Here’s to Endings and New Beginnings!!!!

So much is happening. I know this blog has been dormant for a few months…….

It all began 3 years ago when this old passion had been stirred up in me again. This place has become my sound board to my journey. I am still on that journey. However, a few months ago, God sky-rocketed this journey in a direction that was completely unexpected. The crazy jaw dropping change occurred around a dinner table. We eat together. We talk and share about our day. We pray in thanksgiving to God for provision. We celebrate holidays and special occasions. The dinner table is a tool that is seldom used to close knit a group of people, like family. The dinner table did exactly that for us. I can’t wait to share all the news!!! So please stay tune and check in from time to time.

I invite you to visit my new website and blog site. Blog will become live this weekend. Take a look around, subscribe, become a fan. To my existing fans—–Thank you for all your prayers and support. I still need them and appreciate you for being a part of my journey.
Holding on Tight!!!!!

Veronica

http://www.chiaro-perfecto.com

Relentless

It has been quite a journey this summer. I had the honor of being part of a team of 59 missionaries. God did so much in my life personally in 10 days. Yet, as we returned the boldness and the fire was so intense. Three weeks have gone by and reflection of growth and change are present.

However, I yell at the top of my lungs from my corner in Texas…..DON’T GIVE UP!!!! I charge you fellow reader…don’t give in. Don’t give up! Fan the fire! Be bold! Step out in faith! There is nothing more that the enemy wants than to steal that zeal and excitement, destroy all the ground you gained by this experience. He is so pathetic that he will use people closest to you to make you doubt. It will make you hurt. It will make you give up. The enemy is nothing but a liar.

God had a purpose in taking you across the ocean to a foreign land. It might have been to use your gifts. It might have been to pull the gifts and talents out of you. If might have been to grow you and stretch you. It might have been to make you appreciate all that you have in your life…even the people in your life. It might have been to use you without limitations or reservations. It might have been to challenge your state in your walk with Him. It might have been to remove insecurities or imperfections to make you shine. It might have been to humble you. It might have been to allow you to rest. It might have been to allow you to reevaluate all you believe in.

WHATEVER you walked away with…..I know you were forever changed and that at some point your zeal and excitement was because you were able to experience God use you in a RAW state. Meaning….no distractions, no accessories, no spiritual crutches….just you and God—–where you are in your christian walk and who you are….those 10 days….allowed you to experience that first love once again! AND that was only the beginning!!!!!

My friend…..anything that is toying with your emotions, your thoughts, or your actions. Cast it aside. May God allow you to press forward and walk in His relentless love for you. May nothing else matter!!!! Seek His face. He is with you always!

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

Breath of Fresh Air

Whoa!!!! Is the only word sufficient to try to begin to express how I feel. God is moving in such a way in San Juan. He has blessed me and the anointing is saturating my life. God has opened my eyes professionally, spiritually, and in the natural. I know that God is at work in each of our team members. He has called us. He is growing us. He is using us. He is equipping us. Every step we take, we are being stretched. I am in awe of all God has done within our team.

Saturday night, we hosted a Pastor’s Dinner. Pastor Todd and Pastor Jack encouraged and charged them to press through in their ministries. As I watched the pastors receive, it moved my heart to think….who charges and stirs up our pastors? Who ignites their fire once again? Who shows their appreciation to them? Who encourages them? Who truly helps make that burden of serving light in our churches? Who prays everyday for them? Who trusts them and their leadership as it is directed by God? Or is it questioned?

Reader, I challenge you to examine yourself and your level of service. Sow into your pastors lives. Pray for your pastor. Encourage your pastor. Obey and honor their authority. Help make the burden light and help grow the kingdom of God through their vision that God has placed in their hearts. Serve in a level of excellence. Honor your pastors. (husband and wife)

With all love and sincerity…Veronica

Dominican Republic

Although, I have no photographs to share with you today, I would like to share my heart. Today we, a team of 60 volunteers, embark on a journey to the Dominican Republic. I would like to thank those of you who have sown into my trip, financially or by encouraging me. However, this morning, I ask for your prayers. We will be gone for 10 days. We have groups from Seminole, Lubbock, Oklahoma and Florida all meeting up in Miami, FL to fly out together.

As I have prepared for this trip physically, mentally and spiritually anything and everything has come my way. I know I am not the only one. I do know that God has some BIG things for us up ahead. I pray that lives will be changed, transformed and healed in such a way that it changes the destiny of their families, communities and even their country. Know that we will be at work throughout that time. My desire is that whatever God shows us, grows us or blesses us with will not just be an experience but a life change. May we never be the same. May we be the spark that ignites a passion and hunger in the lives around us for our lifetime. As you read this, I hope you commit to pray for our team. Blessings! Can’t wait to return and share God’s goodness!!!!

Prayer Requests

1. All team members make connecting flights.
2. All luggage arrives on time and doesn’t get lost.
3. Team members health and safety
4. Team members families that stay behind for health and safety
5. May God work mightily through us
6. No rain during the duration of the trip
7. For the hearts that will receive God’s word
8. Pastor Jack and Pastor Tod as they will lead and share God’s word

4th Celebrations

The last few weeks we have been celebrating Independence Day with our families. It began with a local celebration at our county park and then time with my family on 4th of July. The past weekend we headed over to Brady, Texas. The small town, nestled in the ‘heart of Texas’ celebrated big. We started the day off with a parade and ended with fireworks over the lake. As we drove into town on Friday afternoon, I couldn’t help but stop and take a few pics of the local firemen. They sat below the weathered flag enjoying the evening. Thank you for your service!

Accountable?

15 People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17

Sunday, I had the privilege of witnessing a 21 baby/children dedication. There were many images to choose from. However, I had to share this one with you. We know that children already inherit the kingdom of heaven. However, Pastor charged the congregation and parents to know that they were making a public declaration to be held accountable. As parents, it is our responsibility to raise our children in the Word of God. Pastor said that our children are on loan. They are God’s. Being a parent is a hard job….why not allow God to help guide you? Where ever you are reader…..find a church to become a part of. Seek God in all you do. Allow Him to bless your journey.

Unexplainable Love

21 Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:21-22

(Realize…..you can have whatever you ask for in prayer…..but YOU and I have to act first. We have to ask and we have to believe.)

I usually do not blog about my family or really showcase them. However, I couldn’t go on today without sharing about my sister, Carmen.

You know, sometimes your life doesn’t unfold the way you planned. It is not because God isn’t at work. It is because He gives us free will. My sister had many hopes and dreams. As I saw her begin her life as an adult, I was crushed. How would this young family make it? I saw her strive to be a wife and mom every day. Yet, she was fighting for her dream. Her desires to attend radiology school. At times I caught myself thinking…what is she doing? She is so selfish? Doesn’t she realize she is a mom and a wife now? Is she crazy to drive back and forth over an hour there and back for school every day? All the while, she was juggling it all. I never heard her complain. She continued studying and accomplished finishing school. Throughout this entire time, God was healing old wounds and restoring joy and hope. I know she is an optimist. She ALWAYS looks at the glass half FULL. It has always been in her. I think through everything she has been through, she is more determined and optimistic. She chose to be. Choosing is what she has taught me throughout my journey in my life. Several life issues have struck her life….yet she chooses to see it in a different light. It has been a long road…..but my sister is an Overcomer!!!!!

For quite sometime, doctors had tried to quite her thought of another child. Yet, Carmen chose to believe God. It wasn’t easy. Now finding herself in a better setting with her marriage, job, stability, walk with God….she longed to have a baby. Time and time again….let down….no baby. Not pregnant. My nephew, Malachi, asked publicly every time at church for petition to have a baby sister, for awhile, it was twins. Then against all odds…7 years of waiting/praying……positive….pregnant. It has been the only time, I have seen my sister doubt. She couldn’t wrap her mind around it even though it was what she had longed for.

“Don’t get too excited….what if….we don’t know yet….don’t say anything….I am scared…..I don’t know…..” all things I heard her say. Never in a million years did I think I would have the chance to finally be there for her. You see, I am the oldest of four siblings. I am supposed to be that wise pillar of strength. It was backwards for us. She had always been there for me. I had to use the one thing she had taught me…..I had to Choose to BELIEVE God and be optimistic. I knew there were a lot of odds against her. She had been exposed to radiation every day. I knew what she had been fighting within her body. I knew the chances were slim. Yet, I never voiced my thoughts or fears….I chose to Believe God. I yelled out God’s promises every day. I prayed in the Spirit any time she came to mind and still do. I finally can be there for her for all the times she has been there for me. The love and bond of a sister…..unexplainable, so deep and so true.
The faithfulness of God—–UNSHAKABLE!

To my sister Carmen, with all my love….

ALL Nations

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”
Matthew 28:19

When we started attending FHC over 3 years ago, I recall when Pastor stood before us and said he was believing to see people of all nations worship together. He said Africa. Last year we almost had someone join us from Africa. However, this morning………We sent off a Mission Team to Africa!!!! The team is led by Brother John Penner and his wife, Elizabeth. God is so awesome! I know that Pastor will see his vision come to pass. One day soon we will worship alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ, from Africa.

Praying blessings, anointing, favor, and a hedge of protection for the team!

She is here!

I was so excited to meet this little one! She took her time making her grand entrance. As I met her for the first time, all I could do, is thank God. It is so neat to watch Cal and Mary—–in love. Miss Charlee is so blessed to have them as her parents. Her red locks are captivating and her blue eyes…adorable. Here are some of my favorite images.

Reflection of the Year

I am so blessed to have my family. My husband and my two babies, whom I love dearly. My church family is like no other. I am thankful for my Pastors. My co-workers….wouldn’t be able to laugh as much as I do. God still has graced me with my parents, brother, and two sisters in my life. To my brother thank you for always making me laugh, regardless of what is going on. To my sister Carmen…..you inspire me-thank you for believing in me. To Nana, thank you for always trying to make me smile and for being the fashionista who comes to my rescue;) And to top it off, God has blessed me with some amazing men and women, in my life. I know you know who you are because, you will read this today or tomorrow. Thank you for pouring into my life and my dream.

Today I celebrate YOU. Each of you. It is because of you that I am able to write on this blog with a heart of thankfulness. God has intricately been at work in my life in this past year. He has used each of you to love me, believe in me, cheer me on, and……maybe just be a True friend. I am so blessed to have you in my life! I am thankful where I am in my life, today. Thankful for all the good and the hard(I don’t want to call it bad) for it all is a part of me. I thank God for another year of my life. However, it is because of it all that I can look up to the heavens today and rejoice for all that God has done for me, is doing in my life, and is going to do.

With a heart that overflows with joy and gratitude ~Veronica