Meli's world

This past week I was fortunate enough to take a family vacation to Colombia. My parents homeland. A nation I had not visited since 2004. It was a privilege to be able to see family and relatives I missed and I was able to go with my parents, husband, kids and my sister, husband and nephews. Though we were staying in Cali, the city. We were able to spend a few days in a town called Darien up in the mountains with a splendid view of Lake Calima. This was my view. With plenty of land. Two guest houses. An outdoor kitchen and patio. A pool on the edge and chickens down below. It was a perfect kick off to the vacation for some relaxation and family time. Except, everything at this height scared me. The kids running around. Horse playing. Being kids. -- frightened me. There were hills and cliffs and edges. And a sidewalk without railings that separated the two guest houses. Plus the pool that seemed almost like an infinity pool that was very close to a cliff.  I feel like I spent t...

Hello! I haven't been writing much and I surely miss it. But God definitely gives us seasons. The past season was a busy one. Busy at work, at church and the kids school and soccer. This season, we decided to stop letting busyness consume us, take it back a bit and only be fully committed to a few things. I found that in my busyness trying to do for others, for God, for my family.... I was feeling drained. Mentally, emotionally and physically. My health was suffering and I even gained weight despite new workout routines. I was taking on too much. and I was afraid to admit it. I was afraid to say I couldn't do it all. I finally broke a couple weeks ago after a women's conference at our church titled "Simply Jesus". It was God speaking to me letting me know all I need is Jesus. Alone time with Him, seeking Him, pursuing Him.  A reminder to Abide and Remain in HIM. The vine. God spoke to me that day and I was reminded to see myself in HIS truth. Since tha...

In the past couple of months as Emerald and I were seeking direction as to what is next and how I could pursue the teaching career I felt called to.... we brainstormed, prayed and listened and waited like never before. As we came to a decision, I know that trusting and following God's lead is the right thing to do.... however as we move in to the unknown, fear has tried to settle in and cripple my mind. I have to admit I like to know things will work out. Im a planner, a budgeter, and I like to feel I'm in control.  I'm excited to be moving in another level of obedience yet terrified of not knowing how it will all work out or if we are even doing the wise thing. Today was rough.... with so many things up in the air and me wrestling with my emotions, I don't even think my husband wants to be around me. So I'm listening to worship music and Jesus Culture- Let it Echo comes on. In the comments that I never read.... is a word I felt was straight from God to my heart...

The above picture was taken in 2011 when Emeli was just 1 month old. It was one of our first family pictures as a family of 4 and also our first date night after having her. I found this picture today while looking for a throwback picture to post on facebook.  I remember being so scared having another baby. She was not in our plans... We were still living at my parents house and didn't have things in order. I was scared of another c-section, of not being able to provide, and of not being able to split myself between Manny and her. Silly fears.... Almost 4 years later, I gotta say looking back at what God has done is one way to remain grateful. I can sing of His goodness forever! The C- section was less painful than I imagined and I went home on the second day. We bought our first home just a couple months later. God has made all the numbers and finances work. There is a love that has been multiplied in my heart for both my Em & Ems. And seeing Manny become a big broth...

  “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 There’s always so much you want to be able to teach your child. I wonder a lot if my teaching Is effective or if they will really remember all I say. Not only in the classroom education part of it, but in the person side of it. For them to be loving, caring, forgiven, to know truth, to stand for truth, etc.   And then there are those moments, where we learn something from our kids. And we are reassured that they are learning and my prayers for them to be able to stand up for their beliefs is working. Emmanuel, my oldest who is 6 is a little clown. He loves to talk and sing and is very outspoken.   He has always been one that I can have conversations with since he was 2. Quick to talk, quick to learn and way advanced for his years. In the past month, my husband and I have also had the privilege to be his teachers at church and go in further detail...

This is a question most of us face daily upon opening our social media apps such as Facebook. And exactly what is on our mind... What are we thinking? What thoughts fill our minds daily? Besides the tasks at hand such as working, taking care of family, and all our to-dos, what are you spending time meditating on? I'm sure you've heard it before. The mind is a battlefield, and its true. Think before you speak. And even in  Proverbs 23: 7, we see "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." like the thoughts in our heads, those that no one hears or know are what determines and makes up who we are. Most of the actions, decisions, battles, troubles, start in our minds. Our thoughts determine our actions, our reactions and sometimes our inaction. As I talk to people, I truly discover that the way we think molds who we are and what comes out of us. Lets discover some of the things that infiltrate our minds if we let them. 1) Me- It is a fact, that no one thinks of y...