Be a fountain, not a drain.

Source: www.andrewcomiskey.com

Last spring, I drove by a church sign that read, "Be a fountain, not a drain." Besides thinking it was a cool quote, and sharing it with my friends, the Fountain family (for obvious reasons), I didn't give it much thought.

However, lately it keeps randomly popping into my mind - so much so that I can't ignore it anymore and it has moved me to thinking about what it means to me and more importantly discover why it's relevant.

Psst? Is there something that keeps popping in your mind... song, a phrase, a picture, whatever? When things keep "randomly" popping into my mind (or yours), there is nothing random about it. It's God trying to tell me (you, us) something. If I (we) don't get it the first, second, tenth time...he keeps nudging. 

View from my window at my new home.

When I think about His nudge this time, I literally have to laugh out loud - I see a fountain everyday...several times in fact! The place that we moved into from RI overlooks the pool. The pool has a fountain. Do you know how many times I look out my window a day? And get this, not only do I see it, I hear it too. Now tell me God is not trying to get my attention.


Sometimes I (we) can be blind or deaf to the message God is trying to send us. 

OK, now He has my attention. Here's where it gets interesting...

So, I start with the definition and select key words.

• Fountain - source, natural, reservoir, stream, origin
• Drain - loss, depletion, to fatigue, become empty

It was clear that all of the words associated with "fountain" are positive, while those associated with "drain" are not - NO big revelation there for me. The revelation didn't come in the two words I focused on, but in the one word I didn't "BE".

Last year was full of transitions for my family and me - some great ones and some not-so-great. There was so much spiraling around me that I started to spiral down right along with it. It was draining on me (physically, emotionally and spiritually) and consequently draining on those around me. I chose, consciously or not, to be a drain.

It's wild to think God took me from there and plopped right smack in a place overlooking a fountain. AWESOME reminder!

BE a fountain, not a drain. 
It's a choice!

A choice to:

• BE positive not negative
• BE a giver not a taker
• BE a creator not a destroyer
• BE hopeful not hopeless
• BE love not hate
• BE grateful not thankless
• BE selfless not selfish
• BE a light not a shadow
• BE a beginning not an ending

Fountain. Drain. Which one will you choose to be? 

"Lord, today I thank you for being the ultimate fountain. Help me to recognize when I am being a drain to myself and those around me. Unclog all the physical, emotional and spiritual drains in my life to flow like fountains. Help me to be an extension of your constant, loving stream. Today Lord, let me be a fountain, not a drain. In your precious name I pray. Amen!"

Running to Your Arms

Today.

Oliver, my 16-month old son, is the greatest blessing I have and have ever had in my life! He is at such a fun age. I love it when he runs into my open arms with so much joy, trust and excitement...laughing all the way! When he reaches me he hugs my neck and with his chubby little hands plays with my hair as if he's tickling me. Hard to capture the essence of this intense feeling of love and joy through mere words. But those of you who are parents know exactly what I am talking about...even if it's been a while.

Years Earlier.
My husband and I had many conversations about whether or not to have children. Ultimately, WE decided  that we were fine with it being just the two of us. Many of my friends (you know who you are) questioned the decision. They thought I'd make a great mom and didn't want me to miss out on the joys of motherhood. My argument was that I was a Mom to my niece and nephew...even had my nephew live with us for a while. Still they'd say, it's not the same as having your own child. Yeah, yeah...I'm fine.

For Christmas in 2009, we spent two weeks with Santos' family in Cape Verde (Africa). It was one of my favorite vacations of all times, mostly because I was able to meet Santos' family and see my husband in his element. It was also a high point in our marriage for many reasons. In essence, I fell deeper in love with my husband during that trip and was more convinced than ever that we had made the right decision to not have children. However, the topic of children came up several times from Santos' family, especially his mom. She told Santos that we had to have a child - not for him but for me. She felt VERY passionate about it! She even sat me down, and yup you guessed it - I still wasn't convinced.  So after two family-filled weeks, lots of food, laughter and rest, I headed home alone. Santos stayed a few weeks longer.

Shortly upon my return, I headed to New York for a team meeting. And even there, the topic of children came up, most likely because one of our team members was expecting a child. Same discussion...you need to experience being a mom, etc. Nope, Santos and I are fine I kept saying.

Between the trip home and the team meeting, I was exhausted and felt like I had the flu. I made an appointment with the doctor. And when I expected to hear, yes you have H1N1, I heard "your pregnancy test came back positive." The rest, as they say, is history.

My pregnancy was amazing. I was so connected to God...I mean how else would this amazing miracle be growing inside of me. And when I finally saw Oliver, it was further confirmation that an amazing and loving God exists.

Looking back.
I have to laugh at the fact WE thought we had any control over this decision. Little did we know God had a plan, a much greater and more wonderful plan for our lives...and boy are we happy He did.

In my continuous search for God's purpose in my life, clearly being a Mom is one. What's interesting is that through this blessing, I have gained a different perspective of God, specifically God the Father. Was a change in my perspective part of His plan? ABSOLUTELY!!! How else was I going to get this insight into a parent's love without being one.

The joy, love, care, protection and discipline that I give my son is nothing compared to what God wants to provide me..and you. Yes, YOU...as you are today!

Now!
He is waiting for you, His child, to run into His open arms with the same joy, trust and excitement that your child runs (or ran) into yours...laughing all the way! Nothing compares to His embrace, I can 110% assure you! Don't hesitate...it's a peace that surpasses logic and understanding. Run, run into His arms.

May God continue to abundantly bless you and use you to spread the love He gives to us unto others!

Watch.
Lovin' my Christian music these days. I will share some of my favorites with you soon. In the meantime, click here or the play button below to watch "Forever Reign" by Hillsong United, a song that so beautifully captures the heart of this message.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

As we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. today, let us not forget all he stood for, all he did and all he said. I never get tired of hearing / reading his message of love, hope, peace and action.

“Like anybody, I would like to have a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will.”

“Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase.”


“If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

“The time is always right to do the right thing."

“Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.”

“Whenever men and women straighten their backs up, they are going somewhere, because a man can't ride your back unless it is bent."

“Those who love peace must learn to organize as effectively as those who love war.”

“Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will.”

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.

A Great Way to Start YOUR Day...

This is a continuation of A Great Way to Start My Day. If you haven't read it, scroll down a post.

Below are a few the resources I refer to for my daily spiritual growth. There are many, many others, but I have found these to be straight-forward, positive, encouraging, motivating and easy to apply to my life today.  Commit to checking them out this week!

• Proverbs 31 Ministries - This is a women's ministry. They are real women offering real-life solutions to women who are striving to maintain life’s balance, in spite of today’s hectic pace and cultural pull away from godly principles. Wherever a woman may be on her spiritual journey, Proverbs 31 Ministries exists to be a trusted friend who takes her by the hand and walks by her side, leading her one step closer to the heart of God. Click on the link below to:
• View the Proverbs 31 site
• Read/subscribe to the daily devotions

• In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley is a renowned minister. The goal of Dr. Charles Stanley is best represented by In Touch's mission statement: to lead people worldwide into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and to strengthen the local church.  Click on the link below to: 
• View the In Touch site
• Read the daily devotion
• Subscribe to the daily devotion
• Subscribe to magazine  The monthly magazine includes the devotions in the back.
• Read current monthly magazine online
• Watch or listen to Charles

• Joyce Meyer Ministries - Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A New York Times bestselling author, her books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, she teaches on hundreds of subjects and has authored over 80 books, which have been translated into over 80 different languages. More than 12 million of her books have been distributed around the world, and in 2007 more than 3.2 million copies were sold. Having suffered sexual abuse as a child and the pain of an emotionally abusive first marriage, Joyce discovered the freedom to live victoriously by applying God's Word to her life and in turn desires to help others do the same. From her battle with breast cancer to the struggles of everyday life, she speaks openly and practically about her experiences so others can apply what she has learned to their lives. Click on the link below to: 
• View Joyce Meyer's site
• Read the daily devotion
• Subscribe to magazine
• Read current monthly magazine online
• Watch Joyce

• Joel Osteen Ministries - Joel Osteen is a native Texan and the Pastor of Lakewood Church, which according to Church Growth Today is America's largest and fastest growing church. Each week Joel delivers God's message of hope and encouragement to more than 38,000 attendees. According to Nielsen Media Research, Joel is the most watched inspirational figure in America. His weekly sermon is broadcast into every U.S. television market where it is viewed by seven million Americans each week and more than 20 million each month. His weekly broadcast is also seen in almost 100 nations around the world. Click on the link below to: 
• View Joel Osteen's site
• Read Joel and Victoria's Blog
• Subscribe for email updates
• Get the App
• Watch Joel

Be blessed!

Help me add to the list by commenting on your favorite online resource!

A Great Way to Start MY Day...

For years I got up, showered, got dressed, and went to work. Maybe God would pop into my mind on my way to work, and more times than I'd like to admit, I would go the day without thinking of God at all. That was then...


Now I get up and the first thing I do is focus on God...whether it's thanking Him for waking me up, listening to Christian music, reading a devotion or Bible reading plan or just sitting still in prayer.

This did not happen overnight. Like any life style change, it took a while to turn this discipline from something I had to consciously work at into something that now happens almost naturally. It wasn't until I WANTED to learn more about God (vs. feeling like I HAD to or SHOULD) that I was motivated to do something. 

Besides getting motivated, the hardest thing for me to do is figure out where to start. Luckily my roommate in college, Jennifer, gave me a Bible for Christmas while we were in college. I was so grateful, but reading the Bible felt overwhelming. When I FINALLY decided I'd give it a try. I remember starting with a free daily devotion called "Daily Bread" that referred me to a couple of verses in the Bible...bite-sized lessons that kick-started my day. Funny, on days that I read the devotions, things seemed to run smoothly...and on those that didn't, well, not-so-much.

I worked my way up to reading Bible books - anyone of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). And when all else failed I would read Proverbs. There are 31 books in Proverbs and I would refer to the date and read the corresponding book, e.g. on March 11, I would read Proverbs 11; on March 12, I'd read Proverbs 12, etc. When in doubt, I always started there. It was my way of reading parts of the Bible. The more I read, the more applicable it was to my life, and sometimes too applicable, if you know what I'm sayin'! Psalms was also a great book to read when I had no idea where to go. I would just open to any of the Psalms and just read. 

Sometimes I am searching for an answer in my life, and I'll flip though the Bible and am drawn to a particular verse and BAM...answer. That has happened a lot...and sometimes it's not exactly the answer I want but it is the answer I need.

So try it...see what happens. No one will be able to experience it for you. You need to start somewhere. Why not give it a try over the next week

• Get a Bible. Hardcopy, I personally like the Life Application Study Bible. Study bibles are great because they add context to what you are reading. You can also get a FREE Bible online. I love the YouVersion Bible. It provides all kinds of reading plans and topical devotions. It also has an app for all smart phones. Totally cool. There is also Bible Gateway. 
• Read it. Seems obvious right. Know how long it took me to open the Bible my roommate gave me. It took a while...just because it was overwhelming at first. Do as I did and start with reading a daily devotion and the associated verses. In a separate post, I will provide you with a couple of my favorite online devotions you can read or subscribe to.
• Set a goal. Once you start feeling comfortable, set a goal. The YouVersion online Bible has a number of reading plans you can select from. Click here to check them out.
• Reflect on what you read. Reading without reflection is a waste of time. Let what you read sink in and reflect on what it means to you and your life. 
• Apply it. Reflection without application is a missed opportunity to allow God to work in you and your life.

Look for my next post with some of my favorite online devotions. 

The above graphic source - http://www.essex1.com/pages/paul/BibleChristmas-banner.html 

6 Steps to Increase Your Faith

This is a continuation of Sushi and Faith. If you haven't read it, scroll down a post.

Being a learning professional, I couldn't leave you hanging without giving you tips on how to increase your faith in God based on what I have personally done.

Ever try doing something for someone who has no faith in you? Not exactly a great motivator is it? How can you expect God to reveal His purpose and plan for your life if you don't have faith in Him.

Thankfully God doesn't work like that. However, He does expect you to take the first step.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, 

the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

So where do you begin - or start - increasing your faith?

1. Reflect. Where are you with you faith? Are you still finding it hard to swallow? Thinking about giving it a second try? Had it but gave up on it?  Have it and won't let go?  Once you determine where you are, try to uncover why you are where you are in order to move forward. I found it hard to keep my faith because I kept getting disappointed by people, circumstances and this broken world. My faith did not lie in God, but in everything but Him. I now place my faith in God solely. 
2. Try it. No matter where you are, just try it. You need to start somewhere and some time. Start small, e.g. have faith that today will be a good day, that God will bless you with someone you come in contact with today, that you are able to be a blessing to someone...anything. If you are going through a trial, ask God to help you find peace and a resolution according to His will AND have faith that it is done. Sometimes it's easier to have faith on behalf of someone else's need. Keep your family and friends in prayer. At the very least, have faith that your faith will increase over time and not waver. Remember faith is a muscle that needs exercising to get stronger and stronger.
3. Do not allow your faith to be shaken. There are so many things that can cause us to lose our faith. Keep your eye on God and pray to keep it despite these things. Your faith is the first place that the enemy attacks...but only if you let him. The stronger your faith is, the less likely the enemy's attack will penetrate it. 
4. Be still and wait. This is the hardest part for me and I'm sure for many of you. God doesn't have a timetable. Society has a microwave mentality...they want things done quickly. As my husband always tells me, He allows things to happen when they are meant to happen and not one second sooner or later. God's time is not our time. Be patient. Be still. Have you ever made a promise and before you have even had a chance to make good on that promise, you are being asked about it again and again? Annoying, right? I'd imagine that's how God feels when we put our faith in him and don't trust His timing and keep asking.
5. Give thanks and praise always and often. The result of unwavering faith is answered prayers. Praise and thank God for answering YOUR prayers and the abundant blessings He gives you without asking. Thankfully God is faithful...always! 
6. Don't forget what God has already done. When we are in a mess or a trial, it's easy to focus on what's going on now and not remember what God has done for us all along. Draw upon the times that God answered your prayers in the past. With each account, you'll be reminded of God's faithfulness and refuel your faith for the present situation. 

Have more questions, need me to pray for you  or share your story?

Post a comment below or click here to send me an email. 

Sushi and Faith

The first time I tried sushi, I did NOT like it. My friend Kim and I met for lunch and I thought why not? I had never tried it, but was curious to see what all the hype was about. Being Portuguese I'd eaten some pretty different things...tripe, octopus and pig's feet (to name a few). I figured, raw fish can't be that bad, right? Wrong!...at least for me. I just couldn't stomach it. I was barely able to keep it down, although I did try a couple of times.

I kept thinking, why does everybody love this stuff? What is so great about sushi? Yuck! Maybe it's just a fad. I decided it wasn't for me...at least for a little while. After a couple more friends described their absolutely love for this cuisine, I decided to give it another try. It went down a lot easier than the first time, but it remained a little bit of a struggle. Still, I wasn't fully convinced sushi was for and continued wondering why people were addicted to it.

I typically wouldn't try something I didn't like for a third time, but I did...not for me, but for Kim.  She  and I were celebrating something - not really sure what given we did a lot of celebrating back then - so I took her to her favorite sushi place, Sakura Bana in Boston.  I was also very hungry because it was a late lunch. We ordered and I finally understood why so many were in love with sushi. That day I finally had the the most delicious sushi...of course the soy and wasabi helped :) I fell in love with it and have loved it ever since. I had it a few days later, the following week, the week after that and so on...I was on a roll (no pun intended). I also became more adventurous as I became more of a sushi connoisseur To this day it is one of my favorite foods!

OK, Carla, so what does all this have to do with faith?  

My experience with sushi was very similar to the one I had with faith. It may be the same struggle you are having right now or one you recall having earlier in your search for your purpose.

• Faith is hard to swallow when you first try it, especially if it's not familiar to you.
  I tried having faith and it didn't go down very well at first. "Just have faith" everyone would say. Like sushi, I couldn't grasp why everyone was making such a big deal about it.

• Give it a second chance. It took me a long while (seven years, yes seven) before I tried giving faith a try again. A lot happened in those seven years that helped me find my faith again (a story for another post), but not enough to keep me from having it shaken. I wasn't fully convinced despite the hype. I didn't seem to have the great faith others had and as a result, I wondered what was I missing. 

• Like sushi without soy sauce and wasabi, faith without hunger and focus on God, is not palatable. The last time I found (and) kept my faith, I took the focus off of me and made the commitment to keep my faith in God. See, previously, I was not focused on God and didn't have the hunger for it. Faith is a plate served up at the right place and time and under the right circumstances.

• The more I had it, the more I liked it. I realized, faith is like a muscle. The more I exercised it, the stronger it got. When you don't exercise it, your faith atrophies. Who can relate?

Sushi and Faith...two things I almost gave up on, but so glad I didn't. 

Bon appetit!

Hello and Welcome!

I am a Christian...I love Jesus and have much to share about how He is changing me to be more like Him.

I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and a friend. Not unlike many of you...gender aside. God has blessed me with my son, and subsequently has used him to provide me with knowledge of God, the Father. I'll be sharing lots of analogies based on this beautiful blessing God has given me and my husband.

I am a teacher...I have been blessed with this gift in all areas of my life. You'll most certainly read more about this in future posts. But simply, professionally, I develop and manage learning experiences, personally I teach in every role I play, and spiritually as God allows.

I am an optimist...I believe that there is a reason for everything and finding the silver lining in every situation is a choice we make.

I am not perfect and have made mistakes. Being a student as well as a teacher, I distill the lesson learned in hopes of not repeating it and saving others from doing the same.

Why a Blog?
I have been planning on creating a blog for a very long time, and like many things in my life, I have postponed and procrastinated. So what's changed? I am tired of pressing the "pause" button on aspects of my life that God is pressing the "play" button. So I figured New Year's Day would be a great time to start. Not sure where this is going to lead me, but I know this is one of the things God has been nudging me to do for a while...a long while. I'll be sharing why I haven't in later posts that might help you take action on those nudges you have been ignoring from God.

What's your "pause" button? Think about it...and share if you'd like below.

Why You?
I believe in community and teaching each other about life's lessons or developing a channel or platform to share and encourage each other to find God's customized path for us.

Have Feedback or Suggestions?
Want to share something with our community or suggest topics to focus on, send me an email or submit in the comments section.

Thank you and may God continue to bless you abundantly!