Don't Worry Be Happy

Hey Mon! It's been a few weeks since I've written but I'm excited to let you know that I've been eagerly working on my 40 before 40 Bucket List.

Just a few days ago my husband and I had the pleasure of witnessing some very special people renew their wedding vows after 25 years of marriage.  It was an awesome occasion and the fact that it took place in Montego Bay, Jamaica made even more fabulous!  

So, while in Jamaica I was able to complete 3 of my bucket list items.

The first, was "taking a honeymoon". My husband and I never experienced a honeymoon because I was 7 months pregnant when we married. So this was the perfect opportunity to take advantage and make it a mini honeymoon/ anniversary package deal for us.  (We just celebrated 9 years of marriage on October 1st).

Second item completed was, "watch the sunset in a different state". Well, I decided to take it up a notch and do it in a different country on two different days.  It was absolutely beautiful and sharing that moment with my husband made it even more spectacular.

Last, was "do a water sport".  Hubby and I decided to do a Catamaran Cruise and snorkeling. I was very apprehensive at first,  because I don't know how to swim.  Nonetheless,  I didn't let my fear get the best of me and thankfully so.  It was a breathtaking experience being able to see God's creation under the sea.  The coral reefs,  the white sand,  the rainbow of fish and sea life was stunning.  It was definitely worth taking the risk in trying something new and I would definitely do it again.

Overall my visit to Jamaica was wonderful.  I'm hoping to visit again, sooner than later, with my entire family and experience more of the Caribbean life.

One Love.  Don't Worry Be Happy!

I look crossed eyed!  ILL!!  LOL

It's A New Season

It's a new season!  My favorite time of the year! The vibrant colors of the leaves are magnificent, the smell of pumpkin everywhere is delicious and the weather is absolutely perfect!

With the new season, changes and adjustments need to be made. Some are good, like getting an extra hour of sleep when daylight savings time ends, or getting ready for Thanksgiving. Other changes and adjustments are not so good.  For instance,  it gets darker earlier or the scale reading is a few pounds higher because of all the delicious turkey and pumpkin pies you've savored.

Nonetheless,  it's a new season and it will continue on its course weather we are prepared or not.

Some of you may also be entering a new season in life.  A new season of good health,  increased finances,  new job or career,  restored relationships and so many other wonderful things. But can you remember the season right before.  When your health was declining and you thought you wouldn't make it through?  Can you recall the days, not too long ago, when you didn't know how you were going to pay the rent? Or how about that broken relationship, that in your eyes, could never be restored.

In those moments of sickness,  weakness and brokenness you felt hopeless!  There was just no way that you were going to get through this alone.  But you were never alone. Jesus had a plan for your life. 

At the time it seemed it would never end but you put your trust in the Lord.  Each passing day He took you by the hand and guided your steps; directed your path.  Days when you didn't have the strength to even get out of bed because the load was too much to bear. His mercy, grace and favor poured down on you.  He restored your health,  increased your finances and mended those broken relationships.

Now you relish in this new season; marveled at the faithfulness of the Lord and all you can say is, "God is so good!"

 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.  Ecclesiastes 3:1

Run the Race

It feels great to have completed a few things on my 40 before 40 bucket list.  I'm working on some currently but my biggest challenge so far is the 5K Run. I've never been into fitness or sports so that's why this is such a big deal for me.

I started with drinking more water, then walking,  next jogging and finally running.  I still can't run a complete mile but slow progress is still progress.   Also, I  have a great support system that pushes me and motivates me to do better.  This makes all the difference in the world to me because without them I would find every excuse not to push harder.

Until recently I was training but had no idea what run I would register for.  Then a few weeks ago while surfing the Internet I found the perfect 5K: Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation's (ALSF)- The Lemon Run.   It's a 5K to help with research and treatments for childhood cancer.  So,  I have decided to complete 2 of my bucket list items with this one event.  Not only will I be running, I will also be raising funds for ALSF through Briana's Soles of Love.

This event is more than just a run; it's personal.  I will be running this race in honor of our Princess Briana McBride who lost her battle with Neuroblastoma at the age of 6. What makes it even more special is that the run takes place November 8, the day before her birthday.

In the beginning I  was training without a true purpose.  Now, I have a mission to complete.  It won't be easy but it will definitely be worth it. 

           

All Things New

On my 40 before 40 journey I have decided to do 4 DIY projects.  I just love to see old things repurposed, restored  and renewed. 

Recently, my husband along with the help of  our wonderful cousins Ray and Evelyn have taken on a huge  DIY remodel; our bedroom.  We literally have removed everything to the bare walls.  Our first project was to prime and paint.  Pretty simple right, until you see the exposed walls and all it's holes, cracks and chipped paint.  All of them out in the open visible, noticeable and it's not a pretty sight.  There was plenty of work in store, cracks to be repaired, holes to be spackled and chipped paint to be scraped and sanded down.   It took a lot of elbow grease and patience to get those walls looking in great condition but we got it done.

Once the repairing was complete it was time to prime and paint.    I couldn't believe the transformation.  It turned out absolutely wonderful (pics to come soon). It was great to see that labor of love turn into something so beautiful and my husband and I are so proud of what we have accomplished so far.

However, the Lord is the Master Transformer!  He is ready to restore, repurpose and renew us.  He wants us to come to Him with  no masks, no cover ups, just US in our truest self with all of our cracks, holes and chipped "paint".   All we  have to do is "expose our bare walls" to Him and He will begin to repair us...in fact He will make us new.   His labor of love will certainly transform us into something wonderful and beautiful. A creation that He certainly is most proud of!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Fill Me Up

I love my life and all the great people I get to share it with. There are long periods of time where everything is going great and life couldn't be better.  Then there are those rare moments when I feel like I'm being suffocated and choked by all that's going on in my life. 

I feel like this is one of those rare times when I just want to escape.  Get away from my responsibilities, stress and expectations.  I don't want anyone to depend on me for anything.  No cooking, cleaning, working, planning, teaching!

I want to sleep in late,  lounge around in my pajamas, not brush my hair, eat whatever I want.  Text messages, emails, phone calls can be put on hold.  I want to soak in a bubble bath for an hour or two and not have anyone knocking down the door.

How lovely it would be to just sit quietly on a beach reading,  listening to music.  Walking a trail and taking in the beauty that God created sounds nice.  

For a few days, it's my desire to be carefree,  no time limits,  no responsibilities or expectations from others. Just me and the Lord.

I am running on empty.  Lord, please fill me up til I overflow.

Eyes Watching

I have a 15 month old niece, Camryn, who absolutely loves to worship the Lord.  Her worship is so pure and genuine; it's such a refreshing sight to see.  On Sunday mornings, I purposely tell my sister to wait until after the devotional is over to take her to the nursery because I just love to see her enthusiasm and joy in worshipping our Savior.

This past Sunday was no different.  Camryn lifts her hands in the air in adoration, she tries to sing the songs and her whole body moves to the rhythm of the music.  It's intense, deep, intentional praise.  After a few moments, I turn away and envelope myself in my own personal intimate time with the Lord. Time passes and the devotional is slowly coming to an end, I open my eyes and in that very moment, through my peripheral vision, I catch her gazing at me.  I am not sure how long she was staring but I was taken by surprise.  "She was watching me", is all I could think to myself.  She was observing, intently at how I praised.

This had me thinking about my life and my actions as a Christian.  I didn't understand until right then the effect my actions have on others and their walk with Christ. Of course, I have children of my own and I am teaching them the ways of the Lord and I do my best to lead by example but this hit me like a ton of bricks. Camryn made me realize that when I least expect it there is someone observing and learning. There is someone relying on me to teach them how to worship, praise and honor the King of Kings. Therefore, I have to make sure that I am continuously, day after day, living a life pleasing unto God.  My aim daily should be to do the will of my Heavenly Father and rely on His Word to produce the Fruit of the Spirit in my life and in the life of others. Then without a doubt I will know that my actions are not causing my brother or sister to stumble.  On the contrary, just like little Camryn, they learn that a life of adoration is a life of joy.

Those who love their brothers and sisters live in the light, and there is nothing in them that will make them do wrong.  1 John 2:10

You are loved

 

 

My husband gives me the best greeting cards. He has a gift for picking the perfect card with the most beautiful words and heartfelt sentiment. I can just picture him in the store reading 5 or 6 cards before he finds the "perfect" one.  They truly make me feel special.  So, needless to say,  I keep all the cards stored nicely in a decorative hat box.

 

I know most people keep them displayed for all to see for a short while and then toss them in the trash, because eventually the card in a sense becomes useless to keep around.  I, however, have a reason for tucking my cards away.

 

Life happens and we get lonely; we have struggles in our marriages and relationships; challenges with our health or finances and we allow  those few bad  moments to define our lives and we begin to lose hope and begin to let love die.  Love for our spouse, family, friends, work, and in some cases we start not even loving ourselves.

 

But that's when I go to my hat box and pull out those cards. As I read those beautiful heartfelt words on the page, I'm reminded that I am loved and there is hope. I'm not alone.

 

Many times we struggle that way in our spiritual life. We feel like God doesn't hear our prayers or that we're fighting our battles alone. Things seem to get worse before they get better.  We may even feel like the Lord doesn't even love us.   I encourage you to pull out that hat box called the Bible and read those beautiful heartfelt words that the Lord has written for you.  Don't let those promises and words become useless and just toss them away. Let Him remind you that you are loved, there is hope and you are not alone.

 

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Celebrate today!

Sunday evening comes around and the first thought for many is, "I can't wait until Friday"! The countdown to the weekend has already begun. The stress and troubles of the week and all it entails are already weighing us down. Work, school , grocery shopping, laundry, doctor appointments, cooking, cleaning, dance practice, football practice and the list goes on and on!  It's as if the weekends are the only days looking forward to; the only days worth celebrating.

In January we are making preparations for our vacation in July, in July we plan for a birthday party in October, in October we are looking forward to Christmas! Why are we living only for the weekend; only for those "special" moments.

There are no laws or rules that say we can't celebrate everyday. In fact, scripture instructs us otherwise.  This is the day the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118:24  If Monday comes around and you want to go to a movie, go!  If, it's Tuesday and you want to go on a picnic, pack up that basket and blanket and go! Rainy days could be a great day for ice cream sundaes too.

Don't get me wrong, we should dream and plan for the future.  But let's stop looking past today. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not promised.  All we have is this day, this moment and we should make the best of it and enjoy it while it lasts.  Let's not get so caught up in tomorrow that we don't celebrate today!

Comfort Zone

On my 40 before 40 list I have quite a few things that are out of my comfort zone: milking a cow; taking a ballet class and  running a 5K.

I'm not physically fit at all! I never played any sports in school and don't really like exercising.  It's just too much work,  too much of any effort and I just don't like it. Yet, I took on this challenge of running a 5k. I must have been crazy!

Training for this 5k is truly a challenge.  It's not just about the physical training; it's about mental training too. I have to believe that I can do this.   I have to step out of my comfort zone in order to achieve this.  It's a difficult thing.  Sometimes I have to squeeze in a workout at 5am, or even walk/jog in the rain. My body gets aches and pains in places I never knew existed and all I can think is, "why did I say yes"?

Then I understand that in order to get different results in my life I have to do things I've never done before. I have to step out of that comfort zone  and get uncomfortable. I'll have to push myself to limits that I never knew existed.  I need to reach beyond that which is attainable in order to get a grasp of what I think is impossible.

I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Let Go & Let God

School is out and it's summer vacation! A time for the children to experience relaxation, fun and camp! 

About two months ago, Jada (my 11 year old) and Noah (my 8 year old) came home after school super excited.  The school had announced that this year they would be sponsoring a few children to attend camp, all expenses paid.  All they had to do was write a letter stating why they would like to attend.  So, independently  they both wrote letters and handed them in to their teachers.  ( I don't have a clue what they wrote because they never showed me). 

Time went by and we never heard anything in response to the camp so life went on as usual.  Until a  few days ago when I received a call from the principal.  Jada and Noah were both selected to attend the camp.  Well, of course I am super excited and grateful.  It's what the kids wanted and it's FREE!  It's such a huge blessing, right?  As the principal is giving me all the details my enthusiasm is starting to decline.  "This is an overnight camp and is for a total of 6 days", the principal stated.  What began as a moment of excitement and gratefulness soon took a turn.  Overnight? 6 days?  My heart began to race and my stomach had butterflies.  All I could think was, "what if something happens to them, they've never been away from us that long, they aren't the best swimmers"...all these thoughts of fear and doubt overtook me.

If you read my last post, I am working on not letting my fear overtake my life.  I'm making a conscious effort to face my fears and challenges and here is the first test.  I am not doing well with this at all.  I need to keep praying because every bit of me wants to call the camp and cancel, but I won't.  I need to let go and let GOD.  If I am a child of THE KING, I need to understand that he has everything under control.  John 14:1 tells us, Do not let your hearts be troubled, trust in God. My mind understands that  He can certainly take better care of my children than I ever could but my heart is troubled.

It's a very difficult thing to relinquish complete control.  Nonetheless, if I am making the claim that I  trust in God I need to do that in deed and not just in words. This thing called faith is not easy, but God promises it's worth it!

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God I will strengthen you and help you;I will uphold you with my righteous right hand......For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear;I will help you.  Isaiah 41:10,13

 

 



Have No Fear

Fear is something we all experience in life.  Everyone is afraid of something and everyone deals with the fear differently. I am afraid of heights, public speaking and failing.  I think the latter is my greatest fear.  In my opinion, there is nothing worse than attempting something and then failing!  Trying to achieve something and failing!  So my way of coping with this fear was to just not attempt it all.  I would say to myself, "don't try it and then you won't have to worry about failing.  You won't have to worry about the embarrassment and the disappointment". Rather than facing a challenge I would just run.

This was my mentality for a very long time, until I realized that my 11 year old daughter is experiencing the same fear of failing.   Did I unconsciously create this fear in her?  Did she notice my fear of failure?  I can't help but think that I am responsible.  So, how do I correct this?  I certainly can not allow my daughter to run away from her challenges and fears as I have for so long.  So, I decided that I need to face them just as Joshua 1:9 states: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. I will face them boldly and courageously because after all, if God is with me who can be against me! (Romans 8:31).  I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37).

Fear is a prison and I won't allow it to bind me up and put limits on my life any longer. I certainly can't live a life poured out living in fear.  If at first I don't exceed, I'll dust myself off and try again.

God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.      2 Timothy 1:7

He Lives In Me

My husband isn't generally the greatest at planning anything (but he's learning). It's even harder for him to keep a surprise as a secret, but just recently, he did just that!  He surprised me with tickets to go see the Broadway Musical: The Lion King.  I was in shock because he doesn't like musicals and secondly, I've never been to a Broadway Musical before.  This was my first experience and I must say  it was phenomenal.  Everything from the costumes to the singing, choreography, lighting, sound, special effects- it was just an amazing experience.

I can remember the scene where Simba is doubting himself.  He's doubting his capabilities to lead, to be courageous and to have faith! In this scene as the music was  playing and the cast was singing, I listened to the words, "There's no mountain too great, hear these words and have faith....He lives in you."  I began to cry.  This song touched me in such a profound way.  It's like the Lord was speaking to me right there in that theater at that very moment.  It was loud and clear, "Delma stop doubting, take courage and step out in faith because I live in you!"  It was such a refreshing reminder.  That moment is still very fresh in my mind and I'm sure it will be, for a very long time.

I thank the Lord, that even in the middle of a musical, He took the time to give me a Word.  He is always there to guide and direct us if we only take the time to listen.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—  the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17

By the way, on my 40 before 40 list I have "attending a Broadway Musical in NYC" as one of my challenges..  This particular Musical was in Philadelphia, can I still count this as completed?  Don't really know.  Please comment and tell me what I should do. 

It's MY Birthday

It's finally here! The last year of my 30's! Today, I turn 39, to God be the Glory. I'm thankful for being able to celebrate another year of life.  There have been struggles,  hard times,  disappointments and challenges, but I have also experienced victories, triumphs, joy and breakthroughs. With each situation, good or bad, I learned that God is good no matter what the situation looks like.  

I don't know what this year holds. Nonetheless,  I  look forward to growing; spiritually,  personally, financially and physically (well I think it's too late for gaining a few inches in height, but hey a girl can dream! ) 

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

A New Journey

In just a few short days I will be 39 years old!  Whoa!  I can't believe how the time is just flying by. I can still remember my high school days as if they were yesterday.  Where did the time go? 

As a teenager and young adult, I had so many aspirations, dreams and goals.  Then some unexpected things in life happened, and they were placed on the back burner.  The days and the years went by and those aspirations, dreams and goals became things of the past; unachievable, not worth pursuing.  Until eventually, I became complacent with the regular routine of my life.

Then just a few weeks ago I had a "what in the world happened here?" moment.  "There's got to be more to my life than this."  Now don't get me wrong.  I love my life but I just know that the Lord has so much more in store for me.  More of my life to live and more people to share it with.

So, in honor of  my 39th birthday I have decided to take on a new journey.  For the next year I,  with the help of my family and friends, will be taking on new challenges, stepping out of my comfort zone and sharing my talents with friends and strangers alike.  My prayer is that along the way, the Lord will speak to me, renew me and use me for his Honor and Glory all while living my life poured out!  I pray you can follow along with me and discover what the Lord has in store for all of us!

Forget the things that happened in the past. Do not keep on thinking about them.  I am about to do something new.  It is beginning to happen even now.   Don’t you see it coming?  I am going to make a way for you to go through the desert.  I will make streams of water in the dry and empty land.  Isaiah 43:18-19