LIVING BY FAITH

100th Blog Posting!!!

2012-01-29T14:58:00.004-06:00

100 blog posting ago, I started this blog in 2008. I have learned a lot about myself and about life. I wanted to write this blog to capture my words on the net instead of on paper. I have noticed that this blog turned into a blog not for me but for other women.There was a season when I went through some grieving moments but I turned this blog to be positive. To show the world a woman can live by faith if she has enough faith in father in heaven.

This blog posting is not about shoe ideas, style ideas, and crafts, to cook, about church, cancer, places to visit or talk about art. I will give some insight of the purpose of this blog……

I am woman with a dream…. A woman who goes into many nations to reach other women from the darkness places. A woman who is willing to share her make up tips or hair tips to help open hearts of other women. I have seen so many women in the dark places saying that I am not beautiful and not loved. I tell them that you are loved. You can’t find that deep love from any man but the father in heaven. This is what I am called to do. I am woman who has a vision to help women to come to the light. Women can be mothers, widowers, divorced, single, married, upper class, lower class, and middle class, from America, Mexico, Texas, China, Middle East, New York, and California or rest of the world. I am here to help and serve you for the rest of my life. I may use make up tips, cooking ideas, style ideas, exercise ideas…. But this is who I am.This is why I write this blog… for you. To help you make your life a little easier, to help you escape for just a second online.

1^st Blog Entry in 2008

Isleen

Censorship in America

2012-01-18T10:46:00.000-06:00

I understand censorship over the internet. When in China, it was hard to read my own blog or research certain websites to teach. I felt box in when it came to censorship over the internet in China.

Congress wants to pass a bill to censorship the internet. What a joke! Congress can pass a bill to help protect our privacy on the internet but not take away our freedom over the internet. Some of us bloggers, students, researchers, parents, and writers rely on the internet to research and please don’t take our rights away.

There is a number of websites who would like you to sign petition to stop this bill Congress is trying to pass on January 24.

Click on any of the websites to sign a petition today

White House

Google

American Censorship

Vintage Headbands

2012-01-17T16:08:00.003-06:00

This week, our eyes were on the Golden Globes on the latest fashion. To my surprise we saw two actresses wearing vintage lookimg headbands with their beautiful evening dresses.

I have a feeling that vintage headbands will be on the rise when it comes to special occasions. You can pick up vintage looking headbands at your local Target, hair accessories store or just make your vintage headbands for fun.

you can go to Esty.com website to help those who are creating these vintage headbands for you.

Here are some styles from Esty.com

For Hat Lovers Eyes Only

2012-01-17T15:29:00.001-06:00

I have been a fan of hats since I was child. I have worn hats or caps all my life and collect hats from places that I visited or simply wear hat for fashion. I am posting some of my favorite hats that I have browsed online for Spring & Summer 2012.

Hat.com has amazing hats online but it is a little pricy but it is worth it.

Isleen

Monday Favorite's on Shoes for Spring 2012

2012-01-09T22:33:00.004-06:00

I am women who is a lover for shoes. One of my favorite store to purchase all my shoes is Ross. I had purchased All Star shoes recently under $30. I am really happy with these shoes because this is my first All Star shoes at 31 years old. I am all about for cheap and cute looking shoes. This is my dream page for all the shoes that I could wish purchase for upcoming Spring 2012 & Summer 2012.

Isleen

Check out more shoes from UK

Overcome Death, Disease and Despair (3D’s) By Dan Rodriguez

2012-01-06T17:03:00.002-06:00

My dad wrote this on 03.12.2000. I was missing my dad this afternoon. I turned to his writings to help me and to be encouraged with his words. His writings will also encourage you to turn the Lord in trouble times.

Matt 10:1

“And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.”

In my earlier years, I remember my parents traveled wherever they could find work. The traveling pattern I remembered was going from Texas, to Oklahoma, and on to California returning back to Texas towards the end of the year. I heard much talk about earlier years on how they would travel from Texas, Illinois and to Florida. I know it may sound like my parents had money to travel, but the real traveling reason was they were migrant workers desperately looking to support the family in any word of work they heard or overheard. Many things happened in this time frame to my family. Some good, but a lot of mishaps where disease, death, and many desperate unwelcome situations occurred as the result of traveling. You would think my family would have stop the traveling as a result, the reason they continued to travel as a result, but the reason they continued was survival. My family finally settled in California when my dad was forced to stop working because of his bad back and age has slowly crept up on both of my parents.

The words death, disease and despair all seem to relate strongly to destruction and doom which comes from the pit of the devil. Jesus knew that in order for the gospel to continue, his disciples would have to overcome adversities such as unclean spirits (demon in people) sickness, and disease. It is funny how the Lord broke out sickness from disease. You would think they are in the same, but in reality one is the progression of the other. Managers in all corporations, partnerships and small proprietary business give power to deal all the areas of business. Here, Jesus gives power to his disciples in these three main areas of business of the gospel.

Was this authority only to the twelve or was it to include you and me? Many have missed the mark of the gospel because they failed to include the authority of Jesus. Thousands followed Jesus everywhere not because they failed to include the authority of Jesus. Thousands followed Jesus everywhere not because of they needed consultation to put their corporate leaders in the right course or to inspire managers to produce higher sales, less expenses, greater gains with less efforts but these masses of folks followed Jesus because they needed to witness these miracles for themselves or needed a healing miracle for them or a loved one.

T.L. Osborn talks about how he went to India in his first missionary trip only to find that he was well regarded just like any other powerless religion. He and his wife returned home feeling somewhat disappointed regarding their trip because their Jesus was not regarded as the messiah he knew and had accepted. His vision totally changed when they witnessed a minister holding a revival where the people with sickness, diseases, and with unclean spirits were delivered and both he and his wife re-read all the New Testament with a whole new light where God was speaking to the Osborns as well as the disciples. After this, their ministry in India flourished because they started putting their faith in action by praying for the sick, diseased and with spirits believing for their healing with signs and wonders just like it says in Mark 16:2- “And they went fourth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, death, disease, despair hit my family when we did not know the power of God through the authority of Jesus words. Do not only know God’s word gives you authority over any adversary where it death, disease, or despair, but put this authority into action in your life as well as everyone around you! We overcome death when we accept and serve Jesus in our hearts guaranteeing a place in heaven FOREVER! Multiple the gospel by knowing and applying God’s delegated authority over destruction from the devil which comes at us seeking to devour and destroy us through any mean he has previously doctrine us to accept.

BE READY! As My father signed ( Dan Rodriguez)

Mark 16:16-18

New International Version (NIV)

“16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

Clifford is 36 Years Young

2012-01-06T14:59:00.006-06:00

****Photography By Manda

Clifford’s Birthday is this weekend and I can’t believe he will be turning 36 years old. I met Clifford when he was 31 years old. It is hard to imagine Clifford has aged 5 years because he does not look like a day over 26 years old. This blog is dedicated to my sweet guy on his 36^th birthday.

Clifford is a man of heart, a man who stands next to you when life is falling apart, a man who prays, a man who makes you laugh, a man of G-d, a man who loves cars, a man will be there when you are in need, a man who loves children as his own, a man who loves his son, a man who loves to travel, a man who loves foreign food and loves to eat his mother’s cooking, loves shop for shoes and car parts,loves his family, a caring heart for others, loves the word of G-d, who cares for his friends, a man who loves a good adventure, a man who has a vision, a man who want to accomplish something in life, and a man who loves challenges, There is more to say about Clifford but these are the main things about what Clifford is all about.

I love you, Clifford. Happy 36^th Birthday, sunshineJ

Isleen

Review in 2011 & Goals for 2012

2011-12-31T12:23:00.025-06:00

Looking back 2011 was not easy year for me. I had to reflect many of my photos to be picked for 2011. At the beginning of the year, I was laid off in January, 2011. I did my best to keep my mind positive for many months and trusted in the Lord for the direction in my life. I found myself working through school with my master degree, selling Avon as hobby, volunteered for community college on a project, hung out with my dad & family often, adventured with my family to many family events including Padre Island, in South Texas- April 2011, celebrated my 91^st Grandfather’s birthday, getting a makeover with Bobbi Brown with my close cousin, going on motorcycle journey with my boyfriend in South Texas for a week, meeting my cousin 1st time in San Antonio, TX and hung out with Clifford’s close friends in Blanco, TX, I received a call to go to China-April 2011, watched Dallas Mavs, Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys had an amazing year in sports, worked with my Hilton family again, watched the crazy weather in May and June come through Texas, celebrated my dad’s last birthday when he turned 57 years old in June, I had amazing time with my family on Fourth of July, taught English in Beijing, China, explored places that I thought I wouldn’t ever gone in my lifetime in China, I met new friends in China and also in the states with my University, watched my dad being diagnosed with cancer 2^nd time in August, had emotion pains with my dad go through hospice care and had a funeral for my dad in Sept., I had celebrated my 31^st birthday and my niece’s 8^th birthday two weeks after my dad passed away- which we made the best of it with friends & family, my family went away to Kemah, Houston for vacation at the end of Sept., I went through a new season with my family and my mom at home, walked at Susan G Komen race in Oct. with good friends, ran for colon cancer with my family in Oct. 2011, my family had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family from South Texas and 91 year old grandfather, celebrated 5 years with the love of my life Clifford, continued to finished my studies on campus for my master, I had 1 great mentor pray for my family and me, I graduated with my master in Dec. 2011, I went to Virginia and New York city to see friends & family, and spend Christmas & New Years with my family.

Life is not perfect and it has its ups and downs. At times you can't control your life because “LIFE HAPPENS”. You are not in control and I really believe the Father in Heaven is in control of your life with the choices you make in life. I did my best to stay positive and be strong for my family this year because I did not want to fall into deep depression with the crazy season that I was had in 2011.

What is ahead in 2012…. many are saying the world will end Dec. 2012. I don’t know what is ahead after Dec. 2012 but I will say that I will make the best of this year after going through 2011. 2012, it will be a year when my writings will be published online or maybe in a book, I will do my best to get my dad’s book published for my family, I will finally find that dream job in teaching, in marketing field or the hospitality industry, I hoped to start my life with the love of my life and plan a wedding this year, & I hoped to vacation in Florida this summer with my mom and my family. I don’t know what else to write as my goals but we will see what to expect in my life. I will need some of the prayer warriors to pray for my family and I. Please pray for my family to be stronger in our faith and not fall. It has been difficult season because our father was leader when it came to things of the Lord. I am doing the best to be a leader as woman of the Lord because it has not been easy. I am trusting in the Lord for the next steps in my family’s life.

Until next week blog, I will see you online.

Isleen

Christmas 2011

2011-12-21T00:21:00.003-06:00

The joys of Christmas as a kid is memorable one for my family & I. The midnight opening presents with my folks on Christmas Day. Hanging out on Christmas day with my folks in our Pj’s to play with our new toys. I wished to be a kid again and turn back the clocks.

This Christmas will be a quite different year for my family because special memories will not be there with my dad. My dad was a big part of our Christmas traditions and shared many gifts. My dad was the one to pick up the wrapping paper after the gifts were torn apart. He was the one to hug you when getting a gift from him. He was one to write a special letter to you to say how proud of you as a dad. It will be emptied this year and I don't know how to take this new season of Christmas.

This is why.... I decided after my graduation to visit my family and friends on east coast instead of Christmas shopping. Christmas shopping has not been on top of my list this season. I love looking at decorations and checking out all the great products in the stores but shopping for others is hard for me. The only shopping I'm doing is for my nieces and my nephew. The important factor in all this is fellowship with others. Loving each individual and thanking the Lord for them. Christmas is about more than gifts. It is about the birth of Christ. The miracle story of Christ coming into this world. It is about families and friends coming together as one. Watching children open their gifts and the huge smiles they have. Eating together and sharing laughter. Watching Miracle 34^th Street for the 100^th time. It about believing amazing miracle on this holiday. It about families praying together. It is about life during this Christmas season. Take the time to enjoy this holiday call “Christmas”. Life is so precious this year.

Isleen

Merry Christmas

圣诞快乐

חג מולד שמח

メリークリスマス

¡Feliz Navidad

I finshed the race to get Master Degree

2011-12-16T23:51:00.007-06:00

“Behind every success is effort… Behind every effort is passion….. Behind every passion is someone with the courage to try…”

Today is one of the biggest days in my life. Today is also the last day of my schooling which I received my master. In my commencement, the speaker said only 8% receives their master and I am one of those 8%. In my immediate family, I am the only one to receive my masters. One gal next to me said she experienced a lot while studying her master. She told me that she had finished her exam online then she had her baby. There is a lot of sacrifice when you have a passion for something more than yourself. While studying my masters in last 2 years.. I have experienced joy, studied a lot in the library, writing late nights, experienced a lot tears, moved to different homes, being unemployed, going into the mission field to preach the gospel, having fears, laughing, having the love in my life standing close to me, have the greatest mentors in my life, meeting new friends, trust in the Lord, lost a dad to cancer. My dad’s last few words to me were to finish my masters. I told my dad I would.. I wanted to be a doctor one day. One day it will happen. I will get my Ph. D when I am 50 something. G-d helped me get through my education with a learning disability and anything is possible in life. As my dad said to me once, “You can do anything and all things are possible with Christ.”

These are the moments with my family and friends at my graduation on a beautiful day in Dallas, TX.

Isleen Rodriguez

Great Ideas for Christmas in the City

2011-12-14T11:47:00.009-06:00

Christmas Time in the City! Today is Wednesday favorite’s because I have been busy with exams, graduation planning and preparing for a vacation at the end of the week. I know a lot of you are busy with preparing for Christmas in last few weeks. I am going to make your life a little easier. I will give you some suggestion on things to do in major cities such as Washington DC, New York City, Dallas TX, Ft. Worth, TX and Arlington TX.

New York City, NY

Ice Skating in Central Park Info

Rockefeller Info

Empire State Building Info

Things to do in New York City Info

Washington DC

10 Things to do in Washington DC Info

Ft. Worth, TX

Sundance Square in Ft. Worth, TX Info

Dallas, TX

Things to do in Dallas Info

Calendar Events for Dallas Here

Arlington TX

Things to do in Arlington Info

True love after 5 years being together

2011-12-02T02:00:00.005-06:00

5 years ago on December 04, 2006, I met a blond hair and blue eye fellow who swept me by my feet in downtown Ft. Worth, TX, one night when I was 26 years old. Little did.. I know that this fellow was going to be part of my life for 5 years of my life. The first week in 2006, I met this fellow and we fell in love while my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer. I told this fellow that my dad comes first and our relationship will be second. He understood this because he dealt with his grandmother having breast cancer 3 years ago before.

This fellow has been part of my life at the beginning of my dad having colon cancer. My prayer was to meet a man who would get along with my father. If this man got along with my father then I knew he would be my husband one day. Clifford hung out with my father when my dad went through chemo and radiation in 2007. I remembered one time my dad had surgery and my dad told Clifford to stop making him laugh. This fellow hung out with my father during family functions, birthday parties, family events, holidays, Nascar, Dallas Cowboys games, traveled with my family and went to church. This fellow has built a relationship with my father. If my dad needed help with something Clifford was on his way to help my dad. My dad was admitted to the hospital on Sept. 2011. I remembered one early morning… my dad called this fellow his buddy. My dad’s buddy was my boyfriend. This fellow hung out with my dad before my father passed away. This fellow cried when my father passed away and this fellow held me in his arms. This fellow has not let me go since my father passed away. This fellow and I have been closer since we came back from Asia this past summer. I thought our relationship was going to fall in the cracks but we became closer when my father passed away. I have asked the Lord if this fellow to be meant in my life which I seemed to feel at peace with this fellow. We try to work through our issues and we are still continued to work through our issues each day. It takes work when you love someone even after 5 years being together. At this point, we are not married. I am glad we are not married and thank the Lord. This season in my life I don’t see marriage. The reason why my family comes first. I chose not to have a wedding right now. I have responsibility with my nieces, my sister, my mother and not a husband yet. When someone you love passes away there is responsibility that you have to take for a while until things are settle in. I can’t see myself picking out wedding dresses in this season when my little nieces need me, my mom or my sister. My family lost a lot this year and it would be selfish to leave them. I do see Clifford as my husband but in about a year. I don’t want to burden my life right now with a wedding. It is not right after my father passes away. I want to get settle in my career and help my family for a year.

My dad sacrifice a lot for his family at the age of 30 years old and I want to do the same to honor him until I am 32 years old.

I love you, Clifford. Thank you for being my best friend and being there for me during this rough year for me and my family. I know the Lord has a plan for us and our future family but the waiting part is the hardest part. He will bless us, I promise you.

These pictures were taken on our first few dates at the companies Christmas parties in 2006.

Isleen

Cyber Monday for Christmas Ideas

2011-11-28T17:10:00.025-06:00

It is Cyber Monday! Today on Monday’s favorites for Christmas which I decided to feature some of my friend’s website for their business. Each one of them has unique talent of what they do. Please check my friend's website to help you shop this Christmas season.

Happy Shopping!!!

Gina

Gina has amazing talent for drawing and makes her drawings come to life. Gina also designs clothing items for children. Gina has her own company call “ Baby Bubble”.

Click on the title of items for more information

Zebra Baby Boots

Toomuchery Girl Booties

White Mary Jane

Baby Boy Sneakers

Floral Pink Baby Girl Booties

Faux Suede Baby Boots

Ivory and Black Baby Booties

Check out @ Gina’s Esty Shop online

Gina’s Website Shop of more of her Products

The crafty art of Gina Mayes - Happy Thanksgiving & Cyber Monday! Use coupon code GIVETHNX at checkout for a 30% OFF your order. Valid 11/23/2011 - 11/28-2011 Only.

Lydia

Lydia Is amazing creator when it comes to design and baby items.

Check out of Lydia's work:

Check here to check out more of Lydia’s Designs on FB.

Emily &; Katy for Thirty-One Gifts

Personalize bag with your name on it. What a great idea to use at work, for projects, or even at home. I have one of these bags at home that I use for my Avon Company. A great price for personalize bag with your name on it or for your children.

Click for Emily’s website

Click for Katy’s Website

In Month of December, for $31 you, spend, get one All- One Organizer, soft wallet, Cinch Sac, Zip-up Pencil Pouch or Flat Iron Case for only $5

Mari

Mari has amazing Tutu for young girls. Her company's name call "Tutu Cute by Mari"

Mari’s website to check out adorable Tutu products here

Mari’s FB Website for her Tutu products online

Rashad

Rashad is amazing photographer that makes your pictures come to life on paper.

Rashad's work:

Rashad's website please click here

Marie

If you don’t want to cook this holiday season for the family or need help for a holiday party to hire a home chef. Marie can teach you to cook with amazing dishes or teach a group how to cook specialty dishes at home.

Marie can give you a great price for you. You can contact @ Marie’s Email

Marie's work:

Research was found on this Blog By : Isleen

Missing a Love One during Holidays

2011-11-21T15:31:00.019-06:00

Today, I was writing on the computer working intensely in my studies then suddenly, I remember the voice of my dad coming home early on Thanksgiving week or on a Holiday from work. He would shout “Woo Hoo” and do a silly dance saying, “I am off from work for a whole week!” Now, the house is empty without joys of my father’s voice. The tears started to shed like water falls from my eyes on to my cheeks. Holidays are the hardest on family members who are dealing with loss. I have never felt like this before… cooking, shopping, decorating are the hardest to do. The family member or friend feels like it is not normal because their love one is gone from their life forever.

You can say to the friend, “Your love one is in heaven with Jesus.” Yes, the love one is in heaven... What about the person who is hurting for their love one during this holiday season? It takes years and years to overcome the loss of the love one. The closer you are to the one who has passed away... it is hard to move forward in life without them in this holiday season or any holiday season.

I see why there is so much depression in this holiday season and so many folks drive themselves to ease the pain away to forget it. At times, I fall asleep to hide the pain away. Others drink themselves away, do drugs, runway on a vacation, and watch TV all hours, shop, & etc. A lot of folks cover their pain to escape. There a lot of hurting people during this season. Remember the ones who are hiding in the corner and crying for the loss of the love ones. Don’t forget about your friends or family even though their love ones have passed away a month, 2 month ago, or even years. Love on them, hug them, shop with them, invite them over for dinner, go to a movie, drink coffee, have a glass of wine etc.. It is still real to most of us each day and it is fight to be normal in our everyday life. Prayers are in need for the person, on the phone, or even with them in person during this season or need a word of encouragement.

Check out this grief website by clicking here This grief website has really helped me in my daily life with small short stories and a verse. There are grief counseling if you have not seek it during the holidays in your local area.

Isleen

Monday’s Favorites on Thanksgiving Week

2011-11-21T10:56:00.010-06:00

Last year was my first time in my life to make turkey and I was successful thanks to YouTube. I didn't even know how clean the turkey.

Pictures from last year.

Before Picture

If this is your first year to make turkey here is the video that I used on YouTube.

Click on YouTube

After Picture

This year, I am taking a break on making a turkey but next year will be my year to make a yummy turkey.

We are all shopping and making dinner list for that perfect dinner on Thanksgiving Day.

Here are some great ideas for your dinner.

Click on the titles for the yummy receipes

Gluten Free Browned Butter Pecan Tart: sinfully simple Thanksgiving dessert

BUTTERNUT SQUASH CASSEROLE W/ COCONUT MILK

Delicious and easy glazed carrots

How to Make the Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Whole Food’s Holiday Recipes

5 Stunning Thanksgiving Cranberry Desserts

Why I am thankful… I recently quoted each day for the last 21 days on my Twitter and Facebook: One quote I will leave you this holiday seasons which will be my last quote on 24^th which is: “I am thankful for my family.” It has been a rough year in my life and my family’s life. The loss of our father in September. It will be hard not to have my dad not cut the turkey this year at family's dinner table. We are giving my 90 year old grandpa and the help of my brother to cut the turkey this year. My family will make new chapters in our book of life this Thanksgiving Holiday Season. We will always remember the wonderful memories of my father during Thanksgiving holiday.

Isleen

Monday’s Favorites for Autumn & Winter Season

2011-11-14T10:58:00.011-06:00

Pre -Thanksgiving Sales about a week away but some of us are budgeting this year because of the economy. I enjoy watching Martha Stewart for neat craft ideas to put together. Here are some great craft ideas to make for little money down for your friends and family members to bless this Christmas holidays. You only have a month to work on your gifts. Get yourself started early before it is too late.

Click here for more info on Martha Stewart's handmade gifts

Or another creative idea is with Star Wars or other character as cookies for gifts.

Click here for article on Star Wars cookie ideas

Lastly, you can shop with Avon Rep. in your locate area. I am selling Avon to help those who are full time moms, full time students or working full time who wants shop on their own schedule. If you can’t get brochure from an Avon Rep. you can go to my store

Instruction on how to shop:

If you live out of area you can get free shipping if you buy $30 or more by click on my Avon Web page. Click on Shop, and then you can browse thru all the brochures. Happy Shopping!!

Click here My Avon Website

Living By Faith- Monday Favorites

2011-11-07T14:15:00.011-06:00

Everyone,

I haven't been blogging lately because of my studies but I am taking a break today online. While I was in China this summer, I loved the fashion of what some of the gals wore. Recently, I was approach online to marketing this company's website from China on my blog. The company's name is call RisingTaste
which it is a wholesale clothing company. Click on the name of company and browse through their cute line of clothes. Prices of these clothes are under $40. Prices start $.30 USD. Check it out!

Looks on RisingTaste website for fall season & winter season 2011-2012

COURAGEOUS MOVIE

2011-10-20T01:39:00.007-05:00

“A man cannot be passive about what Scripture tells him to do for his family and expect to be found faithful to God in the end. He must see with spiritual eyes and realize that future generations are directly impacted by his daily decisions.”

—The Resolution for Men

This past Monday… I saw a movie with North Richland Hills Baptist Church at Rave Movie Theater. This movie made me cry throughout the movie. I will not say too much of the movie
because I do not want to spoil the movie if you haven’t seen it recently. I will say that my
father Dan Rodriguez was Courageous man of his house. He was a man who would protect his
family in prayer or if something bad happen to any of us. I remember one time my dad
would not leave to go to work until this strange car left that sat in front of our house. That
was courageous man! He was a man of prayer. When things went bad in life… dad would call you
up and pray for you. My dad prayed and blessed you even on his last days. My cousin Charity
wrote a blog about my dad on his last days @ http://displacedcaliforniahippie.blogspot.com/2011/09/true-christ-
follower.html .

I am wondering where are the Courageous men of the Lord are? Have Courageous men taken a stand
in their homes? Some men fall into the selfish ways. I remember one time my dad shared with me
on how he had fallen away from the Lord. Money and success started to take a turn in his life
and he forgotten the Lord. His family was not first. Dan was first.
Then, things started to fall apart in many ways until my grandma and his mother passed away in
1997. Dad had a wakeup call on his life with the Lord. I know many men are not perfect but remember you have to leave a legacy for your family. You have a short time on this earth and make every moment count with your family and the Lord. My dad made every moment count and he would tell us when I am gone…. You will remember the words I have said to you. He was right and my dad lived as the Courageous man even at the end. My dad will live in my heart forever.

Today, please make your stand as Courageous man for your family, if you are single for your future family, for your nation if you are in the services, if you are in law enforcement for your city or state, or even for yourself on to the Lord.

Isleen Rodriguez

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Resources:

http://www.courageousresources.com/youandyourhouse Taking a stand in your home with your family

http://www.courageousresources.com/officialresources Resources on what to read

http://www.courageousthemovie.com/themovie Information about the movie

http://www.griefshare.org/ If you are in the season of grief

Steve Jobs and Cancer

2011-10-06T10:57:00.007-05:00

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” — Steve Jobs

I don’t worship Steve Jobs but I was encouraged during this time while I grief for my father in this season of my life. As I look at my Apple products, I think a great man who was the brains behind these products. Someone said that Steve Jobs was our Thomas Edison of our generation. What I have learned Steve Jobs never gave up in his career while he had cancer. He continued to what he loved best was have vision to change the world with Apple products. I am inspired to do something great in my life with the Lord's help.

When you find out someone you love is diagnosed with cancer your perceptive of life changes. You live each day with them like it was their last. I am still carrying hurt of my father being gone and I wish that I could bring him back to life but I can't. My memories of him will continue to live in my heart because I was part of him. Now, I have to hold to my Lord for my everything because Life is all about Lord.

Isleen Rodriguez

Here is article that I found interesting to read below:

Apple CEO Steve Jobs has died at age 56. Apple.com currently shows a solitary photo of Jobs and simply says, "Steve Jobs 1955-2011."

A statement from Jobs' family reads, in full:

"Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family.

In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve's illness; a website will be provided for those who wish to offer tributes and memories.

We are grateful for the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Steve. We know many of you will mourn with us, and we ask that you respect our privacy during our time of grief."

Jobs has been instrumental in many of Apple's hit products, stretching back to 1976 with the Apple I, all the way to the modern-day iPhone and iPad. He revealed to Apple employees in 2004 that he'd been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and underwent a liver transplant in 2009. In late August of this year, Jobs stepped down as CEO of Apple.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Laurene, and their three children. Jobs also has a fourth child from a past relationship named Lisa, after whom he named Apple's "Lisa" computer in 1983.

Apple's board of directors has issued the following statement:

"We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today.

Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.

His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts."

Another statement on Apple's website at apple.com/stevejobs reads:

"Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of use who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences, please e-mail rememberingsteve@apple.com"

New Apple CEO Tim Cook sent the following e-mail to Apple employees:

"Team,

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

We are planning a celebration of Steve's extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email rememberingsteve@apple.com.

No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve's death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Laurene and his children during this difficult time.

Tim”

http://techland.time.com/2011/10/05/ap-reports-apple-says-steve-jobs-has-died/

Interesting You Tube video to check out of Steve Job’s life is @

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc&feature=youtube_gdata_player%0A%0A%0ASent&noredirect=1

A link to learn more information about pancreatic cancer and Steve lived more than 7 years.
http://healthland.time.com/2011/10/05/the-pancreatic-cancer-that-killed-steve-jobs/

A 30 year old woman lessons

2011-09-25T19:05:00.004-05:00

I am turning 31 years old this week...

My 20’s was to explore new adventures in my life such as going to Bible school, travel, ministry, school, living with a family, and friendships. Being 30 this year was quite different for me. These are some lessons that I have learned this year that I did not know when I was in my 20’s:

Jobs come and go but they do not identify who you really are but G-d knows who you really are. G-d will direct you in that dream job no matter what economy looks like from a distance. I watched my dad being successful in his job. My dad brought new ideas to his company and did not worry about being laid off. My dad continued to wake up each day at the age of 57 and went to work happy. I saw my dad modeled this attitude for me and I will continued his legacy to my next job.

Home is a place for a time and season. I learned after three moves that you cannot place yourself forever because it is temporal. There will be new seasons when it comes to a new home. I am ready to be stable but I don’t think I would ever be stable in a home because I feel there is a mission in some unknown country or in a new home.

Material does not revolve my world. My pastor brought up a good point today in church he said are you a different person than you were last year. I was… I did not realize it but I have allowed my life to revolve material. I had so many shopping moments that I can’t count them. This year, I haven’t had many shopping moments and very few of them. I had more moments with my family or friends that I did not need to allow material to take my life or my time.

Children are a gift. Children are a gift but at this point of my life I don’t see myself having children anytime soon. My season with children is to adopt them. My two nieces and my nephew have been my world. I sing and dance with them when I babysit them. When they there are fussing then I give the children back to their parents. I wonder to myself if I will be a good parent one day?….but not right now.

Marriage is on everyone’s agenda but mine is to be one day. I have a wedding planning magazine that I bought myself if I ever need it but at this point no. When marriage will come for me but at this point I am not pushing myself until the right guy asks me even if I am in relationship with him. I want to make sure this special guy wants to grows with me and wake up each morning with me when I am married to him. I can’t push marriage on anyone for now I wait.

Parents are here on earth then they are gone. I learned to appreciate the moments with my parents no matter how much they bug me. My dad used to call me every morning to say good morning and I would say hello in sleepy voice at the beginning of the year. I wish, I had those moments again but now I only have voice mails of my dad saying good morning to me. Everyone if you have two parents still living please tells them that you love them no matter how much you hate them or spend time with them. I had so many wonderful moments with my dad and I wished, I had more wonderful moments with my dad again.

As I turn 31, I will look back of what I have learned this year and continue to grow another year.

Isleen

Ordinary Individual who was a Hero

2011-09-22T10:28:00.003-05:00

Today is a new day for me because it is a new beginning without my dad. A determination to move forward with my studies, and to work again because this is what my dad wanted from me if he was living today.

As, I move forward in my life today, I leave this speech on my blog I wrote for my dad call, “Ordinary Individual who was a Hero.”

“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Christopher Reeve

This was my dad, Dan Rodriguez. He was a hero to all of us. Our Superman. He was also our best friend including me. I had the honor to be his daughter. My dad was a best friend to many of us. Many of us can relate to Dan being our best friend.

For 30 years of my life he taught me so much about life, school, writing, speaking, career, family, sports, to be hero, but also of the Lord. The Lord was close to his heart. He spent many of his days with the Lord on earth and in ministry to others. Dan was a man of prayer and reading the Bible. He spent his last days with his close friends and family praying. Dan had the honor to give blessings to us even though he was in pain. Dad was a giving man. Once dad told me that he never wanted his children or grandchildren to go through cancer. He was willing to die for us if we caught cancer.

Life- Dan was a teacher to all of us. Words can't express how much my dad taught us about life. There were many wisdom lessons that my dad taught us.

Writing- Dad was a writer. Many of you may not know but dad loved to write. My dad & I shared something common with each other, one of them being our talent to write. He wanted to write a book many years ago but did not pursue it. In his last days, we spent some time at night reading his own stories.

Speaking engagements- Dan was involved with Toastmaster when he worked for Mobil Oil. Dan had a way with his words as he spoke in public with confidence. It taken him a lot of years of practice to speak in public but he accomplished being excellent speaker.

Career- Dan obtained his bachelor degree at the age of 30 from Pam Am University. Dad worked for Mobil Oil for many years. My dad loved working Mobil Oil and took us to work sometimes. I remember one summer I got a temp. job working with Mobil Oil at the age of16. My dad and I spent our time together that summer going to work and having lunch together. Those were priceless moments for me working with my dad.

In 99, Dan was laid off from Mobil Oil. Dad went to EDS from 1999-2001. Laid off again because of the economy after 9-11. I watched my dad for 6 months look for a job. My dad was not giving up to find a job and to help his family. Then, my dad landed the Wal-Mart job as assistant manager in 2002. My dad worked a few years with Wal-Mart. He learned a lot about the retail business that made him stronger as person in life. Then, my dad went from Wal-Mart to Safety-Kleen in the Accounting position. My dad was the happiest person when he got Safety-Kleen job because he was back doing what he loved, which was being challenge with numbers. When he landed Safety-Kleen job that is when he got colon cancer and continued to work with Safety-Kleen after he beat cancer. Then, my father moved from Safety-Kleen to QuickSilver. I remember my dad telling me that he was happy to work in the oil industry again. He was happy to being his field again. He felt like he was working his first job at Mobil Oil. My dad loved what he was doing in his career because of the colleagues, the challenges, coming up with new projects, and friendships. Some people strive to be the best and make money but my dad was the opposite. He was man who had humility, who wanted to serve others and give of himself.

Family- Dan was a family man. You bet that my dad received # 1 father's day gifts each year. My dad would not miss any of our important events. As a family we traveled together each year on our family vacations. We ate as family, went to church, and watched lots of movies. Dan was not only a father to us but a father to many. Many of us will miss my father.

Sports- During his off time dad loved to watch sports in person or on TV. Dad told me once that he watched the cowboys when he was young boy and that is why he had a love for the Dallas Cowboys.

To be hero- My father helped us children in times of trouble. When we went through scary moments in our lives which our father was there with us to pray and read the Bible. I remembered as a child being scared when there was tornado in our area. My dad prayed with us to drive the storms away. He did the same thing when I was coming back from China this summer to pray for my safety when there was a typhoon in China and I came home with no issues.

A hero sometimes through weakness with his health...In 2006, I watched my dad as he dealt with colon cancer the first time. It was the hardest moment of his life of going through long weeks of chemo and radiation but my dad wanted to live and go back to work. Dad did eventually went back to work in 2007. Dad went through cancer 2^nd time in his lungs. Dad was a fighter as he went through hand full of surgeries in the past month but my dad continued to fight until he was called home.

Man of the Lord- My dad was man of the Lord. He prayed for you even though you did not know it. He would spend early mornings as he drove work to praying for many of you, at his desk, or in his quiet place. My dad was not flashy about his religion. My dad was not in ministry or pastor but he shared his faith when you were going through something in your life. My dad accepted you for who you were. My dad had unconditional love for you even if you did wrong to him. My dad taught us to be like Jesus and to share your faith no matter.

Dan will always be remembered in our hearts, and as my dad would tell me in his last days, “Look to Jesus”.

Written by Isleen Rodriguez
Picture taken by Nina Perales

Did you feel the mountains tremble?

2011-09-02T14:36:00.006-05:00

One of my favorite songs is by a group name Delirious? “Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble?”

In the beginning of the song the instruments are playing in the back ground which it sounds like you are in desert parts of Australia.

Then Martin Smith comes out and says….

Is it true can G-d save a nation?

Well it is true or I must believe it?

Is it true that G-d can break a nation?

Yes, it is true and I feel it……..

Did you feel the mountains tremble?

Did you hear the oceans roar?

When the people rose to sing of

Jesus Christ the risen one

Did you feel the people tremble?

Did you hear the singers roar?

When the lost began to sing of

Jesus Christ the risen one

And we can see that G-d you're moving

A mighty river through the nations

And young and old will turn to Jesus

Fling wide your heavenly gates

Prepare the way of the risen Lord

Open up the doors and let the music play

Let the streets resound with singing

Songs that bring your hope

Songs that bring your joy

Dancers who dance upon injustice

Did you feel the darkness tremble?

When all the saints join in one song

And all the streams flow as one river

To wash away our brokenness

And here we see that God you're moving

A time of Jubilee is coming

When young and old return to Jesus

Fling wide your heavenly gates

Prepare the way of the risen Lord

In my world right now… I feel like I can’t do anything to cure my dad’s cancer but I can only believe in G-d. I don’t know what I would do if did not believe in the Lord right now. I could see myself in the bar drinking away my pain and sorrows. The pain right now is unbearable that your tears start to dry up and you don’t know where to turn only to hear this song right now.

One part of the song says

And we can see that God you're moving

A mighty river through the nations

And young and old will turn to Jesus

Fling wide your heavenly gates

Prepare the way of the risen Lord

Open up the doors and let the music play

Let the streets resound with singing

Songs that bring your hope

Songs that bring your joy

Dancers who dance upon

Hope! My dad is always there for me even I was in the deepest pain in my life. My dad was a phone call or away.. or he would pray for me. This time, I am here for my father by his side. I hold his wrinkle hand and told him, “I love him.” Last night, I could not sleep because so many things in my mind. My dad put his hands on my head and prayed for me to sleep. I felt the power of G-d all over me and I became sleepily. Sacrifice for one another. I was honor as his daughter that my dad would pray for me. I wish, I could do the same for him but only I can believe in the great healer and not give up for my dad to be heal.

Isleen

China

2011-08-26T00:23:00.009-05:00

Since, I have arrived from China 2 weeks life has been crazy for me. In my last entry, I said my life was going to forever change when I was in this unknown land. When I came back to the states my dad was diagnosed with cancer 2^nd time. It was hard on me and my family. For the last 2 weeks, I was feeling low but I have to be strong for myself and my family. I have to trust in the Lord in my life with everything.

Now, I am going to write about China.

Everyone wants to be on the mission field but it is harder than one can think because there is a lot of sacrifice involved with oneself. These are things that I have learned while being on a short term missions this summer in China. The reason I went to China was to teaching English to a bunch of kindergarten kiddos. ( I miss all the kiddos that I taught this summer).

Food…. You are not used to eat at your favorite food or restaurant in your hometown. I have found cheddar cheese was hard to find in China. I did not eat much cheese in China. There were times when my team went out to eat @ McD’s, KFC, Burger King, and Subway. I did not complained but I found the difference in the fast food in China than here in the USA. I did not care to eat Burger King in the states but in China I did appreciate whatever I ate even if it was rice each night. My favorite dish was fried rice and I found out that I can survive on fried rice with eggs for almost a week. I did try new dishes such as Hot Egg plant that I like to eat.

Clothes-I brought a few cute dresses in China, t-shirts, but very few clothes. I did not buy a lot of shoes but a few.

In China.... American clothes are cool to wear for the Chinese people. English T-shirts are cool to wear. Chinese people wore name brands t-shirts. I even saw guys wear Apple brand T-shirts which I thought it was cool. I haven't seen anyone here in the states with the Apple brand t- shirt yet.

Hair- Some women in China like their hair a different color. I found it was very expense to color your hair at the salon which is around $133. I was thinking of coloring my hair from the box which was a little too expense for me. I allowed a few of my grey hairs to show. I did get a hair cut in China which I found it very cheap. To cut your hair which is around $5.00. Very Cheap! The guy who cut my hair did a great job. I did not take my Chi straighten or Chi blow dryer but I learned to manage without it. I always put my hair back and used Bead head gel to keep it in place. Very little maintain on my hair because there were a lot more things to worry about then my hair.

Environment- It was hard to not be in our own environment. I did not bring a pillow, a blanket to feel at home. It was hard not to have your own car or even talking on your own cell phone. Facebook was not the site you could go on to say hi to your friends or family. It was hard to manage without the stuff from USA . I did not watch TV in China accept to explore what the Chinese people would watch at home. I found there were more things to do because there were less of technology used in China. I was not on my Facebook 24 hours of the day ( China does not allow Facebook). I did spend some time to watch the news online for about 10 min. I spend more time fellowship with new friends, eat my favorite ice cream, watching the sunsets, walking, riding the bus, eating dinner, laughing, shopping... I had time to think and enjoy the moments in China without being distracted with technology. As Americans... we keep ourselves busy with technology that we forget there is a real world with real people away from our computers or our smart phone.

Language- I felt like a lost person without speaking Chinese. We had our friends help us translate when we went out in public. There were times when I had to point or act out of what I was trying to communicate. I did try to speak one word or two but Chinese language is hard to learn.

Family & friends- I missed my family & friends at home. I could not speak with them on Skype because of the time difference. I found a family member who lived in Japan that I had Skype after the school day had finished. It felt good to speak with a family member in the same time zone. One person I missed was my dad. My dad & I exchange emails almost every day and my dad was very encouraged by his words when in China.

Friendships- I met a lot of great friends in China. One of my favorite times was watching Notebook movie and crying with my Chinese friends. I enjoy times speaking with my friends about shopping, hair, shoes, guys, careers, family, babies, school.. etc. I miss those times with my Chinese friends especially getting our hair done at the salon.

My own space- No space in China. As Americans... you have your own space in America but not in China. When you go on the bus, store, subway or anywhere else there is no own space accept in the bathroom or when you went to sleep in your bed. I learned to be flexible with the culture and to accept and not complain.

My emotions- No time to cry being home away home. When I taught.... I had to be patience with my children and be understanding with them in the classroom. I was tired a lot of times and I wanted to sleep but I could not because I had to keep moving until 9pm.

Religion- Americans are very blessed to live in a place where religion and churches are free. We can preach or speak to anyone about the gospel in America. China has a lot of restriction on religion. In China, the churches has to be under the government. My teammates and I were lucky to go to church in China. We went to Christian church call “Passport Church” on Sundays. We had to showed our passport as we walked into church on Sunday. No local people could not show up to church without a passport. It was amazing to worship in a church in China. Also, I was happy to carry my IPhone with my Bible on it. If I was feeling down then I could pop out a verse to encourage me in public in China.

Coming home- Coming home was hard on me to say good bye to my teammates and my new Chinese friends. I miss my Chinese friendships. I cried as I said goodbye to my close friend in China. My roommate in China which I missed even today.

China has forever changed my life.... even today. My life will never be the same again.

You can read more about my China trip with my teammates from Dallas Baptist Unversity @ http://overthepacific.blogspot.com/

Breath of Life

2011-08-15T07:46:00.001-05:00

Everyone….There is soo much I am dealing with right now with my dad being in hospital right now that I can’t say too much but I am hurting inside. I feel it like 2006 all over again for me & my family… I am fighting with tears right now ….. I found a book that my dad wanted put together one day in his office this morning. He had written a piece call “Breath of Life” on 07/27/99. I wanted to share it with everyone because this is what he wanted you to read it at this period of this life.

Breath of Life

Genesis 2:7

And the Lord formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.

John Wilson is a crop duster pilot who sometimes handles pulling banner for advertisement. This assignment for pulling a banner wasn’t anything new or unusual. He had just fuel his tank full to assure enough to compare the job. After connecting the line to the banner being in flight to fly the advertisement, something went terrible technically wrong with the connection and the plane. John noticed he was going straight down toward two men into the airport airstrip. He tried his best to crash where there was no people. Immediately, after hitting the ground, flames erupted everywhere setting the whole plane on fire. When all the flames burst out, he notice an Angelic being as 8 feet tall with curly blonde hair with a white tunic in front of him holding back the flames from touching him. He could hear the two men outside saying, “John has to be dead by now”. It had been at least 4-5 minutes while the fire was burning sending toxic fumes into the cabin and he still had a full tank that could blow up any second.. While this Angelic being held the flames, he also saw the Lord Jesus approach him and start to breathe fresh clean air into his mouth for his survival. The men yelled out at him, “John, if you’re still alive, open door.” John pushed the door open to their amazement. John had escaped from the flames of death with God’s help changing his life forever.

I heard John’s testimony this weekend where he also testified on talk shows of how God delivered him from assured death. He says he longer needs to believe just by faith because he has seen the Lord Jesus Christ with his own eyes who breathed life into him. He was taken to the hospital and not a single of toxic contaminants was found in his lungs. Praise God.

While this testimony is tremendous of the awesome power of God in a time of great trouble, God has been giving us our every breath we breathe everyday since he created Adam and Eve. A drug or medicine can never work on us if God is not in the midst of our recovery. If its your time to come home to the Lord, You will not recover from sickness or a terrible accident if God does not deliver you. “ WE MUST LIVE AS IF THIS IS OUR LAST DAY ON EARTH BECAUSE IT COULD VERY WELL BE! There is no guarantee of live for you or me for the day of tomorrow. We must live for today because tomorrow may never come. The Bible says there is an appoint time of death, then there is judgment. You and I do not know our final day on this earth. EVERY BREATH, EVERY HEARTBEAT, EVERY PULSE BEAT BELONGS TO GOD. It is by his ultimate love and his everlasting mercy that we still live each day given to us. John Wilson had no idea this accident would occur to him, but he is extremely grateful to God that he will testify about him everywhere he goes. God’s delivering power will always pull us from the flames all around us wherever we are. Believe in him because you are believing in VERY BREATH OF LIFE ITSELF THAT HOLD US DAILY.

GOD HAS GIVEN YOU LIFE WHEN YOU HAD NO MORE BREATH IN YOU MANY TIMES. You thought you couldn’t go another day when new life sprang forth in you. When a man/ woman decides to walk on their own without any help from God or anyone, he had decided against life itself because without God’s help, we are out naked and alone in the dark in the middle of devouring sharks ready to feast on our foolish native flesh. Yesterday, seven people responded to our pastor’s call to salvation. “There are still three people who have not responded Yet!” remarked Sony Conaster. Slowly, I saw three more people stand and go forward to receive the Lord in their hearts. It was as if the spirit of the Lord spoke saying, “Resurrect from death, resurrect from sin!” These people heard that voice and RECEIVED NEW LIFE, NEW BREATH INTO THEIR VERY SOUL BRINGING EVERYLASTING LIFE FROM THE ONE WHO GAVE US LIFE THROUGH ADAM FROM THE BEGINNING.

BE READY!

Dan Rodriguez

Prayer warrior please keep my dad, in prayer at this time, Thank you Isleen Rodriguez. Hug over the internet.

I am proud to be American!

2011-07-02T10:42:00.006-05:00

This 4th of July is going to be special to me for many reasons. One reason is to look back on our nation and remember those who is serving or served our nation. We are free in this nation. Looking at my money which says, " In G-d We Trust". You may have traveled to many states in our nation and look at the history of each city. When I traveled D.C, I am amazed of our history and where we have come from since 1776. I am proud to say that I am American and live in land of freedom. One of my favorite songs is America The Beautiful>>>> I love the lyrics to this song>>>

(lyrics by Katherine Lee Bates;  music composed by Samuel A. Ward on the poem and music)

American The Beautiful

O beautiful for spacious skies,

For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain!

America! America!

God shed His grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet

Whose stern impassion'd stress

A thoroughfare for freedom beat

Across the wilderness.

America! America!

God mend thine ev'ry flaw,

Confirm thy soul in self-control,

Thy liberty in law.

O beautiful for heroes prov'd

In liberating strife,

Who more than self their country loved,

And mercy more than life.

America! America!

May God thy gold refine

Till all success be nobleness,

And ev'ry gain divine.

O beautiful for patriot dream

That sees beyond the years

Thine alabaster cities gleam

Undimmed by human tears.

America! America!

God shed His grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea.

A Little Bit of History....

The lyrics to this beautiful song were written by Katharine Lee Bates (1859-1929), a professor of English literature at Wellesley College, Massachusetts, after an inspiring trip to the top of Pikes Peak, Colorado in 1893. Her poem, America the Beautiful first appeared in print in The Congregationalist, a weekly journal, on July 4, 1895. Ms. Bates revised the lyrics in 1904 and again in 1913. In addition to those changes in the words, it is notable that the poem was not always sung to the tune presented on this website ("Materna," composed by Samuel A. Ward in 1882, nearly a decade before the poem was written). In fact, for two years after it was written it was sung to just about any popular or folk tune that would fit with the lyrics, with "Auld Lang Syne" being the most notable of those. The words were not published together with "Materna" until 1910, and even after that time, the tune to be used was challenged to some degree. For example, in 1926 the National Federation of Music Clubs held a contest to put the poem to new, reportedly "less somber," music, but no other entry was determined to be more acceptable. Before her death in 1929, Ms. Bates never indicated publicly which music she liked best, but it now appears likely that America the Beautiful will forever be associated with "Materna."