Our Home Away from Home

After an unplanned yet very much needed blogging break, I am happy to announce that I'm back with great news to share. We kicked off my birthday month by becoming members of Clifton Baptist Church in Louisville.

Initially, the chances of finding a church we loved as much as Doral Baptist Church appeared very bleak. Good thing we didn't leave it up to chance. God has been so gracious with us. He has been orchestrating every single step we have taken here in Louisville, graciously guiding us one step at a time and lovingly leading us by the hand.

Enjoy the pictures of the newest "Cliftonites" who in true Lucas and Indy fashion, "closed" the church that evening. Unfortunately for us there were no photographers around to take our picture but that didn't stop us from snapping a few shots to commemorate the occasion.

  

Happy to call Clifton home. 

Settling In

Our first week in Louisville, Kentucky has been pretty phenomenal. I can't begin to describe how good it has been to sit back and watch God put all of the pieces together little by little. The people have simply been amazing. They have been so friendly and welcoming. Traffic is non-existent or at least we have yet to deal with it. Everything we need is located within a fifteen mile radius and it feels great not to spend hours on end trying to get from Point A to Point B.

We are still praying about finding a church to call home while away from "home." There are lots to choose from here and we have received invitations from practically everyone we've met but we are trying to take it slow and find "the one." We want to allow God to pick the place where He wants us to grow and serve Him.

Words escape me when I try to articulate what I feel living here. If I had to pick one word then I'd probably choose right. It just feels right to be here. I may be taking my words back come winter but for right now, there is no other place I'd want to be.

Enjoying some Menchie's fro yo with my sister-in-law and our nieces. This place opened up the week we moved to Louisville. Talk about perfect timing! God knew we were coming. ;)

Relentless Christianity '10

"Relentless Christianity" was the name of our first youth camp with Doral Baptist Church. It was a time in which the teens were exhorted from Paul's words found in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 to "run in such a way as to get the prize." Some experienced "church" for the first time, others had a genuine encounter with the Lord but all were able to witness God's love for them while there.

I've been to camp before so I was expecting to have a good time, but I never imagined just how much of a blessing this particular time at camp would be. I was able to experience camp from a totally new perspective. I was now back as one of the leaders. Quite humbling if you ask me when just six years prior, I attended my very first youth camp.

I do indeed consider it a great privilege that God has entrusted us with the spiritual lives of so many young people. Being able to love on and be loved by such a great group of teens and young adults is truly overwhelming for me.

I pray that what the kids experienced at camp, would not end there. I pray that they would continue to pursue God and live out a "Relentless Christianity" until death.

The girls' room at camp


Getting to know each other


With my husband


Our church band rocking out!


The special guest preacher and a good friend of my husband's, Rey de Armas.


One of the fun games we played.



Good times hanging out in the pool

Erick and Catalina

Our youth leaders

With a very special young lady we met at camp. One of the reasons we do what we do.

Two more reasons we do what we do.

At the "Awards Ceremony"

2010 was awesome. We'll keep pursuing Him relentlessly and we'll be ready for whatever God has in store for us in 2011.

Learning in the Midst of a Lonely Place

In lieu of "Good News Monday," today I will share one of the heavy burdens the Lord has placed on my heart. I feel compelled to share these insights with you and I hope you will join me in this journey of self-discovery. As you may already know, I am a pastor's wife and quite proud of it. However being a pastor's wife as great a privilege as it is, has it's downside. It is also a very lonely place. Someone once said that everybody knows the pastor's wife but nobody really knows the pastor's wife. This is so true. Although everyone knows who I am and knows my husband, few really know me.

If I am perfectly honest with you, I will have to admit that this is the toughest position I have ever been in. I love how my husband serves the Lord with his whole heart and even before we were married, I prayed for a man that would be committed to Christ first and foremost. Yet at times I find that I resent the church and activities that we are doing because I have to share my husband. It feels almost as if I have to compete with the church for my husband's attention. Don't get me wrong, Lucas is a great husband but I think the problem lies within me. I expect him to meet all of my needs and by doing so, I am giving him the place that is specifically reserved and designated for God alone. Ultimately, God is the only one capable of meeting my every single need.

I also find myself doing lots of things for my husband like preparing his PowerPoint presentation, printing the Sunday morning bulletin, setting up the projector and so forth. I want to make sure he is ready to preach and smoothen his transition from worship leader to pastor as much as possible. Yet many times, I question how much of this I do for God and how much I do for my husband. It's a fine line to walk and I believe there must be a clear distinction between the two but I find myself wavering back and forth between the two all too often.

I don't know what these discoveries imply. I don't even know where I stand in my relationship with the Lord at this very moment. One thing I do know. As tough as this is, I would not want it any other way because this is God's will for us. If my husband has been called to serve the Lord to this capacity then I will follow as best as I know how. I will strive to be a gracious contributor and not a greedy competitor in the story God is using us to write together.

Nobody really goes to school to learn how to be a pastor's wife. Basically it is something one learns along the way, primarily through experiences, prayer and a close relationship with the Lord. If you are a pastor's wife, I'd love to hear from you. Do you struggle like I do or have you ever? What did you find that helped you?

Dear Lord,
I know the enemy wants to destroy the family and so many times I feel like he targets the wife through her emotions. I am sorry for the times in which I could have done right yet allowed my feelings to get in the way and erred. Please forgive me. I ask that you would use even this to strengthen my relationship with you. I pray for all of the pastor's wives out there. I pray that on a day like today, that they would know the impact that they have, the significant role they play in their church and how much you want to use them for your kingdom. Lord, help me and any of my sister's in Christ struggling with this depend on you alone to meet all of our needs.

In Jesus' name,
AMEN

"A wise woman builds her home but the foolish woman tears it down with her own hands." Proverbs 14:1

Atypical Sunday Mornings

One of my favorite parts of having a Sunday afternoon service is that on Saturday nights my hubby and I can still go on dates like we used to before he became a pastor. I know some of you reading would think, "You get to sleep in? Wow!" But quite frankly that's just an added bonus for my hubby. I'm a morning person and as soon as my eyes open up (usually never past 7 am) I am ready to begin my day.

Since our church service does not begin until 2:30 pm, I have tried different things over the course of this period to use my time wisely. One of the things I've tried recently is working out before church. I gotta tell you that it felt really awkward running on that treadmill and not sitting in a worship service rocking to "Amor Sin Condicion" on Sunday morning. But what made it even more peculiar was the fact that I wasn't alone. There were others who were there, too. Going on with their life without a hint of God. It was Sunday morning and it didn't seem that they had plans to go to church, which burdened my heart.

And why is it that my heart was troubled? They could've gone to church Saturday evening or maybe they don't do the whole church thing but still have a relationship with God. I hope it was the former and not the latter. You see, I don't believe that people are better because they attend church nor do I believe it is something we must do to get into heaven. However, what I do believe is that people that are not setting some time apart regularly to get involved with a community of believers are missing out BIG time.

You see my church IS my family. I wasn't created to do life alone. God created me to need people and to build friendships with those who would strengthen my walk with Him and those I could encourage along the way. Jesus says in Mark 3:35, "Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother." Does that mean that if our family does not have a relationship with Jesus we need to excommunicate them? Absolutely not. What I interpret this to mean is that our church family, those who share the faith, are now also part of your family. We care for them as we would our own flesh and blood.

I don't pretend to have this church going concept down pat because quite frankly I don't. I struggle more than I may lead on to show with "going to church." On long weekends and teacher planning days, I would love to just pack up my bags and get away for a weekend with my husband but the truth of the matter is that it's just not something that we have the luxury of doing and probably something we will rarely ever get to do. You see my husband works 52 Sundays a year. Everything that he studies, prepares and prays for culminates on this very day, Sunday (rain or shine). And when I see my husband standing in front of the church and delivering God's word it makes it obvious why we do what we do. Any questions I may have had are instantly answered. Without a shadow of a doubt, he was made to do this and I was put in his life to stand by his side. I count this an honor and no weekend trip or get-away could or ever will take precedence over doing the will of God. Lucky for me, God has given me the entire summer off and I get to enjoy my hubby all to myself and travel then.

My friend, I don't know where you stand on your journey. I don't know what your status is. I don't even know if you believe in Christ or God for that matter. But I am here today to tell you not to waste your time. It is one of your most precious resources and as Benjamin Franklin once said, “Lost time is never found again.” Start today: Connect to a local church, discover your spiritual gifts and use them to serve Him. It's the very least you could do for Him. And trust me you won't be doing anyone a favor. Remember God doesn't need you, YOU need Him.

Will you devote the rest of your life living for Him? I promise you that there is no greater joy in life than this: Relentlessly pursuing your creator all the days of your life.

"Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. "
-Ecclesiastes 12:1 a

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!

Can't Afford NOT to

As Christians we are called to give God 10% of our earnings. It's not that God needs it but he wants to make sure that we are obedient to him and show us whether our heart is in the right place or not.

When I first became a Christian about 9 years ago, I didn't even know what it meant to tithe. Whenever I saw that basket coming around I kind figured it was the fare I paid for the entertainment on Sunday morning. Good music, great teaching = $20. That sounds generous to me!

Slowly I learned that the tithe was not a tip that I gave to God occasionally. Actually 100% of the money I have belongs to Him but I give back 10% to support the work of my local church. The 90% left-over is the money I need to be a wise steward of. Will I use a portion of it to help others or will I use it all on my own pleasures?

It wasn't something that I learned overnight, but as I obeyed, God demonstrated his faithfulness. He became the only one I depended on to meet my basic needs. When mathematically impossible to make ends meet, he miraculously provided.

My husband always says, "We can't afford NOT to tithe." Ain't that the truth?

Whether you are struggling with this biblical discipline in your spiritual walk or were completely oblivious like I was, I pray that the Lord will show you the blessings of tithing.

"Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."
Malachi 3:10b

To read the entire passage click here.

Handy Woman (NOT!)

Today I spent at least 45 minutes trying to put up our new "noticeboard" from Ikea. After putting in seven holes in the wall and not being able to hang up the noticeboard, I realized that this was no ordinary job for a woman. I handed the hammer to my husband and he had that board up in no time.

So many times we complain about the opposite sex. Men exclaim in frustration, "Why is she so complicated?". While women constantly complain, "Why doesn't he get it?". I can say that today God reinforced why he made us so different. We need each other. Could I have put up that noticeboard on my own? Maybe. But it was much easier to just ask for help.

Similarly, in the body of Christ and in our local church we will find the same concept prevailing. All of us are different. Our personalities are different. Our past is different. Our experiences are different. The way we were brought up was different. Some people are natural leaders, while others are gifted communicators, yet some enjoy singing in the choir and still others enjoy playing an instrument in the worship band.

I'm so grateful that church is not something the pastor does on his own. We don't just sit back on Sunday morning listening to a 45 minute sermon while simultaneously filling-in the blanks of an outline. No, we get to do it together and I'm so glad that we do.

Each of us has the opportunity to contribute to the church by using our special abilities, talents and spiritual gifts (Read more about spiritual gifts here). Have you found yours yet? Have you begun using it in the church? What are you waiting for?

Our new Noticeboard/Prayerboard from Ikea

The Beginnings of Doral Baptist Church

When the Lord called my husband and I to serve him in a new capacity at a new church with different people we were excited about the journey that awaited us. Although it would be tough leaving behind so many friendships and memories, we anticipated what the Lord was already doing in us and all that we had to offer (which really wasn't much, just a strong passion for ministry and the desire to serve the Lord).

(The worship team at Resurrection Baptist Church.)

We began working closely with Pastor Carbonell, supporting him in his new ministry but we had no idea the ride we were in for. You see the church was a small church in Doral which had lost it's pastor (he had to return to his country because his work permit had expired and he was not a resident) and Pastor Carbonell was a pastor looking for a church. God in his sovereignty was preparing the circumstances and people for this new phase.

During this time, Lucas and I were praying, fasting, seeking wise counsel from our family and friends. We believed in the vision God had given Pastor Carbonell and always dreamed of doing ministry by his side. It was certainly a leap of faith as Lucas would be taking a pay cut, wearing many different hats, some which were new to him, but we knew that it was what we wanted to do and what God had been preparing us for at Resurrection.

The church we were joining in Doral was a Hispanic ministry with a Spanish service. They did not have an English ministry established, yet. But once Pastor Carbonell knew we were on board, he proposed that Lucas serve as the English pastor. Lucas did not hesitate to accept this new ministerial challenge.

We joined the church in Doral in September of 2008 and were in love with the ministry instantly. For some reason that is unexplainable to us although we were so different from the people that were there we were very much alike. Our hearts completely meshed with theirs. And on October 31st, 2008, Lucas presented the new church, Doral Baptist Church, to the Miami Baptist Association with Pastor Carbonell.

(We're in this together!)

On March 22, 2009 he was licensed as a pastor by Pastor Carbonell.

Just last week Lucas completed his undergraduate degree at FIU in classical music performance. We don't know where we'll be ten years from today, five years from today or even a year from today but we do know that we are in the center of God's will for our lives right now.

Lucas has grown from being a young man that equipped children and teens to play an instrument in the worship team to a pastor who leads, challenges, encourages, motivates, inspires, and exhorts the church into a deeper relationship with Christ. So far I can whole-heartedly say that I have enjoyed this ride. There is nothing better in this world than knowing you are in the center of God's will and being used for His honor and glory.

"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
Philippians 1:6 (NASP)

God's GPS

Today we had an awesome service and a packed house. Pastor Lucas (aka my husband....hey, I can't help it, I'm proud of this man) did a great job delivering the message and instructing us through the word of God. He's currently preaching a series titled "Does it Bother You?". Today's sermon was about seeing the needs of those around us and not allowing ourselves to become numb to the pain of those who are suffering. The statistics he shared with us were staggering and helped me realize that there is a need that I can meet.

He talked about three specific ways to meet needs which I will share with you. The first way we can meet a need is through material giving. We can also meet needs of those around us by serving and giving of our time. Sometimes all it takes is a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear. Be patient with those who are hurting. Lastly, we can meet a need through friendships and mentoring (that's definitely my forté ). We do this by investing in our relationships.

Pastor Lucas used the GPS acronym which stands for Give to others, Point to God, and Share the Gospel.

G - When we give to others that makes room for God to continue blessing us (not necessarily in monetary ways). God's budget system is mysterious and we are living proof of that.

P - We have to be ready to give an account of the hope that is in us. What drives us to do certain things? We do not do it to receive praise from others but rather to point others to God. He will reward us for our obedience and faithfulness and his reward system is a lot better than the one we can find on our own.

S- No matter how many good things we do, if we do them without telling someone about Christ they are worthless. "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" (Mark 8:36)

This sermon rocked and I really wanted to share it with you. I hope you are able to grasp something out of it and apply it in your own life. And if you're ever in the Doral area, check us out here Doral Baptist Church...we'd love to see a new face.