When It Hits Home

 

 Like a ton of bricks, five years later it hit home.

 

 

My father was no longer here. Like a rushing wind and a vicious tornado, ALS had taken him away; just like that. A healthy and active family man who had never consumed any types of drugs or alcohol was now gone. A husband of 27 years, a father to his children, a friend to many people and an active leader and preacher of the church; this man of God was gone too soon.

But why had it taken so long for it to hit home? Why now? When everything in life had finally settled down and I was supposed to be extremely happy, it hit home. Ministry was thriving, Bachelor’s degree was almost completed, marriage was strong, I was a stay-at-home mom, life was good until it hit home. Why now? How was I to deal with the weight of such sorrow and grief? Everything in life was near perfect, I had no complaints, I was happy. Why me? Why our family? Why now?  

You see that’s how grief is. We all process loss differently. For me, I was six months pregnant with my first son; Justin, when my father passed. Having had a miscarriage a year before, I suppressed all grief as hard as I could, in fear of losing my child again.  A year and half later, we were blessed with the news of our new baby girl, Melody. And again I suppressed it all. But eventually it hit home, he was gone. And although through God and God alone I was able to continue, the pain was unbearable. The reality that my children would never meet this wonderful man; their grandfather, was almost too much to bear. The reality that he had seen my husband and I as Pastors in a vision just two months before he passed, and not be able to witness it, shattered my heart in ways I couldn’t seem to vocalize or express. Who could I run to? How could I continue to serve in ministry when my heart was broken to what seemed to be beyond repair?

I began to seek information and realized that grief is just that, unpredictable. But I sought refuge in the Lord and the power of his Word. Psalm 34:18 Common English Bible (CEB) says: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those whose spirits are crushed.

I realized God had waited for this moment and he was ready and able to walk me through the process of healing; regardless of how much time had already passed. I knew I didn’t want to be a victim and that I wanted to help others through my experience. The lesson I learned was simple, yet powerful. This is true, especially for those in any form of leadership and the lesson was this:  It’s okay to grieve. No matter how strong we may think we are, grief debilitates us in ways we have not ever experienced. But in every moment the Lord is near, close and ready to console us with his unconditional love.

This year will be my second year riding to defeat ALS. I ride because I choose not to be a victim and wallow in my sorrow but to still give God the glory; even in my pain, because He is still faithful. ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, people may lose the ability to speak, eat, move and breathe. Essentially one is a prisoner in his or her own body.

Today, I kindly reach out and ask for your support in raising awareness of this terrible illness and that you help us make a difference and bless the ALS Association who blesses so many families with the countless services they provide, all free of cost.

Www.youcaring.com/teamcourageous http://www.alsa.org/about-als/what-is-als.html

And if you have had a loss, know this, it's okay to grieve. Know that the Lord is near, able and ready to walk with you in the long process of healing. You are not alone!

 

Be Blessed,
Pastor & Friend,

Erica Canales
House of Worship & Revival, Inc.

Erica Canales is the Founder at First Ministry “Mothers in Action”, Independent Contractor at AdvoCare and Co-Pastor, Bible Teacher, Administration at Iglesia Cristiana Casa de Adoracion y Avivamiento Inc. She studies Psychology and Life Coaching at Liberty University Online. Erica is married to Miguel Canales and has two children, Justin and Melody. You can find Erica on Facebook and follow her journey and ministry life at: https://www.facebook.com/erica.canales1

 

 

 

 

 

 

It Was A Tuesday Night

It was a Tuesday night

A night that changed our lives 

A night that will be imprinted in our minds

The thoughts and emotions we all felt that night

It was a Tuesday night 

When I received that dreaded call 

Confirming that indeed you were gone.

How could this be?

I just saw you a few days ago

There has to be a mistake

Please let it be an awful dream, 

This can't be, someone pinch me

This nightmare has become a reality 

Oh my God, this pain is a calamity 

Of great emotional despair  

I don't understand, it doesn't make sense

I keep replaying our last time together 

And now you're gone forever 

You were a man of excellence and of great vision 

And although your purpose was fulfilled

And you've completed your mission 

We will make sure that your legacy carries on

Through your twin brother

Man of great courage and honor 

Abdias, we love you and support you.

And through you we are able to see a glimpse of your brother 

Josh was a great pastor and leader but above all, 

He was a loving husband and an exceptional father 

Gladys, we love you and support you.

Today we mourn the life of a great man

Today we celebrate the life of a great man

Josue Pimentel, thank you for impacting our lives 

You have embedded in each of us 

A spirit of excellence, humility and of servanthood  

We will remember your friendships, your messages, your encouraging words

In times of sadness, your smile will radiate in our minds 

And brighten up our gloomy day.

You loved the New York Yankees 

But today you have entered into the hall of fame

Because the Church of God Southeastern region celebrates you as our very own hero.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

 ~2 Timothy 4:7

You did it champ, you won!!!! 

It is up to us to keep fighting, keep running and keep our faith so that one day we can once again be reunited. 

I can only imagine the joy you feel right now and I can just picture you tell us all: it's worth it! Fight the good fight because it's worth it! I can imagine you telling us, I know life is hard and I know you're tired but keep running, your almost to the finish line. I can imagine you encouraging us to hold on strong to faith because it's worth it! 

So Josh, we will be a fearless generation! We will keep fighting even if we feel like quitting, we will continue to run the race even if we are tired because we are almost there and we will hold on strong to our faith no matter what this world throws at us because we are not of this world, our home is in heaven. And Josh is up there waiting for us so we can have the most amazing Youth Camp & Winterfest not in Tifton, Georgia or in Orlando, Florida but none other than in our Heavenly Father's House! 

Lord we will live a fearless life on earth so that we can dwell in your eternal presence as Josh is now doing so. And how beautiful wouldn't it be if Josh saw each and everyone of His youth up there one day, imagine how that reunion would look like? Amazing!

Always in our hearts,

Thank you Pastor Josh!

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed! 

Landy Perez-Feliciano 💗

Shades of Grace

As Valentine’s Day quickly approaches, everyone is eagerly waiting for what they hope will be a magical and romantic weekend, at least for those who have a 'significant other' in their lives. Red roses, chocolates, jewelry are amongst the typical Valentine’s Day gifts followed by dinner and a movie. This year many couples will go on to watch the movie, 50 Shades of Grey as part of their “special” day and will think that this is the perfect and most romantic movie that will be sure to boost their love lives ten notches up. It probably will for the night, but what happens next? After all of the erotic emotions fizzles away, you will be left back at square one, feeling lost and empty. Why? Because true love does not derive from a film, a book, or the media. True love comes from God, who He Himself is the definition of Love. God is love.

We live in a society where we have forgotten the fundamentals of true love, God. We have turned to lust, often confusing it with love and then we wonder why we live in such a sick and twisted world. We tend to forget that lust is temporary but love is everlasting. We were created to love and to be loved. So many people are searching for “true love” because there is a sense of longing that has been embedded in us, a void that can only be filled by God. In order to fill that void, we must first enter into an honest relationship with God Himself and allow His love to overflow in us and through us.

 

Today, I want to encourage you whether you’re single or in a relationship. Show yourself grace and show others grace as well.

Singles:

I hold you guys near and dear to my heart. I really do! I know how you may be feeling, "Valentine’s Day sucks! It’s a stupid day.. just hurry up and happen and let’s keep it moving to the next day and act as if nothing ever happened". Trust me, I know the feeling and for me, when I was single;  every Valentine’s Day was more like Halloween. Lol! My single ladies and I would joke about it all the time. But just because I’m  married now, and on the other side of the fence; so to speak, does not mean that “I don’t understand” because I do. I’m just not in that season any longer but there is something that I would love to say to you today:

Show yourself GRACE! When loneliness and depression tries to creep up, think GRACE. When sadness and negative thoughts come crawling your way, take a deep breath and exhale GRACE. When your past tries to step into your life, smile and whisper GRACE because that grace will lead you to a joyful future. Repeat with me: GRACE! This weekend, remember that:

• You are beautiful and wanted
• You are valuable and worthy
• You will love and be loved

Please remember that!!!!

In a Relationship: (Married or Dating)

Your relationship does not have to depict that of a movie, much less ‘50 Shades of Grey’. If your relationship is built upon God’s love and His Word then you’re in good shape. Roman 12:2 says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will”. Your definition of love is not how the world defines it; it’s defined by God’s word. The New Living Translation says it like this: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think…” Many times we want to imitate what we see on TV and be like that specific “power couple” that the outlets are showing us, not knowing that a lot of them have far more issues than what the average couple does. Do not copy that type of behavior, the example has been set in the Word of God. You may not have a picture perfect relationship as others may portray on social media.. “Oh, look at my happy life...”, trust me they’re just showing you what they want, the “good” stuff because the bad and the ugly is kept away from others to see. So, please do not be deceived or feel the pressure to look like someone, because most likely, they're probably attempting to look like someone else and so forth. Stop trying to keep up with the Jones' and stay in your lane. Be yourself, the best possible YOU that you can be.
 

I am part of a Young Married Women/Young Single Mom’s Ministry called "LSA Lidia's: I am Brave 31" group (www.facebook.com/iambrave31) (www.twitter.com/iambrave_31) (www.instagram.com/iambrave31) (by the way, if you're looking to connect with a great group of women, check out the links above) Anyways, back to my story, last night we had our monthly group meeting and the topic of discussion was Perfectly Imperfect. The speaker was sharing her insight on what it is to be a Proverbs 31 woman and how often times, we are intimidated of becoming that woman because we feel like we cannot measure up to her high and perfect standards. Show yourself GRACE. You're doing an amazing job!

Women:

• You are a great woman, wife, mother
• You are valued, even if you still have a long list of chores to do
• You are strong, appreciated and loved

Show your MEN some Grace!

• Even when they didn’t take out the trash; don’t trash him for it
• Show him respect and let him know that he is the man of the house
• Listen and take his words into account

 

Show your RELATIONSHIP Grace!

• Don’t compare your relationship or your spouse to others
• Your relationship and your partner is unique, don’t try to be like others, it will never work
• Show your relationship Grace because the grass is never green on the other side

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 is the definition of true love. Do you want a healthy, balanced, long-lasting happy relationship? Read, live and honor this: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

I'll end with this, true love is celebrated all year round, not only on February 14th of every year. Valentines Day is everyday because God who is love abides in us and our outwardly expression of love should be pure. His Grace is more than enough to help us each and every day (2 Corinthians 12:9). When you find yourself looking at others for validation, cut yourself some slack and give yourself a shade of grace. Give your spouse a shade of grace. Give your relationship a shade of grace. Everyone needs a shade of grace.

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

 

 

Need a favor?

Hi, I’m back! I know it’s been a while but I want to share this with you all and I hope you are blessed and encouraged by these words!

“Can you do me a favor”? Hey, “I need a huge favor, I need your help.. please!!!”? How often do we hear that request? I would say definitely on a daily basis, if not almost every day. Something is always going on where we need help or someone needs our help. We are so accustomed to asking and hearing that plea. Just hearing the request, tells us a lot about favor. Asking someone for a favor is a request based not on merits but on relationship. We ask not because we have “earned” the right but because of a formed relationship that exists between us and the person whom we are making the request. That relationship gives us confidence that most likely our request will be granted.

We see that in the Bible, another word for favor is grace. And if we define grace, it is simply “God’s unmerited favor.” God gives us grace freely to all who ask in faith. It’s not about how hard can I work for it, or did I do enough to earn it. No! It’s given to you because God chooses to do so. This is God’s favor. The apostle Paul wrote this, ”For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” And since it is a gift, it didn’t cost you anything.

David; Israel’s greatest king, knew that his success was not attributed to his own merits or goodness but to God’s favor. He says in Psalm 30, “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Now in my prosperity I said, ‘I shall never be moved.’ Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain stand strong.”

Favor triumphs over works! One day of favor can be worth more than a lifetime of labor. It’s so refreshing to know that God’s favor is timeless, it lasts forever. For Joseph, the day came when he found favor in the eyes of God and in one moment, his life was transformed from being a prison inmate to becoming Pharaoh’s second-in-command.

As Christians, you don’t have to earn God’s favor- you already have it! You are a beneficiary of His grace-unmerited favor freely given. Our relationship with God should be a strong, unbreakable bond. God wants you to feel comfortable enough to go before His throne and boldly ask Him what your heart desires. Imagine this, going up to a complete stranger and asking him/her for a favor, a big favor –like providing you with a car or giving you giving you x amount of money; would you do it? You would probably feel a bit hesitant, right? On the contrary, someone who you have a relationship with; the process will be much easier. Why? Because that relationship has been built on communication and trust and you feel comfortable enough to talk to them and ask for what you need. Would you feel awkward asking your significant other for a favor, what about your parents or best friend? Probably not.

I know circumstances can get in the way of what God is trying to do in your life but do not give in, understand that God loves you with everlasting love and He is ready to grace you with His favor. You didn’t earn it and you don’t deserve it but in God’s goodness and mercy, makes it readily available and at your disposal.

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

What does Jesus mean to you?

This week I went on a quest, asking a simple question yet meaningful question; what does Jesus mean to you? I went on social media in hopes to find out what people really think about Jesus. I was able to capture a few of my favorite answers that I am sure will inspire and encourage you to keep falling in love with Jesus. I want to thank everyone who participated and shared their hearts with all of us.

The next time you feel abandoned and alone with absolutely no strength or hope to continue pressing forward, go back to this blog and read these answers because in Jesus you will find everything you need. You may not be where you want to be but you are where you need to be. You may be going through a struggle but know that Jesus is right by your side, cheering you on every step of the way. Whatever situation you may be encountering know that 'This Too Shall Pass' and that joy comes in the morning. The best is yet to come and God has wonderful plans for you! Do not get discouraged, do not give up, everything you need is found in JESUS!

What does Jesus mean to you? 26 heart-felt responses.

• What Jesus means to me is a new life. Transformation. Restoration. Redeemer. Jesus is Salvation for all. He is the son of God. Jesus means eternal Mercy, and forgiveness. Jesus means hope. Jesus means life. Savior for all mankind. Endless love. A love of many chances. Jesus means the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus is freedom. –Karla Jiron

• The reason of my existence, Salvation, Love, Praise and Forgiveness. -Zulma Castillo

• Jesus = Love personified, my second chance, -Ruthy Rodriguez

• My support, my rock...the only one I can trust to handle the things I can't handle myself.....My savior, my friend, my healer, the one who can give me peace when my world is torn to bits (like it has been now) Jesus is my everything...I just cannot live without Him.....He gives sense to my world. -Marsha Gomez Hurney

• He is my best friend! He's been faithful; when no one else was there He was there. He is my rock! He is my everything! -Marsha Capellan

• He means my salvation in every way, He is everything I need. My loving King who fights for me. -Lucia Parker

 

• He is my WAY because He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. He is my TRUTH because He is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? He is my LIFE because He is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? He is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? –Millie Perez Gonzalez

• To me Jesus is like oxygen, the moment you don't have it, you get anxious, desperate, need it to continue living. Jesus, I need him to continue living. -Marcos Lopez Ayala

• Jesus is my foundation. The foundation of my family, of my marriage, of my very existence. Jesus is God, He represents Grace at its ultimate level, He encompasses every single motive, reason, and purpose to live for. Jesus is enough! Without Jesus I wouldn't be able to go through what we are going through with peace and comfort in my heart and soul knowing that His ultimate will is being done. -Claudia Rivera Vargas

• To me, based upon his word and actions in the Bible, Jesus means unconditional LOVE... enough to die and save. JESUS is so much to us but it all comes down to LOVE! -Carol Polanco

• He is big and overwhelming in my life. I love Him lots! –Valerie Inclan

• Before I would say that Jesus was everything to me but there came a point in my life where I found myself alone...literally. Family was in another city/state, and friends were not there. That is when I realized the place Jesus had in my life was not what I preached. In that dark moment is where Jesus truly became my everything; my father, my best friend, my counselor, my healer....my passion. So you ask me now what Jesus means to me and I can honestly, truly and with conviction say that Jesus is my....EVERYTHING. -Naeecha Silva

 

• Jesús para mí significa puerto seguro. No importa que tan "preparada" este para ciertas situaciones llámese trabajo, estudios o vida personal, si Jesús no está involucrado en el asunto no me siento segura de mi misma. Jesús dentro de las muchas cosas que representa en mi vida es una parte fundamental de mi persona, como mujer. -Katherine Polanco

• Cuando me detengo a pesar que significa JESUS para mí. La única palabra que sale de lo más profundo de mi corazón es Amor. Fue su amor el que me rescato, me libero, me restauro y es su amor el que me mantiene viva! y por tanto tengo  que testificar al mundo que el sacrificio de JESUS  en la cruz del calvario fue por amor. -Carolina Flores

• Único y Restaurador - Frances Rivera

• Amigo, Fuerza y Esperanza –Estefania Ospina

• I would say that Jesus is my everything. He is the reason I exist I live for him I breathe because of him he is my greatest advocate he fights my battles I feel a peace and strength that no one and nothing has been able to give me like he has been able to give me.  His name has such a power that when I am feeling at my worst and my weakest just mentioning his name gives me a sense of faith and hope that regardless of what comes my way I can trust in him and trust that he knows exactly what he's doing in my life. He has loved me when I felt unlovable and unworthy. And has made me literally feel his love surrounding me in my darkest hour. -Kathy Perez Gonzalez

• Jesus is my breath of fresh air. Many times I get caught up in my daily routines and all of my responsibilites, I’m just thankful for that peace I get when I just stop and breathe. In that deep breath I inhale His peace, His love, the reminder that He placed me where I need to be and I exhale all the stress, feeligns of being overwhelmed and heartache. God breathed life into His creation, Jesus took His final breath on the cross for me. I’m thankful for those deep breaths. –M.F.

• Jesus is my breath of life! He's my strength when I get up in the morning, He's my source of inspiration, my reason to be good and mostly important my HERO! I'm in love with Jesus and His ultimate sacrifice humbles me to worship Him with all in me. -Dafne Gomes Spencer
 

• Jesus means peace to me because through Him I have peace and conquer all understanding and misunderstandings too! He also means power so we can see the purpose through. And lastly He means plenty because sometimes we have little or nothing and He gives us spiritual abundance. -Jennifer Morales

• Jesus is LOVE. He is the only reason I understand what love is. No boyfriend, friend, or family member can tell me they love me if it doesn't reflect that love. -Gloridely Tavarez

• Jesus means everything to me. He is truly my life; everything I do on a daily basis is surrounded by Him.  He is my Savior, my best of friends. No matter how bad I may mess things up, I know I can always look for Him and know that He is still there for me to lift me up and to forgive me. I cannot imagine a day without Him. He is my love, my peace, my hope. Everything, I mean everything I do, I base it around my relationship with Him. -Yari Wimbush

  

• He is the meaning of life. Without Him life fails to exist. He is the true meaning of the word friendship. His name defines grace. He means complete happiness. He is the source of good news. He means everything! –Erik Carrion

• To me Jesus is my everything. Without him life would not be worth living. He is my friend, my confident, my strong tower, my refuge, my comfort, my hero, and I can go on. Jesus is real and He is here for each of us, best part is He is a gentleman. He will knock on the door of your heart but will only walk in if the door is opened for Him. Jesus is in one word, Perfect. –Erica Canales

 

• Jesus is my bride-groom. Gentle, humble and atisfying in every sense of the word. He saw my burdens were far too heavy for me to bear and as the ultimate gentleman He is, He took them upon his own back, continuing to do so today; that we may walk together, me in love with Him and Him with me, for the rest of the days to come. Jesus is simply love. Not just for me, but for all of our world. –Meena Vee

 

I hope that after reading these responses, your faith is strengthen and your relationship with Jesus is deepened. He is EVERYTHING and if we are here today is because of His love and sacrifice for us. He died so that we can live. And He lives so that we can spend eternity with Him. What a beautiful exchange of selfless love! 

 

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez- Feliciano

Beautiful Love

When we think of perfect, flawless love; we are automatically geared to one direction. Only one person can give us unconditional love, God. The Bible says that because God so loved the world, He was willing to give up His pride and joy, His only begotten Son, Jesus. He did that for you? For me? Yes! Isn’t that amazing?!

As humans, we tend to fail and make mistakes; often.. ok, everyday but even though we fall short every single day, God does not hold that against us, His love is unchangeable toward us.  How can He have such an honest, unconditional, patient, untainted and beautiful love towards people like us that are moved by our own circumstances? Today we are happy, so we show abundant love but tomorrow we are upset and we shut down our emotions and show nothing.

 

Despite our conditions, God’s love is unshakeable and unmovable. He will always love us, when others don’t. He will always be faithful when others fail. He will embrace us when others reject us. He will always have His arms wide open to receive us when we’ve turned our backs to Him. He does not hold grudges; He does not throw our mistakes in our faces, nor does He remember our past. His love is truly sincere and genuine, it doesn't get any more transparent than that. Do you know of anyone who can love so perfectly as God? Moms, Dads, Husbands, Children, Friends can come close but nothing like the real deal; nothings like God’s Beautiful Love.

Today, I encourage you to take hold of God’s perfect love; that love will cast out your fears and allow you to soar high, it will take away your pain in exchange for joy, it will give you peace in the mist of uncertainty, and it will provide security in an unstable world such as the one we live in. His love will guide you to the place you need to be; His arms.

In God you can find a father who will protect you and a friend who will be there for you. You can be completely open and honest with Him, He will not love you less nor will He ever leave nor forsake you. Trust Him and let Him lead you to the place you need to go. With God by your side, you can do all things through Him who strengthens you and the impossibilities become possibilities. Submerge yourself in His love today and you will see the Beautiful things He will do in your life.

I want to leave you with this touching song; it’s called “Beautiful Love” by BJ Putnam. I seriously listen to this song like every day! It shows us how beautiful and perfect God’s love is towards us. We are so blessed to be loved the way God loves us. Thank you Father God for loving us so much that You sent your only Son to die on the cross for our sins. {John 3:16} There is no way to repay you for such a loving sacrifice; the only thing we can say is THANK YOU! I hope this song blesses you as it always does to me.

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

 

 

Just a little tighter

While I was in NYC this past weekend, I came across the news that two of our beloved church members, one of them being a family member of mine had passed away. This has been a rough week, having to go to two back to back funerals has not been easy. And to have to find out in last night’s funeral that another beloved church member passed is just heart breaking. Our church family is definitely mourning these wonderful people who will be terribly missed.

In the mist of grief, I can’t help but to hold on to my loved ones just a little tighter, hug them just a little tighter, kiss them just a little tighter. Situations such as this, definitely puts everything into perspective and helps you prioritize your life a little better. Questions such as: What’s really important? Should I be dwelling, breaking a sweat, consuming my time and energy on this, that and the other? What is really important in life is my question to you today.

 

For me: God, Family, and Friends. Having a constant relationship with my Lord and Savior who assures that His peace surpasses all understanding and that no matter what whirlwind of emotions may be rushing towards me- He is my peace! My family is my core, support group. They keep me grounded and show unconditional love. We all need family because family sticks with you in good times and in bad and no one will be as loving and accepting as your family. Friends keep me happy, free spirited and alive. True friendship is hard to find but when you have a group of people who you can call friends, you feel on top of the world. With God in your life, you are able to experience true joy and happiness despite what your current situation may look like.

Today, I want to encourage you to think about what’s important in your life? Maybe you think your career is the most important thing right now, maybe its school or even trying to reach your dreams. Those are all good and I often speak about being assertive and chase after your dreams but make sure the main ingredients are always present: God, Family, Friends. It’s very sad to reach a level of success or “happiness” if you have nobody to share it with. It’s heartbreaking when you’re going through a storm in your life and you have nobody to turn too. We should never feel alone; celebrate with people, mourn with people.

What do your priorities look like? Who or what is on top? If it doesn’t look like this: God, Family and Friends then it’s time to make some changes. Tonight when you see your husband and kids, hug and kiss just a little tighter. If your parents are alive, that is a blessing in itself, tell them how much you love them and give them the biggest squeeze ever! Tell your siblings how much of a pain in the butt they are but that you wouldn’t trade it for the world! Send your friends a quick message saying how much you appreciate their crazy friendships. Tell God how much you love Him! Tell the whole world how love should abound and hate – well… get out!

Life is too short, I know we have all heard that and it’s become pretty cliché but when death hits home, it brings a whole different meaning. Cherish your loved ones. We are here today and gone tomorrow. James 4:14 says” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.”  Lets make the best out of the gift of life that has been given to us; it’s time to appreciate it instead of always complaining about it. Let’s encourage and inspire those around us and may our legacy continue to live even after we have left this world.

Be Blessed, Be Encouraged!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

Forget Not

Many times we are too consumed in anything and everything that is going on in our surroundings that we don’t pay attention to what really matters in life. We tend to forget about the small details in life because we are too busy figuring out what the “big” picture should look like.

David reminds us like he once reminded his soul, I can just picture him giving himself a pep talk. “Hey buddy, listen up! You are to praise God whether you like it or not, whether you are in the mood or not, whether you want to or not. Don’t you dare for one second forget all that He has done for you.” Do not dare forget all the goodness and mercy He’s shown you. Do not forget His benefits that have become active in your life. Now is not the time to be an ungrateful brat!” Can you picture a similar conversation?

Today, how about we give ourselves a pep talk? Despite of what your day looks like or what your life is like right now, don’t you dare forget His benefits towards your life. Remember everything that He has done in your favor. You may not see it today but I’m sure you saw some kind of goodness from God yesterday and you will surely see it tomorrow. Psalms 103:2 says: Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

 

David knew that there were bad days ahead but He was also conscience of all the goodness and mercy, love and favor he had received from the Lord in the past and one thing was sure in his mind and it was this: If God was able to deliver him, protect him and bless him in the past, He knew that God would do the same thing for him in the future.

Do not get discouraged, life may seem tough and unfair at times but God is not done with you and if you hang tight, you will see greater things happen in your life because God is orchestrating every single detail in your life and working them together for your good. (Romans 8:28)

Jesus speaking to the disciples once told them this, and today He tells you the same thing. Are you ready for this because this is a powerful declaration: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Give God glory at all times, praise Him in your storm, in those moments of despair because He rejoices when He sees a sincere and pure heart that loves and praises Him unconditionally. You heard that? Unconditional Love. Can we show God that we love him not because of what He can do for us or give us but because of who He is? Today is a good day to tell the Lord "Thank you for everything!" Thank you for the good and the bad because you make everything work together for my good and let me never forget your goodness. Forget Not His Benefits!

I’ll leave you with the first five verses of this incredible poetic expression that David wrote, I encourage you to read the rest of it on your own time.

Psalms 103:1-5

Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
² Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
³ who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
⁴ who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

 

Never forgotten

See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.
{Isaiah 49:16}

I love reading this verse because it’s a constant reminder of God’s love for us. You know what it is for God to write YOUR name on HIS palms?  That’s a big deal!

I remember writing a lot of things on the palms of my hands when I was younger, many were good, others were not so good, but that word, phrase or sentence served as a constant reminder because that information was important. No matter how many hours passed by or what type of activity I was doing, I could always look at my hand and see what I had written.  What is written is never forgotten.

 

And thinking of this verse, it serves as a reminder that we are not forgotten, God has written our names on the palms of His hands.  He has given us an identity by giving us a name.  We do not have to walk in shame, anger or bitterness because we have been restored and destined to fulfill our purpose. Forget about the past and everything that has happened and focus on what lies ahead in your future.  It doesn’t matter who let you down or who hurt you, you are special because your name is engraved, it’s tattooed in God’s hands. Just think about that for a minute.. (think) … (think) … how awesome is that?!!!

Yea, maybe you’re not the most popular person in your crowd but God has your name tattooed on His hands. There may be others who are “better qualified” than you but your name is engraved on His hands. Many may look down at you and not value your worth, but whose name is imprinted on God’s hands? Yup- yours!!  Talk about having a piece of artwork, your name on God’s hands!!! And if He’s like most of us Latinos, we tend to use our hands a lot to communicate, so we’re constantly looking at them because it’s always in our face; then just imagine how often God is looking at your name on His hands!

I’m here to tell you today, as we say goodbye to one month and welcome another one, all in the same week; you are special! You are not forgotten. Maybe you had a rough past but I want to remind you that your past will not dictate what your future will look like. Your name has been written, engraved, imprinted and tattooed in the palms of God’s hands-that’s how important you are.  Give yourself the worth that God sees you with.  So, every time you look at yourself, just know that your name, your life, your future is secure because He holds it together in the palms of His hands. Everything is going to be alright!

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!

Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥

We are nothing without God

As I was reading my daily devotional this morning, I couldn’t help but to share this one with all of you guys. Yes- it's that good! God is so amazing and when we come to realize that we are nothing without Him and everything with Him, our lives begin to make sense and we start to find our true purpose and identity in Him.

{These words come from Joyce Meyer and I hope it blesses your life as it has blessed my life.}

God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things- and the things that are not- to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 NIV

 

It amazes me that God chooses weak and foolish men and women to work through, but He does. He chooses what the secular world would throw away as trash and consider useless. When God is looking for someone to fill a position or to promote, He often passes over those who will be naturally qualified if they are the type to be proud of themselves and not give Him the credit and glory for their abilities. God works through the humble, but He frustrates and defeats the proud (see 1 Pet. 5:5).

God loves to lift up those whom life has pressed down. You are special to God and He has a promotion in mind for you. He desires that we live amazed at what He can do through a submitted vessel. God is not looking for ability, but He is looking for availability. Humble yourself under the mighty land of God, and in due time He will exalt you and lift you up. Don’t discount yourself from being used by God because of your natural weaknesses or disadvantages. He is more than happy to show Himself strong in those who will trust Him.

Pride comes before destruction, so always remember to give God the credit for any good things that He does through you. Our gifts, talents, and abilities all come from Him. What do we have that He did not give us? Absolutely nothing! Therefore, all the praise goes to Him.

Trust in Him: Even though you don’t deserve it and may not be naturally qualified, trust God to use you for His glory.

Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!      
Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥