Moving Forward

Great Stories

2012-01-12T12:51:00.003-05:00

I love hearing people's stories, it is usually one of the things that I first ask when I meet someone, time permitting of course. I love to find out the things that have brought them to the place that they are currently in.

I just finished talking to one of our security guards on campus about marriage and he told me his story. This gentlemen was married for 30 years and after his wife passed, God allowed him to reconnect with an old college friend who also became a widow after 25 years of marriage. They now have been happily married for 19 years and he said "after 19 years, I still feel like I'm on my honeymoon. God has been so good to us and I'm so thankful."

If you don't think that is beautiful, then I don't know what to tell you. Many people are not even blessed with one happy marriage and this couple were both blessed with two. It made me think of a line out of today's passage in the devotional that our church gave us "when you give God a cup, He doesn't just fill it...He also overflows it!" Psalm 23:5

I pray that my husband and I can live to see 50 happy years of marriage together...let me go call him now and tell him that I love him! ;o)

Christmas Eve 2011

Our Family November 2011 in the spot where Louis asked me out on our first date.

Run FREE!!!!

2012-01-03T11:21:00.000-05:00

I love to run, well, at this time I call it running...I'm more of in a jog stage trying to build up into a full run. I will get there, it is a goal of mine to be a distance runner, just for myself, just for that feeling...in those moments were I do a sprint, I feel like I'm flying, like my body is free to do what it was meant to do.

When I go for my jog/runs, I like to do it outside, a preference that is easy for me to enjoy living in Florida. The sun, the green scenery, nature in general just makes me feel good. There is also another reason why running/walking outside is my preference, I can't cheat. I can't just jump off after 5 minutes because I'm tired, or because I have other things to do. Once I'm out that door I've got to keep going until I reach my destination, and at some point I have to turn around and return to the beginning, whether it is my front door or my car...I've got to come back.

I have found that to be very comparable in life. Sometimes we want to just jump off, check out when things get uncomfortable. A lot of people who have moved on in life look at returning to places with disdain, or even fear. They don't want to return to where they began, they fail to remember that yes, you are returning but you are returning different, stronger than before. After every run I know that my day will be different, because I am different, I made the choice that morning to fight for the life that I want, a healthy strong one, every other choice I make after has to follow suit because I am setting the standard, not my circumstances or my weak flesh. I recently had to deal with this in returning to Florida, in fear that I would pick up the bad health and emotional habits that I had the last time I lived here, forgetting that I didn't fight though all that in Maryland to come back here and fail. I'm not that same person anymore.

Youv'e got to fight for the life you want, it's not going to get handed to you and there is no sense in sitting around crying as to why is it so hard. Just get up off your tail and do what you need to do for your physical, emotional and spiritual health. It is worth it to push past comfort levels, to go beyond what comes natural to me. I've got to build up endurance to run, I didn't start out jogging, I did intervals of walking and jogging until I can do it fully, and then building my stride comes in. I have to fight to feel good while I'm working things out.

So whatever you face today, know that you can do it. Surprise yourself with pushing past your normal and choose to LIVE!

I love you and I'm cheering you on!

-E

Merry Christmas AND Happy New Year!

2011-12-20T10:48:00.001-05:00

Some of the Christmas baking going on...

It's beginning to look and feel like Christmas! The baking, the decorations, the over the top merriment in my house are all happening. As the time approaches, I find myself doing the same thing I do every year...forgetting New Years Eve! I kind of wish New Years was in a different time of the year, I just don't give it the attention it deserves. I mean it is a celebration of the close of another year and the look ahead of the future, it deserves a little more effort from me than just the whatever celebratory energy that is left in me after Christmas...(which is not very much).

I think a lot of people are like me too, which is why New Years traditions are lackluster. Resolutions made are usually just nice thoughts that aren't really followed through on after the month of January, there are no New Year's t.v. specials...just day long marathons of old shows and some people even use New Years as a time to take down their Christmas decorations...which I can't even think of a more depressing tradition than that.

Most years I never even think to plan anything for New Years Eve and then I find myself the day before trying to pull something together...FAIL! One year I would like to attend or plan a super fun New Years with just a meaningful moment for families. Not a church service and not some willy nilly gathering of people just to be together and not be alone on a holiday, not knocking either one of those but that is what I have been doing for years. Here are some of the things I would like to implement on my ideal New Years Celebration that I never take the time out to actually make happen.

Of course the backdrop would have great food, music and dancing (Hello! I am Puerto Rican, it's not a celebration without all three!)
Games, Wii, and all those other fun party games too.
At some point, the participants take a moment and talk about their highest moment of the year that has past and the lowest moment. They would know this ahead of time so they don't get blindsided with it. I would do this at like 10:00 or 10:30 to allow time to prepare for item #4.
Allow them to write these things down on little scripts of paper and put these into balloons that will be filled with helium. At midnight we would go outside and release all of those balloons to signal that the old year has gone and we can look foward to the new year.
Take a moment to pray for each other for the new year (a moment...not a prayer service). Balance is key in this, I hate trite prayers and this would NOT be the time for long intercession. Just a moment for families to gather and simply and meaningfully pray for each other.

That is what I would love to do for New Years this year...what would you like to do this year if you didn't already have a family and/or work obligation?

P.S. - If I forget to say it later, Merry Christmas AND Happy New Year!

Health Update

2011-12-01T08:28:00.001-05:00

I realize that I have not written any updates about my health since the surgery last April. I am doing really well physically, I have not weighed myself in about a month due to lack of access to a scale (mine is in storage). The last time I weighed myself I am happy to say that I had finally made it to "Onederland" as my dear friend calls it. "Onederland" is a place where you are finally under 200 lbs and you have a 1 in front of your number. For many people that means nothing, but for a person who was WELL over 200 lbs for the last oh 5 or 6 years, Onederland is a great place to be in. I know that I am continually doing well even though I have no number to prove it because the clothes I bought a month ago are already starting to get a little too big for me. I bought a few new pairs of jeans right before I left Maryland and yesterday when I put a pair on (fresh from the dryer) I noticed the pesky little saggyness in the rear that creeps up when it is not completely filled out ;o). I haven't been cycling and I miss it A LOT, but I have taken up jogging in its place on weekends. At this time my commute makes it nearly impossible to exercise during the week, I leave the house for work at 6:30 am and I return home about 7:00 pm, sometimes later due to traffic. I've learned to flow with these changes, I keep it even stricter in my diet, keeping to just lean protein, veggies and an occasional carb during the day and thankfully my office is on the third floor so I do stairs as much as possible during the day.

Eating - Eating presents an internal struggle that I have to be proactive in my awareness of habits. I'm 7 months out from surgery, healed quite a bit and I don't "feel" the restrictions as tight as I did when I first began (I do still feel them though). This is SCARY for someone who has had bariatric surgery. In my mind I panic and think "oh no did I stretch my pouch out?" I got so used to eating teaspoons of food at a time, that what is supposed to be a normal serving 3oz of lean protein, 1/2 c veggies, looks like a gluttonous feast and when I see an empty plate I feel a little bit of fear. Also the need to eat at more times throughout the day also makes me feel like I'm eating too much as well. The battle that comes from healing is this: Surgery caused the pendulum to swing so much the other way that now finding balance between the two is almost like carving a whole new path. That is where I am at right now, finding a new healthy balanced life between the two. There are good days and there are not so good days. I have learned that I feel less "tight" when I stick to the proteins and veggies and the "tightness" comes a lot quicker when I eat anything that is starchy like potatoes, rice and bread. Since I don't eat those more than one portion a day, I don't feel the tightness as much anymore. The journey takes a lot of thought and reflection! I've come to rest with the fact of my life that whether I am choosing death or life, food is never going to go away, I've got to deal with it. Whether it is planning it out and making the right choices or making the wrong choice by eating whatever thinking it is not going to affect me when it fact it is killing me in different ways, I have to deal with it.

Masters in Christmas Spirit

2011-11-30T09:31:00.001-05:00

I'm working on my Master's in Christmas Spirit this year...last year I talked a good game about simply enjoying your family and not stressing about what you can't do. That was easy for me to do at the time. This year with settling into our new move, school and jobs I may have to dive deeper into that "simplify and focus on the true meaning of Christmas".

We move into our new place this weekend and at first I breathed a sigh of relief. My internal plan was to be COMPLETELY settled in by Saturday night and then Sunday after church I can get my Christmas decor up...which will already be out. I forgot that our new living room set will not have arrived yet and may not arrive for another two weeks unless a Christmas miracle happens. So I can take a chance and put the tree up and have the 50% chance that I may have to move it before Christmas or I can wait until the last possible second after the furniture arrives and put the tree up. To most people this is not an exercise of their restraint, but I love being surrounded by Christmas decorations more than any other celebratory part of the holiday. This is definitely taking some determined focus on the meaning of the holiday for me this year!

P.S. - Does this mean that once my decorations are finally up I get a pass to keep them up long after the Christmas season is over?

Grace

2011-11-26T08:53:00.001-05:00

When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m too much of a sinner to be around you.” (Luke 5:8 NLT)

Sometimes when I feel like I am lacking and I start the self reflection of "God where did I go wrong?". But our life together is not about wrong turns that bring punishment and good turns that bring rewards. It's about grace...no matter how hard I try each day I'm going to make a wrong turn at some point, yet He still loves me...and His love is the reason why I strive to do my best for Him daily, not for a reward of a miracle. When a miracle does come in my life it's not a pat on the back "I'm doing good and Daddy loves me best" moment, it's a "oh man, I'm so undeserving thank you so much moment."

Firsts

2011-11-22T15:55:00.001-05:00

Wouldn't you follow this face anywhere? I would and I do...

This blog has been entirely too serious/heavy...and it would be a horrible representation of my usual happy self. So I must show you some of the joyful "first" moments we have had with Izze during our new adventure/move! I apologize now for how the pictures are laid out...I did the best I could.

Boarding the Auto Train...first train ride!

Dinner on the train, she said she had a "fancy glass"

She slept surprisingly well, they were sold out of sleeper cars.

First time at a Florida Beach!

Supervising Daddy's building skills

Loving the sand...

At the pool with Mommy

First time on a horse!

At church, putting her right to work. You are never too young to serve.


Walking around in Mommy's shoes

Pooped...new adventures can be exhausting

She is having a blast, I was concerned with how she would handle such a big change but she hasn't missed a beat! She is the greatest joy and blessing in my life. I'm thrilled to be a wife, I'm over the moon being a Momma!!!

P.S. - I really wish I could put some of the recordings I have of her singing on the blog but I can't figure out how to do it.

More than That

2011-11-16T07:52:00.001-05:00

That day was hot and humid...and I was wearing about 5 layers of clothing and 2 layers of makeup. Months of preparation had gone into this, years of daydreaming preceded the following moments. What was so important about this day? It was the day I said, "I do". Those two words seem so small in comparison to all that happened to make that day possible, yet it was the reason that many were gathered that day. Our vows weren't just some words we said, not just some nice thoughts to add into a spectacular day, it was so much more than that. Those words were a trusted promise, a binding contract that we were going to do this thing called life together. That day we for real became what we now call "Team Hendricks".

That is something I love about reading the Bible, the words on the page are so much more than positive thoughts to post around my office or my home. These are the words spoken to me (and you) from God Himself. When Jesus said "For nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:36), He meant it. When He said, "I will be with you" (Isaiah 43:2), He wasn't just giving some pat answer. He is speaking directly into our lives daily, coming from the place of a committed love to us. The days He spoke it followed years of setting up the story, beginning from creation and continuing on through eternity. God had the stage set for everything surrounding these moments and He did it all to create the occasion to say these words of His trusted promise to us. I love it and I'm eternally grateful for it.

More Coffee and More Change

2011-11-13T09:46:00.001-05:00

This past month and a half has been quite the whirlwind...and I feel like it is only the beginning...actually, I know it's only the beginning. Ironically, when I sat down to write this morning I came with my usual cup of coffee in my hand just as in my last post...however, many things have changed since my last post.

In my last post autumn was beginning in Maryland, leaves were changing and life was starting to change for my family. I sit here now in our new home state of Florida, sipping coffee and looking out the window to beautiful blue skies and palm trees, it's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is only two weeks away.

In my last posts I felt changes happening and I didn't understand why, I have a much clearer understanding now. When we left Florida in 2007 to begin our family in Maryland we knew it was only a matter of time until we returned to Florida, we just didn't know when. Last April when I had my surgery, I felt an intensity in my heart and mind to start simplifying our lives, especially if I was going to be successful in my health aspirations. So I stepped down from being the Children's Pastor so I could slow down. Then I did something that I should have known better...I got comfortable. I LOVED being back as an assistant. I got to help in ministry without the burden of it totally resting on my shoulders. I dug deep into my position this time, researching articles on how to be the best at assisting, meeting with other assistants to learn from what they do...etc. I was settled...I should have remembered the last times in my life where I got settled because each time it happens God seems to like to change things, and change did come. Big changes happened in my husband's banking career...we weren't blindsided by it, this was months of small things happening leading to the big change, hence the posts of "what's going on God?" We must have asked each other about three times in our private talks "could it be it's time to move back to Florida?" Indeed it was and here we are, back where we met in Lakeland Florida where I am working at Southeastern. I know that this isn't the end of change, but I'm starting to see more of God's hand in it. So here we go!

“Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. ⁶ Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! ⁷ And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”
⁸ This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let your prophets and fortune-tellers who are with you in the land of Babylon trick you. Do not listen to their dreams, ⁹ because they are telling you lies in my name. I have not sent them,” says the Lord. ¹⁰ This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. ¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. ¹² In those days when you pray, I will listen. ¹³ If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. ¹⁴ I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” - Jeremiah 29:5-14

Coffee Break

2011-09-26T10:23:00.001-04:00

Let's have a coffee break and chat about the weather and life. It's fall in Maryland...well, the beginning of it. It's feeling a little more like fall in Florida right now, very humid but the daylight time is getting shorter. I'm sitting here listing to Christmas music (The Israel and New Breed Timeless Christmas, one of my favs) and I have a great cup of coffee to my left in my favorite purple bedazzled coffee cup. My heart is very content at the moment. My situation is far from ideal, but my heart is content. Things have happened in the past few months to shake the safety and comfort of my little life. I can see God asking me will I still follow the call even if it's not easy, even if I don't get my Norman Rockwell Christmas picture life. You see, it's easy to stay in ministry when you have the safety net of a regular cleaning lady, plans of new furniture and paint, visions of a new mantle built and crown molding installed before Christmas for the family photo...sigh, losing weight and on my way to getting everything I have ever wanted...

Then the first tremor of not getting something you banked on, but it's okay...we can still manage, move into a smaller but newer place, it will all be fine, it will be smaller but at least this time we will live somewhere with a pool, right?

Then the quake of a super drastic change coupled with a constant messages about denying your cross daily...ouch. The temptation of changing careers to make more money to maintain is high, but I can't do it. It was so much easier to release everything to God as a single person or even as a married couple with no children, who cares where I live...I'm doing the work of the Lord. It's not as easy when there is a little one attached to our life that is not our own. It was always easy to surrender any material dream for myself, but to surrender my mental pictures of the endless cute outfits and shoes for her, new furniture for her room, to surrender the thought of private school and setting her up with tons of resources to be successful in whatever she desires to put her little mind to...that's where it really hurts me. To see the most hardworking man I know be put through the ringer and there is nothing I can do about it just about kills my heart. God, you can press me on every side...but I can't stand to see the ones I love the most go through it and there is nothing I can do to fix it, because it has to happen this way. Is this how you felt watching Jesus get crucified? I know what we are experiencing is nothing in comparison to that, but can my man get a break?

Nevertheless...sigh...*sipping my coffee*. I may in a uncomfortable place in my life, but my heart is at peace in this moment. It may be uncomfortable, but I know it is where we are supposed to be right now and that gives me peace. I know God is at work in our lives...and on that note, let me get back to work.

Current Song

2011-09-13T10:23:00.002-04:00

This song is on repeat in my car daily...so much that now Izze asks for "her song." She has no clue...this song helps me everyday!

Battling Weariness

2011-09-08T08:13:00.000-04:00

Beginnings can be exciting and just a little scary, endings can be sad or relieving...it's the middle of something that can be exhausting, the middle where it seems like the end is too far away or nowhere in sight. The marking of a beginning or end is the high probability of some sort of dramatic feeling that makes it distinct and it doesn't seem so long. The beginning of a sentence is highlighted by a capital...the end has a punctuation mark...the middle...well, most times we skim the middle to get on to the next thought. In cycle class I'm full steam ahead in the beginning and at the end I'm giving it my last push because it's the end. The hardest part is that 40 minutes in between where I have to stay focused and not lose form even though I'm tired. In those 40 minutes I am so not cute going up those never ending hills!

Such is life sometimes. When I'm in the middle of working on something and have to wait on things that are out of my control it is taxing. Unlike the beginning or the end it is harder to remember that God is in control and that He works all things for the good of those who love Him. Then when I do remember I wonder what is the time frame this time around for Him to get it going on the current situation. If I had a remote control for my life I would probably be hitting the fast forward button right about now because I'm sort of in the middle of something and I'm not quite sure what the outcome is going to be right now. It's nothing terrible or newsworthy, but it's enough for me to want to move forward a little quicker than normal.

I'm battling weariness today. I have been watching door after door close in the face of someone I absolutely adore and I'm really tired of seeing it happen. I see someone who I love who works so hard just continue to get pressed on every side without even a glimmer of tangible hope and there is absolutely nothing I can do about it. I talked about it to God on my way to pick up Izze from daycare and I said aloud in my car, "I'm tired of this...maybe I should just toss some things up in the air and not care where the chips fall" (as if my type A personality would allow me to be so reckless). I got to the daycare and went to my daughters cubby and took out her papers for the day and her Bible memory verse was right there in bold letters..."so let's not get tired of doing what is good." Gal. 6:9a NLT.

*Sigh*...ok...I'll keep going (as if I have a choice, stopping/quitting before it's time is never an option for me). I need help in the not getting tired while doing it part though.

Don't mind me, I'm just biking up a really long hill right now.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sometimes I Forget the Cost

2011-09-05T09:14:00.001-04:00

My thoughts feel a little jumbled this morning, I'm in a house with 11 people, one of them being my toddler and Im finding it difficult to focus. We are in NC this weekend with my family and I'm enjoying the pandemonium.

We went to church together and took communion and I stopped as usual to think about the price Jesus paid in order for us to have relationship with Him. It's so easy in my day to day routine to forget how expensive this action was. We say gift, but is salvation really a gift? If I look at it in the eyes of my two year old...gifts are played with for a small period of time and then forgotten in the bottom of the toy box when the next gift arrives. I don't want to treat what Jesus did like that, and I know that He wouldn't want me to either. This was a strategic move on His part to bring His people back to Him. We are supposed to see the value in this and respond to it in like fashion. Although we can never give back as much as He gave to us, in order to engage the way we were created to we must reciprocate.

"God's kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field for years and then accidently found by a trespasser. The finder is ecstatic-whathou a find!-and proceeds to sell everything he owns to raise money and buy that field. (Matthew 13:44 MSG)

Thinking about the people that we have for example in the Bible, did they receive something and go about their merry way? No, it was understood that what was given to them by God needed to be shared, it changed their perspective on life, causing them to change their lives to be in line with what God is doing.

I think we as the church may be doing people a tremendous disservice calling salvation a gift when in this society gifts are not treated very well. God wants more from us than to accept a relationship with Him and then drop a little "thank you card" once a week in the form of church attendance, offering and/or routine volunteering.

It's time to really give everything we have to engage with what God is doing at this time and not think at that kind of lifestyle is reserved for "pastors" or those in leadership. So in remembering what was done for you this morning, what are you going to give for the kingdom today?

Life change is not just some nice idea, it is what is supposed to be happening.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Pinehurst,United States

Not My Finest Moment...

2011-09-02T09:23:00.000-04:00

Thank you God that you are nothing like me. Thank you God that I'm allowed to know you and learn from you!

Anyone who has read the book or seen the movie "The Help" will know this reference. The 2 year old little girl who is pretty much ignored by her biological mother (besides beating or yelling at her) and receives all her love from her nanny. That probably made me cry the most because I am the mother of a two year old little girl! As I release a sigh of relief that my child does not have to live like that I must say there are moments that I am not proud of...like this morning.

I'm packing lunches trying to get us out of the door. My precious child says "Mami, I wahn milk" "ok, Izze, I'll get it for you" and I continue to finish up her lunch and she keeps saying "Mami, I wahn milk, Mami, I wahn milk, Mami, I wahn milk..." and on and on and on...she would not stop telling me she wanted milk the entire time I walked to the refrigerator and got the milk out and poured it...I had a mini "losing it" moment on her. I raised my voice and made her leave the kitchen out of my space. Not my finest moment, but OMG kid I heard you the first time! I thank God that He is not like me...I thank God that even though I sometimes ask for things over and over again He doesn't yell "I heard you the first time! Get out of my presence! Can't you see I'm trying to do something else for you here?"

I felt terrible afterward and I made sure I returned to my daughter, esteemed her and explained to her that Mami heard her the first time and that she must learn to wait. Just like God does for me, except Izze took it a lot better than I usually do with God.

Sick Babies, Haircuts, Transition and Earthquakes!

2011-08-24T11:27:00.000-04:00

So it's been a minute...and being busy is no excuse, I'm supposed to be writing! Not only do I enjoy blogging but I love to read other blogs and one thing that drives me crazy is when a blog goes so long without an entry. So here I am, guilty of doing my own pet peeve!

Mami, I'm cold!!!

There has been much going on, first of all my little princess was very sick last week, which made my world come to an absolute halt. It amazes me how God created us to be able to run multiple projects and also have the ability to "shut it all down" when need be and put on an entirely different hat, in this case nurse/doctor. One night she went all the way up to 106 and there was no time to think, into the tub she went at 2am, followed by much juice, medicine and prayer and it almost immediately went down to 102. The next morning at the pediatricians office the doctor said to me "you are a brave woman, but you did exactly what needed to be done." Bravery had nothing to do with it, my child was suffering and action needed to be done. She is much better now and back at school...leaving a wake of her germs now in my body. I have laryngitis and sound like a chain smoking woman from Staten Island...I now go by the name of "Estelle" by the way. Louis at first was enjoying it, poking fun by saying "what was that?" "what did you say?" Now, him and I are both over it and ready for this frog to jump out of my throat.

I have mentioned transition we are going through before. I didn't want to talk more about it until after I spoke to my staff, which I have. This Sunday will be my last Sunday as the Children's Pastor of our church. After much prayer and discussion I have decided to voluntarily step down to focus on my health and my family. People think that bariatric surgery is a quick fix to a problem, but it's not. Curing morbid obesity is a huge life change, one that starts with thought processes and incorporating new disciplines, I need to take the time to do this right and with my focus being on this and my family, I just don't have what this big ministry in our church needs to take it to the next level. I'm staying on staff at the church full time as the administrative assistant to one of our associate pastors, so I am staying in ministry, I'm just more behind the scenes. In this season of my life I'm simplifying a lot more and reducing my stress levels and it is what was needed to do. I still love our kids though and I am staying on as a once a month volunteer small group leader so I can still serve.

I'm tired of trying to live beyond my means...that isn't just financially, that is mentally, physically and spiritually as well. I am more than willing to make the cuts necessary to lose the things that weigh me down and run the race ahead of me. I'm still waiting on God to come through on some other areas that I am working on to simplify and trust that He will make a way in His time. He is for me...I've got the Kari Jobe song on repeat right now!

On a lighter note...we had an earthquake! LOL! Yes, the 5.9 earthquake that hit DC affected us for 2 minutes is a lighter note to me at this time although it was the most terrifying 2 minutes of my life...to feel the ground shake underneath me...to be at work, not with my child and not with my husband. SIGH. But we are all fine, thank God. Izze was at daycare and it was her naptime. The teachers had to wake the children up to take them to a safe room and Izze was the only child in her class who did NOT want to wake up and get off her cot. That's my girl...and that is how I feel. Internally I feel the ground shaking underneath me, change is happening, but I'm resting in God's hands, my dad got me and there is no need for me to freak out. As a matter of fact, I will freak out on you if you try to disturb my peace!

Second lighter note! In the midst of this transition, I decided my look needs to transition too. I'm 13lbs away from my halfway point in my weight loss and I decided to cut off my hair! Louis and I both love it! What do you think?

Stop and Smell the Ocean Water

2011-08-08T16:32:00.000-04:00

Look out VA Beach, Model Crossing

I actually observed the Sabbath this weekend. I actually stopped my routine, rested, enjoyed time with God and with my family. It was wonderful and I find myself on priceline.com and looking at our family calendar to see when we can do it again.

We went to Virginia Beach with my in-laws and it was Izze's FIRST TIME AT THE BEACH! At first she was excited about the idea (thanks Nick Jr. for all your beach episodes) but when we got there she looked at me with this stank face when she put her feet in the sand and she was afraid of the ocean. No worries, we got her acclimated and before we knew it she was rolling around in the sand and running for the water like she had been doing it her whole life! This picture is actually of her being held back from running into the ocean by my mother-in-law. She kept yelling "Nana!! WATCH THIS!"

Look Nana, I go to the OCEAN!

Can I just say something? Family Vacations are WORK! Sigh...don't get me wrong, it is truly worth every moment. The packing for a toddler, multiple outfits for accidents, toys and books for entertainment, the trips to the potty, the being aware of timing and making sure she still gets her naps, having to stop and feed your kid even though no one else in the group is hungry, being ready with snacks and extra juices and water to avoid dehydration, thus creating more trips to the potty!

My parents took my sister and I on great vacations, every year...sometimes I think even more than once a year. I couldn't help but think of them this weekend and realize all they did for us to have a good time, every time. Thank you Mami and Papi!

For those of you starting new families, make sure you do vacations...it takes more planning and prep as your family increases, but it is well worth it. Those of you reading this who are beyond that stage, empty nesters, please continue to remind us the importance of this. Hold us accountable, remind us to stop working all the time and make the cuts in the budget necessary to make these irreplaceable times happen. Although it took us 7 1/2 hours to make a 4 hour trip...and all the other craziness that occurred with organizing 13 people...this was a once in a lifetime moment that I will cherish.

Cherished Moment, first time at the beach with her Daddy.

We Interrupt this Blog for a Moment of Cuteness...

2011-08-01T11:01:00.000-04:00

I am two months behind on this, but I do have the video of Izze's first school performance. I was uploading a video for our children's ministry this morning and I saw it listed, I thought I would share. My child is the well accessorized one in the middle with the curly mohawk. My video taking skills are lacking because I got so in the moment I was doing the motions with her when I should have been still taking the video. Yeah, I'm a stage mom, can't help it...I won't apologize...I have been waiting for these moments my whole life. I served in children's ministry in every church I have been placed in, babysat countless times and even worked in a daycare and as a live in nanny. Each time I loved those kids as my own and daydreamed of the moments I would one day have with my kid...so I'm going to enjoy it and since this is my blog I'm going to share it!!!

Izzes first school program from Erika Hendricks on Vimeo.

Lose the Old Clothes!

2011-07-21T09:33:00.002-04:00

This is not my stomach...yet ;o)

So there is a problem if you can pull your jeans on and off like jogging pants...there is an even bigger problem if you don't see anything wrong with the aforementioned jeans and their fit. It took a friend of mine not just pointing it out but pulling on the extra material hanging off my bum yesterday to convince me to go buy some new jeans. It's not that I didn't have the money, it's not that I didn't have the time...it was my subconscious clinging onto what I was used to that made me think I wasn't ready for new jeans even though looking in the mirror and the 40lb loss on my bathroom scale said differently.

Even when I went shopping, I immediately picked out the same exact pair in the same exact size to go along with the other two pair in a size smaller that I picked up. It was almost a security for me, in my mind I thought, "don't get your hopes up too much...maybe these are just stretched out." I tried on the size smaller first, they slid on very easily and zipped up with no problems. I looked at myself in the mirror and still thought that they were a little too tight. Then it hit me...the jeans weren't too tight, I was just used to having my jeans hang so loosely off my body everyday that I forgot what jeans that fit felt like!

Isn't that always the way? We want a new thing, but getting our minds to wrap around the concept is a different story. So many of us are so used to hearing the word "no" that hearing a "yes" is almost inconceivable. For me, I understand that I am in a process moving forward to all that I have ever wanted and needed in my life, but I still fight the thoughts that these things don't happen to me...maybe for other people, but not me. This is the mentality that kept me in an abusive relationship while in my christian walk "well, I must not deserve someone who treats me right with the way I lived before I came to Christ..." This is the mentality that shyed me away from good relationships and opportunities that were presented, "honestly, this can't be for me...I'm too flawed for such an opportunity!" I reminded myself of all the wonderful things that God has brought into my life, my husband, my child, our church family, our home...

But not anymore...I am mentally shedding the old clothes daily. Especially in this season of transition in my life. I am not settling for anything less than what God has for my family and I and I will not allow lies to keep me from receiving it. I teach our kids every week that God is real and He really cares about you, and I refuse to not live what I preach! Now that I am realizing this ugly little mentally, I'm attacking it with truth. I'm telling you...THIS IS IT!

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen" Isaiah 43:18-20

Hannah Moments...

2011-07-18T11:36:00.001-04:00

I haven't been writing about this but my family is on the cusp of a huge transition, one that is greatly needed and will finally give us the release we need in certain areas of our lives. I am certain that the steps we are taking are ones that are in the right direction for us, it is just the waiting on certain resources to come through that gets nerve-wracking.

Hence the Hannah moment (1 Samuel 1:9-18). There are times where something just gets so heavy on your heart to pray into fruition that it is just overwhelming. You have to get up, excuse yourself, and go cry out to God. I had one of those moments right now, I had to walk out of the office for a Hannah moment. It's those moments that change history, those moments that to the naked eye just look like someone being still, but in the spiritual realm there are explosions happening all around them because they are praying some pretty heavy things from heaven to come down to earth. It's done...I've cried out my heart to God, knowing that everything I have asked for is for the best interest of my family and church, my leaders are in agreement with us, now I'm waiting...THIS IS IT!

A Challenge for Authors...

2011-07-17T20:17:00.001-04:00

This weekend I haven't been feeling so well. I'm okay, I think I overdid it at the gym, so I have been nursing some pains and cramping. Since I haven't been feeling so hot, I think I overloaded on chick flicks and reading. I LOVE to read good fiction, if the story is good enough I pretty much will not put my Kindle down and even refuse sleep until I finish the book. The book I read this weekend (actually, all day Friday, my day off, and early into Saturday morning) was "The Help." The book was great, I'm hoping that the movie is not too watered down, as most movies that are based on books are. The book is not just about how African American maids were treated in Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960's, but what a group of them did to risk their lives to try and make a difference. Good story, and like I said before, I hope it doesn't get watered down in the movie.

Saturday we took Izze to Barnes and Noble to look and semi-read some books. I would take her to the library, but she is a little loud for the library and also the kids section at Barnes and Noble is just so cute and friendly she really feels like a special treat. While she reads I will start a book and if it has my attention to go beyond the first chapter, I will buy the Kindle version. I found a few that I may want to read, but nothing that I'm in a hurry to get. Now, stay with me because I have a point. I came home and watched the Joy Luck Club, a movie I haven't seen since it came out on VHS. Although The Joy Luck Club was a superb book I have to say something. I'm really tired of stories that we read that either trash men or make them look like our saviors. I'm tired of picking up books at Barnes and Noble (fiction, memoirs) and sometimes not even getting past chapter 1 before someone is getting raped, molested or beaten. I'm not naive, I know this happens much more often than we would like, but I'm tired of 90% of movies geared towards women having a man who lies, cheats, steals, and/or beats. There are good men out there and they deserve to be a part of the stories! I have gone the Christian fiction route and I have found just a lot of fluff, overly romantic, so far fetched stories that show women whose lives are not right or missing something until this magical man comes in their life and all of a sudden life is worth living...double boo christian fiction authors!

I would like to challenge some authors that the next time they write a story to include male characters that are just good guys, real men who don't always get it right but at least we don't have to worry that they are going to beat us, cheat on us, or do other awful things. Hmmm...maybe I should just write these stories then?

You Better Work It!

2011-07-12T17:29:00.001-04:00

Disclosure time! Sweaty and no makeup after an INTENSE cycle class at the gym!

In this process of life change there is no substitute for hard work, I have to exercise and no pansy stuff I have to push, be uncomfortable and work this tail off!

I can't do that on my own, if I could push myself beyond my mindsets and limitations I wouldn't be in the predicament that I am currently coming out of health wise. I have to go to classes, I have to be in the front row so I'm not distracted, I've got to listen to the teacher and when she says "this should be uncomfortable but keep going" I need to trust and keep going! I understand that if I want my body to be at it's optimal health and performance I have to trust the person trained to lead and do what they say, as they say it and for how long they say it!

The same thing goes for me internally. If I want to be free from all the garbage that has attached to my spiritual tail all these years, I've got to work it. I've got to listen to the trained people in my life who were placed there by God to lead me in the work to release the insecurities, the trust issues, and unforgiveness that have built up in me all these years.

So move forward with me and let's lose some spiritual, emotional, and physical weight. But forewarned, if you really want this YOU BETTER WORK!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I Can't Shake this Song

2011-07-11T11:33:00.001-04:00

It's been months and this song is still heavy in my rotation. I love it, I sing it to my daughter every night as I tuck her in and she now sings it too. If I try to rush and not sing it she will tell me, "Mommy, I want Haleelouyah" It's the combination of the piano (my all time favorite instrument), the words and her singing it. I love this song, I can't get enough of it. Download it on iTunes if possible...and check out the story behind the song.

Random Thoughts

2011-07-10T19:05:00.001-04:00

I just wanted to share some random thoughts today...my brain is fried in a good way from Vacation Bible School and I'm getting myself together to go for a jog. Yes, jog in this heat...my body is so against it right now, but it may be just what my overstimulated mind needs.

1. I have a dress in my closet that I bought for our anniversary that I haven't worn yet. Hold me accountable, I need to wear it before it gets too big and useless...kind of like another dress I have in my closet that still has the tags on it and it's too big.

2. If I don't stay on top of my vitamins, my nails tear like fragile paper...which is why I look like I've been scratching the sidewalk...no picture here, it will not be documented on how ugly my hands look right now.

3. My cutsie iPod shuffle is beckoning me to go for a run, it's also a reminder that I need to finish my Apple products collection (shuffle, iPhones, MacBook pro) and get the iPad already...theres a hole in my heart that only an iPad can fill.

(notice I had my hand with my nailbeds not showing)

4. I want some steamed crabs and shrimp with extra old bay...

5. I'm at a crossroads right now and have no idea where God is leading right now. All I know is everything is in His hands and in the end everything will be more than fine.

8. Post surgery update, I have lost 36lbs so far and counting. I don't feel like I've had surgery other than being full after a few bites of food or completely not caring about food at all.

9. Louis is making Sunday dinner today meatloaf, potatoes, cabbage...and I don't want any of it, I'll be juicing some kale and pears after my run for my dinner.

10. Ok, it's 7pm, I better go get that run in before Jerseylicious starts at 8...I LOVE that show!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Good Morning!

2011-07-09T10:22:00.001-04:00

I'm blogging with a two year old on my lap. It's taking me twice as long, but she insists on being all up in my space. Her messy hair is blocking my left eye, she is smearing her skittles lip gloss all over her face and is trying to put it on mine saying, "try it, you'll like it". There is a sticker of a pair of flip-flops on her hiney. She is perfectly imperfect and I sniff her hair like a puppy and kiss her little skittles face every few minutes. I want to talk about my favorite ministry this morning...

Don't get so busy that you lose sight of what's important. Take more than a few moments each day to enjoy the people God has blessed you to share life with, your family. Instead of placing your focus on doing things for them, do things with them. Every once in while, I have my time of praise and worship with Izze. I have been doing this since she was an infant. She is learning that enjoying the presence of God is not something reserved for adults, she gets to experience it even now. It is my hope and prayer that even if mom is not around, the songs stay on her mind, she can sing on her own, she can talk to God on her own and expect to receive from Him without Mami's prompting. I'm not waiting for church to do this...even though our church has a FABULOUS Children's Pastor, who is just dropping weight (36 lbs and counting) and feeling better and better each week ;o). It isn't my church's responsibility to raise my child in the way she should go. It is the job of her parents, the Children's Ministry is a supplement to what she is already learning at home. I know this because I have lived it.

Last night I had a dream which consisted every Sunday School Teacher, Missionettes Leader that has ever taught me anything. I was trying to thank them all and there just wasn't enough time to do so, there were so many. I realize that my parents get the bulk of the credit for raising my sister and I, but those people left a forever mark on my life and I thank God for them. If you are working in Children's Ministry, don't think that you haven't really made a difference in a life, you have made a tremendous difference! So without further ado...I would like to formally thank ALL those children's workers that supplemented in MY life. Thank you for helping my parents raise me to be a woman who loves God. Your ministry carries on to all of us who were in your class and are working to build the kingdom today.

Jefferson Street Church, Newark, NJ - Pastora Lydia Rivera, Maya Caraballo, Evelyn Rivera (she was Rosario back then), Mery Arce

Bethel Assembly of God, Newark, NJ - Beth Emma (who is no longer with us but present with the Lord), Sheri Bordigon, Monica DelPeche, Sara Suarez, my dad (yes, he taught Sunday School for a minute too...this guy was everywhere I couldn't shake him if I tried)

I'm 32 and I still remember being in the classroom with each one of them. I'm sure there where times where they didn't think that we were listening, but we were! As I study and prepare for Vacation Bible School tomorrow, I remember what you did for my generation. I pray today that God blesses each one of you, speaks to you and meets every need and desire of your heart.

Head Knowledge

2011-07-07T21:48:00.001-04:00

God is real and He really cares about me.

I know this, it's Christianity 101 right? Then why do I struggle to actually remember this? Yes, I know it in my head...I can say it as easily as any grown educated American can recite their ABC's. But I don't think about the ABC's throughout the day. I don't stop and realize that with every word I speak, every word I write, every thought I think is built on a framework of letters I learned as a child.

It is easy to love God daily and in the routines of life, when human nature of doubt and insecurity creeps up, forget that He is real and that He really cares. Even though every thought I think, every thing I say, every decision I make in life is based on the fact that I in fact believe in God and love Him there are moments that I forget that He loves me, there are moments where I forget what the framework of my life was built upon.

I love the moments where He steps in to remind me. I love moments when I hear a particular song and it causes me to reflect on the goodness of God. I love to read the Bible and hold onto a word He has given me on that particular day. I love when He allows certain things in life to happen to cause me to stop and remember. I cherish those moments like little holidays, days where we chose to celebrate something, dispersed through my day.

My first holiday today was brought to me by this song...chosen at random when I put my iPod on shuffle this morning. Although there were others throughout the day...those are just for me. I will share this one with you, maybe you will have a "holiday moment" too. Enjoy!

No Longer a Spring Chicken...

2011-06-30T15:51:00.001-04:00

I'm so tired I could cry...if there is one thing that I have learned about myself this week it is this...when I am physically and mentally tired I am really not a very nice person and it is really hard to keep a filter on this yapper of mine.

But let me show you the first fruits of the labor...

This Sunday starts our first week of Vacation Bible School....really the funnest time of the year. The only thing is...it is the most energy zapping time of the year for me and the crew too.

Full work days of planning and organizing followed by nights of setting up, all to see those little faces on Sunday morning.

The room looks good, doesn't it? There are other areas that the kids will dominate but this room took the longest to get together. This is it...this is the place where somebody's life is going to change!

Or maybe just give someone who is in desperate need of a smile and hug just that...either way, our kids and volunteers are going to love it and receive from it and that's why we do what we do.

Pray for us this month, pray that everyone gets ministered to, young and old, and pray that the whole staff (including me) gets the rest and rejuvenation they need to be fresh each week.

Cared For

2011-06-21T15:06:00.000-04:00

One night I was sitting on my roommate's bed working feverishly on an assignment for my Church Business Administration class. He was sitting at my desk across the room working on his homework, something difficult in math with formulas and concepts for business. The assignment I was working on was to create a church budget based on the demographics given to us by the professor. Try as I might, I just could not get the salaries together for my staff after all the bills were paid and we did actual ministry with the budget. It was a frustrating and prophetic assignment. I blew out my cheeks and put my pencil down...

"I can't do this."
"Do what?"
"Based on this assignment, as a woman called to ministry...I'm not going to be able to live."
"What?!? What are you talking about?"

We were completely platonic friends at the time of this assignment. I was a ministry major in Bible college with no plan after graduation other than finding a job preaching or administratively supporting a church or a Teen Challenge division somewhere. There was no man in sight for me at this time.

"I'm working on this assignment for a church budget. I have to pay these bills for the church, pay for ministry and make sure that the full time staff gets paid. When it's all said and done, I only have enough for three decent salaries, a senior pastor, a youth pastor and MAYBE an admin. As a woman who is called to ministry, my options are not looking so good as being on staff. If I marry a pastor, the church could only afford to pay one of us because I am NOT working with teenagers."
"Why do you have to marry a pastor? Why can't you marry a business man and let him take care of you so you can do ministry?"

Silence...why did I have to marry a pastor? My thought process stemmed from two sources 1.) The culture of the denomination I was in drilled in my head. If you are a woman called to ministry then you most likely should marry a pastor, to be any other way would seem like you were unequally yoked, which ultimately meant you were sinning and out of God's will for your life. Yeah it's that heavy. 2.) I had it ingrained in my head to take care of myself, the idea of someone else taking care of me, even in the covenant of marriage, never came to me before. When I pictured marriage I just thought of people sharing life together, I never thought about the part where I would have to trust someone to actually take care of me.

He was so calm in the middle of my uneasy revelation and now 6 years later I am reminded of this conversation as I drive back to work from having lunch with that same man who is now my husband. We were going over our family budget and I felt terrible that although I do work full time and I handle the family bills, the bulk of our financial responsibility falls on him. I'm called to ministry, I can't see myself doing anything else and being happy, but ministry does not pay the big bucks and the banks who hold our car notes could care less that I work to save souls. I told him how I feel like a burden to him and his response now was just as calm and sure as it was 6 years ago...

"You are not a burden, it's my job to take care of you."

I can't even explain to you how that makes me feel inside. It's humbling to have someone look at you and say those completely selfless words. It's the second time today someone has gone out of their way to tell me that they care about me and are looking out for the interests of my family and I today.

The fact of the matter is...I feel loved and cared for today and that feels nice. It is moments like these that heals different hurts in my life.

Mr. Incredible - Happy Fathers Day

2011-06-18T21:56:00.001-04:00

I love you Alejandro Rivera Jr. & Louis Hendricks III! Thank you Rayvon Hendricks!

"Newsreel Narrator: Under tremendous public pressure and the crippling financial burden of mounting lawsuits, the goverment quietly initiated the Superhero Relocation Program. Superheroes were granted amnesty from past actions under the promise to never again resume hero work. Where are they now? They are living among us. Average people, average citizens quietly and anonymously making the world a better place.". - The Incredibles

There are heroes among us...they are everywhere. If you take a moment to stop and observe you will see them. A crying child running to her daddy, a father spending time with his fatherless nephew, a tired man working multiple jobs to provide for his family, another man working long night hours to be home when his son comes home from school, a humble man starting each morning on his face before God for his family. All heroes, all making a difference that will live on long after they have left this earth.

How do I know? I was raised by one of the heroes described up there, the hero who I could hear praying through his home office door every morning, the hero who not only worked hard for his family but looked out for his nephews as well. I'm also married to a hero, one who works over 60 hours a week for his family, one who lights up the face of my daughter just by walking in the room. He is the proof of a legacy, his father passed when he was young, long before he became a father but what he received from his hero still carries on in our family.

Happy Father's day to all the heroes...you make this world a better place!!!

Another Busy Weekend

2011-06-06T09:42:00.000-04:00

We had a busy weekend over here with two birthday parties Friday and Saturday, two church services on Sunday and a church picnic to celebrate our volunteers on Sunday afternoon. There isn't enough naptime in the world for my poor child to recuperate, but I think she managed pretty well...by the time Sunday afternoon rolled around with the picnic she was fresh from a nap and recharged...unfortunately that recharge only lasted about 2 hours before she was melting down and ready to go home. I couldn't blame her, she had a lot of partying this weekend!

Izze prior to meltdown on Sunday.

On a side note, I have a confession to make. I don't think I know what I am passionate about. I know the things that make my heart smile, I know the things that I enjoy, but I don't think I know what I am passionate about. All you passion driven people, how did you find out what you are passionate about? Is it a process of discovery or is it a learned thing?

This is Happening Much Too Fast...

2011-05-25T17:00:00.000-04:00

One day I woke up to this...

I sneezed and then there was this...

Then I blinked and there was this....

I turned my head and there was this...

I'm wiping tears from my eyes to see this...

She's already breaking hearts...mine, Izze, stop growing!!! Oh but don't stop because I love all the new things you discover. Feeling a mixture of awe, joy, sadness today...time goes by so quickly! Hug and play with your children every chance you get!

Vision Pt. 2

2011-05-24T10:36:00.000-04:00

So I wanted to pass on another gem that I got out of the conversation that I referenced yesterday. I was told to focus more on the experience and not the logistics. That is going to take some self-discipline for me to see things that way. In my quest to provide great atmosphere, the purpose of the vision that I am striving so hard to accomplish is losing the integral piece that was designed for the connection...me.

My vision for motherhood...the picture looks great, but the experience is a child who has the attention, love and support of both parents, which my daughter definitely has.
My vision for being a wife...the experience for my marriage is sharing life together and supporting each other, if I'm wearing myself out I can't be a support.
My kids, my staff...the experience is supposed to be fun and engaging, not perfection.
Running...the experience of exercise is just to simply move my body and relieve stress.
The experience of a house is to be a home...a haven.

So all you visionaries out there, vision is great...but don't lose sight of the purpose of the vision, which is the experience to be had by all parties involved. True living is not about accomplishing vision, it is about experiencing all that one has been given.

See, all that over a lunch of quesadillas and tacos...told you I was connected to geniuses!

P.S. - The outfit I bought Izze last week came in and it is ADORABLE!!! If you have a little girl to shop for I highly recommend the "Wild Child" line. I got it through Amazon.com. They have THE cutest little girl clothes!

Am I the Only One?

2011-05-23T10:01:00.001-04:00

I'm blessed to have quite a few geniuses in my circle and I'm not being sarcastic. I am connected to certain people that given the topic of their specialty I could just sit and listen to them talk and they would just blow my mind right open. They aren't famous or outwardly spectacular that if you walked past them you would stop and immediately want to get to know them. They are just ordinary people with extraordinary minds and since I really do like to learn, listening to them is invaluable to me. I'll reference them here and there and today I want to talk about a conversation I had with one of them recently.

So we are sitting talking, actually...I'm not doing much talking because I'm busy listening and writing notes (told you I like to learn) and something that was said to me has been on repeat in my mind for weeks now. "Your vision consistently is larger than your resources and that is why you are constantly frustrated." Ouch! That person hit that nail right on the head for me, I experience this in every area of my life and up to that point I had never had it put to words...

While exercising I want to fly running, in my mind I'm graceful and fast and I'm trying hard to get it there...but in reality my transitioning body only produces a slightly clunky trot.
My vision for motherhood is me being at home with my daughter, patiently doing crafts and taking her on trips to museums...but my reality is that by the time I get home from the office and daycare I'm thinking about cooking, laundry, bath time, packing lunches for the next day, and ouch confession time...rushing bedtime because Mami is tired and wants to go to bed herself! Oh this post is painfully honest today!
My vision of what I want to be for my husband is this strong woman who constantly has everything in it's place, when in the reality of things by the end of the day I'm so tired of being strong everywhere else that all I want to do is be held and I could really care less about what my hair or anything else looks like.
I have crazy vision for our home renovations that we certainly don't have the time or resources to do in the time frame I would like to do them in.
In ministry I have a vision for things to flow smoothly and quality that rivals Nickelodeon...all while ministering to anyone who crosses my path...

Whew...just being honest with my expectations has just made me tired! I may have just answered my own question, because these past few weeks I was wondering why it was a negative for me to dream big, when in all other church/ministry/college situations I was told countless times "dream big!" "you are going to do great things....great exploits!" Side Note: Sometimes I want to go back and kick those college professors and staff that gassed us up so much. Maybe I should be a college professor so I can be the one to speak honestly to these Pastoral Majors and tell them...once you leave here the real world is going to kick your donkey so you better buckle up and hold on tight to Jesus.

So now that I'm being honest and allowing the internet world access to my processing I'm seeing a different picture here. It's not the vision that frustrates me, it's my expectations of that vision...it's my expectation that this has to happen now, it is my expectation that once a vision is set in my mind there is no deviation from that plan...and if it does not match the quality in the vision then it's garbage/failed attempt. Yes, I'm being that honest with how I think...sounds harsh...doesn't it?

That was the second thing this mentor told me..."your much too hard on yourself"...pray for me y'all (for my southern folks) and youz pray for me (for my jersey peeps). Honestly, (since I'm being so honest today) I don't know how NOT to be hard on myself. I don't know how to turn off the "I want things done a certain way...so get it done...NOW!"

Am I the only one who deals with this? If you want to be as honest as me but don't want to post it on the internet you can email me at erikahendricks@hotmail.com.

I have a part 2 of this to come tomorrow...the genius did not leave me without any resolve to my inner conflict.

Not My Wisdom...

2011-05-21T10:04:00.001-04:00

"Therefore give your servant an understanding (listening) heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours?" 1 Kings 3:9

Solomon makes me feel like I'm not saved. If God asked me for whatever I wanted, I don't think my knee jerk response would be to ask for wisdom or a listening heart, just being honest. As much as I would like to say that my heart is that pure and uncluttered with petitions, it would probably take me at least 45 minutes to get to that request.

When I read this I justified that Solomon already had it all, he didn't have car payments, a mortgage...blah blah blah. But as the great philosopher Biggie Smalls says "mo money, mo problems", Solomon had much bigger concerns and causes for stress than I will ever have.

Solomon's request came from a humble heart with the big picture in mind. "God, I can't do this right without You, and I want to do it right because I love You. So I need to not just hear You lead but the strength to take heed (yeah I'm a rapper) in how all things need to be handled.". Brings me back to the best piece of advice the campus pastor gave me back in college "pray for wisdom AND the stamina to carry that wisdom out". I still pray that to this day.

Whether there is a kingdom to rule or a single family house in the suburbs outside of Baltimore to run the need is the same. "God we can't do this right on our own, and we want to do it right...so give us a listening heart to hear from You how to handle things...who else would know what is best for this family?"

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Jesus Coming Back This Saturday

2011-05-19T07:26:00.002-04:00

So there's this man who is predicting Jesus is coming back this Saturday. My initial response was a sarcastic one..."funny He didn't tell me when we spoke this morning". Or "Jesus I wish you would tell me if you were coming or not because I wouldn't bother to send out my car payments or finish my laundry."

But then I started to think...how differently would the rest of this week be for me if I knew Jesus was coming Saturday? Honestly, I wouldn't be worried about my bills or laundry. My weight/health choices would not matter as much...my time would be spent telling as many people as I can about Him so they don't miss out. I would be on the phone with my family members helping them solidify their decisions, I would be having even more services at church...I would be hugging my child and husband more (if that is even possible.)

I don't believe that any man knows the time or day that He will return. I'm starting to wonder of the purpose of these false teachers would be to remind us just that and how fragile and precious time is. Jesus can come back when He chooses...10 years from now, 10 days from now, 10 minutes from now, or even before I hit the publish button for this post. Until then I need to stay alert and do all I can to be sure that me and my household are ready.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Warning...Stage Mom Ahead!

2011-05-17T13:27:00.000-04:00

Oh man, I've been bit by the bug. I know that every mother thinks their child is the sweetest and most precious and yes, I am included in that group! Izze started daycare this week at our church's daycare (conveniently located right next to my office) that is a little more structured like a school and she loves it! I'm a proud mama to see my little girl love learning and play with the other kids.

Today I stepped out of my office and peeked into the sanctuary to watch the daycare practice for the upcoming graduation. I saw her with her little class on stage singing their little song and I couldn't help but be so excited! It's her first group performance! I ran (yes, I did) right back to my desk and did a little on-line shopping (shhhhh, don't tell daddy). My baby needed a new tutu for this event! Here is a picture of the tutu dress I bought (yes, this is her 3rd tutu dress...again...shhhh don't tell daddy, mommy has a habit!). I also got the matching headband!!! I can't wait to see her in it! Of course my child will be wearing some leggings underneath, it is a little too short for my taste for her to go bare legged with it. I will take pictures the night of when she is all dressed up and share. I don't know...I just might become a stage mom! You should have saw her singing and stomping/dancing up there!

Also this week, she was blessed with a car from her Auntie Irene & Uncle Jimmy, their daughter had grown out of it and passed it on to Izze. She is soooo excited! It's a rainy week so right now it is parked in our family room and she sits in it to watch Tangled, her new favorite "moobie". Here is a picture in her new car with her Daddy showing her how to work the controls.

So that is what is going on in Hendricks land...I'm back to normal, with the exception that I have lost my appetite and I pretty much live on vitamins and protein shakes. I have lost 22 lbs so far in the past month and counting. I have been walking and just yesterday I started to "trot", I'm on my way to running again. Ahhh...the house...Louis is still painting, painting, painting...our new flooring will get installed next week. We are still working a lot on the inside so we haven't done much of anything on the outside other than treat the grass and cut it.

So there is your really abbreviated Hendricks family update, other things have been going on like Izze's first trip to the movies, I'm knee deep in Vacation Bible School planning and Louis and I attending a really great marriage conference last week hosted by our church but I don't have the time to write about it all at this time.

Mac n Cheese and Life

2011-04-30T20:24:00.000-04:00

I am quite the connoisseur of macaroni and cheese...as a matter of fact I'm a straight Mac n Cheese snob. I love homemade Mac n cheese and I will not eat just anybody's...it's got to be good. As a matter of fact there are only three people in my life aside from myself that I know can really make Mac n cheese from scratch. One of those people is my mother. My mother just always knocks this dish out of the park for me and the recipe I currently use is hers. Now this recipe...I can make it with my eyes closed. I have been helping my mother in the kitchen since I was tall enough to reach the counter, I may have made Mac n cheese with her over 500 times in my 32 years. But I still can't get it to taste EXACTLY like hers. I follow it to the letter...I think I mess up in the roux portion, but I can't nail what I'm doing different. Or maybe I'm not doing something different and it's just my mom's touch. No matter how hard I try to study the chef and do my best to replicate her it isn't the same...don't get me wrong, it's good...real good...it's just not my mothers.

I feel like this in life many times, I read the word, I talk to God but there are some things that no matter how hard I try to study the master and replicate His love I fall short. By worldly standards it may be good, but those aren't the standards I strive towards. These are the moments that I remember to pray for healing and not perfection. I could drive myself crazy to try and love people as God would and my love would only become artificial and downright creepy. (you know those people who seem to try too hard? Like that.). I'd rather remind myself to ask God to heal the places in me that keep me from loving others and showing love to others. I'll never be exactly like Him, just like I won't have my mothers touch (I will steal her pot though next time I'm in Tampa) but I will do my best and serve up something that will warm someone's heart and belly!

If it's Broken...Then Fix it!

2011-04-28T04:05:00.000-04:00

Our heating/AC unit used to make this horrible semi-loud sound that we lived with until it just stopped working the other day. The other day that started out in the 60's and I had the windows open and the temp climbed up and I shut them waiting for the relief of the AC and I wound up cooking myself slowly throughout the day until Louis walked in the door and said, "wait a minute, it's hotter in here than it is outside!" The repairman came yesterday and got it to work and we are back at our staple 75 degrees, but there is one thing missing tonight/this morning...the semi loud sound that I'm used to. I toss and turn in the bed thinking something is wrong with the unit again because the horrible sound is gone...only to remember, uhm this is what it is really supposed to sound like.

Which leads me to the reason I'm writing, I'm tossing and turning and up again. My initial thought was, hey I'm starting back to my old self again, waking up at 3:30 am thinking about everything that needs to be done and how am I going to accomplish such and such? The light bulb came on, my thinking that this is normal is just as bad as me thinking our AC stopped working because I don't hear that horrible "hello I'm almost broken call the repairman before I shut down" sound. So I did, I gave it all to God, which I will have to repeatedly do as thoughts and tasks continuously try to creep into my mind tonight/this morning. I'm calling on the repairman of my mind.

The lesson to learn here? It doesn't hurt to be self-aware of what's not right and fixing it, even if it seems minuscule at the time. Those little things add up or usually lead to a deeper issue!

I'm Home...on Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T10:42:00.000-04:00

Recovery is doing better, I have a lot of my mobility back and the pain has dulled to just a tenderness in my abdominal area. I get out of the house maybe every other day, limiting to small venues where if I need to make a quick escape because I'm winded I can. Which leads me to today's post...it's Easter Sunday and I'm not in church. I realize that I have a relationship with God whether I am in the building or not in the building, but its the principle...I've never missed church on Easter Sunday my entire life. I've wrestled back and forth all week with this with the last two days solidifying my decision this morning...tremendous fatigue and "windyness" on Friday and yesterday being terribly uncomfortable in any pants that are not yoga pants, I tried jeans again and they rub against my incisions, that is not a good time. Plus I dropped in to check on kids church (we also have Saturday service) and I hated having to hold my kids off who ran to me to hug me and I couldn't let them. That was sad.

So all of that and other reasons that popped up lead me and my family to be home this morning, and as usual I'm reflecting. Why do I go to church? Why does it bother me so to not be there...especially on day like today? I don't want the head knowledge answer, the theological answer...I want the this is really what my heart believes and lives answer. It's the community of believers. It's the sharing of the most important person in my life, the most intimate part of who I am with people who either understand or want to understand. A pastor can preach anywhere, God heals and speaks to people wherever He is invited...but in church, when His people are together celebrating Him...it is the greatest celebration of who He is and I love that. It's an expression of love, because when you love someone you want to celebrate them, you want to give them gifts, you want to help the people that are important to them. It's a love thang baby...

So I miss that today, and if you don't have that in your life...ask God for it.

P.S. - I'm watching "Olivia" (it's a show on Nick Jr.) with my daughter and this little pig is very self absorbed...hmmm

Healing, not Perfection

2011-04-20T18:20:00.001-04:00

Fighting for the life you want has nothing to do with achieving perfection. Perfection will never be achieved. It's about healing, it's about freedom...it's about ruthlessly cutting away whatever keeps you from completely chasing after God, after His presence, it's about living a full focused life in a relationship with Him and sharing life with others.

Some people get so hung up on what that is supposed to look like on the outside they forget the inside. Just because you don't do the physical sins you did twenty years ago doesn't mean you stop pruning. What about the hurt you've held onto away from God, that hurt that shapes your perception of every situation in life? What about the fear you have allowed to grip you for years...keeping you from experiencing so many treasured moments in life. It's time to check all that...it's time to clean house...fight for the life you want, healing, freedom...not perfection.

"Give me that joy I can't explain, an extra peace that will ease my pain, I want that love that never change...give me that...give me that" - Kirk Franklin Give Me

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Pain and Process

2011-04-17T06:38:00.001-04:00

I woke up this morning with a huge gasp, like I was waking up from a bad dream. Only it wasn't, I was being awakened by pain. The recovery process from my surgery on Tuesday feels like it has been going on for months...when in fact it's only been since Tuesday. I'll spare you the gory details but it's been an uncomfortable, at times painful, literally and figuratively a bumpy ride. There has not a day that has gone by where I have not re-asked the question, "what in the world have I done to myself?"

But, (there's always a but) then I remember that my expectation was this is a tool to help me correct a problem that has existed in my body for 32 years. A problem that has given me more grief and pain throughout my life than this physical pain has this week. Someone who has not been clinically obese their entire lives (even at their lowest weight) cannot understand it. We are that fine print under every ad announcing the loss of someone's 100lbs (results not typical).

I said I was fighting for the life I want, I was preparing so much for the mental battle that I didn't even think about initial recovery. I didn't think about feeling like I've been in a knife fight or struggling to get in all my nutrition. I didn't think about the nurses who were stingy with the painkillers and being so weak that I couldn't even mentally process it till later. I didn't think about how a woman who prides herself on multitasking and taking care of it all could feel broken by having to depend on other people and not being able to walk and think about nothing else but literally the next physical step you are going to take.

But for the joy (health) set before me. But for the joy of running and not being weighed down. But for the joy of not having to rule out another child because your body simply cant take it. But for the joy of kicking diabetes out of our lives for good. But for the joy of ending a generational curse. If you don't get it by now...the buck stops here. Anything worth doing in your life requires process and some pain. Are you willing to go there?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A New Dawn

2011-04-12T05:21:00.001-04:00

I'm in the car right now on my way to Johns Hopkins Bayview. Today is the day of my surgery. How do I feel? Sleepy...its 5am.
No super deep thoughts this morning, it all sums up to this. I'm fighting for the life I want, I always have...except now in my thirties I'm able to get some real help in the struggle. I thank everyone that has supported and prayed for me. This part is actually the easy part, the recovery and process of redefining normal is where I'll need the most prayers. In that aspect it's like a funeral, right now I'm surrounded but when it's over everyone else's life will go back to normal and possibly even forget this moment. But life will never be the same for me and each day is a step in a new journey.

So Lord, order these steps. Everyone else, pray for the journey. And ruthlessly fight for the life you want.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Resource Time!

2011-04-09T09:45:00.003-04:00

I believe in finding things that work to help in the management of life...then I believe in sharing it that way it might help someone else! So here there are in no particular order, things that have been helping the Hendricks family quite a bit.

www.thecouponmaster.com - I'm just starting to get into "couponing", trying to save money here and there. The most frustrating problem I have had is not being able to find coupons on things I actually use! I haven't had much luck with printing them from the internet either. With this website I can go through, order as many coupons as I need and they are mailed out to me, perfectly clipped.

My Family Manual - So at work I keep a binder with sections for work. I went a step further and created one for home. Inside I have a section for finances, a section for things I am currently working on and a section for future projects, you know all those great ideas you get that you can't do right now and then you forget about them later on? Yup, there is a section for that. I know there is an app for task lists on my iphone and financial apps...but some things I like to keep to pen and paper. I even have pockets for different coupons. I use my manual pretty much every day. I even have a section where I keep our family vision and mission statement and I write things that God speaks to me about us that way when I am working on our finances or my husband is referring to it with any of our planning we always have our vision and focus in front of us.

Isabel's Reward Chart - This could be a double reference...I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE MUAH MUAH MUAH my MacBook Pro. My favorite software in the entire world is Pages, I can pretty much create anything and it looks professional, Pages gets the credit for it. I created a reward chart for Izze to get used to doing different skills and let her see her progress. I just googled images until I found a website that sold me the clip art I was looking for with an inexpensive price tag, created the document, printed it on 12x18 and laminated it! So now it will go in her room and I can use dry erase markers and she and I will check off when she completes her little things like staying dry during nap time, putting her blocks away in the box and putting her babies away in their beds.

Costco...love it for pretty much almost everything

Timewise 3 and 1 Cleanser from Mary Kay, and the Microdermabrasion set...I had a noticeable difference in my skin the first time I used it! You can order some at my website at www.marykay.com/erikahendricks

www.servicemagic.com - for homeowners who need help finding contractors to do work on their house, landscapers, painters...everything, you can go to this website, put in your zipcode and get a list of local businesses in your area that do that particular project. There are also reviews from previous customers on there. We have used this website three times already for different home projects and I have been pretty happy with the results.

Dry Erase Wall Paper - I have this in my office, an entire wall covered in dry erase wall paper. It is my favorite. Currently I have on there the entire map and layout of Easter Weekend that I drew out, usually it is FULL of notes on whatever is the largest project I'm working on at that time. I also use it for when I'm dreaming, writing notes. Long term I would like to put a curtain rod and curtain in front of it that way if I need to close it and keep some things to myself I can. But...in July we will be moving offices so I may not have my beloved wall anymore *sniff* *sniff*

So those are the things that I find to be very useful, if you have questions on seeing if any of this helps you by all means ask!

Stop and Live

2011-04-06T18:27:00.001-04:00

Today is Life Group day, I'm usually rushing from work to daycare to home to make dinner and clean up before guests arrive. I'm usually stressing about toys that are out that will only come out again when other families arrive. I'm usually barraging my husband and child with comments like, "not now Mommy is busy" or "can you please come get your child out of my way?"

Not today. It's not that my house is in perfect condition, because it's not. Today my child wanted to play blocks with me. Today I decided not to play the charade with my guests that I'm Donna Reed and not only is my child fed, bathed and ready for company at 7pm but I also had time to cook a homemade meal, serve it and clean up afterwards...still looking fresh and ready to pray and share with anyone who walks in that door. (when I'm actually quite frazzled inside) Today I decided that protein shakes are sufficient for dinner and if someone happens to see a Princess Tiana doll on my living room out of the toy box it is not the end of the world and I have not failed as a wife and mother.

Today I'm playing blocks with my girl, today I'm present for my husband who has had a long day at work. Today I'm sharing life with my group and not try to be a domestic robot.

And I like it...I hope it stays...because I don't get this time back.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Guest Blogger

2011-03-26T11:39:00.000-04:00

Last week we had a high of 79 degrees...this week we are preparing for snow...ugh. I would love to revel in the season of spring every day of my life, but that is not realistic nor is it really living. Winter has to be in order to have spring. A mentor of mine puts it best in her blog today, read it and enjoy the life reflections of the AWESOME Pastor Sheri Hawley.

http://www.sherihawley.com/2011/03/contrast.html

Crazy Love

2011-03-22T12:40:00.001-04:00

I'm reading Crazy Love with our Life Group this cycle and I'm enjoying it so far. I watched the video yesterday to get ready for group and something Francis Chan said about God struck a chord with me, not just in my relationship with God, but also in my marriage. He said that when he read John's description of what he saw in heaven in Revelation it changed the way he approached God in prayer. He was reminded and purposefully continues to remind himself each time he prays who he is actually talking to...

I need to do that in my marriage at times. In the midst of full-time ministry, renovating a house, raising a toddler and daily engaging in a process of life change of myself sometimes I need to step back and really look at my husband, I know I love him, I'm happy to be married to him, but I need to stop sometimes and really look at this hard working man that God has allowed me to share life with. I need to remember some stories from the beginning when I began to notice this guy, what God showed me and made me look beyond the cover of who this person seemed to be at first glance. So today I am going to remember that and share you a story from the BD (before dating) timeline of Louis and Erika... If you are married, remember one of your BD moments today, if you aren't married...uhm...well...enjoy my moment until you have your own!

In my first semester of college I deejayed most of the basketball games. On one particular game day when I arrived to the gym I was greeted by a Student Life Rep who was trying to give me a heart with a number on it, which I declined. See, I learned quickly that most games Student Life played at my college were about hooking people up on blind dates, and just moving to Florida single...I wasn't trying to hear that at the moment. I felt no need to put myself out there like that, so I used my excuse of being there to "work" as my way out of the game and went to the booth. The basketball game started and soon came halftime and sure enough...the meaning of the hearts that mostly everyone took at the door was revealed. Numbers were called, and if your number was called you were supposed to go up and meet your match, the member of the opposite sex that had the same number.

Only one problem, only the girls responded!!! Apparently the geniuses in Student Life did not bother to ask if people were in relationships before the gave them the heart. Four of the five ladies already had boyfriends and pretty much everyone in the room knew it. The fifth female...well, she wasn't a looker...as a matter of fact she was about as far from being a looker as one could get and that is me putting it nicely. The MC did a little begging for the "heart counterparts" to come and claim their dates to no avail, then she finally said "will anyone accept a free date with these lovely ladies?" Of course the four boyfriends showed up leaving the ~~grenade~~ fifth girl up there alone. The MC begged again and I stood in the DJ Booth absolutely MORTIFIED for this girl, thinking this is got to be the worst game ever. A guy finally emerged from the crowd to claim the girl...and guess who it was?

Louis

They worked together at T.G.I. Fridays, I knew this. I had met him twice before (I'll tell those stories another time) and I thought he was a snob and didn't even think I wanted to be associated with him (we had a mutual friend that I was pretty close to).

This moment showed me a much softer and humbler side of him. Every once and a while I remember it. He claims to not remember every time I remind him the story only for him to say five minutes later "you know I never got the free dinner from Carrabbas out of that deal". Little did he know at the time he was ~~trying to get a free meal~~ displaying an act of kindness that his future wife was watching and would keep the moment as a part of their story.

I'm remembering this today...what are you remembering?

She is Growing Up Too Fast!

2011-03-19T11:35:00.001-04:00

Isabel woke up the other day at 6am to tell us that she had to go potty. After I took her she walked herself right back into her room to go to bed only for me to wake her up at 7:15 am. She is growing so fast! Moving her into her big girl bed was an easier transition for her than I anticipated, every coming of age milestone she has done pretty well with. I have a mixture of pride and sadness that she is growing up so quickly before my eyes. God can you please slow this down? Just writing this now makes me teary eyed. I'm so full of wonder and awe looking at this child, this blessing and responsibility that God has given my husband and I, I really want to give her the best and I don't mean just materially. I've got to stay on my face and work my life out, my relationship with God out, my marriage...I've got to fight to live the life God wants me to live so she can learn to do the same. That is the best legacy I can give her, to teach this baby how to live and not just exist.

So since she has shown this much independence I am going to try something and see how it works. I put her portable potty in a discreet corner of her room to see if she will actually get up in the middle of the night and go potty. Now I just have to break the habit of the zip up onsie pj's and put something on her that is easy for her to work out. Just testing to see what she does. Parents, what did you do when your child started to show you that they are capable to wake up to go potty?

P.S. - We are on a modified Daniel fast for church all the way up to Good Friday. It has been great practice for my new lifestyle and I have a few recipes that I am going to share on our Discovery Kids blog at www.dkclivingwaters.com. Check it out and let me know your thoughts!

The Glass Ceiling

2011-03-05T09:23:00.003-05:00

Did you know that everyone has a glass ceiling? There is a person that we were meant to be, that God created us to be. That person is free of the issues that circumstances in life that have shaped us. That person lives in the presence of God with no hangups, fully confident of his love...everything we were supposed to be before the fall of man in the garden.

Every once in a while we get a glimpse of that person, in complete worship we feel it, in deliverance we are touched by it, but by living we experience it in action.

Living looks different for everyone depending on what the thorn in your flesh is. Mine is my health, I battle fatigue and weight gain. I've battled my entire life, and although I fight to be an active person my gain is consistent.

I will be the 6th person in my family to get a gastric bypass next month. Those who have never struggled with morbid obesity can't wrap their mind around needing such drastic help, but for those of us who need help in nutrition and exercise understand completely.

There was a time of my life where I just lived detesting this thorn in my flesh, offended by the glass ceiling. But I can't stay that way, I wasn't created to ignore it or coddle it. By the grace of God and daily fights I must move forward to be free in my health the way He intended when He created me.

Hopefully my journey will inspire someone else to pursue to break their glass ceiling. Embrace the thorn for what it is, accept God's grace daily to help you move forward with it. For me, weight and health will always have to be at the forefront of my mind, no matter what size I am, I'm learning through the grace of God to deal with it and move on. You can too. I chose to be vulnerable because will not be the kind of pastor who perpetuates the image that we are not people and don't deal with stuff. I am the type of leader that says follow me as I follow Him in the destiny He has created for us all.

Love you be blessed today,
PE

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Short Timer...

2011-03-04T20:07:00.000-05:00

Here is Izze the week before her second birthday in our church nursery. My child is already a mini comedian!

I have been thinking a lot lately about what a short time we have with our children. It seems like yesterday I was painfully uncomfortable at my baby shower with her little elbow stuck in my rib, then she was born and I blinked and here she is, sitting next to me right now READING her sight words on flashcards! My husband and I only have a moment with this chick. Only a moment to influence her as much as possible in the right direction.

Oh God...please don't let us mess this up! Look at that face, don't you just want to hug her and keep her this small forever?

Stuff Educated Nuyoricans Married to Educated Black People Like...

2011-02-28T17:10:00.000-05:00

So there is a blog site called Stuff Christians Like, and there is a blog site called Stuff Educated Black People Like, and there is a blog site called Stuff White People Like...although I do fit in the first category, my race and situation is sorely unrepresented!!! So without further ado, here is the first ever edition of...drumroll please....

Stuff Educated Nuyoricans From New Jersey Married to Educated Black People From Maryland Like...

#10 - Being offended at Selma Hayek's representation of a Nuyorican on 30 Rock...don't even get me started...just don't go there.

#9 - Using speaking Spanish at our spouses as a gage to show how angry we really are at what is happening. If we start in English and end in Spanish to a non-Spanglish speaking person, 99.9% of the time it is out of anger, if you are a third party witnessing this, DO NOT get involved.

#8 - Putting earrings on a baby girl as soon as humanly possible. It's what we do, don't fight it.

#7 - Teaching people that freestyle is actually a style of music and it has nothing to do with rap. Just like Go-Go music has nothing to do with nudie bars or the boots.

#6 - Making sure the Christmas Tree stays up until after January 6th for El Dia De Los Reyes, but that doesn't necessarily mean that we are exchanging gifts again.

#5 - Still serving a pork dish to your non pork eating in-laws.

#4 - Automatically spotting the Puerto Rican flag hanging from another rear view mirror or displayed on a bumper sticker and looking to see if we know the person driving.

#3 - Dancing all over the house, by yourself.

#2 - Serving Pastelillos with a side of macaroni and cheese.

and the number one thing we love..........

#1 - J-LO!!!! She single-handedly saved American Idol and always makes us feel at home.

Grace...Grace...God's Grace

2011-02-27T11:50:00.000-05:00

I have decided that I could study God's grace my entire life and still not comprehend the FULLNESS of it.

There is grace for all the sin that I knowingly took part in before I gave my life to Christ...
There is grace for all the short-comings that I currently navigate through on a daily basis on my path of serving and loving Him...
Grace in my marriage - where my husband and I love and support each other when we are at our best and when we are at our not so best.

But there is another part of grace that I am experiencing that those who have families far away can understand. Growing up my sister and I have been extremely close. It was so hard to imagine sharing this time of our lives hundreds of miles apart from each other. Being people who follow where God leads, that is exactly what has happened. We have experienced new homes, new children at least 300 miles apart from each other. That's not always easy when your sister is your best friend. How is it done?

God's grace. Grace isn't just a healing agent for when our heart is grieved over sin, grace is a healing balm on our hearts when we need to go on but we need help to do it. I see God's grace in my 2 year old daughter's face when she doesn't see my sister as some visiting stranger, but embraces her like she sees her every week. I see God's grace when she cries as my sister backs out the driveway on her way back to North Carolina.

I see grace bestowed on Joshua when it was time to enter a new season in his life.

¹ After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: ² “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. ³ I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. ⁴ Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. ⁵ No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. ⁶ Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
⁷ “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. ⁸ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:1-9

The very beginning of the book of Joshua is the opening of a new era in Joshua's life. His mentor is dead...not living 300 miles away...dead. Gone. Pushing up daisies. Bought the farm...you get it. Although he is qualified and called to take over, he needed reassurance that he could go on. He received that reassurance from God, knowing that God was with him, Joshua received the grace that all of us who have ever been placed in a different place, those of us who know what we are doing is right but still feel a little homesick from time to time have experienced.

Grace is needed daily for many reasons. I pray today that anyone who is missing family or maybe even missing a different time in their lives can feel the reassurance of God's grace over them as they navigate and lead though this season of their time. You are not alone!

I Don't Want to Go to Hell...

2011-02-08T14:54:00.000-05:00

Last night I taught a water baptism class, 9 of our kids are going to be water baptized this month! That is awesome! I'm so excited about how our kids are growing in a relationship with God! You should see them during our worship services, some of them are worshiping with such a rich passion, they are recognizing His presence and it is a beautiful thing to watch and a great responsibility to lead. After spending a good 15 - 20 minutes reviewing what water baptism was and speaking about God's purposes for their lives...we moved on to the testimony portion. We record the children speaking as to why they want to be water baptized, and then we play the recording immediately before they are water baptized in the service.

I was so excited for the children but there was a moment that I probably will never forget. During the recorded interview I asked this beautiful, highly intelligent 9 year old girl, "So, why do you want to be water baptized." This precious child looked right into the camera and clearly and confidently stated, "I want to be water baptized because my daddy said that if I don't follow Jesus and get water baptized that I will go to hell and hell has a lot of fire and pain, so I don't want to go there."

Cricket, cricket, cricket...the videographer and I just looked at each other with semi-wide eyes.

After I picked my jaw up off the floor, I explained to her, "Sweetie, yes, hell is a real place, but there is so much more to loving and serving God than staying out of hell. It's my prayer that you grow to know Him and serve Him because you love Him." Mental note: work with this child more on a one on one basis and pray that the fear she has gets replaced with passion for a relationship with God.

I shut the door to the office as she left and thought to myself, "Really though?!? REALLY?" My initial thoughts were...I spend my days planning, preparing, pouring into these kids...doing my darndest to ignite a fire in them to know God and when it comes down to it all that is remembered is "I don't want to go to hell?" Yes, I have selfish thoughts sometimes, I managed for a second to have a straight pity party, as a matter of fact, remnants of that party still remain and I'm weeding them out.

Time to refocus on who really matters in this case. How does God feel when His purpose is completely ignored? When fear is used as a motivator to get people to acknowledge God it is a blatant disregard to the work and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus gave His life so people wouldn't have to go to hell, He is the author of perfect love...which casts out all fear.

I wonder how many people come to church out of fear, and if there are people who are coming out of fear...what are they doing during the sermon, are they listening? What are their thoughts when they read the Bible (if they are reading the Bible). I don't know what was said in the conversation with the young girl and her father, I can't ask him because I have yet to meet the man (I have only seen her with her mother), but I certainly know what remained in her mind ever since. Like I said before, I pray that her focus gets redirected.

Kitchen Remodel

2011-02-05T08:45:00.000-05:00

So we have been working on remodeling our kitchen. It is 8:29 am and I am sitting here waiting on Sears to bring our new appliances. By the time we are done with the kitchen, nothing will be left untouched except for the flooring (there was already nice floor in there), ceiling and lighting. We are almost done painting, and I am working on painting the cabinets. I have the top almost done and will begin the bottom soon. We have been taking our time with this first project..I think we started about 3 weeks ago and we still aren't done painting! It's not for lack of paint, it's all sitting there waiting to be opened up again. Life with a 2 year old, you get stuff done when you can. At this rate...Louis and I should have plenty experience working like contractors because we are behind schedule!!!

We are still trying to come to a happy compromise on the knobs, I like a French Provincial kitchen and my husband likes modern. Its funny how something as small as knobs makes such a difference, we have yet to pick out a set that the other will not find to be ugly. We will find something, just like we found the color scheme we both liked and just how he told me how much he hated painted cabinets until he came home and found that I painted one and he said and I QUOTE, "Hey, I like that!" So far we have kept it pretty simple, just giving the kitchen some update and the love that it was starving for. (no pun intended) I will post the before and after pictures when we are done.

Side note, I have really got to get back to using a regular camera. I am so used to using the camera on my phone I forget that I have a perfectly good digital camera somewhere (last time I checked it was in my office) that I haven't used since our honeymoon, almost 4 years ago. It's awful, I know...one day I will get it together!

By the way...resource alert. You can learn how to do almost anything via YouTube. There was a terrible wallpaper border that I needed to take down before Louis could start painting. I went to YouTube, typed in "wallpaper removal" in the search box and BAM! I had knowledge at my fingertips! I learned how to easily remove wallpaper and since I was feeling so empowered I searched painted cabinets and I learned how to do that too. If you are looking to do these projects the most helpful videos I found was from a guy called "Ask the Builder". He made it so simple that I feel like a professional! Check it out if you want to see how easy it is.

Gotta go, I think Sears is here, I need to go get the door before they ring the doorbell and wake up Louis and Izze!

Connected

2011-02-01T12:18:00.000-05:00

Things I'm Excited About

2011-01-19T16:27:00.000-05:00

So...I am in the midst of trying to re-discover the positive things about winter. Right now I am positive that we are 14 weeks away to Easter ;o)

Here are the rays of sunshine of my week:

1. I watched football with my husband this week. Anyone who knows me knows that this is no small feat. Truth be told I had a migraine, so complaining would just add more noise. I kinda just laid there while the playoffs were on, that's watching, right? Anyway, he explained the game to me for the hundredth time and it was a nice moment. Sorry that Baltimore lost, but the Steelers pretty much always win so I wasn't surprised. (See I do know something about football) After wards I watched my previously recorded "playoffs" (the Miss America pageant), he would not watch with me, but I'm pleased to say that all my top picks made it to the finals and once again, someone I picked from the very first lineup won! Congratulations Miss Nebraska!

2. My daughter is speaking in sentences, it is hilarious. Her newest is "whatcha doin mama?" That girl is pure sunshine (if you can name the movie that line is from, you are awesome).

3. I'm planning to go away with my husband next month for a weekend. It's our first time away together without Izze, I'm pretty excited about it. Yes, my daughter is pure sunshine but she is a very busy toddler and with all the energy she is exuding lately I've got "sunburn".

4. Last Friday on my day off I took down the old wallpaper border in the kitchen, and painted a cabinet to see how it would look. Not too bad, I actually did pat myself on the back for that one. I'm still deciding if I want to do that for the whole kitchen though.

5. My kids in Discovery Kids church are LOVING God and are really seeking Him! Our worship time has been incredible, these kids are entering in, they are really taking in the word too. I'm so excited to see what God is doing in their lives! In two weeks we are starting a new series where we will go through the book of James and I am going to put them on a reading plan, I want to do prizes for it but I haven't decided what they will be yet, I'm working on it.

6. I have taken up cycling at the gym and I really love it. It's been my "me" time, a part of the day where I have carved out to do just something for me. I feel so rejuvenated after a class mentally and emotionally, it is exactly what I need in this time in my life.

7. We have started Life Groups at our church and Louis and I are hosting one in our home. I love our group! We are going through The Purpose Driven Life together, and honestly, I didn't think I would enjoy it. I'm a bit of a book snob and when something spreads like wildfire, I try to avoid the masses and stay away from it. (In the past I was sucked into a few mediocre at best reads that so many people told me were "a must read"....boooo!) But this one actually is living up to it's reputation.

There, 7 days, 7 things that keep have kept me warm ;o)

Seasons Changing

2011-01-10T10:58:00.000-05:00

We are in the dead of winter again in the Northeast, this time of the year is hard for me but I'm hoping that this will be the last one where the absolute bitter cold effects me so much. It seems like each winter here I go into a hibernation mode, I don't want to go outside, it feels like too much effort to try and keep warm, and when I do venture out there is a chill to my bones that almost seems to never go away. I go into a state of anxiety whenever there is a possibility of me having to drive through streets that have not been plowed very well (the entire neighborhood that my daughter's daycare is in). On top of that I become quite the whiner as well and I fantasize about becoming a snowbird. Yes, in the past 4 winters that I have spent in Maryland I frequented real estate websites checking out what I can get in Florida. *Sigh* confession time...

But this time I'm resolving something in myself. I'm not going to be unprepared next winter...instead of looking at the calendar in disdain, doing my best to just ignore what lies ahead I will roll with it. Perhaps an automatic car starter to warm up the car so I don't have to go out and do it? A warmer coat that I can be cute in? Should I venture into a new interest in hats?

I say all this because in the past week I have found myself telling numerous people that this winter is the last straw and that I won't be living here next winter, when that is not true at all. I love the state of Maryland, I love where we are...each season, excluding winter, are absolutely beautiful here. We are very settled in our home and church and friends. Not to mention the huge key factor that I don't move unless I know God is leading us somewhere different, and so far He is not leading anywhere else.

So let me stop being a big baby about the cold...oh Lord, help me with my attitude change! I really do want to change! Sigh...okay, I'm going to the mall today to find myself a cute hat, maybe something with some sparkle. ;o)

My Not So Secret

2011-01-03T22:33:00.001-05:00

Can I be honest? I get overwhelmed sometimes. I want to take care of everything I am responsible for with excellence, and in doing that I can drive myself a little batty sometimes. Fact is, my time alone with God is what fuels me daily. I've had lately a few people comment in my strength...I can assure you, it's certainly not my own. I was thinking about it today and a song from my childhood popped into my head, mind you it's so eighties...but it says so clearly who I am. Here's the lyrics...

The Warrior is a Child - Twila Paris
Lately I've been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight
People say that I'm amazing
Strong beyond my years
But they don't see inside of me
I'm hiding all the tears

They don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
'Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child

Unafraid because His armor is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I'm amazing
Never face retreat
But they don't see the enemies
That lay me at His feet

They don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and and cry for just a while
'Cause deep inside this armor
the warrior is a child

They don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and look up for a smile

'Cause deep inside this armor
Deep inside this armor
The Warrior is a Child

(Louis and Izze, but it reminds me of being with God...I can relate, can you?)

Daniel 3

2010-12-10T08:55:00.000-05:00

Daniel continues to rock my world. Reading today had me shouting all by myself in my house I was so excited!

Daniel 3 holds the account of what has to be one of my FAVORITE times God has come through for His people. Today my joy is even higher remembering the God I serve and of course it gives me some self-examination questions at the end.

So, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego being thrown into the firery furnace is not a new concept. But I want to highlight some key things today...

1.) vs. 18 "but even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, tha twe will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." I have done a whole post on the "but even if He does not" before...it's not a game. I love seeing people who don't compromise their worship, not because of religion but because of a deep and sincere love for God.

2.) vs. 27 "they saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them." If that doesn't make you shout I don't know what will. This furnace was so hot that the soldiers escorting them to the entrance died. These servants of God were able to walk around in it, hang out and come out not even SMELLING like smoke. That's the God I serve!

3.) vs. 28 & 29 Nebuchadnezzar response "they were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way." So we know Nebuchadnezzar was definitely an emotional leader, he was always "extra", that's just a side note. Here is the kick in the pants that I love so much about reading God's word. Have I willingly and daily given up my life so that those who don't know God can see that nothing saves like He can? That's easy for people in public to see, but what about those I live with? Those that I spend my intimate family time with? Those that I am comfortable enough to let my hair down in front of? Although I am so comfortable...do they see that even in my down time I have given everything I am and have over to God? It's definitely my prayer that my loved ones not only see that, but see that it is only because of God at work that I have the peace and joy that I have. It is only through Him that my family is blessed, it has nothing to do with me at all but to give glory to God that others may desire a relationship as well.

Giving up a life was the only way to save us, giving our lives back to God is the only way our loved ones, our staff, and those we minister to are going to desire that same commitment to God in their lives. Not out religion, but out of love.

Daniel 2

2010-12-09T08:45:00.000-05:00

This is going to have to be a quick blog because I don't want to be late for work. I had to write it now because today is a busy day.

I recently began a study of Daniel and what a tremendous treasure chest this book is. Here is a man who really had to work outside of his comfort zone at work and remain true to the God who called Him. He was so professional and respectful...I'm loving what I'm learning.

Today I'm dissecting chapter 2 and something really pressed on me. Daniel sought God for wisdom and moved not because he wanted the Kings favor, or his household to be blessed, he wasn't looking for a bill to be paid or friendship. This was a life or death situation, not just for him but for his friends and people that didn't serve the same God as him. I don't know about you, but I need this reminder daily. People are dying all around me, my intercession is not just about speaking purpose or destiny, trying to stir up some sleepy Christians or just keep my house together. Those things are not trivial, but they aren't the reason why I accepted the call to ministry years ago, I said yes because I saw the depravity of man and how desperately people needed to know Jesus. There are dying people that need the revelation of Jesus Christ, today. I had to ask myself, do I really operate in ministry daily as if it is a life or death situation for someone?

That's my thought and focus today...it's a matter of life or death. Gotta go, don't want to be late for any divine appointments on my way to the office.

-Erika

More Lessons From My Daughter

2010-12-05T17:32:00.001-05:00

There is so much to be learned in parenting. God never ceases to amaze me in how He speaks through my child. This picture was taken a few weeks ago in Florida. I went to visit my parents and I took Izze to the pool in their community.

She looks like she is going for it, right? Well, she was. Although she had been here before, it wasn't often enough for her to remember where she was. That did not stop her, she had a suit on, there was another toddler in the pool...fun must be involved.

She has no idea what the clouds above her head mean. She doesn't have to, that's Mama's job. Her job as a kid is to explore and live, she moves freely knowing that I am there to keep her safe.

So know I ask myself, "how you livin?" Am I too concerned with what I can't control? Am I missing out of the fullness of what God is giving me because I'm trying to protect myself and that's His job?

Some questions to ponder today as I remember two weeks ago I was in sunshine and now I'm preparing for snow tomorrow!

FYI - it never rained that afternoon, the clouds rolled away shortly after she got in the water and we had a great time!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tis the Season to be....Stressed?

2010-12-02T16:07:00.002-05:00

This is my favorite time of the year, HANDS DOWN. I am a woman who absolutely LOVES Christmas and all it stands for. Celebrating the birth of my Lord and Savior, the parties, the giving, the decorations, love it love it love it muah muah muah.

With that said, I realize it can be a very stressful time of the year for many people. Can we talk? Pull up a chair baby because if you are stressed this holiday season I want to have a cup of hot chocolate with you. So just imagine you are in my living room sitting down with me, my tree is up and you have a cup of hot chocolate in your hand with whipped cream and a candy cane sticking out of it (it's the only way to serve hot chocolate in the month of December).

Take off the burden of feeling like you have to buy a bunch of stuff. Release yourself of family expectations. Do what you can and let go of the rest. Your children will be fine, your mother, in-laws whoever will get over it. Spend time, quality focused time with the people you love and do some thoughtful things. Jesus came for us to have life more abundantly, not for us to be stressed out on His birthday. Here are some things you can do with your kids/family/friends...

1. Bake with your kids, it doesn't have to be elaborate, it doesn't even have to be edible! It just has to be something you do together.

2. Watch a Christmas movie snuggled together on the couch.

3. Sit together on the couch and take a look at the tree, talk about the things that you can pray for other people.

4. Snowing outside? Bundle up and have a snowball fight...no snowsuit? Then just wear many layers of clothes...

5. Blessed with hot weather? Have a Christmas Race...losers have to wash the dishes. ;o)

6. Go Caroling!!!! Remember that? I suggest you go to a person's house you actually know.

7. Take a nap!

8. Go for a walk or a drive and look at the Christmas Lights

9. Do an act of kindness Secret Santa in your house. The gifts have to be secret acts of kindness.

10. Pull out old scrapbooks, photo albums, slides and movies. Talk about Christmas when you were a child. Share family holiday history.

So there's a few ideas. If you want more, email me. I'm always researching and thinking up something to do. Also, I have a book on my desk titled "1,444 Fun Things to Do with Kids", so if you have kids, I'm sure there is something in there that can help you out.

Love you...have a WONDERFUL Christmas season! Don't stress out, if you need me to give you a pep talk, come back here and read this or email me!

Update on the Hendricks Family

2010-11-09T11:28:00.000-05:00

We moved into our first home!!! We are very happy...lots of work to do, but we are still celebrating!!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Guest Blogger...Again Too Good to Pass Up

2010-11-05T15:40:00.000-04:00

This was too good to miss...a very respected woman in my life blogged about a pet peeve we share in common and the spiritual lesson it reminded her of.

Sit back and enjoy the minister of Pastor Sheri Hawley at Embrace the Grace.

My Thoughts on Halloween

2010-10-29T12:11:00.000-04:00

Hosting the church's first Trunk or Treat has given me the opportunity to hear many different people's opinions on the topic. My father got saved when I was 8, so I had 8 years of trick or treating under my belt before he decided to cut off "the devil's holiday" in our house. We went from costumes and candy to going out to dinner so we were away from home or ignoring the door. I get it, and my parents did what they felt was best for my sister and I. That's cool. Here I am 23 years later facing a decision. Now I LOVE Jesus and exist to make Him known, I'm a parent and a Children's Pastor. Where do I stand on this day that has divided so many Christians?

I'm at a place in my life right now where I believe that EVERY opportunity to share the gospel and expose the lies that the enemy brings needs to be taken. One of the biggest lies that the devil uses on Christian children is that they cannot have fun, that serving God makes them weird and their being set apart, something that is so precious, is not something to be desired. LIAR!!! I'm angry, I'm angry at these lies and I am rising up to fight for our kids. So on Halloween, I will do my best with all that I have to provide an atmosphere of fun where God is glorified in all that we do. I'm not content with sitting the day out, I'm riled up...I'm going in that enemy's camp and I'm taking what he is trying to steal from our kids. On a day that God created to worship Him (because everyday we live is a day to worship God), satan decided to try and twist it and use God's creation to worship him instead of the original creator. I'm taking it back, there is nothing on this earth that belongs to satan, it all belongs to my Father. So we will not celebrate death, we will celebrate another day of life to proclaim the goodness of God in all that we do!

I want our children to understand this and I teach them that things such as communicating with ghosts, witches, mediums and the like are desperate attempts people make to feed a need that they have in their lives. I teach them that we were created to have a relationship with God, to live connected to someone that is GREATER than anything this world has to offer and is more POWERFUL than anything. I teach them that we have this need just like we need to breathe, need food, need sleep. I teach them that not everyone knows this and they don't understand that what they need is God, not the scary things that are celebrated on Halloween. I teach our kids that it is our responsibility to tell people about having a relationship with God and that means to live it before you speak it. As I was speaking to them I gave the following example of feeding a starving person only candy, they would get sick. They understand that, I told them that it is the same with us, we are designed to have a relationship with God, we were designed to talk to Him, hear from Him through His word the Bible, and to live showing love to others like Jesus did. Without that, we can get sick in our mind, we get sad, we make bad decisions. Our kids left with the understanding that knowing God and making Him known to others through our lives is a part of who we are, we need it like the air we breath and the healthy food we eat.

So yes, I'm going to give out the best candy on the block, with an invitation to Kids Church attached to it. My child will not be going from house to house asking for candy. If she wants candy, she will get it from church or family. She will participate in church activities and school activities. She will be dressed that shows fun and positivity. My daughter will worship God everyday of the year and live knowing that greater is HE that lives in her than he that is in the world.

Potty Training

2010-10-11T11:57:00.000-04:00

What I'm learning from potty training.

1. I don't mind change as long as it is a quick and final change
2. I hate being in limbo
3. My child is now like a puppy who has to be watched every second
4. Thank God for couch cushion covers that can be removed and washed

We will get through this Izze, sigh
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

My Dream Team...Possibly Part 1

2010-10-06T21:56:00.000-04:00

I say part 1 because there are so many that this could easily be more than one post...I say possibly because I'm a busy momma and may not get to post again soon.

So tonight I was thinking about my "Dream Team", a team comprised of people that I like to glean inspiration from. I would have to say that my ministry/leadership/life style is pretty eclectic and this is the team of geniuses that I would love to have a monthly "meeting of the minds" on any area of life. So here they are in no particular order and I'm sure I will want to add later...My Dream Team.

John Maxwell...why? Because Leadership is EVERYTHING! His acronyms in his books do start to get on my nerves though.

Joyce Meyer...because I love her straight talk in the Word. We would be besties.

Eileen Hunter...ask anyone you know who the flyest Woman of God is in the world and I bet you Eileen's name will come up. She is the real deal, loves Jesus and lives to inspire people to know and serve him, she is a great mom and she is a Latina!

PThirtyOne Promtional Video from Eileen Hunter on Vimeo.

Frank and Sheri Hawley...again, I respect people who passionately serve God and show that REAL people can live in this world and accomplish this. Not just great Pastors, they are great people, wise parents and a great married couple. They are a couple that my husband and I both look up to.

Kimora Lee Simmons...I love the fact that Sheri Hawley and Kimora are on the same list about something. Say what you want about Crazy K, she gets the job done in her business, takes care of her children and looks great while doing it. She gets props from me for that. I appreciate her work ethic, leadership and vision in her business.

Rob Dyrdek...this guy is a brilliant business man, created a brand out of his passion and his creativity is awesome. He created a place called "The Fantasy Factory" to work in and have fun in and it's awesome. I would love to have kids church in here! Rob has a great mix of vision, fun, creativity that I need for my ministry. I want kids church to be exciting for the kids, I want them to learn and have a great time while worshipping and serving...

Dr. Sheila Cornea, do you really think I could write this list of my dream conference room brainstorming team without Dr. Sheila? Author, speaker, and a great model of Organizational Leadership. Sheila sees potential in people and takes time to develop them.

And as I type this, I realize how most of my co-workers embody different elements of these people. Another reason why I love our team at Living Waters. :o)

There is Excitement in the Air

2010-09-23T10:28:00.000-04:00

Fall is here, my daughter is turning 2...Christmas is coming and we will be in OUR FIRST HOME! I'm excited about the traditions that we are beginning, for the first time ever my Christmas gift from my Husband will not be under the tree, the tree will be under it!

Izze's First Christmas Morning...in the hospital, December 25, 2008

I really don't care if we have no other presents (money will be tight with us moving right at the beginning of the holiday season, November 1st). We will be HOME, TOGETHER, HAPPY, HEALTHY, and WARM :o)

Izze's second Christmas...snowed in with her cousins, December 25, 2009.

Throughout the years I have collected traditions from people that I have admired and have begun them. This year will be even more exciting because of Izze's growing awareness of when something special is going on around her. Here are a few of the traditions:

2 trees...a birthday tree for her (she was born on Christmas Eve) that is white, pink and lavender and has NO christmas themed ornaments and our regular Christmas Tree. Her birthday tree will be in her room.
Papi brings home the fresh Christmas Tree and we decorate as a family. Each year a new ornament is added to the collection according to what each person in the family is into or has accomplished that year.
New and fresh Christmas Pajamas washed and extra fabric softener used on the pajamas and sheets to make bedtime on Christmas Eve a little more special.
Santa's Cookies and Milk left out on his special plate...and running to the plate on Christmas morning to see if he ate!
Puerto Rican Traditional Christmas Eve Meal, Pernil, Arroz con Guandules, Coquito, Reading the Story of Jesus Birth (my dad did that every year), Salsa music...and Christmas Cookies for dessert (Noche Buena was ALWAYS a big deal in our house growing up).
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Christmas Morning (thanks Pioneer Woman).

I'm SO EXCITED! Don't you want to come to my house for Christmas this year?

Guest Blogger...Too Good to Pass Up

2010-09-15T09:36:00.000-04:00

So today I'm posting a link to a GREAT blog, must read for any woman.

http://www.goingbeyond.com/blog/spiders-and-wives

Check it out, and take it to heart. I know I am!

New Blog

2010-09-14T20:07:00.000-04:00

A couple of my friends and I are starting a Mommy's Recipes blog to share some things that work in our households. Feel free to join in on the conversation...visit us at http://realmomsofmdrecipes.blogspot.com/

Why You Need a Recipe Box...

2010-08-26T09:27:00.000-04:00

Ok, you don't need one if you don't cook at all. But every mom should have a recipe box. Even I, lover of all things Apple, the iPhone, iTouch, I'm writing this blog via my MacBook Pro and the glorious orphan that I need to add to my collection the iPad...still keep to physical recipe cards in a box. I have always wanted to do this and on a recent trip to Michaels I saw a cute box and cards in the $1 bin so I couldn't resist. To get started I just sat down one evening and starting writing a few down. Actually, each week I add 7 more recipes (the recipes I am making that particular week) to it until the box is full. My box is a combination of stuff I thought up, Weight Watcher recipes, and other people's recipes that I altered slightly to my liking.

So let me tell you why you need a recipe box...

We ALL get stuck in a rut, cooking dinners 6 days a week (sometimes 5 if I'm lucky) I tend to repeat dishes a lot. BO-RING! Now, I can skim through my cards and remember something I made in the past that my family loved.
I'm hoping that one day my daughter will be a sentimental schmuck like me and want it. I'm hoping that one day after I am gone she will have my recipe box in hand while planning Christmas Dinner for her family. It will be like I'm still in the room with her.
I plan my dinners for the entire week when I go grocery shopping and I now take my cards with me.
If hubby wants to cook me something, all he has to do is follow a recipe.
If I can get my friends into this we can trade them like our version of Pokeman cards...LOL! My red velvet cake for your thumbprint cookie recipe!

So there are my top 5 reasons. If you have a recipe box, what are your reasons for keeping one? If you do not have one and you cook, I hope I bullied you enough to get started! (Mami, I know you are reading this...that means you!)

We Fall Down...

2010-08-25T13:50:00.000-04:00

Okay, my post is not about Donnie McClurkin but I have to sidetrack for a second to say that I had the honor to listen to him speak when he came to our church two weeks ago and he is such a down to earth speaker! I was also blessed to do his hospitality basket (I do the baskets for our guests)...oh what fun. His had to have been the best basket I have made yet, I wanted to keep it! Here's a pic...

Anyway, back to my original post. My pookie fell down the stairs yesterday!!! She was doing something that she wasn't supposed to be doing (climbing up the stairs on her own) and Mami was being bad herself not paying enough attention. Seriously, do not let your eyes get off a toddler for ONE SECOND! She fell down our stairs, bawled and bawled...and I held her and cried right along with her. It hurt my heart so much to see her hurting, she was mostly scared...she doesn't have a scratch on her and she was dancing to the Fresh Beats in no time at all. As I held her I thought about how we spoke about forgiveness in Kids Church last week. When we fall, God longs to hold us and heal us, but sometimes we don't come to Him. We sit and hurt on our own, never fully recover because we do not come to the arms of our Father who is ready to forgive and teach us how to walk right so we don't fall again.

If you are a parent and you are having a hard time forgiving yourself today for something, imagine how you would feel if your child was hurting and refused to come to you to be comforted, healed and corrected. Allow yourself to come into the presence of God, after all the best place to fall is in His arms.

Love you and rooting for you as always,
Erika

Keeping My Heart Light

2010-07-26T09:22:00.000-04:00

My posts have been a little heavy lately, it's time for a little lightheartedness (yes, if it's not a word I'm declaring it as one).

Here are some fun and happy things buzzing around the Hendricks fam:

1. Izze is going potty! She is starting to get used to doing it and is catching on a lot faster than I expected. I shouldn't have underestimated her, friends and fam remind me not to do that anymore.

2. We had a wonderful time in North Carolina a little over a week ago. We took a spontaneous trip to see my sister and family and it was so needed. Beautiful state, I couldn't appreciate it before but I'm appreciating it more and more now.

3. I'm lightening up in more ways than one. I'm back to walking 2 miles a day, my tan from North Carolina is already fading away, and I'm putting into practice scheduled fun in each day. I have noticed that I have been a bundle of nerves and I'm battling to keep myself chill.

4. We had 10 salvations and 13 recommittments in Kids Church yesterday!!! I asked each one of them why they came up for prayer and they all said either "because I want to choose God in my life" or "I want God to help me not to bad stuff anymore" or "I want to be Jesus friend"...whichever way they worded it, they got it. It was a great day in Kids Church.

5. I love the way Louis and I have been doing life together, I really feel like I'm sharing life with my best friend. In our first year of marriage he asked me "do you want to go on a journey or on an adventure?" We choose adventure, meaning that we choose to live life fully and take some risks together.

6. I'm learning to keep my balance in family life, ministry life, friend life, taking care of me life, and God time life....although these are all interconnected in some way and I am navigating it better.

7. My friends put a smile on my face, they are awesome women of God.

8. I have a niece on the way...my best friend is pregnant with a little girl and I can't wait to hold her!

9. I still love my iPhone, it is the greatest invention ever made. My heart longs for an iPad.

10. I have discovered that I love washing and folding laundry when no one is home. I put on a chick flick and just fold away...it is very soothing to me. I mentioned this on Facebook and people made comments about me doing their laundry. I would do it, clothes is clothes to me...but the catch is I have to do it in my own home, alone, with my girlie tv shows. If kids ministry doesn't work out, maybe I'll start my own wash and fold service. :o)

I'm Not A Person! I'm a PEOPLE!

2010-07-14T10:15:00.002-04:00

Those words echo in my mind are from an adorable little girl. Her older siblings were trying to explain to her the plural and singular forms and she just wasn't having it!

Working with children has this type of reward, unlimited access to funny moments that bring sunshine to a dreary day. Indeed this child is a "people", and these people are on my heart today.

She's a pastor's kid. Unfortunately, she will grow up immediately labeled by who her parents are. She will either be singled out or completely ignored in some circles. Others will automatically assume things about her, forcing an identity to her that doesn't belong because of the public arena that her father works in.

Ouch that makes my heart hurt...and she stands for every pastor's kid in America who is screaming on the inside "I'm not a person! I'm a people! There is a group of us that are individuals and have interests and abilities that have nothing to do with what are parents or siblings do!"

I must admit even I have been guilty of this treatment. I write cards out to random kids off my attendance report on a weekly basis, just to give them a note of encouragement knowing that a piece of mail for a kid will make their day. When I see kids that are children of my colleagues I had the intial thought NOT to send them a card, because for a split second I lost my mind and thought they didn't need ministry because they live with ministers! I snapped out of that quickly and rectified the situation. EVERY CHILD needs ministry, EVERY CHILD deserves to be celebrated as the individual they are. I even wrote a card to my own daughter from our ministry, just to get in the habit that Isabel should receive the same ministry in church that I work so hard to provide all the other children.

So love on the leaders children, pray for them, support them, and in some churches where you know your pastor isn't making much....give them a Christmas and/or a Birthday present. I remember for years my mom discreetly gave presents to a few pastors children at Christmastime because she knew the family did not have much to give their children. These kids grew up watching other families get presents from the angel tree...even help distribute these toys only to go home and not receive as much as the "needy" families in the church did. That is not the case for every pastor's kid, but if you don't take the time to pray...how will you know what need you are able to meet for these children?

Hopefully this blog will be read by those who can commit to blessing these little individuals into being what God wants them to be. If you need help being reminded that, let the following sentence spoken by another pastor's child echo in your mind, "Mommy, can we go to another church where no one knows me so I can be like the regular kids?"

I'm Bothered

2010-07-03T19:16:00.000-04:00

He's cute, isn't he? Marvin the Martian and Pepe LePew are my two all time favorite cartoon characters.

I'm bothered by a statistic posted by my friend Amanda, "A survey conducted a couple years ago in several Assembly of God churches stated that 80% of the church attenders believe the church exists to meet their needs and the needs of their families."

She was heartbroken at this...I was angry. I grew up in the church, and have served alongside many Pastors and Lay-Leaders in my 31 years. These people sacrifice so much on a daily basis for the cause for all to know Jesus and to live in a relationship with Him. This statistic shows me that the 80% reflected in this survey don't get it and only go to church to get served and not to serve.

Yes, the church helps to meet needs but that is not where it's purpose is, community service is a part of a much bigger picture. It angers me to hear this statistic because I see what needy, hurt people do to those in ministry when they lose sight of God and feel that the leader has stopped meeting their needs. My anger is not towards anyone who genuinely has a need, it's for those who sit in the congregation week after week to receive and never give back. My anger is towards church-hoppers who go from church to church trying to find a system or a person to fill a need that only God was designed to fill.

Off paper (meaning this blog) I am much more censored. But here I would like to say what sometimes I long to say...GROW UP! People are dying and the 80% who are equipped to help are asleep. WAKE UP!!!

In an airplane, the crew instructs you that in case of emergency put your oxygen mask on first then assist those around you who may need help. Church, we are in an emergency...get your mask on and then turn and help your neighbor!

Fishies in the Fishbowl

2010-06-30T20:06:00.004-04:00

Oh don't mind us...just some of my ministry friends and I having lunch...

Ministry is a beautiful thing. Helping people find their healing in Christ and seeing them live it is an AWESOME thing. It comes with a hefty price tag though, your privacy or feelings are rarely considered when you answer God's call to serve His people. In ministry, you get judged, dumped on, talked about, lied about, or just plain worn out from helping others navigate through their stuff.

I have one thing to shout from the rooftops..."PLEASE REMEMBER THAT WE ARE ORDINARY PEOPLE!!!" Pastors have feelings, leaders have personal lives outside of whatever area they are leading in. Pastors give their lives to serve God's people, they are public figures and have to be shared with the people. Before they are Pastors, they are some one's son or daughter, they are some one's sibling or spouse, they have children who need them. Can your Pastor get some grace? Can your leader establish boundaries for their personal life without someone getting offended? Want to test your level of offense? If you get ignored on Facebook...are you going to feel some kind of way? Or can you respect the fact that your pastor/leader has friends and family that they want to reminisce and keep in touch with without you liking or sharing their precious memories? They still love you, they just have other areas in their life that do not involve you and that is okay, as a matter of fact...if you want a healthy and balanced pastor you should insist that they enjoy their life outside of ministry and cover them.

It doesn't feel good to be a fish in a fishbowl. I think the best thing anyone can do for the best of God's Kingdom is to focus on God, walk with Him, respect those in authority by remembering that they belong to God and have to deal with a lot of warfare, they deserve privacy and downtime. Just because someone is placed in the public eye does not give the public the right to overstep personal boundaries or abuse them as if they are placed on earth by God to solve the problems of the masses.

I don't feel like I'm done on this topic so I will probably revisit it another time. Until then, you can send me your thoughts on the subject.

You are Awesome! You are the Answer to Someone's Prayer!

2010-05-24T09:42:00.003-04:00

With the big vision God has given me for our kids ministry, I can only do as much as I have volunteers to help. I can't be everywhere, literally...our nursery and our kids church are in two separate buildings with no connecting hallway. I can't do everything, I have family and my own relationship with God and friends that I need to nurture.

This is why I don't take for granted any person who helps in any way. Recently, the mother of one of my kids church kids started volunteering as my assistant during the week. It has been nothing short of wonderful. I have gotten twice the work done in the same amount of time. She takes initiative, she is competent and she has a great spirit. As my favorite housewife, Teresa Guidice, would say... "I LOVE LOVE LOVE her! muah muah muah" lol. In extolling all of the virtues of this volunteer to my supervisor he gave me one of the best pieces of ministry advice ever. He told me to pray for five more of her. So I did, I wrote on my God's To-Do List "send me five more Fatimas". He then sent me Tawanna...another fresh gem who has taken off like a rocket. It goes on and on...I have learned to be specific in my prayers for the right kind of people to join in ministry with and I have been incredibly blessed by the wonderful people that have come in to join an already pretty great team.

I decided to talk to you all about this because of another gem that God has blessed our ministry with called on Saturday night. It was looking like I was going to be waaaay short on teachers this past weekend with it being graduation weekend for every college in the state so Tawanna and I had been nothing short of begging people to take on another sunday. In the last hour Rose called and asked if I still needed help. My response was absolutely...this woman pulled off an incredible class the next morning.

No matter how many times I say thank you, it just does not express my gratitude. My volunteers may look in the mirror each day and see something common to them, but to me you are answers to my prayers. You all are precious to me and if I sense that you don't realize the worth that you are to this world, it saddens me. Never take yourself for granted, you are doing tremendous things in the body of Christ, you are changing the lives of children...who knows what traps these kids will avoid in life because of your dedication, prayers and example.

So even if you are not one of my volunteers, understand today that you are a gift. Someone out there is praying for the help that you can offer. You can change someone's life with something as simple as a geniune smile, a sincere "how are you?", or a prayer. Don't hold back today, there is a world full of hurting people that need to be touched with the gifts that God placed inside of you.

I love you all!
-Erika

My Source

2010-05-14T08:50:00.001-04:00

I'm doing a lot, but I'm not doing it alone...this song is about my source. Enjoy!

Life School Musical 2010 (80 photos), by Creative Communications

2010-05-08T21:57:00.002-04:00

Check out the pictures from our production that took place last night. This is one of the reasons I have been MIA...it was definitely worth it!

The pictures were taken by one of our parent volunteers, Tawanna Sawyer. Which I'm pretty grateful that she took them because during all the setup I didn't think of delegating that to anyone!

Thank you Tawanna!

Click here to view photos

You Are the God Who Sees

2010-05-05T09:00:00.003-04:00

Two of my favorite Biblical moms are on my mind today. Can you guess who they are? Mary and Elizabeth? Ruth and Eve? (Definitely not Eve, I have a bone to pick with her when I get to heaven)

It's Hannah and Hagar. Yes, I said Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian slave who bore Ishmael. I love Hagar's story because it reminds me how God extends comfort to whomever He chooses. She was a slave, from a culture who worshipped many other gods, she didn't know Him for herself. Hagar never said the sinner's prayer or got baptized. You won't see Hagar at the potluck...but God saw her where she was and comforted her. He named her child Ishmael, meaning God hears. The decisions were made by Hagar or Ishmael after that moment are of no importance to me. That moment God gave her saved her life, they were surely about to die in the wilderness. That is the kind of God I serve. The God who sees everyone, the God who loves everyone, the God who will extend grace to anyone who will take the time to stop and listen and obey. (which Hagar did because she returned to Abram's home) I don't get every Christian ritual correctly, I don't have to "shout", I don't have to be the prim and proper church lady with the fancy shoes and dress suit that meets halfway between her knees and ankles to be appropriate. Neither do you...all you have to be is yourself, love God, obey Him and watch how He will work in your life.

Be comforted by the God who sees...no matter who you are or what you are doing today.

I'll talk about Hannah tomorrow. I'm done.

Loving in This Moment

2010-05-04T18:06:00.003-04:00

A friend of mine mentioned that I do what I am loving in this moment some time ago and I haven't done it. Well, since this has been a super busy week and I could use something fun to think about...here is what I am loving in this moment, in no particular order.

1. The fact that at 17 months my daughter is showing very real signs of her "Divaness". As we speak she is walking around the house wearing her Abby Cadabby costume, which she pulled out of a "to give away" bucket and handed to me to put it on her. My kid is so fly.

2. This car mechanic that Louis found. He comes to our house to work on our cars. He does a great job, he is reasonable and right now I am having my brakes done while in the comfort of my own home with her highness.

3. My new hairdresser, Bebe. I finally found someone that I want to stick with since Frank. She is from Argentina and I love her. For once in the past 7 years I have left the salon and not had to go home and fix my hair.

4. This new peace my husband and I have with discussing finances. We have come to a new place in communication.

5. The kids in children's church...they are so awesome. I always say "my kids". I love them to pieces and I want them to grow in their relationships with God.

Side Note: The Diva has now grabbed my wallet (a wristlet) from my purse and is walking around as if it is her clutch purse.

6. People watching with my husband. We go to public places and make up stories of where people have been and what they are doing.

7. The fact that I just answered my phone and it was my sister saying that she will be here on Friday for the play!!! Yes, I have a family member who will drive 5 hours to get here to be here for only 24 hours just to support me. The love is overwhelmingly humbling. One of the many reasons that my sister is awesome.

8. Mondays...it is my day off. I love a rainy Monday after a busy week where I can relax at home, do laundry cook Sunday dinner, and bake. I also love Mondays where I have plenty of blow money where I can shop, get my nails and hair done, and have lunch with friends like all fabulous housewives do.

9. I love girly t.v., not to be confused with emotional drama queen t.v. I don't like Lifetime movies but I love me some Kimora Lee Simmons, Real Housewives of New Jersey, The Hills, Shear Genious, Jerseylicious, and Real Housewives of NYC.

Side Note: Now she has my keys and is trying to climb up the bookshelf to get my water bottle. Pausing for a small intervention...

10. The Kindle App on my iPhone. I can read books ANYWHERE from my phone...and download them instantly if I want to!

11. Sherrie Hawley, Sheila Cornea, & Eileen Hunter...women who I have learned SOOO much from and I continue to thanks to the invention of the internet.

12. Irene Rollins, Dana LeBoeuf, Kyra Rollins, Lori Dodson...women who are woman enough to be my truest friends. There is nothing I can't say to them and they still love me.

13. Ricky Bobby, the movie talladega nights.

14. My husband...who just walked in the door so I gotta go...peace out lovies!

The Prayers of a Child

2010-04-16T13:01:00.003-04:00

The above picture is of my niece, AJ at her doggie themed birthday party last year. She will be 8 tomorrow...time flies, I remember when she was born and I held her in my arms the first time. Her little face had already showed me that she was going to be a spunky one.

Her spunkness is not the topic for today's post, her faith is. At this birthday one of AJ's presents was a fish that she named Bubbles. Now, AJ LOOOOVES animals (hence the dog themed birthday) she already knows that she wants to be a vetrinarian one day. This past week she got my sister and said, "Mami, I think Bubbles is sick" and to my sister's dismay as she approached the fish bowl she saw that Bubbles was struggling to swim but kept floating to the top of the bowl on his side. Keeping composure like only the best mom in the world that my sister is, she calmly told AJ that they would give him some fresh water and see if that helped. When the water change did not help, Brenda told AJ to lay her hand on the bowl and to pray for Bubbles. My niece prayed, "Lord, you know how much Bubbles means to me and I know that You can heal him. If you want to take him to heaven, that is okay, but Jesus...Bubbles is special to me and I would like him here." Guess who started to swim normally again? That's right, that little fish was healed!

Now AJ is a special and precious child, but that faith and healing power is available to any child that calls on the name of Jesus and believes. Her faith is cultivated by parents who lovingly and consistently lead her to Jesus through their lifestyle of being believers themselves. When AJ was in her mother's belly her older sister, Renae, laid hands on her mother's stomach and prayed for her sister to be filled with the Holy Spirit. How do these kids learn these things? From a partnership of their parents and their church.

Kids in these times need to know that Jesus is real, they need to see it through our lives. Time passes so quickly, it seems just yesterday that my nieces were born and here they are 13 and 8 years old. It's never too early to equip a child with the knowledge of accessing the presence of God. What are you doing to facilitate a life-long journey of faith in your child?

Sporadic attendance, making serving in the house of God seem as an afterthought, your child never seeing you pray or worship...do you really think that is going to equip them to face a ruthless world? Learn with me, having children means that you are 24/7 investing in their life. It's not time to be a couch potato, tired, or lukewarm. It's time to take care of your physical health, emotional, spiritual and financial health and equip these children to be world changers!

Go, I'm in your corner...
-E

Stop and Smell the Chocolate

2010-03-31T20:48:00.001-04:00

I was about three years old when my abuelo passed away (my fathers dad). I remember him very clearly, I remember feeling happy to see him whenever I had the chance. Three distinct memories still remain in my mind 28 years later. The first being going to Tio Pablos house where abuelo lived and running downstairs to meet him. He stood there with his guyabera and had his arms out to greet me and of course he had a piece of candy, this time a candy cane. The second time I was at the store with him and my father, he bought me a cadbury creme egg...I remember how weird it was to me to see an egg that was candy. That was the last time I saw my grandfather alive. He passed not too long after that and my last memory was his funeral, my aunt carrying me telling me that it was time to say goodbye to abuelo.

So every year since I was old enough to buy my own candy I have bought myself a cadbury creme egg. I take a minute to stop, remember that moment I had with him and be grateful for the fact that I can remember such fond memories of him.

In life we have to take moments to fondly remember those whose lives have touched ours.

Happy Easter Abuelo!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Another quick thought

2010-03-22T00:12:00.001-04:00

Ok all of you moms who are or soon to be potty training. Do not, I repeat do not train your child by turning the water on and off! I am a 31 year old woman who can't wash dishes without having to run to the bathroom! (and since the baby I have had to run faster...I know I know TMI)

And moms who already did it and find yourself frustrated at a teen who must do potty breaks while cleaning the kitchen...just point that little finger of blame right to yourself!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Quick thought for today

2010-03-20T09:47:00.001-04:00

People who "seek God" for selfish gain end up practicing religion and don't last. Life is not really about us, chasing a prosperity god is a quick way to get burned out...or as we used to say in college "churched out".

Willingly lay your life down for Him daily and watch how much richer you feel! Gods love is the love that our hearts long for. It's not too late to change.

God, what can I do for YOU today?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Spring is Here!

2010-03-19T10:07:00.008-04:00

Spring has come to Maryland! Yes, we are enjoying the high 60s, low 70s just in time for Easter! I love the spring, I always feel like there is a new beginning in spring. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I feel like so many things just die in winter and give a chance for new things to come forward in spring. These new things come forward in such a BEAUTIFUL way. My street is lined with cherry blossoms on both sides and when they bloom I will take a picture for you all.

I am currently in the midst of production for our spring children's musical, the beginning stages of planning for our VBS (which is going to be PHENOMENAL! Save the date for the last week of July), recruiting and training for our upcoming kids discipleship programs, and my regular sunday planning and recruiting new volunteers. Baby, I'm tired! It's a good tired, I am enjoying myself and I am taking the necessary breaks needed to be a wife, mom and friend first. This week after work I took a detour home and took Izze to the park first and she had a blast! (The above picture is from that afternoon) Tomorrow morning we are going to take family pictures for the first time and lets see how that goes...I will post pictures of that when I can.

It seems like a alot of busyness...but I have learned my body signs and I have forced myself to take certain breaks. That's really important no matter what type of industry you work in. The American culture seems to celebrate workaholics, I make a purposeful effort to go against culture. Balance! Let me give you an example. I have been going to sleep earlier, and this morning I felt especially sluggish. I came to work in a fog. I sat at my desk to work and I needed a boost. I looked up and decided to move some furniture around in my office. A fresh perspective gives me what I need...what do you need for a boost? Spring cleaning, a relaxed walk in the sunshine after work? Whatever it is...do it today.

Here are some pictures of the work in progress in the Kids Ministry office. I still have a lot to do...but a little at a time it will get done.

This is the view walking in. I would like to paint this wall someday. The bookshelf and the poster of the little girl are what is new to this wall space. I love this little girl! We printed many posters like this for our last kids sunday at church so I am using one in the office.

This is to the right as you walk in. It is a work table, currently I have a volunteer who comes and helps me a couple of times a week. As you can see we have quite a bit to sort through for VBS already!

This is to the left as you walk in. I have a dry erase wall paper that I am putting up on the blank side (GREAT for creative meetings!) and I am getting some colorful curtains and a nice curtain rod for the window. Eventually I will have bean bag chairs for the kids and some storage for books and crayons.

This is the view of the front door from my desk. I have a little seating area to talk to volunteers. I need to get a nice fake plant, a friend of mine gave me a beautiful orchid for my birthday and I have already killed it. As much as I try, I am HORRIBLE with plants! I'm hoping that if I give it some love it will bloom again.

So that is what I did to kick it in gear this morning! Maybe this afternoon Louis and I can put our hammock back out on the patio so we can relax and watch the sunset. :o)

Guest Blogger

2010-03-11T17:55:00.002-05:00

I am back in the full swing of sunday preparations, volunteer training, planning our musical, planning easter, vbs....the list goes on and on. But I wanted to share. There is a blog I love to read written by Pricilla Shirer, Bible teacher, author and leader of Going Beyond Ministries. She is currently in Austrailia and I LOVE the experience she had that she wrote about today in her blog.

Read her post from today here...this is what heaven will be like! I wish I was in that room with all those believers from ALL OVER THE WORLD!

So today as I am feeding Izze her dinner of chicken and vegetables (hey if Mami and Papi are Daniel fasting...SO IS IZZE! Except for her much needed milk of course) I am dreaming about the day where we will worship with people all over the world.

Love you all!
Erika

Recent Findings

2010-03-06T18:49:00.006-05:00

One thing that my friends and I like to do is share findings that help along the way. So I figured I would share with my online friends as well some of the great findings I have found recently to make life a little bit easier!

1. Boogie Wipes!
Boogie Wipes are awesome. They are wipes that are soft and filled with saline for when your child is congested. They not only helped me keep Izze's face clean throughout this upper respiratory infection, but her face never got chapped and her little nose did not get sore. It helped me keep my little one as comfortable as possible...THANK YOU BOOGIE WIPES!

2. Rotisserie Chicken
Yes, I know it is not exactly discovering penicillin. I am a Food Network junkie and this week I remembered Giada DiLaurentis saying how you should always have a rotisserie chicken in your fridge. It worked for me this week...this $5 supermarket gem is great for a quick meal with veggies, ripped up and on top of a salad or last but not least...I'm using the leftovers tonight to make chicken broth for homemade chicken soup for my family. Thank you Giada!

3. Alexia Sweet Potato Fries
Another gem for a mom on the go. I pop these in the oven and my husband enjoys them much more than regular fries. I'm happy because it is a healthier option for us all.

4. A Dry Erase Self-Adhesive Wall Calendar
Kohl's is just a find in itself, but that is another post. I found this today while strolling around for $10. It clings to my kitchen wall, easy wipe off and it easily comes off without harming the paint. (I know this because I had to move it around a few times) Great for a family calendar, great contact area for a babysitter, and great list section so when we run out of something we can just write it on the permanent list.

5. Izze's Fisher Price Booster Seat
Okay, I made this purchase a while ago but I must say it is one of the best baby purchases I have made. I really did not want to clutter up our dining room with a high chair and this portable one is easy to clean, easy to pack away, and extremely easy to take to restaurants. It attaches safely to any chair and it was only around $20 or $30. One of the best baby purchases my husband and I have made. Here is a picture of Izze in it praising God for her chair, boogie wipes and dinner of rotisserie chicken and sweet potato fries!

I Feel You Near

2010-03-06T07:31:00.001-05:00

I check the weather every morning and this is what I saw today.

Spring, you are near. I am starting to see distinct changes outside and this confirms it. Could the worst winter we have had in so long be finally behind us?

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm starting to see a light at the end of my tunnel!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Does This Look Like a Sick Baby to You?

2010-03-04T18:07:00.003-05:00

Remember my saltiness? It dissipated around lunchtime after I had settled in a little bit and had lunch with my co-workers. Then I got the phone call from the doctor, I had called about the cough that I wasn't sure if I should be concerned about. Sure enough, she wanted to see Izze and I had to pack it up and take her in...

In the doctor's office Izze stood on the baby scale, when she realized it shook...she looked at me with wide eyes of excitement then wiggled her little body to make it shake some more. My kid...she laughs in the face of danger! I need to learn from her.

So our little Izzie Bear has an upper respiratory infection and the beginning of a double ear infection, she also has a fever which had developed by the time I picked her up from the baby sitter this afternoon.

Mami immediately went into recovery mode, we went to Walmart got her medication, chicken soup, juice and a new humidifier. I have to make sure my little one has everything she needs to get well!

So again, no deep thoughts for you... just life as a Mami and although it's challenging, I love it. I love my baby, she is such a sweet girl. Even when she wears me out! I mean look at this little face, don't you just want to hug her?

Salty...

2010-03-04T09:45:00.003-05:00

I'm feeling extra salty today for no apparent reason...for those who do not understand what I just said it is one of those days where I got up on the wrong side of the bed, and my present circumstances although small present an array of annoyances...hence the saltiness.

Isabel has some kind of nasty congestion that is now in her chest, some kind of wheezing cough which leaves me wondering, should I be worried about this?
I drove all the way to Labcorp to get bloodwork done and didn't have my paperwork with me, wasting my time.
My deadlines for my back to back meetings this weekend are really real and I still have writer's block on finishing that newsletter. For once I am without words.
My husband and I are in desperate need of some fun in the sun together alone time and neither do our schedules nor our climate work towards this goal.

I feel a heavyness and I'm really tired. I just really need a pick me up smile today. So I prayed for one, not just for me for my whole office and my family. I'm working away waiting for it to come through.

No Other Thoughts

2010-03-02T14:47:00.004-05:00

Ever have a day where you had no other thought than the dishes in your sink, the clean laundry that needs to be put away and the dirty laundry that needs to be washed?

Yes, it is one of those days for me. No deep thoughts to share...I'm swallowed by my task list today. I'm trying to finish the March Parent's Newsletter but I have writers block. I have a lot to do and not much time to do it....so peace, love and hair grease friends...and since I mentioned hair, here are some pics of Isabel's hair-do from yesterday. Her Papi did her hair for daycare!

Mama did NOT say there would be days like this!

2010-02-27T11:23:00.002-05:00

Getting to the gym this morning did not work out, (no pun intended) I was late for class, no parking ANYWHERE due to snow piles still melting and I turn around to find my toddler had taken her shoes and socks off again....

No worries, we have a gymboree class at 12:15. Go home change the child let her play and put her in her crib so I can change and I find this....

She is knocked out. Moms know...if I wake her she will be cranky, if I don't wake her we will miss class at gymboree. Nothing I planned is working today!

Sigh...someone please explain to me why gymboree only has two playgroups on Saturday? They certainly do not cater to the working mom with the bulk of their scheduled groups taking place during 9-5 Monday through Friday. If anyone has any other suggestions to get izze to have age appropriate fun somewhere during these cold winter months please let me know.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Moments that Stop Me

2010-02-26T08:34:00.005-05:00

As a task oriented person I tend to feel this inner drive to just "go go go!" A had a few moments in the last 24 hours that brought me out of task land and back to reality. Its my prayer not to miss these or any other moment because the way I see it right now is this...life is really just made up of a bunch of moments to worship God and see His work all around us and to point others in that same direction. If I miss these opportunities because I'm so focused on the how and not the why I will miss out on the richness that life brings and become bitter, tired and ultimately depressed.

1. My friend Amanda's blog...when she said, "It's an overwhelming feeling: to feel like I don't have access to my emotions, deepest thoughts or sometimes prayers. To feel like every effort to turn my eyes upon Jesus is met by some crucial demand before me." I knew that I was not alone and it reminded me the difference between what is urgent and what is important.

2. I had one hour to leave the office, pick up my daughter, go home refresh her baby bag, start some sort of dinner (forget 30 minute meals...with the right prep done ahead of time you can get it done in 15!), change her, bundle her back up and take her to church with me. All the while thinking about the class I was going to teach and try to think of ways how little Izze was not going to get in the way since she refuses to stay in the nursery. I got to the babysitters and she had just started eating her dinner. I sat down on the couch and tried to hurry feed her, it wasn't working...she did not respond well to this. So Mami slowed down and looked into her baby's eyes and seriously I just wanted to cry. Motherhood moments are a series of reminders that our life is no longer ruled by our task lists but by needs of our children. In that moment, Isabel needed a mom who was not going to rush and shovel food into mouth. I remembered that everything else will have to wait a minute, it will all get done and in time but my first ministry is to my family. I have to be purposeful that they do not take second place from the other responsibilities in my life.

3. Another feeding moment...this morning. Why is it I have moments of stop and pause when I'm feeding Izze? Maybe because it is the only time she is still herself. My daughter is a busy bee around our house running everywhere and her favorite toy...her laptop. She bangs on the keys and scowls at the screen. Could she already be adapting some habits from me? Anyway...I watched my daughter sit with her laptop and cheerios this morning and I was in awe of how much I love her. I said out loud, "hey let's just stop and talk about how much we love each other" and it hit me. How many times out of my day does God want to just put me in a high chair where I can't run away, close my laptop and talk? Again I pray..."Lord please let me not miss these moments"

4. Again all "moment loving" was lost when I got in the car and I joined the rest of Anne Arundel county in the morning commute. A song I heard a million times came on, "You place the stars in the sky and you know them by name...You are AMAZING God...You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same...You are AMAZING God." Oh my heart just exploded in love and Izze and I worshipped again to the babysitters house.

5. Worship didn't last very long. I got to the last turn before the baby sitters house and a school bus was in the middle of the road waiting with lights flashing for one last child. It was a cold morning, snow was flying all around us (thankfully not sticking) and I was so close to my first destination! Dropping off Izze and crossing another task off my mental checklist was right there and this bus is not moving! I sat there for what seemed forever but really it was probably only 3 or 4 minutes and saw the last child coming up to the bus. The parent was struggling to push their wheelchair bound child up the incline to the bus in the howling wind and blowing snow. The child seemed unresponsive and slumped over, the parent was huffing and puffing. You could tell that the two of them were having a rough morning. My heart went out to them and my waiting was no longer an issue. The little eyes in the backseat watched as Mami again re-focused on what is truly important and prayed for that family. When we are on the road, all these nameless and sometimes faceless people in the cars around us are lives that are trying to get somewhere as well...they have their own concerns and task lists.

We are human...there is so much clutter around us that we have to be purposeful and keep what is most important before us. We have to continually bring our minds to the present, to what God is doing all around us.

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33

The kingdom of God = sharing God's love with others
His righteousness = growing in His love
all these things = everything will come together...TRUST!

But Even if He Does Not...

2010-02-24T22:08:00.004-05:00

We are in a time of fasting right now, it's Day 2 of our 40 day fast. We have our scriptures ready, our cupboards stocked with only "fast approved" items, we have our prayer list and I am ready to bombard HEAVEN! I have my petition, I know who I am, I'm being humbled, I'm going to pray...God is going to remove this thorn from my side and bring revival!

Then I read this...

Daniel 3:17-18
"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

But even if he does not...

I am a visual person. When I read this, I can see the flames of the furnace, I smell the smoke and feel the heat on my skin. These guys are able to stand and say "but even if he does not" and be okay with it?

That's worship. When victory does not look like what I expected it to look like and I'm still able to stand and say, "the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away...Blessed be the name of the Lord." I remember times saying this through tears and trembling, meaning it but it still hurt to say it.

So tonight as I reflect I ask myself the question. I know that I can, but will I worship God no matter what the outcome is? I know that I have to...but will I do it whole-heartedly? Or will there be some part of me inside crying a pity party because I did not get what I petitioned for? Will I smile and serve and pray for others with my own disappointment aching in the pit of my stomach? You do know that is what many Christians do, right? There aren't gold statues to bow in front of, and an unanswered prayer will not send a Christian to the membership class of the church of satan the next day. But can bitterness be a god? Can taking an offense towards God show us who the idol is? Absolutely.

My antibiotic that heals such infections is praying in the same manner that Mary answered to the angel sent to tell her what is to become of her, "I am the Lord's servant, may it be unto me as He says." I cannot bring myself to declare to God what I have pieced together as to what my outcome should be. He is God, I am not. My life is not my own, I have to do the best with all that has been given to me and reach for all that He has for me. I cannot let my own expectations get in the mix and ruin the surprises that God has for me.

That is not easy for a control freak like me. I continually have to bring myself back to the cross and remind myself I am not my own. That's when I can worship and be free to say that no matter what outcome you decide for me, I thank you for it God.

So are you really ready for what God has for you? The good and the testing? Can you really handle if He decides to not deliver you from the fire? Get ready friends to be faithful with the answer He brings you. Together lets build that confidence in our relationship with God that we can stand like these three Jewish boys that I refuse to look up the proper spelling of their names!

"But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." DO NOT GET BITTER, DO NOT BOW!

I love you and I am rooting for you,
Erika

New Commercial that I LOVE!

2010-02-23T21:30:00.003-05:00

There are many couples I see on t.v. that remind me of Louis and I. But this Toyota commercial comes almost the closest to how we roll....

(If you are on facebook reading this you need to go to the original post on my blog in order to view it.)

What a Weekend...

2010-02-21T16:30:00.006-05:00

My heart is full...not just because I held George Clooney's hand at Madame Tussaud's wax museum yesterday, but it helped. ;o)

Friday night we had date night for the church which the kids ministry supplied child care. The kids had a BLAST! We had wii, movies, pizza, games, and open gym time and they partied hard. One thing that I can't do is post pictures of the kids ministry events because I don't want to post pictures of other people's children on the internet, I know I would feel some kind of way if someone posted Izze's pictures so as a parent I respect that.

Saturday was a great day with my friends. We went museum hopping in D.C. which I love and on the spur on the moment found a dim sum restaurant that is new to us which was nice. Although we did fun new things which makes my heart feel lighter, we had great talking time. There is something about when you get together with people who are cultured, mature, wise that you are in relationship with that makes conversations seem so life giving. That's how I feel with these women, these are friends that not only we share life experiences, but we lift each other up in our conversations.

It will be two years in March that God starting unraveling me when it came to friendships. Before then I can honestly say that I kept my heart on lock from everyone, including my husband. I would love people, but I would never let anyone get too close to my heart. Little by small, I have been winning the battle of vulnerability with the few trusted people that God has shown me that I can be safe with. First of those is obviously my husband, who let me tell you...he knows things about me that I could never dream about talking with anyone else and he has been such a safe place. Never judging nor condemning, whenever I struggled with something in my mind, my husband has loved me through it and prayed. He is exactly what I needed and more than what I wanted. Through Louis and our adventures (sometimes misadventures) in marriage I saw how I basically let God know "you can have my heart, but nobody else can ok?"

Not okay. Being an untouchable island, a robot who can go through the motions and help others but not be human enough to receive from others and let them know their worth in your life is not cool. I'm not totally unraveled yet, I still fight anxiety to let my trusted people know about my inner struggles. It's a fight I'm determined to win because I have learned that the dark side of leadership is this island mentality that destroys families and ministries. It's part of being a friend, you are not a true friend if someone allows themselves to be vulnerable to you but you cannot do the same for them. It's been driving me crazy because all week I have been looking for this verse and I cannot find it but somewhere in Proverbs I have read before that "in order to have friends, one must be friendly". That takes work, especially as mothers and wives. True, Godly friendships don't just "happen", the task to carve the time for friendships alone can be daunting for us. Then you want me to be vulnerable too?!?!?

It's worth it though, and when you have the right connections and are following God's prompting in allowing yourself to be free the fellowship you are experiencing becomes God ordained because you allowed Him to move in it. It's scary, many times I have that scared pre-teen mentality where I that I will be rejected, in those moments I remind myself that I am a grown woman and seriously, if I'm rejected, then so be it. Jesus was rejected and it didn't stop Him.

All of this to say, when you allow God to guide you in friendships and become vulnerable the refreshing time that follows breathes life into other areas in your life. I don't feel uncovered in being vulnerable with these women, I actually feel more covered knowing that we have each other's back.

And if you read all of this...then you must be a true friend! HA HA...this post is LOOOONG!!! Well, I did say I was inviting you on my journey of self-discovery and change!

P.S. - Our series in kids church is all about friendships and being the right type of friend, coincidence? I think not.

My Helper

2010-02-19T23:08:00.001-05:00

Someone loves to be Mamis helper. Izze carried the plates for the kids "slumberless party" tonight.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

I Used to Love You...

2010-02-19T09:45:00.005-05:00

Now I don't. We are supposed to get more snow on Monday and this winter has felt like one big season of death. There is no better word I can use to explain it, the air is still and beyond cold and the wind hits you like icicles piercing your skin. I usually enjoy every season but this winter and it's many major storms has truly worn out its welcome with me.

Insert here spiritual thought...that's just how life is. When you know that change is coming and you welcome it it may take an unexpected turn. What you originally welcomed may leave you worn and if it wasn't for the intimate knowledge of who God is in your life you may have quit. Faith in Him is the only light at the end of your never ending tunnel. Keep walking towards the light.

I long for spring, I long to see the flowers sprouting up, I long to walk out of the house without bundling Isabel and myself up with tons of layers...I long to walk in the warmth of the sun. But it ain't happening this week or next. I'm still in the dark of winter, holding on to the fact that at some point winter must end and spring will return.

Another thought, the 72+ and counting inches of snow we have been buried under this winter allowed me to gain a new perspective and appreciation for the beauty and life that spring brings. Winter kills off the things that were almost dead in order for spring to bring life. So could it be in this extended and extreme winter we are having...are there things that God wants me to put to death to bring an abundance of newness to my life this spring? Maybe...we will have to see. Like it says on the Bravo channel, home of my precious Housewives shows and Shear Genius, "watch what happens".

Hopefully I have sparked some thought for you too and if I have, can you do me a favor? If you are blessed to be in a warm climate can you go outside for me? Yes, I want you to go outside, turn your face to the sun, stretch out your arms and just let that warmth/heat hug you. What you just felt is what I am waiting to experience again. A harsh winter is not good for someone who loves to be outdoors in the sunshine.

So while I wait, I promise that I am not sitting in my house crying about lack of sunshine. I have a busy weekend ahead of me, tonight is our "slumberless party" for the kids filled with games and other fun, tomorrow I'm going out with some of my friends to Madame Tussauds in D.C. to celebrate my birthday...YAY! Then church on Sunday which will be awesome. How do I know it's going to be awesome? I'm praying that it is and our team is just really flowing in the changes that have come about. The kids are learning, God is moving, nothing could be better. We are also in the beginning stages of our children's musical! I am SOOOOO excited. You will hear more and see pictures of this in the months to come. It is an excellent play written by a company called Little Big Stuff Music. Check it out for your own kids' ministry if you want. Each play is not only well written, but comes with a devotional for the kids who are participating in the play to study what they are ministering about...so they are growing while they are preparing for the play. Good stuff, you know I'm always about growth.

The Prodigal Returns

2010-02-18T09:31:00.002-05:00

It's been a while since I have blogged and I feel like so much has changed! But really my job has changed and Isabel is just gaining more and more independence each day.

I am now the Director of Kids Ministry at our Church and Isabel is ONE! My husband is evolving as well...these transitions have given us many opportunities for us to work as a team on a different level. I feel like we are getting older, in a good way. With each new season of life I learn more and more how we work together as one. Marriage isn't easy but it is super cool and totally worth it.

I learn so much from watching this little flower develop each day. Every day she babbles to try and communicate, blows kisses and laughs hysterically whenever someone else laughs as if she is in on the joke. She truly is a character and I'm in wonder what will she be someday.

Every night I sneak into her room and take her out of her crib just to hold her a little bit. I want to relish these moments because I see how quickly she is growing. No matter how much she drives me crazy during the day with her busyness I have no problem giving my life for this child. Some of you may already see where I am going with this...

So at night when I hold her and whisper that I love her I wonder if that is exactly what God is doing when I sleep. I wonder if my busyness annoys him and if He is in Heaven shouting "Stop that!" and "No Ma'am!" I wonder if he rushes to put me to bed at night so He doesn't have to constantly coach me to stay away from thought processes that are harmful for me. I love Him, and although I will never fully comprehend His great love for us, looking in my daughters big brown eyes and watching my husband tackle fatherhood with tremendous grace gives me a little more understanding than I had before.

We ALMOST Experienced a Death Today...

2009-09-22T15:03:00.002-04:00

A few weeks back a friend of mine sent an email with one question, "If you saw me in the back of a police car what would you think I was arrested for?" This was sent to our "inner circle" and we were supposed to answer and ask each other the same question about ourselves. 98% of my friends told me that I would be arrested for assault. And there is my foundation for this quick blog/thought...

Yes, I do my best to be friendly and I love to laugh, but there is just a part of me that can handle business if I need to. This brave soul at my office today said to me,

"Erika, did you get new clothes? You have been dressing nice lately..."
"No, Will, I can now fit back into the clothes I had before I got pregnant, thanks for noticing"

Now everyone, let us rejoice for what God has done, because without Him, Living Waters would be missing a graphic designer right about now!! LOL

In his defense I started working here when I was 6 or 7 months pregnant, so his earliest memories of me are all third trimester Erika. But it flows with something I have been battling with. I don't have to wear my maternity clothes anymore, I have chosen to. Lately, I have noticed that it has been really really hard for me to stop wearing them, it's some kind of security blanket for me. I don't know if it is because I was a teenager in the 90's and I got so used to wearing super baggy clothes all the time or what. I put on a pair of regular jeans the other day and I said "these are too tight" and my husband said "No they aren't, they fit, your perception is distorted because you have been wearing baggy maternity clothes for so long."

Isn't that crazy? Am I the only mom out there who found it hard to let go of the maternity gear? It's just so comfy, like wearing sweats!

I did it AGAIN!

2009-09-22T12:01:00.003-04:00

View Larger Map

What is this map about? This map shows the route that Lori and I ran this past Saturday!!!! It is not exact to the route we took but it was as close as I could get to it. Google's goal is to get you the quickest way from point A to point B and we took the scenic route. So this is 11 miles on the map, but we did 15. YES....This 80lb overweight, 9 months post partum, never been on a sports team her entire life woman ran/walked 15 miles this past Saturday!

What a time, this was such a great experience and I recommend it to anyone who can do it. This was the practice run for the race I am participating in on October 10th this year. We had SUCH a fun time. First, I must say that I loved Baltimore before but this has made me truly LOVE the city of Baltimore. Even the not so nice parts of it.

When we began I was a little intimidated by all the athletes I was surrounded by. But I kept focus that my goal was to finish and have fun and I let that go. I can't let intimidation keep me from what I want to accomplish in life. And it paid to be the underdog, the bums and many people along the way were cheering me on, which was funny. I got a lot of "go girl! You doin better than me!" that day lol.

A couple blocks away from Lake Montebello we approached a pit bull that was guarding an alley. We thought he was on a leash but as we got closer we noticed that he was not. We definitely picked up our pace and crossed the street at that time! We took a wrong turn and went about 7 miles in the wrong direction which was funny to us at the time. The actual route that we were supposed to take was supposed to loop us back to our starting point. You can see where by looking on the above map, right after point C where the purple line is going up and up we were supposed to be running south towards the harbor and back to Little Italy instead we were going north towards Towson. Not cool, but it was a great memory.

So NO excuses!!! If I can do it, SO CAN YOU! Train your body and sign up for a half marathon, it is one of the best experiences you can have!

I will post pictures of the actual race day after October 10th. Till then, keep moving!

-E