Why not

Cleaning mirrors life. I enjoy cleaning because all the movement allows me to think. Today, I thought about how I am making sense of my new life and routine. 

We've been here for three weeks. Living in our new place has been lovely but it needs to be cleaned. I thought about several things as I cleaned today.

Decluttering has lasting perks. The main one is the fact that I didn't move trash across the country. Well, except for the one that literally came inside of the carefully wrapped trash can. Other than that, we were able to unpack and immediately find a place for our things. 

Moving means occupying a different space. I get to make peace with the fact that I get to use this home in a different way than I used the previous one. 

Storage spaces are different. The location of where those storage places are is different. I made a few initial decisions about where to store things. I believe in inhabiting a place for a while before deciding where things will go. Linens will go in the hallway storage while towels will be stored in the bathroom. 

Both items were stored in the same place in my old house. Different homes have different storage spaces. I physically get to use them differently. 

Lately, I've been wondering why I had a hard time saying goodbye to my old routine. I know some of my readers would remind me that I'm only human and change is challenging. I agree with you. I didn't want to stop there. I wanted to probe and find out why I wasn't open to the possibility of having a new routine. 

I decided to ask myself "why not" and try to do something different. It honestly felt like trying to stuff towels and linens inside one storage space while two are available. Different homes allow for different arrangements. 

I had to say "why not" to working out when the sun is out. I know. I'm the owner of the "beat the sun" club. We even have a Facebook page. The thing is, my priorities changed. My schedule changed because my family needs those early hours. I told myself "why not" try going when the sun is out.

It took some courage. So much so that my coach was wondering why I had a puzzled look on my face when I was about to start doing the WOD. "Your face looks puzzled. What are you looking for?" he asked. I answered, "courage." 

Courage is what I found at the end of the workout. It didn't kill me. It made me stronger, flexible and I learned more about myself. 

I learned that although change is challenging, I must answer its call. I learned that there is no merit in keeping things the way they were before. I must ride the wave of change and learn to flow with it. 

I always believed that transitioning to a new season of life is like rearranging a room. My dining room in the old house had tall ceilings, dark colors and some amazing paintings that made us happy. This house is bright and open. Instead of paintings, we thought the room needed photos that make us smile. 

We changed the furniture we keep in that room. We used the same pieces we had before. Some came from other rooms. Other pieces got a makeover. We are happy with the results. 

We had family over the other day and we used the room. Not one person wondered why we changed the way we arranged our room. The focus was on the smiles all across the room. Even during serious conversations, the focus was on hearing the heart. 

The room served its purpose, no matter how it was arranged. 

Now I'm wondering if like that room, my life can be arranged by God in such a way that it serves His purposes. 

I'm thinking I need to start by asking myself "why not?"

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How to Number our Days

I loved going to weekday women's meeting at my church growing up. My grandmothers were always  present, armed with their Bible and a Methodist Hymnal.

When we finished the meeting, every woman, girl, and boy in the room sang the motto of the women's society as loud as our lungs would allow us. It went like this:

"E seja sobre nós 

A graça do Senhor 

E confirma sim confirma

A obra das nossas mãos

Amém!" 

The translation is:

"Be upon us 

the grace of the Lord 

and establish 

Yes establish

The work of our hands

Amen!" 

Now, how smart is it for a group of women to dismiss their meeting with such powerful prayer? I thank God for the women who raised me. 

After we said our goodbyes, people moved on with the business of life. They moved on only after they asked God's blessing over the work of their hands. 

Have you ever thought about asking God to bless the work you do?

Enter life pre-COVID. Most women my age were busy working and volunteering (or they were busy complaining about all the stuff they signed up to do). 

Every year the same thing happened. People voluntarily signed up to do everything under the sun. At the end of the school year, there were parties, banquets, appreciations, etc. 

We forget that we are the masters of our schedules, not the other way around. 

We also forget that God is the master of our lives. He is well able to lead us towards the things we truly need to do. 

The truth is, we can't do everything.

Perception is everything in America. We all know that one of the ways to look successful is to sign up for a bunch of stuff and actually preside over the organizations that will give us more clout. 

Some women end up hating their own lives because they can't say no. I wonder if they know that this crazy lifestyle wasn't God's idea.

One of my mentors told me that this busy way of living, which leads people to be stretched thin by choice, is ungodly.

God's way is the only way to live well. Let's think of someone who deeply cared about God's ways: Moses.

Moses wrote Psalm 90, one of the oldest Psalms in the Bible.

The Psalm is described as a prayer. He starts by proclaiming God's eternity. 

Men and women are left with frailty at best.

God is eternal, He is all-powerful and we are not. 

Moses prays that God will teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom. 

So teach us to number our days,

That we may gain a heart of wisdom. 

Psalm 90:12 (NKJV)

The word for "teach", translated from yada, means "to know". The "us" is in italics in some versions of the Bible because it was most likely added by the translators so we can understand the writer better. 

If we go with what the writer wrote, we end up with "know to count our days." For what? That we may "apply" or "enter in" wisdom. Gain is another word that made sense for a lot of translators (and it is a good word). 

For our purposes, let's say that Moses asked God that we may know how to count our days so we can apply our hearts to wisdom. 

Let's be very honest and admit that God will most likely not tell us when we are out of here. He knows the day and the hour we are to die and for the majority of people, He does not reveal when that will be. 

So how in the world will we learn how to count our days?

I believe that's when choices come in the equation. 

God knows my end. He also knows what I should do in the between. 

He can teach me to number my days but I need to seek Godly wisdom to make my days count. God is able to teach me and I need to do my part. 

Here is an example of choices I made that were a waste of "numbering" my days. 

One time, I signed up to lead 5 or 6 different groups at church. 

My thought was: "there is a need and I need to fill it."

Did God give me the gift to lead? Yes. Is God pleased when I am stretched thin? No! 

Could God have told me which group I was supposed to lead? Yes. Did I ask? No. 

I learned that I couldn't do everything. During that time, I also discovered my physical health was deteriorating. I had to press pause in trying to save the world and change my lifestyle. 

I finished my commitment to the 6 groups. I took a break from leadership to take care of my health. Once my blood pressure was no longer high as a kite, I went back to leading one group. 

God is more than able to teach us to count our days. The only way our days will count is if we live them according to God's guidance and plan for our lives. 

Once you know what God wants you to do, you can ask Him to give you wisdom for everyday life. 

I know that right now, God is calling me to be Zeke's wife, the mother of our children, and a professional. 

Can I try to save the world again and sign up to lead 6 different groups in town? Yes. Will I do it? Well, you and I know it won't be wise. 

You have no idea how difficult it is for me to see a leadership need and to just sit quietly. I know there is a season and time for everything. When it is time to lead something outside of what I am currently doing, God will make it plain. 

Because there are opportunities to help everywhere. Here is what I realized:

I cannot do everything. 

I can't donate to every cause. 

I can't sign up for every meal train. 

So I won't. 

The things I choose to do, 

I will do with all my heart. 

I cannot control everything. 

I can't choose when this virus will end. 

I can't make everything go back to normal. 

So I won't. 

The things I can do, 

I will do with all my heart. 

With God's help

I will take care of my health. 

With God's help

I will care for my family. 

With God's help

I will work diligently as a professional. 

With God's help

I will respect my limits. 

With God's help

I will remember to pray.

With God's help

I will learn to number my days.

Only with God's help, 

I will gain a heart of wisdom.

That song from my childhood never left my heart. I am learning it to make it my daily prayer. I invite you to pray with me as we get ready to engage in the business of life:

"Be upon us 

the grace of the Lord 

and establish 

Yes establish

The work of our hands

Amen!" 

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Camp Listenbee 2019

Mississippi one, two, three!

We decided that the worst part of summer is that it ends. How we love our summers! Birthdays, celebration of motherhood and fatherhood are of them. We swim, we travel and we always learn something new.

This summer was one of learning and reflecting. Here’s what we learned:

Contentment - we learned we can do the best with what we have. I work in a wealthy area of Houston. I saw a lot of summer camp opportunities come to my inbox. Just for fun, I decided to pretend like I was going to sign the kids up to all of them. The imaginary bill was $20,000. I obviously rolled my eyes and decided that contentment was a good thing. I applied for scholarships and God blessed us with a few. We saved and the kids were able to be part of some cultural enhancing camps. Doing the best I can with what I have is one of the themes of my life.

Time - We started the summer explaining time management to the kids. The manual pie chart I created made a big impression on the kids. I explained what happens within 24 hours. I told them, one simply does not sit to watch TV the entire day. Other things need to get done and the sum of it all makes up a day. We made the difficult decision to take away tablets this summer. After the small, momentary discomfort, the kids were more alert to the life giving opportunities the summer provides. No one makes their best memories with their nose on tablet. I am okay with the perception that comes with taking such a stand if in return, I raise children to who can look an adult in the eyes and have a respectful conversation.

Financial Literacy - The kids learned to save and manage money this summer. I believe money management is a great skill to have. We opened savings accounts. They managed their money and learned from their mistakes.

We'll look extra cute for free Chick-fil-A!

I reflected on the goodness of God towards us. I reflected on the great “off line” things I witnessed. The friends who took the time to spend time with us. The family members we visited. The closeness of our family and the growth we all experience. I am even thankful because I learned from my own mistakes.

At the end of the summer, I don’t have expensive vacation photos to show. I don’t have perfect children who finished the library’s summer reading challenge. What I have is more important than that. I have thankfulness for the amazing summer God gave us. We used what we had and it was exactly what we needed.

More in this series:

• Camp Listenbee 2018

• Camp Listenbee 2017
• Camp Listenbee 2016
• Camp Listenbee 2013
• Summer Organization Tips for Mothers of Preschoolers
• Preschool Summer Camp Coop

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6 years of Houston: Adapting to a new Community

Moving to a new community can be challenging unless you understand it involves a three-step process including Transition, Adaptation and Discovery. I believe the first two steps are challenging but they are a necessary in order for Discovery to happen. Transition is the between space where you not where you need to be just yet. Transition is difficult, painful and it can be isolating. Once you arrive at your new destination, Adaptation takes place. Observation and learning go hand in hand as you become familiar with your new normal. The ties with your old space are still strong but you learn to let go of the old to welcome the new. Discovery is that joyous space where you learn about all the good stuff that was waiting for you while you were transitioning. I wish we all could shorten the stages that leads us to Discovery but everyone experiences the three-step process differently.

My family and I have experienced this process in the last 6 years. Two years ago I wrote that “having a church home and finding community are two different things.” The lesson in this statement has made my journey rich as I find myself in transition again.

We moved to Houston because of my husband’s job who happens to be at a church. I can say the experience was not new. When I finished my Masters Degree, I moved to a new place and I started looking for a church home. I must have visited a handful of places when I landed at the place God had prepared for me. Finding that church was a different experience than finding community. Community is a large body of people living in an area. The church exists in the community. Finding community during that time meant meeting people outside of church. That’s when I found bloggers, artists and all kinds of friends who were not part of my church.

My husband’s job happened to be at a church so finding a church home was a no-brainer when we moved to Texas. I thought that church and community were the same thing but I started to suffer because I only saw my church family twice a week. I needed friendship during the other 5 days of the week. I started to see community as an important place to be explored and nurtured.

I learned that most of my church friends were working moms while I was a stay-at-home mom. I put some effort into looking to my community to supply me with moms who had the same schedule as myself. I looked to my community for blogger friends, I also found my marathon training group besides other connections. If you have been in church since you were a fetus (that's me folks), it's hard to believe that there are great people outside of the church. I'm here to tell you there are excellent folks out there.

I found community and the community has nurtured me in many ways. I learned that a church home cannot supply all of my social needs. Life is more compelling when I stop expecting the church to be my everything and I welcome community as part of my life.

My Lord and Savior functioned the same way. I choose to think that He could have chosen to stay in the synagogue all day every day but He went around doing good. In order to go around, one must move out of where they are. That’s what I have chosen to do for the past 6 years.

I told you that Transition can feel isolating and I had the temptation to cave in to that feeling. I remember falling asleep looking at Pinterest, who was a close friend of mine for a good 4 months. Once I found community I had actual people to talk to during the day, playdates and blogger meetups to attend. It is tempting to stick with digital friendships when you feel isolated but having real people to talk to brings refreshment. The key is to keep pursuing community.

I have learned that community does not discriminate between introverts and extroverts. Please don’t use your personality as an excuse not to reach out. You are welcome just as you are somewhere.

Life is richer when you understand that having a church home and finding community are two different things. You become a better person when you press on, despite the challenges of the three-step process, and find yourself with a home church while deeply rooted in community.

More in this Series:

• 5 years of Houston: stuff I can say

• 4 years of Houston: reflections of a pastor’s wife

• 3 years of Houston: how my roots grew deep

• Pastor’s wife - purpose and security

• Hope during transition

• Transition and the dorm room

• Transitioning from SAHM to Working Mom

• Isolation

• While I wait: do something

• While I wait: finding balance

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Vamos continuar confiando em Deus

Oi amigos e amigas! Faz tempo que não escrevo em Português então aqui vai uma retrospectiva. Em Janeiro, eu e meu esposo completamos a maratona e a meia maratona de Houston. Essa corrida é sempre emocionante e muito prazerosa. O comprisso de treinar por 30 semanas é imenso mas vale apena. Esse ano estava quente demais, então eu corri devagar e terminei bem com a graça de Deus. 

Deus me abençoou com uma bolsa de estudo para uma aula na Faculdade de Estudos Bíblicos aqui em Houston. Estou na aula de Métodos de Estudo Bíblico e estou gostando demais. Essa aula simplismente te ensina a estudar a Bíblia melhor. Estou aprendendo muito e amando muito mais a Palavra de Deus. 

Outra bênção grande foi a oportunidade que eu e meu esposo tivemos de particpar de um acampamento de juvenis de inverno. Eu fui a preletora e ele foi o ministro de louvor. Eu sempre fui involvida com ministério com adolescentes mas essa foi a minha primeira vez como preletora. Deus foi fiel conosco e todos nós tivemos um final-de-semana de renovo na presença de Deus. 

Nós e alguns dos juvenis

O acampamento foi na Carolina do Norte. Fazem quase 6 anos que nos mudamos de lá, então foi um prazer voltar pra visitar. Fiquei felicíssima de reecontrar muitos amigos/as e irmãos/irmãs.

Aí no Brasil o Carnaval veio e foi, e eu aqui no norte de vocês nem senti a diferença. O interessante da cultura aqui é que na quarta-feira de cinzas muita gente comemora a quaresma. Nesses últimos 18 anos eu tenho observado muito esse costume do povo e é bem interessante. Eu não faço o que eles fazem, mas fico feliz por tanta gente se concentrar em Jesus e no sacrifício dEle pra nos salvar. Esse ano eu resolvi que esses 40 dias (sem contar os domingos) até a Páscoa é um ótimo tempo pra Jejuar, Orar e ler a Bíblia. Eu sempre tive o objetivo de jejuar mais e formar esse hábito. Já que o povo está todo animado com Jesus, me juntei a eles mas do meu jeito. Também tenho pensado que Deus é tão bom que Ele não precisa do meu jejum pra ser bom pra mim. Eu sirvo um Deus que é bom e generoso o tempo todo. Gente, eu acho que essa é a melhor notícia do dia. Eu não preciso de "manipulá-lo" pra fazer nada pra mim porque Ele já deu o Seu melhor na crus através de Jesus. Isso não quer dizer que não vou fazer minha parte, mas certamente muda a minha perspectiva.

Estou orando pra Deus me ajudar a visitar o Brazil. Acho que fazem uns 9 anos que não vou. Tenho saudade e certeza de que no tempo de Deus nós vamos e vamos aproveitar muito.

Um beijão pra vocês. Se tiverem sugestões do que querem que eu escreva, me mandem, OK? Até a próxima e vamos continuar confiando em Deus. 

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2017 Goal Setting: learning from 2016

The new year is almost here! It's important to write down your goals. It can be simple, it just needs to be done. As I rethink 2016, I have found an efficient way to reach my 2017 goals. It starts with reassessing. Have you reassessed your life in 2016? What worked? What have you learned? Here's what worked for me this year:

• Writing down my goals - I'm amazed that the simple fact that I wrote my goals increased the possibility of achieving those goals. This year I had 5 categories: Fitness, Family, Faith, Business and Other. The "other" goals were reached so easily. One of my my goals is to travel during the summer with my family. Another one was to run a race in California. I'm encouraged to keep writing down all my goals. 

• Looking beyond goals - A tired person is less likely to reach any goals. It's important to make some major adjustments beyond goals. I took a serious look at my time management and decided not to volunteer myself to death. I decided instead to practice "focused volunteering" which means, I looked at my time limit and my talents and then I made a decision about my volunteering opportunities. I also took a serious look on my joy meter because "no joy, no strength." I cut down on some activities that were just not bringing a return that added to my joy and well-being. Looking beyond goals can really help us reach them. 

• Be flexible - I have never experienced this but now that I am looking at some of my fitness goals, I see that I was being too strict with them. I didn't consider the detours that come to all people who set goals in life. I decided that I need to be flexible and I may need to adjust my goals while never giving up on excellence. 

Now that I have all of this in mind, I adjusted my 2017 the following way:

• I'm focusing on my strengths instead of trying to set goals for every weakness I have. I don't know why I never thought about that! In distance running, one needs to have a "running base" in order to wisely proceed with marathon training. The base is built over time and once you have a strong base, you may steadily put on more miles till you reach your peak. The you cut down for a few weeks then you run a marathon. I'm applying the same principle to goal setting. I built a base in 2016. Instead of going out too fast too soon, I'll build from that base and then keep going on towards my goals. 

• I will also write down "other" goals while being totally open to the awesomeness God may bring into my life. I'm thinking I enjoy living a "steady plotting" kind of life. The ordinary, every day activities are the ones that lead us to great achievements. Back to the marathon example, everyone loves marathon day, especially the atmosphere at the finish line. I wish those same people could see us on mile 7 then mile 23. Every mile tells a different story and we celebrate the culmination of months, MONTHS of training at the finish line. It took small steps. Some of us started with a couch to 5K training plan but we started somewhere. The key thing is to be open to the goodness that God always has in mind for us. 

I want to encourage you to take the time to write down your goals for 2017 before the end of 2016. I want to tell you that 2016 was not a waste. You lived and you learned. Let your 2017 goals reflect those lessons. Build on your base and keep moving towards greatness my friend. 

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How to set Summer Goals in One Easy Step

Hey friend, you have 205 days or 29 weeks till the end of the year! Yes, I'm a goal oriented person and I'm totally motivated by the goals I set way back in January. In all honesty, sometimes I wonder why I set my goals. When I feel like I am not making progress, it hurts me to look at them. I tell you when it does NOT hurt to look at my goals: when I reach them. So friends, I'll keep setting goals and achieving them because it works! Today I want to teach you how to set summer goals in 1 easy step. Why summer goals?

After the kids and I were out of school, I felt a little out of focus. I quickly figured out I had not set short term goals for the summer. Once I set my summer goals, life's been way more productive. 

Here's how to set summer goals in one easy stop: Write down your  Summer Priorities. Here are mine, not in order of importance:

• Camp Listenbee - we started this week. Because we have a schedule to follow, we can be as flexible or as rigid as I'd like. It's freeing have a daily schedule. I also signed the kids up for a few classes, so they will be our "field trips." So far we are all having a great time. I also enjoy the fact that I get to be the cook for the camp (and the director, nurse, counselor, you get the picture) and we are eating WAY better than we did during the school year. I actually have more time to cook so sandwiches are scarce (yes!).  

• Weight Loss - this last week I was able to journal my food intake for 7 days. That's a big win and it is showing. I am following my doctor's advice and that also has been a good for me. My goal is to lose weight to run better and so that my health can continue to benefit from all the effort I put into it. 

• Bible Study - I am co-teaching a summer study on the book of Colossians (you can hear it here) so instead of hanging out non-stop, I need to study a lot. Studying during Camp Listenbee has been interesting. I honestly study when I can. I know God will continue to give me grace as I make room for Him in the midst of all the assignments He has given me. I tell you what, making time to study the Bible in depth has been fascinating. 

• Work - Yep, I'm still working. It's been also great to learn how to work from home during the summer. Some of the strategies I started in the winter have helped me to stay productive. Maybe, if you're interested, I can tell you about my experience. You can go to www.cintialistenbee.com to learn about what I do. 

• Marriage - I recently looked back at these past 10 years and I decided there is plenty room for improvement for me as a wife. I am committed to invest in my marriage this summer. 

So, that's how I set my summer goals in one step. Easy hum? This list is a bit different from my January goals list but this list compliments my original goals. I find it helpful to brush off my list every season and keep my goals in front of me. 

I was amazed at how many of the goals I wrote last year have already happened. God is good and I am determined not to coast through this year. 

Last but not least, I decided to read more this summer. I got 3 books from the library: two Zig Ziglar and one John Maxwell. My goal is to fill up my positivity tank. I also know that as I read, I'll stay motivated to reach my goals. You can't give what you don't have, right? 

Have an amazing day and I hope you take the time to read your goals (or set them) today. 

Facebook Group mentioned in the post:
• HOPE Health Support Group
Previously in this series:

• 32 weeks left in 2016! Here are my goals

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Goals: 32 Weeks in 2016

I just completed 42 weeks of my adventure as a preschool music teacher. I am thankful to God for what's ahead. While I have learned a lot from the past, one thing is for sure: there is nothing I can do about it. Yesterday is gone and all I have is what God has given me in the gift of today. 

You and I have great possibilities contained in the next 32 weeks. What will you do with it? I have a pretty great idea of what I can do. 

• Family - Camp Listenbee will be in session for the summer again. I am planning an epic time with the kids. The goal is to experience new things without being over committed and exhausted. I'm looking forward to a happy summer filled with fun memories. I also plan on spending some major time with my husband. I've been married to him for 10 years but somehow, I can't get enough of him. 

• Health - I scheduled my annual exams and I have been working closely with my family doctor. I see her every 3 months because of the high blood pressure meds I have been on since 2007. The last time I was there I told her I am working on losing weight and she gave me some great advice. My goal is to be fit for my Fall and Winter races. Now is the time to do the hard work and I will continue to benefit throughout the year. 

• Fitness - I am reading "Run Less Run Fast" with my running buddies. I like the book and I plan on starting that training plan soon. My next race (Rock'n'Roll San Jose Half) is in October, so my fitness goal is to PR as well as a have a lovely time in California with my dear friend and her family. Right after that we crank up the Chevron Houston Marathon Training. My heart is to train with purpose for Houston and finally, finally run a dreamy race that shows in the numbers. 

• Business - I am open and eager to pursue new business opportunities this year. I've been praying and working on new projects and I'm excited about the places God is taking me. 

• Faith - There is something about faith that is not quantitative. God is all about relationship, so I'm happy about that. I am planning on continuing to read my Bible in One Year. I'm late but I am persisting and reading daily. I am also embarking on a new area where I have the honor of co-teaching Colossians with a dear mentor and a faithful sister in Christ. The study is called "Walk this Way" and you can listen to it this summer at www.MerryMinistries.com If you are a local friend, I expect you there. If not, do listen online. I will be studying and praying more than usual this summer as we embark in this amazing journey through God's word with the help of the Holy Spirit. 

I wonder if you have considered the fact that this is a good time to focus on your goals. January is gone but God is a present help today and He loves you for who you are, just where you are. 

Look for updates on these goals a few times this year and I will count on your prayers and encouragement, deal? 

Have an amazing day! 

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65 days to invest in YOU!

Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, you and I have something in common: we all have 65 days till the end of this year. That's right, God didn't discriminate when He gave humanity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
So, what are we to do with this precious gift of life? I have a few suggestions on how to make progress in your Spiritual life, Health and Friendships. 
Spiritual Life

• God is more than willing to draw near to us, it's up to us to draw near to Him (see Jeremiah 29:13 and James 4:8). There is a very natural side of my spiritual life. The alarm clock for example. Some of you know I was born a morning person (sorry mom!) so it's up to me to set it early in the morning and read my Bible when I wake up. I say it is a very natural side because in 35 years I have never heard an angel say (cue the scary voice) "CINTIA! TURN ON YOUR ALARM CLOCK." It's up to my natural self to turn on the alarm clock, wake up and read my Bible. It's called spiritual discipline for a reason. 

• Last year I thought it would be a good idea to read the Bible in a year. As you know, I started late but I'm all caught up. It was up to my natural self to decide that I wanted to read the Bible in a year, so I started following a reading plan. I also told a few friends who hold me accountable. 

• I'm not advocating for all of you to become Bible scholars (unless you REALLY want to). I am advocating for you to decide you want to draw near to God and take the natural steps towards that. 

Health 

• The holidays are coming people. Long gone is my fear of gaining a million pounds because of my own lack of self control. I decided to take charge of my health and I took on a Vegan for 23 days challenge last week. I'm on week 2 and I feel much better. I am amazed at how a small change can bring about so much wellness in my health. 

• I believe in taking small steps so last year around this time, my small step included drinking more water. It has became a habit and it has transformed the way I feel. 

• I am not advocating for all of you to become vegans. I know some of you will only become vegans when sirloin starts growing in trees (ha!). I do believe that we can all make an intentional investment in our health. Your well-being is so worth it. 

Friendships 

• This is the time of the year that many have the temptation to say "I am so busy" and our friendships get stuck where they are. I heard someone say that friendships require a weekly (sometimes daily) investment. Let's be honest here. Not all of us have a best friend, so the only people we talk to on a regular basis are family members and co-workers. Enter my new friendship concept that says "every friendship has a rhythm. For example, I just saw my friend of 20 years, Roberta. We see each other, every 3 years. We do our best to stay in touch online because we live in different countries. That's our rhythm. Last week I had lunch with a great local friend. We try to connect face-to-face every month or so. We see each other in other social occasions but every so often we have a heart to heart over chips and salsa. That's our rhythm. During the times we are not together, I try to remember her in prayer and I let her know that. 

• I'm not advocating for you to see your friends every 3 years. God knows I'd move Roberta here if I could. I am encouraging you to put some intentional investment in your friendships once you identify what is your "friendship rhythm." 

I pray that you are encouraged to make the best out of the 65 days you have left in this fantastic year. The excuse that we are busy is not a good one: the difference is purpose. I am reminding you of your Divine purpose. I am reminding you that only you can fulfill it as you make progress in your spiritual life, health and friendships. 

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4 years of Houston: Reflections of a Worship Pastor’s Wife

It’s crazy how quickly time goes by. We have been in Houston for almost 4 years. It doesn’t seem like it was long ago that we left our sweet North Carolina home and came to Texas. God has been faithful and we have learned so many great lessons during this time.

North Carolina, year 2011

 Some things are for sure:

• Saying goodbye is never easy - oh, I shed tears. I still miss our North Carolina family so much. Thank God for technology and old photos and videos!

• Transition kicked my behind - I knew that transitioning would be difficult but I didn’t know exactly how hard it’d be until I experienced it. Honestly, packing my house was very tough. A sweet mentor told me that disassembling the nest is never easy. I learned compassion for people who are in that position.

• Adaptation was tough - not because I didn’t want to adapt to a new place but because I wasn’t alone. Pregnancy hormones, the demands of mothering young kids and transitioning to a whole new place was very difficult. I tried hard to make friends, so Pinterest was a BFF for a while - sad but true. I kept persisting until I got to a place where I found community. Having a church home and finding community are two different things. If you want me to, I’ll write a new post about my thoughts on this subject.

• Discovery is great - once we got through the tough part of transitioning and adapting, we found out what an amazing place God had prepared for us. It was a clear as looking at my backyard. The previous homeowner had planted a bunch of fruit trees. We moved in close to harvest time. We had more fruit than we could use, so we spread the joy in the form of citrus (we had mostly citrus trees that were very VERY fruitful).

Houston, year 2015

From the hot day we stepped in Houston for the first time, I had Jeremiah 29:5-7 in mind. It starts with “Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit.” Eating fruit… check!

It goes on to say “have children. Multiply! Don’t dwindle away!” You know that’s a check because we were blessed with a brown haired Texas girl.

This particular passage also says to seek the peace of the city and to pray to the Lord on its behalf for in its peace you will have peace.

When my husband and I came to Houston to interview for his job, I looked at the skyline of Houston and I searched my heart before God. I asked Him for love for this new city. I’m happy to report that we haven’t lost this love but it has actually increased.

I will not lie to you so you think that every day of these last 4 years have been similar to a trip to Disneyland. Ministry (and life) is not always easy or glamorous but the fact that we are serving God is worth all the difficulties we experience.

I am thankful to God for this amazing opportunity. It feels that as we chose to look at every part of this assignment as a gift from God, He keeps revealing His purposes for us. I am thankful for the growth our family experienced while here in Houston (in the natural and the spiritual). I am also thankful for the friends who haven’t forgotten to pray and encourage us in our journey.

I’m looking forward to serving God and my family in this new year of ministry here in Houston.

Previously in this Series:

• How my roots grew deeper: 3 years of Houston

• 3 ways to create life through friendships
• Pastor's Wife: Purpose and Security 

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Wisdom, that’s my final answer.

This is the second part of "Who will you become in 2015?" I pray it blesses you! - Cintia

Last time we were together we talked about the fact that “it’s not about what happens to you in 2015, it’s about who you become with God’s help.” Today we are going to continue that thought but we’ll get more practical. My goal is to help you recognize that no matter what questions life throws at you, your response should clearly be “wisdom, that’s my final answer.”

If life was a game show, I think it might be very much like Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Remember that show? Contestants are presented with 14 questions of increasing difficulty and they are given 4 multiple choice answers and well as 3 lifelines.

Today I want to talk about Solomon, a guy who was so smart he probably came up with all of the questions on Millionaire.

In 1 King 3 we see him in the beginning of his reign as King, loving, worshipping God and offering sacrifices.

4-5 The king went to Gibeon, the most prestigious of the local shrines, to worship. He sacrificed a thousand Whole-Burnt-Offerings on that altar. That night, there in Gibeon, God appeared to Solomon in a dream: God said, “What can I give you? Ask.”

Solomon is obviously trying to do God’s will and we find him worshiping. He goes to sleep and God appears to him in a dream asking him the million dollar question. Let’s see what Solomon’s answer was.

6 Solomon said, “You were extravagantly generous in love with David my father, and he lived faithfully in your presence, his relationships were just and his heart right. And you have persisted in this great and generous love by giving him—and this very day!—a son to sit on his throne.

Did you know that your children are watching your relationship with God? What will they learn from us? Solomon watched his father David serve God with all he had and he also saw how God treated David in return. What are the silent lessons we’re teaching our children when it comes to our relationship with God? In Solomon’s family it wasn’t about having a perfect image but having a heart that was undividedly in love towards God. Solomon goes on with his request:

7-8 “And now here I am: God, my God, you have made me, your servant, ruler of the kingdom in place of David my father. I’m too young for this, a mere child! I don’t know the ropes, hardly know the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of this job. And here I am, set down in the middle of the people you’ve chosen, a great people—far too many to ever count.

9 “Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”

Can you tell the tone of humility in Solomon’s request? He asks for wisdom to lead well. Let’s see what God says.

10-14 God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon’s response. And God said to him, “Because you have asked for this and haven’t grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I’ll give you what you’ve asked for—I’m giving you a wise and mature heart. There’s never been one like you before; and there’ll be no one after. As a bonus, I’m giving you both the wealth and glory you didn’t ask for—there’s not a king anywhere who will come up to your mark. And if you stay on course, keeping your eye on the life-map and the God-signs as your father David did, I’ll also give you a long life.”

Friends, God knows our hearts. He hears our requests and He is also aware of the things we are not asking for. God tells Solomon, I will not only give you wisdom but I will give you what you did not ask for. Ephesians 3:20 says “now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,” God’s generosity is beyond measure. Do you see how His character is? Let’s finish the story:

15 Solomon woke up—what a dream! He returned to Jerusalem, took his place before the Chest of the Covenant of God, and worshiped by sacrificing Whole-Burnt-Offerings and Peace-Offerings. Then he laid out a banquet for everyone in his service.

He goes back home, worships and then he celebrates with his staff.

God is asking you and I the same question he asked Solomon. Our answer must be: wisdom, that’s my final answer.

No matter what God wants you and I to become in 2015, our answer must be: wisdom, that’s my final answer.

The way to get from where we are to where we need to be is by receiving Godly wisdom. It worked for Solomon and it works for us today. God is our source of wisdom so we can be present, patient, abundant in peace and forgiveness and intentional with our time.

Here’s how it works in real life. Let’s take “peace” for example.

1. Ask - the Bible says 5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:5-8 (ESV)
2. Wait for the answer - God will often show you the root of your problem so that you can have some real relief from your problem. In my case, I often overwhelm myself with a busy schedule and my peace leaves quickly. The solution was to learn to pace myself and prioritize my life. I also learned that rest leads to a more peaceful life. I also looked for all kinds of Bible scriptures related to Peace. * kids at Christmas
3. Take Baby Steps - some of us want to be more present for example and that will happen in baby steps. I believe that wisdom manifests in our lives in baby steps, I believe we grow in wisdom so if our goal is to be more present. Pray and ask God what is the first thing you need to do. He might lead you to start by connecting with the person who is talking to you instead of nervously think about your 16-task to-do list. He might encourage you to look at that person in the eye and really listen. We might not get it right all the time but remember, we grow in wisdom.

I believe that God speaks through His Word and He is our primary source of wisdom. Don’t go to the internet before you go God. I think that we’ll save a lot of time and heartache if we ask God for wisdom before we freak out and scare our friends with our desperation. Remember, always to go God first.

God also uses His people to give us the wisdom we need. I’ve mentioned to you how Sue Bridges, one of our mentor moms gave me some much needed wisdom that really blessed my life.  

No matter where you go, get in the habit of praying for wisdom for yourself and others. Every time I go to the doctor I pray that God will give those professionals wisdom to help my family and I. I also pray that God will give wisdom to my children’s teachers. I pray that God will give wisdom to my husband as the leader of our family.

Going back to you and Solomon. We’re obviously not sitting in a palace but we are the leaders of our household. Like Solomon we humbly come to God saying “I don’t know what to do so give me a God-listening heart, a wise heart so I can be the woman you have called me to be in this season of life.” Friends, once you ask in faith, God will give it to you and I can’t wait to hear just how He does it.

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