By:  Nereida Rosario

“….When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2B

Thanksgiving Day, my favorite calendar holiday will soon be upon us and as I usually do during this time of year, I’m processing life moments. A specific one comes to mind: It is the first Wednesday of this year, 2011. I am standing with my brothers and sisters in church and our worship Minister leads us into our next song….”Love Came Down and Rescued Me, Love Came Down and Set me Free, Now, I am Yours, I’m Forever Yours, Mountains high or valley low, I sing out, remind my soul, that I am Yours, I am forever Yours.” Before long, I am weeping. The weeping is not a sudden, single occurrence but something that has happened quite frequently as life starts to unfold into what I call “a new normal” and as I am reminded of all that took place. With the event behind us but with emotions so raw and so close to the surface, it doesn’t take much these days to go into a “weep fest.” It comes suddenly, flooding my soul like a tsunami wave, overcome with songs of thanksgiving, praises and prayers before my God. You see, just one year ago crisis came knocking at my family’s door. It came so unexpected, so sudden…literally weakening me at the knees, losing my bearings upon hearing the prognosis. It was Thursday, September 30, and I was at choir rehearsal. I got a call from my husband, Edwin. He was with our girls and he didn’t sound well. He told me that he was feeling very dizzy and his vision was flashing (he could only describe it as when you are looking at a ceiling fan too long and your eyes try to adjust to the blades moving…a flashing movement.) I got home and we drove him to an urgent care facility and they informed us that we needed to take him to an emergency room. While in the ER he also felt a strong headache and a CT scan was performed. Close to midnight the ER doctor came to our room. Grabbing Edwin by one hand and grabbing my hand with his other we formed a circle in that tiny ER room. He informed us that Edwin would be staying at the hospital for a few days. He told us that the scan revealed a tumor on the rear lower right side of his brain. The worst case scenario, we were informed, could be cancer. It felt like a sucker punch to my abdomen and I started gasping for quick gulps of air. I grabbed and held on to the bed Edwin laid on, because I could not stand on my own. I told the doctor that he must be mistaken and that this could not be. It was September 30, and in one week on, October 9, Edwin and I would be celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary. It was on my mind that in 1998, after battling with a diagnosis and long illness, my first husband died one week after our 11th wedding anniversary. This could not be happening, this could not be so! I began to weep and to ponder: I looked up and exclaimed “Are you kidding me?” Oh the many questions! Immediately the calls, emails and texts for prayers were sent out. People all around the US, even as far as Australia, joined the Rosario Family as we lifted Edwin to our God in prayer and fasting. The next morning as I explained to our two girls that their daddy was in the hospital, I told them that we had some trouble and we would be tested like a bible story we had just done on the 3 Jewish boys: Shadrach, Mischak and Abdengo. Maya, who is 7, immediately quoted me Psalms 91…”He who dwells in the shelter of the most high God will rest in the shadow of the Almighty, I will say of the Lord He is my refuge my fortress my God in Him will I trust.” Sofia, my four year old reminded me that even though the 3 Jewish boys went into the fire, they were not alone because God was in the fire with them and He saved them and not even their hairs were burned:

When I think about the Lord and what He’s done, I weep with joy and I find that I can easily just breathe! I pray the same for you in this day.

Reflection Corner:

1.)  Here Is there a song that reminds you to be thankful? Sing it and remember His goodness.

2.) A speaker I recently heard said that if God was in the fire with the three Jewish boys, then that was the safest place to be. Can you believe that in your situation?

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

For those of you who do not know me, I am the mother of three beautiful girls. Stephanie- 22 years old; Ashley- almost 19 years old and Alexandria-almost 15 years old.  I am also the sister to two beautiful women (Jacqueline and Katherine) and the daughter to wonderful parents (Susie and Nestor Perez) who were pastors inNew Jerseyto a wonderful congregation for over 30 years.

I know that my parent’s hope and prayers were for all three of their daughters to serve God and serve in some type of ministry.  However, I was not excited about any of it and didn’t want any part in this “ministry business”!  I could not wait to turn 18 and leave my home and stop attending church, never mind serving in any ministry capacity.  Yes, I was a rebel, the black sheep, the why kid- the kid that wouldn’t let go of something if it didn’t make sense.  I never liked to do things a certain way just because that is what we are suppose to do and not really understand the reasoning behind it.

As soon as I turned 18 my night and shining armor, my prince, my ticket out came knocking on my door with a sweet proposal for marriage.  It was a moment of “where do I sign”???!!!  

Today, I truly thank God that he blessed me with a wonderful husband and partner.  This get me out of here, where do I sign attitude could have gone very wrong for me.  However, once out of the house, once married, you don’t own me anymore attitude took me right out of attending church but more importantly right out of desiring a relationship with God.  However, I know that due to a mother that was ceaselessly praying for her daughter’s return (instead of the prodigal son I was the leading actress for the prodigal daughter) I found my way back to God and back to ministry.  It took years for me to feel comfortable in serving in ministry but God knows how to lead us, when we allow Him to.  I started in October 2000 working with the Missionettes, girls club and later establishing a children’s church at our church.  In the spring of 2006 God started to speak into my spirit that there was another area where He wanted to use me- the women’s ministry.

Today, I decided to write and dedicate this blog to all the mothers with adult children who are not serving the Lord to encourage you to keep praying for them. You may think your prayers are not reaching the Throne Room, oh but sweet woman – they are.  I have also seen this in my own life and in the life of our eldest daughter.  She is in a similar place as I was at her age; looking for my own identity and relationship with God. I believe that God is about to do a breakthrough in her life and make her purpose and destiny known to her.

Today, I remind you to not give up hope and Just Breathe! The day will soon come when we will all rejoice!!!  Rejoice in the Hebrew means to “spin around”, our children’s lives will spin around and so will ours!!!

Reflection Corner:

1.)   Is there a child that you have been praying for to return to the arms of Jesus? Call him or her up today and do not speak to them about God but love on them with everything you have.

2.)   If you know of other parents that are in similar situation, unite with them and designate a day of prayer and fasting specifically for the return of your children.

3.)   If know of a young adult whose parents are Christian but they are not serving the Lord, love on them this week.  Show them what God’s love is all about.

By:  Floralba Arbelo Marrero

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. (Psalms 103:1 KJV)

I have so much to be grateful for as I reflect upon the year in its entirety. Through the years I’ve learned to have an attitude of gratitude and to find a learning nugget through each experience. It wasn’t always this way, I was a whiner and complainer in my early years but God has taught me to find joy in the journey. I love this time of year because it is refreshing to stop and give thanks to the one who has given it all for us. I don’t believe that mere words can express the thankfulness in my heart for all the Lord has done in my life; images at times can express so much more. So here is my rendition of why I have thanksgiving in my heart – for all He has done for me!

Grateful for my family and all the love we share, the unity we express through bonds of love and togetherness. We enjoy each other so much and draw from one another.

Grateful that my kids were able to spend a week with one of my mentors son’s on the mission field as they co-labored for the Lord. Yet it was better than this, he deposited pearls of wisdom to them all week long, Godly advice and character building in a fun and loving way. Priceless.

Grateful for new friends that have made my life a joy! The time we spend together, between the Beyond the Cover Book Club and girl time in invaluable and has added a rich element to my life.

Thankful for the family vacation we took this summer with 50 friends from Puerto Rico where we were able to reunite for a time of celebration, reminiscing, and the making of new memories in Punta Cana, DR.

Thankful for Save The Nations Church and the Center for Emerging Female Leadership whom have engrafted my family into their fold to worship and grow together.

Grateful for my sisters and their families who make the word family come to life everyday. Their love of life, food, traditions, and of our family are a great blessing. Mom that means you too!

Grateful for out of town friends and family who visit and keep up with us wherever we are.

Grateful for the work I do and have done in the past that improves the lives of students younger and older.

As you review over your year…remember to Just Breathe!

Reflection Corner:

1.)  What are you grateful for this year?

2.)  Have you been able to stay in a grateful mindset?

3. ) Was there a time you were ungrateful?

Please visit Floralba’s blog at momsquire.com on the blogroll on the right!

…Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go… Joshua 1:9

Some of you may be thinking ‘what exactly is Swag?’  The definition of Swag (yes, I found an actual definition) is the appearance, style, or the way he or she presents themselves. In essence, Swag is walking confidently!

I was recently at a Women of Faith conference where Erica from Mary Mary was explaining to the audience how some Christian women enter a room with what she described as “Swag deficiency”.  We enter with our heads down, our shoulders down and barely look up to see where we are going.  We carry ourselves almost ashamed of what we are or who we belong to.

This made me think about the way we carry ourselves in this world.  Do we have “Swag” or are we Swag deficient?  And, if we are deficient how do we go about getting some Swag?  I must warn you that you can’t fake Swag…  I mean you can’t put on an act or a mask for people to think that you are a true confident woman in God.  WE need to actually be living this thinking; we need to BELIEVE it ourselves, in our inner-self.  Swag is not believing that you are better than everyone else.  Swag is not belittling other women and Swag is certainly not pride!  As a Christian woman we need to carry ourselves like who we belong to; we belong to the King most High!  We are daughters of the King of Kings but yet we forget and act like we’re no ones!  Rise up, my sweet sister and friend and find your individual Swag.  That’s right, go up to the mirror, put on your nicest outfit and walk like a confident child of God; the creator of everything in this universe. Practice it if you have to!

I believe that when Queen Esther approached King Xerxes, she had some Swag; she had confidence and most of all she trusted and knew the God that she believed in most of all!

Today, as you go about practicing your Swag, remember to Just Breathe!

Reflection Corner:

1.)     You may think that this topic is a little funny or even unnecessary but I challenge you to be conscious about how you enter a room where you do not know anyone. How do you feel about yourself?

2.)     If you feel that you have arrived at a place of confidence, as a godly woman, look for a sister that may need you to encourage her as she is walking to find herself.

3.)     Consider hosting a Swag party.  Yes, a party or get-together that will focus on encouraging one another and perhaps even putting on a fashion show.  Have fun, your King wants you to!

By Catherina Carucci

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 (NASB)

The last two years have been very trying and difficult times for my family. My husband was unemployed for seven months, our savings was quickly running out, and our marriage was falling apart by the seams. I had two choices to make, either I dwell on the things we did not have and get depressed or choose to thank God for the things I did have and trust Him to provide. It wasn’t always easy, but I decided to Trust God and He has been so faithful to us. He provided food through gift cards, and cash, shelter, encouragement and prayer from family and friends. Our needs were always met and I will forever be grateful and thankful to God and to those who allowed themselves to be used by Him to help us in our time of need. We are still going through some rough patches, but I rejoice with “A Heart of Thankfulness” because I know the Lord will see us through them all. So no matter what you might be going through in your life at this present moment, I want to encourage you to sing a new song of “thankfulness” unto God for He has given us yet another day filled with His love, grace and mercies.  

This month of November, remember to be thankful and Just Breathe!

Reflection Corner:

Today, enjoy today’s Poem in lieu of questions:

Be Thankful –

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire, If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes they will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings. Author Unknown

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind. Isaiah 40:31 (The Message)

It was the end of the summer and the beginning of another school year and out of nowhere it came…the brick, the shock, the disappointment.  These days were very difficult for my family and I to have to live through.  We lost some very special friends in our lives, not due to death, issues or offense but by their choosing.  We have literally been grieving their loss in our lives and although we do not quite understand the reasoning behind it, I am not sure that the pain would have been that much less had we had the best reason in the world.

Why do we have to lose special people in our lives? I ask the question because at this stage in my life I should have the “textbook answer” memorized and ingrained in my mind. However, when something hits you in the heart, the answer to this question doesn’t really matter or have much value.

There is a sense of “rejection” that enters our mind, a sense of being damaged or unwanted by humankind.  Oh yes, you have other friends and yes you love them very much but the one you have lost is at the forefront of your emotions at this time.

During these difficult days, God reminded me of the story of Joseph in the Old Testament.  Rejection at the highest level– by his own family….closer than friends one would say…by his own blood.  The Bible doesn’t tell us what Joseph’s exact thoughts were or how he really was able to get beyond the feelings of rejection and on to having a forgiving heart.  However, the hope that I see today is that He did get pass these feelings and God was not only with him through this process but also blessed him through his obedience to Him and for remaining true to himself.

So you see my friend, rejection hurts and time will heal but with God, with Jesus, we can make it over to the other side!!!  Keep the wonderful memories that you created with old friends and move on to the destiny that God has for you with the people that “He” has hand-selected to be part of your life at this very moment!

Today I am reminded to…Just Breathe!

Reflection Corner:

1.)    Is there a past hurt that you need to forgive to be able to move forward?

2.)    What are some steps that you can take to be intentional about moving forward with your life?

3.)    Make a list of ways that you can show the people in your life today that you love and appreciate them.

Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36

Why is it that we hit such pronounced peeks and valleys when it comes to our confidence? One moment we are on top of the world, ready to do conquer whatever challenge we face and the following week (sometimes it is later in the day) we are scared out of our wits at the thought at what we are asked to do.

I find it incredible how we give in to negative and self-doubting thoughts and furthermore, allow deliberate attacks from the enemy to steal our confidence. We have all been there, and for some of us we have allowed our doubts to tear up at our dreams. We have allowed it to stop us in our tracks in moving forward with what God has planned for us. I will be the first to admit it. I have allowed fear to stop me dead in my tracks, to lose out on some wonderful opportunities and meet some pretty neat people. Sometimes fear even holds us back from a job promotions, getting that much deserved break in life because we are afraid to go for it. Why? Because we are afraid of failure!!! Let’s call it for what it is, we are afraid that others will see our limited capabilities. (unless you are God, I have news for you, YOU DO have limited capabilities!) We are not perfect on this side of heaven so we should not place that expectation on ourselves. We may fail at some things and royally fail at others, but the worst failure of all is to never have tried!

Here are some interesting quotes found on the topic of failure:

Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another steppingstone to greatness. Oprah Winfrey

Remember that failure is an event, not a person. Zig Ziglar

Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently. Henry Ford

What gets me through some of these feelings, I?

1.) Surround yourself with people that will encourage you and yup you guessed it, stay away from those negative people in your life

2.) Read the word of God and place post-its, if necessary, of promises that God has given you

3.) Remember the last time you were afraid of something and you did it, remind yourself how good you felt afterwards

4.) Do as Joyce Meyer’s states….DO IT AFRAID!

5.) Replace your Fear with Faith in the One who is with you! Do it for an audience of One!

6.) I say to myself, If I don’t step over this stone then I can’t get to the next level in my life

In Renee Swope’s books The Confident Heart, she states “Self-doubt blocks the promise of God’s power and truth to change us from the inside-out so that we can live with a confident heart. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to block ANYTHING that God has for me!!!!

My friend God tells us today… I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?.. Isaiah 43:19 (The Message Bible). Are you ready for what God has for you today? Are you ready to take some risks in order to fulfill His purpose for your life?

Today, I remind you to Just Breathe and take the plunge into what God prepared for you long ago!!!

Reflection Corner:

1.) Identify 3 of your biggest fears?

2.) Which one of these can you conquer during the next month to 2 months?

3.) Make a listing of past fears and how you conquered them with God’s help. Keep this list handy for when fears come knocking at your confidence.

There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under the heaven. Ecc. 3:1 (NLT)

A friend and I have been e-mailing back and forth trying to schedule a simple “coffee break”.  A time for her and I to catch up and just take a break from life, have some “girl time”.  However, we have been at this for weeks and can’t seem to find a time that works for both of us.  Neither of us have small children and we both have understanding husbands however; the task to find free time within a 30-day period is proving to be a taunting task. 

Have you been there before?  Its not only the other person who is too busy- it’s both of you who are too busy.  However, is it good busy or are we over committing ourselves and allowing our calendars to be filled-up with things that are not priority?  Hear me out, I would like to exclude “family” time and responsibilities from this discussion.  Our families are our first priority and should always be our first ministry. However, I find that we are booked solid with things or people that are not necessarily in-line with our purpose.  Don’t get me wrong, we need to be flexible enough and be discerning enough when someone needs us, however, we need to be very selective and careful where and how we invest our “time”. 

Time is very valuable and something that we will never get back, once used it’s gone, you can’t borrow time nor can you buy it from someone else.  We are all given the same amount of it to use as we desire. Be wise and be careful from “time” vampires but most of all be intentional on how you use your time.

Grab a good cup of java with a special friend and remember to ….Just Breathe!

Reflection Corner:

1.)   Today make a list and identify some tasks or appointments that you can rearrange or cancel.

2.)   List a few names of people that you want to be “intentional” about growing a friendship.

3.)   Once you have identified these people, reach out to at least one this week, and try to schedule some coffee time.

Be still and know that I am God…. Psalms 46:10

As I was sitting today, my little Joey (teacup Maltese) came next to me and wanted to be petted.  As I was running my hands through his head, ears and full back he stood still- didn’t move one bit!  Now, you need to understand, he is still a two year old puppy and loves to run around and be playful.  However, during this time of caressing he knew to be still and enjoy his time with his master. 

 As I was caressing him I sensed God speaking into my spirit that I was running around so much in my life that I wasn’t  stopping long enough to “be still” and enjoy His caress.  He had been waiting for me but I was allowing every thing that needed to be done to take priority in my life and was not taking the time to refuel. It got me thinking how run down I was truly feeling these days, how emotionally and physically drained–just pure exhaustion! As women, we are there for everyone else; the husband, the kids, the friends, the job, the ministry responsibilities (yes, I said the “ministry”) that we truly forget who provides us with our daily strength.

I challenge you today to STOP, DON’T MOVE and enjoy the stillness and caress that your God wants to give you.  Allow Him to caress your hair, give you the best back massage ever, and yes, allow Him to even caress your earsJ.  Take time to embrace your Creator and Be Still!  I know you must be wondering how my little Joey is doing, well once he was done being “still” he ran off and was once again playful and re-energized!!!

I guess today I may not need to remind you to.. .Just Breathe!

 Reflection Corner:

 1.)   When was the last time you stopped and allowed God to fill you with His love?

2.)   What are ways that you can be intentional about slowing down?

3.)   Take your calendar and schedule some “still” time.  You may want to Journal or just be still.  Do this for the next 30 days and document how different your life has been since you took the time to “be still” and tell me all about it.

….if you only knew the gift God has for you and who I am… John 4:10

God sometimes sends us “gifts” in the form of people into our lives.  However, these are not the wonderful people that we thank Him for everyday but these are the “sand paper” people- let’s call them SPs.  Sometimes these SPs are coworkers, bosses, neighbors, family members and do I even dare to say  “friends”? 

Allow me to further define these SPs in our lives: they are generally nice people, smile a lot, are at time courteous, may even be intelligent, others love them, they seem to have it all BUT they irritate you like CRAZY!!!  Can I be real???  Sometimes even their voice sends goose bumps up your arm or even give you a headache!!!!

However, can I challenge you to think about SPs a little differently today?  Let’s see what beautiful piece of furniture has not been sanded down a few times?  What beautifully polished wood floors have not been given a good sand job?  What precious antique has not gone through a good sanding to become the beauty that people are willing to pay unforeseen amounts of money for it?  Admit it, consider it, think about it….we need SPs in our lives, they polish us, they prune us and yes, sand us down!  It’s like we often times tell children, “take that awful tasting medicine because it will make you “better”.  I believe we are to be open to the SPs in our life, God has sent them to us in our current path for a reason.  If we reject or push away from them then the sanding in our lives hasn’t taken place and we can’t become all that God has intended for us.  As with everything in life, we cannot skip an important step in order to get to the next level, sometimes these people allow us to clearly see the areas in our lives where we still need to grow, mature, and take care of.  

I challenge you today to embrace the SPs in your life (yes, I did say embrace!) because they are your gift from God.  Don’t push that gift away, open it!!!

And as always, when they come your way….Just Breathe!

Reflection Corner:

1.)   Today make a list and identify the SPs in your lives.

2.)   What can you learn from each SPs, what are the ways that they challenge you?

3.)   Thank one of your SPs this week for stretching you and making you see things differently in your life. (just don’t let them know that you consider them SPs)