God's word stands forever ~ Isaiah 40:8

Question For Those Who Practice Water Baptism

2011-01-28T05:59:00.000-08:00

I desire to be that woman

2009-12-29T08:51:00.000-08:00

As I was going through all my saved bible studies this morning, I came across this wonderful article written by Debie Pearl from No Greater Joy Ministries. I remember reading it about two years ago and being greatly encouraged by her words and wanting to became that woman from Proverbs chapter 14 verse 1 that builds her house.

"Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands." (Proverbs 14:1)

A Wise Woman builds her house

Article by Debi Pearl, May 2001

A wise woman doesn’t take anything for granted. She is thankful to be loved and seeks to make herself more lovely.

A wise woman doesn’t allow herself to be a liability but strives to be an asset to the marriage bond. She looks for ways to make, save, and use money wisely. Her husband knows he is a richer man because she is his wife.

A wise woman seeks to be a part of her husband’s life. His interest becomes her interest. She looks for ways to help him in every endeavor in which he is involved. When he needs a helping hand, it is her hand that is there first.

A wise woman knows that his peace of mind (and sometimes, wise understanding) is something she can give or take away by her observations and conversation concerning circumstances or people. She limits her conversation to the positive.

A wise woman sets a joyful mood in the household. She uses laughter, music and happy times to stir the children to a positive, joyful frame of mind. She knows this light-heartedness helps take stress off her husband.

A wise woman gauges her husband’s needs. She seeks to fulfill his desires before even he is aware of them. She never leaves him daydreaming outside the home. She supplies his every desire.

A wise woman understands that her husband’s need to be honored is not based on his performance but on his position. She learns quickly to defer with enthusiasm to his ideas or plans. She looks for ways to reverence him. She knows this is God’s will for her life.

A wise woman is not pitiful, puny, or whinny. She seeks to be confident, capable and thankful.

A wise woman does not dream of what “could have been.” She sees clearly that she is not God’s gift to men; thus she is blessed in her present circumstances. She learns to be content.

A wise woman never expects anyone to serve her; therefore she is never disappointed. She is ready to help—a giver. By her example her children learn to serve cheerfully and energetically.

A wise woman doesn’t attempt to instruct her husband through feigned questions. Her questions are sincere inquiries concerning his will.

A wise woman is always learning. She is open to change. She is ready to hear. She wants to know. She doesn’t cloud her mind with the foolish folly of entertainment. She uses her time wisely.

After reading the article again, I realized that I have a lot of growing to do, but thank be to God that he provides His written word; the bible. In Titus chapter 2 verse 5, Paul exhorts women to be " discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to own husbands so that the word of God be not blasphemed." I need to apply all of the above in my life daily and be a builder of my home for God’s glory.

My Lil' Drummer Boy

2009-12-17T07:29:00.000-08:00

What a joyful evening we had at Plantation Middle School on Tuesday December 15. The Middle School Band played wonderful music for all of us proud parents. What can I say; the performance was spectacular. The kids and Ms. Crotty practiced very hard and my son William did an awesome job playing the Snare Drums for the Advanced Band.

My not so little Drummer Boy

William with friend Tyler

I ♥ this picture of William and his friends

After the concert

William and David

William also participated in the Merengue dance, performed by the 7th grade Spanish Club.

Dancing the Merengue with Maria

The end of the dance

He's actually my same height

With Dad

Jared also came to see his big brother perform

I really enjoyed the evening. I thank God for my lil’ Drummer Boy!!!

“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26

Happy 5th Birthday Miss Maddy

2009-10-25T01:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my precious daughter Madelyn Rose in heaven above!!!

Today is your birthday Maddy Moo. Five years ago today, I was in the hospital getting ready for your arrival into this world. What a happy, happy day it was for all of us.

Four years ago today, we celebrated your 1st Birthday with Care Bears and no electricity because of Hurricane Wilma. What a crazy but fun time we had with family and friends eating pizza and lots of candy in the dark.

Three years ago today, we celebrated your 2nd and last birthday here on earth with lollipops and fairies. What a magical time you had opening presents and playing with your new toys.

I miss you so much Maddy Moo. I can't wait to be with you so we can celebrate all your birthdays together again. I love you Miss Maddy ♥

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began. (Titus 1:2)

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)

Center Of The Bible

2009-10-21T15:21:00.001-07:00

Center Of The Bible

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A work in progress...

2009-08-28T05:31:00.000-07:00

Back in February, (the day of my wedding anniversary; February 25 to be exact), I had a grease fire in my kitchen and some of my almost brand new cabinets burned including my microwave and stove.

Finally, after months of planning and redesigning my very small kitchen space (no need to mention square footage), here is the end result.

I'm still missing few details: more crown molding, baseboard and of course more wood embellishments for my so functional but plain island. In all honesty, I'm not done yet. As a matter of fact, I'll never be done with fixing and decorating my home. It's a work in progress 'til the day I take my last breath.

But for right now, I'm very pleased with my creation.

Remembering Madelyn Rose

2009-07-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

2009-05-30T08:01:00.001-07:00

Awesome Slide Show

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Four generations celebrating together

2009-05-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

Since the birth of my first child Jacquelyn; 13 1/2 years ago; I have been wanting to take a picture of the four generations of women in the family. Finally this year; on mother's day; I was able to get my side of the family together and take the picture. From left to right is my daughter Jacquelyn, myself, my mother Amparo and my grandmother Milagros.

We had a blessed Mother's Day. My mother invited the family over to her house in Homestead and with the help of my grandmother and aunt, she prepared all the food for a very nice and relaxing mother's day luncheon. Here are some of the pictures:

Having Fun Friday

2009-05-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday

2009-04-12T08:45:00.000-07:00

We went to church on Sunday around 8:30 am, because the children needed to practice their play one more time before the service. The play was about the resurrection of Jesus. Jacquelyn was Salome, William was the narrator and Jared was a flower from the field.

Jared and Tyler had the longest part in the play and they memorized everything before Sunday. William had the easiest part, being the narrator he was just reading from the paper. And Jacquelyn waited until the last minute to memorize her part. At the end it was a beautiful play.

Spring Break

2009-04-11T05:24:00.000-07:00

What an awesome Spring Break we had!

For the last 3 years during Spring Break my amazing daughter Jacquelyn volunteers her time at Brookwood Gardens Convalescent Center in Homestead. Every year she dedicates 40 hours of her spring break to serve at the nursing home. That nursing home is very special to me and Jacquelyn knows that. I worked there from the time I was 16 until I graduated from college. Now my daughter that has been visiting the same nursing home since she was born works there as a volunteer - I'm so proud of her! The Staff and residents really appreciate her help, love and dedication.

While Jacquelyn was serving the community, I decided to take the boys to Tampa to visit with family and friends. Jack was already in Tampa helping his sisters with the new homes.

Bonnie's House

Peggy's House

Ok, so we stayed at my mother-in-law's house in Apollo Beach from Monday through Friday and had a great time; she has a beautiful coastal home. On Wednesday, I took Jared and William to the Ranch (where my two sister-in-law's new homes are being built) and they went fishing and hunting behind the property with their cousins John Henry, Chandler and Makayla while Jack & I spent some time with his father and his two brother-in-laws.

On Thursday, we went to visit my sweet friend Monica in St. Petersburg and spent the day at Fort De Soto Beach.

What a beautiful beach they have and it's free; you don't have to pay to get in. And there weren't a million people like we get here in Ft. Lauderdale Beaches. The kids love swimming in the golf waters. They got to see dolphins very close. They collected sea shells and star fish. They ate shell fish right out of the ocean; we even have videos to prove it. They said that the mussels and clams taste really good and fresh; I have to agree with them. We had a great time fellowshipping and talking about the Lord. At times we would just sit quiet admiring all the beauty that our awesome God created. We ended our day with a delicious meal prepared by Monica's mom and aunt (they were visiting form Dominican Republic). We just didn't want the day to end.

The next day Friday, I took the boys to the Ellenton Outlet Mall to buy new shoes for school. We all got home Friday afternoon, including Jacquelyn. On Sunday the kids are performing in a play about the resurrection at the church. I will be posting the video and pictures.

Atheist Holy Day

2009-04-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

Happy April Fools' Day:

I received this joke via email from my friend Helen:

Court Sets Atheist Holy Day

An atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Christmas Holy Days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians.

The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days. The case was brought before a judge.

After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring,"Case dismissed!"

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas and Easter, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays".

The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client is woefully ignorant."

The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists".

The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day. Psalm 14:1 states: The fool says in his heart, there is no God. Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day.

Court is adjourned.

Ready to give an answer

2009-03-18T06:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I took William and Jared to the Creation Discovery Museum in Ft. Lauderdale. Jacquelyn was not able to come with us because she was doing the Math FCAT . We were given the VIP treatment. They opened the museum exclusively for us and we had an hour tour with a guide. Her name was Dawn and she was very patient with the children, answering all their questions.

They learned about Genesis 7:11, when the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened; in other words; "The Flood". They also learned about "the behemoth" in Job 40:15; a huge dinosaur that was alive after the flood and was a grass eater.

We were able to discuss the six 24 hour period of the creation of the heavens and the earth from Genesis chapter 1, the ice age, fossils, and how there is enough evidence to support what the bible teaches about creation. Not that we need evidence to believe the Word of God but the evidence comes handy when we're faced with questions doubting His amazing work. Like the scriptures says in I Peter 3:15 ~ And be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.

Tomato Pie recipe

2009-03-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

When ~~life gives you lemons~~ your parents give you tomatoes...

You make tomato pie.

My friend Rebeca gave me this recipe for tomato pie and I just love making it. It's simple, easy and delicious.

Ingredients:

Dough Crust
1 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese
5-6 Roma tomatoes
1 cup fresh basil
4-5 cloves garlic
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp. milk

1. Bake dough crust according to package till light golden.
2. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of Mozzarella cheese.
3. On top of cheese arrange in a circle 5-6 Roma tomatoes sliced.
4. In food processor chop 1 cup fresh basil and 4-5 cloves of garlic, put on top of tomatoes.
5. Mix 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of mayo, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese with 2 tbsp. milk. Spread on top.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake @ 375 for 25 - 30 minutes until golden. Let stand for 5 - 10 minutes before slicing.
8. Enjoy!

Let me do a double take

2009-03-06T04:44:00.000-08:00

It's shocking how sometimes I can read a chapter from the bible over and over and think that I know it by heart. Then again, I can read the same chapter and stumble on a particular verse that pierced my heart like a two edged sword. Funny, that's how the Scriptures describes the Word of God: (Hebrews 4:12) For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.

As I was reading a devotional verse this morning from this website, I grabbed my bible to search the Scriptures to see if what I was reading was right. To my surprise the verse matched the verse on my bible. After all the years reading I Corinthians chapter 15; (because chapter 15 is where I found the gospel that saved me; How that Christ died for my sins and that He was buried and that He rose again on the third day according to the scriptures ~ I Corinthians 15:3 & 4), I was amazed to catch the phrase "By the grace of God I am what I am" ~ (I Cor 15:10).

Thank you Jesus for your amazing Grace!

God is God

2009-03-05T09:02:00.000-08:00

Molten Chocolate Espresso

2009-02-15T11:47:00.000-08:00

Here is one of my favorite recipes that we baked this week for Valentine's and it was very easy and inexpensive to make.

Molten Chocolate Espresso
Recipe courtesy Tyler Florence

* I altered the recipe to fit my taste.

Ingredients
6 ounces excellent-quality bittersweet chocolate (I used bakers semi-sweet)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup sugar (I reduced the sugar by 1/2 cup)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch salt
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon espresso powder (I used instant espresso powder)
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for garnish

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Melt the chocolate with the butter in the top of a double boiler; (I did it in the microwave), set aside to cool.

3. In an electric mixer with a paddle attachment (or by hand, with a spoon), mix the sugar and eggs until lightened in color, about 1 minute.

4. Pour in the cooled chocolate-butter mixture, then beat or stir in the 1/2 cup cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat well, scraping down the sides of the bowl as you go.

5. Add the flour and the espresso powder, mix just until blended.

6. Divide the mixture between 4 (6-ounce) oven-proof cappuccino cups. (They should be filled to 1/4-inch below the rim of the cup.) Put them on a baking sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, just until the tops begin to crack. Do not over bake (the top should be crisp but the interior soft).

7. Serve warm and Enjoy!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Meet the Lord my God

2009-02-12T08:18:00.000-08:00

I found this website while reading this blog, that you can copy and paste your blog's URL and the result is a bunch of random words.

This is what I got

The words Meet, Lord, and God are the most visible ones; I guess that's the way my brain thinks all the time. Praise God for that!!!

Millie Powell
Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, instant in prayer (Rom 12:12)

Homesick

2009-01-28T10:00:00.000-08:00

Suffering from Blogger's Block

2009-01-26T07:31:00.000-08:00

It's been 14 days since my last post and there is so much going on in my life right now that I don't even know what to blog about. My thoughts are all over the place in my spiritual life, marriage, motherhood and just life in general. Or maybe my life it's just plain too boring to even write about it. I just can't focus on one specific subject at this time.

So here I leave you with a song that my Pastor shared at the end of his last message this Sunday at our church, First Grace Church of Plantation.

Thank you Pastor Glen and Family for giving so much, we're gonna miss you. As you said in your last post from After Sundays, See you here, there or in the air !

How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:15)

A day closer

2009-01-12T05:19:00.000-08:00

Each morning as I lay in bed I remain myself that everyday that passes brings me a day closer to Glory and my Madelyn.

Here is what my pastor posted today on his daily devotional website The Renewed Mind.

We Will Meet Again
By Pastor Glen Caneel

(1 Thessalonians 4:18) “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

You are gone. I am still here. We will meet again.

You are free from pain. I bear the pain of your loss. We will meet again.

Your memory surrounds me. I cannot forget. We will meet again.

Your body is a shell. I am very present in this moment. We will meet again.

You are standing before the throne of God. I am walking through the rain. We will meet again.

You are singing with a thousand thousand in a great Alleluia. I hear my own voice next to an absent seat. We will meet again.

You are seated at a great table hosted by the Lord of Lords. I see an empty chair with no plate to set. We will meet again.

You are living in the presence of the Final Reality. I am indwelt by the presence of the Final Reality. It is certain we will meet again.

You are learning at the feet of the Living Word. I am learning from the Written Word. It is certain we will meet again.

You are running through fields proclaiming His glory. I am speeding through time declaring His gospel. It is certain we will meet again.

You will hear the trumpet call. I will hear the trumpet call.

Your old body will change. I will see my body changed in the twinkling of an eye.

You will kneel at the feet of the Lord Jesus. I will kneel at the feet of the Lord Jesus. Great is our God, Worthy is His Name.

We will fall into each other’s arms. “And so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

Renewed Thought - (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17) “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

Our Madelyn Rose

2009-01-08T01:00:00.000-08:00

Free At Last
Written by Brenda Penepent, LPN

I want to play and soar and dream.
Fly above the fields until I am free.
No pain, no sorrow and no fear,
Can touch me now that I am here.
Breathe in the breeze and feel the sun,
Across my face, I run and run!!!
I play and laugh among the trees.
Alive! Alive! I breathe! I breathe!
With legs so strong, I run so fast;
The world just smiles as I go past.
Sweet laughter bubbles up inside,
For freedom long denied, denied.
No tears, no pain, remembered here,
I’ve been released from all my fears,
To run and laugh until the day
When all bad things have passed away.

Two years ago today, after battling for more than a month with pneumonia, the Lord healed my sweet Madelyn Rose forever. Today, at this very moment, my daughter is safe in the arms of Jesus.

Madelyn was born on October 25, 2004. Our fourth child; a special gift from the Lord, arriving at the perfect time in our lives. At birth, she looked so beautiful, so full of life and so aware of her surroundings that I just couldn't take my eyes off of her.

For the first time I felt that one of the purposes in my life was to be a mother; the mother that God wanted me to be for my earthly children. At that very moment I also realized that my children were God's children first. That He knew them since the instant they were conceived, He numbered their days on this earth and He has entrusted me to care for them (A challenging and noble calling I must say). I thank God for His precise plan in our lives, He does not make mistakes, His ways are always perfect. After having Madelyn I learned to seek Him more, to trust Him more and I begun to appreciate the beauty of his creation even more.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)

Today I rejoice in the promise of the Lord; the hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began (Titus 1:2).

Here are pictures of my precious Maddy that I will always treasure: Growing up in Grace !

6 months old, April 2005

In her crib, April 25, 2005 (6 months old)

April 25, 2005 (6 months old)

With Abuela & Papi, April 23, 2005

First time eating solid foods, May 4, 2005 (6 moths old)

Maddy and Me, May 2005 (7 months old)

May 25, 2005, 7 months old

She found Jared's Pizza, June 10, 2005 (7 moths old)

Enjoying Jared's lunch @ 7 months

Madelyn and William, August 2005

9 months old, July 25, 2005

Crawling around the house, August 25, 2005

Jared's & Jack's birthday, September 9, 2005

Halloween 2005, 1 year old, taking little steps

October 31, 2005, 1 year old

We celebrated her 1st birthday on Halloween night

Christmas Eve 2005, waiting for Santa

Christmas Eve 2005

Christmas Day 2005, Maddy helping in the kitchen

After opening all her presents, she was looking for more

January 2006. She got 1st place in a beauty pageant

Easter 2006

Jacquelyn and Madelyn Easter morning 2006

Madelyn with Daddy and Jared. Easter 2006

May 2006. Look what Jacquelyn did to her hair

My handy Maddy, May 2006

Father's Day 2006

Father's Day 2006 after dinner

Our family at Universal, July 2006

With Abuela and Papi, August 2006

Maddy & Daddy, August 2006

Maddy & me, August 2006

August 2006

September 2006

Kissing Mandito, September 2006

Getting ready to sing Happy Birthday to Jared

At Jared's 5th birthday party, picking up candy from the pinata, September 2006

Hiding from me inside my kitchen cabinets, September 2006

Her second birthday, October 25, 2006

Halloween night 2006, celebrating her birthday

October 31, 2006. Her second birthday party.

At Opa Restaurant in Miami, October 2006, 2 years old

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39)

My New Year's Eve appetizer

2009-01-02T14:59:00.000-08:00

On New Year's Eve, I made a yummy appetizer for the CR party. I used ingredients that I had in my pantry and here is what I came up with.

Caramelized Onion Tarts.

Ingredients:

4 0z cream cheese
1/2 cup Caramelized onions. Click here for recipe.

3 tsp homemade cranberry sauce
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 375°F
2. Unroll dough into 1 large rectangle on work surface.
3. Cut dough into 12 squares. Gently form balls and put into ungreased mini muffin cups. Use plastic cap of a water bottle to shape the balls into little cups.
4. Mix cream cheese, cranberry sauce and caramelized onions.
5. Spoon mixture evenly into dough-lined cups.
6. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until edges are golden brown and filling is set.
7. Cool 5 minutes. Remove from muffin cups.

Enjoy!

The Best Tortillas

2009-01-02T07:55:00.000-08:00

One of the meals that we enjoy eating as a family is home made tacos with fried corn tortillas. Just the perfect meal for Friday nights after a long week of work, school and sports.

I like to make home made salsa with fresh tomatoes and cilantro and home made guacamole to accompany our taco nights.

The frying of the tortillas is time consuming but the final result is totally worth the effort. Jacquelyn and I take turns doing the frying and on this particular night was Jacquelyn's turn. Cooking is not one of her favorite jobs and she was not very happy about the task at hand. But being the perfectionist that she is, (I have to give credit where credit is do) she makes the best fried corn tortillas.

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's 2009; time for new beginnings, new year's resolutions and family traditions. Today we had a nice and quiet time together at home, reflecting on our 2008 memories and discussing new year's resolutions.

Last night we celebrated New Year's Eve at the local church with all my brothers & sisters from Celebrate Recovery. We had a great time worshiping the Lord, singing & dancing with our very own Christian band, eating lots of food and playing games.

Here are some of the pictures from last night:

Me and my CR sisters

We got there very early

CR Band ~ They Rock

Cheers! Happy New Year 2009!

I can only imagine

2008-12-31T06:06:00.000-08:00

Hope ~ Peace ~ Joy

2008-12-26T12:27:00.000-08:00

We had a joyful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I rejoiced in the Lord greatly. I will praise the name of God always, and will magnify him with thanksgiving (Psalm 69:30), for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Philippians 4:11).

On Christmas Eve, we went to visit my parents in Homestead, here are some of the pictures:

My nephew Mandito

Jacquelyn

Jared

William

Jack, my brother Mandy, Richard and my Dad

Jack and the boys

Jack, Jared and me

Me, Jacquelyn and my mother

Christmas Day was at our Home Sweet Home. My parents and my brother came over. Jack's mom and his sister Peggy and her kids also came for dinner. We had a wonderful time and I enjoyed all the cooking and gathering. The kids helped me prepare our Christmas feast in the kitchen. Jacquelyn made a sweet potatoes souffle that was delicious. We got the recipe from the Tolley's from our church. William made his famous Berry pie, with fresh blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. And Jared, well, he just helped.

Grandma Lois (Jack's mom) and Buffalo with the kids

William playing the bells on Christmas morning

Grandma, Jacquelyn and her friend Lauren peeling sweet potatoes

My nephew John Henry opening his presents

My niece Alice

My Mom & Dad

William with his famous home made berry pie

Today, we went to the cemetery and brought flowers and balloons to Madelyn's resting place. I couldn't ever imagine that I would experience peace and joy inside a cemetery. My Lord is awesome, for He is my peace, my joy, He is my hope of Glory. I know my daughter is in heaven at this very moment and I will see her again someday. I think about her everyday of my life, I miss her smile, her cry, her hugs and kisses, her sweet voice. I can't believe that two years ago during this time of the year, she was in the hospital fighting for her life.

Here are some of the pictures from the cemetery.

My four precious children

Our Family

Rejoicing in the Lord, always.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost ~ Romans 15:13

I am Yours

2008-12-25T09:56:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

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Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel ~ Isaiah 7:14

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace ~ Isaiah 9:6

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ~ Philippians 2:5-11

Mary, did you know ...

2008-12-23T11:59:00.000-08:00

A dear friend and sister in Christ sent me this beautiful song in an e-mail. Thank you Lisa.

Click here to enjoy.

God's Greatest Gift

2008-12-22T04:18:00.000-08:00

Pastor Glen Caneel from our church (First Grace Church of Plantation) has a daily devotional website: http://mychangedmind.com/ , and here is what he posted today about Christmas. I've could not explain it better myself.

Check Your Facts - Christmas
Posted by: Pastor Glen Caneel

(Matthew 1:18) “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise:..”

We visited a re-enactment of the birth of Christ last weekend. There was an entire Bethlehem village set up. Roman soldiers were wandering around yelling at people. And of course, there was a manger scene with angels, animals, Mary and Joseph, and a live baby. A great deal of research had taken place to ensure the historical accuracy of everything we saw. But how many people take the time to ensure they understand the Biblical accuracy surrounding the birth of our Savior? Let’s take a few minutes to check our facts. See if you can answer the questions before reading the answers.

How many wise men were there?

The Bible doesn’t tell us. We only know there were three types of gifts - gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Was Jesus born on December 25th?

The Bible doesn’t say but it is likely that he was born in April or September.

Did Mary remain a virgin the rest of her life?

No, she actually had more children - yes Jesus had half brothers and half sisters! (Mark 6:3).

Were the wise men present at the manger?

No, they probably didn’t show up until Jesus was about 2 years old. (Matt 2:8-11).

Did Mary give birth the day she arrived in Bethlehem?

The Bible doesn’t tell us.

Were angels surrounding the manger singing?

No, there is no indication there were angels at the manger.

Did an angel tell Mary or Joseph to name the baby Jesus?

Both Mary and Joseph were told as we see in the accounts in both Matthew and Luke.

Did the animals at the manger speak miraculously the night Jesus was born?

No, there is no indication this occurred.

How many of the answers surprised you? We are continually influenced by culture and religion. It is so critical for each of us to have a Biblical literacy that extends beyond these influences. If we have difficulty sorting through the facts of the birth of the Savior, how can we be sure the other doctrines we believe are actually “sound doctrine?” Ignore the manger scenes and television programs a few days. Spend some time this week learning the truth by reading it for yourself and coming to an appreciation for the truth of God’s gift to us in His only begotten Son.

Renewed Thought - Invest yourself in the written Word of God. The Living Word has invested everything in you

My cookie monsters

2008-12-20T16:36:00.000-08:00

Today the kids did not have any sports so we wanted to celebrate big. The plan was to spend the day baking cookies. We started with our sugar cookie recipe that Jacquelyn and I created last Christmas as gifts (cookies in a jar). They are delicious and simple to make and decorate. The problem is the more cookies we bake the more cookies we eat. That is why last year we just gave our friends the recipe and the mix instead of the finish product.

This is what was left after baking 6 dozens.

After we were done with all the baking, the kids wanted to decorate a ginger bread house. It was a lot of fun and they did it themselves. They did a great job for their first time.

Just Jared

2008-12-19T12:31:00.000-08:00

Jared, my third child, second son, number one younger boy. He's fair, honest and caring. One day he will become a judge. Sometimes he can be shy, but loves to laugh and play. He's very smart, only in first grade but can read chapter books like the bible, he can multiply, divide and knows square roots. His favorite day of the week is Thursday, because he gets to spend time with his favorite teacher in the world, he's PE coach (Curtis Veach). Jared plays soccer, football and baseball. His favorite football team is the New England Patriots. He's my test child in the kitchen, he's brave enough to try anything I cook. Jared you are just a delight. I'm blessed to be your mom.

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith. ~ Romans 1:17

Wonderful William

2008-12-18T09:37:00.000-08:00

William, my second child, amazing, adorable and handsome young man. At school he made straight A's honor roll, he's in the GEM program (Advanced Math, Science and Language Arts), did I mentioned he's also a highly gifted child. He plays soccer, football, baseball and plays the bells for his middle school band. He's my handy boy, he can do just about anything around the house from cleaning the pool and mowing the lawn to cooking and baking.

William loves the Lord with all his heart and understand God's amazing grace. One day we were having a conversation about the birth of Jesus and he told me that there were two miracles that happen at His conception not at His birth (he explained that giving birth to a baby it's not a miracle) so I asked him to please tell me. He told me that the two miracles were: 1. A virgin conceiving a child without a biological human father and 2. The child being God himself. Wow I could not believe my ears. I love you Wonderful William and I'm humble to be your mother.

O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Out of the mouth of babes hast thou ordained strength ~ Psalm 8:1,2

Joyful Jacquelyn

2008-12-17T10:39:00.000-08:00

Jacquelyn, my awesome strong-will teenage daughter, kind and graceful big sister, full of compassion and patience. She loves to learn and she's an excellent writer. She is a very intelligent young lady (high achiever), member of the National Junior Honor Society at her middle school, she's also in the GEM program (Advanced Math, Science and Language Arts). She plays soccer, softball and is a Wildcat cheerleader. When she grows up she wants to be a dentist. She is a great help around the house. She's my little mama and personal hair dresser, loves to babysit, cleans the house better than me, cooks (not her favorite thing to do), and she's very organized with her personal stuff. The moment she came into my life, I knew she was special to me but mostly to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It's a joy having you in my life, thank you Lord for allowing me to be her mother.

And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation. ~ Psalm 35:9. My mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips. ~ Psalm 63:5

Getting ready for Christmas

2008-12-16T17:27:00.000-08:00

Every year I wait till the last minute to do all the Christmas decorations. I guess it's lack of enthusiasm or just plain laziness but I do not enjoy all the work that is involved in the process. On Sunday while I was at the movies with my friend Marci watching Twilight (I have to confess that I've read all 4 books), Jack & the children went and got a tree and all the Christmas decorations, ready for the job. The following day, we spent the whole afternoon and evening decorating around the house and setting the Christmas tree. The children were a big help this year. Jacquelyn did all the tree lights, William added the tree top and Jared helped me with all the ornaments, loosing only one glass ornament. Mission accomplished!!!

Thank you Lord for all the Blessings in my Life. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ ~ Ephesians 5:20

... all ye that hope in the Lord ~ Psalm 31:24

2008-12-15T08:01:00.000-08:00

At church this Sunday, the message was about Hope by Karl Trimboli. Not earthly hope but our hope of glory. What a coincidence that the title of my last post was Christ in me, the hope of glory ~ Colossians 1:27. In the message Karl mentioned a verse from the third lamentation of Jeremiah, (Great is thy faithfulness ~ Lamentations 3:23), what a powerful verse; I love the Lord so much.

I went back and read Lamentations chapter 3 and it brought tears to my eyes. My heart was filled with joy for the Lord's mercy and compassion. I started thinking about an old bible hymn by Thomas O. Chisholm (1923), title Great is thy faithfulness, here are the lyrics:

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

In hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie, promised before the world began ~ Titus 1:2

Christ in me, the hope of glory

2008-12-10T07:29:00.000-08:00

It's unavoidable, we all have dreams. The weeks and the months following the death of my daughter Madelyn I wanted so much to dream about her. I wanted to hold her in my arms again, even if it was only in a dream. Last night I had that dream. I was dreaming that Madelyn was here with me, I was holding her and protecting her from getting sick again. She appeared fragile but alive and I was happy to be with her. The hard part was when I woke up and realized it was only a dream. The dream that I long so much to have, was indeed a sad reality for me.

But, I believe that my daughter is alive today in heaven and one day I will see her again. Thank you Jesus for giving me the hope. For I reckoned that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which should be revealed in us ~ Romans 8:18.

Giving Thanks always for all things

2008-12-07T10:25:00.000-08:00

This year for our Thanksgiving Holiday, we decided to visit Bush Gardens in Tampa and Disney World in Orlando. Our Family left to Tampa on Monday, November 24 to visit with Grandma Lois & Bufalo (Jack's mom). We also got to see PaPa (Jack's Dad) and his sister Bonnie and husband Rick.

On Tuesday we went to Bush Gardens for a day filled with lots of fun and roller coaster rides. The weather was perfect.

Jack & the children @ Bush Gardens

On Wednesday we left Tampa and went to Epcot in Orlando. It was the children first visit to Epcot. They really enjoyed going through all the countries and riding Test Track.

Me & Jack @ Epcot

The Three Caballeros @ Epcot

Wednesday night after visiting Epcot, we got together with The Hendrix's (Jack's cousins visiting from Ohio) and the Arnold's (Jack's cousins visiting from South Carolina). We've made plans to spend Thanksgiving Holiday together in Orlando.

The next morning (Thanksgiving Day) the three families visited Animal Kingdom. The kids enjoyed spending time with their cousins again after 2 years. Their favorite ride was Expedition Everest.

The following day (Black Friday), we all went to Magic Kingdom. Jessica joined us and my brother Mandy with my nephew Mandito. We were a group of 16 by Friday. The favorite ride of the day was space mountain.

All of us @ Magic Kingdom, Nov. 28, 2008

Us @ Magic Kingdom, November 28, 2008

Jacquelyn with her cousin Emmy

Jack with Hunter

My brother & my nephew decided to join the fun @ Magic Kingdom

Jacquelyn, me & my brother @ Magic Kingdom

On Saturday our family together with the Arnold's, the Hendrix's and our friend Jessica visited Hollywood Studios. My brother decided not to go with us and went shopping instead. Faithanne Arnold became an expert at getting extra tickets for the baby swapping and fast passes. I'm not giving her secret away, but we got to ride the rocking roller coaster and tower of terror a lot in just one day. We were having so much fun, we did not want the day to end.

Our Family @ Hollywood Studios

It was a great family vacation, we enjoyed every second of it. I will mention the loving kindnesses of the Lord ~ Isaiah 63:7

From my kitchen with love

2008-12-06T17:02:00.000-08:00

Today, the children had soccer games at different times and fields. Jared played first at Central park and his team tied the game. William played next at Pine Island and his team won. Jacquelyn played last at Pine Island and her team lost the game. ~ always fun to drive around with a car full of sweaty kids.

Last night, after the bike ride we had our very own pizza party. We made a peperoni pizza, a ham & onion calzone and a tomato and basil pie (not a pizza). My friend Rebeca gave me the recipe for the tomato pie and I just didn't believe her when she told me how good this recipe was. Thanks Rebeca, it was delicioso.

We are going to our church tonight for a nice Christmas dinner. I'm bringing a fresh spinach salad with cranberries. My friend Michelle gave me this recipe 5 years ago and I totally forgot about it. On Monday during our PTO meeting for the middle school Michelle made the salad for us and I remember that I had the recipe somewhere in my kitchen. William found the recipe inside one of my cook books, (he was in 1st grade when Michelle gave me the recipe and now he's in 6th grade). I'm also making a croissant bread pudding to bring with us, I got the recipe many years ago from the food network channel; it's one of Jack's favorite. His grandmother Alice used to make bread pudding for him when he was a kid.

I did it.

2008-12-05T17:30:00.000-08:00

Finally, I made my first blog. Ok, I have a myspace blog that my dear friend Monica created two years ago about my daughter Madelyn Rose (http://www.myspace.com/powellprayers). It was for family and friends to be informed on a day to day basis about our daughter's medical condition. It served a purpose at the time and I'm very thankful for that. But this blog it's way different; this blog it's about my family now; a new chapter in my life; something that I have been wanting to do. Today not only did I created the blog but I'm also posting - my first post. Two years ago I had no clue what the words blog and post meant.

My name is Milagros but I prefer Millie. I am a child of God saved by His amazing Grace, married to Jack and together we have 4 beautiful children. Jacquelyn 13, William 11, Jared 7 and Madelyn Rose forever 2. The three older children live home with us and our youngest daughter, Madelyn Rose lives in heaven with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She left this earth January 8, 2007 at the age of 2.

I have no idea why my profile it's under my daughter's name - Madelyn Rose - I kind of like using her name, even though she's not physically here she's still part of our family forever.

I have to stop writing right now because today the children and I are going for a bike ride around the neighborhood before dark and after that we are baking pizzas and watching a movie.

Millie
Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, instant in prayer (Rom 12:12)