The Life Long JOB, Called Marriage

Marriage - a state instituted and ordained by God for the lifelong relationship between one man and one woman. The most intimate human relationship. A Gift from God and a sacred institution.

Marriage is a Job.  You have to take it seriously, you have to put in a lot of time and effort, you must be fully committed and you most importantly you must place God in the center.

You say wedding vows on your wedding day, do those vows mean the same thing to you today as they did on the day of your wedding?

In our daily marriage walk we have children, jobs, extra curricular activities and with all these things, plus many more, we tend to have lots of stress.  We are always on the GO in todays world.  For these and so many other reasons we tend to lose focus on our marriage. We forget how important our spouse and our relationship should be. We forget the way we are supposed to love. We lose the spark!

When these things happen it's time to Re-group, Re-focus, Re-connect, Re-spark and Re-charge our marriage.

This was our 4th year of placing our time, trust and money into a Marriage Enrichment Seminar at Winshape Marriage Retreat Center. Not only is it an amazingly beautiful place, the time we spend together there is unforgettable. We learn how to center our marriage around God.....How to love more strongly....How to communicate better....How to re-focus on each other....How to be better for each other.

I have to admit I love my husband more and more everyday, but this time we spend away with each other, does nothing but make my spark shine brighter for him!

I AM BLESSED!

September 24, 1924

91 years ago today, a beautiful soul was born. She has seen many days, many nights, many months, many years, many decades flash before her eyes. And no, she probably doesn't remember every single event that took place during these times, but I know it's been an amazing life!

This Beautiful lady I call "Grandma Bonnie" has been a True Blessing to me!  When I called her this morning to wish her a Happy Birthday, it was a happy but sad moment all in one. She wasn't quite sure who I was, nor did she even know it was her birthday.  After a few minutes she did request that I sing Happy Birthday to her! LOL. (and no that request was not met)

I have not always lived near Grandma. We've gone from living about 1,500 miles apart to now about 200 miles apart. So as I grew up, I didn't get to experience the wonderful daily hugs and kiss that a Grandma gives to her grands. Even though there was no doubt in my mind that she did and still does love me, those hugs and kisses would have been a treat!  As she has gotten older, it's been sad to see her slowly deteriorate. As I'm sure it's even been harder for my mama and my aunt to witness. But as we know this is called the Cycle of Life.

She has always been a character with the funny things she says to her funny things she does.....From being brutally honest with anyone, to making you clean your shoes off with Kleenex before getting into her car!  She could play a piano and sing any song. She could cook some mean biscuits from scratch. And boy oh boy, do I know where I get my big heart for my Latino man from..........this lady loves her some Latin men! (In fact, She still remembers Jose by name, but not her own granddaughter)!!

I just want to tell her and have her understand how important she has been to me in my life. Even though we have lived miles and miles apart! Her cards in the mail or phone calls at night always made me smile!  She is a wonderful grandma, great-grandmother, mother, cook, daughter and friend!

I hope she has a Very Happy Birthday and has many many more to come!

I love you Grandma Bonnie!

 #Alzheimer's/Dementia sucks!

P.S. Grandma You have 12 more years to go to stay alive as long as your Mama!

God Bless,

The Church......

CHURCH - a body of believers who have been called out from the world by God to live as His people under the authority of Jesus Christ. The church comes together for the purpose of bringing members or non-members to spiritual maturity. The church reaches out to spread the love of Christ. We are the heart, mouth, hands and the feet, who are to reach the world for Jesus Christ.

If you attend worship services, you have heard and learned that the church, is not an actual place. It's not a building. It's not a location. It's not a denomination.

We - God's People who are in Christ Jesus - are the CHURCH and we worship in God's House.

With that being made clear, it brings me to a few questions.....

IF we are the Church, and we worship in God's House (not our house).....

WHO ARE WE TO.........

push members/non-members away?

tell people they can't attend?

tell people they can't be involved?

tell people they can't serve?

tell people they can't worship in the same building as us?

make people feel un-welcomed? un-loved?

discriminate against a sinner? (last I read we were all sinners)

discriminate against age?

discriminate against a race?

Hum? WOW!

Did one of these questions make you fee guilty? It's some crazy things to think about.

Do you see or hear things like this happening?

I see/hear things like this going on, by people who call themselves Christians. And, to me this is basically telling someone that they can't be a believer and they aren't welcomed to worship in God's House. As Pastor Gary said last Sunday, if you are a perfect person you shouldn't be in church. HUMMMM....and I know there is not a perfect person living on this earth!

So, if there is not a single perfect person on earth, then everyone should be in church worshipping God (the church of their own personal preference)

Think of it like this,

What if God told you that you weren't welcomed into Heaven, because you made a few mistakes while on earth? What if God discriminated you? What if God pushed you away?

BUT, as Christians we know, that God would never do such a heartbreaking thing.

God loves the un-loveable, the broken, the sinner, the hurt, the defeated, the Black, the White, the Asian, the old and the young.....

SO WHY CAN'T WE?!
Maybe you need to take some time and think about the way you are acting towards people? Should you be complaining so much? Should you be more loving and caring to those that are broken? Get in your War Room and pray........


God bless

Praying for a Life Changing Event

Well, today Jose and I are starting something we have never done before.  We have started the Lurong Living Challenge.  It's a 7 week online Challenge that combines nutrition, fitness and accountability for the Crossfit Community. (and No Jose has not and probably will never join the Crossfit Box, he still dislikes it).

Throughout the challenge we will track our diet, goals, lifestyle markers, try new recipes, learn and help each other. We are each others accountability partners for life, and if getting fit will change our lives, we will do it TOGETHER. I do believe, that the first few weeks are going to be difficult for us.

As my morning started with this challenge, I will admit I struggled. (And it's only the first day).  No creamer in my coffee, the thought of that almost made me cry! But I did it and I survived!  We will see how this continues.......

We have learned that we will be eating like rabbits the next 7 weeks!

Yes, I am loyal Crossfitter, but I would not say that I am 100% fit nor 100% capable of doing all that I'm sure I can do. I have been doing Crossfit for just about 3 years and yes I do love it (as some of you are already aware). I have become stronger, more fit and more aware of my body through the past 3 years.  I am excited and nervous about this challenge all at the same time.  I want to be successful! I want to see a change! and I want to survive! 

I encourage you as my friends, and as the person reading this to come try some Crossfit. I promise you will NOT be disappointed, nor will you die!  WE say "You will pass out, before you Die".  Just come try it.  You will love it.

So, as I write this today, I just ask that you pray for me! LOL - I need your prayers for this challenge!  Hopefully, by the end of the 7 weeks I will have the courage to share pictures with you of my body and the changes that have been made!

God Bless

All Lives Matter

Law Enforcement Officers (aka LEO's) is any officer, agent, or employee of a state, unit or local government, authorized by law or government agency to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection or investigation of any violation of criminal law. Their motto is to 'Protect and Serve'.

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience - Romans  13:1-4

In any profession you will find, what we call a 'Bad Apple". Even in Law Enforcement. Not everyone in this world is perfect. Not everyone in this world takes their job with pride, courage or stamina that others do.   Not all LEO's should be put in the same 'corrupt' category. Everyone is different.

So, because of the few 'bad apples', why does American portray all LEO's as being corrupt...All Lawyers as being Liars...All Politicians as Cheaters...All Professionals Athletes being druggies...??                

7 Law Enforcement Officers have been killed in the Line of Duty within the last month!
Yes, I said  - SEVEN!   RIP to each one of them;

Lt. Charles J. Gliniewicz - IL

Deputy Darren H. Goforth - TX

Officer Henry Nelson - LA

Trooper Steven Vincent - LA

Deputy Carl Howell - NV

Officer Thomas LaValley - LA

Officer Sean M. Bolton - TN

This is NOT ok!  This is not a Race issue. This is not a Police issue.  This is not a gun issue. I believe this is an American issue and our Government is letting people get away with this.



I believe deep down in my heart that these men and women, who put on a uniform everyday, were called upon by God to be His governing authorities! This is Their Calling!
 
I would love to see these Politicians, new anchors, or spokes people live the life of a Police Officer for 1 day! Just 1 day.  Put on all of their equipment, go out onto the streets, witness murders, abused children, suicides, drug addicts,  rape victims, deadly car crashes, domestic violence, have a gun pointed at you, get spit in the face, have society hate you.....Then put a smile on your face and go home to your loving wife and children, acting like everything is perfect in your world. I bet they will lose some sleep that night. 

American's Law Enforcement Officers are Under Siege and this is not ok,



because

ALL LIVES MATTER!

Friends Please Pray for ALL Law Enforcement Officers, their Families, their safety, their well being and their sanity.  They need it more than ever!

God Bless

If We've Ever Needed You

Have you ever heard the song by Casting Crowns called "If We’ve Ever Needed You?" This is one of those songs that touches me every time. The lyrics are so true and so strong.

He calls on us, but we turn away.

With our shipwrecked faith, the idols rise.

We are so desperate for the Lord, but we constantly turn our backs on him.

We do what is right in our own eyes, and now our children will pray the price.

This is our world! The world with such alarming conditions. The world that erases God from everything. The world which no longer has Faith. The world that has turned to violence. The world that handles things in their own hands. The world that is full of hatred. The world that is in a constant battle.


Why? Why has the world come to this? Have you ever thought about this.......?


Could it be because, we ALL need Jesus. We need His strength. We need His light. We need His hands. We need His love. We desperately need Him in this world, just like the songs says. We need to be reaching out to Him. We need Him to revive us as an individual, as families, as communities, and as a world! Because ......
If we have ever needed You, Lord it’s now!


How can we keep taking Jesus out of everything in this world, but then we turn around and need Him to take care of us in a time of need?
How can we take bible/prayer out of school, but then hand a prisoner a bible while in prison?
How do people question the violence in this world, but don’t want to believe the devil is real?
How do people believe they are going to go to heaven, but they don’t believe in God?
God is not a part time God, so why should we be part time Christians?


This world is in a desperate need of help. We should all be on our knees praying for this Country. Lives need to be changed. Hearts need to be changed. And this is only possible through Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.


BELIEVE  *  HAVE FAITH  *  PRAY


God Bless

With God All Things are Possible

I heard one of our friends from high school, last night, ask another one of our friends from high school.... "20 years ago would you have ever thought that we would be here listening to Jose Preach?" His response, "No Way!"

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things as possible." - Matthew 19:26

Boy oh Boy, has he come a long way, and to hear his friends make that comment, just makes my smile shine brighter for him. 


I am married to a true man of God.....One who fears the Lord, One who guides our family, One who loves the church, One who is a wonderful role model, and one who loves to share his Faith.


Honestly, 20 years ago, I would have never imagined that I would be sitting there listening to Jose Preach. But again with God All Things Are Possible!


Sometimes I feel like Jose has missed his calling in life. Especially, after hearing him encourage others, preach to others, and share his faith with others. But then I'm quickly brought back to remember that his calling is to be a Police Officer. His job is to Protect, us as a community, and to Serve us all with his faith, grace and love.


Thank you Jose. Thank you for being such a strong Man of God.  Thank you for leading and guiding our family.  You amaze me everyday! And I'm Proud to Call you Mine.


Also, Thank you to all of our friends, family  and church family that came and supported Jose.  He was amazed at how many people were there to hear him! Shortly after the sermon, he did  admit to me that he knew about the "Pack the Pew's" invitation that I had sent out, but he just kept it his little secret!  Which is ok! Because I think he was still shocked at some of the faces he saw in the crowd! 


For those that couldn't attend, no worries......Here is the link!
http://Fbcrincon.podbean.com




Thanks Again


God Bless