne of grace. That is unlimited access to Him. Coming to the presence of God is better than an infomercial, for with Him there truly is that, "Wait! There's more." He promises that in that place we will receive mercy and find grace.

Today's lyrical post caused me to stop and meditate on this thought: Is my spare time wasted or invested? I'll be honest with you, I do waste a lot of time in the name of relaxing. Time that 1. is running out, 2. really doesn't belong to me, and 3.will never be returned. How magnificent it would be if I spend five more minutes with Jesus than I normally would. Grace and mercy I could definitely use, so I'm off to receive and find that which I lack: more of Jesus!

Let us come boldly (with confidence) to the throne of our gracious God.

There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16

Here in this Place, Elevation Worship

This is a place for the broken
This is the hope of the world
Jesus, friend of sinners
Jesus, Savior

Chorus:
Here in this place mercy is flowing
Here in this place is the glory of God
All things are new in the presence of Jesus
Father we stand amazed
Here in this placeYou are awesome in this place mighty God
You are awesome in this place Abba Father
You are worthy of our praise
To You our lives we raise
You are awesome in this place mighty God

a few words on Guilt

2013-02-20T11:00:00.000-05:00

Last night the topic of guilt came up in our bible study. Immediately my mind took me back to the days when guilt and shame were my shackles of choice. Guilt was a familiar feeling that I believed I had to live with.

You see, I carried the guilt of my friend's hopelessness with me that led her to suicide. I held myself responsible for my grandfather's death. I accused my lack of faith, wrong decisions and attitude for the straying away of a loved one. The shame of my past bound me. I understood that God had forgiven me, but I could not forget myself.

That is till a friend spoke words of truth into my life. In short she said, "Raquel, your grandfather died because that's the hour the Lord chose to take Him. Do you really think that you are greater than God? Or that you determine life and death? Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! These words shook me and took me for a ride. Not only was my grandfather's death flashed before me, but every guilt and every shame that had crippled me.

I had a questions to deal with in light of the truth my friend had spoken:
Was I assuming to be greater than God by not forgiving myself? Would I continue believing the lie that I was responsible and accountable for what God had willed and permitted? That night began a process of God replacing truth for lies, a deep healing, and setting me free. His grace was so gentle and sweet.

For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 1 John 3:20

Dear Friend, has guilt made your heart its home? Is your mind clouded with shameful memories? Is your faith crippled? Have you made yourself responsible for choices God has made or the choices others have taken? Are you holding yourself accountable for actions or events that the Lord has forgiven you for? Do you find it difficult to forgive your self and move forward?
God is greater than your sin.
God is greater than your shortcomings.
God is greater than your mistakes.
God is greater than your failures.
God is greater than you.
God is greater than your heart.
God is greater than your memories.
God is greater than your ability to forgive and forget.
God is Great.

Allow today for the grace of God to shatter the shackles of guilt and deliver you from the shame that condemns you. God is love, and it is His perfect love that will perfect you. It's a process, be patient with Him as He replaces lies with truth, heals you, and sets you free.

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. 1 John 4:17-18

But love covers all sins. Proverbs 10:12

Sentence Tuesday

2013-02-19T17:16:00.002-05:00

If you uproot an idol in your life

and fail to plant the love of Christ in its place,

the idol will grow back.

-Tim Keller

[photo credit]

had to share

2013-02-18T20:52:00.000-05:00

I saw this today and couldn't find the original source but I knew I had to share with you.
Be encouraged!

Lyrical Friday - How Deep the Father's Love For Us

2013-02-15T10:55:00.001-05:00

[photo credit]

Happy Friday to YOU!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thursday I mean Valentine's Day. I did. Girls Night In became Girls Night Out. We went out for Pizza on a rainy and surprisingly chilly Miami night. I ate good food and laughed loud among the best company of friends. Indeed, it was a good night. It's a good thing to have friends.

So naturally, I would post a song about love, not just any love, the greatest love of all. Today's lyrics describe this perfect love so well. I know it's not a new song, but one that is known. And so I beg, don't just sing along but really sit back and consider each word.

And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. Ephesians 3:18

How Deep the Father's Love For Us, Stewart Townend

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that left Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(REPEAT)

Sentence Tuesday

2013-02-12T16:37:00.000-05:00

Praise is a funny thing,

for it will either draw out a humble spirit

or the ugliest of attitudes.

-Raquel Rodriguez

Lyrical Friday - Desert Soul

2013-02-08T10:15:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! Last Friday my friend and fellow youth leader Michelle gave me two wonderful albums from Rend Collection Experiment, and WOW! I'm pressed on time so I'll let you learn more about them in the first video and the second is our lyrical post. Desert Soul was the first song from their collection to really tug at my heart and resonate within me. Needless to say, I am a bit obsessed with Rend Collection and I am sure that you will be too if you have yet to hear them.

Desert Soul, Rend Collection Experiment

I love You Lord
But I want to love You more
I need You God
But I want to need You more

I'm lost without
Your creative spark in me
I'm dead inside
Unless Your resurrection sings

I'm desperate for a desperate heart
I'm reaching out, I'm reaching

All that I am is dry bones
Without You Lord, a desert soul
I am broken but running
Towards You God, You make me whole

You are exactly what we need
Only You can satisfy