My alarm wakes me up every morning, and yes, I’m guilty of snoozing it. Instead of music blaring to get me out of bed, I have the tuner set to Christian talk radio. Yesterday morning I heard a message that made it hard for me to fall back asleep. The message was in regards to being single and finding the perfect spouse. I know a few single men and women who are searching for their life partners. These folks are still praying and looking for the perfect mate they can grow old with.
My heart goes out to those who I believe are good, God-fearing people but just can’t find the right person to share their life with. What struck me was when I heard that single men/women are believed to find their perfect mate when serving the Lord. From what I understand, if you’re in a capacity of serving the Lord, then you’ll successfully find the ONE.
For those who are single and seeking with faith that God has your perfect mate already lined up, heed these words. You will find your mate when serving the Lord…in whatever capacity that may be.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Manny Pacquiao vs Antonio Margarito - Nov. 13th Cowboys Stadium
We’re doing a raffle prize drawing for a pair of tickets to the Manny Pacquiao vs Antonio Margarito boxing event at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington on Saturday, Nov. 13th. Each raffle ticket costs $25 and you can enter as many times as you want. The more tickets you purchase, the greater your chances are of winning. The total value for the pair of tickets is $223.56. The seats are located in Section 129, Row 3 seats 5 and 6.
Once again, you can enter to win this pair of tickets for only $25…while also helping a great cause! With each raffle entry, 100% of the proceeds will benefit Umphress Road UMC’s Building Project Fund. If you’re interested to purchase a raffle ticket, you can pay by cash or check made payable to Umphress Rd UMC. For further payment instructions, please see contact info below:
Stanley Ignacio, Jr. (signaciojr@gmail.com)
-OR-
Rowena Ignacio (rignacio121@gmail.com) or facebook.com/rowena.s.ignacio
Deadline to enter is Wednesday, Nov. 10th at 5pm. The winner will be selected at random during Wednesday worship service at Umphress on Nov. 10th.
God bless, and Go Pacman!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
I am second - Josh Hamilton's riveting story
I praise and thank God for the role models we have in this great country. Congrats to the Texas Rangers for making history. In case you're living under a rock, the Rangers are heading to the World Series for the first time in their franchise history. Amazing!
Have you heard of the advertising campaign entitled, "I am second?" Josh Hamilton plays left field/center field for the Rangers. He's a phenomenal athlete. But did you know he's a devout and publicly practicing Christian?
To hear his testimony and to now understand how he got to the pinnacle of his baseball career blows my mind. His life was hellish at one point during bouts of his sinful addictions. God gave him the greatest adversity so he had no other choice but to seek God for help and for guidance. Leaving a life of sin after having lost his parents in a fatal car accident and temporarily losing his ability to play baseball, Hamilton had no other choice but to look up for the answers to his life.
Last night, he showed spiritual humility in his post-game victory interview. He admits and believes that his success is not his own. For without God's grace, he wouldn't be where he is today. The success in his baseball career is not because of his performance. It's simply because he recognizes his gifts and talents are all being used for a greater purpose. I have goosebumps after learning what God had in store for Hamilton in order to make him rely on nothing but His love. Look where he is now.
Lord, help us all to realize our potential by understanding that it's not about us in the greatness of our accomplishments. After all, we all come second to your greater love and awesome power.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Wisdom in the company you keep
My husband and I were talking about how friends in our lives handle devastating news. There are those friends who put aside their own feelings to offer their help and comfort to a soul in need. Then there are those friends who can’t see past what’s in it for them and choose to cause further harm rather than selflessly help when faced with adversity.
Have you been blessed by a friend who makes the effort to see you in the way God intended for you to be…despite whatever wrongs you’ve committed? Do you have a friend who patiently gets on their knees to pray with you while asking God to change your heart or wrongful ways? Do you have a friend who walks beside you in your life journey unconditionally not expecting anything in it for them? If you have that friend, then you are BLESSED! They are the ones to cherish and although you may never be able to repay them for their kindness, just ask God to somehow return the favor.
Have you been blessed by a friend who makes the effort to see you in the way God intended for you to be…despite whatever wrongs you’ve committed? Do you have a friend who patiently gets on their knees to pray with you while asking God to change your heart or wrongful ways? Do you have a friend who walks beside you in your life journey unconditionally not expecting anything in it for them? If you have that friend, then you are BLESSED! They are the ones to cherish and although you may never be able to repay them for their kindness, just ask God to somehow return the favor.
I talk the big talk
Once again, daily devotionals humbled me completely. Yesterday’s Our Daily Bread devotional put me in my place. For those that know me, words are my life. I love words…I love strong words that they leave a lasting impression to the reader or audience. Not only do I love words in written form, but I talk the big talk. I’m sure people perceive me as arrogant and overly prideful in my daily word choice. People who enjoy simplicity don’t find that’s the case in my method of marketing communications. But believe me…I really just have a love of strong words!
In the sense of ministry, I’ve been reminded time and again that God doesn’t care for our excellence of speech by any means. Yesterday’s devotional discussed avoiding “lofty language” to elevate self-importance. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 2:1,), he wrote that “when I came to you, [I] did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.” Paul was a great man.
Last Sunday, I was the liturgist at Umphress Rd UMC. It was overwhelming because I had never been up at the altar reading aloud to the congregation. When I was asked to be liturgist, I was told I was a strong candidate for the position since my public speaking presence could be used to serve the Lord. I must admit, I was flattered and relied on my own sense of pride and confidence when speaking to a crowd. I figured, the Lord will carry me through this because He’s blessed me with the gift of communication and words.
It wasn’t until 30 minutes before I had to face the congregation was I truly humbled. Pastor reminded me that I should not feel overwhelmed to serve the Lord as liturgist because all I’m called to do is invite the congregation to worship Him. It wasn’t my job to speak lofty language nor was it my responsibility to speak with the most eloquent words to grab everyone’s attention. All I had to do was invite others as a call to worship in His name. I took Pastor’s instructions to heart and set aside my natural tendencies. I didn’t try to be MRS. PERSONALITY while at the altar. I did not try to hype up my presence in front of everyone. I humbled myself, read only what was in front of me and in the Bible and reminded myself of why God called me there.
I was then so honored to be asked to share His word in the most simplest of ways. I was calm and not overly energetic as I usually am when in front of a crowd. I remembered it was all about the heart of worship…not about me or my love of words. My simple love of Christ and will to be used were all that I had to pull me through…and I believe the Holy Spirit worked through me and in me. For the first time, my prayer and presence weren't intended to change people's reaction to me. Instead, I was humbled enough to change myself by letting go and letting God work inside.
The words we speak may indicate
A heart that’s filled with pride;
But godly self-control displays
The Spirit’s work inside. — Sper
In the sense of ministry, I’ve been reminded time and again that God doesn’t care for our excellence of speech by any means. Yesterday’s devotional discussed avoiding “lofty language” to elevate self-importance. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 2:1,), he wrote that “when I came to you, [I] did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.” Paul was a great man.
Last Sunday, I was the liturgist at Umphress Rd UMC. It was overwhelming because I had never been up at the altar reading aloud to the congregation. When I was asked to be liturgist, I was told I was a strong candidate for the position since my public speaking presence could be used to serve the Lord. I must admit, I was flattered and relied on my own sense of pride and confidence when speaking to a crowd. I figured, the Lord will carry me through this because He’s blessed me with the gift of communication and words.
It wasn’t until 30 minutes before I had to face the congregation was I truly humbled. Pastor reminded me that I should not feel overwhelmed to serve the Lord as liturgist because all I’m called to do is invite the congregation to worship Him. It wasn’t my job to speak lofty language nor was it my responsibility to speak with the most eloquent words to grab everyone’s attention. All I had to do was invite others as a call to worship in His name. I took Pastor’s instructions to heart and set aside my natural tendencies. I didn’t try to be MRS. PERSONALITY while at the altar. I did not try to hype up my presence in front of everyone. I humbled myself, read only what was in front of me and in the Bible and reminded myself of why God called me there.
I was then so honored to be asked to share His word in the most simplest of ways. I was calm and not overly energetic as I usually am when in front of a crowd. I remembered it was all about the heart of worship…not about me or my love of words. My simple love of Christ and will to be used were all that I had to pull me through…and I believe the Holy Spirit worked through me and in me. For the first time, my prayer and presence weren't intended to change people's reaction to me. Instead, I was humbled enough to change myself by letting go and letting God work inside.
The words we speak may indicate
A heart that’s filled with pride;
But godly self-control displays
The Spirit’s work inside. — Sper
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Believe in God because He believes in you
I firmly believe our paths have been predetermined by God. I believe we’re all called to be great to glorify the one God who intended for us all to be great. But I must remind myself that my own standards of greatness mean nothing. God is the judge and only He can lead me towards greatness if in my heart of hearts I let Him lead. I must remember to let go and let God!
"Lord, keep us faithful to Your Word,
Although, at times, we might rephrase;
And help us never twist its truths
To justify our selfish ways." —Sper
Our Daily Bread Devotional Oct. 16, 2010
In past years, I have made poor decisions and have become complacent in certain lifestyle situations. But I’m learning, growing and finally realizing humility and faithful perseverance are vital in every decision I make from here on out. Although I’m blessed to know where I want to go, it’s not enough to believe in myself. I must believe in God because He believes in me!
"Lord, keep us faithful to Your Word,
Although, at times, we might rephrase;
And help us never twist its truths
To justify our selfish ways." —Sper
Our Daily Bread Devotional Oct. 16, 2010
In past years, I have made poor decisions and have become complacent in certain lifestyle situations. But I’m learning, growing and finally realizing humility and faithful perseverance are vital in every decision I make from here on out. Although I’m blessed to know where I want to go, it’s not enough to believe in myself. I must believe in God because He believes in me!
Getting things done!
"A great life is not a matter of chance but a matter of consistently making great choices."
This is an incredible mantra. I just had to copy and paste this quote from someone I admire on a personal and professional level. I have mentioned in previous posts that every lifestyle is a choice. We are where we are today because of the spiritual, personal and professional choices we have made. Are you happy with where you’re at? Are you proud of the choices you’ve made? Are you choosing to make the most of every opportunity you’re blessed with?
Mary Kay’s legendary “getting things done” method is simple and quite practical. At the beginning of each day, make time to list out the top 6 most important things you MUST get done. This way, the day ahead shouldn’t overwhelm you when you’ve prioritized things that you cannot creatively avoid. Think of the satisfaction gained when the business day has yet to end, but you’ve already accomplished necessary assignments no matter how major or tedious they may have seemed.
In the words of Mark Twain, we must all remember, “There is nothing that cannot happen today." But it’s up to you to make that choice and make the most of your day. Choose to get ‘er done, folks! Get ‘er done!
This is an incredible mantra. I just had to copy and paste this quote from someone I admire on a personal and professional level. I have mentioned in previous posts that every lifestyle is a choice. We are where we are today because of the spiritual, personal and professional choices we have made. Are you happy with where you’re at? Are you proud of the choices you’ve made? Are you choosing to make the most of every opportunity you’re blessed with?
Mary Kay’s legendary “getting things done” method is simple and quite practical. At the beginning of each day, make time to list out the top 6 most important things you MUST get done. This way, the day ahead shouldn’t overwhelm you when you’ve prioritized things that you cannot creatively avoid. Think of the satisfaction gained when the business day has yet to end, but you’ve already accomplished necessary assignments no matter how major or tedious they may have seemed.
In the words of Mark Twain, we must all remember, “There is nothing that cannot happen today." But it’s up to you to make that choice and make the most of your day. Choose to get ‘er done, folks! Get ‘er done!
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