Naty Matos's Blog, page 38

The Church and its Bride

No, I didn’t lose my GPS again. I’m not looking for directions to a particular building or talking about a particular denomination. The bible doesn’t talk about these particularly it just refers to the church as its bride.

I think of the woman who is in expectation of her groom. She runs around making preparations to spend the rest of her life with the love of her life. Her groom is the one that makes her feel butterflies in her stomach and sing love songs in the morning.

So who is this bride?

In Revelation 21:2 the bible tells us that the apostle John had a revelation, “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” This scripture says that the New Jerusalem will be the prepared bride for her husband. Do we see the parallel of the believers in waiting for the return of our Lord?

We are the New Jerusalem beloved. But are we the eager bride preparing for the coming of the Lord, or are we like the parable of the virgins, who thought that his groom was never coming and ran out of oil.

We are living in crucial moments. God’s perfect plan has called us to be here for a time like this. Are we doing our part? Are we focused on the kingdom of God or are we focused on our own selfish needs? Do we trust God to provide ALL of our needs and like he says seek him first?

Come back on Wednesday as we discuss what the expectation is from us to be ready for the groom.

Until then

Be blessed

“This book certainly held my interest straight through to the very emotional ending. ”Mary Anne Benedetto

“With the ever-constant presence of her closest friend, Aimee, Desiree slowly makes her way to God and learns the greatness of His power and love. ”Cynthia

“A very engaging story about faith, love, and friendship, and the trials and tribulations that life can bring you. ”Jersey Gina

The Church and it’s Bride

No, I didn’t lose my GPS again. I’m not looking for directions to a particular building or talking about a particular denomination. The bible doesn’t talk about these particularly it just refers to the church as its bride.

I think of the woman who is in expectation of her groom. She runs around making preparations to spend the rest of her life with the love of her life. Her groom is the one that makes her feel butterflies in her stomach and sing love songs in the morning.

So who is this bride?

In Revelation 21:2 the bible tells us that the apostle John had a revelation, “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” This scripture says that the New Jerusalem will be the prepared bride for her husband. Do we see the parallel of the believers in waiting for the return of our Lord?

We are the New Jerusalem beloved. But are we the eager bride preparing for the coming of the Lord, or are we like the parable of the virgins, who thought that his groom was never coming and ran out of oil.

We are living in crucial moments. God’s perfect plan has called us to be here for a time like this. Are we doing our part? Are we focused on the kingdom of God or are we focused on our own selfish needs? Do we trust God to provide ALL of our needs and like he says seek him first?

Come back on Wednesday as we discuss what the expectation is from us to be ready for the groom.

Until then

Be blessed

“This book certainly held my interest straight through to the very emotional ending. ”Mary Anne Benedetto

“With the ever-constant presence of her closest friend, Aimee, Desiree slowly makes her way to God and learns the greatness of His power and love. ”Cynthia

“A very engaging story about faith, love, and friendship, and the trials and tribulations that life can bring you. ”Jersey Gina

WF: All this time

Today I want you to take a moment to think every time the Lord has influenced your life. Think about every time when things seemed impossible and in the last minute it was solved. Every time he forgave you, every time he took you back.

When I think about my life I can pin point those moments where God was there making a way for me or holding me through my pain. I can remember all those times where I could almost hear God’s quiet voice telling me to turn away from something and I doubted what I was hearing. Of course, when I didn’t listen, things didn’t turn out right; but he still wiped my tears and cleaned my wounds and made it all for good again.

Let’s praise the Lord today for his eternal and undying love!

Blessings

WF: Worship Friday

 

“This book certainly held my interest straight through to the very emotional ending. ”Mary Anne Benedetto

“With the ever-constant presence of her closest friend, Aimee, Desiree slowly makes her way to God and learns the greatness of His power and love. ”Cynthia

“A very engaging story about faith, love, and friendship, and the trials and tribulations that life can bring you. ”Jersey Gina

Working the Mission Field

What a blessing we find in those who dedicate their lives to the work of the kingdom. In a way we are all called to the mission field. Our field may be different and that’s why we don’t consider ourselves missionaries. It is our duty as Christians to sow the seed of the Gospel in our workplace, with our family and friends, with the works of our ministries, with our neighbors and the cashier at grocery store.

With that said, I admire those who leave family and friends, move away to just work for the kingdom. Those who leave their commodities and sleep on the floor, and have very little to eat just to help needy communities and dedicate their lives to the mission field. They truly fulfill the scripture that reads Acts 6:4 “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” They see first hand the pain and suffering for those in need. They love with the love of Christ every single day of their live. They are an example of what Christ-like life is.

Matthew 28:19-20

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Let’s stay alert to what our individual mission fields are and fulfill them eagerly. Also let’s help as much as possible those who have sacrificed everything for the cause of the Kingdom.

Until then, be blessed.

In Growth Lessons, I was reminded of this beautiful truth: Our walk with the Lord is a process of growing up into the image of Christ. P. Yates

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like some common sense and light added to their life. C. Cunningham

Great for meditations and daily devotions. N. Thames

The Economy Frenzy

Well, this is the beginning of the year and what do we hear, we went halfway over the fiscal cliff. Can I be honest with you? I am not concerned. Yes, I just got my first paycheck of 2013 and has less money than the one before. Yes, I have a lot of debt and expenses to pay. Why I am not concerned? First of all, as it says in Psalm 54:4 “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.” God is my provider and I assume responsibility for the debt that I have. This was not something that the government made me do, I got into that debt. I was fiscally irresponsible and my mistakes have consequences. I disobeyed to the instruction on Proverbs 22:26 “Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts” So if I have to tighten up, I will do so knowing that my Heavenly Father will provide for my needs. My wants will have to wait.

As I say that, we just watched with glee how much was spent just a few weeks ago. Christmas has moved from a spiritual celebration to a worldly, expensive one.

My 9-5 is very close to a shopping mall. My office has a window that looks directly onto the road in front of the mall. I would stare with amaze at how crowded that road was. Leaving work was painful during that time because the traffic was insane. I’m not against celebrations and presents. At the same time I know that people stretch themselves for the wrong reasons during this season, struggling in the aftermath.

Black Friday was just as eventful and successful as days prior. There were people camping in front of stores since Tuesday to buy a television. That’s beyond my comprehension. It all comes down to stewardship. Are you being a good steward of everything the Lord has given you? When I say everything that means your time, your resources, His Money…because it’s his, your body.

Trust in the Lord. Seek the kingdom of God first. He will supply your needs and instead of agonizing over the world’s economy, agonize over what else you can do to further the kingdom of God.

Be blessed.

In Growth Lessons, I was reminded of this beautiful truth: Our walk with the Lord is a process of growing up into the image of Christ. P. Yates

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like some common sense and light added to their life. C. Cunningham

Great for meditations and daily devotions. N. Thames

WF: The Light in Me

2012 is gone. Good or bad, there’s nothing from that year that we can bring back. God always gives us the opportunity of new beginnings. The best way to start this year is to acknowledge who Jesus is in our lives and take advantage of the opportunity of a new year to live.

Have you given yourself the opportunity to trust Jesus? Have you lost your way and don’t know how to go back to the path of righteousness?

Remember that when He died on the cross, he died for all your sins, the ones that you have done and the ones that you will do. Do you remember when Jesus was walking down Golgotha towards his crucifixion? We are told that he fell three times and even with literally the weight of the world on his shoulders, he got up again and again because he loved you.

Let’s begin this year allowing God to put his light in our hearts. Let’s allow his Spirit to overwhelm us with his presence.

You don’t know where to begin. Here’s and idea. Push play in the video below, listen to the words and allow yourself to go. After that just start by saying exactly what’s in your heart. Even if it is, “ God I don’t know what to say or what to do” He never left and it’s time for you to come home.

Blessings.

WF:Worship Friday

 

In Growth Lessons, I was reminded of this beautiful truth: Our walk with the Lord is a process of growing up into the image of Christ. P. Yates

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like some common sense and light added to their life. C. Cunningham

Great for meditations and daily devotions. N. Thames

Surviving 2012

I can’t believe we are at the doors of a new year. 2012 seemed to have lasted forever. This year has been one of a lot of growth for me, and of course with growth comes a lot of growing pains.

This past year brought me a new opportunity to start over again. I have taken my writing to a new level. Last year when I published Growth Lessons , in my head I knew that this was something that I wanted to do. 2012 taught me that this is what I was called to do and every day I’m more motivated to do even more.

I was given a new start in my health, when I went from being a pre-diabetic morbidly obese woman , to losing 40 pounds and gaining my health back. With my new body still in progress I’ve learned to eat differently, live differently, respect my temple in a total new way. (By the way it’s 60lbs, but the first 20 had been coming down here and there since the previous year until I got serious this past May)Went from a size 24 to a 14. So I have had to shop for clothes, what a drag, right? LOL!

On that note, I am finally using my gym membership. I’ve signed up for dozens of them, paid off the contracts and never went. This time I’m actually using it.

I have a new career path. God changed my 9-5 to remind me that my focus is in him and his purpose. In this new path, that is not so new because I’ve walked it before, I know he’s training me for the day when I’m able to fulfill my dream to be fully dedicated to my writing.

I published my first work of fiction, The Road Home (TRH) and my first novella, Season’s Greetings from Amelia (SGFA) in 2012. These two pieces have brought me many joys. I did 3 book signings for TRH and have received remarkable reviews. SGFA sold 5 copies within the first hour of publication.

I lost my favorite aunt, Juliana. I lost one of my best friends and one of my spiritual mothers moved over 600 miles away.

My 81 year old mother got an IPad for her birthday/Christmas present, got on Facebook and requested a Twitter account. Yes, I can’t get over that one yet, LOL!

As I posted the other day, I’m working hard on getting my next book out hopefully February or early March. I’m looking forward to the opportunity of a new year, a new beginning.

Happy and blessed 2013!!

WF: Lead me Lord

Now that all the presents have been opened, the food has been eaten. We were able to enjoy our holidays or able to survive our most beloved relatives. The point is that Christmas is over, but not the celebration. In the natural world we still have one more holiday to prepare for. In a few days we will be ending the year 2012, and what a year has it been.

In the US, we had to elect a president. We faced with the pain of several inexplicable acts that resulted in the loss of many innocents. And just as the year ends we’re still waiting to see how much more our finances may be depending on the decision of those we’ve given the power to rule over our country.

Although most of us laughed, the reality is that we were all on the edge of our seats to see if something was to happen on the 21st. So for the tenth time in our lifetime we have survived another announcement of the end of the world.

In summary is time to analyze what has been of this year in our lives: financially, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Join me in starting this journey this weekend and on Monday I will share the results of my evaluation of 2012.

The most important part is that God was with me and I know he was with each and every one of you through every milestone of this year. Let’s praise the Lord and meditate in his word so that he can show us the lessons learned in 2012

Remember that I have a contest going for the first one who answers a question regarding my new Novella “Season’s Greetings from Amelia” Check it out by reading the instructions of the giveaway here

By Pooh Bear

I recommend Season’s Greetings from Amelia highly. It was thoughtfully written and entertaining. I really enjoyed it…couldn’t put it down!

Amelia’s Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

Here’s a challenge to all my readers. In my new novella, Season’s Greetings from Amelia, she uses cranberry oatmeal cookies for one of her interventions in Daisy’s life. Can you tell me what Amelia uses cranberry oatmeal cookies for? The first two people who comment with the right answer will get an e-copy of my devotional “Growth Lessons” for free (2.99 value).

It’s like buying one get one free, however my new novella it’s only 0.99 for the month of December. So get your copy now, answer the question and get your other book of a higher value for free.

Now, we can’t talk about cookies if we can’t make some, right?

Here’s an awesome recipe I found at Allrecipes.com I hope you enjoy them.

Don’t forget to get your copy of Season’s Greetings from Amelia on for just 0.99 cents on Kindle,Smashwords and Nook only during the month of December.

Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

Submitted By: Sarah Parker Photo By: Tricia

Prep Time: 15 Minutes  Cook Time: 10 Minutes

Ready In: 25 Minutes  Servings: 24

“A crispy chewy cookie my mom used to make when I lived in Oregon. Dried

cranberries are also divine in this.”

INGREDIENTS:

10 tablespoons butter

2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 pinch salt

1 2/3 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup rolled oats

2 cups chopped cranberries

3/4 cup chopped walnuts

DIRECTIONS:

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Blend butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. In a separate bowl sift flour, baking soda, and salt together. Stir into butter mixture. Stir in the oats. Fold in nuts and cranberries. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, spaced at least 2 inches apart. These cookies spread.

3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until the edges are crisp and the centers appear dry. Cool on wire racks and enjoy.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2012 Allrecipes.com

Printed from Allrecipes.com 12/8/2012

WF: Wrap me in your arms

You can tell the nation is in mourning. So many things have happened in the last week or so. The burden has been placed on believers to hold the ones suffering. The sky is crying. I don’t know how’s it’s been where you live, but where I am, it has been gloomy, raining and kind of depressing.

To support others we don’t have to deny the way we feel, but to process it. Part of supporting those in pain is not only providing them with encouraging words. Sometimes silence and listening are the best gifts we can give to someone who is saddened. Allowing them to vent, and process their feelings safely.

Yes, it is ok to feel anger. Yes it is ok to feel sad. Yes it is ok to express those things in order to be able to move on. So as we pray for comfort, let’s rest in the best place we can.

As I heard this song during worship at church this morning, I could see the arms of God wrapped around the grieving parents, the grieving families (not only from Connecticut but all the other loses that have occurred in the last few days), the grieving neighbors and the grieving nation. It has given me the comfort to know that Jesus is there during my pain and yours too. Close your eyes for just one second and allow his presence to surround you and give you the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Be blessed.