What is Next?

Did you ever have a moment in your life when you wished that you could control the situation? Do you wish that you could turn back the time? Right now, I am dealing what is next period of my life? Do I pack? Or should wait and have faith of where my next step?

In last 2 months of my life has not been the easiest one? Being unemployed is not easy at all. I have found myself searching through job after job, trying to make appointments for interview, working on Graduate homework, going to job fairs, sending emails to potential job offers, working on unemployment homework, going to workshops, and working on call when they need me at the hotel. There is the emotional factor that plays in when you don't have a job. When to sleep in my bed? I can't sleep at night because the worry starts to take place. Questions, questions start to take over of what is going to happen tomorrow and the depression takes over. There have been a nights where I could not sleep in my own bed and slept on my couch, my parent's couch, and my boyfriend's parents couch. “Where would I am going to sleep? “Is the question that pops in my head. I have been individual that plans aheads of what is going to happen next but this time I can't plan ahead because I do not know what is going happen next in my life.

The answer is G-d. One night, I found myself extremely depressed and woke up in the middle of my sleep praying. I heard the Lord saying to me, “ I will never leave you or forsake you.” A peace came into my heart as I heard those words. A friend called me up out of nowhere just to pray with me on the phone. I know the Lord is in control of my life. I have to have faith in believing in him for my future. G-d has always been there for me even when I traveled to the Middle East in times of uncertainly in this country. Hardest part of going to the next level of your life is letting go. Letting go everything you have or worked so hard for many years. I asked the Lord many times of why this happened to me? Why at this time? My mom tells me that Lord is teaching me something early in my life right now than when I am 50 years old. She tells me that you don't have the fancy house, car, boat, and the things you do not need. I am learning to think about my retirement, my future home, my future family living in my means instead out of my means. All these material things is temporal and something new will come along and we will toss the old.

The real focusing is on money. Money? Money makes the world go round but does it really? Money is the root of all evil as the Bible says. One of my friends called me up and said to me that we live in society that surrounds around money even in the church. He told me do you really need to live on money? What does the Bible say about money? As he was talking... I remembered many of the familes living in the Religious Jewish communities in Israel. The fathers and sons praying and study scriptures all day. The Jewish women who stayed home to raise their families. These people live on a limited income and give, give their tithe to the church. What would happen to our society if we lived limited income? There is so much competition in our society of who has the better car or better house. What about the relationships that help each other in times of trials. I had a Dell home computer that could of sold online for money but I did not. I gave this computer to one of friends who was in need for school. Not one penny.... I only I received but a hug. Giving is important in my life of those who is in need even when one does not have a job. What if we live in a socialist society? Would we as society live poor? It is scary to think about socialist society and part of me thinks that we may go in this direction in the near future. Today, I think of what is going to happen next in my life but I don't worry but trust in him. In G-d, I trust with my life. If you don't know where to turn in life turn to your Bible & prayer of course the Lord. Answers will be given to you but only in time. In the next few weeks, which I will find the outcome of where my life will be in the 6 to 9months. I ask all the prayer warriors please continue to pray for me.

Update..... 6mth, later... A prayed was answered. See my latest blog> June, 2011.

I love you all.

Be Blessed.

Isleen

Love is Work

Valentine's Day is around the corner and romance is in the air. I learned romance is relationship does not come from a storybook because there is work to be done. One of our favorite songs that Clifford & I love to sing is Gwen Stefani & Akon call “ The Sweet Escape”. Here are the lyrics to the song has some truth to it when you sing it.

[Gwen]

If I could escape I would but,

First of all, let me say

I must apologize for acting stank & treating you this way

Cause I've been acting like sour milk all on the floor

It's your fault you didn't shut the refrigerator

Maybe that's the reason I've been acting so cold?

There is a story to this song and couple is fighting because of not closing the refrigerator door. Sometimes we couples fight on little things can make the relationships go sour.

[CHORUS]

If I could escape & recreate a place that's my own world

& I could be your favourite girl (forever), Perfectly together

Tell me boy now wouldn't that be sweet? (sweet escape)

If I could be sweet, I know I've been a real bad girl (I'll try to change)

I didn't mean for you to get hurt (whatsoever)

We can make it better, Tell me boy wouldn't that be sweet? (sweet escape)

This is sooo true with couples. Sometimes we want to escape to a perfect world but we as couples need to work it out in our relationship. Gwen tells Akon her guy in this song would it be sweet and Akon apologize to his girl.

[Akon]

I want to get away, to our sweet escape

I want to get away, yeah

[Gwen]

You held me down, I'm at my lowest boiling point

Come help me out, I need to get me out of this joint

Come on let's bounce, counting on you to turn me around

Instead of clowning around, let's look for some common ground

So baby, times get a little crazy

I've been gettin' a little lazy, waitin' on you to come save me

I can see that you're angry by the way that you treat me

Hopefully you don't leave me, wanna take you with me

Gwen tell her guy Akon in this song that she was hurt by him. Gwen says let get out of this mess and come to common ground. Sometimes things get crazy and come and save me from this mess and don't leave me. ( A girl should not say don't leave me because she has to be strong and think for yourself if she is happy or if she needs to move on).

[CHORUS]

If I could escape & recreate a place that's my own world

& I could be your favourite girl (forever), Perfectly together

& tell me boy now wouldn't that be sweet? (sweet escape)

If I could be sweet (sorry boy)

I know I've been a real bad girl (I'll try to change)

I didn't mean for you to get hurt (whatsoever)

We can make it better

& tell me boy now wouldn't that be sweet? (sweet escape)

This is Clifford & I favorite part of the song

Woohoo, Yeehoo

Woohoo, Yeehoo (If I could escape)

Woohoo, yeehoo (If I could escape)

Woohoo, Yeehoo

Cause I've been acting like sour milk all on the floor

It's your fault you didn't shut the refrigerator

Maybe that's the reason I've been acting so cold?

[CHORUS]

If I could escape & recreate a place that's my own world

& I could be your favourite girl (forever), Perfectly together

& tell me boy now wouldn't that be sweet? (sweet escape)

If I could be sweet (sorry boy)

I know I've been a real bad girl (I'll try to change)

I didn't mean for you to get hurt (whatsoever)

We can make it better

& tell me boy now wouldn't that be sweet? (sweet escape)

Woohoo, Yeehoo (I wanna get away, get away)

Woohoo, Yeehoo (To our sweet escape)

Woohoo, Yeehoo (I wanna get away)

Woohoo, Yeehoo (Yeah)

Woohoo, Yeehoo

Woohoo, Yeehoo

When I think of love which I think of the truth to it and at times it is not easy to love someone. When I was younger which I would watch all these princess movies and Cinderella would fall in love and her Prince Charming they would be happily ever after. Wrong? Why did they ever they made Cinderella 2. The next part of Cinderella life when she has kiddos of her own? What do you think Prince Charming thought of Cinderella messy hair days or her bad days?

Sometimes we have our bad days and good days as couple. I like the Shrek movies instead because there is real life to those character as fiction moves. Remember love is not easy but the real love is loving each other and working it out even until the end of time.

Isleen

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/