Happy Birthday, Meli!

Today, May 20th, one of my best friends in the whole wide world is celebrating her birthday. Her name is Melissa Dorceant and she is a wife, daughter, sister, friend, teacher, follower of Christ and soon-to-be mother. Melissa is a woman who loves the Lord deeply and whom I have had the privilege of seeing grow into the God fearing woman she is today. I am so proud of her for choosing to follow the Lord with her whole heart, soul, and mind and am incredibly grateful that the Lord has chosen to bless her with a wonderful husband.

Our friendship is one that almost expands two decades and one I know will stand the test of time. On her special day, there is nothing else I can do but praise the Lord for what He has done.

Dear Lord,

I thank you for the life of my friend, Meli. I thank you for the beautiful, strong woman you have created her to be. I thank you for what you alone have been able to do in her life, the life of a woman completely surrendered to you. I pray that you would continue to bless her life, marriage and the baby in her womb. May you use her to bring countless lives to their knees in adoration of you.

In Jesus Name,

AMEN

A special note for my friend:

Meli, distance, time and responsibilities separate us physically but I want you to know that you will forever hold a special place in my heart. I am filled with awe, wonder and an immense amount of gratitude towards our heavenly Father when I see how He alone has worked wonders in your life. I am reminded of a particular verse found in Proverbs 16:3 that says, "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." You are a living testament that God's promises are true and real and He is a faithful God. I am humbled to have such an amazing woman for a friend. I love you!

Happy 29th Birthday!

Enjoy your first with your husband. I know next year a very special baby girl will be joining in your celebration.

The day of Meli's baptism.

Meli and I (My 28th Birthday)

Meli and I on the happiest day of her life.

This picture speaks more than words.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

-2 Corinthians 5:17

The BIG 3-0

This past weekend I celebrated the BIG 3-0 with a Totally Awesome 80's birthday party. It was by far the best birthday I have ever had (each year it just gets better).

Since I was an 80's child, the only thing that seemed fitting was to throw an 80's themed birthday party. So everyone dug into their closets and came up with some pretty neat costumes that you will see in just a few seconds.

Enjoy the pics! They're almost as good as the party was. ;)

My siblings.

Cutie pies!

No 80's party is complete without the "Thriller" dance.

Don Johnson who? My husband is totally rocking the Miami Vice look.

The Pac Man cupcake cake made by my awesome sister, Danielle.

The group pic

Noel blowing out the candle before the birthday girl. =) He stole the show!

I heart my sisters.

80's Karaoke time

Devotional led by Pastor Lucas. (John 3:16)

Mike was the winner of the costume contest...he was even sporting the waterproof Walkman.

With my husband whose got some catching up (he's only 27). ;)

I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to make this happen. Lucas and Vito who tirelessly worked on the backyard laying down the new lawn days before the party. Lucas who set up the tables and chairs outside. Vito, our caterer extraodinaire, who also grilled the hotdogs, hamburger and World's greatest wings to perfection. My mami who went above and beyond getting all the details picture perfect, pool lights and all. Danielle who spent 4 days working on my top secret birthday cupcake cake. Not only was it a great replica but it was also delish! Deby and Mike who loaned us the torch lights (one of which we will replace because it was accidentally set on fire minutes before the party was scheduled to kick off). They also diligently helped clean up afterwards. Alina whom put so much time and love into the decorations, gave me the beautiful centerpieces and also went shopping for my birthday outfit until we finally ended up in her closet cutting off the sleeves to an old sweatshirt. And of course to everyone who came: Thank you for being a part of my 30th birthday...it was totally awesome!

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

A Tribute to My Friend

On this day, a beautiful friend, wife, mother, daughter and sister will be celebrating her birthday. Her name is Rosa and although she now lives in Orlando with her husband and their precious daughter, she continues to be a very special person to me.

Before I met Rosie, I always thought I knew about Jesus. I went to church, was baptized, and even prayed on occasion. All that I thought I knew about Jesus changed as I got to know Rosie. She had something different, something I wanted and something I knew I needed. It was more than a religion. Rosie had a real relationship with Jesus.

Rosie played a great role in leading me to Christ and I am forever indebted to God for giving me such an amazing friend who not only talked about church and God but truly lived it out. She inspired and encouraged me to grow in my relationship with Jesus, stood by my side when I needed a friend, believed in the power of prayer and diligently prayed for and with me.

With my friend, Rosie and her family after her graduation. (2005)

Rosie, on this day, your birthday, I want to tell you that you have made a profound impact in my life. God used you to help restore a broken woman, a woman who was lost. Today my heart has what it was always missing, a relationship with Christ. Thank you for being an exemplary role-model of a God-fearing woman, thank you for loving me unconditionally and most importantly, thank you for allowing God to use you to lead me to Christ. I love you!

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
-Proverbs 18:24

Happy Birthday, Rosie!

My Husband's 27th Birthday

Tomorrow the most important man in my life will be turning 27 years old. This man is not only my husband but he is also my bestfriend, my pastor, my counselor, my encourager and so much more.

If you have had the privilege of meeting Lucas and call him a friend will you tell him one thing that makes him special for you. Since it is his 27th birthday, let's aim to leave 27 comments.

I'll go first:

1. Luki, you are a living example of what it means to live for Christ. You follow him and go where he calls you to go without reservations. Your desires are always second to the needs of the church (and not just the physical church where we congregate but the body of Christ). I admire that about you and you are truly an inspiration for me. Eu te amo!

*The picture above was taken at his 23rd birthday. It was the first birthday we celebrated together. I threw a little Hawaiian themed surprise party for him at Resurrection Baptist Church where he used to be the music minister. At that time we were just boyfriend/girlfriend (I knew right away he was the one for me).

One a Day

My newest and one of my funniest blogger friends, Melody has suggested that I update my blog daily. Since I am on summer vacation and have all this time on my hands (I don't mean that in a sarcastic way at all, it's the truth!) I've decided that this is a challenge worth taking.

My first "One a Day" blog post will consist of a brief questionnaire. My favorite day of the week has been Friday ever since I can remember which also happens to be the day of the week I was born on. I am wondering if there is any correlation between the day we are born on and our favorite day of the week? I am assuming that everyone in my sample (can you tell I am taking a research course?) has a favorite day of the week.

Here are your questions:

1. What is your favorite day of the week?
2. What day were you born on?
Click here to find out.
3. Is there any correlation between your day of birth and your favorite day of the week? (i.e. Were you born on your favorite day of the week or is it the day you dislike the most?)

Happy Findings!

Disclaimer: This research is being conducted solely for entertainment purposes and the results will not be published.

15 years ago...

God sent our family one of his greatest blessings. Her name is Danielle and I have the privilege of calling this beautiful young lady my sister.

Happy Birthday, princess...we love you sooooo much!

Danielle's Birthverse:
To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness...
Ecclesiastes 2:26

Birthday Weekend

Just a week ago I celebrated my 29th birthday. Even as I write this it's hard to believe that I am less than a year away from the BIG 3-0. I'm looking forward to the things that God has prepared for us this year.

A special thanks to The Lunn's...you guys were awesome hosts.

Here we are at Hard Rock on Duval St. with the family.

My sister-in law and brother-in-law called and our nieces sang Happy Birthday...the best things in life are free. =)



At the Southern Most Point with my family.

Mami's birthday

Yesterday the most important woman in my life celebrated her birthday. As I went from store to store in the mall I realized that my attempt at showing her my sincere gratitude was futile. There is nothing I can give her to show her how much I love her and how grateful I am to God for showing me a little bit of His love through my mami. And it is for that reason that I am eternally indebted to her.

Mami, you are an amazing woman. I praise God for your life. You have exemplified not only a mother but a friend. I pray that our God will someday enable me to do what you have been able to do with so much ease which is simply to love us without measure. I love you!

Happy Birthday!

Deby's 26th Birthday

My little sister turned 26 today. Here are some pictures of the surprise party we put together for her at my mom's house. We love you, Debs!

*Sidenote - I guess it's been a while since we've used that camera...the actual date was 8/31/08.