It's Kerry's World

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 19:31:00 -1000

I've battled with posting this as my first post coming back to the blogging world but alas, it's real life. Our dearest, sweet, warrior of a dog, Chip is now in doggy heaven. It's still so unreal that we now refer to him in the past tense.

He was a fighter dog from the very beginning. Our beautiful Hawaiian dog who LOVED to nap, get treats, head and belly rubs. He was so chill that after 5 min of playing fetch, he sat down and stared at us as if we had issues for continuing to throw his toy. It was hilarious. He commanded our lives but in the best way possible. He was such a great traveler and overall loving but super protective dog.

He survived a worm issue, eye removal surgery, being attacked by a dog 3 times his size (from thinking he was bigger than he was), a butt issue, and a bobcat bite (while recovering from eye surgery) only to be taken from us due to anemia, stomach ulcers and a blood issue. I wish we didn't have to say goodbye because we loved him so much. There will never be a dog quite like him. We will miss him sorely.

"Oprah's Favorite Things 2012"

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:17:00 -1000

Aloha lovies!

I hope you all will be tuned in to watch me on "Oprah's Favorite Things 2012," this Sunday at 8 pm EST on OWN. It's a 2 hr special filled with lots of intimate moments. It'll be a tear jerker for sure so please make sure you watch. A few lucky viewers will also have the chance to win ALL the fabulous gifts we received but you must be watching the show for details on when and how you can be entered to win.

For more details, go to www.oprah.com. Don't forget to switch over to my new site: www.itskerrysworld.com for more fun and exciting things coming up for my family and I. I'd love to see you all there. :)

Happy Friday and have a lovely weekend.

Mahalo

~KA~

I'm Moving!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Fri, 2 Nov 2012 13:12:00 -1000

Aloha faithful visitors!!!

I just wanted to let you all know that my blog has moved. I will no longer be blogging here on blogger, my new blog home will be at www.itskerrysworld.com. Please jump over to that site and subscribe to my blog there to keep up to date with all the fun and exciting things going on in my world. :)

There will be PLENTY of new opportunities coming up that I'd love to share with you all. As always, I appreciate the love and support.

See you at my new blog home - www.itskerrysworld.com.

Mahalo!! ;)

And the BIG news is....I will be on "Oprah's Favorite Things 2012!!!!"

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 05:00:00 -1000

I had every intention of updating you all with what the "BIG" news was earlier but I had to wait until I got down from my high... :)

Well... I was chosen to be among the 30 lucky military spouses who will be receiving "Oprah's Favorite Things" for 2012. Ahhhhhh!!!! :) (Please click on the link to watch the commercial for the show)

I must say that it's SLOWLY starting to sink in. The entire experience from start to finish was truly remarkable and life changing. It's a time in my life I will never forget. First of all there are over 1.6 million military spouses. The fact that little ole me was asked to be apart of it is shocking! lol.

I have to give credit to Babette Maxwell and the team of "Military Spouse Magazine" for this tremendous opportunity. If it wasn't for her hard work and dedication with making sure she gave military spouses a voice by creating "Military Spouse Magazine," then rewarding our efforts with the "Military Spouse of the Year" awards, this would not be happening to me. I am EXTREMELY grateful for the opportunity and can't seem to find the words to thank everyone involved in this momentous occasion enough.

First of all, we were all told that we were selected to see a sneak peek of Oprah's new reality show "Married to the Army - Alaska." We were also told that Oprah wouldn't be there. So imagine our surprise when we get there, sit down, ready to preview the show and she pops out from the side. Ahhhhh!! Talk about shocking! I have no idea what my face looked like but I'm excited to see it when the show airs on Nov 28 @ 8 PM on OWN.

Of course I can't say what we were all given, you all will have to watch the show to find out. I wanted to make sure I let you all know what was happening and share a few pics with you.

<---- This is me, heading out to the biggest surprise of my life! :)

Oprah was absolutely gracious and so down to earth. It was such a great honor to be in her presence. Even better was the fact that they seated me next to her. I still can't believe that happened, lol. I'm a lucky and definitely blessed gal.

I'm also excited because Oprah will be debuting a reality tv show starring military spouses called, "Married to the Army - Alaska." I have to say that OWN is the perfect network to be telling our stories as military spouses. It's so comforting because we all know that whatever Oprah touches turns to gold, plus she will most definitely ensure that we are depicted in the best light possible. I can't wait to see the show. Even though it tells the story of Army wives, we all share a common bond. No matter the branch of service, our journeys, for the most part, remain the same. I can't wait to laugh, cry and feel with these women.

Make sure you all tune in to the 2 hour special of "Oprah's Favorite Things 2012" airing November 18th @ 8 pm EST on OWN. Also stay tuned for "Married to the Army - Alaska" immediately following the "Favorite Things" special. It's gonna be an emotional night so make sure you have your boxes of kleenex handy, I know I will. :)

Gayle & I, just hanging out. :)

Me sitting in Oprah's chair, lol. :)

Until next time... Mahalo ;)

A New Journey...

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 06:00:00 -1000

Today I embark on a momentous, life changing and super fun journey. As a military spouse, our hard work and dedication can sometimes get overlooked. We're the unseen heroes, the ones that stand in the background and we're not heard from. In recent years, things have changed and I'm so happy for that.

One of those changes includes getting to voice our opinions, concerns and getting to give the civilian world a sneak peek into our world.

Soooo... without giving away too much too soon, that's all I'll be saying about my journey today. :)

I"ll be updating my blog more often from now on for sure, so... stay tuned...

Mahalo ;)

Inspirational Mondays

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Mon, 8 Oct 2012 10:00:00 -1000

It's been FAR too long since I've done an inspirational post. I wanted to make sure I spread God's magnificent word by sharing a scripture I've been fasting, praying and meditating on recently.

1 Chronicles 4:10:
"Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request."

It seems that the big man upstairs has been listening because the months of September and October are turning out to be the most life changing months of this year for my family and I. In the coming days and weeks, I'll explain why but I've been floating on cloud nine lately because God has been soooo good to me and has kept his promises to me.

I hope that by sharing this scripture, someone out there will be touched and open to meditating on it as well. Believe in it because his word is TRUE!

Have a blessed and prosperous week everyone!

Mahalo ;)

What's happening now...

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 15:07:00 -1000

It's been a while since I've sent out an update. *Gasp* how dare me! ;)

Well, I'm now finally home and settled back in Cali after a crazy busy summer with the kiddies. We headed to FL for the first half of the summer.

They got to see and hang out with family we hadn't seen in years...

while I got to work on my ViSalus business.

Then it was back to Cali with literally a 2 day stop before jetting off to Hawaii to see our old friends and get back that much missed Aloha spirit.

I also got some business done there as well. All in all my summer was fantastic and I know the kids feel the same way.

Now it's back to school and being planted in one spot for now. We're finally accepting Cali as our new home and we're excited for what God has in store for us here.

Wishing everyone a blessed and prosperous week!

Mahalo :)

A New Day...

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 13:03:00 -1000

Soooo, I have a confession to make. I slacked off... :( The beginning of July was such a crazy time for me that I started eating crappy again. Mainly because I was back in Florida with family and friends and decided to take in as much Jamaican food as I possibly could since we don't have all the Jamaican food options here in CA.

So, although I was drinking my shakes each day, I didn't hold up my end of the bargain to follow through with my healthy snack and meal options and I didn't work out as much as I should have.

So my last few weeks of my 1st ever 90 day challenge was a bust. However, I'm thankful that I have the option to start over. I don't have much of a choice because my body definitely felt the change in the way I was eating. I also saw it on my face as I started to break out a lot. I felt sooooo tired all the time after eating those crappy foods. I also felt very heavy and bloated, not a good look.

So my brand new challenge starts today and I feel very optimistic that I'll follow through annnnddd I really want more than just a 2 pack. I'm shooting for the entire 6 pack. What I'm excited for this time around is that ViSalus revamped the whole challenge and is now launching 'The Challenge 3.0!" Sooo excited for this. The customer and promoter experience is now better than ever. Check out what I mean at www.kerryellington.myvi.net.

As always, I wish you nothing but good health and prosperity.

Stay tuned...

Inspirational Mondays - Cares

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Mon, 14 May 2012 04:00:00 -1000

I'm finally back to posting my "Inspirational Mondays" posts. Yippee! ;)

I came across this quote/scripture recently during my daily devotionals and HAD to share it:

"Thank you , God, for knowing us so well. When our little problems seem too tiny to bring to You, remind us that You care about every aspect of our lives. When the little things grow and become really big problems, remind us that we can cast all our cares on You- the little things and the big ones. Amen."

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. - Matthew 10:29"

Wishing you all the very best for this week.

Have a blessed and prosperous week everyone!

~Mahalo~

Next stop... California

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:30:00 -1000

It's been a while since I've blogged. I figured I'd update whatever readers I have left on the fact that we are now in CA, lol. We just PCSd from Hawaii late last month. Life here is definitely different from life in Hawaii. It's time to get back to the faster pace and hustle and bustle of Southern CA.

It's really a bittersweet move though. We truly love, adore and miss Hawaii and honestly, we would go back there in a heartbeat. However, being in Cali means I'm closer to hanging out with my lil sis/bestie Latoya which has been great. It also means we're that much closer to other family and friends.

Overall, Cali has been great to us so far. God's timing is definitely at work here. So many things fell into place that we just can't help but to give praises.

We're looking forward to the next adventures.

~Mahalo~

P.S. I still get to use Hawaiian lingo because I have a Hawaiian baby and dog, lol. ;)

VOTE for me to be the next Military Spouse of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:00:00 -1000

Aloha Family & Friends~

Hope all's well with everyone. I just wanted to let you all know that I've been chosen as one of 30 finalists to be the "2012 Military Spouse of the Year." This is a great honor for me since there are 1.1 million military spouses and each of us could have easily been chosen for this prestigious award.

Along with the title of "Military Spouse of the Year," we're expected to have a platform. My platform is to change all the public schools on military bases across the world to Department of Defense schools and implement one standard curriculum which will be easy for military children to transition to new schools when it comes time for us to move. For non military families this may not be that big of a deal but for military families it's means a lot because we're having to move every 3 years, sometimes in the middle of the school year. My goal is to see that all the schools have the same top level education so that my boys won't fall behind when going from one base to another. Right now, each base that's not funded by the Department of Defense has to follow state laws which means the children follow whatever guidelines provided which often times does not have anything to do with being a military child. There are not a lot of provisions out there to help support them and ensure they're not left behind when getting to the next base. A lot of wives end up home schooling their children or sending them to private school which is quite costly.

I say all that to say that I NEED your support. I've got some pretty stiff competition so EVERY vote counts.

Please click this link to vote: http://msoy.milspouse.com/ViewProfile.aspx?id=54 All you need to do is input your name, email and zip code for a confirmation link and that's it. You won't be added to any lists or receive spam mail. :)

You can vote every hour, every day!! (I'll get an end date for voting later on in the week)

Please share this with your friends and family, libraries, schools, grocery store clerk, post man, Fedex delivery guy, practically everyone and anyone. ;) Also, PLEASE, PLEASE post the voting link on your Facebook and Twitter accounts.

I'd like to say thank you in advance for the support. I would really love to win this honor so let's make it happen people!

Have a blessed and prosperous week.

Mahalo!

He's HOME!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:46:00 -1000

I can FINALLY breathe a sigh of relief because hubby is HOME!!! We're so glad to have him back and even better that he made it back 2 days before Thanksgiving so this year's Thanksgiving was extra special.

We're truly enjoying our family time back. Enjoy the pics...

Touchdown!!

;)

Finally Complete!! :-)

2011 so far...

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:35:00 -1000

Wow this year has been filled with lots and lots of challenges so far but as I reflect on everything I realize that God never left me and he's blessed my family and I tremendously. Every time we met a challenge, I had to give God praises because that meant that my family and I were ready for our "promotion" and ready to get to the next level. It hasn't been easy but we hung in there.

Hubby's deployment is in the end stages and I can't wait!!! This time around it went by fast and I love it. I'm itching because we're set to receive orders and it can come any day now. I just pray that where ever we end up, it will be great for the family. I'm sure it will be because we're covered by God. :)

Potty training for munchkin # 3

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Tue, 9 Aug 2011 02:00:00 -1000

I'm a happy mommy because munchkin # 3 is finally potty trained. Woo hoo!! I love the fact that as moms we get to brag and celebrate what may seem silly but this is a HUGE deal!

I was a little worried this time around because with my other boys, they were potty trained at 16 months and 18 months. The fact that it took 21 months for munchkin # 3 was a little nerve racking. I honestly couldn't see going 2 to 3 years cleaning up poop and pee, lol.

How did I get him trained? I started training him with the # 2 first, I basically watched him like a hawk during the times I knew he'd poop. Before he got the chance to push (sometimes in mid push), I'd pick him up or walk him to the potty, nice and calm and let him do his thing or finish on the toilet. At first, he was scared and would hold it but I sat with him and sang or played around with him and made him feel comfy enough to do his thing. After he did the deed, I'd make a BIG deal out of it. I'd cheer him on, kiss, hug, high five and tickle him and he thought it was the best thing ever. So eventually he loved going on the toilet. :)

For the number 1, that was tricky this time around. My usual trick is to take them to the store and let them pick out cute undies and told them that they couldn't pee in them because the undies were too cool to get wet. Of course they'd have mishaps which was fine but instead of cleaning them up right away, I'd let them walk around in the wet undies and be uncomfortable. After about an hour or so, I'd change them but I'd tell them not to wet them again. This time around my lil guy was actually ok with chilling out in the wet undies! He'd even splash and play in his puddles and thought it was hilarious. Lol. I'd laugh about it since it was odd to me that he'd do that but the OCD in me was NOT happy. I had to focus on the fact that I needed to stop cleaning up pee and poop and that kept me sane. ;)

Eventually, all 3 boys figured out the routine and got with the program. I refused to put pull ups or diapers on them unless they were going to bed or if we were going on the road. Once we were home, it was strictly undies!

It took LOTS and LOTS of patience and realizing that I will be cleaning up pee puddles but as long as he was moving in the right direction which was FAR AWAY from diapers, I was ok with cleaning up the messes. I'd say munchkin # 3 deserves a shopping trip to the mall to get some cute new undies!! :)

That's the fun and excitement for my weekend! Woo hoo!! lol

Ciao!

Inspirational Mondays - "Perserverance

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Mon, 8 Aug 2011 04:00:00 -1000

Perseverance...

Aloha Ohana!

I wanted to touch on perseverance for this week's inspirational post since it seems to be the word of the year for my family and I.

We've been through a lot of ups and downs and even though the downs have hit us pretty hard, we've experienced some great highs that I really need to start praising and thanking God for.

For the past few weeks I've had to juggle the "back to school" season without hubby and it was pretty hard. We usually do the school shopping together so it was a little rough going at it alone. It wasn't just exhausting because I had to juggle all 3 boys on my own, it just felt odd making every clothing and supply list decision on my own. Nevertheless, I persevered and made it through...

First day of school was rough not having hubby there but we were pleasantly surprised that he got the chance to skype the boys before school so that made our day.

I've recently been trying to potty train munchkin # 3 and it's finally paid off. He's been potty trained with number 2 for some time now but number 1 has been tricky. lol Well, I'm happy to say that he's now fully trained.

The list of things I've been getting checked off my to do list or getting through despite hubby's absence goes on and on. My point in mentioning all these things is to say that despite all the obstacles and hardships I've endured on my own or we've endured as a family recently, we've persevered and it's only be the grace of God that we've been able to do so.

I keep looking at everything as a challenge and the prize is to grow and be stronger. God knows that I'm strong enough to handle these situations. What the devil may mean for harm, I'm choosing to use for growth.

Today's Inspirational message is:

"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Matt 24:13 (KJV)"

I give all the glory to God that I'm able to smile, laugh and be happy for even the simplest of things.

Happy Monday everyone!

Have a blessed and prosperous week!

Ciao! ;)

Catching Up...

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:45:00 -1000

Gosh it feels like I haven't been on in ages. This deployment seems to be going by really fast and I'm loving it. It's weird because I want to savor each and every day we still have left here in Hawaii but I'd much rather enjoy them with the hubs. :)

I can't wait until he gets back. This time around I feel spoiled with the amount of times we get to communicate but I'm truly grateful for the way things are. It definitely helps the boys feel better and cope well with having their dad gone.

This summer has definitely been filled with lots of challenges and a bunch of good times. What a year it's been for our family. I must give thanks to God for being right next to me no matter what. I'm so happy with my progress so far as an "Uncommon Christian" and I look forward to the rest of my journey in life. I'm excited for what's to come with my entire family.

Ciao... ;)

Life's too short...

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 20:34:00 -1000

Feels like I haven't been writing in ages. My family's been going through some rough times lately. We recently had to deal with the unexpected death of my father in law. I still can't believe he's gone even as I'm typing this. Even though we weren't extremely close it's still a huge blow. He wasn't sick or anything and we still don't know what happened especially since he was still quite young.

Since hubby is deployed it was quite an adventure getting him to leave for the funeral. For me, traveling with 3 young boys was a scary thought but it needed to be done to get to see and support hubby and the rest of the family.

Although it was a tremendously sad time for the family we decided to make sure we stayed in touch more and really love and support each other. We miss him dearly and wish that we could tell and show him how much he was loved by us all. I'm sure he knew but it doesn't hurt to say it as often as you can.

We learned that we can't take life for granted because it can be over in the blink of an eye. I have to admit that due to his death, my focus has changed. I've been leaning and grabbing a hold of God more and more these days. I want to make sure I'm living the life God wants me to live, not the one I think I should live. I've been asking him to guide my steps now more than ever. I don't ever want to waste a minute on this earth and I want to make sure my children or entire family won't either.

Here's to starting fresh or adding boost of energy and focus...

Inspirational Mondays - "My House"

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Mon, 23 May 2011 02:00:00 -1000

Well, well, well, this past weekend was a pretty interesting one. With all this talk about the rapture I really wonder where Pastor Camping is right now? Has anyone seen him? lol I know the bible mentioning that no one knows the time nor the hour of the Lord's return and it also mentions that there will be false prophets so we must be ware. Well, I'd say this weekend was evident of that. The bible also tells us to be forgiving so I'll forgive Pastor Camping for deceiving us even though I wasn't quite sold on his "prediction." ;)

Instead of focusing on confusion or deception for this week's post, I decided to stay positive and focus on home. For one, home is where the heart is and my heart is definitely filled with love so of course I expect my home to be filled with love as well.

This week's message is:

"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:6

Simple but powerful huh?

Have a blessed and prosperous week everyone!

Mahalo for stopping by. :)

Inspirational Mondays - "Refresh"

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Mon, 16 May 2011 04:00:00 -1000

Aloha Ohana!

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. This past week was such an amazing week for me as a mom and 1 I will never forget. Munchkin # 1 went on a field trip to the Big Island which is about a 35 min flight from here. He was gone for THREE days!! I thought I was gonna die. lol. I prayed like I've never prayed before. God laid some serious peace over me because I really thought I would panic more than I did. lol Don't get me wrong, I trained up my kids well but not being able to read to him, say prayers with him, talk to him or give him hugs n kisses really sucked. ;) His last day there he told me he was ready to come home and that touched my heart. He was sweet enough to buy us all souvenirs from his trip when he didn't have to nor did we ask for anything. I was so happy to have him home and I'm really glad he got this experience. It's one I'm sure he'll never forget and the stories he told us about his trip were priceless.

I was then privileged to attend munchkin # 2's 1st piano recital. :) This is a HUGE deal because anyone who knows him knows he is the shyest little boy ever and has actually cried at the thought of being in front of an audience or being left alone in a room with other people unless we were around him. He fell in love with the idea of playing piano last year and started in December. The growth that he's shown in his self confidence and being more open is tremendous. I was so tickled to see him play. I'll share more pics/videos about them in upcoming posts so stay tuned for that...

It was a little bittersweet because hubby didn't get to experience any of these lovely moments firsthand but we made sure to document it well for him.

I'm just over the moon and so grateful that God has blessed me with these boys and I pray that he'll continue to use me to plant/nourish the seeds of faith, fear and love for him in them.

Well, enough about my weekend. lol. I read this message and thought it was perfect to share because I now make it a point that as soon as I wake up every morning, before I even jump out of bed, I talk to God. Even if it's to say "I love you God" or "Thank you for this day God." I know it's short but at least I feel like I can start my day better by recognizing the one who allowed me to wake up each day.

Today's message is:

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go for to you I lift up my soul" Psalm 143:8

Have a blessed and prosperous week everyone!

Mahalo for stopping by :)

Inspirational Mondays - "My Portion"

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Mon, 9 May 2011 04:00:00 -1000

Aloha Ohana!

Look at my little angels!! Hubby snapped this pic of them while waiting for me to get finished shopping. These are their "are you done yet, mommy?" looks. lol. Even though they were all royally miserable for having to wait for me they're still super duper cute. In my defense, I didn't take that long in the fitting room. ;)

I hope everyone had a lovely Mother's Day! I had a great Mother's Day with my boys even though hubby was missing. My boys made sure I knew how much they loved me with tons of artwork, hugs and kisses that meant the world to me.

As a mom of little ones I hardly have time to brush my teeth or take a bath without interruption but while reflecting on my duty as a mom, I wouldn't have it any other way. Although there are times of frustration, the good far outweighs the bad when it comes to motherhood. My children bring me so much joy on a daily basis that I'm truly thankful that God trusted me enough with these precious lives to care for and raise them up. I just hope I do a good job and not allow the trials of the world to affect me or my children.

After going through a few passages I was inspired to share this message with you all...

"Lord you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance." Psalm 16:5-6

Have a blessed and prosperous week everyone!!

Mahalo for stopping by. :)

Inspirational Mondays - "Refuge"

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Mon, 2 May 2011 04:00:00 -1000

Aloha Ohana!!

What a momentous and historical occasion we've experienced. I can't begin to put into words the sense of accomplishment and relief the news of Osama's death brings to our nation. While it's a bit strange to be celebrating the death of a human being. I can't help but to feel joy over the fact that this signifies justice for what our nation went through on 9/11 and hopefully the death of an era. An era of terror and pure evil. I'm happy that our country is brave enough to stand it's ground in seeking out and getting rid of people whose sole purpose is to harm and destroy others.

While it's a great time to celebrate, I've decided to pray now more than ever for the thousands of troops, including my hubby, who are currently deployed to the middle east. It is written that as we draw closer and closer to God and his purpose in this world, the enemy will raise up and continue to attack. I know the war on terror is not over but the bible tells us to never fear, because Jesus has already paid the price for our trials and tribulations.

So through the blood of Christ Jesus I pray that this war will come to a swift end and our troops will come home as soon as possible. I know there's still work to be done to stabilize that area but I pray that the world will come together and get the task done within a short period of time.

I was moved to share these scriptures for today's post:

"You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday." - Psalm 91:5-6

"Because you have made the Lord your refuge & the most High your dwelling place. There shall be no evil befall you, now any plague or calamity come near your tent. He will give his angels special charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways of obedience and service." Psalm 91:9-11

Have a blessed and prosperous week everyone!!

Mahalo for stopping by. :)

Inspirational Mondays - "Roots"

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 04:00:00 -1000

Aloha and Happy Monday Ohana!

I hope everyone had a lovely Easter weekend. My weekend was pretty eventful but very nice. Hubby and I made sure our boys knew the true meaning of the Holiday because it's way too important to drown it out with Easter eggs and bunny. Don't get me wrong, we still took part in Easter egg hunts but we wanted to make sure they knew that Easter wasn't about eggs or bunnies or candy.

This particular Holiday was extra special because it's when Christ died for each and every one of us whether we deserved it or not. It's such an awe inspiring concept to sit and meditate on. Little old me... Jesus died for me. Jesus bared ALL that he did on the cross and died a slow and painful death just for me. I can't help but to be grateful to him and live the life he wants me to live.

Every year my church puts on a huge Easter production about the miracles Jesus performed as well as him being crucified on the cross. It's a poignant story and one I will never get tired of hearing or seeing. This year's play was especially touching for me since I've been digging deeper into the word of God. It's like I was seeing and hearing everything through a newer and better perspective. I like this new me. :)

I found this scripture and thought it fit this week's post perfectly:

"So walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude." - Colossians 2:6-7 NASB

Have a blessed and prosperous week everyone!

Mahalo for stopping by. :)

Inspirational Mondays - "Prayer"

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 04:00:00 -1000

Aloha Ohana! I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. My weekend was super busy but in a good way. It was spent hanging out with family and friends. We celebrated birthdays with great friends and just bonded more as a family which is always a great thing.

I wanted to write this post about prayer because it's something that seems so simple but in actuality I was a closet prayer. What I mean by that is that I have no problems praying out loud at home around my immediate family. I pray day and night at home or even in the car. However, whenever we have an event, host a game night or whenever there were people other than my family around, I was usually the one passing the "prayer torch" to my hubby and while he doesn't mind and is pretty good at it, I now know that I need to step my game up.

Prayer is God's way of communicating with us and God wants us to communicate with him at all times. He also wants us to be able to pray for others. Sometimes it's going to mean praying out loud in the middle of a crowded room. As a christian it's a part of our christian duty to pray for others but speaking our prayers out loud really gives the devil a run for his money. It gives us more power and resilience and let's the devil know that we mean business when we speak to our God. It puts him in his place. This fear I had for praying out loud was perfect for satan to weasel his way into my head and start planting seeds of doubt. Well, after realizing this, I'm now more determined than ever to pluck out those seeds and get rid of them.

I know God's not placing pressure on me but I know that in order for me to be as Creflo Dollar said "a cut above christian," I need to improve my prayer life. It's funny because God knows exactly what or who we need to help us take the next step to becoming more like him. I'm a part of a life group aka bible study where our teacher inspires and pushes us to either open or close in prayer. At first, I would clam up and get so nervous that my voice would crack in the middle of prayer. I was so worried about what to say, how to say, how much to say that I completely missed the point of what prayer's all about. God doesn't care about the nitty gritty of prayers, he just wants us to talk to him.

Looking back at it, I completely complicated something that's so simple and pure. I'm much better at praying now and although I'm not a very outspoken or extroverted person, I'm now more open to praying out loud. I just speak from the heart and ask the holy spirit to guide me. I can actually laugh at myself now for how silly I was before because I know that God has my back at all times so there really wasn't anything to worry about.

This week's inspirational message is:

"Prayer is meant to be a part of our lives, like breathing, thinking, and talking. God is portable." - Gloria Gaither

"Show me where to walk, for my prayer is sincere." - Psalm 143: 8 TLB

Wishing everyone a blessed and prosperous week!

Mahalo for stopping by. :)

Inspirational Mondays - "Encounter with God"

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 04:00:00 -1000

Aloha and Happy Monday Ohana!

Before I get into the usual inspirational post I wanted to share what I did this past weekend. I had the tremendous opportunity to get closer to God.

I was raised in the church and was taught the fear of God from a very young age. Luckily for me I never lost my way from the way of the Lord. I did however, "scale the line." The line of jumping full force into my walk with God and jumping into the ways of the world. I went to church, read my bible, prayed and did good deeds. What I didn't do until now was to totally devote myself to God. I didn't always wake up early enough to give God his glory and start the day with him. I didn't always devote my night to him before going to bed. I didn't always keep the best set of friends. I tried my best to do these things but didn't think anything of it if I missed the chance to do them. I know I'm not perfect and I know God understands when we fall short. What matters is recognizing the wrongs and doing the necessary steps it takes to make them right, then continue making right decisions for the future.

I thought I was being a good Christian but God wants more from us. He wants all of us. He wants us to think of him in all we do and in all we say. He wants us to wake up and give him praises, he wants us to invite him to walk with us for our entire day, each and every day.

My church here in Hawaii provides the congregation with various classes designed to help us grow closer, understand and truly love God. So I dedicated my entire weekend to taking classes and really getting my spiritual fix. I now feel so refreshed and free. Free from all transgressions and ready for a new day and a new way of living.

I learned a WHOLE lot in class this past weekend but a cool saying I was taught was that God wants us to be "H.O.T" for him. "H.O.T" meaning "Honest," "Open," & "Transparent." We can even take it further and be "H.O.T.A" for him. "H.O.T.A." meaning "Honest," "Open," "Transparent," & "Accountable." Isn't that great? Yes, you can steal it. ;) lol

I'm now in a place where I can't wait to wake up and talk to God. I can't wait to ask him to hang out with me for the whole day. I can't wait to praise him in the good and the bad. I feel myself getting more mature in God and I'm so happy about it. :)

Today's inspirational quote is:

"Let us with a happy mind praise the Lord for he is kind. His mercies shall endure, ever faithful, ever sure." "His compassion never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness... The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him." - Lamentations 3:22-23, 25 NIV

Isn't God's grace and mercy for us awesome?!

Have a blessed and prosperous week everyone.

Mahalo for stopping by. :)

Inspirational Mondays - "The Little Things"

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 02:00:00 -1000

As a mom I'm faced with tons of opportunities to not only teach my children life's lessons but to learn from them myself. These days it seems as though I'm always learning new things, especially when dealing with boys. They get into anything and everything and I now realize that they think and do completely different things that girls their age do.

They're pretty good boys but of course there are times when I have an "open mouth" moment when what they do is so puzzling to me that I have nothing to say or do other than to just "open my mouth" in awe. lol

Lately they've had some issues appreciating the simple things even if it's a toy. To them, if its fun and they break it then oh well. I had to tell them that God only blesses you with bigger things if you prove to him that you can appreciate and take care of the small things. It's not about being materialistic, its about taking care of what you have and not just to get better things, to just appreciate what God's blessed us with.

It's only when we appreciate the simple and small things that we can be blessed with bigger and better things of God. Again, not speaking from a materialistic point of view but rather a spiritual view where God sees that we are capable of handling his work and the purpose he has for our lives.

I read this message and thought it matched perfectly with the lessons I've been teaching my boys...

"Dear Lord, today let us be victorious over the little things in life. Help us to show love to those around us, to willingly share what we have, to speak kindly to those in need of a kind word. Even if what we have to watch over seems small and unimportant, remind is to do our job with mercy, justice, and love. Let us handle small things with big hearts. Amen."

"Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things." - Matthew 25:21 NKJV

Happy Monday everyone. Have a blessed and prosperous week.

Ciao! :)