LIVING BY FAITH

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Welcome back to my blog, its 2026!

Hey, welcome back to my blog! I had this crazy idea: if MySpace is making a comeback, why not bring my blog back to life too? The last time many of you read my blog was in 2020. We were living through quarantine, and the world felt completely different. Fast forward to 2026, and so much has changed. Technology has evolved, writing has evolved, and yes even I'm using AI to help with grammar, sentence structure, and organizing my thoughts. But don't worry... the words and the heart behind them are still mine. While I'll share more of my story over time, I'm not going to let the cat out of the bag just yet. There have been many changes in my life, and you'll discover them one post at a time. One thing, however, has never changed: my faith. My faith has carried me through life's highs and lows and has made me into a stronger woman. It reminds me that true beauty comes from both the inside and the outside. When life gets difficult, I turn to prayer. I open my Bible and remember one of my favorite verses: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 That promise has given me hope more times than I can count. One thing that also helps me stay focused is worship. Whether it’s acoustic worship music or simple guitar worship, those quiet moments help me slow down, clear my mind, and keep my eyes on God. Sometimes all it takes is a worship song to remind me that He is in control. As this new chapter begins, I hope you’ll keep coming back. There are stories to tell, lessons I’ve learned, and adventures still ahead. One thing you will quickly discover is that I have a heart for supporting our military veterans. I’ll share more about that journey very soon. Thank you for stopping by, and welcome to this new chapter. I can’t wait to share it with you.

Monday, May 25, 2020

Quarantine Life 2020

In February the virus situation was hitting Europe. I knew my mission trip for July for 2020 was going to be postponed with my church.

Quarantine life hit after I had visited my family & went to the beach in South Texas during spring break. Hardest part is not hugging my papa goodbye. It was difficult for me because my papa is 99 years old. Was it a shock? Yes. Quarantine life was an unusual situation in my life.

Job situation & Life: I went through the same thing almost 10 years ago, I was laid off for a job for a year & half while I was working on my master degree. I worked part time as a front desk agent at a major hotel chain. My dad died of colon cancer that year. That period of my life was the most difficult time of my life. What did I learn from that season? Enjoy life like it’s your last day in your surroundings. Be in word ( Bible) and be close to G-d. Forgive and love others (you never know when it’s your last day on earth). Serve. Don’t waste your time watching TV at home. Read a good book. Learn something new.

When I was home and dealing with the 1st day of quarantine life I dealt with allergies issues. I was scared to walk into a clinic or doctor office. I went to CVS minute clinic. It was ruled out that I had allergies infection. I was well after a few weeks of rest. Life was different for us as a family living in quarantine life. Living together as a family was interesting. It felt like a retreat with all kinds of daily projects around the house . Yes, we did sneak a few Netflix & Disney shows in between. We cooked our home meals and ate at the family dinner some nights. Game nights and Bible studies were included. We learned a lot from each other during these times. Mentally it was draining for some of us to be in this new life. I'm an outgoing person and it was difficult to adapt to this new lifestyle with isolation. I remembered to slow down and allow Jesus has taken the wheel on this virus situation. I was on my knees praying and crying to G-d for our nation. Our nation would be healed. Shelter in place was lifted on May 1st in Texas. My papa went to heaven on May 4th. My family & I were able to buried my Papa 8th of May. We were all wearing our masks at my papa’s funeral. It’s been a crazy season in our lives.

What did I learn being in quarantine life? Love your family as they are. Journal as much as you can. Slow down. Connect with nature as often as you can. Have pray walks. Have more faith with the Lord. Learn to call your family on phone and not text. Take walks each night as you can.

What is a head of our future? We don’t know, but I’m trusting in the Lord today. Yes, I will always wear a mask while we are still fighting this COVID-19 in this nation and this world. Will I travel again, yes. Also, I will always miss my papa who was 99 years young.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

“ABBA, Father in Heaven"

I was 16 years old almost 23 years ago when I wrote this small piece to myself from my Bible.

Little did I know this written piece would bless me this past week and may it help you in your life.

“Father” Who lives in the sky above me. Every second he is watching me and seeing what I’m doing. His hands are always open to me. Sometimes I feel his hugs against me. When I praise to him and my hands are high in the sky. I feel like they are close to mine. I cry and my father stands up above me. His love is towards me when it’s needed 24-7. This world need him and they don’t know how much greater than anything else is. I’m writing this to those whom are reading this posting.

If you are lonely, sad, rejected, depressed, have a broken heart 💔, you are never alone in this world. There are others who love you and a father above who is looking out for you.

As my father would always say to us kiddos, “Jesus is Lord." In memory of you dad, Dan Rodriguez on my birthday this week.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Portugal 2019

When I was seventeen, I promised Jesus I would give my heart

️ to the mission field for Him.

I owe it all to Him, Jesus. Almost 20 years later, I’m still called to the mission field in my hometown or in another country.

As I left the country of Portugal my heart wanted to take Portugal back home to Texas.

Portugal is a beautiful country. The people of Portugal are beautiful.

The language of Portuguese is beautiful to speak.

The food was delicious. The coffee was excellent and inexpensive. I could have coffee at breakfast, lunch & dinner in one day.

The evangelical churches are few. It is a beautiful country, but lack of churches within Baptist community churches. My heart

️ cries for all churches in Portugal.

As we visited each church

in Northern Portugal and prayed with their pastors I wanted to bring them and their church families home to Texas.

Portugal is a beautiful country with beautiful landscape filled with beautiful flowers everywhere. I could take taken thousands of pictures of all the flowers & trees.