Back Row Girl!

I was always the ‘back row’ girl, quiet and shy!

Did I ever enjoy piano performance? Was I delighted to answer  teacher’s question? Was I eager to ask questions when confused? Was I ever willing to lead a group of friends in high school?

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I was always the girl in the back row doubting my ‘skill’ set and afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone.

Just like when Moses doubted himself, “Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.””
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭4:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Because my speech was delayed until age four, I always struggled with fluency and articulation of speech then.

I never thought I had the courage to master two languages, develop leadership skills much less be licensed in two States and be Board Certified today!

 I steadily developed one skill at a time; an ability to express ideas to large groups, generate profitable outcomes, problem-solve and facilitate team discussions just to highlight a few. Our skills and talents are sharpened everyday as long as we are willing to embrace change.

We just need to step out of our comfort zones, move to the front row, believe and trust in the Lord.

Our Lord will equip us along the way. Just like He equipped Moses so he could confront Pharaoh; both assistance and resources were provided.

God will do the same for the two of us!

Perseverance, optimism, and Faith are undeniably key ingredients for a brighter spotlight!

Take courage, take a step forward, find your front row seat, and be ready to make a difference.

Don’t be a back row girl!

One step at a time

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬
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As I was setting up my new Instagram account this morning, I soon realized I didn’t know how to post an image. I needed the ABCs of Instagram then.

My initial reaction was, ‘this can’t be that difficult! I can navigate social media just fine’.

After 24 minutes, I was quite frustrated when the task at hand was unsuccessful!

My husband was supportive and immediately reassured me in a calm demeanor, “you’ll figure it out honey. You always do”

Why was I so frustrated?  What was the rush anyway?!

I wanted to post a couple of images, add FB friends, and connect Instagram with Twitter and FB accounts all at the same time.

 I just needed extra time to be familiarized with the set up of Instagram.

As I was cruising down Shelby drive, the Lord nudged me, ‘One step at a time’. God has made everything in my life beautiful in His perfect time.

‘Lord, give me the courage to complete one task at a time. Let me not rush or be frazzled along the way. Help me slow down so I may enjoy the new journey one day at a time. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen’

Forgive them Lord!

Mom’s greatest gift is hospitality and her talent is manifested in the kitchen! Every time mom had a guest, she cooked Venezuelan dishes in just a matter of minutes. Mom’s servant heart always welcomed strangers with open arms. She believed ‘the best’ in people.

Mom now has Alzheimer’s disease and her health is declining steadily. Her servant’s heart remains intact so does her legacy.

Over the years, I’ve trusted people over and over again just like mom always did.

Gift of Hospitality

Unfortunately, there are mean-spirited people in the world and may even exist in our circle of influence today. We will never have control over their intentional, wicked acts; but we have some control over our initial shock and how we respond to the ultimate challenge.

We live in a broken world indeed.

When faced with malevolent masterminds, we may want to focus only on what is admirable, noble and of excellence. Pray for a forgiving heart and even help these  lost people if the opportunity arises.

Jesus Christ was flawless yet he was judged, framed and crucified!

One of His humble, admirable reaction other than crying out in pain was ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭23:34‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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.

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!