Freedom Spot

Sitting here with you today,
There’s such so much I want to say
You’ve been so far away
So busy with the day to day
I see you coming now
You’re heavy but you wear a crown
You gave for so, so long
In weakness you were made strong
It’s Ok, it’s alright
I will hold you oh so tight
You will fly, you will soar
See the universe and more
Just be still, cuz you will
See My promises fulfilled
You’ll be fine and you’ll know when it’s time.
Waiting for so, so long so if what I promised would come true
Not really knowing if it’s true or if it applies to you
Always waiting, always praying for strength to carry on
But the waiting, Its Over, its time to shine on
Lighting strikes, through the sky
To remind you you are mine
Just believe you are free
And you’ll never, ever die
You can try, you can fail
But you’re never lose to Me
You will win, then you’ll come home to Me

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Hi everybody. It's been a while since I get a new song, so you can imagine how happy I was to finally get his yesterday. I actually had time to record this since my son was out with my brothers watching a soccer game, and I had like 2 hours for myself. I think it's the first time I recorded in my little set up this year. Hopefully I'll have more down the line after the move.

I love you all...enjoy!

PS: It's Jesus speaking to you...

12 de Junho

2009-06-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

I used to write a lot about love in my little blog. I don't know if it was because I was really trying to make peace with love and everything it had done to me, or because I actually felt love being reborn in my heart and life through the loss and heartbreak. I also used to write about freedom! I guess I used to write about a lot of deep stuff...and it was nice. I like writing, almost as much as I like composing, but not as much as I like having a really good time talking to really good friend.

It's 2AM on the 12th of June, and here in Brasil it's "lover's day" so I felt like writing about it. But as much as I try, I just don't feel romantic and I just can't fake words that don't come from within. I think I'm more in the "practical" phase of my life where I don't really analyze and talk much, but I just take calculated risks and stay on the move. "Romantic" love is not exactly in my list of priorities and I'm in fact fighting against it in my own way, and I'm feeling kind of guilty about it.

Oh, maybe I should just shut up! I try very hard to not write nonsense in this blog and waist somebody's precious time. Time is something that most of us don't have much.

This is what I want to say:

The 12th of June is just a day like any other, and you can love someone today, just like you can love someone at any other time of the year.

What makes life special are not the special dates, but the special people.

Feelings are not so important...but man, it's so wonderful to have those feelings.

Whether you're young or old, we are all the same age when it comes to love, because we never learn, and it's always an adventure.

"Carinho" is a word I don't really know how to translate to English, but I still think that you should give more "carinho". It just feels good!!!

Peace out! I'm sorry for a sloppy post!! I love you all so much!!

Feliz dia dos namorados.

58 years

2009-06-08T15:43:00.000-07:00

I had an experience today. I was resting, so I took some time to watch some clips online of Christian/devocional songs and just enjoy the music and think of Jesus. For some unknown reason, one of the songs made me cry, and once I started crying and couldn't stop. I felt kind of good to cry, but I didn't know exactly why I was crying.

I laid in my bed a little sad and I started missing my dad. My dad died when I was 9, so it's quite a while ago and not something that gets me down these days, but today I was really missing him and thinking about visiting his grave sometime (I've never gone there since he was buried in Argentina and I haven't gone back since we left). I just felt like I was missing something so when I prayed about it, Jesus told me that I was missing heaven and the people here, and how I'm always gonna feel this emptyness until I arrived home.

But later on that afternoon I checked my mail and got a message from my brother and I realized what it was all about. Today is my dad's birthday. I never forget his birthday, but because of everything that's going on in my life right now, my mind hasn't stopped, besides I was planning my son's birthday in two days, so I had totally forgotten about anything else.

At first I felt really bad about forgetting his birthday, but then I realized that he was right here with me and that's why I got all those mixed feelings. He was trying to remind me of his birthday, so that I wouldn't feel bad later about forgetting, ha! Besides, he just wanted to remind that he's still around and helping me, especially in this new phase of my life.

Thank you Papito! You will always be my hero! I love you.

Happy 58th birthday.

What I've been up to!

2009-06-06T18:34:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! Long time I don't post. I guess you understand that it's because I've been pretty busy, but let me give you an update.

These past weeks we have continued fundraising, witnessing, organizing and following up on our sheep. Man...it feels so good to be up and moving again. It feels great to be putting the Lord on the spot and excepting Him to do the miracles...and then watching them do it. "Life of faith" takes on a whole new meaning.

The Lord has been working out a nice house for us, and maybe we'll be able to move in this month. I can't wait! I'm getting itchy everywhere...!

Other then that: You can check out the pictures. My sister and I have been helping to record the "Feed my lambs" in portugues, besides everything else that's happening. I just came back from spending two days there, and we worked on 18 songs...but let me tell you. After a few hours in that little room, you start going crazy. I don't really know where it comes from, but I just get foolish as hell.

Well, we're almost done, TTL! Enjoy the pics.

I love you!!!!

Give a warm welcome to BR061

2009-05-26T13:03:00.000-07:00

After 3 months in the sea of uncertanties walking on the water by faith...the clouds started to move back and we can see the stars and they are guiding us in the right direction.

A new home is being born...an offensive BABY!!!!! Our baby!!!!! Click on the pages to see them larger...just a little update!

Like a baby being born
like the sun after the storm
this is the story of our lives
every tear that we have shed
was the pathway which has led us to this point of our lives

(Click to listen)

I will sail on to where the river opens right out to the sea
and then I'll lose my oars to the mighty ocean
there to give my soul
never to come back to the shore.

(Click to listen)

Keep praying....

The Wind will come

2009-05-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

Tonight is a very different night. I'm actually sitting here at 9:30, showered and fresh, with some hot tea, my hair down and comfortable clothes...and there's silence. It's hard to find these moments because things have been hectic since the big wave of change knocked itself in my beach. Nights are always either full of meetings, meetings, planning, bible classes, etc...but tonight my team is out at a bible class and I'm home. It feels great! I little time for me.

I was reading today through the many prophecies the Lord gave me since this time of change started, and this one really stuck out to me and I wanted to share it with you. I hope you like it!
Only believe! My wind is quiet for a little while, while you’re there waiting and expecting something to happen, to move you…but nothing happens and you start to despair. My love, I promised that I would send the wind. I promised that I would blow you far, far away to your dreams of fulfillment. So while everything is quiet, prepare for war. In peaceful silence, but knowing that the battle is coming and you’ll have to fight it with my power. You have plans to enter into the very gates of hell and release the victims that lie therein, so the devil wants to deceive you that nothing is happening, that all is quiet, that the wind won’t blow and you’ll be lost at sea. Oh no, don’t believe him. The harvest is plenteous and laborers are few, so for those laborers that are willing to go, I will open the way, even if I have to part the red sea again. Go conquer, go far, and reach for the stars. You have so much to offer to this dying world, and I need you to give it. Hold on while it’s quiet, but leave the ship ready, for the wind will blow unexpectedly and you must be ready to catch the wave…and then you can just let it take you while you hold on and feel the wind and water splash on your face. I will take you there! I want to take you there…I need to take you there. Don’t despair and don’t settle down, but be ready for the wind…for it will come.

This is for all of you who feel like you're almost exploding inside, but nothing seems to be happening. Keep your ship ready and don't be weary in well doing, because when the wind blows, you best be ready to let it take you far, far away, with no fears or regret. What do you have to loose anyway? Your wind will come...

gonna be alright

2009-05-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

Christopher took this picture of me on Mother's day. It was at an event for 18-25 year olds, and even though I am already past that age, I found a way in there since I hadn't have fellowship with other family homes and seen my friends for over 5 months. My Mothers day had been busy working and busking and most people didn't even believe I was a mother so they didn't care to congratulate me, ha!

I look pretty happy in the picture and the truth is that I was actually feeling like "everything is gonna be alright", so I was just enjoying my family.

I cried today. I wasn't expecting to cry, and it was wasn't because something happened, but I guess the whole reality of the situation is dawning on me and the fact that it's time to leave something I gave 3 years of my life to. It's like my heart is breaking, but I haven't felt it until tonight. Dad says that change is like death, and he's so right, and no matter how many times I do it, it always hurts to much. This next part of the journey will be the actual move in the physical, and not only in the vision, so it's gonna be the hardest part. Please continue praying for it! The Lord is doing great miracles, but I guess wonderful things come with heartaches. It's just he price of life.

A quiet night

2009-05-08T18:51:00.000-07:00

The house is very quiet right now. Most of the home is out so we had a nice quiet day at home. I decided to cook for a change (been a while) and it was quite relaxing. I made Lasagna!

When everything is quiet, I get time to actually think about everything that's going on and I come to realize how totally crazy I am. It really doesn't make any sense, but it's what I know I have to do.

This week I had lows and highs. Sometimes the pressure gets too much and I collapse and feel like it's not gonna work out, and then something happens...just like a little spark of hope to remind me that I'm not alone and that it's gonna be alright. The pieces are slowly falling into place for this new home the Lord is building, and we're kind of watching pretty amazed at what the Lord is doing. It's His masterpiece, so He's doing the hard part of staying awake at night planning, and arranging the most important details and maybe I should try to get a good night's sleep for a change.

The adventure is just starting...and this one won't end so soon!

PS: Happy birthday Gabe! You know you're one of my best friends, and I never even met you. (maybe that's why?) I love you tons!

A colorful picture post.

2009-05-02T18:05:00.000-07:00

The roller-blades story

2009-05-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

My son loves his roller-blades. He's pretty good at it, and the Lord supplied these really nice ones for him, and he's got quite a talent (and no fear).

This past month, with the "opening a new home" vision, I've been quite busy and singing on Sundays, so I haven't been able to have my faithful family days, so I decided to take a day off in the middle of the week to go to a nice park with my son.

That park is a little far, so I have to take a train. I packed a really nice picnic and off we were. Ok, now I was planning on having this really nice time with my son, but deep in my heart, I was really struggling with myself and the Lord due to some unpleastant circunstances that had recently developed. I was really knocked down spiritually and emotionally, and felt quite helpless and discouraged.

So...once we arrive at the park, I looked down and realised that I didn't have the roller-blades. I had forgotten them somewhere along the road. Now I felt really HORRIBLE! I knew it was my fault, because I had been thinking these negative thoughts all day instead and praying and praising. I knew that I would never be able to afford new roller-blades for him, and I knew that he would be extremely sad, because he loves them.

So we sat down together and I was on the verge of tears, but decided to snap out of it and think straight. "Let's go back and try to find them" I told him. He was very brave about it and didn't cry, TTL. As we were walking back, I was explaining to him that in case we didn't find them, we should pray for another kid who needs one to find them, and that Jesus would supply him new ones.

We went back to the train station and I explained the situation to the manager there, so he made a few calls, and then told me that I had forgotten them in the first station (like 40 minutes from here) and they were saving it for me. Man, that day I spent about 2 hours inside a train between going going back and forth, but I learned a few lessons while meditating in the train rides:

The bad things that happens to us are not the Lords fault bur our own, and the world we live in.

We're just a mess, and we'll always be, so can't make a big deal about it when we mess up, but just snap out of it and think of a way to fix it.

Jesus loves us so much, and whenever we mess up, He always finds a way to fix things for us.

We can't focus on our sins, because they'll always be there, but we have to know that Jesus can somehow use us despite them, and he'll never fail us.

After that experience, I had a really good family day, and I've been in the victory since then, plus the Lord has been doing many miracles for us, and there are still many more to come. I'll be posting pictures in the next post. I love you all! Keep on believing, God answers prayer. Keep on believing, He's still up there.

Mão no volante

2009-04-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

Last month we had a family reunion (just missing 1 sister...sob sob) at my mom's place. It's really great to get together and catch up. I hadn't seen my brother Ivan in almost 3 years.
So we had a night where we just played and sang, and showed eachother our new compositions and stuff. Well, anyway, so I sang my latest song, and my brother filmed it. (Just cutting the first line off)

The song is portuguese, and I'm gonna leave it as such, since that's the way it came. Maybe I'll record it one and make it sound really nice, but for now, it's a really simple filming, but at least you can hear the song. It expresses a lot of what I've been feeling since the beginning of the year. I'll post the words in English in another post, for all you interested! Beijos!

Quando o dia passa tão devagar
eu não vejo a hora de escapar
só por um segundo
sair deste mundo
e ver o sol nascer

Peço para o tempo não continuar
até meus pensamentos se encontrar
achar uma saída
razão pra minha vida
e ter um pouco de paz

Quando a areia brilha como cristal
os meus pês descalços a caminhar
lá no oceano
pensando em quem amo
e não posso esperar

O meu coração bate dia a dia
fazendo com seu som uma melodia
um choro de amor
um grito de dor
e uma oração

Como um sonho tão distante
coloco a mão no volante
e dirijo pra frente
pro futuro meu

Não olho pro meu relógio
desligo meu celular
mas te ligo avisando
quando chegar ao céu

Seguro a quinta marcha
até chegar ao céu
..........................................................................
Left to right: Miguel (20) Me (26) Leilani (17) Martin (24) Ivan (30) Francisco (24) and the little guy is Mateus (10). Missing Clara (28). I love my family!!!!!!

PS: Keep praying for our new home. For the right team and for a huge explosion of the spirit in the form of supply, miracles, professionalism and NEW DISCIPLES!

Wind's ardent kiss

2009-04-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

Scary night, if I may say
or maybe the fear of the coming day
the uncertain; the unknown
the dream of having a home

Come what may, let me dream
let me face the fiercest foe
even if my dreams are lies
I dared to try; I dared to go

Come with me now, if you dare
my destiny is that certain somewhere
where love is true and hearts are clean
where we risk our everything
to accomplish the highest goal
to never quit until we know
we tried and bled and gave our all
to meet our fate and heed our call
the fear is there, but so is bliss
enjoying the wind's ardent kiss
kiss me softly; kiss me strong
but just don't let it take long
take me to where I have to go
once I get there I'll know
that this is what my soul desires
and where burns the true fire

The love of truth instead of lies
the love of justice instead of war
the love of freedom amplified
the love of God above all

News and changes!

2009-03-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

Climb every mountain, search high and low
Follow every byway, every path you know
Climb every mountain, ford every stream
Follow every rainbow, till you find your dream

Hey everybody! I've gotten a few emails from dear friends of mine who were a bit worried about me, since my last posts were kind of uncertain and it was hard to know what I was getting into.
Well, I think I'll make it official now! Not to worry folks...I did have my fight of faith, but it's come out stronger through it all!
I am embarking on a new adventure. The Spirit is blowing and I'm trying not to miss it. Right now what the Lord is leading me is to open a new home. I've pioneered several times and I love it, but I always had a back up or a strong team or some support, so this time it's really all by faith! But it's been great! As we "went" we are slowly seeing the Lord provide and work miracles. The vision the Lord gave me for this new "baby" is huge...but I'll leave to post about it in another post. We (my partner and I - check out the pic) are still in the beginning stages, building the idea and looking for the team to join us, plus making a plan of support and taking care of the little sheep the Lord already laid on our path.

It's crazy...but I love it! I'm scared, but I'm excited! There's gotta be more to life, no? It's gotta be a real LIFE OF FAITH, if not it's not worth it...at least not for me.

Os pioneiros!!!

2009-03-20T20:43:00.000-07:00

Os pioneiros têm que ter visão, visão para ver o que ninguem mais vê

Os pioneiros têm que ter fé, fé para crer o que ninguem mais crê

Os pioneiros têm que ter iniciativa, iniciativa para ser o primeiro a tentar

Os pioneiros têm que ter coragem, coragem para ter o peito de ir até o fim.
.................................................................................
Você tambem ouve uma voz
o seu chamado para lutar
na guerra do bem contra o mal
que só os valentes vão entrar

So....who's with me????

SPARTANS

2009-03-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

I'm about to embark in one of the craziest thing I've even done in my life. Like walking to the end of the branch, and then cutting if off behind me or crossing the bridge to the unknown and burning the bridge behind me. Basically, putting my God on the spot and believing He will prove himself to me. If it's worth it to live by faith, then it's worth it to go all the way. And it's it worth it to believe in God, then it's worth it trust Him with your whole life.

I'm a spartan! Oh yeah!!!! (I think I'm going crazy, but at least my life is making sense again)

"Se loucura é alegria e sanidade é dor, então viva a loucura, porque o mundo é pior".
(If madness is happiness, and sanity is pain, then live sanity, because the world is much worse)

End-Beginning

2009-03-03T17:23:00.000-08:00

Question: If something needs to end, does it mean it wasn't working?

Answer: First of all, nothing ends...it only transforms to something else - usually something better. And the answer is no! It just means it had its time and now it's time for the new. You can continue hoping and believing, for another sunrise is just around the corner for those who keep their eyes open and looking to heaven.
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This post is for me. My life will be undergoing some "end-beginning" process once more, and though my heart may be say: "I believe, help my unbelief", my spirit just wants to let the wild wind blow me where my Master will. Prayers are much appreciated! I love you all.

Remember Me

2009-03-01T13:37:00.000-08:00

Jesus:

I know you want to reach a goal, a higher purpose and carve your name in the stones of earth as someone who live and made a difference. But remember that here in heaven you already have your name carved and you're making a difference in ways you can't even imagine. Remember the things that really matter.
Remember Me!

Feast meditations

2009-02-26T06:07:00.000-08:00

Our home had the Feast quite early this year, before most of the homes, so I'm having to hold my Feast post for the past 2 weeks and I can't hold it anymore. I have to admit that this Feast was probably the hardest of my life and I'm still getting over the shock of if all.

First I felt anger, the regret, then fear, then hopelessness and many other emotions in between. After we read the first GN, I ran to my little studio-room and cried for about 15 minutes. I don't really know why, but I just cried and felt very comfused.

I wasn't able to absorve anything else after that since I had to get answers to the questions of my heart first, so the second day I packed my backpack with some stuff, and went on a mini pilgrimage to find peace and decide the rest of my life. I believe most of you went through the same thing I did, so I won't go into detail of describing what I was thinking, since you probably felt the same thing, but I will only tell you about some answers I got in the quietness.

I asked my heart some questions. I took a paper to write it down and sat on the grass beside a lake with nature around me. Here's what I wrote:

Question: What matters in life?

Answer: Dedication to your cause; finding the essence of who you are; going always forward, never backwards; finding out what makes you happy; friendship; eternity; building something; having a home; life is short...

(I know this probably doesn't make much sense to you, but I had to discover what really mattered for me, to know where I would invest the rest of my life)

Question: What brings happiness?

Answer: Simplicity; dancing in the wind; children; laughter; discovering new things; knowing where you're going; bouncing back; acceptance; life; loving like a child; to be loved and cared for; memories; youth; tight hugs; seeing the veiw of both sides of the road when you're driving in the country; the ocean waves under you; putting the flag on top of the mountain.

Quesion: What is time?

Answer: Nothing; fickle; gone forever; barely enough; only enough for the really important things; is never mine; the one that always escapes; waiting; madness; speed; noise; movement; hours and minutes; tick tack; the clock is ticking; birthdays; heart acceleration; air; a stone in our brain; trouble; distraction; hope; everything we've got.

Question: Where to now? ( the big question)

Answer: Forward; higher; to the future; to forever; to the skies; to learn to swim; to heaven; to "no fears"; to growing up; to something better; to understand; to the end of the world; to light; to youth; to medals; to new beginnings; to win; to never regret; to diving in the cold ocean; to my dreams; to my God; to myelf; to peace, real peace.

...................................................................

These were my meditations, and they helped me to understand that what I really want deep inside, I can still find it in the Lords service. My thoughts haven't stopped and I still consider lots of crazy things to do, but I found peace with myself and with my God. So I'll keep going!

Happy birthday, dear Family

2009-02-18T15:50:00.000-08:00

I read these 3 quotes today and they really stood to me. I think they are part of the essence of the Family and they will be taking an even greater meaning for us in the days to come.

Take that word “life” and turn it over and over and press it and try to measure it, and see what it will yield. Eternal life… comprises everything the heart can yearn after.”

We will a thousand times sooner die trusting only in our God than live trusting in man.

The callings of God are without repentance.

Happy Valentines day - Jesus

2009-02-14T16:32:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines day, dear Jesus. You are and will always be the true and eternal love of my life.

Happy 17 - Leilanita

2009-02-11T13:05:00.001-08:00

Before my dad passed away, we were the perfect family...I thought so. Because all of us 7 brothers and sisters were exactly 2 years apart for a few month each year. All os us (including my mom and dad) where different sunsigns. We had almost everything: Gemini, Capricorn, Scorpio, Virgo, Aquarious, Aries, Leo, Taurus...and this little girl was suppose to carry on the cycle. Finally a girl, after 3 boys straight. Hmmm...well, she already started wrong by arriving at my mother belly a year late. Ok, 3 years apart instead of 2...my mom was getting older so we have to cut her some slack. But then, when she was suppose to wait a while and be born a pisces and be different, she decided to COPY ME!!!!! Ah, que chato! All aquarians like to be original and to be the only one her kind, but she had to intrude my sunsign by being born the 11-02-92 (the year my dad passed away).

Then...my mom decides to call her "Ana Vitoria" (A name we all hated, but mothers are mothers). Thank the Lord for my Gramma who also hated that name and my sister and I convinced her to call her Leilani. (Check the link) When I come to think about her...she also copied my name (Flor) and many things she does reminds me a lot of me...little, little girl.
Happy birthday - Leilanita! Sweet Leilani heavenly flower. What I pray this year for you is that you'll just decide to give your life to Jesus all the way and forever. That you'll sing from your heart to touch other's hearts and that you'll find that Jesus is the only one that can satisfy your crazy aquarian spirit. I hope you can at least learn from my horrible mistakes instead of having to make them yourself...and be used mightly by Jesus. It's not stupid to give what you can't keep, for a love that you will never use. Parabens!

Aquarian Woman - Happy Birthday!

2009-02-04T06:37:00.000-08:00

Quite a few of my friends just had their birthday or are having it in the next few days. A bunch of aquarious woman to spice up the world. They are each special and different. From a mother of 13 children who looks like she's 25 (Ester - of Martin) to a crazy 17 year old little teenage who is enjoying her stay across the ocean and living her life like a true nature child (my sister, Leilani). My ex PMA student Cristal, one of the sweetest people I know; Cristal of Tod, sem palavras, Sara in Lebanon and Tina on her way to Lebanon too. Danielle of Oliver in Canada (I think), Jubis, Nana and so many more that I can't think of on the top of my head here.

What I can remember of each of my aquarious girl friends is that they are ALL DIFFERENT. Being an aquarian woman myself, I get amazed at how I can never figure myself out...

Happy birthday, all of you. I love you all tons and I pray that this new year of Ofensive will bring you untold adventures, love, excitment and whatever your unpredictable heart desires.

Check out aquarian woman here

And to finalize...the clip:

My birthday

2009-01-30T15:03:00.000-08:00

Today I turn 26. Yesterday I was body boarding at the beach at "Praia Grande" so I finally came to the conclusion that I'm not getting old after all...in fact, I'm younger than ever and I have lots of life to give and spare.

Ok...that out of the way, I don't really have that much to say for my birthday.

I want to thank each and everyone of you who sent me little notes for my birthday and said a little prayer for me. I love you all very much! You are my family and I love you so much.

I'm thankful for this year that past. I'm thankful for my son's health, for the challenges I faced, for the training I got, for the love I recieved, for the goals I reached, and for the continued confirmation that I'm really giving my life for the right cause. I get older and I question my life...but Jesus somehow finds a way to show me that I'm going in the right direction and I have to just keep it up by faith.

I love you all! Thank you for being my friends and my family!

Sail on

2009-01-14T06:01:00.000-08:00

Looking at the sun away in the horizon
Shades of a blue and yellow hue
I know what I have to do

Thinking of everything that I will leave behind
knowing it will take me a lifetime
following it's trail

Knowing that the prize to gain is so much more
than anything that I have known before
I will go away from home

I will sail on to where the river opens right out to the sea
and then I'll lose my oars to the mighty ocean
there to give my soul
never to come back to the shore

Crying, though the reason I really don't know
it could be for sorrow or for joy
but soon the tears will be gone

Dancing, cause I have become one with the wind
I'll never be coming back again
I will go away from home

Following the celestial glow
where it's gonna take me I don't know
Storms and sunny morning will great me
but my broken heart will be free

You'll be in my heart

2009-01-11T16:44:00.000-08:00

This is just a little post for you to know what I'm thinking about. My son is traveling and having a great time...but I miss him, of course. He's always on my heart. Can't get enough of his cute faces. I love you, my boy.

Happy new years!!!!!!

2008-12-31T10:53:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends, mates, co-workers, acquaintances and strangers.

I wanted to leave you a message for the New Years. Well, maybe I wanted to leave myself a message for the New Years, since everything I write in my blog - as much as the whole world may read it - I write it for myself, and once I write it down, I have to live up to it.

Its funny how with each year the passes by, we get older and smarter but at the same time, we realize how we don't really know anything and there's still a universe for us to learn. All I can say is:

-Never close your mind to something new the Lord might drop on your lap, for it might be your heart desire wrapped in a different package.
-Try to learn something different this year, and you'll see how your brain is still fresh as a little baby, and before you know you it, you'll gain a new skill that you'll not only enjoy immensely, but you'll use in your service for the Lord.
-Take care of both your spirit and your body, especially if you're getting older, and you'll feel so much better.
-Enjoy the children more. Actually, become like a child again! The world is so beautiful when seen through the eyes of a child.
-Open up to love again. There have been so many broken relationships these past 3 years, but I've witnessed "newness of live spring forth and blossom like magic" in many hearts recently and I think all of us are being given a chance to try again - and make it right this time. So love.
-Laugh a lot! Just laugh and laugh and laugh!
-Keep your eyes on Jesus. He's your only steady rock and firm foundation, and your true friend and lover. He'll take you to places you never dreamed of...and to those you've dreamed of. Jesus is enough. Jesus will make this next year, with all the struggles and difficulties...worth it, like this last one was. Its always worth it to live for Jesus!

(Pictures taken the 31-12-2008, on a beach outing with a small part of my family. I miss my other brothers and sisters. Love you all so much)

My Little Missionary

2008-12-21T16:00:00.000-08:00

My little boy is extremely naughty, and the older he gets, the smarter and naughtier he gets. Its been starting to scare me. I remember when he was 3, it was the first time to prayed with someone to receive Jesus. I was so proud of him I could die happen then and there...but recently he was getting kind of bored and praying with people and developing the "star" syndrome, since he's the smallest of our Christmas choir and gets lots of attention.

Well, 2 days ago we had a show that came out really well, TTL, and the lady in charge called Ricardo to the mic for an interview...this is how it went:

-How old are you: 5
-You're not going to school yet, no?: I'm on vacation (he's really into the vacation thing)
-where do you study?: At home!
-Home?: Yeah, and I can read already
-Who's your teacher: Uncle Stephan...
huh? (cant really pronounce that name right): Tio Stephan

Ok...here's the part where my heart was almost popping out of my body! I was like...Ricardo lets pray with everybody!!! (First he said no...then he decided to enjoy the attention a little longer and said yes. So he prayed on the mic with everybody!!!!
Gosh, I felt so happy! I guess it's not in vain, all the work we put into these little ones. I was sooooooooooo happy!

A foolish pic of us
A normal pic of us singing!

Benefit Lunch - Churrasco

2008-12-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

Our Home (BR086) had it's first Benefit Lunch (A Delicious barbacue) yesterday. It's our second Christmas since the history of our home, and we had a full house along with TONS of new sheep. The event started at 1PM and ended at 7PM, along with soccer a game...Final do campeonato Paulista!!!!!!

We had our band playing, performed a skit, had a Christmas choir perform, games, showed a short video of our work this past year along with pictures of our friends who got really touched when they saw our thanks. It was a total success and everybody had a lot of fun. A Total Miracles! The Offensive rocks!

And I'm still sick! I rested Saturday the whole day and Sunday I felt a little better and was able to perform, though I would cough and cough in the between my breaks. I Lord really pulled me through it and I was very glad I didn't miss out on this wonderful event.

But I'm still coughing a lot. It's been about 10 days so I might be going to the doctor to see if I don't have some infection or something worse. Can't really afford to be sick during Christmas push. Please keep praying for me and my health. I love you all....Enjoy the pictures!

Sickie

2008-12-05T17:04:00.000-08:00

Hi Everybody. Christmas push is rolling and I've been sick for more than a week already. First is was a bad cold, that started getting better until I decided to overwork myself cleaning my bathroom on a family day, and it got pretty bad. I've been pretty much sick this week, but I haven't really been able to stop and rest since we have a big benefit lunch this Sunday at our place, so I was working on a video to show our work for this past year.
Well, now I'm practicing with the band and also with the Christmas group....BUT I CAN'T SING! I'm just coughing none stop. I feel like I'm gonna cough my lungs out.

Anyway...the Lords really been doing miracles this week for his event and I know this is gonna be one of them...so please pray for my voice to come back tomorrow so I can sing and witness Sunday. And for his cough to go away...

Thanks a lot! I love you all...

Some recordings....

2008-11-28T16:06:00.000-08:00

Last week a big chunk of my home members went out on a faith trip...which meant many things. Well, for me (who stayed home) it meant no home meetings at night (since we didn't have enough voting members) a quiet room (since my room mates traveled) and more time to do things I hadn't done in a long time like...recording!!! Oh yeah!

Unfortunately, I don't really have time to improve my skills and learn more, so the quality of my music is still very, very simple. Anyway...to any and all interested, here goes some new stuff.

This is a "Bossa nova". My very first! "Bossa Nova" is a brasilean style of music, very beautiful and intricate. I don't really know how to play this type of music and this song doesn't really come close to what it should really sound like, especially I should have been playing a nylon string, instead of steel. I've been trying to learn it though...I guess Jesus gave me a song in that style to encourage me, ha! (Click on the "play" to listen to the songs)

Sonho de verao.mp3

This next song is about Freedom. There is something different about this song: I recorded keyboard. I don't really know if it makes it sound better or worse, since I'm the one who's playing it, but I think it filled up the song a bit more. Well, it was fun working on this

Free today.mp3

And this picture...I just think it came out really good! Life is good and my friends are awesome! Sebastian and Filipe!

Some Christmas pictures!

2008-11-21T18:32:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas push, everybody. Lets make it a Christmas to remember!!!!!

The right to be happy - Dancing in the rain

2008-11-13T15:15:00.001-08:00

I danced in the rain today!

For no specific reason other that I saw the rain falling after a super hot morning, when I arrived home from a witnessing day on my way to a meeting, with a few minutes to spare for my shower and, man, I couldn't resist. I didn't even think twice!!! I wasn't a cold rain, in fact, the sun was shining and I even joked that I was the rainbow, ha! There's a certain line I always use when I do my crazy stunts once in while that don't really make sense to anybody and people just look at my with questioning eyes: "...COM DIREITO DE SER FELIZ!!!!". Which means: "....with the right to be happy". An in, life comes in a package that includes tears, pain, learning, growing, love etc....and a little PS that says "...and the right to be happy". Though we are the ones that decide if we claim that right or not.

In other words, life is tough, tiring and it's getting more stressing by the hour with more work ahead of us, so these little moments that come once in a lifetime to enjoy a taste of beauty, love, happiness, simplicity and warmth...they can't go unnoticed. It's so hard to find time to just play my guitar, have a good laugh, eat a meal slowly or even go on a jog, but when they come...man...GIVE ME SOME HAPPINESS OR ELSE I MIGHT AS WELL GO CRAZY!!!!

I'm just glad my son was sleeping and the kids weren't around if not they would have wanted to follow my example and I don't think the parents and teachers wouldn't have liked it, ha!!!!!

Anyway, you guys, "com direito de dormir pelos menos 8 horas esta noite" I'll sign off. (with the right to sleep at least 8 hours tonight - which doesn't happen every night due to bible classes, shows or work)
Good night!

Pictures!

2008-11-09T16:08:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I haven't had much time to update this blog, plus my mind is always going 1000 miles an hour so it's hard to make it stop for long enough to write something meaningful and worth while for you to read. But there have been so many things happening that I can hardly keep up. It's just been busy and great, so I guess pictures tells a story better than I do, so I'll just let you know a little of what I've been up to through these pictures. Enjoy!
..................................................................................
Performing for a crowd of 300 young people, our Skit "Nosso Mundo Louco"
(Daniel and I)

Singing for them after! Check out the crowd (and our costumes)
(Daniel, Andy, me, Tracy, Joana, Selena, Filipe and Pedro)

Singing and Playing together at a bar. We went to do something together with another home who take their sheep to this bar once a week, and it turned out to be quite a fun night. Funner than I expected! Music is the greatest!!!!
(Benji, Selena, Pedro, Filipe, me and Joana)
Some of my home members before going out! And thats how they look everyday...its not just in the picture!
(Selena, Filipe, Andy, Joana, Tracy and Daniel)

At the PMA graduation! Man....3 days at the beach! Gosh, I miss the beach. I got sooooooooo burnt, even in places I didn't think possible, and I'm still pealing. But it was great!

The Mentors

The students

The 3 girls I mentored through the PMA semester. Joana, Clara and Cristal! They are tops! Beautiful outside and inside, and going places.

Joana, me and Meek and the PMA graduation

I took this picture last night before going to an area party. I guess it's not everyday that we get all fixed up like this...gotta remember it!
They'll be more soon, but its almost midnight and I have to catch some sleep. Love you all!

The silence of the waves

2008-10-28T04:01:00.000-07:00

Hush, hush, they tell me now
loud and clear, yet soft and sound
God is real, I can feel
as I take a look around
I know I cried and questioned too
many a night. Many a moon
Sometimes the feeling just wells up
So thankful that I didn't give up
Now I see that I am special
not for what I am, I fear
Many were called to this task
I am special, because I'm still here
There's so few left, yet so strong
The revolution will continue on
The sky's the limit, yet even more
the universe is what I'm shooting for
I'll live forever, I'll learn how to fly
No more questions, now I see why
it's only truly worth the price
if it costs something, even your life
So I'll give and give and give again
I'll die for love. For truth I'll stand
The waves are crashing on the shore
in peaceful silence, I prepare for war
The clouds are gathering on the sky
the rain will come, the evil will die
The horizon stretches out forever
reminding me to never say never
There are no more limits for me
I'll live forever. I am free!

..........................................................................................................................I wrote this poem after the PMA graduation, while I waited for my bus at the beach. The PMA graduation was great! I've gone to quite a few retreats these past 2 years, but I was always either helping with the music and something, besides, they were retreats for AM's or for a another public, so I always felt very spiritually tired and drained when returned home and had a hard time adapting back. But this time was different. This retreat was for me and the rest of the PMA students and mentors. I didn't have to worry about a thing, except enjoying Jesus and my Family. I can say one thing that happened inside of me: It renewed my pride of being part of the Family International and giving my life to this cause. I had been merely serving the Lord out of duty, but now I feel pride again in what I do, and I hope I'll never lose it.

Look at yourself at the mirror...and say...:

2008-10-12T18:15:00.000-07:00

"I WILL HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!!!!"

To understand the meaning of this introduction to this post...listen to the song. I wrote it on Friday night for someone and recorded it on Saturday morning (by that time I was also needing to hear it)

It's a one take recording, both guitar and voice, no corny Esther Wild Wind harmonies, and only a little echo thing I played with at the end. Enjoy.

Look at yourself in the mirror and say: "I WILL HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!"

Look at yourself i...

Enjoy some pictures from the party!

A song worth listening to!!!

2008-10-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

Many people joke with me that my favorite songs are the ones I write, when the truth is that many times I don't even really like a song I receive, but I just feel this sense of duty to not let any of these songs get lost, because they were meant to come to the world for a reason, even if it's just to help one person. But for my actual listening enjoyment, I have a hard time finding a song I actually really like. Like most musicians, I tend to be critical of any new song, analyzing both the vocals and the arrangement, and since I don't really listen to system music in a personal basis (as a personal decision I made in my teen years) it leaves me with little option, ha! But last month I was resting and decided to check out the MO site for new songs. I starve for new music...I have to change the songs of my MP3 at least every week, or I can't stand to listen to the same songs. But recently the songs hadn't been all that attractive, but I bumped into this new album called Naked Album on the MO site, and since I didn't recognize the musician, I decided to download it...get some new blood on my veins. Well....I really enjoyed the album. I liked the music, the words of the songs, the voice and the arrangements ... the sounds of the guitar, bass, the little musical breaks and the harmonies were awesome.
"Jasper Rock McCollum", I hadn't enjoyed a good song for awhile.

I'm posting the song I liked the most, in fact, I heard it a few times straight and it moved me quite a bit! It's called "Face to face". The lyrics are awesome! They are also posted below. I hope you like it!

Face to Face

Music: Jaz and Clare/ Lyrics: Jaz

Verse 1

To dream beyond this scheme

to see what can't be seen by men

to speak of that which seems

Insane to this being I am.

To scream what they blaspheme

to stand at this ravine in time

Realities that meet

with the Creator meld my mind.

to peer beyond this glass

to hear the sound of battles clash

to clear away the mask

and through the fear of Hell hold fast.

to steer into the vast

seas of treasures that He has

to bare the final task

and carry out all that's been asked

Chorus 1

This is my creed, the life I lead,

my blood I'll bleed for this one destiny

My choice, I lift my voice

this is what I will live my life to die for.

Verse 2

to speak with the dead

to beat with the blood He bled

to sleep in the bed

with the chosen One be wed

to run where others fled

to chart the path no one has tread

the weights of this world, shed

to heed all that Jesus has said.

To say what no one dares

into the eyes of death to glare

to climb a flight of stairs

that carnal eyes say aren't there

Chorus 2

This is my creed, the life I lead,

my blood I'll bleed for this one destiny

My choice, I lift my voice

this is what I will live my life to die for.

I believe in what eyes can't see

we stand face to face with what we saw darkly...

blessed are these who hear and can see

not with these bodies.

For these are His army.

Ricardo Running

2008-09-30T16:36:00.000-07:00

Look for the little boy wearing a red shirt. He's 5 years old, short, brown and adorable. And he got a medal. He was one of the fastest! This was last Sunday. I was shaking so much so film this. I was more nervous than he was, ha! Oh, by the way, I discovered my camera films. (yeah, you can call me stupid if you want, but I'm happy anyway) My little Athlete! I love him so much!

The box skit!

2008-09-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

I found this on the MO site. It's worth a watch. Now with the offensive, we're probably gonna be using so many different avenues to witness. Today we're gonna be performing in at actual theater in another city. First time for our pioneer team, composed of FGS's, SGAs, YA's, teens and a new disciple. Pray for us! Enjoy the skit!

Let it be

2008-09-11T19:55:00.000-07:00

It’s been a while since I stop

And talk to you, my little heart

I haven’t stopped, I didn’t blink

I didn’t have the time to think

The days went by, like hurricanes

Dates and places, games and names

But now I’m here. It’s late at night

But, oh, this silence feels so right

I’m all alone, the noises gone

The thoughts continue, but not so strong

I start to reflect on my life

Where am I going? Am I doing it right?

I cry, I struggle, I make my goals

Though of tomorrow no one knows

Is my struggle really worth while?

To build my dream, smile by smile.

I do believe in what I do

Sometimes I falter, but I stay true

I feel so young and yet so old

So insecure, but yet so bold

So many thoughts, so many prayers

I guess I should just leave them there

In His sweet hands, that care and see.

And sleep in peace. Just let it be.

(Written the 12/09/2008 at midnight)

Offensive project - HURRAY!!!!

2008-09-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

Read this before you look through these pictures, Thank you!!!!

Last week was an extremely busy week. We made a goal to practice and finish one of our offensive projects which was very difficult to take off. Basically...4 full days of practice, so we could have it ready on Sunday to present in our Church of Love. Man...rough! Really rough patches last week, but a victory at the end. It's like a Class with Skits, power points, music and dancing about having a balance in the four pillars of our life.

Well...the first pictures are of our practice. ( I guess it doesn't kill to post some really funny pictures of me once in a while, since my usual pictures are just little "smiley me", heh) and the other ones where from our first performance this Sunday.

Hurray to the Offensive. Enjoy the pics!

Life of faith

2008-08-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

The more I see. The more I feel that the path is unclear
the more I look unto the obstacles.
But when I stop and close my eyes and listen to Your voice
I never doubt I made the right choice

It's a life of faith
to stand strong no matter what comes my way
I will go
spread Your truth and light from shore to shore
I will be
what You need to set the captives free
I'll believe
that one day You're coming back for me.

The more I look into the light I see the darkness been swept away
the more I take a step outside, I feel my fears being washed away
the more I run with all my might, to chase that crown of shining light
I never doubt I chose the right way

I'm just like a little child, I need to hold on tight to you
I feel scared, sometimes I doubt if I'll really make it through
though my faith is so small, I still know that it's enough
to go on despite of all...for love

.........................................................................
I've been studying on faith recently. It's been great! The Lord gave me this song this week. It's very simple, but it meant a lot to me when I received it, and it even made me cry a bit. Weird, I don't usually cry with my songs...but I guess I needed it.
Today someone told me that my blog makes people cry. (I don't know if he said it in a nice way or not) Well, if you do cry, I sure hope you don't cry because you're sad. I've cried a few times of happiness and my son asks me why I'm crying and I say that it's because I'm happy and he's like...weird. (I used to think that was weird when I was little too) But anyway, I sure hope that IF you do ever cry, it's because you're happy or have seen a glimmer of hope and joy.
Really, I'm happy that most of my blog readers are people who don't know me personally...and only see that side of me. (deeeep, deeep ,deeeeeeep inside)
Well, gotta be who I am. I hope you enjoy the song.

Busy, busy , busy

2008-08-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

Man, I miss those days when I had hours to write songs, poems, stuff, post these long intense posts, think about life, meditate...what am I talking about? Nah, I don't miss them! It's great to be extremely busy serving Jesus that you don't even have time to think...unless you're thinking about the work and the sheep and organization and planning...yeah, I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about.

So for this post since its late at night, my week was long and tiring, I haven't had my W&R yet and I can't really think about anything to write, I'm gonna post these cute pictures we took last night for our dress up party with our sheep.

Ricardo was Charles Chaplin and I was a Japanese girl...

Then Ricardo wanted to be batman, and put a blue cape on. So he was wearing a suite with a cape. Well..at least he had fun.

Have a great week, y'll

Poem for Ricardo, during his time away

2008-08-10T19:20:00.000-07:00

I cradled you since you were small

You were to me my all in all

I love you so. I loved you strong

You were my joy. You were my song

I loved your tears. I loved your smile

You hug made everything worth while

I fought so long, I cried so much

But I always had your tender touch

You pulled me up. You made me stay

You gave me peace, in your own way

Until the day I held too strong

And God told me I was wrong.

You slipped away, to places unknown

Life had changed. Innocence gone

I couldn’t hold on to you anymore

It was not like it was before

I turned you in unto Gods hands

While I wept, because I didn’t understand

I failed so badly. I tried so hard

But ended up with a broken heart

But what we place in God’s dear hands

He truly cares and understands

The burden was not mine to bear.

Without God we go nowhere

I’m glad you’re coming back to me

It won't be like it used to be

I’ll always love you, but now I see.

You’re only mine because He gave you to me.

Night activities

2008-08-07T18:03:00.000-07:00

I've been home for about 4 days, and I'm been childless, so there's that space of time when it's usually parent time, but now I sort of stay....hmmm....trying to keep myself busy. I mean, how weird, it's kind of cool, but at the same time it's not. I miss my son. Anyway, so we were just playing a new version of "Ticket", (like sort of a rap version...) and we decided we are gonna record it like that, and suddenly I say: Lets just do it now! I mean, we do have "studio" at home...(if I can call it that). Since my son is not sleep there, we just crowd into that little room, get the mic set up, and start recording. It was very, very fun and we got some pretty good ideas for the song. (I cannot post the recording we did on the song out of respect for those participating, and out of love for your ears). These pictures were taken that day. Sebastian, Filipe, Selena and I.
Well, I'm actually working on recording that song for real, but it will take a little while. One track at a time. Yesterday the Lord supplied a bongo for our little team.
Well, gotta enjoy life, I guess! While we are still young and foolish. I just hope it doesn't take too long, or I might completely lose my mind. Ricardo, I love you! You'll be back soon.

I miss my boy

2008-08-03T19:35:00.000-07:00

I arrived home after spending 10 days away from home on work. Brasil held their 4rth AM retreat, and I was invited to help out with the music, so that meant spending about a week preparing and practicing, and 3 days of retreat. During that time Ricardo went to Rio de Janeiro to spend time with daddy and I wasn't able to talk to him at all. Those days days were busy, but is was all worth it for the results and the retreat was really inspiring and full of the Lords spirit, and I believe it was a life changing experience for many people and a major starting point for the offensive.
During the retreat a new Portuguese CD was released to the field full of witnessing songs and other songs too. The experience was busy and wonderful, but upon arriving home, all I could think about was: (see picture below)

Him! I miss him!

I found one of his Hot wheels car that he had lost and I'm always on his case to take good care of his cars, because there are two things about hot wheels: They are cool, and they are expensive.
But when I found the car I starting crying thinking about how we give so much value to certain little things that we consider so important, instead of valuing the people and the special moments. Ricardo is not back yet and I miss everything about him, especially his faces and his love. Suddenly I don't seem to care so much about being so picky about all the little things and ways I want him to behave, but I just want his love.
I talked to him today and I can only say that I've been blessed with an angel from heaven. I know this time apart is not easy for me, but I'm learning to appreciate the real things in life and treasure the moments. I'm also having more time to rest in the Lord and search my heart and learn different lessons one can only learn in the stillness. When he comes back to me, I'll be a better mom.
I'll be praying for you, my boy. You are my heart and soul. I love you!

Peace

2008-07-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

I didn't really know what you name this post, but I think "peace" is the best way to describe those 3 day I spend at a beach house for the kids vacations. When I left home, my mind was so muddled with messy thoughts, that I couldn't think straight. I was confused, scared, lost and just trying to find hope in the confusion of the situations around me. But as I lay eyes on the majestic ocean and beautiful sky...and spent some days with God...everything was clear. My problems didn't get solved and the fight continues, but I know that God is great and mighty, and nothing escapes his sight. He loves, He cares, nothing His truth can dim. He gives the very best to those who leave the choices up to Him.
Life has so many beauties, and it's not so much about the destination....but about the journey there. Enjoy the journey, and remember that what counts are the things that feed your spirit and cause you to get closer to God.
It's great be quiet, though it's extremely hard for me. And even when I am quiet, my mind doesn't stop. It's like my motor never turns off, but when the Lord finally calmed me down, it was like breathing again. Like reseting my computer...my life goes on, but from this point on, not from what already happened and can't get changed. Forward, always forward.
There is so much to learn from stillness. There is so much to learn from everything. We are so infantile, and we think we grew up. Like my son who always asks me why I know more than him and I'm so smart, and I tell him that I learned a few more things than him since I'm older, but as he grows, he'll learn them too. And I keep learning...I hope I never stop being a kid and learning with every new experience.
In the cool of the night, He walks with me...but I don't always notice him. Maybe because I have my eyes closed. Time to open your eyes and see, He knows what He does.
Sometimes I forget that I am still young. I keep getting older and freaking out that soon I'll be 26, and it's only a matter of time before I'm 30 and so forth...but the happiest people I know are way past that age, because they finally learned how to live and enjoy life, despite the obstacles. I guess I better stop worrying about aging, and simply enjoy my youth...ahora tenemos vida.
Goodbye, my boy. You are my heart and soul and I will miss you. Enjoy your time with Daddy and continue to grow into that wonderful soul you are. You smile is priceless and your hug is worth all the tears in the world. I'll see you soon...in Gods time.
I wrote a song during those days. I'm gonna post it here for you all. I hope you enjoy it:

Tell me what you see in this blue ocean
tell me what you feel under the starry sky
tell me where you're going and how you plan to get there
tell me your dreams. They will come true
I believe in you!

Tell me what you long for most of all
open up your heart, let it fall
listen to the whispers in the wind
cast your fears, in the deep blue
I believe in you!

Listen to the waves as they try to say
that it will be OK
Peace will return, love will burn
you'll find me again.

All will be fine, in good time
what you lose today you will find tomorrow
open up your arms are you will soar
the tears may roll down, but it's good for you
I believe in you!

Life brings pain. Pain brings tears
but tears can bring joy.
When one lives without fears
he looks for the sun and the rainbow
it doesn't matter how long it takes.

Picture Post

2008-07-13T19:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is a picture post of latest fun happenings. I'm gonna be traveling off and on for the next 15 days, in case I don't update much. Enjoy the pics. Jesus is great! I love him.

Ricardo and I went to watch a truck race. Yeah, "Formula Truck". I never went to one before, neither did him. I provisioned half price for me and he went for free, so it was pretty fun.
When the race started I asked him who he was cheering for and he said "the one in front". Ha! I (always trying to be opposite of everybody) cheered for a truck I particularly liked, though he was pretty behind...and he stayed behind till the end of the race. Boohoo!

Concentrating as he watches the race. Such a love.
At the Festa Junina. I'm not sure who's behind us, an I'm sorry I'm not posting a good picture of you, but Ricardo's smile is too cute here.

Watch out! I'm aiming at .....something! But I'm definitely aiming with all my might.

My turn now. I'm looking at the camera, so there's no way I can be aiming at something. Man, those guns were so heavy.
After the Festa Junina. Just cooling by the fire playing some music. Ezequiel (of Sunny) and David.
Yes! I was posing. I didn't really use my lucky red hat when I was recording (ok, sometimes I did) but this picture was in the last day of our 3 day recording marathon for a new local CD. Its gonna be released next month.
I couldn't finish this post without this picture, Calebe. Voce e massa!

Joan of arc

2008-07-07T11:01:00.000-07:00

I love Joan of arc's story. I'm sure none of the movies made of her could ever really express her life and what she went through, and how she endured until her premature death, living a life that was absolutely unheard of in those days, or even today.

I started reading the new GN "helpers and hinderer's pt 4" and I found this paragraph that really stuck out to me. Something she can help us with and something I really need help with today.

Here it is:

I will help you face this war and Offensive with courage, to charge into battle against the Enemy for the souls of men with determination and with such a strong love and passion for Him and lost souls that nothing else will matter. I will help to fan the flame of a fighting spirit within you. Bravery shall be your armor, but under that armor—just as I had—will beat a heart full of compassion and love for mankind. I will give you special determination so that nothing is able to deter you from your holy quest. I will help you to keep the vision, just as I helped the dear men I led into battle to keep looking to the victory, knowing that Heaven had promised it, and so it would come to pass.

This was great! My faith has been hanging low these days and I've been lacking courage and determination. If you're also feeling this way...let's just pray for each other and get some help from Joan of Arc.

Take two - "Barely a whisper"

2008-06-30T14:09:00.000-07:00

I'm posted this song before in my blog, but I've recorded it again with my new setup to try out the keyboard recording and microphone.

Just for any interested, I'm the one who is playing the keyboard. Like most musicians, you can never stay in only one instrument, you just have to expand, but try as you must, you have to accept that your skill only goes so far, and work with what you have.

Thank God I have another keyboard player at home that can actually play, ha! We're gonna record today. See ya...

I hope you like the "take two" of "Barely a whisper".