Merry Christmas!

Today is the most joyful days of the year. We remember the birth of our Savior Jesus. He came to bring us peace, joy, hope and love. Thank you Jesus for the blessings of this year. Continue to bless our lives in many ways.

Last minute Preparations

Like always, I wait to the last minute to finish my homade gifts for my side of the family. I could not find the perfect gift to make for each person. I tried a couple of projects that were a little complicated to finish. I kepts searching for ideas on the web. And finally I came up with my own idea. I will not share with you yet because my family might read this blog and then find out what the gifts are. But after Christmas I will post the pictures of my homemade projects. This reminds me that I forgot to take a picture of one that is already wraped.

I will take the picture of that gift when the recipient opens it. The other gifts are in holiday gift bags so, I am able to take them out, take picture, then replace them in the bag. I will do that later.

I want to thank God for giving me the idea on a few gifts. Yesterday, I went to pick up my items with the holiday voucher that I received. I had mentioned it in an earlier post. A local charity organization gave out vouchers to people in the neighborhood. I was selected from the school to receive a voucher.

The time to pick up the items was yesterday from 1pm to 3pm. I went a little earlier and there was already a line to pick up the items. I waited in line almost an hour before I received my items. Three boxes. One box with non-perishable food, cereal, rice, pasta, tomato sauce, vegetables and a stuffing mix. The other two boxes had Avon products and samples of other household products. With the items came some cute holiday gift bags, holiday stockings, and some mittens. There were also some make up items and two clutch purses.

My daughter quickly took one of the purses. Most of the items, I'm not sure I will actually use. The holiday gift bags will be perfect for my homade gifts. I was thinking to go to the dollar store and get some small bags, but now I do not need to.

My neighbor told me there will be giving away toys at the school today. But I really do not think I want to go. My kids have lots of toys. And like I said before, we are blessed to have enough this Christmas to buy a small gift for all the younger children in our family. So I do not think I should go stand in a line for hours, just to get a toy.

Thanks to our Lord, he has always provided for us each year. And though in the past few years we have almost reached bottom financially. We have always given our children something for Christmas, even if we had to pay with a credit card. This year, I have not had to make use of the credit cards, which is is a blessing. I became more frugal in my spending, worked up a budget and I made sure to save up as much as possible for the end of the year spending.

This season, is also the time husband has less work. But I am sure that we will have enough for the coming months. I trust in God that he will always provide for us.

Have you heard of Hemin Bread?

A few days ago my friend told me about this bread that is similar to the Amish Bread but that is called Hemin bread, the bread of St. Father Pio.

She had to follow a certain recipe for ten days and then split the dough in four parts. Give three parts to friends and then bake a bread with the fourth part. She asked if I will get one part of the dough. I agreed, not thinking there was anything wrong with it. I was familiar with the Amish bread, as a matter of fact I had done the Amish recipe about three years ago.

I still had a little doubt in me, so I decided to do some research regarding this recipe and its origins. I found out is is not true. Read here. It is not endorsed in any way by the Vatican as the recipe says. It is just like a chain letter that should be ignored.

I know that there are certain chain letters that circulate from people to people. They say that you need to make copies and give to others or something bad will happen to you. I have received them in emails too.

I once heard a priest tell his parish that we should not believe what the letter says. We need to burn the letter and not make copies. And we need to pray to God for protection. Since then, I immediately delete such emails and pray to God for protection. God will not let anything bad happen to me. The letter is just a way to scare people and have them keep circulating a certain curse or fear.

Okay, so is this bread dough meant to do the same thing? It claims to bring a blessing to the family that makes it and share it with others. What should I do? Should I throw it away? I read post from others that tried the recipe and they say that the bread tastes bad.

Should I tell the person that gave me the dough what I found out? She was very convinced this will be a blessing to her family.

I am praying to God for advice. I do not think I should continue sharing the dough with others. What do you think, I should do?

4 more days till Christmas

We are getting closer to the big celebration. In our home we gather on Christmas eve to have dinner and wait until 12am to wish each other Merry Christmas, then open the gifts. The kids usually are asleep by that time.

This year we will be with Husband's family. We are getting together here at my house. Since its quite a big family we use the cars garage area. We get all bundled up in warm clothes and we put a plastic in the entrance to keep the wind and rain outside. Hopefully this year we will not have rain.

I am hoping my family could join us also this year. I wanted the kids to do a skit or the talent show for husband's family.

Today is a special day. 11 years ago, my daughter Marah was born. We celebrated her birthday Saturday. Bought her a cake and she invited friends from school and her cousins. Only one friend came, two cousins and my goddaughter. They saw the new christmas movie with the air buddies. Then they watched music videos on cable on demand. The party ended early. And best of all, I did not spend as much as other years and I was not as stressed as other years.

Yesterday, I took my kids to Target and let them pick their Christmas gift. Daughter's choice a Cd of the latest pop star kid. And son chose the chimpmunks new movie soundtrack. I also bought son winter boots. They are a little big for him, but they will last him for a long time. Daughter did not like the styles they had for girls. We do not get snow here, but I wanted them to get them for the rainy season, and they are warm. Since we have those outdoor events.

I will probably write after the Holidays, I will be busy finishing the Christmas gifts and preparing for Christmas eve dinner. Have a great Christmas celebration. Filled with Joy, Peace and Love.

Wordless Wednesday

Christmas Traditions

Every year around this season, all the stores are filled with people buying their christmas gifts to give to family and friend or coworkers. The average gift price ranges from $30 to $35.

Our children's wish list, is mostly toys that they have seen advertised on tv or that they know is the latest gadget out there. The most popular are video game systems.

What have we turned Christmas into? A comercial holiday. And a time to get in debt. I do not know the exact numbers, but I know that a lot is spent this days for gifts and most are bought on credit.

Last year, I decided to go on a debt diet. I decided not to buy things on credit. The interest on credit cards ranges form 14% to 25% . So if you do not pay up your balance completely you start paying interest to this companies. You end up paying more than what the actual item cost you.

All that money that is spent on paying interest could be saved or used to buy things that are needed and useful.

Yes, children should have some toys and be able to play with them but do they need an entire room filled with all the latest toys and the most expensive video systems and video games?

Everytime I go to a store with my child, he wants a toy. He will cry and cry. If Mommy is a good Mom, she will get him the toy. But if Mommy is not in a good mood, she will not get him nothing. Mommy suddenly is a bad mother. Am I? Not granting my child's what he wants makes me a bad mother. Soon he will want the most expensive car ( a real one)!

This year, I made it clear to my children. No Santa Claus gifts for you. The items they have requested are very expensive. With that money we could help a needy family or sent it to an organization that helps feed the poor. But my kids do not want that, they want their toys.

"I want a toy!",screamed my child. "I am sorry, but you will only get a toy if you keep your room clean, do your homework, and have good behavior both at school and at home." And there will be a price limit.

We will change our bad traditions for good Christmas tradition. We will give each other love. We will learn why we celebrate Christmas and what Christmas should be all about. A time for sharing with our family the greatest joy ever. The birth of our savior Jesus! We will give peace, joy, hope and love to each other. We will make gifts for each other made with love. That is what I want my Christmas to be all about each year. I know my kids are mad, but one day they will understand, when they become parents. I hope they teach their children good traditions.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

478 years ago, around this days Juan Diego encountered a beautiful lady on his path. It was our blessed mother, Mary. Dressed in beautiful colors and surrounded by the light of the sun. After a series of aparitions to Juan Diego our blessed mother gave Juan Diego a sign to take to the priest. He told him to pick roses from the mountain. Juan Diego did as our Lady told him. He picked the roses from the mountain and placed them in his tilma(throw or cape). Juan Diego took the flowers back to Our Lady and she touched them. Our Lady told him to take the roses back to the bishop and priests and to tell them she wished to have a church built in her honor at the same place where she appeared to Juan Diego.

When Juan Diego took the roses to the bishop, he open up his tilma and the roses fell to the ground. At that moment the image our Lady was seen reflected on the tilma. The bishops called her Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The image of our Lady of Guadalupe has become a popular icon in Latin America. She is declared the Patron Saint of America.

In my home, I have an image of our Lady in every bedroom and in our Living room we have a the image carved into stone. In my kitchen the image is on a mirror. Every year in Mexico people start arriving to the sanctuary of our Lady of Guadalupe days before the 12 of December. We celebrate her day on the 12 of December.

If you notice the colors of the angels wings, those are the colors of the Mexican flag. It is interesting how many aspects of her image signify something ocurring at the time of her appearance. She is holding her hands in prayer. One hand is lighter then the other, she came to unite two races that where at war, the Aztecs and the Spaniards. The flowers on her dress resemble a unique flower, that is only found on the hills of Tepeyac.

To our family, our Lady of Guadalupe is very special. She is our Mother. She cares for us in many ways. Intercedes for us in many ways. She is Mary. If you do not believe me read Revelations 12:1-2. "...a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet an a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant..."

Renew your Strenght

They that Hope in the Lord will renew their strenght,

they will soar as with eagles wings.

They will run and not grow weary,

walk and not grow faint.

Isaiah 40:31

I read the daily readings almost every day. I try to do this as soon as I get up in the morning. Or if I wake up in the middle of the night and I am not able to sleep. Reading the bible helps me so much. I renew my strenght in God's word.

Is amazing how sometimes what I read is what I need to read at that moment. Like the verse at the beginning of this post. And yesterday's gospel reading from Mathew 11:28-30,

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest."

Rest, I need it. I had some stressful days. And some nights, I only sleep a few hours then I wake up thinking, worrying about the coming up holidays, expenses, and the hospital bill. Then I shake myself and get reminded of another scripture. Mathew 6:27,34 "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

I place all my worries and fears on God's hands and try my best not take them back. Worring would not do me any good. But gain me unrestful nights and huge headache. I sure do not want a headache.

Today's reading from the book of Isaiah 41:13-20, the scripture that spoke to me was: "For I am the Lord, your God, who grasp your right hand; it is I who says to you, "Fear not, I will help you."

"Fear Not", I need to repeat this over and over. I should rejoice in the Lord and be confident that he will always be with me. My problems will not disappear but I will able to go through them with the help of God.

I hope this scriptures have blessed you, as they have blessed me. We are all facing problems of our own. The important thing is that we learn to trust God and believe that what he promises he keeps. Just be patient. Perhaps our reward will come soon, perhaps we just have to wait till we reach eternity. But eventually it will come.

Finding Peace in the Storms

I have been reading a book from author Alice Gray. The name of the book is "Treasure for Women Who Hope". I bought the book two months ago, but had only read the prologue. The book was forgotten on the book shelf and it will probably had stayed there a few years until I finally found the time to read it. But somehow I was reminded of the book. I saw the word Hope everywhere. In blogs, in emails, in scriptures.

On the cover of the book you see a flower the colors are light purple and pink. I thought this was interesting. The word Hope is in purple too. Perhaps this could be a good book to read for the advent season. So I picked it up and took it with me to my doctor's appointment. While waiting in the waiting area of the clinic, I began reading the book. Every word I read spoke to me. The words reassured me that God was with me in my current storm. God was speaking to me through the author of this book. It is amazing the way God speaks to us.

I am about to start the third chapter in the book. But wanted to share with you what God spoke to me in chapter two. The title of the chapter is "Picture of Peace". There is a quatation on that chapter's title page: "Jesus Christ is not a security from storms. He is perfect security in storms" Kathy Troccoli.

Indeed, God does not promise us we will not encounter storms, but he does promise us that he will be there always with us. The author relates a serious of stories some are her own and some are from other Christian authors, in all of them you can see what she is trying to get across to you. In spite of our storms we are able to find peace in them if we get closer to God.

At the end of the Chapter she gives you a verse to reflect on and some questions for discussion or journaling. I liked the verse she chose for this chapter.

"He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers.

His faithful promises are your armor and protection."

Psalm 91:4 NLT

We are protected under his wings. He promises to be our protection. He might not take our troubles away but he will help us find peace within our troubles. I know is hard to understand but somehow when you know this and believe that He indeed will be with you and not forsake you, we see things in a different way. There is a reassurance that everything will be allright. There is a rainbow waiting for us at the end of the storm. That rainbow is our HOPE.

HOPE has become my word for this season of advent. I have HOPE, that my Lord has great things for me in the future. I might be grieving this season but I am also rejoicing that my Lord is with me, comforting me and caring me in his loving arms.

I found a small pillow with a string on it to hang on a door. The word on the pillow is HOPE. I placed this small pillow on the wall facing the entrance of my home. I placed a purple ribbon bow on the string to also remind me that I am preparing for the coming of my Lord and Savior.

I want to thank God for helping me find peace in the midst of my storms. I pray that in this cold weather, the homeless people that live in my neighborhood, will be able to find shelter and warm place to sleep at night. Thank you Jesus, that I have a home and a way of keeping warm in the cold weather. Have mercy of those that are less fortunate and help them find a place to sleep tonight protected from the cold. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

What have I learned this past month?

This past month, I have learned to trust God even more. As most of you know, a month ago on November 8, I went to the hospital with a terrible pain on my abdomen. Not knowing that I was pregnant or that I will eventually have a miscarriage. In the months before this happened, I had decided to no longer avoid getting pregnant. I wanted another child. But I will still a little scared. Scared of what?

I know that I should not be scared. God is with me. He will not let anything bad happen to me. My two children were born by cesarian. I have heard that you only are able to have three children by cesarian. I think I waited to long to decide, I should get pregnant again. Plus I did not consult a doctor before to make sure I was ready to get pregnant again.

It was a great joy for me when I was told I was pregnant again. But that joy lasted a few days. In the hospital, I was told that I might have an ectopic pregnancy or perhaps I had a miscarriage but they needed to further evaluate me to determine either diagnosis. I was faced again with fear.

When I was in the hospital waiting to get results from the blood test and ultrasound, I prayed. I asked God to help me. "Lord you have blessed me with this child, I pray that your will be done and not mine."

I was told of the possible treatments if indeed it was an ectopic pregnancy. I was now faced with making a decision. I reached a very weak moment in my life. What should I do? "Lord I need your help!" I called the Priest from my parish and he prayed with me and told me God was with me and whatever I decide, he was sure that God will be okay with my decision.

I made my decision, but God had other plans. When the doctor in charge came to speak to me, he made me change my mind. He wanted to be sure that the baby was indeed in the tubes before we made any drastic decisions. The doctor told me to go home and wait a few days for more tests. As the days went by I prayed even more. "Lord let your will be done."

As the days went by and more tests were done, we finally knew that I had a miscarriage. The pregnancy was not able to continue. Only God know why? In a way I was relieved that this happened in a natural way. I did not caused it. But I was also sadned. I had lost a child. Even though, I do not know what the gender was, it was a child. From the moment of conception it was a gift from God, that he decided to take back.

So what are my feelings now? I have hope. I have hope that God will reward me with something good. I know that his plans are for my good. I have learned to trust in him in all times. Not to fear. If he decides in the future to bless us with another child, I will not fear. I know that God will make everything possible for me to conceive and give birth to a child. I no longer say a "healthy child". Yes, we should want a healthy child, but what if we have a child with down syndrome? We will love him or her the same. No matter what his condition is, he is still a gift from God. All children are gifts from God.

I recently saw a testimoy of a man that was born with a problem in his brain, his hands are crooked and he has problems speaking. In spite of his discapacity, he is able to drive a taxi to earn money to sustain his family. He is married and has a daughter. If his parents had given up on him, he will be probably not had been able to do the things he does now. His older brother gave him massage therapy when he was a child. His brother encourages people to do this massage exercises with their children with dissabilities. The man's mother says she never gave up, she had faith that God will help her. This man's story helped me to see how marvelous are the works of God. God can use anyone, even people with dissabilities for his marvelous works. People who meet Salvador, the man with the dissbility, speak of how much this man has helped them.

"Lord thank you for your love and mercy on me." I thank God for the great things he has blessed me. He has used this situation in my life to help me grow stronger in faith and trust in Him. "Lord I will continue to trust in you." Thank you for your prayers and comments.

Preparing our Hearts

We have began a new season. In Christian Churches as well as in Catholic Churches we celebrate the season of Advent. Advent is the four weeks before Christmas when we prepare our hearts for the joyful celebration of Jesus' birth as our savior.

Advent is a very special time in our Christian communities. Many people like to use advent calendars that they use in very different ways. Some advent calendars have special surprises for the children. Some families like to do something special for someone in their family. Or they like to meditate on scripture each day during the advent season.

I do not have a specific way of celebrating advent. But in the last few months that I have been bloging, I have met some very devoted Christian friends. They all have share very unique ways of celebrating this advent season. My sister, attended an advent party at her new parish. She had never heard of advent parties or even of all the great ideas people have for celebrating advent. She was so excited about what she had learned, that she sent me all the information in the mail.

This year, I decided to do something very special with my family, this advent season. We will get together each evening and read a story from the bible. We will learn about God's family from Adam up until the birth of Jesus. We will place special ornaments on our tree that remind us of this stories. This are called the Jesse tree ornaments.

We also made a advent calendar. I printed out a tree from dtlk-kids.com with spheres that have numbers on them 1-24 and a star for Christmas. Behind each sphere, I wrote the name of someone in our family. We will pray for this person and do something special for him or her on that day.

There is so much information online for great advent activities you can do with your family. I hope that what I teach my children now, they will also share with their own children. I pray that this advent season my family members who do not have a personal relationship with God, will get closer to God. I pray for good health for all of us and that broken relationships will be mended. I pray all this is the powerful name of Jesus. Amen

Now I invite you to visit Holy Experience for more encouraging posts.

Every Wednesday, we Walk with Him, posting a spiritual practice that draws us nearer to His heart.

Advent Season

On Sunday we began the advent season. Four weeks of preparation for the greatest day of the year. Christmas is a very special celebration for us as Christians. We celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus.

This past Sunday, we light the first candle of the advent wreath. At our parish, my husband, son and I lighted the first candle. My daughter served as an altar server that day. It was very special to me. That morning husband told us he will be coming to church with us. It is a joy for me to have my husband join us at church. The Sister in charge of the Faith Formation classes asked us if we could light the candle. She wants each family in the first communion classes, to participate during the liturgy, each Sunday during this advent season. And we were the first family to participate this week.

At home, I removed all the fall decorations and placed them in their box in the storage room. I then took out all the boxes that contain all the Christmas decorations. The children put together the tree. We had our tree for about 12 years and even though I keep saying that I will get a new one, we keep using the same one.

This year, I think I will keep things simple. I bought some new ornaments and some garlands for the front entrance. Most of the decorations that I will use are things I have obtained over the years. The tree decoration is not always the same each year. It all depends on what color I choose for that year. This year, I chose purple, pink and gold. For the rest of the house I will be using the traditional colors: green, red and white.

The living room is a mess at the moment. I have some boxes with the christmas decorations that I will not be using. Another box with all my ceramic houses that I like to put on display each christmas season. I have not yet taken this out. I have not decided yet where to put them. My living room is small and adjacent to the kitchen.

I need to also spend some time decluttering the attic rooms. That room in the attic looks like a jungle. I do not like how it looks and it need to be organized and the floor cleared of boxes and stuff that need to be donated or just trashed. I just do not know how it gets so messy. I have gotten rid of some much stuff, and more stuff keeps apearing in that area.

The problem is that what ever is not needed in the other rooms ends up piled in this room in baskets or boxes. Toys, clothes, books, in one word clutter. I think I need to refresh on the things I learned from the Flylady system. I want this new year to be welcomed with a clutter free home. So this four weeks of advent, I will be working on decluttering the attic.

My goals for this advent season. In my home, declutter all the rooms. In my spiritual walk, to spend more time in prayer and return to my daily scripture readings.

THANKSGIVING FIESTA!

Once again our Thankgiving dinner at my Mother's house was amazing! The food was ready on time and we all gathered at the table and thanked the Lord for the food and the blessings. After our dinner we had the talent show with the kids. They are great for improvising their acts. No dress rehearsals, no days to practice what they will be doing. They just do what ever comes to them in that moment.

After the talent show we took some family pictures. Here are some of the pictures I took at our family Fiesta.

This is my family. My kids and husband.

This is my Mom and her five children,
Rosario (the oldest), Erica, Idalia, Ernie, and Griselda ( the youngest)

Here are the grandchildren. Dressed in Mariachi outfits.



Son's imitation of Elvis and his dancers. I wish I had video of this performance.
Son was so funny, he even droped to the floor and played his guitar, like a real performer.

The children had dressed in so many outfits for their different dances. They like performing
the songs of their favorite pop stars. Plus they had some ethnic dresses. From Mexico, China,
India, Spain, and Arabia. My sister finds the costumes at thrift stores and has a room
full of this costumes. Ready to be worn by the children in their talent show.
The children only perform at family events. But the main part is that they love it.
They enjoy performing for us their parents and their grandparents.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

I will be spending Thanksgiving day at my Mother's house. I will probably not have time to view updates or write a post this week. I have been quite busy this few days getting my house back to normal. I do not like to leave my house a mess when I go over to my parents house. I hate coming home to a messy house. I am not sure if husband will join us or stay home and celebrate thankgiving with his side of the family.

I am happy to spend thankgiving with my family this year. I love spending the holidays with my family. We all gather around the table and share or blessings. We pray for our food and then enjoy what we all helped prepared for that day.

My sister organizes a talent show with all of our kids. There are six children in all, ranging from 12 years to 2 years.

I hope you all have a blessed Thankgiving day. I will try to post pictures of our thankgiving dinner sometime on the weekend.

Walking with Jesus Wednesday

Every Wednesday I share a post at Holy Experience with other blogers. This week I have not written a post yet. I have been quite busy getting back to normal with house chores and managing the finances.

I went through a rough week,as you all know from previous post. I have not stoped praying. I keep asking God to heal me, physically, and emotionally. It is hard to know that you are pregnant and later be told, you are no longer pregnant. My body is going through the changes too.

I am taking things easy. I have not done much in the house like other days. I have ask my children to help with moping the floors and vacuuming. I have done a few loads of laundry. But I ask daughter to change the clothes from the washer to the dryer. I am just taking care of myself. I do not want to go back to the hospital.

Spiritually, I have been praying the rosary. I have been reading my bible or listening to the readings on the radio. I know that I have many friends and family that are praying for me. Your prayers have helped me to not fall into a depression mode. My Lord Jesus has been so close to me. I went to Mass on Sunday. Not at my parish. Mass at my parish starts at 8:30 AM and we had to go pick up my kids at my Mother's house. So we went to the Cathedral for the 2PM Mass.

I went to my Parish on Monday to speak to the Priest, but I think they were at a retreat this week, because the church office was closed. I left him a message on his voice mail to call me.

I have a good friend, a very devoted Catholic lady. I have spoken to her on the phone a couple of time this week. She encourages me in many ways. I know that she is praying for me too. I enjoy talking to people who are very devoted to prayer. I feel that presence of God in them and it radiates to me just by talking to them. It is a very healing experience.

I keep encouraged by your comments. Also by reading posts by other blogers that I follow. I am slowly healing, and I know that this experience has helped me to grow stronger in my Faith.

I continue to walk with my Jesus and when I am weak he carries me in his arms.

Sad News

I had another appointment today. A blood test confirmed the sad news. I had a miscarriage. I have been through a roller coaster of emotions since the day I was admitted into the hospital. To find out that I was pregnant was a wonderful thing. To be told I might not have a normal pregnancy was terrible for me. I was filled with fear, but I never lost my faith. I turn to my God and cried out to him daily for guidance. I let go of my fears and gave God full control.

I am also happy that I did not have to go through a surgery or to have the injection. Everything happened naturally. I am not sure why? The doctors do not know why either. Yes, I am sad. But I am also hopeful, that perhaps in the future I might try again and be able to bring the pregnancy into full term. If it is God's will of course.

I still believe my God is powerful and an amazing Father. He know what is best for me, and he knows my weaknesses. I am thankful to have great spiritual mentors. My Mother has been a great help too. Lots of people have prayed for me.

I thank you for your comments and prayers. God bless you all.

Still Waiting

This song, "While I'm waiting", says it all. Everytime, I hear this song, it uplifts me. Lord, I let your will be done in all of this. I am in pain. I have faced my fears. All I need to do is surrender it all to you and let you work. You make the decisions. I love you Lord. I will never loose faith in you. Thank you for all the great things you have done for me. Thank you for all the wonderful people that are praying an believing for me. Forgive me for doubting at times. Strenghten my weak moments. I pray in your powerful name Jesus, Amen.

Recovering

I am slowly getting back to normal. On Thursday, I spent all day at the Hospital's clinic. I was told I had appointment at 10 am. Apparently the appointment was not in the system, and I had to wait to be seen. I did not leave the hospital until 5 pm. Was told to return next day for more tests and to make final decision.

Like I told you before, I had a positive pregnancy test. The problem was that the ultrasound done did not find a pregnacy in the right place and the doctors suspect in might be in the tubes. They call this an ectopic pregnancy. I was told there are to ways to treat this. One is surgery to remove the affected tube. The second one is an injection similar to chemoterapy. This injection dissolves the pregnancy and has many other complications. When I read them and all the information. I felt sick.

I spoke with my husband and explained everything to him. I spoke to the priest of our parish for counsel. I am thankful for all the support that I am getting from family and good friends. They all want what is best for me. As a Christian faced with this challenge, it was a very hard for me to decide. But I made my decision. To leave things in the hands of God. I am not going to do anything that harms me or harms my baby. If indeed I am still pregnant, I pray that God will make everything possible for this baby to continue growing in its right place. If the baby is not in the correct place, I pray to God that he will do everything for the baby to get to its right place or let the doctors be able to see its there for the necessary procedure to be done in time before the baby continues to grow and harm me.

The blood test indicate that I might had a miscarriage. But the doctors can not confirm it yet. Yesterday that I saw doctor, I told her that I am feeling much better. I do not want to do injection. I want to wait until they confirm that I had a natural miscarriage. Or to see if the ultrasound will be able to detect a normal pregnancy. She agreed. I told her that I need some rest. This past week has been a hard week for me. She said to go home and rest this weekend and on Monday return to have more test done.

I took bus to my house, I walked for a couple of block to connect to another bus route that will take me closer to my home. I got home fine. I felt fine. But in the evening, I began to feel lonely. My body is reacting to all this ups and downs, and I think I might of had some sort of depression moment. I did not wanted to be alone. I call my neighbors to come and talk to me until my husband got home. My children left to my mother's home for the weekend. They are celebrating my nephew's second birthday.

I told Mom, I wanted to stay home in case I felt worse and I could go to hospital were they already have my record of the past events. They all wanted to see me this weekend. But they understood. My neighbors are very nice ladies. They talked to me and cheered me up. They listened to me and I was able to let go of my fear. I also spoke with the priest on the phone and prayed.

I know that my God is with me and he will not let anything bad happen to me. I thought of those women that go through this and do not have this kind of support. I prayed for them. Lord, send this women someone that cares for them. Make them feel loved and protected.

This morning I feel much better. I ask you to continue praying for me. Depression hits anyone no matter the race, or how much faith they have. Pray for all those women out there who do not have spiritual support. May God bless you always. Amen

Walking in Faith and Obedience

This past weekend my Lord Jesus has shown his great mercy and grace upon me.

I had decided a few months ago to be obedient to his word and believe that he has great plans for me. I was no longer going to impose my own will. I surrender my all to Him my Lord and savior.

I was open to the possibility of getting pregnant again, three months went by and nothing. I figured it is not God's will yet. I have not seen a doctor for almost two years and I had been procrastinating to make an appointment to make sure I was in good health.

God knew this and I believe it was him who alerted me of what I know today. Since Friday of last week, I was feeling uncomfortable. I knew I was almost due for my regular period, and it all seemed like it will start soon. I started getting pain on the right side of my abdomen. I thought the pain was related to my menstrual cycle. As the days went by the pain got worse.

Sunday Morning after church, the pain got worse. I asked husband to take me to the ER. God was with me all this time. I was quickly triaged and some test were done. The first diagnosis, "you are pregnant" What? I was happy yet at the same time worried because I was getting this pain. More test needed to be done.

The ultrasound did not show a normal pregnancy. The doctor thinks it is to early to see it or it may be an ectopic pregnancy. They explained everything and suggested I should be admitted into hospital for further test and monitoring. I agreed.

Can you imagine if I had stayed home and not gone to hospital. If indeed the pregnancy is in the tube and keeps growing, it may burst the tube and I could bleed to death. The pain was a warning sign that something is wrong. I have a friend who is a pediatrician and she always tells me if there is pain, something else is going on.

In this world we use pain killers to die out the pain but we rarely try to get to the root of the problem. I have a book that I was reading but did not finish reading. Where is God When it Hurts? by Philip Yancey. I thought the title was interesting so I bought it and began reading. In the first part of the book, "Why is there such as thing as pain?" the author explains why we need pain.

Nobody wants to be in pain, but according to the author pain is a gift. It is a way for us knowing there is something wrong with us. He described the illness of leprosy. Leprosy is a disease that has existed for ever since the bible times. Lepers loose all sense of pain and that is why they do not feel when they are hurt. I did not know this? I have not read the book completely but it is a great book with lots of interesting information regardin pain.

I thank God for the pain I experienced. I was able to get quick attention at hospital and we were able to know that I was pregnant. I now need to wait for more test and hope that this is a normal pregnancy and that baby will grow to full term. Only God knows what the future holds. And I have put all my trust in him. He will not give more than what I can handle.

His message for me today in his word is,"Stand up and go; your faith has saved you." Luke 17:11-19. This is what he told the leper that returned to thank him for healing him. My God is a healer. My God is my strenght and my hope. Jesus I trust in You.


Now I invite you to visit Holy Experience for more encouraging posts.

Every Wednesday, we Walk with Him, posting a spiritual practice that draws us nearer to His heart.

Prayer Request

Hi Everyone. I will make this short and simple. On Sunday I was admitted to hospital for a bad pain on right side of abdomen. Test were done to determine the problem. First diagnosis. I am pregnant. Second diagnosis it might be an ectopic pregnancy. Had to stay in hospital for lots of tests and to determine what to do. Today, I was sent home. We are not sure yet what will be the final outcome. We are praying that God will work in me a miracle, and pregnancy will continue without complications. If indeed I have an ectopic pregnancy this could be dangerous for me. I spoke with my Priest and he is praying for me. Lots of people already praying for me too. The Doctor wants to wait longer before we decide anything. Will get another test on Thursday. I am now home. I am still in a little pain. So I will try to stay in bed and away from computer room. Will give you update on Thursday.

Its Here!

My new washer has arrived. I am already washing husband's work clothes. I am so glad that laundry will be done on time and no more trips to the laundromat.

Today I was at school all morning. I am taking teology classes in Spanish. In the first class we are learning all about the bible. In the second class we are learning of Mary and the Saints. And in the last class we are learning about the first Fathers of the Church. The classes are once a month and in each we have assignments to do for homework. So I will be very busy studing and doing my homework. This is my first year, and I plan to continue taking this classes to learn more about the Catholic Faith.

Please keep me in your prayers. My Husband is not very supportive of my desire to take this classes.

I have not been feeling well physically either. Last night I had a pain in my lower abdomen and I could not sleep. I was thinking of going to Hospital if the pain gets worse. I have been procrastinating to make my medical checkup. I will try to make appointment on Monday.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Reconciliation

Reconciliation or Confession is another sacrament of the Catholic Church. The seven sacraments are : baptism, reconciliation, Holy Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, Annointing of sick, and Priesthood.


I already wrote about the Eucharist or Holy Communion. I will be writing on each sacrament in later posts. Today I want to focus on Reconciliation.


Reconciliation or Confession is when you confess your sins to a Priest. The Priest has authority to forgive you from your sins, ask you not to do this again, gives you a penance or assignment to do and you are free to go. Many will object to this saying, that it is not necessary to go to a priest, just confess your sins to God. I agree with that, because that is what I had been doing for about twelve years. I believed that God hears me, and if I get on my knees confess my sin, he will forgive me. I did not think it was necessary for me to go to a Priest.


Now that I am back in the Catholic Church, I had to find out more about Reconciliation. And all those other things the Catholic Church teaches. I have been reading books and searching in website for information that will clarify or make me see the truth. I came upon this book, "Rediscovering Catholicism" by Mathew Kelly. In Chapter 12 he speaks about Reconciliation and he quotes a scripture.


John 20:19-23 , In this scripture Jesus is praying over the Apostles and says to them in verse 22 and 23,"Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." Here, Jesus is giving his Apostles the authority to be able to forgive others their sins.

After reading this passage, I was still in doubt. Where else in the bible does it say that we need to confess to a priest. I began searching for answers to my questions. I came upon many articles about reconciliation. One of the websites that was helpul for me was Catholics come Home.

At this website I found the section regarding Reconciliation

Okay, so the Catholic Church says that this has been done for many years and that Jesus Christ initiated it by giving his Apostles the authority to forgive sins. I was not convinced immediately. It has taken me time to adhere to this sacrament. To me, is just much easier to get on my knees and ask God for forgiveness right there in the comfort of my own home.

I had to ask God to forgive me for not doing things the way the Catholic church teaches. I have asked God to keep showing me, where I should read in the bible to confirm to me that it is necessary to go to a priest.

Since I returned to the Catholic Church, I have gone to confession, three times. I went to my Sister's parish the first time. The Father also converted into the Catholic Church before his ordination. The second time, was the same day my daughter had her first confession. I did not know what to say that time. I am still unsure of what to say. I told the priest that I had just returned to the Church. and I was not in agreement with many practices of the Church. He said my sins had been forgiven, that I should try to attend church more often and get closer to my family members who are active Catholics.

The third and last time I went to confession, was about 8 months ago. This last time I felt I needed to go to Reconciliation. I had come to the conclusion that using birth control methods was wrong and I was going against what God teaches. I felt bad for voting for people who are pro-choice, and I felt I needed to reconcile with God for this. I could had done this at home, like I always do. But instead, I felt God calling me to Reconciliation. I felt so much better after confession.

I respect anyone's opinion on this subject of confession. I think is a matter between you and God. If you feel much better going to the priest, that is your choice. I personally do not think, I must go to a priest. I believe that God forgives you, if you confess your sins with a sincere heart and do your best not to sin again. I ask God to tell me what he desires for me. If he lets me know I must go to the priest, I will go to the priest. That is why prayer, and daily immersion in his word the bible is important. God always lets us know what His will is for us.

Celebrating 100 posts!

I can believe this is now my 100th post today. Wow! I wrote my first post back in the end of July of this year 2009. Three months have gone by since that day. Today I will like to give you a list of the things that I am thankful for, in this last three months.


I want to also share with you a list of Blogs that have encouraged me and that have helped me be a more organized person in my home. Also some great blogs that help me teach my children more about the Saints with coloring pages, crafts, and activities.


The three things that I most thankful for are:


1. I have developed a closer relationship with God thru prayer, reading his word, and journaling. Thanks to Ann's blog Holy Experience.


2. I have met lots of other Moms, that have the same problems as I with our children and our spouses. I get encouraged by their stories, and I do not feel that I am the only one going through this same problems.

3. I have made new friends that encourage me with their comments to keep writing posts. God uses me to speak to others. If it wasn't for Jesus in me, I will not be able to do it alone.

Here is a list of the blogs I follow that have been helpful to me this last 3 months.

Shower of roses

Holy Experience

Coming Clean

(in)courage

Waltzing Matilda

Foreverknit 2gether

Getting Down With Jesus

become what you are

Lord, Make me a Saint

Meet Me at the Gates

There are more blogs that I follow, but this are the ones that have encouraged me more, in my life at home, and in my walk with Jesus.

Thank you to the wonderful women behind those blogs. You have been a great inspiration to me. May God bless you, in all you do. Amen.

The Eucharist

According to the Cathechism of the Catholic Church here is a brief explanation of what the Eucharist is and what it means to a Catholic.


ARTICLE 3 - THE SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST
1322 The holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist.

1323 "At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet 'in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.'"[133]

The Eucharist is the term used by the Catholic church for the Holy Communion.

In order to be able to receive Holy Communion, for the first time within the Catholic Church. A Catholic has to first had received the sacrament of Baptism which is the initiation sacrament into the Church. It is also common to start Holy Communion preparation at around 7 or 8 years old. A child has to be able to know how to read and write in order to be prepared for the sacrament. It might take up two years for the preparation process.

During preparation a child will learn all about the Mass and the traditions of the Catholic church. They will learn about each sacrament. They will learn prayers. And they will learn what the Eucharist is and what it means for us to receive Holy Communion. When the child is ready for receiving Holy Communion, first they need to fullfill another sacrament. Reconciliation or first confession. The child is taken to the priest, to confess his or her sins. You are probably saying what sins does a child have? Well, perhaps none, but it is a process that needs to be met and this teaches the child that Reconciliation is necessary to be able to receive Holy Communion. I will explain more later.

The day of the First Holy Communion is now here. The children are very anxious and excited about this very special moment. And why is it so special? As Catholics, we believe that God is ever present in the blessed Holy Eucharist. When we receive the Eucharist we receive Christ. That is why, it is so important to receive him with a clean heart. He abides in us. To us Catholics, Holy Communion is not just a symbol, to us is a very special moment.

The Eucharist to me has lots of meaning. I feel closer to my Lord every time I receive communion. Jesus is there present in the bread and the wine. His love surrounds me at that moment and I am filled with His Spirit. Is such an amazing time for me.

I do not partake of the Eucharist if I had an arguement with Husband or I am mad with someone. I discipline myself by abstaining from the Eucharist until I have reconciled with my Husband. The day that I am not able to receive my Lord in the Holy Eucharist, I feel sad. I know that God is forgiving and he call us to his table. But I rather not partake if I know that I have sinned.

I have not gone to confession in quite a long time. And I feel I need to go soon. Reconciliation or confession is not an obligation but it is necessary for your well being. When you release your sins and receive forgiveness from them, you feel much better. I will probably write about each sacrament on my next posts. For now I wanted to let you know how the Eucharist has been the one thing that has brought me closer to God and to have a better understanding of my Catholic faith.

Now I invite you to visit Holy Experience for more encouraging posts.

Every Wednesday, we Walk with Him, posting a spiritual practice that draws us nearer to His heart.

St. Martin de Porres Day

Today is St. Martin de Porres Day. We also consider St. Martin a favorite one in our home. Once we had a cockatail bird that got injured with a wire. We thought he will die. We prayed to St. Martin de Porres and too St. Francis of Assisi to help the bird. Our bird did not die. He got better in a few days and we return him with the other birds once he was better.

We saw a movie of the life of St. Martin de Porres. He will talk to the little animals and will feed them.

I was looking for a coloring page and I came upon this blog. Paperdali is the name of the blog. Visit their blog, download the picture.

Dia De los Muertos

Today in Hispanic American Countries the day of the Dead is celebrated. It is a costume or tradition to visit the cementaries and spend the night there praying keeping the dead company. Sounds outrageous but is true.

I do not take part of this tradition. I remember my lost loved ones, just praying for them from the comfort of my own home or at church during the Mass.

We had a nice Halloween Day. We attended our Parish Harvest Festival. My kids played games and made crafts. After the Festival we went home for our first year family potluck. My neighbor, Husband's family and us, got together and made a costume party for the kids. There was lots of food, two pinatas, and lots of candy.

When evening arrived, most of the other parents took their children trick-or-treating. My kids stayed home. I have told my children the reasons I have for not participating in that tradition. The others say, that I should let my kids go.

I made it clear to them, you deal with your children how you want. But as long as this two are in my household they will do as I say. I am so glad husband does not go against my decision.

So why do I abstain from this traditions of trick-or-treating. A few years back we heard in the news how kids were being poison with candy on halloween night. That is one reason. The second is that we also heard a testimony of a ex-satanic worshiper who told our Parish the things they do on Halloween night to hurt those out trick-or-treating. My husband's family says I believe everything.

Is not that. I care for my children, and I will do anything in my power to protect them from harm. So I do not let them go trick-or-treating and I do not allow them to wear scary costumes either. They participate in their school's harvest festival, the church's harvest festival and that is it! They do not need candy. Every time we go to parties and they get goody bags, I end up throwing out most of the candy because they do not like it. So what is the purpose of taking them trick-or-treating? Just for fun?

Another reason, I do not like going door to door, is our neighborhood. And also in past years we heard that kids get kidnapped and hurt on Halloween. Last year at a neighbor city party many people were injured. So you see my concern. I know most of you my readers will agree with me. I hope that my Husband's family will see my point of view one day.

All Hallows Eve

Yesterday at my children's school they had their annual Harvest Festival. Is not like the Harvest Festival's I remember from my own school days. They do not have a parade in their costumes. They have booths with games and food booths to raise money for school field trips. At the game booths they play a game to win a ticket. They exchange their tickets for small prizes like at Chuckee Cheese. My Son only won one ticket. And he exchanged for a small toy rattle with a punkin face on it.

Daughter was part of the Haunted Library. She was the door monitor taking the tickets from the children who entered the Haunted Library. The tickets to enter cost $3 each. Son wanted to go into the Haunted Library. I gave him the 3 dollars to purchase his ticket. I waited at the exit for him. I heard lots of screaming children. I hoped he will not be too frighten. The door opened and out came a bunch of screaming children. Son was telling all his other friends, how scary it was in the Haunted library. But he did not seem at all scared. There were a few parents that went in along with their children. One kindergarten girl was crying when she came out. Daughter told me that it was scary in there. Maybe next year I will enter the Haunted Library to see how scary it is.

The first grade class was selling tacos and fresh fruit beverages. They sold out even before the event was over. Each taco was $1. Another class was selling hotdogs and another class sold nachos. So in all all the children seem to have fun. I like our Harvest Festival because we always have the presence of local police officers talking to the children and making the kids are safe. The school gets lots of donations from local business to fund this event.

Today is a normal day at school. But since its the last Friday of the month kids get Free Dress day. No uniforms today. And they wear an orange t-shirt if they want.

Tomorrow is Halloween. We will be attending our Parish event for the children. And at home, my neighbor thought we should have a potluck party to celebrate Halloween. In the past since her birthday is Oct.28. She will make a costume party for the children and also celebrated her Birthday.

A Christian Church in our neighbor city is hosting a Harvest Festival too in the evening. The kids got a flyer at their school. Lots of safe alternitives to replace the traditional trick-o-treating house to house. I have to go now to take children to school. Their morning carpool called in sick. I will try to post pictures later.

The enemy is Mad!

Our enemy the devil is mad and there is a reason why? There is a song that my children love to sing in Spanish.

The Devil is mad, and there is a reason why,

Jesus Christ is in my heart.

All my sins He has forgiven.

I love my brother

there is a reason why

Jesus Christ is in my heart

And all my sins he has forgiven.

I know that everytime I start reading my bible daily, and spend more time in prayer, thing start getting worse. Please do not get discouraged if this happens to you. Our enemy the devil gets mad that we are spending time with God in his word. He knows soon he will not be able to have control over us. That is why he starts creating trouble among us to discourage us.

Last night, I let the enemy attack. My mouth spread out all the venom he wanted to spread in my home. I confess, I just could not control my emotions any longer. I bursted at my husband and the bad part was that my children heard everything.

I know I did wrong. I wish I could rewind and make things better but is not possible. The damage is done. And that is exactly what the enemy wants. He wants to destroy families. He wants to have children grow up fatherless. I am a product of a broken marriage. And believe me, the last thing I will want for my children is to go through the same life I went through. But sometimes you just get fed up of certain things and you wish things were different.

But God does not want us to give up. He has promised that he will be with us through good and bad times. I need to reach out to him and let him strenghten me in my weak moments. I felt bad last night. I blamed myself for my actions. Then this morning I heard from sister, that she had fallen and spent night in hospital. She said she felt depressed. I looked back at my own incident and I realized this has to be the enemy working against my family. I have been praying for my sister this week. Now, I will not get discourage. "If God is for us who can be against us." Romans 8:31

Jesus won the battle for us when he died on the cross and was raised to life. So we should not get discouraged. We should keep praying, reading our bibles, doing good works. We should not allow the enemy to come and destroy our families. Please join me in prayer this weekend. Our children need our prayers for protection. Pray for your husbands too.

I love my husband. Is the behaviors and his hurtful words that I hate. And I hope and pray that he will find it in his heart to forgive me also.

Keeping Company with Jesus

I will not give you a long story on how I got here. But I do want you to know, that at one point I thought Catholics were not capable of having a close relationships with God. I was wrong. Have you ever read the stories of the most popular saints. Teresa of Avila, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Francis, St. Anthony, and St. Martin of Porres. How about the life of St. Padre Pio. This were faithful Catholics who spent most of their life in prayer.

And how did this faithful servants of God spend time with God.

1. Prayer Time: Daily prayer time. Spending time before the blessed sacrament.

2. Attending daily mass,

3. Reading their bible

4. Fasting (abstaining from food)

5. Praying the rosary

6. Reading books from other Spiritual mentors

7. Reconciliation or Confession.

8. Receiving Holy communion

This are the many ways this Saints and many faithful Catholics spend time with God.

I personally, spend time with God through prayer, reading my bible daily, attending Mass weekly, praying the rosary, visiting the blessed sacrament at least once a month , reading spiritual literature, and receiving communion.

I do not consider myself a saint or perfect person for doing this. I do not believe that doing this things makes you perfect or holy. The only one perfect and holy is God. But is through his grace that we are made perfect in Christ Jesus. Without Jesus in us, we are nothing. God is Love and when he is present in us we radiate Love to others.

Next week I will elaborate more on receiving communion. This is the one thing that draws me closer to God. I invite you now to visit Holy Experience to read how others keep company with Jesus.

Every Wednesday, we Walk with Him, posting a spiritual practice that draws us nearer to His heart.

Weekend Blessings

The greatest blessing is to have my family together at Church on Sundays. Husband came with us to Mass. Son was so happy. I will continue to pray that he will join us every Sunday at Mass. And also it will be wonderful if we all partake of the holy eucharist together as a family.

Sunday's homily was very good to. Father Gregory spoke about how we tend to be blind to see things going on around us. The gospel was from Mark:46-52. The story of Jesus healing a blind man.

I like the part where the disciples tell the blind man Bartimaeus, "Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you." Bartimaeus went up to Jesus. "What do you want me to do to you?", asked Jesus. The blind man said, "Master, I want to see." Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you." Immidiately Bartimaeus received his sight and followed Jesus on the way.


How many times we feel discouraged or weak because of certain illness or problems in our lives. Jesus is calling us to come to him in prayer. We also need to take courage and tell Jesus what are needs are. What do we desire Him to do for us?


Bartimaeus after receiving his sight did not go off to tell his family or others about it, instead he followed Jesus on the way. He continue to be attentive to Jesus teachings. I want to have that faith like Bartimaeus. I want to take courage and follow Jesus. God is calling me to work for him. He has plans for me. "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11


I have seen the need of a youth group in our Parish. Also a group for Parents. "the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 NIV. There are many things out in the world, that distract our children and the youth ,from following the ways of God. Drugs, alcohol, gangs, and peer pressure. Television plays a major role also. What they see on tv, on movies and the popular people is what our children tend to immitate. Our youth needs to know we love them and care for their well being. We do not mean to make their life boring.

Parents also need a support group. Sometimes we are not sure how to deal with the issues we face with our youth. We feel guilty that we have not done things right and our children are getting lost in the world.

Every Sunday, after Mass, I attend the parents group while my child is taking classes to prepare for his first communion. The leader of the parents group, has asked us to share something good and something bad that happen to us during the week or if we saw God being present in our life the previous week. As each parent has been sharing their own stories, I have seen how similar our lives are. We are all parents, we all have difficult moments in our lives, and we all have faith in God. Yes, our faith in Jesus, has helped us to face those difficult moments and continue. The sharing time in the class has help me to know that I am not alone. God is always there with me.

But then I think of how many parents out there, need to share with someone. It is good to share and hear words of encouragement. This is why I like to visit the blog (in) courage. I read testimonies of other women who have faced their own trials and how Hope and Faith in God has brought them through and helped them in their weak moments.

I too want to be an encourager to other parents. I want to be an encourager to our youth. I pray that God will use me to give a word of encouragement to those other parents. I get encouraged by His word and by the friends who live their lives grounded in the word of God. Thank your for your encouraging words.

Laundry Done!

I did it! I went to do my laundry at a laundromat. I loaded the washers and read a book while I waited for them to be done. I decided to dry the clothes there too to get it all done. The washers take about 30 minutes to wash. I had 5 loads. Jeans, whites, blacks and navy, lights(pastels), and reds and other brite colors. This is the way I like to separate my laundry. The dryers are 25 cents per 7 minutes dry time. So I figured $1 each will be enough. I was wrong. $1.25 if you want your clothes well dry. I consilidated clothes for the dryers. All the jeans went in one, the lights and whites in another, and the rest in the third dryer. So in all I spent $13.75 for everything.

The benifits of the laundromat are: you get do do everything in less than 2 hours, wash, dry and fold. I even got to socialize with a few of the people there. And I read two chapters of the book that I'm reading while waiting for the washers and dryers to be done.

I still prefer to do it at home. I am thankful that I have a washer and dryer, and believe I will take care of them better now. Now, my family size is just 4 people, imagine what big families spend on laundry each week. I hope my washer gets replaced soon before next weeks laundry day.

Errand Day

I will be very busy today. Like I mentioned before my washer is out of service. Eventually I will need to replace it with a new unit. I am glad that I have warranty extended insurance on it good for two more years. The technician said that he will put in the paper work and that I will get a call from someone to replace the washer. Hopefully the paperwork process will be quick and I will have a washer soon. Meanwhile I need to go to the laundromat.

I was to lazy to go yesterday, and I did not have any money either. So today, this will be my first priority. Son has a dentist appointment today in the afternoon. I also want to go to Mass. There is Mass at 12noon at my parish every Friday. I been wanting to attend this Mass, but I have been going to another parish in a neighbor town. I like going to that parish because every Friday they have the Blessed Sacrament for veneration.

I pray you all have a blessed day, and a blessed weekend also. God bless you.

Punkin for All Saints Eve

I carved our punkin for All Saints Eve. Thanks to Jessica @ Shower of Roses for the idea of carving the punkins with a design that represents what we believe in. I chose the pro-life design and Son wanted the sacred heart design.

Its just one punkin with two different design on either side. The pictures were taken today. The light you see within the punkin is actually the sunlight coming in through a window. Just another way of God showing his awesome love.

He has Plans

I had been searching for this scripture in my bible and I could not remember where I had read it. Like I mentioned at the end of the previous post. I was watching this videos of two children that had an illness called trisomy. While I was watching the videos, looking at the pictures, there were also words and bible verses included. Among those verses was this one that I like so much.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, " plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you Hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you." Jeremiah 29:11-14

God is always there when we call on him. He will never give us more than we can handle. And he always with us through the good time and the bad times.

As I was writing this post there was some internet connection problem that I had to stop and turn off the computer. I am glad most of it was saved and I did not need to re-write it. Don't you just hate when that happens? And I do not know exactly why this happens but lately is been going on and at the same time every day. Sometimes is God trying to remind me of my other obligations.

The washer technician came around 10:30 AM. I prayed that this time, he will find exactly what the problem is. He asked me to load the washer with clothes, to test the washer. Then he monitor the washer and waited to see where the water leak was coming from. After a long time he told me the problem. He needs to replace the tub or water tank and they will schedule to replace it next Thursday. See I knew something was wrong.

The bad part is that now I have to go to the laundromat and wash clothes there. At least the most important clothes like, kids uniforms, jeans, and white clothes. The good thing is that my dryer is still working and I can save money and dry clothes at home. Another good thing is that I can wash all the loads at the same time, if there are enough washers available. So sometimes things do not go how we plan them, but if we see things with God's eyes, we might see things as blessings instead of problems.

Better go gather my laundry and head to the laundromat.

While I'm waiting

I am waiting for the washer repair technician. Hopefully, the problem will be fixed, and I will be able to do my laundry. The problem started last week, I put a load of clothes to soak and when I return to let it wash, I noticed the water on the floor. I did not call the repair person right away. It was almost the weekend, so I let the washer rest. I took two loads to the local laundromat on Friday. And I said I will call on Monday to get it fix. I called them on Monday, and they said the earliest appoinment available was Thursday. I agreed. Meanwhile the dirty clothes kept piling up. Yesterday I washed husband's work clothes. I have to wash his work clothes at least twice a week.

The kids have left to school, and the repair man will be here between 10 AM and 12 Noon. So I have some time to do some cleaning around the house. I am targeting those spots where stuff get accumulated and forgotten. The kitchen counter, the living room table, the office desk. On Monday, I did 15 minutes in each area and that was enough to see a huge difference.

But before I start with my house chores, I should spend some time in prayer. I already read my bible this morning and prayed the rosary. But I have not been spending quality time in prayer. I will like to ask God for patience. For God to give me patience when difficult times arise. Strenght in my weak moments. Also ask him to protect our children from the flu virus.

Yesterday I got a call from school. I was told there was a child who had aquired the porcine flu. And that child is in my daughter's classroom. Lord have mercy! I did panic at the moment. But then, I said my trust is in the Lord. He will not let anything bad happen to my children. My daughter is well, but I need to monitor her and be looking for the signs. I pray to God that she does not get sick. I will be praying for the child who is sick. I hope he gets well soon. And I pray none of the other children get sick either.

Heavenly Father,

Heal those who are sick with the flu.

Protect the children in school that they may not get sick.

Protect the elderly too.

May your healing touch be on each person today.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Update:9:34 AM, I been reading updates on the blogs I follow and I was reading about this children that are born with an illness called trisomy. How two couples have faced the tragedy of loosing their child so quickly after his birth. To see pictures of them holding their child and enjoying the few minutes or few months they were alive. How their faith in God has brought them throught this difficult times. Amazing stories of Faith, Hope and Love. You can view one story here at 99 balloons for Elliot

There was a scripture I read in one of the videos, "...The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." Job 1:21

As the World Races, I Slow Down

Most people out in the World, tend to be always rushing from place to place. To much activities, and commitments. So little time to accomplish it all.

As a wife and mother of two children, I try not to immitate this kind of schedules. My children do not have extra curricular activities, neither sports. Is not that I do not want to, its more of economy issues. Most after school programs in the area are very expensive.

I wanted my children to learn music. There is a school about 30 minutes away from where I live that offers Mexican Ballet Classes, singing and instruments instruction. Last year Daughter took guitar lessons and Son took dance lessons. The classes where once a week after school. As soon as they were out of school, we left to the classes and did not return home until 6:30 in the evening. The bad part was the traffic. That is the time there is more traffic, so I will get home with a headache. During the summer it was better because they were not in school, so we left earlier. I will do my grocery shopping that same day at the local food store right close to the school. Still we will be caught in traffic on our way to our house.

In the fall of last year I decided not to continue with the classes. The kids were back in school and I did not want to bother with traffic. So they have not been taking any other classes after that.

At church, at the moment we are not much active either. We just attend Mass and the Faith Formation classes after Mass.

Last year, I was at church for almost four hours on Sunday. We attended the Cathedral Parish and Faith Formation Class. The class started at 12:30 PM and ended at 1:45 PM. Then we attended the Spanish Mass at 2PM. The Mass usually lasts about an hour and a half. I really do not mind spending so much time at church activities. Because I know that we are doing something that benefits us and pleases God.

I do wish my Kids were able to do other activities but I hear so much about from other parents, how they struggle to manage their time. I rather not be an active person.

At home, lately I have been teaching kids about the Saints. They color pictures of the Saints, or we do a craft that reflects something regarding the Saints. Or we watch a Movie about the life of the Saint.

Saturdays we sometimes go to the park all together to ride our bikes or sometime I just walk while the children ride their bikes. This also the time I take to talk to God and Pray. As I walk, I see my surroundings and marvel at the beauty of God's creation.

Some might say we are a boring family, but in reality we are not. I think we are very bussy already with the things we do. I sometimes think I do not have enough time to do everything. I guess it all depends on how you see things and what are your priorities.

To me God is my first priority. Everything I do revolves around him. I love learning new things about my Faith. I love sharing with other about my Faith. And I love reading what others write about their Faith in God.

Every Wednesday, we Walk with Him, posting a spiritual practice that draws us nearer to His heart.

Goals for this week

Since the 8 week home organization challenge ended, I have not been posting my goals for the week. So I think I should make Tuesday the day to post my own personal weekly goals and share them with you. On Friday I will let you know how I did with my goals.

My goals for this week are:

1. Call and schedule repair for the washer. It is leaking water again, and I have a few loads on hold until the technician comes and repairs it well.

2. Unclutter rooms. Since I have been spending more time slowing down and reading books and spending to much time on computer, there are areas that atract clutter and I making some rooms look, unkept. So I must spend at least 15 minutes in each room to take care of those hot spots.

3. Do homework for theology classes.

4. Schedule a tupperware party. I used to sell tupperware, and I bought some items, hoping to sell them. But they have been in a box for more than two year now and I need to get rid of them.

5. Hope to be able to do laundry at home by Friday. If not take my laundry to wash elsewhere. Last week I took two loads to wash and I spent two dollars on each load.

I better get started on the hot spots ( cluttered areas ). It is noon, I hope that I will be done before I go pick up children at school.

Weekend Blessings

Good Morning faithful readers. I hope you had a great blessed weekend. I am so excited about my weekend and the blessings received from God this weekend. Among the blessings there are some difficult moments too, not all the time is wonderful around this house. However the trial times are times for growing more in my faith in Jesus. I learn from my mistakes and I must discipline myself in order to avoid the same mistakes. I know that my Lord Jesus is merciful and grants me grace each time, but still if we discipline our children when they do wrong things, we too should be disciplined in our own actions. So here is a summary of the good and the bad of this weekend. There is more good than bad.

Saturday

On Saturday, I went to theology classes. The classes are directed by the Hispanic Ministry of the Oakland Diocese. I will be starting first year of the classes. The classes started in September and I missed the first two sessions. I need to catch up with the rest of my classmates in homework assignments and book readings. No problem, I am determined to do this because I am eager to learn more about my faith and how it came to be. From the founding fathers till the present.

The first part of the day, was worship and prayer. We sang songs and praised Jesus our Lord. Then they read from the liturgy of the hours. I did not have the book, I listened to what the others recited while I closed my eyes to meditate on the words.

After the liturgy of the hours. The classes started. The first year group assembled tables and chairs in that same room where we had prayer, and the rest of the groups left to other classrooms.

The first session or class, the instructor talked about the different versions of Bibles. From the first published to the most recent versions. In the second class, the instructor summarized on a book the class is reading, Mary and the Saints by James P. Campbell. And the last class for the day, the instructor spoke about the previous homework assignment, which was to find out what happened in the first Council of Nicaea.

All three classes where very interesting. I do have lots of homework , but I thank God for this great opportunity he is offering. The best thing is that I only have to drive ten minutes to get to the school. Some of the students come to the school from neighboring cities. Some drive for almost an hour to get there. During lunch break, I gathered with a group of my classmates who a attend the same parish that I used to attend last year. It was interesting to hear their comments regarding each class, and to see also their enthusiasm. The other ladies are more older than me, some are grandmothers already. But I enjoy their company. I have learned so much from them and their dedications to the parish and their service to God.

I left the school, so happy. I am trusting my Lord that I will be a good student and not get frustrated with all the homework assignments. I went to pick up my kids at sister-in-laws house. I am grateful that she agreed to take care of them. We went home and they got ready to attend their cousin's birthday party. We already had the gift wich we purchased the day before. The kids had great fun at the party. I did too, but not as much as my kids. Husband's family parties last all day and night.

It was 9 oclock and most of the guest had left the party and only the immediate family remained. My son was tired so he asked me to hug him. He wanted to go home but I told him we had to wait for his Dad to say we can leave. Of course Husband had no intention on leaving the party yet. I was also falling asleep. So asked husband if we could leave home. He said, that I could leave If I wanted, but he will stay. I hate when he does this because then in a few hours later, he calls me to go and pick him up. The kids by then are already sleeping in their comfortable beds, and I do not want to wake them up to go and pick up Husband. I told him, I am not going to pick you up later, and left to my house.

My house is just a few blocks away but still late at nite is best to not be out of your house specially in that area of neighborhood. Husband came home a few hours later on his own, walking. He was very drunk and he just sat on the sofa for a long time, still holding a beer can. I told him to go to bed, but he did not listen. So I just turned off the light and went to sleep. He eventually came into room and went to sleep.

Sunday

We got to church and she quickly went to get dressed with the altar server tunic. She got to sit close to the altar with the other altar servers and the Priest. Son and I sat at the right side section three rows away from the altar. All during Mass I fought hard to keep the tears from pouring out. I asked God to forgive me if I was at fault. To forgive Husband too. Son was there showing his support to Mom. At such a young age he is my little counselor. "Mom, I am going to pray for Daddy to come to church." he said to me. I nodded in agreement.

Mass was beautiful on Sunday. Even though my heart was aching, it was also receiving God' s healing love through the liturgy and the songs. I began debating wether to abstain from holy communion. God kept telling me that I needed him. But I felt unworthy to receive him. I must go to reconciliation first. There are just so many things that have been piling up in my heart and I must go to reconciliation (confession) first.

During the "Our Father" prayer, I got reminded. "And forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;" During the sign of peace, when we shake each others hand and say "peace be with you", I felt God telling me, to be at peace with myself. Daughter came to shake my hand and gave me a kiss. She asked how she was doing. I said, " you are doing great." She left to her seat, very happy. The bread and wine were blessed, and the communion song started. At this time the congregation gather in the middle to receive communion. I went along with Son to receive his blessing.

Since Son has not yet done his firt communion, he crosses his arms against his chest to signal the Priest he is not prepared yet. The priest gave him his blessing. I also crossed my arms to ask for a blessing instead of partaking of the Eucharist. The Priest said a short prayer and made the sign of the cross to give me a blessing. I felt much better. Son and I returned to our seats. The rest of the people continue to come up for holy communion and while the rest waited in their seats the choir sang, my favorite song.

"Levanto mis Manos"

I lift up my hands, even though I have no strengh,

I lift my hands up even if I have lots of problems.

When I lift up my hand, I begin to feel an anointing that make me sing.

When I lift up my hands, I begin to feel the fire.

When I lift up my hands, my loads leave,

new strengths You give me, all this is possible when I lift up my hands.

Then the choir sang another song that said " I will get up." I can't remember the lyrics, but it was so moving that I closed my eyes and prayed. My son hugged me again, and I just couldn't keep it in any longer. I cried. I let it all out. Like a child, embraced by her Heavenly Father. It felt good to release it all and feel God's healing love surrounding me. He used my Son to give me comfort. Thank you Jesus, for your love and for your tender mercy on me a sinner.

Mass ended and we went to Faith Formation class. Son went to his class and daughter and I went to the classroom where the parents gather to share and pray. The leader lites a small candle and says a prayer, then each of us share something from our week.

The other parents began sharing. One lady was thankful that God protected her and daughter during a car accident. She felt God's presence with her that day. Another parent talked about her daughter who has leukemia and is getting better. Another parent was thankful that even though her husband is out of work, she is happy they are a family, are healthy and together. As each parent shared their own good and bad of the week, I sat there listening and praying for each one. God was letting me see, that He is with each one of them, in the good time and bad time. I felt God present there in that room, among us. Each of us have our own struggles in life, but our faith in God keeps us going on, and not letting anything defeat us.

I kept hearing "keep going, don't give up. God has great plans for you, he will not give you things you can't handle. He knows your strengths as well as your weakness." At the end of our sharing, the Leader says another prayer and we pray for each other. I gave thanks to God for giving me a revelation of the plans he has for me. I need to keep praying and asking for directions. There is a need for spiritual support among our youth. God is calling me to work with Him in that need. In spite of my own tribulations, God wants to use me. And I tell him. "Here I am Lord, use me."

Sunday morning, Husband and I, had an arguement just before I left to church. He asked, "Where are you going? Why you go to church? You pretend to be good when you are not." Those were hurtful words. I replied, that I went to church because I needed to go. And I know I'm not perfect, no one is. I left to church in tears. My children heard most of the arguement, and son was mad at his Dad for making me cry. I told them it was okay. We need to pray for Dad to change and join us at church. Daughter did not pay much attention, she was happy that today will be her first day as an altar server.