Adriana Morales

He Speaks to Me...

Lord,

“Thanks so much for showing me the way to this amazing study called “He Speaks to Me” facilitated by M.B at Bellevue… When I decided to complete the study, I was in a huge transition in life! I had moved away from a heartfelt relationship… I had re-established boundaries in dating after you equipped me this summer with tons of relevant information about healthy relationships…

I praise You today for encouraging me to join a Sunday School class at Bellevue

which led me to this study… I committed to get closer to You, expand my support system, learn more about healthy relationships and continue growing both intellectually, and emotionally…

You have been giving me the inner Strength and Peace in lonely times… You have heard my cry each time I have been impatient or in despair…

Today, I value full obedience. Since I have been fully obedient and committed to fasting, I have witnessed your works in my life each day. Blessings have unfolded gracefully…You have orchestrated life circumstances… I have accepted a leadership role in my ‘home’ Church, and will be creating the Legacy for the Women’s Ministry for this coming year… I am also enjoying social activities on weekends with the Sunday School class, re-connecting with family and friends from Venezuela via ‘facebook’ website, performing in piano recitals, and teaching Raegan piano each week… The sacrifice of obedience has brought me Joy and Peace each day regardless of difficult, life circumstances…

Priscilla was so truthful when she quoted “…showing God respect opens our hearts and our spiritual ears to clearly hear from Him…” I have been able to discern challenging decisions in the past three months ‘cause I have been less distracted and much more in tune with the Word… I pray that I will stay humble for years to come as I grow closer to You… I want to continue serving You passionately…In times of trials and tribulations, help me with my ‘unbelief’ and calm my anxious heart and soul…give me the discernment to follow through with your prompting(s)… You have been merciful, patient and forgiving…Each time I remember what you have done for me in the past three years, I appreciate your faithfulness. You have delivered me from multiple losses and repeated disappointments in my life…You are my Strength and Rock today…

As I serve You each day, let me glorify you so others’ may seek your guidance and learn more about the Truth as I have done so far…I pray for an increased ability to manage my schedule and refrain from ‘busyness’…

My relationship with You is my top priority… remind me to think about You when I wake up in the morning and before I rest at night…You have touched my heart with several of your attributes including the following “all knowing, unchanging, eternal, provider and a healer” You know what is BEST for me…just remind me with divine interruptions… I am willing to walk away from anything that displeases You in my current life…help me acknowledge You each step of the way in my journey…

You are my best Leader and Counselor. Just remember that I am ‘work in progress’, and am not perfect. I want to continue being passionate about my life regardless of dilemmas, trials, challenges or losses…

I value the fruits of the Holy Spirit particularly Peace and Joy… help me with ‘self-control’ … I need to stay away from the desires of my flesh each day…without your divine intervention, I may not be able to hear or speak to You so help me focus on your Truth.

As I struggle with daily obligations and ‘busyness’, help me prioritize and show me how to stand still in every aspect of my life… I have been more conscientious about my daily rest and overall health. I am honoring your temple today… I pray so that I can accommodate any divine distractions that I may face today ‘cause I know you have a better plan for me.

Priscilla reminded last week the following “…from the beginning of time, our life-purpose have been planned. God assigned us to do great things for His kingdom, now we just have to walk in His Purpose”.

Allow me to reframe any circumstance so I may learn from it and persevere through it. These trials may be called ‘spiritual exercises’ that will make us ‘stronger’ over time…Philippians 3:20  reminded me of my true citizenship… it is Heaven!. Allow me to focus on eternity instead of earthly things…I want to maintain a ‘willing’ attitude for years to come, and only carry out your Will…

Help me with my ‘impatience’ today… I don’t want to rush into another relationship unless you lead me to one… Priscilla’s statement touched my heart deeply: “To rush spoils the very reason God initially desired the event for us and cheat us of the joy that comes when we experience God’s will. His plans are perfect without our input or interference”.

Help me trust You each day, and be patient with your ultimate plan.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”

I am BACK!

Ohhhh my goodness! it has been since April of this year....

I just took a brake from writing... To be honest with you, I wasn't inspired until this weekend! 

I am embracing this season fully and loving it! more later...

Friendships

In the midst of any life storms, genuine friendships are indeed a true blessing!

The Easter Story

The Easter Story: The Resurrection

Written by Holman Christian Standard Bible

This Scripture selection from Matthew focuses on the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 28:1-20

Resurrection Morning
¹ After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. ² Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. ³ His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. ⁴ The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. ⁵

But the angel told the women, "Don't be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. ⁷ Then go quickly and tell His disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.' Listen, I have told you."

⁸ So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. ⁹ Just then Jesus met them and said, "Good morning!" They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. ¹⁰ Then Jesus told them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there."

The Soldiers Are Bribed to Lie
¹¹ As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. ¹² After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money ¹³ and told them, "Say this, 'His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.' ¹⁴ If this reaches the governor's ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble." ¹⁵ So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.

The Great Commission
¹⁶ The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. ¹⁷ When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came near and said to them, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Scriptures taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible.

Related Articles:

1. The Easter Story: Gethsemane and Betrayal
2. The Easter Story: Suffering and Crucifixion
3. The Easter Story: Securing the Tomb

Practicing Claire de Lune

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlvUepMa31o

5 more weeks before my piano recital!!! gotta practice some more.

Woman on a Mission: References

I have been doing Linda Slaton bible study titled "Woman on a Mission" for the past six weeks. The experience can be described as 'self-exploratory, and enriching". I have been learning so much about HOW TO GLORIFY GOD!!! I have been able to identify part of my mission in life so far...

I found out this morning about accessing Linda's website. There are 14 different lessons that you can hear in the website. The lessons include the following topics:  1) Divine Connection, 2) The Point:  To Glorify God, 3) Glorifying God through Worship/Growth, 4) Glorifying God through Love/Service, 5) Exposing the Myth: Motherhood, 6) Exposing the Myth: Marriage, 7) Examining our wounds, 8) Envisioning abundant life, 9) God's Woman:  Esther, 10) Three Woman on a Mission:  Woman in transition- Rahab, Mary Lynn Nelson, Ruth, 11) Expression your mission, 12) Your mission possible resume, 13) Your mission plan, 14) Your journey: look back and ahead.

The website is:  www.fbclr.org

When you go on the website, click "people", then go to "women", then go to 'weekly lesson', lastly click "woman on a mission"

Enjoy the journey!

Silk in a Tapestry

I have been reading Kay Arthur's book titled " As Silver Refined: Learning to Embrace Life's Disappointments" before I attend her upcoming conference in Atlanta. I cannot wait!!! I am sooo looking forward in seeing Beth Moore, Priscilla S., and Kay Arthur on stage. I bought the ticket for this huge event early this afternoon.

The way she expresses herself in her writings is AMAZING!!!  She taught me about the 'gift of meekness'; this was a new concept for me.

On page 135, She wrote about what kind of God is He?:

" In His love and faithfulness and righteousness He weaves the events and circumstances of our lives like silk in a tapestry. If you look only at the back side of a tapestry, you see only a tangle of threads. That often seems like all we can see in our lives- a tangle of trials. But now and then God lifts us up so we can peek over the top. Let me show you what I'm doing, He tells us, and we get a glimpse of the beautiful design He's making, in which the dark threads give dimension and needed contrast to the light" This is our God who rules over all. This is the One who sits on the throne..."

What a beautiful analogy?!! don't you think so?

What if's?!?!

As I read the book titled “Calm My Anxious Heart”, I realized how crucial is to rely on God’s strength each day. I need to refrain from 'what if's'... Dillow suggested three ways to manage life ‘worries’:

First, imagine the worst scenario,

Second, accept the worst scenario if there is no option,

Third, work an ‘action’ plan that takes into account the circumstances, and ask for      God’s wisdom (read the proverbs).

I did this exercise over the weekend during my quiet time. It was truly an amazing mind shift!!!

I was able to gain inner peace and acceptance after I genuinely surrendered my present circumstances.

The WORST scenario

·         Relocation to another state with a new job leading to new administration,  friends, community surroundings, home setting and Church life.

·         Loss of income

Acceptance: Reframing circumstances

·         It is an opportunity for growth,

·         I have an emergency fund that will last up to 6 months,

·         Current property would be an investment to rent out,

·         New career opportunities,

·         During the worst circumstances/transition, I will rely on God’s strength and wisdom

Work an ‘action’ plan to improve current circumstances:

·         Expand behavioral services in private arena:

Shelby

school system

·         Explore teaching opportunities in local colleges

·         Save $$$ per month

·         Plan ‘get away’ trips carefully

·         Focus on His daily word, ask for daily wisdom, surrender anxieties/worries/fear

·         Surround myself with Godly friends, pray each day for understanding & patience, and refrain from negativity at work site.

(to be continued)

Retreat at Pickwick Lake, Part II

It was a true blessing to 'catch up' with Amy (on the right hand side) this past weekend.I am forever grateful!!! Amy was the one who encouraged me to attend the Retreat at Pickwick Lake.

Donna and Rosie are both sisters in Christ from Monday's small group. We have been discussing the book titled "Calm my Anxious Heart".

I had an excellent opportunity to take a walk outdoors!

Retreat at Pickwick Lake

The retreat was amazingly, well-planned! For me, the overall experience was unforgettable. I worked two consecutive months non-stop until the day of the Retreat. It was all worth it.

I thank the Lord for giving me the strength to focus on each work day (Isaiah 43:2) "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze".

It was, indeed, a break from daily, mundane routine. Most importantly, the memorable experiences I had over this weekend were valuable, spiritual in nature and irreplaceable! Psalm 90:14 "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days"

The retreat's theme was about "The Parable of the Lost Son"

Luke 15: 11-30 The parable touched my heart in distinct ways!!! I cried on Sunday at the 'surrender' ceremony... I truly experienced my heavenly Father's unconditional love, his forgiveness and compassion. He is my "Shield, Refuge" and shelter for Eternal Life. Isaiah 49: 15-16 "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me"

The younger son was 'lost' for some time before he wandered off to a 'distant country' Luke 15:13  I immediately related to the younger son when I vividly reminisced about running away from my parents' house for approximately two weeks at age 17.

The adolescence phase was a true challenging season for me! I faced unbearable peer pressure, cultural differences, micromanagement parenting style, insecurities, and confusion to list a few. I was quite 'lost' spiritually and didn't rely on God's strength. Agony and despair were two emotions present in my life at the time.

When I decided to go back home to my earthly parents, they immediately forgave me and embraced me with open arms Luke 15:20. My parents' unconditional love was a true blessing!!! and still is...

Fortunately, my parents and I have a mature, loving, and healthy relationship today 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

I thank the Lord for my current, satisfying relationship with both of my parents.

I was also disoriented during my mid-thirties! It was a time of turmoil and confusion. I was married for five years and was dissatisfied with both marriage and career options in Florida.

Once again, I didn't rely on God's strength or guidance. I lacked obedience throughout the major transition...  relocation to TN... away from family and friends.

I knew that God watched every step during this season of my life although I was reluctant to acknowledge His presence.

I thank the Lord today for not giving up on me and for having patience. He knew that I was going to return home someday...

Last year, I finallly returned home... to my Heavenly Father! Luke 15:21.

I experienced God's blessings upon my arrival. This past year, the Lord has been extremely faithful during 'life earthquakes'. I was heart-broken, dependent yet accepted and loved by Him Luke 15: 31-32.

I am forever grateful Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight"

What did I surrender? I surrendered the need to control life circumstance(s). I am still a 'planner'; I plan each day as best as I can. However, I am acknowledging God's presence throughout the day, and during my planning period(s) Proverbs 21:5 "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty"

I thank the Lord for his unconditional love, forgiveness and compassion for my sins.