What Faith Can Do

I always listen to Christian music while driving. I have my dial set to my favorite radio station. The Candle radio station is one of them. Klove is another radio station that plays most of my favorite music.

A few weeks ago, I heard this song, "What Faith Can Do" by Kutless. At first I did not know the name of the song or the artist. But I liked the lyrics and wanted to added to my playlist on my blog and on myspace profile.

So today, I googled "what can faith do". The results gave a video on youtube. Amazing! I got to read the lyrics and sing along. Beautiful song. So here it is for you to enjoy. On the left side you can see the playlist and you can hear most of my favorite songs at the moment.

Just wanted to share this inspiring song with all of you.

Children's Day

In Mexico we celebrate this day as the day for the children. Many events are done for the children all over Mexico. I am not sure if they get the day off from school, but it is a day for children to have fun with their parents.

We have not kept this tradition here in the United States, some people still celebrate in their communities our at church activities. A few years ago, we were invited to a family gathering hosted by the couples who have finished their marriage encounter from the diocese of Stockton, California. The theme was a favorite Mexican tv show, called "El Chavo". The program is about a homeless boy that lives inside a barrel, located within a "vecindad". A "vecindad" is like an apartment complex where low income people live and the residents share the patio. This is where Chavo's barrel is, and where the other children of the "vecindad" gather to play. The character's are played by adults dressed in children outfits.

The picture at the beginning of the post, is a picture we took at my nephew's second birthday party. The kids are dressed like some of the characters in the show "El Chavo" . You probably seen coloring books or party supplies at Target or other stores. It has become a popular party theme for Hispanic kids.

I grew up watching "El Chavo" and the other characters played by the producer of this show. They are very funny. Getting back to my original topic, celebrating our children.

Like I said before, we have not kept this tradition alive within my husband's family. We celebrate birthdays, Mother's day, and Father's day, but we never celebrate the actual children's day. But today, husband said, " Go to the store and bring sodas and juice for the party." What party? "We are getting together at my sister's house to celebrate el Dia del Niño (Children's Day in Spanish)", Husband replied.

My children got so happy. This is really something very new to them. But I hope that we keep with the tradition next year and make something very special for them. It will be nice it we had a talent show. We lots of talent among our children. My kids love to sing and dance. At my parents house we are always making our parties talent shows. And my kids love it!

Well, I have some errands to do. Have a beautiful day.

Holding on to things

I want to thank you for taking the interest in reading my posts. Lately, I have been quite busy, keeping this house from getting to be one of those houses full of clutter. I have been watching a few of those hoarding reality programs. I do not want my house to look like that, or my children ending up the same way. Its scary.

Living like that is a real disaster hazard. Sometimes I get thinking about this problem when I see my kids room and the attic. So much stuff, that we hold on to and not even need. What is the purpose of us holding on to things?

I did some work in the attic, and I did separate some clothes and things that I will be taking to charity. I organized all of my christmas decorations in their boxes and some of the window linens all in plastic bins. I do use most of this items at least once a year. But I have so much more things that I do not use. Like a bin full of porcelain dolls. I wanted to display them in my living room but I no longer have a place for them. We got rid of the huge media cabinet that had space for many things.

When I merged my kids rooms, I had to take most of their toys up to the attic. Now I have bins of toys up in the attic. My craft area, that I had recently organized is now cluttered with small boxes of things because I needed the shelfs that were holding them to use in another room.

Our attic is quite big. And I know that with determination, time, and patience I can get it all organized and clutter free. I just have not had the time to do this. I spend most of my time in the other living areas that are mostly used on a daily basis. The attic has now become what others might use their garage for, storing stuff out of the view of guests.

I know that I can do it. I did it once before. But the kids had each their own room and lots of space for their toys and other things like desks, bookshelfs,and media storage. Now that they share rooms, I had to simplify what they keep in it. It is mostly things that belong to my daughter. 1/4 of the room belongs to my son. Not fair, I know. But son's room is now being used by my brother. He only shares the closet with my son.

I am not sure how long my brother will be staying with us, but I do not worry about that. He has been very helpful since he moved in. And the best part is that I get to spend time with my brother and talk. Since I got married, I am the only one that does not live close to my parents. Everyone else, lives next door to my parents house. My brother was staying with them until last year when he got a part time job closer to my house. He was staying with friends before he moved here.

Mom is happy that at least he will be eating a healthy meal more often. If you consider healthy what I make. LOL. Well, I am not a chef, but I think is better, then cup of noodles or sandwiches everyday.

I better get started on dinner. Hope all of you are having a good day. Will be sharing more with you tomorrow.

Spread the Light

There is to much darkness in the world today. Our youth is falling into a deep dark trap. The media they are daily exposed, teaches them about things that are not edifying.

How can we as parents teach our children to have faith in God and not believe in all the lies out there? It is sad to see in the news that a man was beaten up by two young men. This man died and now this young men are wanted for killing this man. What makes a person cause another person so much harm?

I hear my own child, who is only 7 tell his sister, "I hate you", and other things that should not be expressed by a seven year old. Where does he get this? I do not want my child to grow up and hurt anyone!

Video games, tv programs, movies, and computer expose our children to so much violence. Some may say, "it is only a game". Well this images and words are absorbed by our child's brain and soon they will be always thinking about it.

I see it in what my child draws in paper. My son is very talented in drawing. But I am concern that most of his drawings show monsters and people shooting each other. Parents should be aware of what kind of media they let their children be exposed to. I have limits on the tv and computer. Anything rated over their age, they are not allowed to see. But if they are over at a friends house, I have no control about that.

Recently we purchased and xbox, a video game machine. They play different games on this machine. As parents, we should be responsible of what our children are exposed. Most of the games have ratings on them. They tell you if they contain any violence in them. And even if they do not have a rating, we should preview the game or movie before we allow our children to see.

Yes, I know that eventually they will come in contact with something out of our home. This is why it is important, to teach our children good things. Teach them good values. Teach them the ten commandments. Show them movies of the Saints. Expose your children to other people of faith. Sit with your child and explain to them that doing good is the right thing to do. And what are the consequences of being bad.

I am not the perfect parent, perhaps I will never be. But I lean on God for guidance daily. I pray for my children, that they will always walk in God's way. I pray that they will always make the right choices. And if they do not, let them know about God's forgiveness.

I am concern for my children's future. And I will try to be more alert in what they are exposed to in my home. I get happy, when I pick up a picture that my son drew and see Jesus, Mary and the angels. He drew the nativity too. This is the kind of drawings, I love to see my child draw. And I will keep as a treasure in my heart.

Jesus is the light of the world. He wants us to spread the light to the world. In Acts 8;26-40, I read today the story of Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch, a court official. The Ethiopian man was reading a passage from the book of Isaiah. Philip asked the man if he understood what he was reading. The Ethiopian man replied, " How can I, unless someone instructs me?"

The Spirit instructed Philip to go talk to this Ethiopian man. This man was seeking someone to help him understand the word of God. Philip helped the man by letting him know who Jesus is and as a result the man believed and got baptized.

We can also be like Philip. Follow the guidance of the Spirit of God and help others understand what they do not understand. We can bring someone out of their darkness. And if you do not feel prepare our capable of doing this, pray to God for help. Or just pray for that person. That God will send to the them, the right person that will help them come out of the darkness. It only takes a step of faith. Believe that God can use you.

A roller coaster of emotions

At the moment, I am hopeful. Hopeful that my Lord Jesus has started something good for our family and he will complete his work in his timing.

Friday, we got a text that my brother-in-law's case will be approved. He needed to wait for a letter of confirmation. Since him and my sister have been in Mexico for almost two months waiting for the aproval, my mother has been taking care of my sister's two kids.

Sister came back on Sunday. Family was happy for her and her children to be reunited. We were still believing for a good report. My brother-in-law called her yesterday, saying his case was denied. We were all very sad, but still hopeful that he can appeal.

After reviewing the documents this morning, I am confident that there is still hope. It is not yet denied. They need to provide more information on why it will be a hardship for his family, if his case was denied.

My sister has back problems and is in constant care for pain treatment. She has two small children and if husband does not get aproved, she will need to get a job and be the provider for her children. It will be much better for her, if her husband was here to be the provider.

I am not sure why, she did not provide all of this information in the beginning. It seems that the attorney did not advise them well. But we are hopeful. The letter says, they need more information and time to decide. We believe God is already at work in the situation. We are believing that once she provides the necessary information, her husbsand's case will be approved.

I thank you all, for keeping them in your prayers. Salvador is my brother-in-law. And we are sure he will be a good resident and provider for his family. We still have those wedding plans for this June. We are happy that they decided to get married in the church. Blessing their marriage in holy sacrament will be another blessing for their family.

removing the clutter

I'm not there yet but I am slowly reaching my goal of eliminating the clutter in each room of my home.

The kids room is much better now. The floor is all clear of the boxes and baskets full of clothes and items. Last nite I went through most of the boxes and baskets. I kept sorting things in categories. Keeping, trash, and elsewhere. And to make it easier, for example if it was pencils or craft items I placed in a bin. If it was hair accesories or toys in another bin. When all the sorting was over, I tried to put the items in their proper place. The items I still have to decide where they should go, I have in another bin. But hopefully I will get to do this soon.

Can you believe that I found over fifty pencils. I even sharpen them, so there are ready to be used.

My kids brough home a small box to collect money for the children who suffer from lukemia. My daughter said, "Mom if you find any spare change while sorting those boxes, can you put it in the box. " And that is what I did. I even pour in my spare change that I had collected in a jar from when I am doing laundry. Or when ever husband leaves it on the dresser, I put it in the jar.

When the jar gets full, I place it in rolls and take to bank to deposit in kids account. I am glad that this time is going to help others.

Today, I started to organize the stuff that accumulated in the first room of the attic. This is another problem area. But I am hoping to finally tame the clutter monster. Some say that you can not organize clutter, you must get rid of it. I do, but somehow it comes back.

It like the never ending story. Clutter attracts more clutter. I will have to work harder to keep this from happening again.

Thank you St. Anthony

I was asked by my dear mother to pray for my cousin to find something she lost. I had downloaded some prayers to St. Anthony a long time ago, and I had it handy for those difficult moments.

I often pray to St. Anthony for intercession on helping me find those things I tend to loose. My keys and cell phone are a very popular items that get lost in this house.

Today, I read over the prayers. Asking St. Anthony intercession for my cousin to find her lost items. I did not ask anything for myself. I just concentrated on my cousin.

About an hour later, my daughter took out a suitcase to prepare for her week at camp. She called me to see what she had found. Two months ago, I lost the battery charger for my husband's camera. I had asked St. Anthony to help me find it but nothing happened. Usually I get flash backs of places where the items might be, but everywhere I looked that charger was not there. Until today, I did not even think it could be in that suitcase that we took on our last trip.

I was so happy and thankful to St. Anthony. He made it possible for the camera charger to appear. I sure hope that this is a sign that he will also intercede on my cousin's request too.

I was in a better mood after this happened. My head was hurting too, and now the pain is also gone. Thank you Jesus for hearing our prayers and for your faithful servant St. Anthony.

Divine Mercy Sunday

This is such a beautiful image of of our Lord Jesus. The first time I saw this image, I was just amazed at it, the rays are the water and blood of Jesus. His mercy and grace upon us sinners.

Jesus, I trust in You! In everything that I face, I am confident that you are always close to me. Thank You for your love, mercy and grace.

special update

Brother-in-law's appointment was this morning at immigration offices. He was told that he will get a response on Tuesday. I do not have a lot of details, but I confident that God is taking care of everything. Pray for my sister too. She has been with her husband all this time waiting for the appointment. Her children at here with my Mom. They are waiting to see their parents soon. And we want that wedding to take place as scheduled this June.

Lord, we know that you desire this family to be reunited, please may Chavo be aproved for residency. In Jesus name we pray. Lord hear our prayer.

Its Friday!

I love my weekends! Specially Friday because I do not need to worry about cooking anything for dinner. Unless, my sister-in-law decided to close her taco truck earlier than usual.

My sister-in-law is a great Mexican food cook. Once you taste her food, everything else is not good enough. At least that is what most of us say. So Every week they sell Mexican food, and on Fridays she sells the family food. After her regular shift of 10 AM - 4PM, her husband bring the taco truck over to her house and we all go there to eat.

Most of my husband's sibblings live in the neighborhood. Except for three. The oldest brother and one of his sisters lives in LA. Another sister lives in Chicago. My husband is the youngest of nine. Quite a big family.

I am the oldest of five from my Mom. My Mom remarried and from my Dad's side (step-father), I have two sisters and two brothers. Yes, we decided to eliminate the step prefix. I always disliked that. My Dad is the greatest Father I could ever had.

What about my biological Father? I still keep in contact with him. He lives in Utah. But I have not seen my biological Father in almost 18 years. I have seen pictures of him, and talked to him on the phone, but is not the same. My Dad has been there for us since he came into our life. I was eleven and my other two sisters where 9 and 4. Our Dad, walked with me down the isle that day I got married. And also with my other sister who follows me. And I know that he will also walk my younger sister down the isle in June when she has her marriage blessed sacramentally. He has been a great Dad for us as well as for his own children.

Can you believe that my Dad took me to meet my biological grandfather. Not even my Father went to see my grandfather. Why will this man take me to see my grandfather? Because he loves me. Because he cares for me.

And this has helped me to understand God's love for us. That he adopts us as his children and take care of us in many ways. When we think he has abandon us is when he is actually carring us in his arms.

Thank you Jesus, for giving me an awesome family. Thank you for my in-laws too. Thank you for my Husband. Thank you for my children. Thank you for the trials too. Because its through them that you strenghten me more.

new pictures

Here is my Easter display in my home. I placed all of the icons of the saints back on the buffet and added the icon of the Divine Mercy on the wall. Changed the window panels to white lace. Left the purple underneath to cover the windows at night.

Next picture, this was my Holy week display. Removed all the saints and placed in another room. Printed out the stations of the cross and taped on gray cardboard. The book, is the Life of Jesus. Short stories from birth to Resurrection day. I did not know that on Good Friday the color is red. So I kept the purple color until Saturday. The gold color fabric is a table runner. I am using it to cover the light switch box, which is gray and metal. I used to clips with magnets to hold the curtain rod.

Here is a picture of one of our cockatail birds, we have four.

And here is that darling puppy. The first one born, yet the smallest of the three puppies. My kids call him Junior.

Here is the female puppy. Ginger is twice the size of her brother. But he is will soon catch up to her. They are adorable.

Walking with Him Always

I did not post this week at Holy Experience. I was away for a few days at Mom's house. Yesterday, I spent my day updating online profiles and balancing my checkbook. I also checked the fridge to see what I needed for the rest of the week. I went grocery shopping, returned and made dinner.

Today:

My kids are at Mom's house. Husband is working. The pets were fed, and now I'm back on the computer, checking emails and browsing my favorite blogs. At nine AM, I will clock in. LOL. To my home blessing or house chores.

Marla from the Flylady, has been a great inspiration for me for the last two years. I have read her book. Sink Reflections. Excellent book. I have not followed her program 100%. I know it works if I just keep up with it. Its simple daily routines that make your day go by more efficiantly. I know that if I go straight to computer my day will go by and no blessings will be done. But if I start my home blessings early and make sure I do my night time routines, I have the rest of the day to spend on computer knowing that my home is clean and organized.

But home chores are not the most important thing in my schedule. My time with God is a priority in my life. I try to spend at least half and hour reading bible and meditating on what I have read. I pray the rosary. Starting my day with God gives me the strenght to do things in a much better attitude.

I walk with my Lord Jesus daily. Remember the story of the disciples who where walking to Emaus and the Lord Jesus met them on their way. I love that story. This week's readings will be focused on the days following the resurrection of Jesus. How he appeared to his disciples and share a meal with them.

In the devotional book, that I read daily, the author reminds us to share what we have with others. In this way we are sharing the bread of life. We are sharing Jesus.

Yes, there are many things that I fear daily. Things that worry me every night. But knowing Jesus, has helped me to put all my fears and worries in His hands and relax. God will never give us more than what we can handle and he always provides us a way out of our struggles. All we have to do is trust Him.

Thank you for your friendship and prayers. I have faith that God will hear our prayers.

Praying for Liberation

This Easter I was at my Mother's house. We attended Mass, the entire family. Well, most of the family. Dad, sister and her husband are still in Mexico. This Friday is brother-in-laws second immigration appointment. We are praying for his case to be aproved and he will be able to become legal resident.

Monday, we took the kids to the mall to play in the kids play area, while Mom and I did some shopping. My younger sister took care of the kids. She was off from work that day. My kids are off from school this week. So that is why we stayed over at my Mom's for a couple of days.

Yesterday, Mom and I went to a Catholic bookstore. I wanted to buy some items for my window display. As I was browsing through the isles, I saw this book that caught my attention. The Rosary of Liberation. I quickly glanced over a few pages and I decided to buy it.

After reading some of the testimonials, I decided to beging praying the rosary for my sister and her husband. You start by saying the Apostles creed, then in each large bead, you say, "If Jesus makes me free, I am freed indeed". In each smaller bead, you say, "Jesus have mercy of me, Jesus heal me, Jesus save me, Jesus free me." At the end of all five decades you say the Hail Holy Queen prayer.

The book relates lots of testimonials of people who have prayed this rosary and many blessings have come into their life.

I will be praying this rosary for my sister and her husband, as well as for my daughter.

Last week was my daughter's appointment. Her xray showed that the upper curve in her spine is getting bigger and this could harm her lungs if not treated on time. She has been using her brace, but it seems that it has not help her much. The doctor recommends surgery this year. He already put in the order, and they will call us with a date. Before the surgery, more x-rays will be done to help them in the surgery procedure.

I am believing that God can still work wonders in her spine. We are praying for her complete healing. I place her in the hands of God, and if he will for the surgery to take place, I will be praying for everything to be in God's hands. For God to guide the surgeons and that everything will be ok. Yes, I am filled with fear. But I am also praying for God to take this fear away.

I will keep you updated. I believe that God can do miracles. I believe he hears our prayers and good things come to those who trust in the Lord. I will not loose faith.

Happy Easter!

What a glorious day! Our Lord Jesus has risen, Alleluia! Praise the Lord!

Last night we attended the Easter vigil Mass at our parish. It lasted two hours and a half. My children kept saying, "its it almost over" , " No not yet", I kept replying.

There were children baptized, youth making their first communion and adults receiving the sacrament of confirmation.

A joyous day for our parish. Today we will be gathering with my sisters and nephews to celebrate Easter Sunday.

There is many things I want to share with you this week. But I will do this in another post. Today, I just want to keep rejoicing in the Lord! Have a wonderful day.