Woman on a Mission

After cruising in a minicooper across three States and over 800 miles, I settled down temporarily in Germantown with my oldest, two furry companions. I was eager to embark in a career opportunity that a nation-wide company had offered me then.

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Was I willing to take a risk? Yes, indeed.

Even though I moved away from family, friends and a metropolitan life-style, I learned quickly ‘how’ to nourish these relationships, establish new ones and was blessed by safe travels over the years.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Because of the move, I embarked in the most fascinating journey of my life not as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst or as a Psychologist but as a follower of Christ.

 His character, unfailing love, grace and forgiveness have made an unremarkable impact in my life. I pray daily not to ever drift away from the Truth.

All of my ordinary experiences are filled with His grace and presence. How can I be reckless and drift away again? Not a chance.

Today, I’m a woman on a mission and ready to share His faithfulness with you one day at a time.

Blessings are reminders of His goodness.

Construction in Progress

 Morning SunriseWork under construction

When I walk at sunrise, I like to pray, breathe fresh air, listen to birds sing and stretch body muscles.

As I do my morning walking, I note the progress of a construction site.

As  much as I don’t like to think about the future traffic this road will bring to our neighborhood, I look forward to less travel time and gas consumption.

Construction sites are messy  but there are benefits to new roads once completed.

Cities are always evolving!

Renovations and improvements are considered every year.

Our lives circumstances are always unfolding and evolving as well.

We are always contemplating in ‘how to’ improve our eating habits, ‘how to’ renovate our wardrobe, ‘how to’ make a new recipe or even ‘how to’ negotiate with vendors prior to home improvements.

We will always have an opportunity to create the life we always wanted. Even when our lives gets ‘messy or out of control’, we have an opportunity to learn from our mistakes, capture fresh insights and rebuild it differently.

Our lives will always be under construction and progress can be made everyday towards a new plan filled with unlimited possibilities.

“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭20:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Help me with my unbelief, Lord!

How many times do I experience doubt, anxiety or even fear when contemplating a life-altering decision?

Way too many times! I’m even experiencing doubt right now as I’m typing this blog post. These emotions are symptoms of ‘unbelief’, an unreliable source of information.

It’s normal to experience these emotions though.

But when any of these emotions interfere with decision-making process, blurs the vision or even erases the possibilities of a brighter future, self-examination is crucial.

What am I saying to myself?

What if it does not work out in the long run? What if I make a mistake? What if …???

The what ifs can drive anyone ‘nuts’.

The reality is I will never know what’s going to occur next in my life only God does. Just know, He only wants the best for our future.

In Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’

In Mark 9: 23-24, Jesus reminds us ‘ …everything is possible for one who believes’

The reality is there is no guarantee in life.

Explore the risks and benefits of any given situation, pray for discernment and wisdom, wait and let God do the rest.

Help me with my unbelief, Lord!

Witty Companions


There is no need for an alarm clock at the Spokanes.

The Spokanes wake up quite early on weekdays, weekends and holidays while the feline crew plays, fights or relaxes on the bed or cat tree.

By 5:45 a.m, paws are either on my face or chest demanding ‘fancy and feast’ seafood to be served on schedule!

There is no time to snooze or fall behind schedule. I’ve got no choice but to honor feline crew’s feeding time.

‘Spoiled Rotten’ creatures!, I know. I’ve been truly blessed with colorful, untold stories. These memories will be cherished indeed.

These four-legged, Spokane members are entertaining, loyal and affectionate.

Praising God for His creation. 

G.Q. has lived in Central Florida and West Tennessee.  He is a 19 y/o champion who continues to be playful in spite of kidney failure and loss of vision.

He has the house layout memorized!
image Little girl (bottom left) tends to be ‘shy’ and doesn’t like strangers. She is attracted to toys and tracks outdoor movements at night.

Hope (bottom back) tends to chew on wires; he opens or closes doors when bored. He is mesmerized by birds’ musical tunes.

Hope doesn’t like to be told what to do.

Faith (bottom right) tends to chew on newspapers and paperbacks! He never knows when ‘to stop’ eating and needs a diet desperately. He is daddy’s boy!

Faith enjoys cuddling at any given time.

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“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Resurrected Life

In The Sweet By and By

In The Sweet By and By

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Press ‘Pause’ then ‘Replay’

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In keeping up with fast-paced, ‘real-time’ work-style, I multitask all day long. It is an exhausting practice I must admit. No time for lunch or restroom break! By the time, I take a breather it’s time to go home. Traffic, school zones, ambulance sirens or even a car accident or two may delay the travel home. Relaxing music may be interrupted by another emergency conference call. For the most part, days are unpredictable.

So is life!

I have repeatedly asked myself, ‘Is this what life is all about?!’

Press PAUSE then REPLAY it differently, Adriana.

As I’m fast approaching my fifties, I realize life is painfully short.

To minimize stress, I wake up at least 90 minutes early to prioritize, choose  ‘healthy’ goals, read a chapter of the Bible and most importantly pray over a scripture or two. One of my daily prayers, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm‬ ‭90:12‬ ‭NIV‬.

Intermittent, short breaks makes a difference in a work day! 

Stretch often, walk away from the computer screen, walk outdoors and breathe fresh air, listen to birds sing, take the stairs instead of the elevator,  listen to worship music and even color when the pressure is ‘on’. 

“Rejoice always,” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Morning Coffee

 


“Have you ever wondered ‘how to enrich’ quiet mornings before Sunrise?”

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I typically enjoy a fresh cup of coffee when viewing ‘first5’ wrap-up sessions on Saturday mornings. Watching godly women highlight five major moments from a book of the Bible has been breathtaking!

In a short video, a lesson or two may be expanded and life applications are suggested.

Download your ‘first5’ app. for FREE!

Studying one chapter a day has been a life-altering experience for me this year. When reading, praying or meditating on Scriptures, my soul refreshes and the ‘stinking’ attitude, ‘unwanted’ emotions, ‘unrealistic’ perspective or anxious mindset fades away right before a chaotic or hectic, work schedule.

First5 also displays a daily devotional followed by prayer. At the end of each devotional, a prompt and blank space are available so we may jot down ‘our own’ reflections for the day and archive these journal entries for months to come.

Have you considered Leviticus or Hebrews lately? Download your free app. and join us next Monday.