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

 

Perseverance

First, I would like to thank Landy for contacting me to write a blog for this amazing website. I am truly humbled and honored.   I have never really written any blogs, but as I thought about a topic to speak about, the first thing that resonated in my mind was the word perseverance. 

Before I begin, here is a little bit about myself.  I am a full-time musician, middle school band director (which I absolutely love), engaged to a beautiful and loving fiancé; I have an older brother and also a younger sister.  I obtained a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Music Education and most importantly, I love God.  Growing up, I was raised and nourished by amazing parents who taught me the importance of having a relationship with God.  They also taught me the importance of persevering through tough times and situations, for that I am very grateful.

 

In a time of immediate gratification or what I call “the microwave mentality,” I have found the importance of perseverance.  As a child, I was always looking to be great at something.  That “something” for me was drumming.  This was my outlet in life, my daily escape and continues to be.  I was never great at sports, video games, or even being “Christian” (this is a whole other blog), but for some strange reason, I felt like if I was going to be great at something, why wouldn’t it be something that I love to do?  When I decided to commit my life to the art of drumming/music, I had to make a lot of sacrifices in my life.  I missed a lot of precious family time, lots of parties, events, girlfriend time, hanging out with my friends, social events, etc.  However, I knew that if I wanted to be great at something I had to sacrifice a substantial amount of time.  Why did I do this?  I distinctly remember one day I was watching the Jenny Jones show and I saw a young kid playing and he was literally killing the drum set.  I did not know who this kid was and I was literally flabbergasted at what I was seeing and hearing (by the way the drummer was Tony Royster Jr).  At the time I became so discouraged because I was only a couple of years older than this prodigy and I was literally light years behind.  I looked over my shoulder and my dad who was right next to me told me something that I will never forget.  He said, “Carlito, there will always be a better musician out there in the world, but you’re the only one who can control how hard you work.”  My parents both worked in factories while I was growing up and I saw the sacrifices they made for our family.  For years my dad would work the graveyard shift and we would have very limited time with him while he was sacrificing for our family.  I did not grow up in the slums, poverty, hood etc. but my parents did not make a lot of money.  However, we were never deprived because we lived within our means and we understood that God was watching over us. 

Seeing my parents’ sacrifice made me realize that if I wanted to be successful, I had to not only sacrifice a lot of things, but also persevere.   That’s when I decided to really practice and learn the ins and outs of music.  I was enthusiastic about making the decision to become a musician/educator; however I really did not know what I was getting into.

No one warned me about the lifetime amounts of practicing, listening, studying, frustration, and stress that came along with my decision.  I second-guessed myself and asked, “Do I really want to do this?”  My parents never forced me to get into the music business, but they always told me, “If you’re going to do something, make sure you do it right.”  That “all in” mentality has been engraved into my DNA and till this day if I decide to commit to something, I’m in it until I complete my goal(s). 

However, sometimes I get so caught up with my “flesh goals,” that I forget about my spiritual goals.  As great as my flesh goals may be (receiving my Bachelors, receiving my Masters with a 4.0 GPA summa cum laude, 2002 DCA snare drum champion, DCA World Champion, 2012 Guitar Center Drum Off National Champion, etc.), I struggle daily with my spiritual goals.  Why is it so difficult to fulfill my spiritual goals?  Why do I fail so much? I have found that it is harder to pursue goals that you do not receive immediate gratification for or cannot “see” in the natural.  This “microwave mentality” has clouded my spiritual eyes and has held me back from receiving many things that God wants not only for my life, but also for those around me.   I’m sure many of you have felt this way at some point, however God says in James 1:12, “ Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”  My question to you is, are you willing to persevere through your trials, tribulations, hate, anguish, and frustrations in order to fulfill God’s purpose for you?   Are you willing to trust God with your life and have Him help you?  At times I have forgotten about God because I was “busy” trying to run my own life, achieve my own success, however, realize that the Almighty One has your back and He will guide you every step of the way.  People have said to me, “Dude you’re living the dream.”  However, what you may not know is, my drumming is only a tool or an outlet to reach people. My “drumming legacy” is not my primary focus in life.  What I want to evoke is a character that God would be proud of.   There’s nothing like having someone tell you did a great job, but imagine hearing God saying, “Well done son,” when you get to heaven.   Finally, in order to really fulfill your purpose, God has to test your character.  God will not let you receive your blessing until you have a mature character.  So, while you are being tested; stay strong, stay focused, but more importantly persevere through the trial.  Lastly, I challenge you to smile, say hi to someone, answer someone’s email, or even pay for someone’s meal.  You never know whose life you may change because of a simple act of goodness.  Love you all!  Take care and God Bless you. 

Juan “Carlito” Mendoza

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Juan Carlos for sharing your heart with all of us today, we are encouraged and blessed and this is only the beginning of great things the Lord has in store for you.

To stay connected with Mendoza and the great things he's doing, follow him:

• website: www.carlitomendoza.com
• FB: www.facebook.com/juancarlitomendoza
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/carlito_dozer
• IG: www.instagram.com/juancarlitomendoza
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/jmensticks

 

 

Enjoy his Guitar Center Drum-Off 2012 winning performance.

To God be All the Glory!!

 

 

 



Musician's mindset

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Today, I have a special interview with someone who is doing big things in the Christian music industry as a bass player, musical director, producer and instructor. I met Danny through my husband Josh, who are really good friends from their home state, New Jersey.

I hope you guys enjoy this blog interview as much as I did. If you are a musician, worshipper, producer or just love music, Danny's answers will inspire and encourage you to continue to do great things for the kingdom.

Enjoy!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is actually Daniel Julian Hernandez. I was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. I was raised in New Jersey, but spent all my summers in Puerto Rico. My dad and all my uncles are all musicians and my sisters sing so I was surrounded by music all throughout my childhood.

God has blessed me with a beautiful family; my wife Jennifer and my baby girl Alyssa Grace. We live in Orlando and are active members of City of Life church in Kissimmee, FL.

2. What is something many people do not know about you?

I am often told that I look like a very serious person. Although I am when I need to be, I'm actually very silly and love to laugh and joke around. In fact, most of my friends say I talk too much!

3. If you were not in the industry, what would you be doing?

Before I went into music full-time, I actually worked in finance. I started off as a teller and worked my way up to Branch Manager of a bank in NJ so I'd probably be doing something in finance.

4. Do you play any other instruments besides the bass?

I started off playing drums in my church when I was 5 yrs old. I picked up the bass when I was about 13 or 14 and then went on to play piano. I fell in love with bass and went back to it and focused on that. However, I still enjoy playing drums a lot!

5. How did you become a musical director for Ingrid Rosario and Christine D’Clario?

Well, I met Ingrid Rosario awhile back when I lived in NJ through a band called TruDestiny that I used to play bass in. I always stayed in contact with Ingrid and Tony, her husband. In 2007, I got married and decided to move to Florida. During that time Ingrid needed a bass player to help with a few events because the bass player at the time was transitioning. I did those events and to God be the glory, the rest is history. I've been her musical director for a few years now and I also thank her very much for the opportunity she gave me to co-produce her most recent album Pasion. It was really a great experience working alongside her on that project.

With Christine, we actually met at church in Orlando. We were part of the worship team and became great friends. When God opened up the doors, she and her husband Carlos asked if I wouldn't mind helping them out. I happily agreed and have been working together ever since. Working with Christine has been really incredible and it’s an honor to work with her and the entire team.

I thank God every day for the incredible blessing of not only worshiping and lifting the name of Jesus all over the world, but also for the wonderful experience to do it alongside these truly anointed women of God.

6. What has been one of your most memorable highlights in the ministry?

It would honestly be impossible for me to just pick one. Anytime you see lives being changed by the power of God and the hope of Jesus it truly is an amazing experience. Whether in a packed stadium, my home church, or a small event with just a few people, it is always such a humbling experience to be used by God to expand his Kingdom.

7. How to you balance your personal, family and ministry life?

This is always a challenge because you don't really have a set schedule, but for me I make sure to make time for my family. I spend a lot of time out on the road so my priority is to spend as much time with my family when I'm home. We go to church together; we go to the park, the mall, and anything else we can think of. I really enjoy serving at my church as much as I can and not just playing in the worship team. I try to get involved in other areas that involve community outreach whenever possible.

8. What is one of the biggest challenges about being in the ministry?

I think that one of the biggest challenges about ministry is sacrificing time. Holidays, birthdays, and special occasions are often missed due to being on the road and that sometimes is a little rough although the reason is very rewarding.

This may be a little controversial, but I feel like another big challenge we face often in ministry is the spirit of competition and entitlement among worship leaders and musicians. This I feel limits what God wants to do with this generation. If we would just humble ourselves more, I feel like we would see a move of God like never before in a time where our world, including most of our own communities, need God and the hope of Jesus desperately.

9. What is one goal or dream you would like to reach?

Something that has been in my heart for some time now is to not do things just to do them, but instead do things with purpose. That everything I do makes an impact in God's Kingdom and the expansion of the Gospel.

10. What advice can you give someone who wants to get in the music industry as a musical producer?

For starters, pray. Put all those dreams and desires in God's hands. He opens doors and opportunities that we could never open or get ourselves. Secondly, learn as much as you can and never think you know it all because you don't know it all and never will. Learn to take constructive criticism and seek the counsel of those more experienced. Always keep a good attitude and stay humble and keep God first always.

11. How would you like people to remember you?

I would like people to remember me as a person who loved God with all his heart and surrendered everything in worship every opportunity he got no matter the stage. As a person who loved his family tremendously, loved to help people as much as he could anyway he could and a person that lived grateful to God for all his blessings.

Thank you Danny for blessing us with your words of wisdom!!

For more information about Danny Hernandez and his ministry, connect with him through Facebook and Twitter. www.facebook.com/dannybass11 and www.twitter.com/dannybass11

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!
Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

 

Have an idea?

 “A mediocre idea that generates enthusiasm will go further than a great idea that inspires no one." - Mary Kay Ash

I came across this quote sometime last week and although it may sound a bit harsh at first; but if you analyze it, it makes perfect sense. A lot of people have ideas, great ideas but those ideas end up fizzling down before it can take off.  Why? Because they have an idea but not a plan to execute that idea. There’s no enthusiasm, no inspiration, no vision, no hard work and dedication behind that idea. Let me tell you, coming up with an idea is the easy part, delivering on that idea makes it quite the challenge. 

Let’s face it! You need help, I need help, and we all need help in order for our ideas to come to fulfillment.  No matter how multi-talented, creative and smart you may be, there will always be someone smarter, more talented, and creative than you.  We need each other, we complement each other, we learn from each other.  Your strength may be my weakness but your weakness may be my strength. There is power in unity and being in one accord. Even Jesus had a team, He was not a loner, His disciples were there with Him every step of the way until His mission was completed. He was not a loner and you shouldn't be one either.

 

If God has placed an idea, a vision, a dream in you  it’s because He has given you the capacity and will provide the resources to make that idea come to full circle but you need to step out of your comfort zone and develop a plan as to how it will happen. 

The key is passion and preparation!! If you are able to transmit your passion to others, they will feel inspired to help you in accomplishing your vision. You must convert your vision into a plan of action. You have to eat, breath and sleep it until you complete it and then eat, breath and sleep it some more in order to maintain it!

Allow me to take it a step further because having an idea is simply not enough.

Bishop WS Thomas, one of the guest speakers for Pastors and Leadership Conference in Dallas last month said that people who have ideas don’t usually want to work; you need to surround yourself with people who have a plan.

Did you read that? “People who have ideas don’t usually want to work; you need to surround yourself with people who have a plan.” –Bishop WS Thomas

This means that everyone has ideas, great ideas but if you are not willing to WORK, they will remain simply as ideas.  How many people do we not know who have great ideas, great potential, great talents? A lot right? People that are super smart and creative with great ideas but do not inspire others because they themselves are not inspired enough. Then you see others who have a simple (not so attractive ideas) but boy do they move heaven and earth to make it happen!

Let me tell you, people can see right through you. They can tell if you have the desire and drive to do it do what you have set out to do. Chances are they will most likely be drawn to those who have a plan and not just an idea. It’s easy guys, people want to be on a winning team and it takes hard work to be a winner.  What team are you on?

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!                                                                                                                         Landy Perez- Feliciano ♥                                                                                                                        

 

 

Left behind?

This past weekend was such a huge blessing for my life and family; and I’m sure for everyone who attended the Pastors and Leadership Conference led by Bishop TD Jakes.  No Church Left Behind was the theme and we were equipped with resources and empowered with knowledge and geared up to come back home and make a difference in our churches and communities. 

One of the things that I loved about this year’s conference is that they really took you back to school! There were a series of courses that you could elect to go to anywhere from church government, music ministries, church technology, funding opportunities, marketing, entrepreneurship; you name it, it was available!! I personally had a difficult time choosing which 4 courses I wanted to pick (if it were up to me, I’d go to all of them) but a decision had to be made and these were my choices.

1.       Creative Strategies in Marketing (Tony Scott)

2.       The Entrepreneur in You! (Darwin Bruce)

3.       The ABC’s of Self-Publishing and Traditional Publishing (Joel D. Nori)

4.       Funding for Faith-based: The Power of the 501c3 (Aretha Olivarez)

These courses opened my eyes to see a whole new world of opportunities, the wealth of information that was delivered was truly life-changing. Every one of the speakers are inspiring to me because if they were able to reach the level of success  that they have as Christian, men and woman who love God and put Him first in everything; that’s shows me that I too can reach that.  The bible says, seek Him first and ALL things, everything shall be added on to you.  You can be Christian and be successful and I was able to witness it up close and personal this past weekend. 

I encourage everyone who reads this today that you too can work hard and reach your goals, whatever they may be.  They can be spiritual goals, ministry goals, business goals or maybe just personal goals; you too can reach them.  I can do, WE can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13) Need strength, wisdom, guidance, favor, ask for it!! It is available and at your disposal. We are about to say goodbye to April and enter into a new month, May.  Get to work!! Don’t waste any more time, whatever you have been called to do, DO IT!! We do not want any church to be left behind, we don’t want any families to be left behind, and we don’t want any person left behind.  Make your dreams come true; one step at a time; one day at a time.

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
Anyone hungry? Let’s start chewing!!

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 ♥