Good-bye 2011

The year 2011 was filled with ups and downs for me. A whole new year of grieving the loss of my new born baby boy; who was born on March 30, 2010- he lived for 12 hours. 2010 was a sad year; nonetheless,it was also a great blessing because God chose Wes and I to be Joshua Angel's parents. Then again, 2011 was filled with beautiful signs from my Joshua; therefore, it was a good year. I will see each experience in life as a blessing. Each moment that I breathe is a blessing. I give glory to GOD.

Through the years and the trials that I have faced, God has been my rock and fortress. To him I lay my troubles. I find my streinght in HIM. I give glory to him for the happy times. I give glory to him for the sad times. For if we don't have trials, how do we learn to be strong and not to give up?

This passing year did have many good things. In 2011 my little guy turned 6 and my little girl turned 3 - so yes, I am truly blessed. This year we had so many relatives visit throughout the summer. My cousin (who is like my brother) and his family came in June. The in-laws came to visit us twice this year. My husband returned safely from the desert -God's angels were with him. And my mom has been with me supporting me and encouraging me to "keep on keeping on". This year was good, because we had CHRISTMAS EVE/CHRISTMAS DAY with my mom. And this year I meet some wonderful people - and a beautiful group of children- which will always be part of my prayers.

With another year behind us; we are about to close a chapter of our lives. We will begin a new chapter in 2012. Let us start anew. Let us Focus on the good things in life; on the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. This new year gives us the chance to be a better person. Let us think about others, and let's try to find new solutions to the problems we face. Let's see each children as God's children;therefore, protect them. Let's encourage them to be followers of God, and to love others. God is giving us another opportunity to wake up, and smell the coffee.

I wish you and yours the very best for the new year to come. God bless you, and stay strong in the Lord. He will never forsake you.

~Molly

Psalm 18: 1-3

I love you, O Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.

He is my shield and the Horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise...


Deuteronomy 31:8

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

The Light of The World

The last time I wrote I left off on day 17. I apologize for my delay. I had been facing a dry season I should say. Not only that, but I was sadden. My husband recently deployed, and I had been missing him. My husband's deployment made me miss my baby angel (who went to heaven 16 months ago) even more. Deployments are difficult times for the whole family. The kids were having a hard time minding me, and missing daddy. We are adjusting better this month. The past few months have been overwhelmingly busy for me. I felt like a camera out of focus. Tonight, my lens is focused. It's important for me to get back at it.

If I don't write; I feel like I am drowning within the hundreds of words resonating within the walls of my mind. If I don't pray; I feel lost. The Lord is my strength;therefore, I must seek him on a daily basis. I have been contemplating on his word. For His word is light and it's refreshing.





Even in the darkest of nights, and in the saddest moments of your life; God is there. He is the light that pierces the darkness. If you have Him, you will have light. If you seek, Him you will feel more focused in your life.

30 Day Of Motivation/Encouragement For MOMS - Day 17

FAITH

Seeking the Lord in times of stress is what keeps me going. I don't worry about what tomorrow is going to bring, because God has assured me; "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Mat.7:7)
When faced through adversity, it's easier to succumb to despair and hide away; but that will only bring you more stress. Seek His face and you will be uplifted.

What is Faith?







Faith is hope and belief in the goodness or trustworthiness, of a person, concept or entity.

I gathered the following Bible verses:

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)


You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. (Isaiah 12:2)

O Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress. (Jeremiah 16:19)

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

By his light I walked through darkness. (Job 29:3)

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:14)


Lord, when my soul is weary
and my heart is tired and sore,
and I have that falling feeling
that I can't take it any more;
then let me know the freshening
found in simple,
childlike prayer,
when the kneeling sould knows surely
that a listening Lord is there.

~Ruth Bell Graham






Matthew 14:22-23
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of thim to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.

Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strenght. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Word Of Motivation/Encouragement for MOMS - Day 16

Day 16

LOVE. It is beautiful to life with a heart filled with love. Let us be reminded that everything we do in life we should do it with love. Sometimes when we have stress in our lives, it is hard to remember this. BUT if we remind ourselves that we are doing it for the LORD, then it will be easy.

1. If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10. but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

31 Days Of Motivation/Encouragement for MOMS - Day15

Day 15

There is hope in life. God is there waiting to hear you calling. Believe that things will get better. Life is a journey not a distination. We are going to stumble and fall, but it's important to get back up and not stay down. I've had a lot of hardships in my life, but I've learned that I must keep going. One day we will be rewarded for what we do. Far too many people have problems; and they go on living angry at the world. We must learn to live and love life.



Remember it's important to:


1)Pray

2)Meditate

3)have a support system

4)Set aside time for yourself. At least 15- 30 minutes a day

5) Read a book

6) Go for a walk

7)Go to a coffee shop

8)LAUGH

9)SMILE


You will feel better after a peaceful time out.

There is HOPE!




Lamentations 3:21
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.

31 Days of Motivation/Encouragement - Day 14

Day 14

We live in a world surrounded by violence and crime. It can be so overwhelming to hear what goes on in this world; can bring so much fear. But regardless of what goes on, we need to find some time to excape the world. Where do you go when you are feeling scared, troubled, or worried? It is extremely essential to find a few minutes of your time to spend in meditation and prayer. We need to find refuge in God. There is more to this world. There is more to our daily struggles. We need to seek time and a special place to spend (lay your burdens down). When we spend time nourshing our spirit, we become more sensitive to the world around us. And instead of just focusing on our fears and anxieties, we learn to do something about it; we learn to PRAY!

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble







Psalm 91:14-16
The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation."

Day 13

This one is for every woman


YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

When you look in the mirror, see an amazing loving woman. No matter what goes on in your life. No matter what you face. No matter how thin or not thin you are; God made you perfect the way you are.



God bless you!

Day 12


Nine Keys to contentment:



1. Health enought to make work a pleasure.

2. Wealth enought to support your needs.

3. Strenght enough to battle with difficulties and oversome them.

4. Grace enough to confess your sins and forsake them.

5. Patience enough to toil until some good is accomplished.

6. Charity enough to see some good in your neighboors.

7. Love enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others.

8. Faith enough to make real things of God.

9. Hope enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future.

~Johann Wolfgan von Goethe

31 Days of Motivation/Encouragement for MOMS - Day 11

Day 11

Sometimes the responsibilities we have as a woman/mom can be extremely overwhelming. Sometimes we feel unappreciated if other's don't notice what we do. It's overwhelming to take care of the house. It can be overwhelming to do all a woman does, but it's got to be done. If we take one section at a time; one day at a time; one thing at a time; at the right time; pray to God for strenth; it all can be achieved.


When we have young children, it's difficult to balance our daily routines. We want to do it all in one day, but it's not possible. ROME WAS NOT BUILT IN ONE DAY! I've had to remind myself this numerous times.


As the day has gone, and the night has approached I re-evaluate the way I did things. I look around at the toys on the floor. I enter my kids rooms and see the toys scattered around. I am thankful for having devoted my time to them throughout the day. You know, cleaning and scrubbing will wait. Your children will grow quickly. Sometimes I feel frustrated for not having the "perfect immaculate" house. My house is not in perfect order, but it's not a complete mess. I have two young and active little children. AND I FEEL so blessed for having them. I take time to read to them and to play with them. RIGHT NOW is the time that they need me. I want them to remember mommy playing with them, and not just cleaning and scrubbing all day.










I like the following quote:


Oh, cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow, but children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow. So quiet down cobwebs. Dust go to sleep. I'm rocking my baby. Babies don't keep.

~Ruth Hulburt Hamilton

31 Days of Motivation/Encouragement for MOMS - Day 10

Day 10






I gathered some Spanish peoms for all Latina Moms.
El AMOR DE MADRE ES INMENSO. Feliz Dia De Las Madres to all Latina MOMS!


MADRE (MOTHER):
M = Maternidad (Motherhood)
A = Amor (Love)
D = Dedicación (Dedication)
R = Reina de la Familia (Queen of the Family)
E = Porque eres ESPECIAL (Because you're SPECIAL)



Sólo el amor de una Madre apoyará,
(Only a mother's love is there to support you)
Cuando todo el mundo deja de hacerlo.
(When the world fails to do so)

Sólo el amor de una Madre confiará,
(only a mother's love believes in you)
Cuando nadie otro cree.
(when no one else will)

Sólo el amor de una Madre perdonará,
(Only a mother's love forgives)
Cuando ninguno otro entenderá.
(when no one else will)

Sólo el amor de una Madre honrará,
(Only a mother's love will honor)
No importa en qué pruebas haz estado.
(to her it will not matter what you have been through)

Sólo el amor de una Madre resistirá,
(Only a mother's love will endure)
Por cualquier tiempo de prueba.
(what ever storm you face)

No hay ningún otro amor terrenal,
(there is no other earthy love)
Más grande que el de una Madre.
(GREATER than a MOTHER's LOVE).





El Corazon De Una Madre (A MOTHER's HEART)

El corazón de una madre
(A mother's heart)
Es como una rosa
(is like a rose)
Siempre abierto
(always open)
Siempre amado
(always loving)

¡Gracias Mamá!
(THANK YOU MOM)!

31 Days of Motivation/Encouragement for MOMS - Day 9

Day 9



It's so important to time for yourself. If you don't, you will overwhelm yourself with the daily activities. We as moms, sometimes forget to do things for ourselves, because our priorities are our children and our husbands.



What did you use to enjoy before you married or had kids?




We need to look back and do little things for ourselves. Sometimes those little things can make a big difference.



One of my new years resolutions for this year was to take bubble baths at least once or twice a week. Before this year, I hardly took time for myself. After going through a difficult year, I realized that I needed to take sometime; to search for peaceful moments. I'm still a work in progress, but I'm beginning to do more for me.

31 Days of Motivation/Encouragement for Moms - Day 8

Celebrate MOTHER - Day 8

This day is the perfect day to think about what mothers do/did for us. Actually, we should appreciate and respect her every day. I have always appreciated what my mother has done for me. But ever since I've had my own three babies, I empathize her. It's so special when she is there to hold you, guide you, scold you, and teach you. Hold mom in your heart forever. If she is no longer here, celebrate her life. You are who you are because of her.

A mother instantly forms a bond with her babies from the moment she conceives. She instantly and instinctively knows how to care for her children; as soon as they are in her arms. She learns to protect them like a lioness protects her cubs. Her priorities in life change, for now the most important thing is her offspring.

She dedicates a lot of her time to guide them in the right path. When they cry at night she wakes to rock him back to sleep. Each stage her child goes through is a learning process for both. Mother learns to decode each cry. The first time she hears the word "Mama," her heart stops for a moment and becomes overjoyed. There is a saying that a mother wears her heart outside her body; it's so true. Because every emotion her child feels, she feels too. Every little milestone her child achieves, to mom it's like she just won the lottery. In reality, to her these moments don't have monetary value. Those are moments she will forever cherish. Two of those memorable milestones, are when baby starts walking and TALKING - that's when mama learns that her day's won't ever be dull. Then, the separation anxiety kicks in...sometimes for both. She learns to manage it. She does her best to raise her children. All her children are loved the same. It's so important to her to instill good moral values, and the importance of loving God; to nourish their spirituality.

I feel blessed to have been chosen to be the mother of my children; two here on earth and an angel baby in heaven. To those who have lost a child, like myself, remember that you will always be their mother. From that moment that you conceived, you became a mother. Take this day to celebrate that special moment that you found out you were pregnant. Take this day to celebrate his/her memory. If you have an angel MAMA, grandma, or sister, celebrate their memory. Celebrate the time you got together to wish her a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.

I share the following Bible verse with you because it is very meaningful to me, and because there is a time fore EVERYTHING. When my dear GRANDMOTHER, and DEAR AUNT MARIA passed away, this verse helped me cope. AND now has helped me greatly with the passing of my new born son.

Today is a day to celebrate MOM.


A lady gave me these beautiful roses when I passed by her house this morning:













ECCLESIASTES 3:1-8

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to
gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain
from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

31 Days of Motivation/Encouragement for MOMS - Day 7

Here are some beautiful words for mom. Cherish her while you have her. And if she is no longer here, keep her dear memory alive.



I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life. ~Abraham Lincoln


All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother. ~Abraham Lincoln



God could not be everywhere, so he created mothers. ~Jewish Proverb

Thou art thy mother's glass, and she in thee
Calls back the lovely April of her prime.
~William Shakespeare


Any mother could perform the jobs of several air traffic controllers with ease. ~Lisa Alther

There is an instinct in a woman to love most her own child - and an instinct to make any child who needs her love, her own. ~Robert Brault,


A mother's happiness is like a beacon, lighting up the future but reflected also on the past in the guise of fond memories. ~Honoré de Balzac


My mother is a poem
I'll never be able to write,
though everything I write
is a poem to my mother.
~Sharon Doubiago


There's nothing like a mama-hug. ~Terri Guillemets

Who fed me from her gentle breast
And hushed me in her arms to rest,
And on my cheek sweet kisses prest?
My Mother.
~Anne Taylor


Who ran to help me when I fell,
And would some pretty story tell,
Or kiss the place to make it well?
My mother.
~Ann Taylor


Mother - that was the bank where we deposited all our hurts and worries. ~T. DeWitt Talmage

I cannot forget my mother. Though not as sturdy as others, S]he is my bridge. When I needed to get across, she steadied herself long enough for me to run across safely. ~Renita Weems
Youth fades; love droops; the leaves of friendship fall; A mother's secret hope outlives them all.
~Oliver Wendell Holmes


The mother's heart is the child's school-room. ~Henry Ward Beecher

Women know the way to rear up children (to be just) They know a simple, merry, tender knack Of tying sashes, fitting baby shoes,And stringing pretty words that make no sense, And kissing full sense into empty words.
~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

31 Days of Motivation/Encouragement for MOMS - Day 6

Day 6

July 2004 was the year I found out I was expecting my 1st born; a baby boy. My heart rejoiced and it changed my life forever; in a good way. I told my husband, and he held me tight. In his arms, I cried tears of happiness.



In 2008 my 2nd child; baby girl was born. I was over joyed for a little princess was on the way.



In 2009, I found I was pregnant for the third time. I was scared at first, but then I thought; "If God allowed me to be pregnant again-its for a reason." Then I found out that I was having a boy who would be born with a birth defect called Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. I had never heard of it. That night I cried tears of sadness. Then, when I found out about CDH, I left everything in GODs hands.



*Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a hole in the diaphragm on left or right side.


Some or all contents of the abdomen may go up which prevents the normal development of the lung (pulmonary hypoplasia) on that side, and may affect the growth of the other lung. After birth the infant will have difficulty breathing if the lungs are not developed enough.Josha was born on March 30th, 2010 at 29 weeks gestation. He had difficulties with his breathing. He also had a heart problem (Congenital Heart Desease). From the very beginning, he was having heart failure. He passed away on March 31st, 2010 at 12 hours old. My heart is at peace, because I know that he would have had a difficult life with all the problems he had. He is now in Jesus' hands in a better place.

When you seek God he will give you peace and uplift you.

At the instant that God allows you to conceive, you are a mother. Even if the pregnancy does not further progress, or if your newborn does not make; you will ALWAYS be a mother. Your fetus/infant will always be your baby. He/she will forever touch your life.

Each one of my babies have touched my life in a very special way. God allows certain circumstances in our lives for a reason. What ever you are facing today, remember God will never forsake you. Seek Father God and He will touch your life. HE will put angels in your path to help you through it-just be open to the signs.


My sweet babies.


"An Angel in the book of life wrote down my baby's birth and whispered as she closed the book "too beautiful for earth" "- Authour Unknown.



A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for. ~ Anonymous





Whenever I held my newborn baby in my arms, I used to think that what I said and did to him could have an influence not only on him but on all whom he met, not only for a day or a month or a year, but for all eternity - a very challenging and exciting thought for a mother. ~ Rose Kennedy (mother of 9, including President John F. Kennedy)

* http://www.cdhsupport.org/

31 Days of Motivation and Encouragement- Day 5

Day 5



This one goes to all woman. Men, you can read it too. :)



It is so amazing all that a woman can balance and juggle, specially when she has children. Sometimes, it's hard to see that we make an impact on our children's life. We do so much as women/mothers. It can be so draining too! That is why we need to DAILY seek GOD's presence for strength and balance. They are the grandmothers, single mother's, military mother's, stay at home mother's, career woman, women who's husband do a lot of traveling for work. They are sometime's the one's who are to take care of it all while the husband is deployed or absent. We have a lot to thank to our Mother's for what they do/did. I was raised by a single mother, and I defintly have A LOT to thank her. She did everything she could to raise me. And to take care of me. She is a great mother. Mother is amazing. Mother only one.



I found this by Giggy G T:





Ever since I was young, I have watched my mother's example, and I have learned much about waiting and building. Her life has been one of much waiting and much giving. She built a place of shelter - her ark- virtually alone, with daddy away so much of the time. The waiting periods were often long and quite difficult......When she had nothing left to give, she went to the source of her strength and the supplier of all her needs and was unexplainably replenished. She gave us the sunshine, and gave Jesus all the rest.



~Gigi Graham Tchividjian

31 Days of Motivation for MOMS Day 4

The single most imortant decision a mother can make is to develop her own life with God. Unless she nurtures herself spiritually first, she will have no base from which to have a positive spiritual influence on her children. Scripture reveals God's agenda for making a spiritual impact on our children: We must begin with ourselves; then we must teach our children. In DEUTERONOMY 6:6-7, God first tells parents, "There are commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts." Then he says, "Impress them on your children."



~Jean Fleming










-Taken from the book For Mom From a Thankful Heart

31 Days of Motivation/Encourgament for MOMS

Day 3

I have been thinking of all the mothers who have lost a child; one of the most difficult things in a womans life. You might not feel like celebrating Mother's Day, but I encourage you to do so. You are still a mother. You are very special for having been chosen to be your child's mother. Take it as a day to celebrate your childs life. Take it as a day to celebrate the day you found out you were expecting. Take it as a day to celebrate the day you held your baby in your arms. Your child is no longer here, but he/she once was.
I encourage you to do something special on that day like releasing a ballon, lighting a candle, taking a walk to celebrate the day you became a mother. We must celebrate life.
Mother's Day is a day to thank our own mothers for all they've done for us.
Because of them, we are here.

31 Days of Motivation/Encouragement- Day 1 & 2

Day 1 & 2

As Mother's Day approaches, I encourage you to post a picture, poem, quote, Bible verse, post to your blog, or anything positive about MOM for 31 days. Being a Mother is a true blessing from God. Cherish your MOM/WIFE while your have her. MOM is the best tittle a woman can have.

For 8 years, I prayed to God that my mom would come live with me, and finally she is right here with us. I am thankful and feel very blessed for that. I believe that God answeres prayers at HIS right timing.



Now, go ahead and post something about mom. :)



"What a lioness was your mother among lions! She lay down among the young lions ad reased her cubs. Your mohter was like avine in your vineyard planted by the water; it was fruitful and full of branches because of abundant water."~ Ezekiel 19:2, 10