Faith & Hope

December 9th, 2012

Sunday Morning, I convinced my husband to come to church with us.  We attended a different parish.  Our parish held the traditional "mananitas" songs to Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe. That was at 5 AM.

We attended Mass at 10:30 AM at another parish.  After the Mass, we returned home.

On the news, there was talk that a famous Hispanic singer, had disappeared along with her plane and crew.  Being a Hispanic, I knew well who the singer was.  My children love to watch her reality TV show, "I Love Jenni."

Jenni Rivera is well known among Hispanics.  She has lots of fans.

I was not a fan of her.  Yet I was concerned for her safety.  She is a Mom and her children will be devastated if something happen to her.

The Spanish networks kept broadcasting special reports all day long.  In the afternoon,  it was confirmed that her plane was found. Unfortunately all seven people, including Jenni Rivera had perished in this terrible plane crash.

My condolences to the Rivera family and the family members of the other six people that died on this plane crash.

Jenni Rivera's family and fans were hoping for a miracle.  They could not believe that this had happened to her.  The Rivera family is Christian and they held vigils everyday at the home of Jenni's mother.  They sang praises to God.  The media, always trying to find something negative to say about the family.  The media always tries its best to get the best story or the biggest gossip on a celebrity.  So much was said that was not true.  Some people made the family think that Jenni was still alive.

I hope and pray that this family will continue to stay strong and hold on to their faith. Yes they have lost a very important person in their family, a daughter, a sister, a Mom.  And the Music world has lost a very talented woman.  Her Fans will remember her always.  As well as her family.

Rest in Peace Jenni Rivera.

The tragic death of Jenni Rivera and her crew, made me reflect on how we need to always be prepared for we do not know the hour or the day that we will be taken to away from this world.  Is our relationship with God good?  Or how about our relationship with our family members or close friends?  How about your priorities? Do you give God and your family a high priority? Or are you so busy with work that you don't have time to spend with God or your family?

I thought of those family members that have grudges with other family members.  I prayed that they will be touched and find it in their hearts to forgive and reconcile with their family members.

I found myself healing too as I prayed for others.  The death of my father has made me reflect on so many things.  I cared for my father as a person. But I did not feel that love that a child has for a father. I wished he had taken more concern for us when we were young.

I thankful to God that in the last few months, my father will call me often on the phone. We will talk for almost half an hour. I asked him so many questions.  Yet, he was still a stranger to me.  I learned so much about him in his last week with us. Its amazing how God brings families together in difficult times.

I continue to heal, and I will continue to pray for those that are grieving today for their lost loved one.

The Letter that didn't get sent

I wrote a letter to my father Guillermo, last year in November.  I sealed it in an envelope and placed it in a drawer.  My intention was to give it to him personally.  I forgot all about the letter when I went to see him a few weeks ago before he died.

Today I remembered the letter.  Took it out of the drawer and read it.

In the letter, I expressed to my father that I had forgiven him for being an estranged father for many years.  I needed his presence in my life, but God always found a way to fill that emptiness in my heart that my father could not fill.

I acknowledged the fact that my father Guillermo had grown up without a father figure in his life, therefore he was not able to be there for his own daughters.  My paternal grandfather abandoned his wife and children and never returned.  My paternal grandmother had to raise her four children all on her own.  The children suffer bulling from other children in their neighborhood and other close relatives.

Those children grew up and made families of their own.  Years later a letter came to my father's sister.  The letter was from a man claiming to be her father.  Indeed the man was their father and was living in  another state of Mexico.  My aunt and uncle were the only ones to go meet him and renewed a relationship with their father.

Not my father Guillermo.  He was so full of anger and resentment towards his father.  As well as my other aunt.  They both never got to meet their father.  I did.

I asked my step-father to take me to that town where my paternal grandfather lived to meet him. I'm thankful to God and  Dad (step-father) for being able to meet my paternal grandfather.  I have pictures of this unforgettable moment.

Likewise my paternal grandfather grew up without a father in his life. And the story got repeated in the life of my father and in my life.  However, this cycle needed to end.  God showed mercy on my sister and I and sent us a wonderful Dad (step-father).  A man who has done so much for us all.   For that reason we call him  Dad.

As for our biological father.  God allowed us to meet him again after 21 years.  We saw him in the last days of his life.  We saw a man that was very old and frail due to his terminal illness.  I saw my father Guillermo weep of sadness.  He was sad that we had to see him dying.  Vulnerable in his death bed.  I saw a man that was concerned not for his own life, but for that one girl he had grown to love over the years as a grand-daughter.  The one girl that will take him into her home and care for him when he had been drinking for days and ended up on the streets abandoned.

"What will happen to her", he asked us.   I told him not to worry.  God will send another person to her life that will care for her.  "You have done all that you were able to do for her, do not worry, God will take care of her.", I reassured him.

I'm thankful to God for the blessings in my father's life just before he died.  He met his grandchildren.  He got to see people he had not seen in years. Cousins, uncles, nephews, sisters and brother.

He was able to talk to a Priest and receive the Sacrament of the Sick (Annointing).  An uncle brought a Pastor friend also, and I prayed with them.  I know God was with us.  He will not abandon us.

My father Guillermo died November 21, at 9:05 AM .  A year before, on November 16, 2011, I wrote a letter that didn't get sent, but I was able to express some of the words in my phone calls and he was able to see me again and now that I was there, praying and holding his hand, his last four days.

Rest in peace father Guillermo. May the Lord Jesus receive you in his arms into eternity. Amen! I will see you again there, someday.

Giving Thanks

You Bless us with faith and strengthen us in times of affliction and sorrow... We thank you God.

My sister, her husband, the children and I traveled to El Paso, Texas.  We arrived Friday afternoon.  Rested, refreshed ourselves and we got ready to go visit my father Guillermo.  

I had mentioned in the previous post, that I had gotten a call from my aunt, that my father was very ill.  He was taken to El Paso, just a week before.  He was living in Utah, all by himself. No family.

Once in El Paso, he was taken to a hospital for further evaluation.  Doctors confirmed the diagnosis, Cirrhosis of the liver.  Very advanced.  

He was released from the hospital and taken to my aunt's home.  A hospice will be providing visits from a nurse to check him daily.

When we arrived to the house, he was sitting on a wheelchair at the kitchen table.  A very old frail man.  He spoke very few words.  Most of what he said were words we did not understand.  He was now very weak.  Some days he was very alert and said funny things.  Then the last few days he slept all day and only woke up for his medicine.  

The family prayed together.  We all gathered around his bed and prayed for him.  At times he will make the sign of the cross or will say thank you. Sometimes he will lift his hand up and let us hold it.  

The night before he died, I could not sleep.  The next morning, I woke up by the voice of my sister saying my name.  But she was not in the house.  My sister has spent the night at my aunt's house to help her with my father that night.

My children were very tired. I let them sleep a little longer.  Then at 9:06 AM, I got a call from my sister's husband to come to the house.

I was already walking out to the door when my cousin showed up to take us there. We were just a few blocks away from the house.  When we arrived at the house, my kids and I,  my son and I walked into the room.  My sister and husband were on their knees praying.  My father had his eyes closed and his mouth was open.  My son began to cry. I was in shock, I did not know what to do or say.  I walked over to the bed and touched my father's arm.  He still felt warm.

My father had passed on to another place. He was no longer in pain. No longer suffering.  The day was November 21, 2012. A day before Thanksgiving day. Due to the holiday, we had to wait till Friday to have the last viewing of his body at a funeral home.  

Many of our relatives came.  The rosary was led by a Catholic Deacon. Very beautiful words expressed.  The Deacon, invited family members to talk briefly on the life of Guillermo.
My aunt Carmen, the youngest of my father's siblings went up to address us.  

She spoke of a man that was a stranger to me.  A man who was kind and considerate with those who were less fortunate.  A man who was funny and made everyone laugh at parties.  A man who will be greatly missed by many.

I gave the "thank you" speech at the end of the service.  Thanked our family on behalf of my uncle and aunts. Very few words, but with my most sincere respect and appreciation.


I'm sad yet thankful to the Lord for his mercy.  He did not allowed my father Guillermo to suffer much.  His last days were filled with love and people who cared for him.  He was able to see all those he loved.  He was able to meet his grandchildren.  And be reunited with the daughters he had not seen in 21 years. I believe he is resting in peace now.  

Guillermo's life here on earth is over.  But his memory will live on with his daughters, grandchildren, nephews and siblings. He leaves behind, one brother, and two sisters.

God's Mercy

It's been a while that I do not share post regarding my faith.

For those of you who recently joined me as a reader. You can read my testimony by going to the tab at the top of this page.

I warn you is quite long. But if you want to get to know me better, that will be the best way.

Today, I want to talk to all of you about God's Mercy in my life and the life of family members.

I'm not sure how I came to this understanding but somehow, I always known I'm an intercessor. There has been many nights I wake up in the middle of the night and pray. I learned that God calls me out of my sleep for a special reason. Sometimes a name comes to my mind. Sometimes I do not know for whom I need to pray for.

When I first moved to this neighborhood. Close to 15 years ago. My neighborhood was a scary place to live. Home to many homeless people. Some of them will hang out at the two liquor stores, both located on the same street I lived on, three blocks away from each other.

You can imagine what other activities took place in the neighborhood. Over the years I have seen so many things. But also over the years, I have prayed for this neighborhood.

This neighborhood has changed over the years. Vacant lots have now been occupied by tall residential buildings. The closest liquor store to my home, was remodeled after a fire. And converted to just a food market. They no longer sale liquor in that store. Houses have been remodeled and sold to people who work in the big city.

There is less homeless people hanging around, the ones who have stayed are very friendly. The illegal activities have moved to another section of the neighborhood, away from our house. Occasionally, I hear gunshots. And since I live very close to a busy freeway, I also hear when accidents happen on it.

I asked my daughter to describe our neighborhood and she said it was "ghetto". Some of my family members avoid coming to my home for that reason. But you know, I love my neighborhood. To me is home. I have learned to appreciate were I live. It might not be a suburb. But if I focus on the good things happening in our neighborhood, like vegetable gardens sprouting up in vacant lots, that are being cared by students from our local schools. The good outweighs the bad.

I always give credit to God for the changes in my neighborhood. I know that many of my prayers have been answered. I know by now you are wondering when will I start talking about God's mercy in my life. How does the above relate to God's mercy. In many ways.

God called me here to be an intercessor for this neighborhood. I might not be the only one. But I do pray for this neighborhood. I pray for our safety too. You never know, when we will be in the middle of a drive-by shooting. Our intersect with a car chased by police.

God protected us once already, a few months ago. Police where chasing a car that speeded by me, when I was two cars away from making a left turn. That car could had hit us.

Since my brother moved into my home, I also pray for his safety. He gets home late at night, and it worries me. A few nights ago, I could not sleep. I went to the living room and looked at the window. Did not see my brother's car. So I went back to bed but I first prayed for him. I asked the guardian angels to protect him. And I also prayed the divine mercy chaplet. Then I fell asleep.

I was awaken by my cell phone. It was a call from my brother. He told me not to worry, he will be home soon. Also that he had crashed his car but he was ok. He did not give me more details. God's mercy saved him.

When he got home, and I did not see any injuries on him. I was thankful to God for protecting him. I can't give you much more details about his accident. All I know is that God saved my brother. That's all that matters to me. My brother is ok, with a mark from the seat belt, holding him tight. But he is here with us. Thank you Merciful Father.

And I continue to pray daily for God's mercy. On us, and of the whole world. You can find the chaplet of the "Divine Mercy" Here. It is a short prayer. Only takes about 5-10 minutes to pray. But is powerful. I have seen the power of God and his mercy when I have prayed this prayer for others. You can read about that here

I pray that you have a blessed day. And remember me in your prayers.  Thank you.

Exercise is Good

I know that I have been talking a lot about exercising lately but just a few moments ago, I read an article about Michelle Obama and how its important for us as parents to be aware of our children's BMI.  And not just our children's but also our own.

We have been talking about losing weight in our women's group and I had been thinking about getting together with them and doing some kind of exercise. 

I have also seen lots of informercials about new workouts, dancing latin music and other hip hop workouts.  There is even a workout with gospel music.

I had a God breeze moment this morning.  How about if we pray the rosary while walking.  But what about the rainy weather?  Well we could do Leslie Samsone's workout on the days weather does not permit us to go out to walk.

My Mom has been doing this for quite a long time.  She walks on the threadmill while praying the rosary.

What do you do for exercise?

Healing In His Wings

This morning, I woke up feeling low Spiritually.  Last night we were invited to a neighbor's house.  They were celebrating their daughter's 18 birthday.  Among the guest was a beautiful little girl.  Only two years old, and she has already gone through so much.  She had cancer in her liver.  Thanks to God, the cancer was removed by surgery and she is doing very good.  She still receives chemo therapy.  And it recuperating from all she went through.

I was so moved by this little girl, who looks happy and with so much energy yet, a few months ago she was battling this terrible disease that was threatening her life. 

I began thinking about my own daughter.  In a few months she will be in a hospital, undergoing surgery for her spine correction.  Suddenly fear overtook me.  Lord, please heal my daughter.  I will do anything to spare my daughter the pain, Lord.  

How many mothers have had the same feelings.  The terror of suddenly loosing your child to a disease.  To see your child in pain and suffering.  Mary went through this too.  As she watched her son, torn by the beatens He received,  nailed to the cross and then to see Him die.

I pleaded to God to take this fears away.  I went to sleep, but like usual I kep tossing and turning.  Praying all night for God to help me. 

This morning, I felt I need to hear something that will uplift my Spirit.  I took out my collection of sermon CDS from when I attended Living Hope Christian Center.

I browsed through the CDS, reading the title of the messages.  I organized them by date, and decided to start with the first CDs from 2004.   It was a message from one of the pastors.  He was speaking about how we are called to be laborers for God.   How to be a testimony and reach out to the unsaved.  Fifteen minutes into the message, there was problems with the audio.  I thought it might be the earphones.  Then I checked the batteries, I thought maybe God wants me to listen to another CD.

I took out another CD, labeled, " Healing in His Wings" by Pastor Benjamin.  Pastor Benjamin is the founder of Living Hope.  Awesome preacher.

On the CD, I had written in pen, this is the day my brother visited the church. 

Pastor Benjamin,  began with this scriptures:  Ruth 3:7-11, Malachi 4:1,2, and Mathew 9:18-22.
Catholic readers, the scripture for Malachi, is chapter 3:19,20.

There are lots of differences in Bible versions, I have the New American Bible, but I also have NIV versions and the Message version.  Let me write to you the NIV version of Malachi 3:19,20 ( Malachi 4:1,2)

"Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace.  All the arrogant and every evildoers will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire," says the Lord Almighty. " Not a root or a branch will be left to them.  But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.  And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall..."

Pastor Benjamin read all three scriptures than began explaining  each scripture separately.

This message became more interesting to me because of the story of Ruth.  Let me give you a short story of my own before I continue with the message.  My daughter's name is Marah.  As you know Ruth's mother-in-law' name was Noemi, but after she lost her husband and two sons, she was depressed and changed her name to Mara which means bitter in Hebrew.  There are some bible versions that spell the name Mara with and H at the end. 

This is not at all the reason, I named my daughter Marah.  My mother-in-law's name was Maravilla, its meaning is wonderful.  My husband wanted us to name our daughter like his mother.  I thought it was to long, and perhaps she will not like it when she get older. " How about if we name her Marah, since that is what  everyone used to call your mom," I told my husband. I added the H, to make it unique.

I did not know the meaning until years later a friend told me that in her country Mara means "sadness".

Then while reading my bible one day, I stumbled upon a  scripture in Exodus15:23, that speaks of a place called Marah because of it bitter waters.  I will never had chosen this name for my daughter if I had known this, however, God has a purpose for eveything.  I believe there is lesson to be learned here.  I am not sure what it is, but I pray to God to show me and guide me through the process.

When Pastor Benjamin preached this message, I still did not know what was ahead of us. This message is dated 8/8/04, we did not get a diagnosis for my daughter until February of 2005.

It is now five years later and I am at the brink of despair.  My daughter will be having surgery in a few months. I am scared!  I am crying out to God to help me.  Heal my daughter Lord!  Hear my prayers!

You promised her healing.  What went wrong?  Where did I go wrong?

I continued listening to Pastor Benjamin's message.

Ruth asked Boaz to spread the corner of her cloak over her.  Boaz was a relative of Noemi.  He will provide protection for Ruth.

In Mathew 9:18-22, the woman with the issue of blood, had FAITH, that if she only touched the hem of Jesus garment she would be healed.

The message connecting this three scriptures is that God heals.  We need to pray, and be persistent in prayer.  Not give up.  God has promised to hear our prayer.  He healed many through Jesus.  And he still continues to heal many.  We need to have Faith. 

Over the years, I heard many messages like this one.  They stirr up Faith in me.  Then somehow, I loose hope.  I get discouraged.  Five years, I have been praying and asking for a miracle.  Not just for my daughter.  For many other people who are suffering with illness.  My brother, my sisters, my Mother, my cousin's wife who has cancer.

And there is also prayers for household salvation.  Yes, those lost souls who do not know Jesus.  I pray for the violence in Mexico and all over the world to end.  I pray for the youth in our city.  I pray for the unborn child who is not given a chance to be born. 

And something in me awakens.  God has a purpose for me.  He is calling me to be a laborer for his kingdom.  I must reach out to the depressed, the lonely, the one who has lost all hope. 

Oh Lord, I know you have an answer for my prayers.  I will not loose HOPE.  I believe that you will do amazing things.  I know that nothing is impossible for you. 
You are a merciful, loving God, and you will not give me more than I can endure.

I trust in YOU!  There is Healing in Your Wings.

Never Give Up

I thank God for Christian radio stations. Every day, as I drive to different places, I hear most of my favorite songs on the radio. On those days when I feel sad , there is always a song that lifts me up and changes my day.


The week my daughter was at camp, I heard this song on the radio, The Words I Would Say by Sidewalk Prophets.

When I heard the words, "God has his hands on you", I felt I should stop worring and trust that God was protecting my daughter.

Everytime I hear the song over and over again, I get a different message from it. Today I hear "Never give up, hope", "Be strong in the Lord".

As you have read on my posts, I have a daughter who was diagnosed with scoliosis at a very young age. Her condition continues to get worse and she needs surgery to stop the curvature of her spine. The surgery is scheduled for September of this year. It is a very complicated surgery. At her age, there are many risks.


This is one of the reasons, I was hoping for a miracle. Two years ago, I received a word of knowledge from a former pastor. He said God told him, that my daughter will get healed. I rejoiced at hearing this message from God. The years have passed and yet there is no sign of healing. Sometimes, I wonder what went wrong? It is heartbreaking, to hear the doctors say, she is getting worse than before.


The miracle has not happened yet. Have I lost all hope? No, I have not! I do not know what God's plans are. But somehow, I keep waiting for that miracle. It will come in his timing.


God is able to do things we think are impossible. I see his power at work in the life of others. Children, whom doctors said will not make it past a few months of life, are now reaching their first year. It takes faith and determination to not give up.



My own brother is a miracle. What keeps him going? Faith, Family and Friends. He knows that in order to be well, he needs to be constant with his medicines and respiratory therapy. My brother has cystic fibrosis. A genetic disease that affects the lungs and the digestive system. A patient with CF, will not had made it past the elementary years about 20 years ago. But now, thanks to all the wonderful research done on CF, medicines and treatments. CF patients are able to make it past their thirties.

The doctor asked me, "What do you think has helped your brother stay healthy?" I responded, "his determination to stay healthy. No matter how much we ask him to do things, if he does not care for himself, it is useless what we do or say."

My brother's response, " I want to live, I want to go back to school, get a job helping others. That is what I want to do, that is my motivation." To hear my brother say that, is wonderful.

I am here for a purpose. God has brought me through certain trials, so that I can get my faith strenghten and use my testimony to help others. Help those who have lost all hope. Those who think it is impossible to try. God knows how much I can bear. He will not give more than what I can handle. What keeps me going? Faith, Family and Friends.

Never Give up, have faith, God has his hand on you.

Take some time to listen to the songs on my playlist.

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.

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.

Window Display

I have been placing pictures and the art that my kids do on the front window of my home. You can see them well from the street. I have a printout of our lady of Guadalupe. A coloring picture of Jesus with a great big heart and in the middle the world, to show that Jesus loves the whole world. Another coloring picture of a girl on her knees praying, I wrote on the bottom, Praying for Life.

I have another coloring picture of a cross with a drape that I colored purple to signify lent. I also had the Paper Dali coloring page of St. Patrick. But I recently took it off.

I want to continue putting this coloring pages to send a message to all who see them when they walk by. I know that Jehovah Witnesses walk by often around this neighborhood. They used to come and knock on my door, but lately they just pass by. I am not sure if it is because our neighbors dogs are always outside barking loud or because they rather skip my house. Once I told one lady that I was Catholic and loved to read my bible. I believe that was the last time someone came knocking at my door.

Getting back to the window displays. I think it is a very good way to evangelize and to show to others what we believe. I am working on a display for Easter. If anyone has some ideas please let me know. Most of the Easter decorations on the stores have eggs and bunnies, nothing that shows the real meaning of Easter. I want to let people know what Easter is truly about. The resurrection of our Lord Jesus.

The year of the Priest

Like I mentioned in a previous post, I became interested in the idea of displaying the liturgical colors in my home and learned that you can do this with a simple display of a cross dressed in the vestments that a priest wears during mass.


There are many different ways you can do this as you can see from the blogs I mentioned. I wanted to make it a little different. But still following the same idea. I looked for a coloring page of a priest so that my Priest display will have a face. I decided to use Miguel Pro. Over at Paper Dali they have a coloring page of Miguel Pro. You can make paper dolls with them and they have different outfits. Well here is the idea that I came up with using the coloring page from Paper Dali.

Father Miguel Pro with vestment
The Alb

I made the alb from a pattern that I got at St. Nicholas center. It is a pattern for a costume of St. Nicholas . You can download the pattern in PDF form. It took me a while to put it together. I used felt fabric. Since I have so much from Christmas projects, I might as well make use of it.

For the stand, I used popsicle sticks glued together with hot glue. I then glued the cut out of Fr. Miguel Pro on the stand. To make the alb fit over it, I folded the arms . The felt fabric made it possible for the arms of the alb to stay up.

Since this year is dedicated to the Priests, what better way to teach my children about priests and the liturgical colors used in the Catholic Church.

Liturgical Colors in the home

As I was searching for some activities for my children to do this week at home. I came across some great blogs of Catholic Moms.

I was introduced to "Father Pine". It is a siloutte of a priest with his hand lifted like the shape of the cross. And dressed in colorful vestments that represent the liturgical colors of the year.

My sister has been using the liturgical color in her own home. She has a big cross on top of her tv armoire. Every liturgical season she changes the drape on the cross according to the specific liturgical color. I have been wanting to do the same at my house.


Thanks to Jenn over at Wildflowers and Marbles for sharing this idea with us. You can see more ideas at this other blog Catholic Icing.

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.

Remembering our Loved Ones

In this picture taken last year 2008

Left to right, Father's parents, Mother's parents, Aunt Raquel,

Collage of Saints, and Mother-in-law

As a Catholic and Mexican American, I have a tradition in my home to remember those family members that have died. Catholics have a feast day on November 1st and 2nd. In most Mexican homes you will see an altar or table displaying photos of those who have passed away and images of patron saints, candles, flowers and other items that were the deceased favorites. I remember that when I was a child, my grandmother will take my sister and I to the cementary to our grandfather's tomb. We cleaned the tomb, place new flowers and pray the rosary. When we came to live here to California that tradition faded away. Grandmother stayed in Mexico and we were now in a different country, with different cultures and traditions. The only person in our family deceased at that time was our grandfather. So I never saw my Mother placing an altar in our home. We did have religious items and a picture of the Holy Supper, but we did not pray the rosary often. Even when my Grandmother passed away, in 1988, I never remember having this tradition in my Mother's home. My dear Grandmother, may she rest in peace, she taught us so many things about our Catholic faith and traditions that she had been taught as a child. Like taking flowers to the Virging Mary in May. Grandmother thought us to pray the rosary. Grandmother also was very devoted to the Child of Atocha. I have told you this lots of times.



My dear Grandmother. Who will visit her tomb and place new flowers on it and pray the rosary? Grandfather is lonely too. We all live so far away. This is why, I do not remember how long ago. I decided since I could not physically go and visit their tomb, that in my heart I will remember them and pray for them. Every Fall, I bring down Grandparents picture which is always hanging on a wall of my home. I place the picture on my prayer altar, also the picture of my Dear Aunt who died of cancer, a picture of my Mother-in-law, and a picture of my Father's parents. Last year I even placed a collage of Saints that are very special to us. St. Faustina, Blessed Margaret Castello, St. Catherine of Sienna, St. Padre Pio, St. Bernadette, St. Therese, St.Rita of Cascia, Venerable Pierre, St. Juan Diego, St. Francis of Assisi. St. Rafqa and St. Joseph Cafasso are not that well known but when I was looking for a patron Saint for our family and read their stories, I felt I should include them in our collage. Venerable Pierre, is not a Canonized Saint yet, but he is in the process of Beautification which means they are waiting to get another miracle in order to continue with the canonization process. His story is very interesting too. He was a very good man who helped the poor. There is a boy who claims he was healed from Scoliosis after his family prayed to Venerable Pierre for intercession.

Blessed Margaret of Castello is consider to be the Patron Saint of the unborn and rejected. Blessed Margaret was deformed and her back was bended, her parents abandoned her when she was a young child because they were ashamed of her. I could go on and on telling you all about the Saints on my collage. They are all special to me in many ways. What they all have in common is their Love for God and they shared with others that love. Most of them sufferer illnesses, rejection from their loved one, but they suffered through that for their love of God. They offered their pains and sufferings, for others to come to know Christ and repent from their sins. Will you be willing to do the same thing? Sometimes I struggle with this issue of sacrifice. How far are we willing to go for Christ? Are we willing to loose it all? Sometimes its hard, we give other things more value then what we give God our father. He is the giver of life. But he also takes away.

Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me and instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

where there is injury , let me sow pardon

where there is friction , let me sow union

where there is error, let me sow truth

where there is despair, let me sow hope

where there is darkness, let me sow light

where there is sadness, let me sow joy

O divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive.

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.

It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

May the divine assistance remain always with us and may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

St. Faustina

Today we remember St. Faustina. She died today in 1938. In February of 1931, she began to have mystic visions of our Lord Jesus. He asked her to have a picture of him made exactly as he appeared to her. She had a hard time trying to fullfill the Lord's request. At first her superiors will not believe her. Finally she was allowed to give her description to a painter. This is how the image of the Lord's Divine Mercy came to be. You can read a brief biography on EWTN. Sister Faustina also wrote a Diary which is now published in many languages. My mother has read the entire book. I saw a movie about St. Faustina a few years ago. The image of our Lord's Divine Mercy is one of my favorite images. The first time I saw this image at a Catholic church, I fell in love with it. There is also a documentary that was showned on EWTN showing the resemblance of this image with the shroud of of our Lord. Amazing have you seen it.

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Walking with Him Wednesday

What better way to walk with him on Wednesday, but to have a women bible study here at home. United with other women reading his word and in prayer. That is my desire. I have invited some ladies to come today for the first meeting.



I am praying that God will give them the desire to come. And remind them that better is one minute with Him, than thousands elsewhere.



I am listening to worship music as I type this post. In ten minutes the guests will arrive. But the best guest is the presence of our Lord Jesus among us. I am so happy that God is giving me once again the opportunity to reach out to the community and provide a time where we can refresh ourselves in his word.



I better end now, want to spend some time in prayer before my guests arrive. Have a blessed day. Go over to Holy Experience to read more of Walking in Him Wednesday.

Walk with Him Wednesday

Today at Holy Experience there will be no sharing of posts. Ann has suggested that we have a quiet time alone with God. And next week we can again share our posts at her blog Holy Experience.

I do need my quiet time with God. Lately, I have been busy with so many projects at home. I homeschool after regular school is over. My children attend a public school. And I stay home, to make sure all the house is clean and organized. I also have time to read inspirational blogs. Computer can be addictive at times. Taking away my time for my chores and my time with God. However, there are times that I come across a post that encourages me and uplifts me spiritually. I meet other Mom's that have faced difficult situations and I learn from them how to deal with my own. Through prayer. We pray for each others needs. We do not know each other, but we know Jesus, and he brings us together in unity, in prayer. Encouraging the younger women and getting encouraged by the older generation.

Today, in my quiet time with God, I will praise and worship. Repent for my wrong actions or words. Ask for special intentions in my heart, and yield to Him. I will end my time with Him, in silence, waiting for Him to talk to me. Letting me know what He desires of me. I will stay quiet, listening, and write in my journal, what the Lord has requested of me, so that I would not forget.

Mexico's Independence Day

As a decendant of Mexican parents, I take pride in my culture and teach my children about it. Yesterday, I printed out coloring pages of the Mexican flag, a map of Mexico, and a picture of Father Miguel Idalgo. The Creole priest, who fought for the Independence of Mexico from the Spaniards. I also read to them a short biography of Fr. Miguel Idalgo.

Today, Daughter ( The fashionista girl) wore a headband with the colors of the Mexican flag. For son, we made a pin button with a small paper flag on it. My daughter took the short biography of Fr. Miguel Idalgo to share with her class. At home, we have mexican sarapes(covers) on the living room chairs. I placed the Mexican flag on one of my front windows. On our kitchen table and living room coffee table we have colorful vinyl tablecloths with mexican icons such as, a guitar, a sombrero, cactus, red peppers, and maracas.

My husband was born in Mexico, and he loves spicy food. When I chose a theme for my kitchen, I chose the jalapeno peppers theme. I have plates, glassware, and linen with jalapeno peppers on them.

We speak both Spanish and English at home. My husband does most of the Spanish. And I am bilingual. I know some families that at home they speak only Spanish. I do not have nothing against that, I grew up in such a family. My father said it was disrespectful to my Mother, because she did not understand English for us to communicate in English. The problem was that Mom never learn to speak English. And now she has a hard time communicating with other people who do not speak Spanish. She is getting a little better at it.

I think is very important to not forget your native language, but it is also very important to learn the language spoken in this nation.

I also think it is good to attend Churches that are bilingual and multicultural. We need to have fellowship with other cultures not just your own. Like at my parish. We have English Mass and Spanish Mass seperate. Occasionally, there is a Unity Mass where they ask all parishioners to attend. Very few Hispanics attend. I do not understand why? The parish makes special programs of the mass in various languages so that you can understand what is being said in English at this unity celebrations, so there will be no problem with understanding what is being said. Yet the hispanic community does not attend.

I remember the first time that I took my children to a parish where most of the community was African American. My son did not like the music, he said this is not like our church. I felt so bad, because my child was not open to fellowship with other communities. I decided that I will try to attend Multicultural events, to have my children have fellowship with other brothers and sisters who are not hispanic. I want my children to be nice to all, to have friends that have different cultural background. I told my daughter, that I wanted her to be nice to all the girls in her classroom, no matter if they are African American, White, Asian, or Hispanic. They are all your sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus. Everyone is special to God.

So I am hoping that later today, I will be able to make a cake or cookies, something special for when kids return from school. To continue celebrating this special day for Mexico, remembering our roots.

My Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I ask in Jesus name, that you search me, and purge in me anything that is not good. Fill me with your light. May I be more like you and less like me. May I always have a word for that someone in need. May I see you in others. Heavenly Father. Help me to be patient in waiting for your response to my prayers. Help me to understand when things do not go as I have plan. Your word says, " that in all things God works for the good of those who love him." Romans 8:28

I have confidence that you have good plans for me. Open my eyes so that I may see, those who need help. Open my ears, so that I may hear your voice when you call me. Remind me that one moment with you is much better than thousand moments spent elsewhere.

Jesus, today I ask for a special request. My husband will be without work for a couple of days. May this time off from work, be a time of calmness. Husband works hard, and is the only provider for this household. I understand he need to take time off to rest. Lord, I hope this is just for a few days, and that there will be more work for him soon.

I thank you, that at the moment we are well financially. And that a few days off from work, will not be a problem for us. I pray that you help those other families, co-workers of husband that will be without work too. I do not know their financial situation, but I know a few families that have been barely making it. Father help those families that are facing financial problems. May they be able to find work. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen

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

Under God's Tent

I had already mention in one of my posts regarding my prayer journal. I use a prayer journal almost like a diary. It is my letters to God. When I will travel to Mexico or to visit my parents, I will take my prayer journal, along with my bible. As a matter of fact. I have a bible in my car at all times. Is my co-pilot. I keep another bible at my desk, and another bible in my reading basket. This way I always have a bible close by when needed. On wednesday, at Holy Experience blogers share their experience in their walk with God.

I like to read what others write about. One blog I was very interested in was Getting Down with Jesus . In her post titled Tent, the writer describes her tent and her altar. Her tent is a tote bag, and her altar is her bible, prayer journal and or any other book she is currently reading. She got this idea from a book she has been reading, the author of the book talked also about her tent and altar.

I liked the terms they used. So now I will refer to my reading basket as my tent. Inside my tent is my altar: my bible, prayer journal, novena books, prayer books, and any other books that I am reading.

Today and every day, I will be under God's tent. Reading my bible or any other inpirational book. I will try to have a set time each day. As soon as kids leave to school. My alone time with God.