Where to start?

I woke up this morning told myself of what I was going to do today? I was not going to an 8-5 job today anymore. I am like most Americans who have been laid off by a bad economy. I have been telling myself that things will get better soon. My boyfriend is in the same position and he is trying to find the right job. It is good thing we are both not married or have kiddos. I can’t imagine having a family in this economy but I know families are going through a lot worst than we are going through. I have decided to look around me of who is making it with education or without diploma.

Well, I ran into a couple who only has high school diplomas and they are managers at popular fast food restaurant and they are doing well accept the hours they are working. My brother & my mom have survived last 3 years in this recession with their company. One moment, they said that the company might be letting go people and the next moment they say that they are doing well. I heard from a lot of you that your companies are are cutting budgets at your companies and letting go some good people. Times are tough! I will say that education can play a part with your resume but don’t expect to look special because you have Master education. I have a Master education and close to homeless because of being laid off. Thank goodness for my family and friends but without them I could not survive.

High Diploma or being doctor does not matter in this economy but having faith in the Lord is the most important thing. In the last week, I found myself thinking differently about my life and what is the most important. I used to think that having the material was going to get you somewhere. Even that car! Forget it! Cash is the only way to go and being out of debt! I am thankful not to have a car payment or mortgage. Other people are dealing with debt. I am speaking to those of you who like to use your credit cards. Get rid of them unless you are going to pay it off ASAP. You might be in this position of where I am and you may have debt hanging over your head. If you have debt which there is help out there but it is going to take some planning and selling your precious material. I have at least 2 credit cards over me and school loans that I might have to pay off but I am ok. Those pink heels are only temporal. One minute you are in style wearing your pink heels and the next there sit your pink heels in your closet. When you are jobless the pink heels does not matter to you anymore and food & shelter is the most important. You can’t eat your pink heels but maybe give it away to someone who would cherish it. Get fancy is a popular song right now. When I think fancy which I think if I am going to paint my nails or do my own facial. I can’t have my hair done right now and find a friend who can help me out. Going out to eat or chilling with your buddies? Nope. Forgive me to my all my friends or family members but right now I am going to decline until I get myself out of this mess in my life. I can help you out organizing your closet, help you shop for that outfit, decorate, or help you with make up or help you get make over as a gift to me.

One has start to priorities all the things that she does not need. I had watched an episode of Nate Berkus which he tells the audience of this gal who had lived in a small area in Seattle. This gal lives in small apartment less than 200 sq. feet. I can’t imagine living in home with less than 200 sq feet but people live in small areas all of over the USA and in different countries. As designer, Nat Berkus tells the audience that you don’t need to have all kinds of stuff to make your home beautiful. I have to agree with him but I am trying to let go of some of my things in my home. If I have to let go my sofas into one then let it be!! If you want to check out some his work which you can check out his website @ www.thenateshow.com

I am letting go but I know this season shall pass away into a new season but please keep Clifford & I in prayer at this time. I had said in my blog that I wanted to move into a new career and G-d heard my prayer but I did not expect this to happen so quickly. Be careful what you pray because you might get what you do not expect.

Clifford & I are going through very important decisions of what types of jobs agree to take on or places of where I or Clifford are going to live. I told Clifford that he might need to visit me in his motorcycle because of the gas prices being so high. Another issue is moving…I might be moving soon.. I don’t want to move! Please keep both of us in your prayer logs.

Love all of you.

Many hugs over the blog.

Isleen Rodriguez

Prayer in 2011

Can you imagine Jesus praying in 2011? I can? Jesus was in the wilderness fasting in praying in quietness 2000 years ago. If Jesus was alive today which it would be hard to get prayer time because of all the distractions around him. His I Phone is beeping every second because his Facebook Friends are sending him message or everyone is texting him. The coffee maker is ding to say that it is finished. If he had children, the children are running around the home. House pets are meowing or barking. Cars are honking their horn outside of his home. The next-door neighbor teenager turned on his audio in car loud to hear his favorite music. Someone next door is hammering outside of his or her house to fix the roof.

Having quiet time is vital for each Christian in the morning, afternoon, evening or in wee night. It is a time to focus when one is having their quiet time with the Lord. It is behind the scenes for the Christians. Sometimes we are praying for our love ones, praying the woman down the street who is dealing with cancer, praying for our nation, reading the Bible, doing Bible study, journal writing, talking to the Lord, etc.

In Matthew 6, Jesus told His disciples to give (vv.1-4), pray (vv.5-6), and fast (vv.16-18) in order to please God, not to gain praise from people. “When you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place” (v.6). Whether giving, praying, or fasting, Jesus said, “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (vv.4,6,18). http://odb.org/

Isleen

2010 was a good Year! 2011 Goals

Looking back in 2010......

January last year, I was accepted to go back to school to get my Master Degree but I waited for my financial aid to come through. School started Jan.18th and my financial aid came in on Jan.12th. I was taking faith step on going back to school. G-d was answering my prayers to study and focus for my future family.

March, my roommate prepared for marriage and I prepared to move away on my own place. This was the first time in my life that I was making a move on my own.

Spring season came and my first nephew Logan arrived in May. I was over joyed for my nephew to be born. This was my brother's first son. Here is a picture of my nephew & I bonded together one afternoon.

During the summer, it was rough for me to be in school & work 2 jobs all summer long. When everyone went on summer vacation and I went to the library to study. Finally, I was blessed with 2 free tickets to Michael Buble in San Antonio with my buddy one weekend. I was thankful to get away for a weekend to get a break.

One August afternoon Clifford gave me a great idea for hobby to sell Avon. I took his advice and became a representative with Avon. Avon has taught me to speak to other women and to encourage them to best when it comes to beauty. I enjoy my hobby and talking about make-up to others.

September came and I had a chance to go to Vegas. This was my first time to be in Vegas and also to visit my cousin from Europe and her family. During my trip, I received news my boyfriend who lost his job. It was trip of deep reflection of what was going to occur in the future of my life and being in prayer. It was the best trip to get away from everything and I was in peace to turn big 30!

Late September, I turned 30 years old. I celebrate my new decade with my family, friends and my guy Clifford. I was blessed to be around my family and I'm excited to see what will happen in the next 10 years of my life.

November was the toughest month when it came to my studies and being away from my love ones all month. I decided to cook my first turkey and to have my family to come over to visit me before Thanksgiving Holiday. I was surprised myself that I could cook turkey because I didn't even cooked whole chicken before. I took a step of faith of doing something new when it came to cook.

In December, my semester ended on a good note and it was time to spend with family & friends.I spend the holidays with my family and celebrated the New Year with my family.

What to expect in 2011......

In 2011, it is a New Year and it is time to focus on finishing school in December 2011 for my Master Degree. I would like to learn something new in career and help Clifford to find a job. I would like to intern or volunteer in Marketing field. I am believing in faith in the Lord of where I am suppose to be with my career. After, I finished with my school, which I would like to work on getting married. I am believing and having faith when it comes to my finances. Being Debit free and start working a plan to pay off my loans. Maybe, take a mission trip this summer. Swing dancing & exercise is on my agenda this New Year! Keeping Fit is a must and being healthy when it comes to my body. We will see what will happen this New Year in my life.

One of my favorite verses: Jeremiah 29:11

"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."

Isleen

Why we don't go to church?

Sunday, morning I was getting dressed for church and it occurred to me on why some of us do not go to church each Sunday . Don't get me wrong but I am not judging in this blog but it is regarding going to church but there is a point in which I am about to make.

American Society has it's busyness from the time you get up in the morning with your family or by yourself. It seems like you are rushing to one place or another place to get on time of where you are needed to be. When it comes to the weekend it is time to be easy and not rush. Saturday morning you are preparing to wash, go to stores to shop for food, run errands, laundry, clean the house, etc. Sunday morning, you are dead tired from working all week. Why go to church Sunday morning? Rest on the Sabbath which one would say.

Many would ask all these questions such as: “Why go to church? Who wants to go to church and get dressed up Sunday best? Who wants to worship to boring music and listen to hour long preaching from the pastor? How is this message relating to me one would ask? Pastor does not listen to me? Who want to go to church where no one talks to me or my family? There is so many clicks groups in church why should I waste my time going to church because I am no different from the man on the street which one would think? Ministry to homeless?.... I need help with my divorce and my children. Why should I go to church when someone is talking negative about me or my family? " There is a lot of why questions here but I am thinking from a perspective from everyday person. I am being real with you. Church has become point less in America. Some laugh at the church of today in America because it is joke. Church is all about status and that you are there every Sunday rain or shine. It has been become about religious than relationship with Jesus. Some churches are not real and it is about me attitude that drives people away.

I grew up in the church. I remembered my grandma and grandpa who took us, grandkids to church during the summer every night. I wore my dress every night and I was tired at the end of the night from being at church all night. Plus, I did not speak the language. Church was all in Spanish language but I went to church. If I went to church every night as adult which I could not do it because some many things on my plate and deadlines papers. One thing, I learned from my grandma to be there for others and now I understood why my grandma went to church each night. She was in church to hear the word but she was there to be there for the hurting folks. Sometimes, she bought those people home with her to drink coffee, eat or pray with those hurting people.

I have traveled to other churches in Reynosa, Mexico. Churches in Mexico are not like churches in America where we have everything. This church in Reynosa was the center of this town. People did not have cars, houses, sometimes electricity but church was the hope. These people had so much faith and prayed for hours, hours in this church. These people would run to church when the doors were open because they were hurting. Why are we not seeing people run to churches like the do in Mexico? History showed us churches were taken place in homes or secret places because the government was against Christianity. Even today China where having a church is against the law. Each Sunday morning, I wake up with the alarm going off @ 9:45am and do some things before I get to church. Church has the importance in my life even with my crazy schedule but I know.. ..I can find encouragement in word, worship, and if someone is hurting then I will be there to help them. It is not about me but about him (Jesus). I was lost but now I am found even going to church period.

Isleen

The Impossible could be the Possible

I hear this little voice saying to me, “I am not worthless, not pretty, and not smart; my career is not at the height of where it should be.” Many of you know as well which I hold down 3 jobs and go to school. One job is full time job which I work 8:30-5pm, part time I work at the Hilton on the weekends and other small part time job is selling Avon products. I attend classes as a grad student during the week after my 8-5 job or online. This little voice has probably spoken to you already saying the same things to you but I tell you it is a lie. You are worthy and beautiful in the Lord’s eyes. Don’t think a guy can give all the needs that you need as a woman. There are some things a guy can’t give you or any other man can give you but only the Lord. If there is someone who is feeling not loved remember there is someone who loves you so much that he died for you. If you are reading my words please know that I wrote this for you. Hug over the this blog.


The impossible could be the possible..............
As watching Karate Kid with Jaden Smith about this story child who moves from America and into a new land of China. This child meets a new friend who teaches him Kung Fu in defending himself from the school bullies. Only to watched the beginning of the movie but there was something about this movie that was special to me which was the people of China and this amazing culture. Was I about to journey into this land of the republic of China? It had been 10 years ago; I journey into Middle East learning a new culture when I was 20 years old but was this going to happen again at the age of 30 years old? Time will tell but it will only happen if it is the Lord’s will. Right now, I pray for change in my life to reach out to a new land and ministry to those who are in need in my crazy schedule. I am asking many who are prayer warriors to help me keep me in prayer to make the correct decision if this opportunity comes into my path this year. I will let you know when things occur soon.

Be Blessed.
Isleen

http://www.sonypictures.com/homevideo/thekaratekid/

30 Things to do for 30 days before turing 30!

This week, I was thinking of making a bucket list but I thought to myself I am not going to die soon but I thought this might be interesting to find things I haven’t done in my almost 30 years of my life ( I am turning 30 on Sept. 28th). In my 29 years of my life, I have done the following things: I have jumped out of plane, rode on a back of a motorcycle, rode a horse like a jockey, ski on water & tried to wake-boarding ( I haven’t ski on snow), play guitar & violin, sang in public & spoke in public, worked on actually car, went to D.C. , CA., New York & N.J. ( Seen all the sites), met some famous people, Brett Michaels, Nolan Ryan, and Chris Botti (Wink at me) but I can’t remember all of them…. Napa Valley , I went on a mission trip several times in Mexico. Visit Israel ( Seen all the famous sites in Israel), there is more on my list but I cannot think all of them at this time.

1. Go to Las Vegas and met Elvis (Pretend Elvis) (I’m a fan of Elvis) to take picture. (Going to Vegas on Sept.1) Did already!!

2. Go to Eifel Tower (In Las Vegas) I have not been to the Eifel Tower in Paris (I almost went to the Eifel Tower when I was 21 Years old). Did already!!!

3. Buy Ice Cream cone for stranger @ Mc D’s

4 .Volunteer to help some kiddos ( I accomplished this on 08.14.10)

5. Buy grocery for a family in need (I did bought a few items to my sis family to eat dinner every Monday.) I love my family!

6. Take a picture with bunch of balloons in my hands (I’m artist, I can’t help it)

7. Drive a motorcycle (I managed to drive motorcycle just a tiny bit but it did not count)

8. Take pictures of me driving classic cars or look like I driven classic cars

9. Have make up done like a super model off the run ways of New York
(I can arrange this) Not yet, Maybe, One day! My cousin did a make over April 2011

10. Grow a garden (It is in the works, I am growing plants on my deck) Did already!

11. Take pictures with a mascot or hang with a mascot of some school. I have taken a pic with mascot from UNT on 04.30.11

12. Help an old person walk across the street (I helped Clifford's mom with car battery across the parking lot to get inside store on 08.14.10

13. Run for a whole mile before I turn 30 (I ran more than mile but I have not done it recently)

14. Dress like a cowgirl (As a Texan, it is mandatory for a gal to dress up like a real cowgirl once in her life time if you live in Texas) Maybe go to store and try on some outfits

15. Buy a cup of coffee for stranger (Starbucks) (I bought a 12 cups of coffee for co-worker for the rest of the year.)

17. Stomping the grapes like the episode in I love Lucy show, I did this @ Grapefest!

18. Play laser tag or paint ball

19. Played glow in dark golf

20. Go to Egypt (go to museum, rent DVDs of the history of Egypt) I met a guy from Egypt on 08.14.10

21. Played golf on a real golf course like Tiger Woods. ( No, Putt Golf for me)

22. Go to China (Since, I can’t go to China but eat at nice restaurant ) I must dress like a gal from China. I am going to China for Month July, 2011

23. Make chocolate candies for my friends or family (I like candy but I would like to see how the candies are made)

24. Shoot a gun (I don’t like guns but I can try to shoot a gun at shooting range)

25. Go to Europe (Since, I can’t go to Europe I can eat at French restaurant, Italian, German restaurant) Did already during my vacation!

26. Go to Australia (I cannot go to Australia but I would like to Skype my Australia friend, Zelda) I have not seen her in years or talked to her in person in years.

27. Go to Africa (Eat actually food good from Africa) Dress like from Africa, I had connected with a lady who shared her dream as child that had came into reality as adult. Amazing Lady!

28. Learn karate (Like the karate kid) Learned karate from a teacher on 08.12.10

29. Take scuba dive lesson

30. Get married or get in engaged! Did Not get engaged but the Good Lord is amazing and I don't need a ring to say someone loves me.

My sis bought me this really cool ring for my 30th B-day! It topped my day!










Shem Yisrael (or Sh’m Yisroel or just Shema) ( Hear, (O) Irael”) are the first two words of the a section of the Torah ( Hebrew Bible) that is used as centerpiece of all morning and evening Jewish Prayer services are closely echoes the monotheistic message of Judaism. It is considered the most important prayer in Judaism and it twice-day recitation is a mitzvah ( Religious Commandment).

Maria

Maria was a women who was born to a mother who was Mexican Indian. Her mother labored in a home as maid in the deep part of Mexico. Maria's father was the man that her mother worked in the home. Maria married at a young age at 14 years old to my grandfather and they started life together. Maria and my grandfather had 5 children and decided to come to the states for a better life for their future family.

Maria was an intelligent woman who had raised 14 children and in the states. Maria worked and raised a family all her life. In the 70's, Maria's children were growing up and getting married one by one. My mom, Emily was her daughter. Maria came to the Christian faith during the Jesus movement during the 70's. Maria did not read or write. Maria could barely write her own name. My grandfather would read the Bible in Spanish to her. I remembered as a child, Maria would point at verse and my grandfather would read to her in Psalms or any other portion from the Bible. Maria was a prayer warrior for her family. On September 26th 1980, my mother was in the hospital with a baby in her womb and had severe complications. My mom had me in her womb for 2 days. Maria took a stand to pray for my mom & I. Maria called everyone she knew from the pastor, church members, her family to pray for the birth of me & the life of my mom. On September 28th, 1980 on Sunday night around 7pm. I was born. I will always thank my grandmother, Maria for praying for my mother and me.

Maria would sacrifice to wake up 5 or 6 o clock in the morning to cook for her family. Maria was a chef in the kitchen. She would cook a grand meal for her family less than 30 minutes. Maria was artist. Maria would craft and make many things in her older age. She kept herself busy by making dresses, milk carton bunny rabbits, blankets, dolls, clothes, and table clothes. Interesting part, Maria did not read or write. I don't know how she managed to make all these things without reading or writing. Maria was a traveler. Maria's children lived all over the country from Washington, California, Texas, and Virginia. Maria would get on the plane and not have fear to fly in the air. Remember Maria did read or write or even speak English. Maria manage and was successful to visit each of her family member. Maria was a servant. When Maria came to your house she would cook and clean without asking you. My dad told me once that she iron every work shirt in his closet. My dad was thankful for Maria to Iron his shirt without asking. Maria had a big heart for those who she loved. Maria became a American citizen in her later years of her life. Maria did not know English very well but she knew one sentence that she would say when she went to the stores, “ Jesus loves you.” Store clerks would shed a tear when she said those words to them. I remembered one summer sitting down with Maria and reading a 1st grade book with her. I remembered hearing the words, “ See cat run.” It was a moment that I will never forget of my grandmother reading in English. Maria wanted to learn how to read. Mom told me that my grandmother had dyslexia but still wanted to read. Maria was a listener and counselor. If you had a problem you would talk to Maria about anything in your life. Maria was so much more but than just a grandmother but a woman that did not have the education or even read or write but had a dream. Maria's words last words to me before she passed away was to finish college before I married. My inspiration was my grandmother Maria who is still in my heart even today. Maria is story like other women in our society who cannot read or wrote but willing to raise their children. I want to mentor, encourage and teach other women not to be what society wants them to be like or what they can accomplish in their lives. Education is not about money or the high paying job but it is to be challenge in our lives and to teach others.

Isleen Rodriguez