Five for Friday

Okay it's really hard to choose five photos from the week to share but these are worth posting about in my personal opinion. So here we go.

 

Katy Perry. Yes, I gave in and bought tickets to take my daughter to see Katy Perry in October. October that's 9 months away. Crazy thing is it will be here before we know it.

Student Ministry. I LOVE our Student Ministry and I especially LOVE showering gifts upon the girls. What cute things I found and it's a great JOY to my heart to be able to do this. GIVING is so important and so is APPRECIATION. So when you have a chance give a gift of appreciation to someone.

I'm so proud of Elena. Her degree will be in Social Work and since she's in her 2nd year of college it's time for volunteering. She has decided to volunteer at Heart to Heart Hospice. Wow!!! Is all I can say. She has a heart of compassion and God is doing great things through her.

Micah turned 1 1/2 on the 27th and since she really didn't eat cake at her 1st Birthday we decided to sing "Happy Birthday" and let her eat a cupcake. She isn't much for sweets but she really enjoyed her first cupcake.

Saturday was such a beautiful day and as my husband and students from our church played Flag Football, I enjoyed a walk in the park and Sewell Park with these two blessings.

 

So that was my week. I'm so thankful that it's Friday because tomorrow we are having fun with my wonderful nephew who until Micah arrived was our second child. Love him bunches!!!

Psalms 32:8

This verse came across my eyes when I was journaling. I love how God reminds us of His promises and what better way to start my day.

Psalms 32:8 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eyes."

There are three words here the God is telling us to remember. Instruct, Teach and Guide. These three words are very powerful and meaningful. They explain to us what God will do and is doing.

I find great comfort in knowing that God will instruct us. They always say that the bible is Gods instruction book to us.

He will give us directions in our life and it's up to us to have that connection with Him where we can hear His voice. It important to follow instructions. Anyone will tell you that because if we don't follow instructions things go wrong. They fall apart and we get lost.

He also tells us He will teach us. Teachers play a very important role in our world. Without teachers we wouldn't be able to learn or understand. God is the greatest teacher. We wouldn't know how to act or  the proper way to live our lives. God teaches us so many things through His word. He teaches us how to love, how to serve, how to give, how to honor and so much more.

 Last but not least He says He will guide. Without a proper guide we will get lost.

So remember through every detail of our lives God is present and He is with us each step even when we don't feel like it. He is always there.

 

Stamina

As I continue to read this book about leadership and what qualities you should have to be a great leader in today's church I'm starting to ask myself WHY it took me so long to come across this book.

In the Chapter "Stamina" it really reflects on what it means to have stamina and steps to take to develop stamina. The author compares two different types of people. Here is what she has to say from her book.

There are Elevator Leaders and Stair Leaders. Here are a few points:

Elevator Leaders (Want a quick and easy ride to the top, skipping everything in between)
* Have to push the right button and wait for the right timing before the door opens.
* Going fast and easy you miss all the developing qualities that God has for you.

Stair Leaders (Putting one foot in front of the other, dealing with incremental levels of leadership)
* By taking stairs you can start at anytime from wherever you are-even at the lowest point.
* You open the doors yourself, you don't have to wait.
* You start where your at and with what's in front of you.
* If you just keep going you will eventually get to the place God wants you to be in your ministry or   leadership.

Why we need "Stamina" according to Jodi Detrick

 

Sometimes as leaders we say "If I had known it was going to be like this; I wouldn't have come." Ministry life is often hard. Being a leader of anything is frequently an uphill struggle, neither is for the faint of heart. There are certain things we face that require special stamina if we're to be effective leaders. Some are obvious-dealing with conflict or difficult people; the constant wear of decision making; working on large tasks and long range projects; guiding and motivating teams and working through transition. Many situations will find the resolve if we just keep showing up, letting time and Gods faithful relentless grace do their work of transformation.

This is my personal reflection of what I've learned from this chapter.
We can't rush through our life of leadership or ministry. Every season comes with new learning experiences. Good or Bad. We have to learn from all that we do. A conversation I had with my husband the other day consisted of us talking about decisions we made that we probably shouldn't have and I just told him that all we can do is learn from it. We can't grow as leaders if we don't ever make a mistake. Without mistakes God wouldn't be able to use those as teachable moments. We have to keep moving forward. I know at times I just want to lock myself up and reflect and figure it all out but that's not the answer. The answer is to just keep going. If we stop it's only for a moment. I can definitely relate to "Why we need Stamina. " All of the things listed are on our daily list as Campus Pastors. No one gave us a book. Oh, how I wish they did but all of this is learn as we go. Don't get me wrong we have great leaders who lead other campuses that we can go to for advice and we have.  I also know that with every move God has made in our life, He is leading, guiding and teaching us every step. So don't stop!! Keep moving even when it's hard and your in tears. It's all worth it in the end. I believe that with all my heart.

Sundays

Every Sunday I get up at 6:30am to start my day. At 7:00am my husband gets up and between 7:15 and 8:00am our youngest gets up. We leave the house around 8:00am or 8:15am drop off my husband and I take Micah to Taco Cabana for a taco and then go back to start our day at Church. From that time until we leave the church at 2:30pm we are go, go and going. Once we get her back in the car to go eat she is out like a light. It's such a blessing to know that she is growing up in church and even though she doesn't quite understand what is going on I know that God is going to rock her world once she does. He is preparing her for great things and our family doesn't see church as another thing we have to do but something we are honored and privileged to do. Serving is a big part of our family. From my husband and I being Campus Pastor's to our oldest daughter serving every Sunday with the Children's Ministry to our youngest being in class every week. We have been blessed with be able to do this for the past 8 1/2 years and many more to come for sure. We love our leaders, our volunteers, our members, our regular attenders, our children and our students. We love our community and love see life change all around us but most of all we love to see our own daughters love Jesus, love the church and love our community. It's tiring but it's so worth it in the end.

Five for Friday

Five for Friday

 

We painted last Friday at home. I couldn't quite figure out what my husband did and I really didn't like mine. It was too plain but we had a blast and it was very relaxing according to Chris (My daughters "Friend")

Saturday was our adventure Saturday. We try to leave the house to do something besides sitting on the couch all day watching TV. Which Micah doesn't like by the way. This girl loves and I mean loves to be outside. {Photo at Botantical Gardens Austin, TX}

 



Waterfalls @ Botantical Gardens

Sunday during the Football Games we had an unexpected visitor. Micah the Ghost showed up. Each time she would bump into something she would laugh so much. It was awesome just to watch her and knowing that at this age 1 1/2 she has NO FEAR.

Church. Love It. Love our meetings on Mondays with our leaders. Love the people and Love our community.

Ability

STICKS AND STONES WEEK 2 BY Steven Furtick

http://www.stevenfurtick.com/

 

 

Every week I try my best to listen to Steven Furticks messages. I download them on my Podcast to my IPhone so when I'm in the car I just plug in and listen. This month he is doing a series called Sticks and Stones. I actually blogged about the first week on January 15th http://www.garzaclarinda.blogspot.com/2014/01/am-i.html you can go back and read that post. He talks about the fact that we are anointed to accomplish what God has called us to do but it doesn't always mean that our assignment changes. We could keep doing the same thing were doing with greater purpose and meaning.

 

 

This week his message is about Ability.



* God expects us to grow in our gifts that He has given us.

* He also said that even if people don't know your name or you God does. He knows where to find you when He's ready to use you.

 

Here are four things you need to know to grow your gifts.

 

1) Diligence-We need to develop what God has deposited inside of us. Many times people want the benefit without developing. God puts our gifts inside of us but we have to be willing to work them out of us for His purpose.

2) Excellence-God deserves our excellence. Not perfection but our excellence.

3) Uniqueness-We were all created differently. Not one of us is the same.

4) Experience-God will arrange every experience in your life to serve His purpose if your willing to embrace it.

 

We need to offer our gifts to God and to serve Him not people. Only God can work though what your willing to work on.

 

I know that God gave me gifts and I know in my heart that each day He is using my gifts for His purpose. I also know that He has greater plans for myself and for my family. We are not all the same and we can't envy the gifts that others have because we have no clue what they did to develop those gifts. See God created each of us with certain gifts and like Pastor Furtick says it's our responsibility to develop those gifts and to use them for His purpose.

Chapter 3: Humility

I really never understood what this word really meant until today. Humility means it's less about what you do to yourself and more about how you view and treat those around you. It starts from the inside and it's a "to" thing and it's "to" everyone not just the privileged few.

Christ tell us of certain leadership traps in Matthew 23 and how they can effect us from be a great leader. We are to go for the title only no but we are to go for the ministry. To many times we make it about the title and the authority it brings to have the title. Jesus talked about how the pharisees put burdens on others but were not willing to lift a finger to help. They cared more about position than actually doing the work. Unfortunately I've served with people like this and it didn't always work out for the best. 

In Matthew 23 Christ talks about Pride and Hypocrisy. Here are some points from the book I've been blogging about. Jesus-Hearted Woman by Jodi Detrick.

 

Preaching over practice (3b) "they do not practice what they preach"

Showmanship over substance (5a) "everything they do is for show"

Prominence over preferring others (6a) "and how they love to sit"

Star syndrome over servanthood (7a) "they enjoy the attention they get on the streets"

Title over task (7b) "and they enjoy being called "Rabbi'"

Pride can disqualify us from long-term, effective ministry quicker and more permanently, than just about anything. I've seen this. I know it can happen. It's not a pretty thing to see someone whose life is full of pride and not be able to see it with their own eyes. 

God calls us to be humble, to be a servant. To know it's about others not just us. We are here for a greater purpose. We are able to serve not because it's a checklist in our life but because it's an honor. This applies to everyone. 

1) Humility is a quality God loves and is looking for

2) Humility puts others at ease (find rest)

3) Humility makes us more like Jesus (attitude)

4) Humility lets you be part of the secret service (giving/serving in secret)

5) Humility allows us to repair broken relationships (saying your sorry first)

6) Humility allows us to ask for help (don't have to do it alone)

7)Humility is a package deal (prerequisite to a healthily relationship)

8) Humility gives us a new perspective

9) Humility helps you find greatness in unexpected places (gratitude)

10) Humility protects us from crashing (when pride comes then comes disgrace but with humility comes wisdom)

I think. I know God has prepared me for where I am now. I appreciate my Pastor and his wife before us and I've learned valuable lessons from them. As I pour myself into books about leadership especially this one I'm seeing how this applies to my life now. How it's like looking in a mirror and just thinking of the conversation I had yesterday after church with my husband. I know God has place this book in my path for a reason and I pray that you learn as much as I do from what I'm sharing and how it can apply to your ministry or you life in general. 

Five for Friday

I've seen a lot of people doing this so I thought it would be fun to post five pictures that I've taken throughout the week and post about them. So here we go. My first Five for Friday.

My first born. I'm so proud of all her accomplishments and her compassionate heart that she has.

 

My second born who is thankful it's FRIDAY!!!! Do you know how hard it is to get her to smile?

 

Yesterday we had the privilage of watching our Worship Team play at Fields of Faith at San Marcos High School. I'm so honored to serve with such awesome people.

 

After almost five years or more I finally gave in and bought some Nikes. I'm more of a New Balance kinda of gal but decided to change it up since everyone else in my home wears Nike. 

 

Ahh!!!! This makes my day in the morning. Coffee from Mochas. I finally got the name of the girl who always and I mean always knows my order. Kaitlynn is her name. Thanks for knowing my order.

 

 

So there you go. Part of this week. Praying for an awesome weekend with my husband and daughters.

 

 

CZ

Authenticity

God is Good!!! All the time is a phrase my husband uses every Sunday at church. I love it and I love to hear people respond. God is good and this book that He has placed in my life is scary on track with my life right now. Just last night I was telling my husband how tiring it is to feel like you have to be this certain person when you carry the title of Pastor or Pastors Wife. Its not right that when you say those words people automatically make a judgement about you. You feel that you can't be you. The real you. The one who has an argument with your spouse at church before church. The one that doesn't always agree on what people say but you feel like you can't say anything of fear that they might walk out.

Today's chapter is about that: Be Authentic. Being You. Will the real Clarinda stand up and be herself. Not worrying about everyone else but just be who God created you to be and love yourself. 

Christ talked about be a pharisaical hypocrite which means being different in secret than you are in public. Integrity means being whole or undivided...the same all the way through. Now I would never have a public argument with my husband in front of everyone but I do know that when I'm upset I get very quite and people who do know me (especially those I work with) know that I'm upset. 

I think as humans most of us will play to the crowd because of our fear. We say what people want us to say. Saying all the right things but still not being authentic. I don't think this is the life that Christ wanted us to have. He was the same all the time. He was who He was and if people didn't like it I'm sure He didn't worry over it like I would do. 

Here are some points from the book: 

A Jesus -Hearted Woman tells the truth about the messy parts of her life. Of course, you don't tell everyone your entire life story but you do share it when it applies to someone else's situation that they are going through. Your just real about yourself. Now being in Student Ministry for 8 years it was easy to share your life experience with students because if you could help then not make a mistake you made growing up then that was beneficial. I've made plenty of bad choices in my former years but I wouldn't change that because I wouldn't be who I am today. 

A Jesus- Hearted Woman is approachable and relatable. I want people to be able to approach me and to talk to me. I know I don't like the feeling when I go to a conference or another church and long to talk to the Pastor's wife or other leaders but you get the feeling that they wouldn't make time for you because your out of their league. Now my husband doesn't have that fear but I do. That is just my insecurity that I've allowed to paralyze me. 

My point is we just need to be who we are and who God created us to be. Anything more or less is saying God didn't create us perfectly. When in fact we are prefect in His eyes and that is all that matters. So be YOU and not who you think the other person wants you to be. Live a life free from conforming to other peoples thoughts and just be YOU.

Be confident and authentic.

Confidence

When I saw this book posting on someones post I didn't think twice about buying it. Of course, that was over a month ago. This morning I had time to actually open it on my Ipad and start reading it. It's really funny how God works things out because just yesterday I was starting to realize I have a lot to offer. I'm blessed at my job and I know I have lots to offer to our church. I just lack one important thing. CONFIDENCE!!! I'm afraid. Plain and simple. I was writing in my journal this morning about being more confident and it's not surprising that the first chapter in this book about leadership qualities is about none other than "Confidence." As I go through this book "The Jesus-Hearted Woman" I'll blog about whats stuck out to me in each chapter. So here are some excerpts that I've taken from Chapter 1: Confidence and a side note of how it applies or how I would like it to apply to my life.

God uses reluctant leaders (I am a very reluctant person because I fear of what people think and of how I won't be able to do it right)

Insecurity is not humility. It’s me focused and is more concerned with self-protection than risking rejection or pain for the benefit of others. (This really says alot about myself)

A person with gracious confidence:

·         Is comfortable in her own skin and doesn’t try to mimic they styles or gifts of others; she doesn’t yearn for someone else’s shoes. (False: I'm not comfortable in my own skin and I'm very critical of what I do and how I do it)

·         Can lead and follow at the same time (True)

·         Isn’t afraid of the spotlight but doesn’t see it either; she is quick to shine it on others when she has a chance (I'm terrified of the spotlight because I fear of what people think of me)

·         Presents her thoughts and ideas without having to have the last word (True)

·         Accepts both praise and criticism without setting her heart too completely on either (True)

·         Is satisfied to give her best for the benefit of others and has a quick word of encouragement when she sees someone else doing the same (True: When I'm not afraid to say my thoughts or give my opinions)

·         Realizes that she will likely still have butterflies before she steps behind a podium, may still feel intimidated around certain leaders and may second-guess decisions, but doesn’t let those feelings affect her actions and reactions. (When I had to speak on Chick Night, I was going over and over what I would say and I didn't say half of what I thought in my head weeks, days, hours, minutes or seconds before I went on stage. I was praying no one would notice how scared I was or how stupid I sounded to myself)

·         Rests easy after she’s done her best (even if it’s not perfect) knowing that outcomes are up to God and the free-will responses of others. (False: I will analyze everything and how I would've done it differently)

·         Knows she will have “off days, “so cuts herself some slack she would cut others. (Never)

·         Laughs at herself and learns from her mistakes. (Never do this. I'm very hard on myself)

Matthew 5:14-16 says “we are the light of the world and to “let our lights so shine before others that they would see our good works and glorify the Father in heaven.” It means we’re  willing to actually “shine” (instead of shrink back) “before others” (not just privately to God) and let them “see our good works”-the things that we can do well, and do for the sake of others, in order to bring glory to God.

“Every experience God gives us, every person He puts into our life, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.” (I've really thought about this alot since I read it. I can make a mental picture of the people God has placed in my life and how it's preparing me to step out and be courageous. It's taken me a long time but this book opened my eyes to what I need to do)

We should pay close attention to the passions God is stirring in our hearts. (I have a lot of passions in my life. I love to plan, organize, to train, to encourage, to bring life into people and allow them to see their potential (not sure why it's hard to see mine) and to see students have fun and love Jesus)

It’s not where you start, but where you’re willing to go, that matters. (I seriously have a problem because I'm willing to go. I really am. I'm just terrified of that first step)

 

Am I?

ANOINTED

 

I heard a great message this morning in regards to being anointed. Anointing means being set apart and chosen for certain works. To be singled out with favor always comes with responsibility. I think we are all anointed by God to do certain things in our life and sometimes it's hard to figure out just what He is calling us to do. A few things stuck out to me during the sermon by Steven Furtick

 

1) The ones that feel left out are the ones God has set apart for a special purpose. God is saving you for something.

 

2) Don't worry about the plans just do what God tells you and let Him work out all the details.

 

3) Anointing sets you free to realize that you have nothing to prove but only one to please.

 

 

Each of these points struck a cord with my heart. A lot of times I feel left out of the ministry that we have been called too. I say we even though I sometimes feel it was just my husband who was called and I'm just along for the ride. I know I have a purpose and for years I've been trying to find what I'm meant to do. Its very frustrating and I know some of it has to do with fear. Fear of failure, fear of disappointing and just plain old FEAR. Another area is the plans. Plans, Plans and Plans....in my current situation with my daughter and her unexplainable fevers I'm trying my hardest to understand the plan and purpose behind it all. The details are something I like to know so I know how to prepare but this current situation I'm totally in the dark. It's a daily struggle that God and I talk about everyday. And last but not least is having nothing to prove but only one to please. That is a tough pill to swallow because I feel I have something to prove to myself. Being a follower of Christ, wife, mom, sister, daughter, co-worker and friend I wear many hats. I want to do it all and for any woman it's hard to ask for help. This message said a lot about only needing to please God with all that I do each and every day. Live a  life pleasing to Him. Be a wife that pleases Him. Be the kind of mom that pleases Him, etc..... I still have a lot to learn and accepting everything and begin to process what I need to do is really easier said that actually done. My husband can vouch for that. Less talk and more action is something we could all try.  

 



Work Together

This mornings verse was "God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God". Causes EVERYTHING. That means that these fevers that my baby has been suffering will work out. It means that our church will see growth. It means that my marriage will be stronger than ever before. That our student ministry will see blessings with students lives changed and more students reached than ever before. That God will work it all out for the good not for bad. God wants to see our lives and our ministries blessed and even though we have to go through rough patches or dry seasons God has it all worked out. Sometimes its much easier to say it but even harder to believe it when your actually going through it.

Lord, I pray for my belief in You to be stronger than its ever been before. Forgive me for my doubt and for my lack of faith. I know You are working behind the scenes in every area of my life and in our church and Your glory will be revealed when its all said and done. Thank you for your patience and for loving me. 

My Twiggy

This is my precious little girl who for the last few months has had some unexplainable fevers every month and for one month it was every two weeks. These fevers aren't low grade, there high and can last any where from 3 to 5 days. For the past month we've been visiting an infectious disease doctor in Austin and she's had many blood tests done to try and find the cause. In August she had tubes in her ears, blood drawn, a TB Test, and abdominal ultrasound and this coming week she will have a CT Scan on her head and neck. My prayer right now is to find an answer to these fevers. The doctor has ruled out recurring fever syndrome because we don't have any type of European or Mediterranean    heritage in our blood line. So that rules that out. She's also too young to consider removing her tonsils which I've read could help.  She's only 17 months and it's really hard to understand why this is happening.  I just don't understand but I am thankful everyday that she is fever free and that at this current time that is all we are battling. Thank you Jesus and I praise Him each day for the blessing she is to our family. 

Friday Sunrise

What a great way to start a Friday. The last holiday weekend. Yes, you read right. Because the work week was short this is considered the last holiday weekend in my book. Next week is a full work week and that is when I offically start the year.

What day is it?

Its just the second day of the new year and I'm already lost on my days. It's crazy how vacation and all the fuss about a new year can throw you off. Sometimes we have to be careful not to allow the craziness and busyness of life to throw us off too. I really need to stay focused on what's important or someone else will help me lose focus. It's funny how that word has been in my vocabulary lately. We are planning a Focus Weekend with our students and the new series they are starting this Sunday just so happens to be called Focus. What are the odds?

2013

Before I start blogging again I should say what has happened in my life over the past year and since my last post. In 2011 my oldest Elena became a Junior in High School and in December 2011 I found out I was pregnant. Yeah, a huge shock but a blessing and prayer that was answered on Gods timing and not my own. Fast forward through 2012 to July when I had Micah and when she turned one month, my oldest daughter Elena entered her Senior Year of High School. In February 2013 we became the Campus Pastors of our church, Elena graduates from SMHS, Micah turns one and we go on vacation to DisneyWorld, a first for all of us. 2013 was full of lots of firsts and many blessings and as Pastors a definite learning experience and we are continuing to learn through Gods guidance and grace. I couldn't come back to blogging without giving a background of where I've been and I have no clue what 2014 holds for my family, for my marriage, for myself or for our church. I have to admit though that is the fun part. So here is to a great 2013 and to 2014.