Dominicans are most definitely some of the most honest
people I have ever met. Dominican friends and family do not hesitate to tell
you EXACTLY what’s on their mind whether you want to hear it or not. But it’s
always said so sweetly so you’re left wondering whether it was an insult or a
compliment.
The point where it gets a little awkward is when people you
have never talked to in your life are honest with you too. For example…
This morning as I was finishing up my morning run (sweaty
and gross!) a sweet, little old security guard crossed his arms and squinted
his eyes as I drew closer. As I began to see his lips moving I took my
earphones out to hear what he was saying.
“Como?” the Spanish version of HUH?!
“I just don’t understand,” he began. “I watch you running
all the time. You were doing great in the beginning! But over the last few
months that you’ve been running you just seem to be gaining weight in your
stomach. What are you eating?”
:)
I just rubbed my swelling belly. “Well I have been eating a
bit more lately, but I’m trying to keep up with my exercise. The problem is
this baby just won’t stop growing!”
I love to hear an old man laugh. HA-HA! Finally it made
sense and after his list of counsel (running less, walking more and eating well)
I jogged off to the house. Laughing as I went.
Now he was pretty positive. In other instances (especially
while running) I have had evil glares, wagging fingers and comments of how I
hate my baby and want to kill it because I’m exercising.
Little do they know it’s not because I hate my baby that I’m
running… it’s because I love him!
Now I know this a controversial issue so this isn’t a
debate, but there are several positive effects of exercising while pregnant.
From health and development benefits for baby as well as muscle and circulation
benefits for mommy while she is birthing baby :)
I do what I do in preparation for a healthy future for the
two of us!
This past week SCORE had an amazing conference on prayer,
thankfulness, fears and many other topics that “hit the nail on the head” for
each of us that attended. GOD knew what we needed and HE provided a godly man
to deliver HIS message.
Robersy and I both have verses, notes and quotes scribbled
down from the several sessions that we attended, but GOD has been reminding me
of one message in particular that I needed regarding prayer.
Many times as we come before the mighty throne of GOD ALMIGHTY
we bring requests to try to fix things that have already happened, for example…
“LORD, I pray for my grandmother (mother, daughter, sibling,
etc.) that is sick.”
“FATHER, I beg you to bring my daughter (son, husband, wife,
etc.) back to YOU as she has backslidden.”
“GOD, I lost my job and need money!”
“LORD, my husband wants a divorce. What do I do?”
I think we can all say that we’ve prayed one or more of
these things. But the preacher made an amazing point. We pray once something
happens… but what if had prayed pro-actively? Ask GOD for things before they
reach a point of desperation.
One example and the rest you can figure out.
“LORD, I pray for the health of my grandmother. I pray that
you would give doctors the wisdom during her check-ups to see any issues before
they become something bigger. I pray that she would remember to take her
medications and that myself and the family would be ready and willing to help
her as she ages to take any physical and emotional burden off of her. GOD, may
your hand be upon grandma and would you do as you see best for her life.”
If I am exercising for the good of baby and my future… why
don’t I pray in the same way?
Well, now I do. Thankfully GOD spoke to my heart during this
and other sessions to redirect my prayer life. Don’t worry… I still pray for
the big stuff that has already happened (so please keep sending your prayer
requests!). That needs prayer too! But I have begun to pray for things more
pro-actively.
Example: LORD, I pray for Kyle and Deborah. I ask that you
protect their marriage and remind them daily that you are the only ONE that
truly matters. As they draw closer to YOU may their marriage, ministry,
finances and relationships with others be strengthened for YOUR glory.
Phew!
Let me hop off my little soap box :) I just can’t stay quiet about
what the LORD has been teaching me!!! I pray it might me an encouragement to
someone today.
Being sensitive to prayer this week and seeing how GOD has
answered has left me with lots of “WOW!” moments.
Over the last few weeks I’ve been asking around for the
number of a Lily that was having a baby. Nobody could find it and I felt
horrible since we figured she had had the baby weeks ago. We couldn’t contact her. So on Thursday a
friend and I were praying over some girl’s names before we went out to the
street only to come across this young ladies number. When we called she was SO
excited that we had called since she had the baby 2hrs before we called!!! How
faithful is GOD?!
I also received a call from a girl we met months ago in Boca
Chica. Once she lost her job, she lost her phone and as a result, we lost
contact. Praise GOD she had my number written down somewhere and called to say
she wants to chat!
Robersy and I were attempting to take the burden off others
for youth group this week and figured between the 2 of us we could get songs,
games and the preaching accomplished. But with the conference and other responsibilities
this week we were a little overwhelmed. UNTIL… a fellow youth group helper came
to say he wanted to do the games this week. GOD provided the help we needed!
And youth group went awesome!!!
Oh the things you can do with a water bottle :)
Thanks Junior!!!
We had a couple of Robersy’s boys over for lunch on Sunday.
Robersy had a great time of fellowship with his kiddies… and I enjoyed being
trapped in my room watching Netflix. That is not sarcasm. I was thankful!
HA-HA!
Here is a shot from when we were watching the eclipse later that night. Robersy wore his shades to "see better" and of course... there is no "normal" when taking photos with my hubby.
GOD has provided, helped, sustained, guided and nourished us this
week. We are thankful for the moments to sit under HIS Word, think, laugh and
fellowship with others.
May our lives be a sweet fragrance to HIM.
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