The Seminarian's First Day

You know the joy a mother feels on the first day of school when she gets to send her children off to school? Every year, as an elementary school teacher, I am privileged enough to somehow participate in this marvel. The intricate intersection between parent and child letting go of each other to face something new. The point in which a parent chooses to hand his/her child over to another adult for the sake of their child, knowing that something good will come of it.

To some degree, I was able to experience that same emotion today as I saw the most important person in my life set off on his first day as a seminary student at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. The sole purpose of our move from Miami in which we left everything we knew and loved behind to pursue God's call is finally coming to fruition.

Lucas,

The joy I feel in my heart seeing you begin your journey as a seminarian in SBTS is indescribeable. Sheer blissfulness is what I sense as I see the infectious smile on your face, the spark in your eyes and that ambition you possess. I am completely and utterly humbled with God's goodness. I am so incredibly grateful for this opportunity, the opportunity to see you chasing after God's will no matter the cost. I am thrilled to be a part of this adventure. May the Lord continue to speak to your heart and use you for His mighty purposes. I will gladly follow you wherever He leads, 'til the ends of the Earth. Te amo tanto meu Brasileiro.

Your linda,
Indi

Just outside our door and the Seminarian is ready to meet his destiny at SBTS.

The place where his two loves meet: God and music.

Heading off to one of his classes; he can hardly contain the excitement.


I hope your first day was simply amazing my love. I am so proud of you.

Happy birthday Lucas!

Twenty nine years ago today God blessed a family in Brazil with a precious baby boy. Today I celebrate this man's life. I celebrate the life of my husband and best friend, the man who has taught me what it means to live a life spent serving the one who humbly came to serve us.

Happy birthday Lucas Moura de Almeida. I truly and wholeheartedly believe that when God created you, He must've been thinking of me. ;) My prayer today is that the Lord would continue to use you to share His love with others and that He would continue equipping you to lead others into a genuine relationship with Him. As your wife, I pray that through His strength, I would enable you to continue pursuing your first love, Jesus Christ, all the days of your life. I love you.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

-James 1:17

Marrying a Giver

In the very core of who Indira is you will find a greedy and self-centered woman. Someone who likes to give on her terms but would much rather be on the receiving end. But just what happens when a frugal person meets and marries a generous man?

My husband has no attachment to money whatsoever. It makes him happy to be able to give it away. His money, his time, his clothes. You name it. It's yours. I cannot recall the last time he told me not to spend money on myself (of course, I'm very frugal even with myself) or on others. However, when it's his turn to spend and I'm the one that has to extend a bit of grace, I am more like the spending police, keeping track of every last penny that was spent. I want to pull the brakes immediately. I am the one placing the limitations on how we spend our money and how much we can give away.

It's funny though because from the very beginning of our marriage I have seen my husband give to others. I remember pulling up to a gas station and someone just so happened to ask Lucas for money. I was inside the car but the next thing I knew, he was walking into the gasoline station to buy him something to eat. I also remember the day we were driving back home after lunch at The Cheesecake Factory and him giving away our leftovers. The only thing I kept thinking was, "Please don't give away our tiramisu cheesecake." He didn't. ;) And yet another time, I distinctly remember him giving a young married couple at church free reign to our credit card so that we could help them fill up their fridge and stock up their pantry.

It has never really stopped. Just recently it happened yet again. My husband decided to give. I didn't necessarily agree or disagree. However, I admit that I wasn't thrilled about the idea but I went with it. I allowed him to do what God had called him to do. On the following day, we received news that we would be saving some money. God touched someone else's heart to bless us.

I believe that the reason why we've been so blessed is because the man I married has never allowed me to focus on myself. He has taught me how to give with a cheerful heart. We have been blessed to bless others. I have seen God's promises come alive in our life, "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25).

Today as I am tempted to be cheap with others, God reminds me, "Share your cup of water and I will fill it up." I'm thankful that God has used my husband to teach me a thing or two about giving and I'm assured that we will never out give God.

Second Best Gift

"Five years ago today, the man of my dreams asked me to be his wife. 'Til this day, saying yes to him remains the second best decision of my life, second only to saying yes to Christ. I love you Lucas Almeida." This is what my Facebook status reads today. I feel so incredibly blessed to be standing beside such an amazing and godly man who has challenged me to grow in my pursuit of God. I prayed for so long that God would give me a godly man, a man that loved God more than he loved me. And of course, God not only answered my prayer but he went above and beyond when he gave me my husband.

Our relationship is by no means perfect but it is certainly great. There is no doubt in my mind that it is because at the center of our relationship, Christ can be found. I don't know what would be of my life if I had said yes to the wrong person. I am convinced that the man God has placed by my side has helped me become the woman I am today. I am eternally grateful for his life and will never stop praising God for blessing me when he gave me my husband.

Happy "engagement" anniversary handsome. The Portuguese speaking energy balls are not here yet but I trust that God's plans are perfect and in His timing, he will answer our prayers.

I love you today more than I did when I said I do and I can't imagine my love for your growing but without a shadow of a doubt, I know it is inevitable as we continue to grow in our walk with Christ. I continue to pray that our marriage would emulate the love that Christ had for us and that we would be able to lead many to His feet. Eu te amo!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above..."
-James 1:13a

Looking forward to a lifetime walking by his side.

The Debut: 28 Years Ago

On July 1^st, 1982, Lucas Moura de Almeida made his debut into the world. The following day Brazil defeated Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals 3 to 1. Quite an entrance for a Brazilian, if you ask me. Really it was the only way he’d have it. ;)

Lucas,

I never thought it was possible to love someone as much as I love you today. Yet I realize that my love for you is not something that will ever cease to grow. You make it so easy to love you. Whether it is your ability to make me smile and find the bright side of things, the confidence you instill in me or your selfless nature that models Christ's love for me. One thing is certain. You have forever changed my life.

Thank you so much for loving me, for taking the good with the bad, and for never trying to change who I am. I don’t know where I’d be without you but I know that I wouldn’t change where I am today with you for anything in this world.

Te amo muito meu Brasileiro. Feliz Aniversario! Happy Birthday!

The Birthday boy with his custom made cupcake. Thank you Danielle!

Surprising the Graduate

For the past month or so, Lucas' mother and I have been collaborating, exchanging e-mails and phone calls in the attempt to surprise this very important man in our lives. The very important man being none other than my husband and her son, Lucas Almeida.

You see, Lucas will be graduating this Tuesday and knowing how much it would mean for him to be able to share the special ocassion with his parents, I decided to secretly invite them to attend his commencement ceremony. They accepted the invitation and arrived this past Saturday. They actually drove down all the way from Kentucky (talk about love) to arrive promptly at 6:30 pm. At that time, I snuck outside and showed them into the house. Lucas was in his room preparing his sermon for Sunday when he heard a knock on the bedroom door. His parents opened the door and he froze. As excited as he was to have them here, he was in shock. We got him good! It's a shame that I don't have any pictures but I can say that the look on his face was priceless.

I'm so proud of my husband. He actually completed his Bachelors in July of last year. He didn't really have plans to walk because he was so busy at that time but God had a way of working things out and although it was a little later than we anticipated, Lucas will be walking. His parents are now here and will be celebrating the big day with us. God's timing is always perfect.

Congratulations, Luki. It brings me so much joy to be able to make you happy. I love you forever.

Our 4th Wedding Anniversary

Our Wedding Day

On December 17, 2005, I made the second best decision of my life. I say it is the second best decision because the first best decision I ever made was to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. It was on this day four years ago that I said "I do" to an amazing man that God prepared just for me.

For my handsome,

You have no idea how blessed I am to be your wife. I have admired you ever since I met you and today I can say that my admiration for you has grown by like a gazillion times. You complement me in every way possible. You are amazing and although you don't believe in soulmates =P I am convinced that God made you just for me.

Te amo tanto, tanto, tanto. Here is to another 70+ years.

Your linda,
Indi

How He Popped the Question

On this very day, four years ago, my then boyfriend, Lucas popped the question. He took me to have dinner at the restaurant of my choice. I chose Porcao (A Braziilan steakhouse in Brickell). After dinner, Lucas took me to our church (where we met almost 4 years prior to the proposal) and at midnight he led me through a series of clues to the ring.

The first clue read, "Go to the place where we first met." When I got there I found the next clue with a trail of Ferrero Rocher chocolates and some flowers. The final destination would be at the church piano where he played and sang a song he had written for me for my birthday. Afterwards, he pulled the ring out from inside the piano and the rest was history.

I remember not being able to take my eyes off of my ring and wanting to flaunt it everywhere I went. Four years later and the diamond on my ring has lost a bit of its luster but as for our marriage, I think we can both agree that we are getting the hang of this. It has been by far one of the most wonderful relationships I have ever experienced and I am so very grateful that God chose the husband that he did for me. He gave me much more than I ever expected or thought I needed.

For all of you single ladies out there patiently waiting for your prince. I would like to encourage you to give your heart to the Lord and trust that He can do a much better job of picking your future mate than you can on your own. In the meantime, meditate on our favorite verse. "Delight yourself in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

Milestone in Ministry

This past Sunday my hubby a.k.a. Pastor Lucas got to baptize a very special young lady from our church. This young lady's name is Catalina and although she is only 12 years old, from the moment she stepped foot in Doral Baptist Church on that first day of VBS she has truly fallen in love with Christ. I see her passion and fervor in seeking Him and the way she has been able to share the joy she has in Christ with her friends.

Being able to witness this baptism was overwhelming for me not only because it was my hubby's first baptism but because Catalina means so much to us. Her heart is so pure and it is beautiful to see someone so young come to Christ and commit to living for Him.

Catalina, you may never know just how much you inspire and motivate me. It is people like you that give this thing that we do called church true purpose. I pray that the Lord will use you for great things. I see that He has already begun. Know that we are here for you and love you dearly.



Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
-Matthew 5:8

Resisting the Urge to Complain

Image courtesy of Fl00d on Flickr.

One of the ugliest things, we as wives can do, is complain to our friends (or anybody else for that matter) about our husband. If you've been married for any length of time, be it 6 months or 6 years, you know that conflict is bound to happen. You also understand that conflict in and of itself is not bad because it can have the power to draw us closer to each other when handled correctly.

I have learned in the past 3 years and almost 9 months of marriage that there are some things that my husband will do that will inevitably irritate me as there are countless things I can do to ruffle his feathers. It is at those precise moments when we can choose to be most like Christ by loving our spouse, flaws and all, whether we agree on everything or not.

So when tempted to complain about your husband, may I encourage you to zip your lips. You will have to learn how to deal with his idiosyncrasies with God and allow Him to change the way you view your husband and react when annoyed. Remember that when you speak ill of your spouse, you are leaving room for others to criticize him. Many times, it is really nothing they have done wrong, but simply, our time of the month and everything they do or don't do seems to irritate us. Be gracious and kind (Trust me that I am writing this mostly to myself).

Like the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:12 may it be said of us, "She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life."

For my husband,

I know I've failed many times but I vow to spending the rest of my life learning how to love you by respecting you. When things hurt me rather than run to others and get them to side with me, I will turn to God in prayer. Thank you for always trying to protect me and demonstrating how to protect you in return.

I love you even when I don't show it. I love you not because I feel it but because I chose to every day of my life.

Your linda,
Indi

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

Lucas' Senior Recital

With completion of his Senior Recital, Lucas has concluded his academic career at FIU.

I'm so proud of this man because he never lost focus of the big picture while he pursued his Bachelor's degree...he ran the race, fought the good fight and kept his priorities in place. Praise the Lord that he guided, provided, sustained, encouraged Lucas to complete his studies.

Only the Lord knows what is next. We trust him with every aspect of our life, every step of the way and look expectantly towards the future.

Thank you to our family for your unending support. Thank you to our friends for the role you have played somehow or another in our lives.

His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!
-Matthew 25:23

Surprise!!!

I'm not sure what it is about surprise parties but for some reason I absolutely love them. Although I can barely keep anything from my hubby, this time, it was fairly simple to keep this secret under wraps. Maybe it's because I myself didn't know it was going to happen until 5:30 pm this evening. But most likely it is because the birthday boy was an unsuspecting soon-to-be graduate preparing for his senior recital. He never saw it coming and it was certainly the last thing on his mind when he walked in the house at about 10:00 pm tonight.

It was a short party but it was fun nonetheless. A big thank you to our family for coming in so early and sticking around a little later than we anticipated to make this day special for Luki.


My siblings hiding under the table waiting to surprise Luki.



SURPRISE...We really got him!

Unsuspecting birthday boy arrives at his surprise party.

Delicious ice-cream cake from Cold Stone Creamery (Thank you, Mami, Vito & Tats!)



Showing our family the guayabera I gave him for his birthday. Now he is a real Cuban. ;)

Our family (my side...Luki's side of the family lives in KY but not for long *I say that by faith).

Luki, I pray your birthday was as wonderful for you as it was for me. I'm looking forward to spending the rest of my 1st of Julys with you. Thank you for making me one of the world's happiest women. Eu te amo muito e para sempre!

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).

The Newly Licensed Pastor

This past Sunday Lucas was licensed as a pastor at our church, Doral Baptist Church. I'm looking forward to the adventure God has in store for us. Luki, I'm in 100%.




Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Galatians 6:9-10

My Lunch Date

I was expecting to drive home for lunch (I work four blocks away from my job) and have a quick lunch with my husband but when I went outside I quickly realized that he had stopped by to pick up the car. I went back into my classroom and starting munching on my Cheez-It crackers. A few minutes later, I hear a knock on my classroom door and it is him.

It turns out he was preparing a special lunch for us at home. CHURRASCO! <---Can you tell I am married to a Brasilian? =) It was delicious and although we only had like 10 minutes to eat it I really enjoyed it and more importantly the time spent with him.

I am so grateful for this man...so many times marriage can become a routine (if we allow it to). I am thankful that the man God has loaned me (and I say loaned because he belongs to Him) shows his love for me in unique ways. I am also glad that although we don't speak the same "love language" I am learning to understand his (Acts of Service) and I am really enjoying it. Can you complain when your husband is a great cook?

So I just wanted to thank you Luki for being you. The you I married is the best for me. Eu te amo!!!!

P.S. - Can you tell my love language is "Word of Affirmation"?

Tomorrow...

We will be celebrating our Third Wedding Anniversary.

Here is another one of our wedding pictures. Lucas was sharing his vows with me. I can still remember what he said as if it was yesterday.

I thank God every day for the husband he has loaned me and I promise that I will do my best to continue investing in His life and enabling Him to serve his first love, Jesus.

Eu te amo tanto Lucas! Can't wait til tomorrow...

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If they fall down, they can help each other up. But pity those who fall and have no one to help them up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
-Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

What it All Means to Me

As many of you know this past Sunday, we had our inauguration service for our new church, Doral Baptist Church. I can't tell you what a success I consider it. Lucas and I woke up early after a long day of preparations the previous day. From printing out the communication cards to finishing the sermon, it was quite a load. I woke up a little anxious but Lucas being the laid back guy that he is had it all under control (even after sleeping only 3.5 hours).

I ironed his outfit (Did I mention that I believe all pastors should have free dry-cleaning year round?), got dressed, and quickly got in the car after Lucas finished loading it up with the instruments and breakfast goodies. We arrived at 8:00 on the dot and got to work. I started setting up the breakfast while Lucas rehearsed with the worship team. Before we knew it people started trickling in. My dad and his family were first. Then the newlyweds, Mike and Debs walked in and finally my mom, Vito and Tati. So basically the English service was comprised of my family, our family. But it meant so much to both Lucas and I because we knew that they were there not out of an obligation but because they really believe in what God is doing through us and wanted to show their support.

While the worship team was singing I couldn't help but shed tears of joy. Just watching my husband serve the Lord with his gifts and knowing that my family was there fully commited and devoted to Christ. I remember when my hubby and I started dating I was the only one going to church out of my family. For their own reasons, they were far from God but little by little, God answered our prayers and everyone has found their way back to Him.

You know so many times (more often than not) I choose to pick on the little things that irk me about my husband (God knows how many imperfections irritate him yet he rarely complains) and miss out on loving the man God has given me. Ever since I came to the Lord I knew that I wanted to marry someone that would love God before me and man, to know that I have that man gives me so much joy.

We don't make much money, we can't really go away for the weekends and we don't even have our own home yet. Quite frankly, we really don't have much (and trust me there are days when I compare myself to others and start thinking it's not fair and we should have more) but on days like yesterday I know that I wouldn't trade what I have for anything in the world. Not because I think I have the best thing but because I know that we are doing God's will and there is nothing greater we could be doing with our lives than serving him.

And it is with joy that I tell you this: our church may be small and we may be inexperienced but we serve a mighty God whom is able to do extraordinary things through ordinary people. We are the ordinary people.

I think this verse best summarizes how I feel about God calling us:

"Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of this world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-- and the things that are not-- to nullify the things that are, so that no ne may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption."
1 Corinthians 1:26 - 30 (NIV)

In just one month...

Lucas and I will be celebrating our Third Wedding Anniversary on December 17th. As I look past on the 1066 days we have spent as husband and wife I can't help but think of the things the Lord has taught me through marriage. Here are just a few that I will share with you.

1. The more you give, the more you receive.
2. When something bothers you kindly and gently (that's the key) let your spouse know.
3. Your spouse can never meet all of your needs (That's God's job).
4. Speak and understand each other's love language.
5. Pray for your spouse and your marriage.
6. It is the wive's duty to respect her husband even when she thinks he doesn't deserve it (We do it out of obedience to God).
7. Learn to forgive quickly and admit when you need to be forgiven.

And here's one of our wedding pictures which I love. I really think it speaks volumes.

The Red, White, and Blue

Today my husband will become an official US Citizen. Eventhough we differ in our political views and he will probably add one more vote to "NOBAMA" (Saw that on a bumper sticker and thought it was too funny) I am proud of him. Congratulations, my love!