Meli's world

So unless you live in a bubble, we are all pretty aware of the state of our world right now. Global     Pandemic. I am sure one day we will refer back to this period in time as pre-Coronavirus or post. I actually joked that this time will be referred to as the blip. It was supposed to be spring break celebrating Manny's birthday in Disney with my brother and wife. Instead, everything has shut down from school to my job, and the only person who braves the outside world is Emerald on quick grocery runs or to go to work as he is considered "Essential". Since schools closed and the numbers of positive went up in our county, I quickly realized the gravity of the situation. Perhaps it doesn't sound as bleak when its far from home. Its not like it hadn't been affecting China since December. But having to screen our patients, and hearing stories of those close to us who work in healthcare deal with these patients made it real. All of our sports being canceled mid se...

Hello!!! Its been a while....again!!! I seemed to be the losing the passion to write that I had back in 2014. And I had to ask myself why? Why is it that 3 years ago when I started my sole mission was to encourage others in their walk or point them through Christ using my experiences and testimony..... And now I sometimes believe the lies that say I have to live this perfect life before I can share with anyone. The lie that tells me my experiences do not matter or that I am not in a higher position then anyone to be speaking into their lives. The lie that tells me I am not a good mother or wife or even Christian so what I say does not matter...... and what lies they are!!! I took a spiritual gifts test a couple weeks ago as part of a connect group at my church, and my top response was exhortation. This is what it means::: And it hit me. I was convicted immediately..... my blog mission and vision was always to do exactly that. And yet lately I had decided I either d...

I know.... what a dramatic title. But most of you who know me know one of my favorites is Christian hip hop. And in the words of Lecrae, this is something I've been thinking about a lot the past couple of weeks. "If I die tonight, I gon' know that I Gave this with my everything If I die tonight If I die tonight, you ain't gotta cry Cause I know that Heaven waits If I die tonight"- Lecrae I started trying to eat healthy and clean a couple of weeks back.  I figured I would start feeling better more energetic and this time around I'd finally conquer my weight. Except, I started feeling like I hadn't before. Tired. Out of breath. No energy. Headaches. Sweating and feeling hot almost daily.  At first, I thought it was just my allergies and the b-12 deficiency I've dealt with in the past. But it was worse. And soon, I felt I couldn't exercise or have the energy to meal plan at the end of the day I wanted to sleep. one day, I looked at my hands...

Once upon a time, there was a girl who started a journey to tackle all the "buts" and excuses she'd been making and finally lose weight. That journey started a year ago, and  now that she's finally reached her goal, she lived healthily ever after..... -The End. As a kid I loved reading stories that ended like that. But that's not what happened. A year ago, I had my mind made up to conquer my struggles and embark on a journey of healthy choices and exercise. I can say that I'm not where I envisioned.... I can't even say I succeeded at losing weight or on maintaning a healthy lifestyle. I was set, I was determined and somewhere along the way I lost all motivation. Most of you may remember the post I wrote on my 26th birthday last year where I finally pinpointed all the buts I'd been using to not tackle the weight issue. I have struggled with so much of this burden for so long. I go from being disciplined and ready to make a change planning meals a...

As 2014 comes to an end, and people.make all types of plans to change for the new year I can't help but just reflect on the wonderful year its been. If anything, its been the year that God has taken me out of my comfort zone. I always thought I was outgoing and daring until God started putting things in my heart, then fear and doubt I didn't know before started to set it. The enemy is always working hard at delaying what God wants to accomplish in your life. This year started out with me turning 25, and feeling like I was finally an adult, a grown woman. I know. Don't ask me why it didn't happen when I got married, or had kids, or bought a house. Something about 25, made me feel like I finally am getting older. I've always loved writing and had a passion for telling people about God and my experiences since he radically changed my heart. But it wasn't until February I felt it was time to start a blog and venture out in faith. I wasn't sure if anyon...

This afternoon as I checked Emmanuel's agenda and his graded work, I came across his spelling test. I was so proud to see 100% and a sticker across the top that read perfect, but my attention was also drawn to the bottom of the paper where the teacher made a smiley face and a heart. Emmanuel had written his teacher a note on the bottom of the paper that read "you're a great teacher"! -- and my heart smiled. Emmanuel up until now has been the type of kid who has no problem reading or writing. He excels in spelling and almost always gets 100% on his spelling test. He didn't need to write this for the teacher to give him a better grade, nor did he tell her this in front of the class to be teacher's pet or get recognition. When I questioned him about it, he told me how his class of 18 boys was being rowdy that day and barely listening to his teacher. He thought she was having a rough day and could use something to cheer her up. And that's where the less...