The "Right Nows" of Life

For those who follow me on social media; for the past couple of weeks- even months, I have been sharing a lot on the subject of contentment. The Lord has been leading me into this place of contentment, and I know it transcends beyond the “four walls” of my life, He wants everyone to be content in the season they are in.

You may ask why? Why be content when I can do better, I can be better. Aren’t we supposed to have a spirit of excellence and not of mediocracy? The answer is yes, yes and yes. Of course, God doesn’t want us to stay stuck; He wants us to go from glory to glory. It is His desire to see us grow and prosper in everything that we do.

 

What I mean is to enjoy the “right nows” in life, in spite of what season you find yourself in. It’s a choice. How will I react upon adversity? Will I count my blessings or my troubles? Will I look over my shoulder and see how everyone else’s beautiful curb appeal is while my grass is withering? (Maybe they just put really cool filters to make it look greener…I mean, I’m just saying) The point is that contentment starts within. It's a decision, a decision to be happy. Decide to be happy with what you have today without being consumed with the worries of tomorrow. In every season there is a beautiful lesson to be learned and before you can advance to the next level, you must learn the lesson and pass the test. So often we are sucked into this idea that if we don’t have what we want now, we are not happy. I want to make something clear to you today, the devil is a liar. You may have 99 problems, but that one solution, that one blessing, that one ray of light is enough for you to stop yourself and say “Wait a minute, let me take this time and be grateful for this ONE thing.” If you were to take a piece of paper and draw a line in the middle, on one side you put blessings and on the other side you put problems or goals, or dreams; I can assure you that your blessings will outweigh your troubles.

Don’t ever allow the enemy, or people make you feel that you need more. You are enough; you are complete in Jesus Christ. I quoted this a few weeks back on Facebook, “Don’t be consumed with what lies ahead that you forget to enjoy what’s right in front of you. God has provided everything you need for today and new provisions will be added on for you tomorrow. God wants you to be happy with what you have now, instead of worrying about what you need later.”

I strongly believe that God wants His people to be appreciative with what they have today. Celebrate your small victories. Enjoy your every milestone. Be thankful for the small dosages of progress that you’re making each day. Stop comparing your custom-designed journey to someone else’s; you will never fit in because you were not meant to fit into someone else's mold. You’re meant to fit in yours and yours alone.  No matter how little or insignificant it may seem today, if you genuinely decide to be happy with what you have, God will open up the heavens and pour out abundant blessings over your life.

Learning to be content with what you have will bring complete fulfillment. Comparisons create unnecessary voids while contentment offers unconditional joy. Enjoy the “right nows” of your life, no matter how your season may seem. Don’t look for validation in anyone else’s life; everyone has a distinct journey they’re traveling. God has orchestrated every single detail in your life to His perfection. You may say, Landy you have no idea how my life looks like, it’s a mess. I tell you today, it may be a mess, but it’s beautiful. As disastrous as it may seem, as disappointed you may feel right now, it’s still your beautiful life and it’s perfect and fitting for you! A single season does not determine your destiny or the outcome of your life. A season is simply a fragment of your life; it’s not your entire life. It does not define you.

Learning to be content with who you are and what you have, gives you grounds to experience a liberating feeling like none other. You’ll be able to enjoy and savor the “right nows” of your life; leaving absolutely no room for the worries or concerns of tomorrow.

Decide to be happy, decide to be free.

“Learn to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want.” –Jim Rohn

 

For further Scripture readings, take a look at these: Philippians 4:6-7, 10-14,  Matthew 6:25-34, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, John 10:10,

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

landypf

Doesn't Make Sense

You, by nature, were a branch cut from a wild olive tree. So if God was willing to do something contrary to nature by grafting you into his cultivated tree, he will be far more eager to graft the original branch back into the tree where they belong. ~Romans 11:24

As I was reading the word this morning during my devotional time, this verse not only stood out but it really spoke to me. A little backstory to this is that the Apostle Paul is telling the Romans how we as Gentiles have the blessing to be a part of God’s special tree upon accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and through Him we find salvation. However, we must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off (the Jews, God’s chosen people who have rejected Jesus as the Messiah) because we are merely branches, not the root.

Ok, so we understand the concept of the tree, right? There are two trees; His cultivated tree (Chosen people) and a wild olive tree (Gentiles). As Gentiles; non-Jews, we have been grafted (inserted) into God’s tree while some of the original branches have been cut off, due to their lack of faith. What a privileged you and I have been granted! However, what is mind blowing- well, not really because God is God and He is Omnipotent and He does as He pleases, but what is so amazing about our God is what this text says..

“…So if God was willing (His choice) to do something contrary to nature (against the norm)…” Wow! This means that there is no telling how He will do things in our lives. We are not to place God inside of a box because He cannot operate in a “fixed” environment. We are not to expect Him to intervene or resolve something our way. Maybe God wants to glorify Himself in your situation differently than before. Expect the unexpected, He will act, respond, put together, take apart, or bless you on His terms, not yours. It may be exactly the way that you’ve envisioned it and AMEN! However, chances are there will be some slight changes, be open to the possibilities of your blessing coming in an unconventional manner. If you are open, you will give Him the freedom to move and operate how He pleases. There are no rules or guidelines that the Lord of Lords and Creator of all things should follow. Who are we to demand or expect God to do things a certain way? Exactly, we are no one to question His doings. Sometimes things will simply not make sense; does it mean God doesn’t know what He’s doing? Of course not, He is all knowing.

Going back to this verse, isn’t it crazy to think that there are two trees and God grabs one branch from one tree and grafts it, or inserts it into another tree? The question is: Will it belong? Will it stick together? Will it grow? Well, you and I are here. By His grace and love we are here and if you’ve confessed Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are in the family. It didn’t look, seem or feel right, and from an agricultural/landscaping point of view, it still doesn’t make sense yet that’s what God decided to do. And aren’t we happy He did, because of it; we too have been granted the gift of salvation and eternal life.

Sometimes it takes something that doesn’t make sense to fulfill the purpose. Today I encourage you to let God work in your life the way He wants to. Surrender your all (especially your mind and intellect, they always try to reason and make sense out of things) and allow Him total access to do as He pleases, to remove and place as He wishes. You may not get it but don’t hinder His work or your progress. It doesn't have to make sense to you, as long as it makes sense to Him. He’s a craftsman. Let Him create a new thing in you today!

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!
Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

Mentor the Next Generation

 

Hi Everyone!

I know we are all looking forward to the 4^th of July weekend, those of us who live in the U.S. As for me, I have a fun-filled week ahead with my husband’s family coming into town from New Jersey, so we are all excited to spend some family time.

Before, we get our party hats on and begin to celebrate with fireworks; I wanted to share this with you all. I really wanted to share my heart with everyone. This is something that I have already shared on my social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and I also wanted to share it on my blog so everyone to read it.

I am a firm believer of empowering and encouraging others to reach their top potential. I’d like to be known for inspiring, encouraging and blessing others. I want to constantly, not only motivate myself but motivate others as well. I want everyone to excel in their individual journeys, knowing that they too can push past any limitations that may be of hindering. With that being said, sometimes we need a little help and God places people in our paths everyday with the purpose to help us. There will be times where you will need help but there will also be times where you will be that source of help for others.

As youth pastors, my husband and I constantly are working with the younger generation, we realize that they are the next generation and it is our responsibility to lead them, teach them, empower them, motivate them and mentor them. If they don’t get it from us, who will they get it from?

It’s everyone’s responsibility to listen and help these kids who are rising up. You do not have to be a youth pastor to do so, everyone is a leader in their own individual way. You can make a difference in someone’s life simply by caring and genuinely helping them excel in whatever area you are good at. Help them become better.

 This is what I shared earlier on social media and my hope is that you too become encouraged and motivated to encourage and motivate someone who may need your help. It’s not about us, it’s about Jesus and sharing the gifts He has deposited in us-with others! The more you release, the more you receive.

 

Leaders:

 Invest your time and resources into the next generation. They will remember! That goes for mentorship, leadership, teaching, preaching, music, worship, arts and even business. Whatever gifts you have been given, share the wealth of knowledge to others. Encourage them to be better and do better than you. Ouch! Why? Because you're standing today but guess what? Tomorrow you will be sitting down and they will be standing up, leading just like we are today. How great will it be to leave a legacy of multiplication?! You multiplied yourself unto others. You were not afraid to teach what someone else taught you and have others learn what one day you learned. Take someone under your wing and mentor them to be better than you; because my friends, that is the sign of a true leader: one that can look back and say, I mentored them and they became better than me! Let’s be a generation of sharing, one who spreads the wealth of knowledge. Let's empower the generation that is rising!

 

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

Exciting updates!!

I’m so excited about all the new things that are going on and I want to share some of them with you. As some may know, this summer it will be one year since the publishing of my Spanish book and God has been great! I am at the point where I am about to re-order more copies because I am running low. So, I thank God for his support and faithfulness throughout this process. And speaking of process, this journey does not stop here, for I am in the finishing stages of translating the Spanish book into English! I have hired a professional to translate it and soon it will be headed to my publishing company. I’ve had a lot of requests and I want to publically say that “A Moment of Silence” is in the works and I will be keeping you all updated on its progress.

 

Another great thing that has been happening is that I’ve been introduced to the opportunity of selling some additional products on my website www.landypf.com. My original thought was to have an online store on my website where my book, Un Momento De Silencio is made available for purchase to those who visit my page. Make sense; right, why not have it available and accessible? That was my thought, anyway. So, as I began to create my online store, an opportunity arose where I can make other products available to the customers as well. And that is why I want to introduce to you some jewelry pieces that I will be selling in addition to my books. I do not want to limit myself to “just” selling jewelry but my goal is to have a variety of products such as t-shirts, cups, journals etc. available for purchase. And the common denominator in all of this is to inspire and encourage through my books, blogs, or anything else I make available for purchase.

Last week, I was able to get in contact with a vendor who graciously provided me with some pieces and I want to introduce them to you. If you are interested, please let me know. You can visit my store on the top right hand corner of my page. And if you have any questions or comments, visit the tab that says “contact me”. I am so excited for everything that is happening and I wanted to shed some light to you all in what has been going on lately. My Spanish book and these pieces are now available. Free shipping and a 10% discount will be provided when entering the code that the store will provide for you. Happy Shopping!!

I’ll leave you with this: I (you) can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens you! {Phil 4:13}

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano

 

Speak Life

 

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but names/words can never hurt me” - Nursery Rhyme

 

Now think...think..think....

 

I remember screaming this back to kids who during recess would hurl mean words at me and to be honest, I think I might have been on the receiving end of this infamous statement as well :-).  But the truth is that words do hurt and names do mark us and to think otherwise is a great danger.  I believe wholeheartedly that a truer statement of the power of words came from a Journalism teacher I once had in college.  He said:

 

“We are wordsmiths and as such, are responsible for the words we share”  

 

Words have power.

 

The Bible further confirms this.  Take a look at the infamous “Tongue = Life or Death” scripture:

 

Proverbs 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. (AMP)

 

Your words have much more power than you attribute to them:  The power to build and tear down, the power to encourage or discourage, the power to love to hate, etc.  The list goes on and on!

 Can I share a story with you?  Great!  Here goes:

 

A few years ago, I received a call to put a band together for an international Christian artist who would be on tour in the Tri-State area.  I was excited to take on the task not because it was  my first time but because I am so passionate about music.  I immediately called friends who are phenomenal musicians and asked them to come on board on yet another band I had to put together.  

 

Drums?  CHECK!.......Guitars?  CHECK.......Bass?  CHECK!........Keys?  Check?!?!  (Hmmmm)

 

I usually play keys for these bands but recently felt insecure in my gift (yes yes, it happens to the best of us).  However, I took a bold step and shut down all insecurities, I thanked God for my gift and was also encouraged by a circle of phenomenal musicians who believed in my gift and would SPEAK LIFE into my life as a musician.  

 

After months of preparation, I received a call from the artist’s manager.  I still remember that I pulled the car into the church parking lot as I saw his name pop up on my phone’s screen and with excitement I picked up the call:

 

“Hey! God bless!”

“Hey Ruthy...”

“What’s going on?”

“Listen, I know you’ve been putting the band together but when the artist heard you were playing keys, he said ‘If she is playing, I’d rather sing alone with tracks’”

[Silence]

“Thanks Ruthy but if you’re playing, we have to cancel the band”

“.....ok, God bless”

 

I froze......pain in my chest....fingertips cold...speechless......

 

I walked out of the car and into the back door of the church.  As I opened the door, my father stood at the bottom of the steps with his usual “¿Como estas mi linda?” I fell into his arms and sobbed uncontrollably.  The wordsmith who once sat in a Journalism class, the little girl who would yell at recess “words can never hurt me” now stood as a woman, unable to form a thought because words had literally shattered her to pieces; they had spoken death over her life as a musician.  Every insecurity came up, every doubt in my gift screamed louder than any word of encouragement could during that season of brokeness.  A series of events before and after multiplied the hurt and like a night stand, my keyboards became places for books, jewelry and dust....nothing more, nothing less.

 

But God! Yes, But God!!

 

That season of brokeness sparked by the words of a manager came to an end when I surrendered the broken pieces of my heart to my Creator and He spoke words of love, kindness and confirmed that the gift He had given me was entrusted to the right person..Me!  God then placed others that once again spoke life into me.  I decided to push myself as a musician, learn more, do more. Wow!  Words nearly sent me down a path of destruction BUT GOD!!

 

So how does this story end?  It doesn’t. Instead it grows with me as I continue to understand that my words DO have power and that I am responsible to build up those around me.  Even a word of rebuke spoken in love will speak life!  

 

BE ENCOURAGED! Those words that were spoken over you to seemingly destroy are cancelled by the one who Created you!  He knows you best and will surround you with His best.  

 

Speak Life :-)

Ruthy Rodriguez 

{Thank you Ruthy for being my guest blogger today and sharing this heart-felt message. Remember to always Speak Life!}

Photo Credit: With Love Photography

 

What Can God Do With Difficult Circumstances?

As I was catching up on my devotionals this morning, I came across this particular one that blessed my life tremendously and I wanted to share it with you because I know it will be a blessing to you as well.

The title is: What Can God Do With Difficult Circumstances? By: Samantha Evilsizer

This question often leads us to two things, faith or doubt. We either believe and have faith that God can restore a difficult situation; or we give up and doubt that anything can be done. This devotional will enlighten and bring clarity to this question we often ask; What can God do with difficult circumstances?

 
“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2 (ESV)

This past year, people I love have had to grapple with some very difficult things—home foreclosures, loss of businesses, empty cupboards, and dry gas tanks. Family and friends have endured marital affairs, children sentenced to jail, another year of unemployment, cars breaking down, churches falling apart.

In the midst of such hardships, it’s easy to doubt God can redeem the pain, recover what’s lost, heal all that’s broken. Can He truly fit the pieces of our suffering into a hopeful future?

If we rely on what our circumstances imply, we may believe the Lord isn’t able to make something good come from our hardships. Or that He won’t. But the truth is, God can and does change our circumstances.

Whether or not God alters our current situation, His power to give a future and hope never changes! We know this based on His Word that stays the same. That’s why it’s important to take action when difficulties weave doubt in to our faith in God’s authority. How do we do this?

For me, refocusing on the truth found in Job 42:1-2 makes a big difference, “Then Job answered the LORD and said: ‘I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.”

Reading accounts of God’s faithfulness bolsters us up when all that is around us is crumbling down. When we focus on what God did for others, it reminds us He is able to work on our behalf as well. Take a look at God’s redeeming plans for some of His people throughout the Bible…

While Job’s family, home, crops and health were demolished, God was preparing to give him double of what was killed, stolen, lost and damaged. (Job 1 and 2; Job 42:10)

While Joseph was a slave and prisoner, God was planning for him to be second in command over Egypt. (Genesis 39:19-21 and 41:41)

When Ruth was a homeless, childless widow, God was creating a home in Boaz’s heart for her to be his wife. God also knew she’d one day be a mother and years later a great, great, great-grandmother to Jesus. (Ruth 1:4-5 and 4:13-17)

When David lay down in adultery, God was laying the groundwork for him to rise up and repent. (2 Samuel 2:4; Psalm 51)

When Peter lost faith and denied Christ, God knew Peter would be instrumental in growing the Christian church by proclaiming Christ to thousands. (Mark 14:66-72; Acts 2:38-41)

While Mary watched Jesus dying on the cross, God had full knowledge of Jesus being resurrected and seated on His heavenly throne! (John 19:25-30; Revelation 3:21)

No matter what the dire, dreary circumstances, God turned each into a hopeful future.

God can reverse, restore, revive, and renew. Be on the lookout for His plans that are already in motion right now, even in the midst of your difficult time. Trust Him. He can take any circumstance and use it for your good and His glory.

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

Season of Singlehood

I love to encourage the Singles because I know it can be a difficult time in their lives. Trust me, I know!! Lol. Although, God has blessed me with a wonderful and loving husband, I still remember what it felt like being single and waiting for “the one”.

The wait may be frustrating but it will be gratifying. When we commit to leave all of our needs, wants and desires to the Lord, He will grant them to us- the key is to delight ourselves in Him. The more you indulge in God’s presence and enjoy your time with Him, the closer you are to meeting the desires of your heart. Read Psalm 37:4,5. I remember in my time of singlehood, this was one of the verses that I held near and dear to my heart and it helped me in my journey.

If you follow me on FB or Twitter you will see that I always post/tweet encouraging messages to the Singles.  It’s important for me to let all my single friends know that God has your best interest at hand.  He know what you need, His desire is to give you nothing but the best.  Sometimes we want to settle because we feel time is ticking and we want to take matters into our own hands. Big Mistake! When we surrender our time to God, who is timeless, we will then understand that He is always on time. One thing is for sure; He is never too early, never too late, he is always right on time.

My advice to you, and this comes from someone whose been there! Be patient and wait on the Lord. Easier said than done, huh? I know but I can speak out of experience- it's worth it! He has not forgotten about you and is about to give you the biggest surprise of your life, don't ruin it by "trying to help".  Continue to be faithful to Him, serve Him wholeheartedly; seek Him first- involve yourself in His kingdom and you will see how invested He will be in your life. And most importantly, enjoy every season of your life to the fullest because seasons come and go, you may be at the end of this one and about to start a new one very soon.  Ladies and Gentlemen, enjoy your season of singlehood!

I will leave you with five truth quotes that will encourage you as you wait for your blessing!! – (Quotes are courtesy of The Single Woman)

1. Fellas, make your intentions known and clear. Don't lead her on if you have no intention of following through.

2. God, if it's not meant for me, I don't want it. Give me the courage to let it go and wait for what's mine.
 

3. To cling to the one who is not meant for you is to delay the arrival of the one who IS. #LetGo
 

4. Remember: You are a CATCH. And a catch is worthy of being pursued, wooed, chased. Not just settled for!
 

5. Singleness is the most exciting, confusing, breathtaking, wildly unexpected, insanely courageous time of life. Enjoy it.
 

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed! 

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

Grow Up!

For the past couple of weeks my brother Ronny has been talking about the importance of "growing up" in his Sunday morning messages to the church. He remembers when he turned thirteen, it was such a pivotal year in his life, and he remembers it like today! ...props to him, because I don't remember mine.. lol

Ronny was saying that when you turn thirteen, you officially become a teenager! In other words, you're no longer a child; therefore, you must start acting like an adult. There are certain things you should leave behind because you have outgrown them! 

And although we are already in the month of March (still pretty early in the year) I want to emphasize on the fact that we have entered into a new year and if we are expecting to experience a great year, we must leave behind the childishness and start behaving as adults. Basically, it’s time to grow up.

It's time to do grown up things, you're no longer a child
It's time to act like a grown up, you're no longer a child
It's time to speak like a grown up, you're no longer a child

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 3:2 "I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it." Now, this is Paul speaking to the church and he was basically telling them, I have more to give you but because you have not matured enough, I can't give you solid food because you are not ready.

I would hate for God to tell me, I have so much more things to tell you, to show you, to give you but you're just not ready for it.. it's like! Ok, I'm going to get my act together RIGHT NOW because I want more! I don't want to settle for the baby stuff anymore, I can handle that, I need something bigger! Can you relate?

January and February have passed us by and for many it's been a great two months and for others, it hasn't been that great. But the beauty of all of this is, there is time to make 2013 into a different year! A year of what I like to say, the year of the YES, the year of your prayer requests answered. This is such a pivotal year for many of us because this is the year in which God will start to give us solid food! No more milk, no more baby food. He will start to give us big responsibilities that only a mature adult can handle. Are you ready for what is coming your way? Are you ready to receive God's big blessings in your life? You have to be, because God only gives to those who He can entrust His blessings to. But in order to receive what He has for us, we have to Grow Up!

The Bible says that we go from Glory to Glory. Yesterday's blessing was good, last year’s was great but God has something greater for you now. Stop living in the past! Stop living in the past glories, in what God did for you yesterday because He wants to do something greater in your life today.

I truly believe and have been confessing since the beginning of the year that this is the year of prayers answered, this is the year of the YES! This is the year in which God's promises will come to pass in many of our lives. The things we have been waiting for years, the words that God had spoken years ago, we will see them come to pass. Why? Because we have chosen to Believe first! We must believe before we can see!!

I am just so excited for what is to come and I want everyone to be connected with the Spirit so you won't miss out. God wants to bless everyone. The bible says that he is no respecter of persons, in other words, He has no favorites. So if He is doing it with me, He can do it with you. The question is, are you ready??? Make 2013 your best year yet!

Share your thoughts with me :-) What did you think about today's blog?

Be Encouraged & Be Blessed!

LandyPF ♥