Summer Rest

Do you need rest? Are you feeling tired? Are you doing too much? Even when we are involved in ministry or serving a good cause, Jesus wants us to rest.We know the human body needs rest and relaxation.

Jesus loves us so much that He reminds us of this in Mark 6:30-32:

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

³⁰ The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. ³¹ Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

³² So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.

The disciples had been working with the crowds. Who said, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest"? Jesus did. Is He telling you the same thing today? I know He is saying that to me.

Jesus also said in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you that You care about our bodies and minds. As a good Father you know what's best for us. Please give us the wisdom to listen to your advice and take time to rest. In You, O Lord, our souls find rest. Thank you for allowing us through Your creation to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. I pray for every person reading this blog, Lord. Please give them rest, joy and peace. Bless them and their families. May they know how much You love them. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen!

Enjoy this song, titled, "Rest My Soul"

Breathe and let go of any tension as you relax your muscles...breathe...breathe...

http://youtu.be/PSMCOAlDsl4

2012 - Are You Ready?

2012 - ARE YOU READY?

Ready for what? Doomsday? The end of the world? There are several websites about these subjects. Rumors say that December 21, 2012 is the last day of the earth. Judgement Day...By the way, I took this picture above in 2008 in Cancun. The two figures on the right almost look like two angels to me. I thought it was an interesting picture.

If you type, "2012" on the Internet, you'll discover multiple websites dedicated to the Ancient Mayan calendar and how to survive 2012. Even a well known Christian, owner of a Christian radio station, no need to mention names, predicted the end of the world last May 21st. Many others have claimed to know the end times in the last few years. Others said it would be October 21, 2011. Those days have come and gone.

The Bible, the Word of God, states that there is a Judgement Day coming. One day, Jesus Christ will return to gather those who have trusted and believed in Him by faith. It is also clear that NOBODY knows the day and the hour. It can even be TOMORROW!

Matthew 24:36 (Amplified Bible version)

But of that [exact] day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

Mark 13:32-33 

The Day and Hour Unknown

³² “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. ³³ Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. 

Since we don't know the day, it pays to be ready. For those of us who believe Jesus is the Son of God and call Him, Savior and Lord, that day won't be Doomsday, it'll be a GLORIOUS DAY! Imagine Jesus coming down in the clouds to pick you up in all glory and radiance. Better than a firework show, the Lord will fill the sky with splendor and light. It'll be the best sight throughout the world.

Mark 13:26 “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 
¹⁶ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Revelation 1:7 “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen.

Luke 21:27-28 
 ²⁷ At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. ²⁸ When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

I love this following verse. We, believers, will receive our crown of righteousness. Not because we were good enough or worked hard enough, but because of God's loving grace. Grace is mercy shown to an offender according to the dictionary. Jesus paid the price for our sins. He died in our place. He gave us hope and the gift of eternal life. Be ready! 

2 Timothy 4:8

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

For more reading about how to be READY check my previous blogs, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER!!! and  A Clean Slate...A Fresh Start!

I leave you for now with this YouTube song...go ahead...sing it!

http://youtu.be/ofcNx1dv8R4

Blessings! 

SPRING BREAK OR EASTER WEEK?

When my boys were in elementary school "Spring Break" used to be called "Easter Week." What comes to your mind when you hear the words, Spring Break? Sometimes, I think of high school and college students having a crazy and wild time during Spring Break, but that's not always the case. A large number of high school students in our church went to Mexico to build a house for a needy person. Other families enjoy the time off to rejuvenate and spend time together.

Spring can also be a time of renewal. You can do "spring cleaning" in your own heart. Get rid of clutter or bad habits. You can ask God to do it for you. Ask Him to clean up areas to create more space for Him and allow more joy, peace and love to reside in your heart.

The sunrise picture above was taken during this "Spring Break" in Cancun. My husband and I celebrated our 32 years of marriage there. This place has become our retreat with God and each other as we contemplate and meditate on the beauty around us. 

I love to wait for the sun to rise at the beach. Out of a dark sky, a new day begins. It announces itself with glory and rays of hope. The sun receives the command from its Creator to shine and bring light and warmth to the world. We should follow his example and radiate the Son's love and light to the world as well--the love of Jesus!

Here are some pictures of our Spring Break in Cancun as my husband and I thanked the Lord for blessing and protecting our marriage for 32 years!

I bring my travel size Bible and Bible study to enjoy the beauty God created and to hear from Him, the Creator and Author, as I read His precious Word. It nourishes my soul.

Now, when you hear the words, "Happy Easter!" what comes to mind?  When Jesus rose from the dead, let me say that again, He rose from the dead... He offered us eternal life.

John 3:36
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”

John 3:15
that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 11:25
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.

1 John 2:17

The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

That's what "Happy Easter" is all about... you will live FOREVER! Now, that's a reason to CELEBRATE... HAPPY EASTER!!!

I'm feeling generous today, so here are two YouTube Videos to bless your life!!! :) Receive His love TODAY!

The first is "Revelation Song" and the second is titled, "Resurrection"

http://youtu.be/YNjFSc28TdU

http://youtu.be/ojjV3BbQTjk

John 14:19
Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.

LORD, FORGIVE ME...

Do you ever murmur or complain? Who doesn't, right? This morning, as I worked on my Bible study lesson, the Lord spoke to me about this. I've been murmuring and complaining and had not even realized how much--until now.

This is what the Lord says in His Word about murmuring and complaining, 'The LORD said to Moses and Aaron: “How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites. So tell them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you the very things I heard you say: In this desert your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me.  Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. As for your children that you said would be taken as plunder, I will bring them in to enjoy the land you have rejected. But you—your bodies will fall in this desert. '- Numbers 14:26-32.

It sounds pretty harsh, doesn't it? But the Lord had rescued the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt, performed many miracles, took care of them in the desert and yet they complained saying they wanted to go back to Egypt because it was better over there.

I didn't know I was being a complainer,  too until I read the questions from my Beth Moore's Bible study lesson on David. The first application question was, "Have you recently become aware of something God wants to give you or do for you?" I answered, "Yes, to reach people for His Kingdom. He is equipping me to write for his glory!"

The following question was, "Are you accepting what God is offering you?" I said, "Yes, but I need to stop complaining about the work and do it joyfully."

That's when it hit me...I've been a reluctant writer. I've been expressing that it was not my idea to write a book to begin with. Several friends had suggested I write about my journey with God. English is my second language. I don't have a college education and have never taken a writing class. Needless to say, it has been a big challenge. I love the Bible study I wrote, but in the process of learning to revise and publish the book, I've been complaining all along...

This is my list of complaints:

I'm being stretched by God.
I don't know how to write.

I don't want to learn or do the work ahead.

I rather speak about the Lord and share with my friends than write.

My back and neck hurt when I sit in front of the computer.

I just want to move on and be done.

This morning after reading the application questions, the Lord spoke to my heart... He said, "You have said that You want to be used by me, that you're willing to lay your life for me. You asked me for something new in your life and to bring you people by the thousands to tell them about my love for them."

My next step was to pray, "Forgive me, Lord, for murmuring and help me to enjoy learning to write for your glory."

Then I asked my husband to forgive me for my murmuring and thanked him for his support on this endeavor. He said, "It's a journey. Go through the journey. Enjoy the blessing of the journey. You want to finish fast and be done with it, but look at all the wonderful new people you have met in your journey. You have grown through this process."

God continues to build character and patience in my life. Through this journey of writing for almost three years, I have met wonderful Christian writers that have blessed my life. We encourage one another and pray for each other.

This morning, I renewed my covenant with God. I dedicated my work space and writing to Him and once again I said, "Lord, use me as you please. I am yours!"

I will joyfully write through His strength and continue to ask Him to use me to bless others through it. I formally apologize to all of you who heard me complain and murmur in the past. Keep praying for me to have joy, peace and physical strength for my back and neck as I write.

My Prayer for you:

May God make you aware of areas in your life where you are complaining right now. May He help you accept your situation. May He give you strength, JOY and endurance as you go through your own journey and set of challenges. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen!

Love you all,

Guadalupe :)



Spring Is Around The Corner!

As I look from my window, I see how this beautiful tree begins to bloom the week before Valentine's Day. Then right on February 14th is in full bloom, as if my Heavenly Father was delivering flowers to me on Valentine's Day!

I grew up in Managua, Nicaragua where we only had one season--hot all year round. It was hot even when it rained. It was beautiful because it was always green. We had flowers all year long.

One of the things I enjoy of living in California is appreciating the changes of the four seasons. We wouldn't look forward to spring if it wasn't because of winter.

You see what I mean? This tree is so spooky. It gave me the creeps when I first saw it. It looks lifeless and dead...

Same tree in summer time...full of life and beauty!

The fall colors are breathtaking...

And the snow is just gorgeous...

I love to experience the changes in color and the beauty around me. My least favorite is the dead looking tree of winter. I was once like that tree. I was depressed and discouraged. Then I met my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ and He gave me life... abundant life!

I don't know what season of life you are in. But, if you feel like a lifeless tree I can tell you that there is hope. Hang in there. I pray that you will find and experience God's love too. You may want to read my blog titled, "The Best Christmas Present Ever!!!" to read about the hope I'm talking about...

Psalm 1:1-3 says:

Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.

Maybe you are like the tree described in this Psalm, if not, remember...spring is just around the corner!

Who Can Be The Best Valentine Ever?

       Who Can Be The Best Valentine Ever?

One night I couldn't sleep thinking about what Valentine's Day was going to look like for my widowed and divorced friends. I got up from bed and went straight to my computer. This is the letter I wrote several years ago to encourage them. But even if you have a significant other in your life, this letter will help you see and understand how much you are loved by God.

Who promises not to leave you or forsake you?

“The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." - Deuteronomy 31:8

"No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." - Joshua 1:5

Who loves you unconditionally, regardless of shape, size, or color?

“However, the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.” - Deuteronomy 23:5

“Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:39

Who listens to your problems and concerns like nobody else?

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28

Who is there for you at all times?

“For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever..." - Psalm 37:28

Who delights in you?

“For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.” - Psalm 149:4

Who says He will be your husband and a father to your children?

“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing.” - Deuteronomy 10:18

“For your Maker is your husband- the LORD Almighty is His name- the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.” - Isaiah 54:5

Who is your faithful friend?

“But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” - Psalm 86:15

Who will never disappoint you?

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” - Romans 5:5

 Only JESUS can love you like no one else can. He loves you so much that He gave His life for you. 

He wants to spend eternity with you in the Mansion He went to prepare for YOU!

 This Valentine’s Day, beloved, you are not alone. You are loved. Jesus wants to be your Valentine. 

Have a “date” with Jesus by spending time reading His love letter to you--His wonderful Word. 

Have a cup of coffee or tea with Him. 

Talk to Him in prayer and take time to listen to what He wants to say to your heart! 

The first commandment is to love God with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength and the second greatest is to love one another. 

Spend the day loving your neighbors and friends--share God’s love with them. 

Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

Excerpt from my book, "How To Love God with All Your Heart - A Personal Journey & Testimonial Bible Study Guide" by Guadalupe C. Casillas

Copyright 2015

In His Love,

Guadalupe :-)

Picture taken by Guadalupe in Cancun, Mexico.

Valentine's Day - February--The Month of Love!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

February is the month of love! Everyday can actually be Valentine's day when a couple is "in-love." I made our plans for Valentine's Day since Christmas! 

I recently commented to the cashier lady at Raley's how much I love to see the men buy flowers, cards, balloons and even teddy bears to give to their significant other. I said, "I think it's so romantic to see them come out of the store with all that stuff." Her replied was not so romantic. She said, "I think they're doing it so they won't get in trouble." I laughed!

When it comes to Valentine's Day I don't leave anything to chance. I've been married for almost 32 years and I tell my husband exactly what I want. I'm looking forward to a candlelight dinner at our special restaurant. Chocolate for dessert is in the menu too! 

Other women prefer the element of surprise. Unfortunately, the surprise might be that their loved one forgot or that they didn't meet their expectations. My husband likes the fact that I plan the day. He says I'm being helpful in letting him know my wishes and that makes him happy.

Valentine's Day can be a difficult day for some people. My heart goes out to those of you who are not in a relationship due to a break-up or have lost a spouse. 

In Mexico, Valentine's Day is also called, "El Día De La Amistad" (Friendship Day). You can plan something fun with friends or celebrate "love" with those in your family or visit a retirement home or a shelter.

Several years ago, I wrote a letter to those who are not able to be with the one they love. I will post this letter next week. It is titled, "Jesus is our best Valentine!" You will see why...