Blessing in Disguise

A little over a month and a half ago, our church was told that we had to pack up everything and go within 3 days. The dance studio that we were subleasing from unfortunately was no longer able to keep up with the rent and so as they moved, we had to go, too. What do you do with a whole church in only 72 hours? Where do you go?

For us, it seemed like the solution was simple. "We'll just go back to where we were before, the Hyatt Place in Doral." After all meeting at the Hyatt Place was relatively easy. (Relatively because the band still had to set-up and tear-down week after week) but at least the chairs were provided for us as was the coffee.

Shortly after Lucas and I arrived back in town that Saturday evening (we were driving back from our stay in Kentucky), the pastor was told that Hyatt Place would no longer be renting the conference room to any churches. Apparently, they didn't want to have their guests woken up in the morning with the sounds of our bands' rehearsal.

So what now? It's almost 11 pm and we have no place to meet for our Sunday morning service, the Sunday before Christmas. One of the most important days of the year as it is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus and it is also a day when many people are seeking and want to visit church. The day with the highest number of visitors, second to Easter.

And this is where the church of Sweetwater comes in. They graciously opened their doors to us and allowed us to meet in their church. It was one of the best services we've ever had with Doral Baptist Church. The worship was amazing to say the very least and almost everyone was there despite the late and very short notice.

At first we felt like we were losing everything. How could this happen? What are we going to do? Where is God leading us now? These were only a few of the questions running through our minds. But God in His infinite wisdom was up to something.

Looking back at it today, having relocated to Sweetwater has been one of the biggest blessings for our church since the history of Doral Baptist Church. We have been able to meet and begin to establish friendships with our new church family at Sweetwater Baptist Church. They have been nothing short of amazing. Almost immediately our youth groups starting meeting together. And now we are beginning to make plans to collaborate on the Easter musical.

I feel right at home with our friends and extended church family at Sweetwater Baptist Church. And I don't think it's that we come from the same place, Cuba. I think the connection is deeper than where we were born. What brings us together is our faith and love for our Savior, Jesus Christ.

To our new friends at Sweetwater Baptist Church (los Cubanazos),

Thank you for welcoming us with open arms. At a time when we didn't really understand why God allowed us to be "homeless," you took us in. It seemed to be unclear what God was doing, but it is now evident to us that He has brought us together.

We will probably never be able to repay you for the kindness that you have demonstrated to us in that while we were perfect strangers, you took us in and made us part of your family. I feel confident in saying that I speak for everyone at DBC when I say that this has been a blessing in disguise.

Thank you! We love you guys!

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." -Galatians 6:10

Sweetwater Baptist Church's Youth Group at Night of Joy



Today also happens to be Albert's birthday. Happy Birthday, Albertico!

What's so special about Wednesdays?

It’s Wednesday! “Why am I so excited up about it”, you ask. Well because tonight I get together with a group of wonderful ladies for our Women’s Small Group. We are currently reading a Women of Faith Bible Study titled Managing Your Moods.

But tonight is no ordinary night. Tonight we are having our first “Bible Study & Fondue” night at the home of one of the lovely ladies, Erika. I can already tell it probably won’t be the last.

Ever since I started getting involved in women’s ministry and small groups I have loved to share what the Lord is teaching me and listen to other ladies’ testimonies of how the Lord is at work in their lives. There is just something so powerful in building this type of bond with women that are in your same stage in life.

If you live in the Miami area and are interested in being a part of it, I encourage you to get a hold of me. You can send me an email or just leave a comment and I’ll make sure to get back to you with the details.

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
-Titus 2:3-4

Another special thing about this particular Wednesday is that it is one of my dearest friends' birthday. Happy Birthday, April! Miami misses you. ;)

I am like Joseph

As part of my New Year's Resolutions this year I began reading through the bible in a year using the Discipleship Journal Plan. I am currently reading Joseph's story in the book of Genesis which I must say is an amazing book in the Old Testament and I could relate to him.

If you're not familiar with Joseph's story, here's what happened in a nutshell: Joseph was his father's favorite and so his brothers became very jealous of him. When Joseph told them their dream about his brothers bowing down to him that about did it and they decided to take him into the wild and kill him. However, they sold him into slavery instead so that they could make some money off of him (How's that for greed and envy?). But God had other plans and he eventually made his way to Potiphar's house. Potiphar's wife was attracted to Joseph and wanted to have sex with him but Joseph was loyal and knew that it was wrong and simply could not and would not sleep with her. She was enraged and humiliated so she falsely accused him of trying to have sex with her. Potiphar had him imprisoned immediately after he heard the allegations from his wife. During his imprisonment he met two of Pharaoh's hired men who needed their dreams to be interpreted and so Joseph did just that. Although one of the men promised he would tell Pharaoh, he forgot to do so and therefore Joseph remained in prison. It wasn't until two years later that Pharaoh needed his own dream interpreted and that was when the cup-bearer remembered that Joseph was able to interpret dreams. Joseph was summoned to interpret a very important dream for Pharaoh. When he did, Pharaoh himself gave him the highest position, second only to Pharaoh. During the 7 years of famine, Joseph's brothers were sent by his father to get grains which, was a source of nourishment, a basic necessity during that time for survival. Joseph recognized them immediately although they did not know it was their brother, the one they had sold into slavery. And it is at this point when Joseph comes face-to-face with his brothers that this verse appears in Genesis 41:24. "Now he turned away from them and began to weep. When he regained his composure, he spoke to them again. Then he chose Simeon from among them and had him tied up right before their eyes."

You see, Joseph had come a long way. All that his brothers meant for evil was turned around for good. God had been able to take Joseph out of Canaan and put him in a leadership position where he saved a nation. Judging by his accomplishments, he was by all means a successful man, however, that could not erase all the pain that he had experienced. If anyone could say that life was unfair, it was certainly Joseph's right. Yet, he never did. What he did do in that verse however shows me that no matter where you are, no matter how much God has been able to bless you and use your pain for good, when you have been hurt, it will always hurt. You see Joseph was no superman. The verse tells me that he the pain of what his brothers had done and put him through was very real. I can assume that he had forgiven his brothers because he gave them the grain free of charge (he returned their money in their sacks). It was not his intention to seek vengeance, but he still "wept" and needed a few moments to "regain his composure".

I can relate to this verse so well. I have suffered injustices in my life (as all of us have) yet for so long, I thought I had to suck it up. I thought that because I was a new creation in Christ, those things that had happened to me in my childhood and youth were no longer relevant. They no longer had to hurt but this verse shows me otherwise. When you have been harmed especially when it is unjust, no matter how much time has transpired, it will hurt. There is a wound.

I have not yet finished reading through the life of Joseph in Genesis but what I have read thus far has given me so much peace. I've always thought that I had to be strong but now I am sure that it is not I that needs to be strong, it is Christ through me that heals my pain and gives me the strength like he did to Joseph to "regain my composure".

I can honestly say that everything that has happened in my life, God has used for a purpose. And those things which seem unfair now, I am confident he will use them someday.

Here is my heart's prayer,

Dear Lord,

Thank you for your word. It is living and active and it has spoken to my heart. It has shown me how you took an innocent man and allowed him to live through unfair circumstances, to be falsely accused and imprisoned, yet you did not leave him there. You made him victorious and used him for your purpose. I pray that this may be true of my life. Lord, use those things you have allowed in my life for the good.

I also pray for those who are hurting and asking "Why Me?" that you would give them a peace that surpasses all understanding, that they would be able to rest in knowing that you are in control.

I thank you that one day, Lord, one day you rescued me from the miry clay. Thank you for being my savior, for being my everything. I love you!

In Jesus' Name,
AMEN

The complete story of Joseph can be found here in Genesis 37-50.

Announcing the Winners

My apologies for not posting the results yesterday as promised. Unfortunately, Lucas had to take our laptop in to get repaired and I didn't have access to it until this morning. However there is good news.

As you can see from the little slot machine that Melody is the winner. CONGRATULATIONS! I guess God really wanted you to have this book. ;) Can't wait to hear how God worked in your heart through this. You'll be receiving your second copy of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World shortly.

And since there were only two ladies that entered the giveaway, I figured I'd send something to both of you. Michael, you'll be receiving a complimentary book, Life Management for Busy Women, as well. It is actually written by one of my favorite Christian authors, Elizabeth George. I know you will make good use of it.

Congratulations to both of you ladies and thank you for being faithful "A Cup of Indy" readers.

P.S. - Stay tuned for our next drawing; it will be taking place in February.

Beautiful Daughter of God

January 20, 2010

Dear Shaina,

Shaina Beth, "beautiful daughter of God," today you have officially become an adult. These years that lie ahead of you are probably some of the best years of your life. Use them wisely.

As you finish your senior year in high school and begin college, I pray that He will guide your steps and watch over as you spread your wings and soar. I pray that in all you do, you will always seek to bring Him honor and glory. He has wonderful things in store for you, things that you cannot even fathom. Don't ever forget it!

I am so proud of you lil' sis and I love you deeply.

Happy 18th Birthday!

Your big sis,
Indy

"If It's Free, it's for Me"

Today I went to pick up a package in the mail from my childhood bestfriend and although I knew the contents of said package it was still exciting to open the box and see what was actually inside.

With that said, it's time for another give-away.

Recently, I wrote about "busyness" and made reference to a great read, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver. That's the book I'd like to give away.

Here's your chance to win. All YOU gotta do is leave a comment on my blog (Come on Facebookers make your way over to the original post here) with your name, email and one sentence or less telling us why you should have this book.

I'm going to have another random drawing but I'd like to know that this book is not going to sit on someone's bookshelf and collect dust but that it is being read and that the applications inside are being put to good use.

The winner will be announced on Friday, January 22nd. Have fun ladies!

Forgiving Myself

Photo Credit: Timothy K Hamilton (Flickr)

I have a hard time with this. I am not sure if it's because I demand so much from myself; I expect perfection and won't settle for anything less. Maybe it's just that I haven't fully grasped what 1 John 1:9 means when God's word tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us."

Many times the enemy comes to play the old tapes in my head. They sound a little like this, "You're speaking about Jesus?!? What makes you think YOU can make a difference? Don't you remember the time when you __________? And how could you forget what happened when __________." Satan has a field day when I dwell on those thoughts. I begin to doubt whether I can really be used by Him.

And then the Holy Spirit gently whispers into my ear, "Indy, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" The bible does not say that only a select few are forgiven. No, it is very clear that anyone that is in Christ is a new creation. I am forgiven. The price has been paid for my sins. ALL of them.

I am grateful that God isn't the angry God I used to believe He was. He isn't sitting up in heaven waiting for me to mess up. He is a loving father that simply desires that I know and love Him above all things.

I think this is they key to self-forgiveness.

Reflecting back on 2009

I actually got this idea from Holly and loved it so I'm sharing it with you. Basically all we have to do is share 9 of our blessings from 2009.

Here is my list (in no particular order):

1. My hubby graduated from FIU and became a pastor hence I became a pastor's wife. =)
2. Met some incredible people from Texas during our first VBS at Doral Baptist Church.
3. Went on an amazing mini-vacay with my hubby that included zip-lining for the first time.
4. Started a new women's small group. (God is doing God-sized stuff there. I am sure of this.)
5. Spent New Years with my family (hubby's side) in Kentucky and got to go skiing together for the very first time in Indiana. *Pics to come soon.
6. One of my best friends, Meli, got married.
7. Had a great birthday weekend in Key West with my family.
8. Began leading the youth group at Doral Baptist Church alongside my hubby.
9. God blessed me with amazing women in my life who inspire, encourage and motivate me (If you are reading this, then you are probably one of them).

Who knows what the Lord has in store for us in 2010 but I know one thing...wherever He leads, I will follow.

Will you share your 2009 blessings with us?