Still, I give thanks.

It's been over a year since I've posted here. Reading my old posts makes me sad but at the same time it makes me happy. These past two years I've been through so much, so much has changed. We all go through it, we feel as if nothing has changed but we look back and see a completely different person. For me it's been some good changes, some bad changes.

It kinda sucks when you don't trust anyone anymore, especially when you don't trust the people in the ONLY place you can actually get help. These past 2 years people have done me wrong on so many levels. There's been people who back stabbed me, who shattered my trust, who have walked out of my life like I mean ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. But you know what? It's ok. I am THANKFUL. I am thankful for those who lied to me, because I now know who you really are. I am thankful for those who walked out of my life because it stopped me from wasting my time at trying to give them my affection. I am thankful for everything.

The good change is the way I think. I'm learning to love myself. It's taking so much effort but I think, slowly, I'm getting there. I'm looking ahead to the future, trying to live a better, longer, happier, healthier life. I'm glad I decided to make this change because it has helped me so much already. I am thankful that I have met all those wonderful people that have led me to this healthier path. I am thankful for all those friends who have remained by my side, no matter what, those who have been there for me like family. I am thankful for my family, who may not always agree with what I do or say but they're still there. I am also thankful for my ROYCEFAMILY, my roycesisters may be from all over the world but we share a love for Royce that no one else would understand. My roycesisiters are some of the sweetest people I know, we stick together, and help each other out when possible. My love for them grows daily. But Most of all, I am thankful for God, in the end He's truly the only one that can help me and the only one who knows me truly, and still remains by my side.

 I am thankful for life, from a different perspective, but I am still thankful. <3

-Just a Girl <3

I'll be back soon

Sorry for not posting the last few days. I haven't had much internet access. I have been currently spending the last few days in a hospital waiting room. Its a family emergency so I'll be back as soon as I can.

-Just a Girl

Fast of Daniel-Day 2

Today was still difficult but easier than yesterday. It was my day off, I was home all day because my car was at the shop getting fixed. Something I noticed was that was different was my day with my mom. The usual on my day off, I spend breakfast with her, we talk, then I head to my room, clean and stay on facebook, twitter, or tumblr the majority of the day, while she's outside on her tablet playing candy crush, or she's cleaning the back yard, or she finds something to sow, either way she stays busy. Today was different. I got up super late today so I didn't have breakfast with her. I did however spend the entire day with her, we talked about alot. She told me about her past, before she met my dad. She told me about how much she suffered for making poor choices. It was pretty amazing that she shared all of this with me. We had lunch together and we continued talking all the way till my dad got home from work. It was nice to spend the entire day with her and the rest of the evening with my family. We watched the mini series about the bible story Joseph (Jose do Egito) It's in Portuguese but we understand Portuguese. :)  Overall it was a good day.
The message for today on Bishop Macedo's blog was about complete surrender. Surrendering one's life completely means to let go of everything. By letting go of everything we make oursleves available for God to honor us.

God is giving me strength to get through these 21 days. I am feeling amazing and God keeps surprising me. God bless you all! <3

-Just A Girl-Gina A.

Fast of Daniel-Day 1

Wow what a day! Just as I figured it was difficult! I woke up for work at about 9am and first thing I do every morning is check my phone for new notifications. Well guess what? NO NEW NOTIFICATIONS. Basically I slapped my forehead and said "Duh, Gina!" lol I prayed and asked God for strength on the beginning of this journey because I know it'll be difficult. Work was ok, mostly everyone knows about this sacrifice I am doing and respect it. I felt great during the day, my mind was pretty clear, a few times I would take my phone out, unlock it, navigate through my remaining apps(I deleted the tempting ones), then lock it again. I was almost in tears when one of my co-workers (didn't know about the 21 days) started playing music for us. The first song was my absolute favorite, "Darte un Beso" by Prince Royce. I had to walk away, stand in the drive-thru and basically zone it out. (I don't want to force people to do this sacrifice with me, It's my choice and if they want to listen to music, they can) The rest of work was fine, I remained busy and even read my bible (on the bible app) on my break. God gave me so much strength today. After work I went to zumba (again had to zone out the music) but I just focused on my steps.. 1..2.. left ..right.. oh snap I went the wrong way! lol after zumba I headed to church and directed the play we're working on "A Letter From Hell" then came home, read bishops message, Prayed, and now I'm here.
Today's message from Bishop Macedo's Blog was about obedience. It most absoulutely makes sense. If I want to recieve the Holy Spirit, or be renewed/revived, I must obey. Obey what? Obey God's word. Leave sin, run away from it, and meanwhile on the run away from sin, find Jesus. It's pretty clear to me. Still I ask God for strength to continue on this Journey, to not let me fall, because temptation lies evverywhere.


-Just a Girl :)

The Mistake of Underestimating

I think the worst mistake people can make in regards to me is to underestimate me. It's pretty easy to do that actually.
Do this: think of the first time you saw me or if you haven't met me go according to my posts. If you think real hard you'll have the same outcome as when you see most people for the first time. I seem shy. Don't get me wrong I am, but to a certain extent. That doesn't mean I will always be or that I wont dare to do anything crazy. You would be behaving pretty cliche by "Judging a book by it's cover" if you thought that way. People like my family and really close friends will definitely agree that I am "something else". I get pretty weird. But not just that, I will dare to do what others wont. If I see something wrong in a situation, when most people would stay out of it or step back and wait it out, I wont. I will do something to try and fix the outcome. If something is not fair, I will speak out. If there is a famous person close to me, I will get them to notice me. If someone seems like they need help, i will help them. Even if deep deep inside I am scared beyond anything, I WILL DO SOMETHING.
When someone treats me wrong and thinks I'm just going to cross my arms and let them, they are proved wrong. When I see a well known pastor or bishop, when others just stare from far away and wish they'd get noticed, I go up to them and introduce myself. When I see Prince Royce backstage, I make him remember me. I will do things that others wont even dare think about. I guess what I'm saying is don't ever underestimate anyone. Don't think that you can have control over them. If you are the predictable type (that will not dare do anything crazy) try it out! Just don't make a fool out of yourself. Be smart about it. You wont regret it.

"If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God" - 2 Corinthians 5:13




Just a Girl ;)

The Refiners Touch

There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi.  As they were studying chapter three they came across verse three which says, "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study. That week the woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that, in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot - then she thought again about the verse, that He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. For if the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"  He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's the easy part -- when I see my image reflected in it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep His hand on you and watch over you until He sees His image in you.

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

Birthday Reflection

Everyday is a blessing. Two days ago I celebrated 22 years of life (August 11th). It's amazing what can happen in one year, let alone 22 years. Just 10 years ago I was suicidal, depressed, and angry at the world. 10 years later I am delivered, blessed and baptized with the Holy spirit. My life has been a roller-coaster with a lot of ups and many downs yet I'm still on the ride. This weekend I was looking back at everything and I couldn't help but smile. Everything I've been through has only made me stronger, and believe it or not happier. If I hadn't gone through my life exactly how it happened, I wouldn't be how I am today. It's crazy, everything fell into place like a puzzle. The Holy Spirit makes me see everything differently. A way that not everyone can see, I can distinguish what I will benefit from and what will only bring me down. I can make the right decision with the help of the Holy Spirit. But I am just so thankful for my life, you have  no idea. I can't even explain really. This birthday I wasn't expecting much. Just the usual birthday wishes. I actually just had such an amazing time, everyone seemed to remember. I got surprised with a birthday cake at church and it was just an amazing feeling with people who share the same faith and love you for who you are. Overall I had a blessed birthday and I love all the people who are still in my life: My birth parents and my 2nd parents, my BFF Laura, my buddy Carlos, my pastor & his wife, my sisters (of blood & of faith), my brothers, and every single one of my friends.

A Letter from Hell

 Occasionally, this video ends up on my wall or on my dash. It always gets to me.

Not everyone that dies goes to a "better place" as people always tend to say. It's just not like that. It is written:

MATTHEW 7:21
Not everyone who calls me their Lord will get into the kingdom of heaven. Only the ones who obey my Father in heaven will get in.

That means exactly that!... Not everyone is getting into heaven... Only those who chose to obey His word, His commandments. Just because someone died does not automatically mean they're in heaven. If it was like that, where would the fairness be? God is a judge, as a judge HE has to be fair. Imagine all this time we are obeying His word, practically sacrificing our time on Earth then, there's someone who does as they please and in the end we ALL end up in Heaven... that does not seem fair to me at all. Matthew 7:21 would not be in the Bible if we all were. So don't assume that in the end we will all be together because the sad reality is we wont. We like to assume that when someone dies, they'll go straight to heaven but the truth is we don't know if they really are. It's hard to take in, but as I always said... the truth hurts.

Here is the written version of a letter from hell.


"Dear Zack,
I died today. It’s a lot different than I expected. You see, I always thought that dying would bring me to a world that is foggy and hazy. But this place is crystal clear… It’s even more real than my life on Earth.

I can think. I can talk. I can even feel.

Right after the wreck I could feel my spirit leaving my body. It was the weirdest thing, Zack. I thought I heard you screaming out to me, man. Must have been just imagining things.

At first I was just standing in line, getting registered I guess. They asked me for my name…and began to look in this thing they called the Book of Life.

I guess they couldn’t find it though because this huge angel standing next to me grabbed me by the arm and started dragging me away. I was terrified. I had no idea what was going on. I asked the angel where he was taking me, but he didn’t answer. So I asked him again…

Finally, he told me that only those, whose names were written in the Book of Life, could enter into Heaven and the rest would be condemned to Hell forever.

Man I was scared. The angel threw me into some kind of holding cell. Where I’ve been sitting and thinking for a long long time. Do you want to know what I’ve been thinking about?

I’ve been thinking about YOU.

Zack, You’re a Christian.
You told me so yourself. I mean we talked about it three different times today.

Kelly brought it up and you laughed it off. Coach Adams brought it up and you changed the subject.

I mean, it came up right before the wreck. Well the question I can’t get out of my mind is this, Zack. Why haven’t you ever told me about how to become a Christian?

You say you are my friend, but if you really were you would have told me about this Jesus and told me how to escape this terrible place that I’m headed for.


I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, the angels who have been chosen to cast me into hell are coming down the hallway. I can hear their footsteps.

I have heard of this Hell. They call it the Lake of Fire.

I can’t stand it, Zack. I am terrified. No! The angels are at the door. Oh no, no! They’re coming in and they’re pointing at me. They’re grabbing me and carrying me out of the room.

I already can smell the burning sulfur and brimstone. I can see the edge of the cliff where Hell burns.

This is it. I am without hope.

We’re coming closer, closer, closer. My heart is bursting with fear. They’re holding me over the flames. I am damned forever.

This is it. They are throwing me in. Fire, Pain, HELL.

Why Zack? Why didn’t you ever tell me about Jesus?

Your friend,
Josh

P.S. Wish you were here. "






Here is the video:

PLEASE GOD, I’M ONLY 13!

Today I dreamed I was walking through the wrong neighborhood. I knew I should not have done this, but I took a crazy chance, ESE. I was smoking a cigarette and drinking a beer. I was enjoying my freedom man, I was having fun.

The last thing I remember was walking down the street with my homeboy and seeing this carrucha pulling up next to me going awfully slow. I heard the words, “where u vatos from?” I heard a loud bang and felt ringing in my head and a terrible jolt to my whole body. My body flew to the ground, ESE. My whole body seemed to be turning inside out. I heard myself scream. I don’t know what happened to my homeboy.

Suddenly, I awakened. It was very quiet. A police was standing over me. Then I saw a doctor. My body was in pieces. I was saturated with blood. Pieces of the buckshot from the gunshot were piercing my body all over, strange; I could not feel a thing.
Hey! Don’t pull that sheet over my head, ESE! I can’t be dead! I’m a homeboy of only 13. I’ve got to meet my homeboys tonight, ESE. I’m supposed to grow up and have a firme life. I haven’t lived yet. I can’t be dead, man.

Later I was placed in a drawer. My jeffita had to identify me. Why did she have to see me like this? Why did I have to look at my jeffita’s eyes when she faced the most terrible ordeal of her life? My jeffita suddenly looked vieja. She told the vato in charge “Si, el es mi hijo.”

The funeral was a weird experience, ESE. I saw all my relatives and my homeboys walk toward my casket. They passed by, one by one, and looked at me with the saddest eyes I’ve ever seen. Some of my homies were crying. A few of the rucas touched my hand and sobbed as they walked away.
PLEASE… SOMEBODY….WAKE ME UP!!! Get me out of here! I can’t bear to see my jeffita so broken up. My abuelitos are so racked up with pain, ESE. They can barely walk, my little carnal, Toñito, mi hermana, Rosa, are like zombies. They move like robots in a daze. EVERYONE!!! No one can believe this, and I can’t believe it either, ESE!

Please don’t bury me! I’m not dead! I have a lot of living to do! I want to laugh and run again, I want to sing and dance. Please don’t put me in the ground. I promise if you give me just one more chance, God, I’ll stay away from drugs and gangs. I promise to love my family and be the best son in the world. I promise to do my schoolwork and to be the best student my teachers ever encountered. I promise to help my raza and to be the best educated homeboy America ever knew.
All I want is one more chance!
PLEASE GOD, IM ONLY 13!!!