There Is No Other Love

Amarte Solo a Ti

I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. (Jeremiah 31:3)

I remember a few years back when I first heard this song, it was a time that I was in such a desperate need of being loved and accepted by someone who clearly was not able to give me what I needed. It was a time that I didn't understand who I was in the eyes of my Heavenly Father. I didn't know that I was a Daughter of a High Ranked King, The Great I AM!!  The One who sits on his Heavenly Throne, who set me apart to do greater things and to be loved and honored as such - A Daughter of a KING!! 

As far as I can remember there was always a feeling of void in my life and at my early teens I realized what it was. I met my daughter’s father and what I thought was love opened in me a hunger to seek and want more of it. We were both young, inexperienced and definitely it was not love but it felt good, it felt like a high that you didn't want to come down from, but soon after this feeling became a painful reality that escalated to adulthood; “The need to be loved”.  This reflected in my personal life, especially when it was being involved with a man. What I didn't realize back than, but what I have learned today is that no one can love you like our Heavenly Father does, but it took me years of seeking in all the wrong places and to all the wrong people. I was at the lowest of the bottomless pit of low self-esteem, and oh my the insecurity was sucking me dry, and to top it off the feeling of being rejected was a constant reminder of the worthless feeling that came with all those tormenting parasites that was eating within me the Love that I posse in Christ.

The day I heard this song, I was on my way to humiliate myself to a point of accepting unfaithfulness just to have a least a drop of love- and as I was driving, this song started to play and I sang it from the top of my lungs, and a desperate cry for help came from deep within my soul, asking God to make me strong,  to not allow me to belittle myself every again, to teach me how to love him and him alone and again I started to replay that song and I kept singing it until I felt the presence of God come upon me and I made a U-turn a block away from where I was going and never looked back – I mean NEVER , EVER looked back!! My life was NEVER the same!! I put closure to that relationship and that’s when God became my first, my last and my everything!

I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. Proverbs 8:17

The feeling of being loved and wanted is an emotion that God blessed us with from the beginning of time. God has chosen women to play an important role in the past and He continues to do so today. God intended for all of us Women to be loved, honored, respected and treated like a Queen.  Like the bible tells us - Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her {Ephesians 5:25}- Wow that is the most amazing feeling to be loved like that - because that is "Unconditional Love."  God didn't intend for us to be limited or conditioned by the love of a man.....For the Word of God tells us in Genesis 2:22  - "Then the LORD God made a WOMAN from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man."

You see ladies, when God created man, He formed man himself and breathe life into his nostrils. "BUT"......for the woman, HE fashioned us after he breath the breath of life into man. ..WOW!! God..."Fashioned US"....because our nostrils are too delicate. God didn't want man to interrupt His perfect creation, so He put man to go into a deep sleep, so HE can patiently and perfectly "FASHION US". God choose the rib, which protects the man's heart and lungs and supports him, as we are meant to be. God shaped us around this bone, He modeled us, and He created us perfectly and beautifully. He formed us strong, yet delicate and fragile, he provided protection from the most delicate organ in a man, his heart. We were not taken from his feet, to be under the man, nor were we taken from his heard, to be above him, We were taken from his side - to stand by man and to be held close to his side.   When God sees us, he sees a perfect creation, his beautiful splendid woman of excellence!!  He fashioned us by his holiness, His strength, His purity, His love, His protection and support. We are an extension of GOD!!  WE represent the totality of God, so that is why man is commanded to treat us Women well, to love us, respect us, for we are fragile. Because when a man hurts us, he hurts God, when a man crushes us, he crushes God and damages his own heart.  

That is why today and I pray that as long as I have breath, I will speak of God’s mercy and grace and most of all HIS Unconditional Love, a love that has set me free; the love that has shown me the value of who I am. God’s reflection of love is all over me. A love that created within me “self worth”; a love that makes me stand in confidence and walk in freedom, a freedom to Love myself!  I love MY GOD… Call me crazy, because I am crazy in love with my living God!  

To Conclude: Throughout the bible, we read and experience the Love God had for women and how he valued them and He is still urging us women today to value ourselves and take our place and allow him to love us, to transform us, to make all things new within us.  There are many of us even today, that are probably reading this that are still searching, yearning and desiring to be loved, but I came to bring Good News; God’s love is not measured on our size or appearances or our status quo. God's love is based on his own LOVE for us when HE gave up his ONLY son to redeem us. And as I mentioned before throughout the bible, God used his beloved creation WOMAN to show humanity HIS heart. God’s love is eternal, everlasting and all YOU have to do is call on him and allow him to restore and make you whole again.  And once you experience this kind of love, this AGAPE love, you will never, ever accept or settle for mediocrity love.  It is all or nothing!!

I thank God that today my life is a testimony and a tool that GOD uses to reach out to women that are where I once was.   

Written by Maribel Castillo
June 27, 2013

Mercy said NO

Jesus stood up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go and from now on sin no more." John 8:10-11

I will never forget the night the Lord opened my eyes to who and what I really was and how is Love and Mercy set me free; it was while I was listening to this song, “Mercy Said No” by Cece Winans. But I mean I really listened to the lyrics and it all came together “God’s MERCY was over my life,” as I fully engulfed myself to the understanding of how merciful My God is, it brought me to my knees as the flood of grateful tears pour down uncontrollable. I felt in my spirit the immense love that God has for me. I saw the weaker side of me and how life was without him.  

As I continue to hear this song, I saw how sin had control over my life for years and how it felt it had dominion and power over me, as if I belonged to it!! I felt the Lord leading me to feel and understand how his Mercy and Grace followed me all the days of my life, how he was always the wall that stood between me and sin.  And from a distance he always kept a watch over me not allowing sin to over take my soul, but he needed me to understand that my life without him was worthless, that my life would be filled with the emptiness and void that sin offers, a world full of darkness, lies and hate, but the glory of his GRACE penetrated through those walls that kept me in bondage, but sin demanded justice for my soul, but as the lyrics says: “Mercy said No!”  I’m Not going to let you “{Maribel} go; I’m not going to let you {Maribel} slip away – Sin will never take control” So Life and death stood face to face and from the cross he built the bridge to set me Free!  In His wonderful mercy and amazing grace He poured out His unspeakable gift of a new life” 

He spoke and said to those who were standing before him, saying, "Remove the filthy garments from her." Again, he said to her, "See, I have taken your iniquity away from you and will clothe you with festal robes." Zechariah 3:4

What a moment to remember! How could I ever forget the moment that the precious blood of Jesus Christ washed me clean and pure? How could I ever forget the moment that all my sins were forgiven and forgotten? How could I ever forget the moment God gave me His peace, the “peace that surpasses all understanding”? How could I ever forget the joy of the new life in Jesus Christ! Thank you Jesus!!  Also, this song lead me to write “The Doors to my Purpose” which one day I will post it in my blog.

Behold, I am making all things new. Revelation 21:5

I tell you from my very heart and soul that I am forever thankful for that precious moment when God spoke to my heart and saved my soul! He has given many, many more things in my life for which I continually give Him thanks. I could easily make a list that would fill a book. But if it had not been for that one precious moment, I would never have known what it is to be truly, eternally thankful.

I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8 

Loving Father, you have sacrificed so much for me and you have given so much to me. I do not have enough words to express my thanks, my appreciation, and most importantly, my love for you. But please receive my words knowing the commitment and passion of my heart when I say, "Dear God, I love you and as {Psalm 63:3} says:  Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.  In Jesus' name I praise and thank you. Amen.

Cece Winans- Mercy Said No

Written by Maribel Castillo 
June 26, 2013 

A Dedication to Friends

I thank God For My Friends... A Dedication !!

My heart is overflowing with gratitude.  As I received emails, texts, face book messages, instragram, phone calls in the past few days during and after my birthday wishes of the many friends and family God has given me.  These people share my life, and help make me who I am.  With these wonderful spirits, I laugh, cry, and scream; exchange ideas and secrets; share dreams, fears, and my proudest moments.

  You were my strength when I was weak.  You were my voice when I couldn't speak.  I’m everything I am because you loved me.

The book of James (1:17) says that every good and perfect gift comes from God.  And James was so right.  I am thoroughly convinced that my friends could have only been sent to me through God’s design.  They are just right for me.  God expresses amazing love through them–love that holds me up and keeps me strong.  So for just a moment, I want to offer God thanks for the wonderful gift they are and for what they bring to my life: 

I WANT TO THANK EACH and Everyone of YOU: 

 

For always listening intently and standing with me in my pain.  For reminding me of God’s promises for my life.

 For understanding me like no other!  For reminding me that I am still blessed and full of purpose, even when I am at my worst. 

For being there for sooooo long.  For checking on me when you know I am upset.  For being my “ride or die,” willing to snap on ANYBODY messing with me!  LOL!

For not judging me after I made mistakes.  For being sooo much fun!  And for encouraging me to start my blog !


For being my homie since we in grammar school!  For showing so much love for so long.  For your kind heart and sweet spirit!

For staying so cool for many years.  For unforgettable memories.  For a smile that expresses so much love

For always having a loving heart and loyalty like no other!  For sleepovers, birthdays, and strawberry daquiris!  LOL!

For listening to my ideas and doing "girlfriend theology" with me! 

For praying for me when I am lost, unsure, or confused

For always being there whenever I need my big sister!  For interceding when I am going through storms.  

      

For your support when I was sick.  For keeping me laughing!

For listening as I walked through some turbulent times.  For sharing your life, so that I would know what to do.





For being a constant loving presence in my life.  For good times in Boston!  For listening to my hurt.  For encouraging me to move forward! 

For listening to me when I’m upset.  For reminding me that it will all work out eventually.

For being loyal and real all the time.  For encouraging me always!  For listening.

For listening.  For praying.  For being there always.

For being my sister, prayer partner, and for making me part of your life’s most sacred moment . 

For pushing me intellectually.

For being honest with me.  For caring.  For showing up to support and when I needed help.  For inspiring me to write!

For being part of my special day

For confronting me in love

           

For staying closer than a friend

For feeding me when I was hungry 

For your Godly advises when I was walking in the crooked road

 For sending me a text message when I needed encouragement

 For allowing me to be part of your lfie

For being in the same page of our past

For enjoying dress up days

 

This list is certainly not finished.  I thank God for friends who have come and gone.  I thank God for new people who I am still getting to know.

I encourage you to take a moment and say thank you to your closest friends; they are truly God’s gift to you.  Tomorrow is not promised to anyone.  Say thank you today.  Send a card in the mail, post on their wall on face-book, send a text, or make a call.  Say thank you.

“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you.” (Philippians 1: 3-4)

Gift Of A Friend - Demi Lovato ( Lyrics )

Written by Maribel Castillo
June 24, 2013

The Power of Your Testimony

 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony”. Revelation 12: 11

My testimony is not pretty. Sometimes I am hesitant to share it and yet, I know God can use what is hideous, blemished, tarnished, broken, and dejected to bring about His glory. Imagine how much glory He also receives from a story of hope, provision, and protection.  For me and my testimony, I find myself thinking about where I would be if I did not find Jesus. I know that there are many other places I could have ended up, I could have been homeless, completely depressed, suicidal, drug dependent and those are just a few things that come to mind. Thanks to God I am none of those things. He really did save me. I may not have had a healing of sickness in my life, but what He has done for my life is still miraculous.  

I want to share a short testimony from the many that I have. In February 10, 2010. I was feeling a  bit overwhelmed and I had a need to spend time alone with God, so I put Star to sleep and as I sat on my bed, I started to speak to God, asking question and sharing my concerns, as I was weeping with my eyes closed I started to feel warm and my heart started to pound faster and when I tried to open my eyes, I couldn't, it was as if my eyes were sealed and right before me, I saw a movie projector and standing there were 2 women, these two women represented "ME" my old self and my new self in Christ. (I wrote about this the very same day because I didn't want to forget what I had seen and experienced, but I am only going to share part of it now) 

My old self was interviewing my new and in the midst of it, I was being led to several doors and each door represented "my old self"  and the different stages of my life, to name a few in every door, there was darkness, pain, rejection, hate, fear, and anger.  But, beside my new self there was a image of a man but I couldn't see him but I knew he was there,  he walked through each of those doors with us. Now that I am writing this, I remember that as we walked out of each door, the image of that man sealed shut the doors behind us. {Praise the Living God} 

After walking through those painful doors, we came to the last one which was unknown to me, this one represented "my new self" but as "my old self" walked in, my hands were bound, my appearance was dirty, a strong odor of condemnation was all over me, I walked in looking down in shame. Standing there on my left was my accuser.  He presented all my sins from my past and demanded that my soul be handed over to him.  But to my right was the Righteous JUDGE.  When he looked at me he felt compassion and love. He saw beyond the sins; he saw a woman of purpose; he saw a re-builder of broken souls and he spoke these very words:  

(Isaiah 54) Don't be afraid, because you will not be ashamed.  Don't be embarrassed, because you will not be disgraced.   You will forget the shame you felt earlier, you will not remember the shame you felt when you lost your husband.  The God who made you is like your husband.  His name is the Lord All-Powerful.  The Holy One of Israel is the one who saves you.  He is called the God of all the earth.  You were like a wife who married young and then her husband left her.  But the Lord called you to be his," I left you for a short time, but with great kindness I will bring you back again. My poor daughter, storms have hurt you, and you have not been comforted.  But I will rebuild you with my righteousness and truth, and I will restore your spirit and purify you into the perfection for a new beginning and for the great fulfillment that is yet to come.  All your children will be taught by the Lord, and they will have much peace.  I will build you using fairness.  You will be safe from those who would hurt you, so you will have nothing to fear.  Nothing will come to make you afraid. I will not send anyone to attack you, and you will defeat those who do attack you. So no weapon that is used against you will defeat you.  You will show that those who speak against you are wrong. Your victory comes from me. I the “I AM” have forgiven all your sins. 

As My Lord and Savior spoke his final verdict, he walked towards me . My hands became loose. As he embraced me, the warmth of His love and forgiveness poured over me like warm, fragrant oil. His sovereign deliverance flooded me with a peace that filled the whole room. At that very moment I was set free from my past and I began to praise and glorify my Righteous Judge. My Redeemer, My Comforter, My Healer, My Provider and My Savior. (Praise God) Those doors represented the painful memories of my past and that image of a man was JESUS, he was letting me know that He never left me nor forsaked me, he walked through each of those doors with me, through each chapter of my life He stood by me and  saved me from the strongholds of Satan. What had remained within me was the residues of the painful memories that would not allow God to restore me completely, so my concerns and questions were answered that very day. So this is where the journey of my restoration began and it was and has been un-bearable at times but healing and restoration is a process that takes a willing heart to submit to the will of God, being obedient and endless time alone with God. Nothing that has happened for so many years, will be restored in a day but through each hurdle I overcome, a testimony is being birth.  

To Conclude: You see when we share the story of God’s work in our life we are sharing our testimony, so our testimony needs to be something we own. It is OURS, not something that has been scripted for us.  That’s exactly what God expects from every born again believer – to simply share the Good News, to share the story of how that Good News has changed us! He wants us to share our testimony. He wants us to be witnesses to what we have seen Him do in our lives. When you combine the blood of Jesus with your testimony of His goodness in your life, you will push beyond what you perceive as the limits of your faith … it’s powerful enough to kick down the gates of hell. You may not see it, but God promises that His Word will not return void. When you plant seeds, God will water them. So don’t hold back from sharing what God has done in your life. Tell others. Your testimony is important, but it’s not to glorify your past … it’s to glorify the God who gave you a future. 

And you shall put into the ark the Testimony which I will give you. Exodus 14:16

I pray that Christ blesses you today with the chance to reflect on all the experiences you have had with Him in your life, and how beautiful your testimony is!!

Virtue - Testimony (Great Song)

Written by Maribel Castillo 

May 21, 2013

Good Triumphs Over Evil

On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them. Esther 9:1

I am writing this as my thoughts continues to flow. It is amazing how much is revealed through the Word of God. God has a timing that surpasses human understanding. God speaks directly to the heart, it pierces and penetrates deep into our soul. I got up this morning with a heavy burden in my heart, feeling a bit discouraged and questioning God about certain things that still are not clear to me.  So, I opened my bible and decided to read the Book of Esther again. As I read on and got to chapter 2v19- through chapter 9, I got chills as I understood clearly how the enemies of God surprisingly falls into the trap they make for God's children.  It is evident that God turns the bad/evil that others try to do to us and turns them into victories.  God is always on top of his game, he doesn't let anything slip away. He will use the least person to come to your rescue; it clearly shows it in the life of Modaecai.  As I continued to read, evil was brewing in the shadows of the kings courts led by Haman who had been appointed to the highest position in the kingdom, Haman – was  full of pride, hate and bitterness and he had foolish people around him, he hated the Jews and was plotting to have them removed from the face of the earth and also wanted to get rid of Modaecai because Modaecai knew that he was evil and would not bow down to him so that made  Haman even more furious and more determined to go on with his evil intentions.  

This is what happens to many of us today, when we refuse to be part of a circle of people that are bitter, angry and unforgiving, they turn on you and plot evil against you by speaking and cursing your life.  This is what God was revealing to me this morning and I felt in my spirit that God was telling me “I, the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because I, the LORD your God loves you. {Deuteronomy 23:5} for you have repented and turn to God, so all your sins have been wiped out, and now times of refreshing may come from I, the Lord, YOUR GOD {Acts 3:19} TO GOD BE THE GLORY!! 

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.{Genesis 50:20}

This book of Esther inspires me in so many ways because God is never named or seen but we can see that God is the invisible force behind the many events taking place in this book, that is how he is in our lives today, always behind the scenes directing His purpose and plan  as it tells us in Romans 8:28 - that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  Satan is also behind the scenes using his lies to try to ruin God’s plan for me and my family by continuing to use certain “Hamans” to interfere with what God’s is doing, but I know to be still because I have faith that God will continue to deliver me and my love ones and will use anything or anyone like he did in Chapter 6 on behalf of Modecai ; In God's divine power He wouldn't let the king sleep and directed the specific records of Mordecai's loyal help to expose the conspiracy.  God prepared to honor Mordecai and humiliate Haman.  Now that is deep!!!  I was moved immensely by this, I can’t even put into words how humbled I am feeling to know God speaks loud and clear through his scriptures – LOUD AND CLEAR!!  God exposed the evil intentions of Haman against Mordecai and the Jewish people and that is how God exposes those people whose heart is full of un-forgiveness and bitterness through their words and actions against God’s chosen faithful leaders and children. It is a sure thing that if anyone sets themselves up against God and His people, they will fail. Not only did God ministered to me about myself and my family but also about my spiritual family that “No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me," declares the LORD.  {Isaiah 54:17} It is a continuing battle against the Haman's that are to busy doing more evil and harm, through their words and actions, not realizing that God will turned their evil plans unto their own heads.  I pray God's  mercy and grace will fall upon them and that they will turn away from their wicked ways and repent before it is to late.  So to comfort me, God again reminded me that to be at peace and not allow myself to be distracted with the things that is lurking around me, for “You, dear Maribel, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”{1 John 4:4}

To Conclude: It is a good thing to learn from our mistakes and from the mistakes and bad choices of others.  Let us pray for God to show us the intentions of our hearts and those who we allow into our lives.  Let us not, as Haman, allow pride, anger, and hatred to consume us by being around others who does not align their words and actions with the Word of God.  No matter how high you are or how smart you are, it is wise to surround yourselves not with “yes men or yes women”, but with people who will give you the cold, hard truth even if it hurts. God needs us to always continue to intercede, pray and fast against the Haman’s that are lurking and causing many to fall and rise up against God’s children. Like Esther, prayer  and fasting will cause the fall of the Hamans in our lives and bring victory over the faithful Modecai’s and Esther’s !! 

God Is Our Victory - True Worshippers - Christian Song

Written by Maribel Castillo
April 30, 2013

The Power of Our Words and Actions

The Power of Our Words and Actions

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26

From the beginning of the Book of Genesis, we have read Eve’s story and we know her unwise power of influence convinced Adam to sin against God and cause the fall of all mankind. Also throughout the bible it shows us the difference between Wise Women and Foolish Women.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 

To name a few foolish women from the bible were: 

Lot’s wife:  Mrs. Lot not only moved into Sodom, but Sodom moved into her. As the bible explains it, the city of Sodom was shameless, immoral, and entirely sex-perverted. I imagined she was the type of woman who loved fine things and the social activities fascinated her from the beginning. I imagined her caught up in the excitement of sinful pleasures.  She loved the world more than she loved God so because of her unwise decisions caused her to turn into a pillar of salt. {The book of Genesis }

Vashti:   Many who has read the story of Vashti, has different opinions of how they view her life, many agree with her disobedience of not coming to the king when he asked for her presence to be paraded among drunken men, but there was far more that was hidden within Vashti – Vashti, in my opinion was not a wise woman, because a wise woman would have used her beauty and her influence of words without putting herself in a position of losing her royal crown.  Vashti, misused her beauty and the power and authority that was given to her, she was prideful in all the wrong ways which caused her to loose her royal position and be replaced. {The Book of Esther}

Jezebel: Talk about evil, Jezebel was the wickedest of woman in the bible - Jezebel was  courageous, bold and a very determined woman. She was an outspoken woman in a time when females have little status and few rights.  She was a princess, a daughter of a king before she prostituted herself to become the queen and she became the power behind the throne.  Jezebel used her influence to get whatever she wanted from her husband and he became her puppet.  Apart from idol worship, witchcraft and pure wickedness Jezebel also used the spirit of domination and seduction to get her ways.  She had no respect or fear of God. Her words and actions were perverted and she was the foolish of them all and paid a terrible price. Jezebel lived for quite a while before God's judgment caught up with her. She was thrown from an upper story window, where she was then trampled to bits by horses in the street. Dogs then came and ate her body, leaving only the skull, feet and hands. It was a horrible end for a wicked unwise woman. (The Books of 1 King & 2 King)

*These women had the power and the authority to make a positive difference in their lifetime if they would have chosen wise words and actions, but they chose to be disobedient, prideful  and had no fear of God, so they paid with their lives, as it tells us in Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, although it didn't mention in the book of Esther that Vashti had died but her dreams died along with her unwise decisions.*  Unfortunately an unwise woman is often a tool used by Satan to undermine the wholesomeness of God’s Purpose into today’s world.

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Proverbs 31v1

To name a few wise woman from the bible are: 

Esther:   Although God was never mentioned in the book of Esther, it clearly shows us that God was in the center of Esther’s life. Esther knew God can not use a prideful woman so she allowed herself to be prepared for what was ahead of her.  She knew that fasting and prayer would bring her closer to God. She was well aware that she needed God's favour in order for her to succeed and be the next Queen, she patiently waited on God and her obedience paid off for Esther finished what Vashti didn’t.  {The Book of Esther}

Ruth:  Ruth understood the importance of obedience and her wish to obey God made her strong. She submitted under the authority of her wise mother in laws advises  She gave up everything from her past to be submissive and obedient to God.  Ruth laid still at the *threshing floor, awaiting for her Redeemer. Because of her obedience and loyalty and trust in God, all through this story we see how God gave Ruth good gifts because she was true to him. {The book of Ruth}

Deborah:  Deborah faced difficult challenges; she served as a judge and also the responsibilities of being a wife and had a spiritual position as a prophetess, which means she was in constant communication with God. Deborah was led by the spirit of God, she was firm and courageous because she knew that her strength came from a Living God and she believed God would fulfill His word regardless of how impossible the situation looked and as a result of her obedience and faithfulness to God, she led others to battle and brought victory to God’s people. Deborah was also a true worshiper. She worshiped God with songs of praise with humbleness and a grateful heart. {The Book of Judges}

*These women and many more women in the bible choose to make a positive difference in their lifetime and left a legacy for all women of all walks of life to follow. They chose to let God be the center of their lives and God's purpose was fulfilled for all mankind to see and live by. *

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25

A Wise woman with a meek and quiet spirit can represent the fruits of God’s Spirit with unquestionably demonstration of the true power of God’s purpose in today’s world.   We have the power to speak life or death, power to heal or destroy over our marriages, our family and others and to every situation. In Proverbs 10:11 tells us: The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.   Also, never underestimate the power of our actions, even with one small gesture, you can truly change a person’s life—for better or for worse or change your circumstances for better or for worse.

It took me a long time to realize how the power of my words and actions affected me, my circumstance and others around me and to be honest for many years  I spoke death with my words and teared down with my actions. But today, I thank God for his grace and mercy that I was given another chance to use my words to speak life and my actions to built up. The idea of being a wise woman through every stage of life challenges me more so to step out of the old and into the new.  At this stage in my life I've learned the power of prayer; I have learned the importance of fasting; I have learned that being submissive doesn't mean to be controlled; I have learned that being under authority, doesn't mean you lose your rights; I have learned to humble myself; I have learned to live by faith; I have learned to wait on God; I have learned to serve God before men. I have learned to take the good from the bad; I have learned to forgive; I have learned to be still and let God work in my favor and still I have much more to learn, I have much more to forgive, I have much more to overcome and I have much more battles to fight but this I know, I refuse to follow in the footsteps of the actions and words of a foolish woman.  I want to use my words and actions to be a strong force in the lives of people that I touch beginning in my home.

To Conclude:  God has called us as wives, mothers, sisters and friends to use our influence of words and actions and to be His witness at home and in our community. Fasting and praying and spending time in the Word of God and submitting ourselves to the obedience of God, can transform us to become World-changers! And whatsoever we do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 30:27

Written by Maribel Castillo

April 23, 2013

A Birthday Prayer for my Husband

Happy Birthday My Love 

My prayer for you that my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

So thankful to the Lord for the gift of my husband.  He has become a man who loves the Lord and desires to do all things to please Him.  May I remind him today how much I love him, honor him and respect him.  May I do him good and not harm all the days of his life and always offer him my best in everything.  I pray that I will always be his faithful helper.

My Heavenly Father, may my husband Juan love you with all his heart, mind and strength.  I pray he would delight in Your law and that You would open his eyes to the truths in Your Word.  Guide Him Lord to walk by the strength of Your spirit and keep Him in constant communion with You. 

Give him the desire to please You in all things and give him the endurance to run the race You have set before him.  May he have wisdom and strength to lead his family in Your ways and continue to help him manage his time well with all the responsibilities he needs to take care of in the day. 

May he always have an eternal perspective on the gifts You have given us to be used to further Your kingdom and that we would not build treasures on earth but in heaven.  Give him a humble spirit and help him to be "quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger". 

May he continue to share your goodness and love with his children and children's children so they will know the love he has for You.

Give him a continuing passion for the lost and keep the truths of the Gospel on the tip of his tongue so he is always ready to give an answer for the hope that is in him.  

Keep his eyes and heart and mind pure Lord and help him to have wise and good biblical discernment.  May You surround him with other men who love You and will be an encouragement to him in his walk with You. 

I thank you Lord for him and pray that I would truly do him good all the days of his life and be a good helper to my husband. 

I ask these things in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…Amen

Happy Birthday To My Love......Negro

I Love You!

happy birthday my love, my HUSBAND 

Written by Maribel Castillo

April 17, 2013