Breakthrough

Hello!

Well I thought it was about time to share something that has been on my heart for awhile now.  I did a 6ish day of fasting & praying that ended today and I can really say that I saw breakthrough. Now just because I say I just ended the fasting & praying, I actually will keep away from FB/Instagram for the next few weeks.

I find that FB/Instagram keep me plugged to my laptop/cell phone all.day.long.  These past 6 days I've found myself playing with Elanie more and relaxing on the couch with hubby after dinner till it's time to put Elanie to bed.  I found myself before this fast & praying on my laptop/cell phone all day long browsing thru FB and not getting any chores done, not paying attention to Elanie, dinner being a bit later than expected, and just feeling blah.  I get consumed really easy and get too plugged into all types of social media.

I've also noticed TIME! I have time to read the Bible, read Christian books, sit and write in my journal, draw in my journal, praying for others during my prayer time and not rushing thru my prayers, cleaning, and just enjoying the TIME.

The other day I was searching on Pinterest and I noticed a link to "A Cranky Wife." WHOA! It was like it read "This is for Melanie Rodriguez." {lol} I know we aren't perfect as wives, mothers, etc... {I am being raw and open here} My heart has been wanting to spill these words out on here for some months now. Just never knew how to express it till now. There is always a time for everything right?! I know I am not the only one, but why is it that we feel we are the only ones? Well cause in the moment we beat ourselves up and try and control our circumstances when truly there is a Father who cares and already  knows our hearts.  That's when we need to call out to our Abba Father! When we are feeling that crankiness, when we are feeling that we are the only ones going thru a tough time, when you feel like your the worst wife or parent. We can NOT beat ourselves up.

For a few months now, Elanie has been asking me a question that every time she asks me I cringe. Her question to me when I am upset {which is usually when I am cranky or when she tests me}is "Mommy are you happy, sad, or mad?"  Of course what I want to answer to her is a soap box but poor thing she is only 3-years-old.  Yes only 3! How does a 3-year-old know when her mommy is upset? Just by her asking me that shows me that I am always being cranky.  This brings me back to being on my laptop/cell phone all day.  When I am on my social media I don't want to be bothered.  Well when you have a 3-year-old you better pay attention. So with these past 6 days I have learned what is more important.  I can actually say I don't even miss FB/Instagram.

Fasting & praying is not easy guys! My coffee was my main fast. It was hard because the mornings are chilly and who doesn't want a nice cup of coffee/tea?!

Here I leave you with some pictures of my baby girl that I am so proud of. I want to raise her to not be cranky, upset, or sad. I want her to learn how to become a woman of God and press forward in life and not let circumstances get the best of her.  I received some BREAKTHROUGH and still receiving anything and everything God wants me to see! 

Love ya'll,
Melanie

 {it's fun learning how to use my new camera ;}

Maria

I am telling you what Cafemom was such a blessing to me back in 2008. If you would like to connect with other women {they have lots of Christian groups} I would recommend it to any friend of mine. I met Maria around May of 2008. We both miscarried around the same time as well. Maria and I hit it off great on Cafemom, exchanged #'s and became great friends. ;) We have yet to meet IRL {In Real Life} but we always tell each other "just one of these days!" I remember the days Maria and I would talk on the phone and just vent and cry to each other. We would share Bible verses and pray for each other. She was Heaven sent just as well as Amanda was. I remember her telling me she was pregnant again. Maria and her husband were blessed in March of 2010 with a beautiful baby boy, Baylen! To God be the Glory!

The Bible verse that always comes to mind is Hebrews 11:1--"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

Maria,

Wow girl in May it will be 4 years since we met on Cafemom and have yet met each other IRL, but like we always say "just one day ;)!" I know it's been 4 years since you lost your angel as well and I want you to remember that not a day goes by that I don't think of you or your angel! The Lord brought this friendship to flourish and I am so blessed to have you in my life. Now that we both have our blessings that we prayed for I know we are both busy mommies but I still love ya! I know our angels are best friends in Heaven! ;) May the Lord bless you and your family!

Love ya,
Melanie

Amanda & Noah

In March of 2008 after I miscarried I found a website called Cafemom (a meeting place online for moms). Cafemom was a site where I was able to chat with other moms that had also endured a miscarriage, stillborn birth, etc... I connected to so many women especially on the Christian women groups. I met a few older women in a group called Stepping Stones and they were huge prayer warriors thru out my grieving process.

Amanda and I met on Cafemom in June of 2008 on a Christian Miscarriage group. I came to find out after we exchanged each others stories that we both went thru a miscarriage the same week. Mine was the 22nd of March and hers was the 26th. I named my angel Nehemiah and she named hers Noah. God knew that He would help each other in our grieving process even if it was online. We have so much in common it's just all from God! :) Amanda and I have became very close over the past 4 years. We actually have met IRL (In Real Life) for Elanie's Baby Shower back in 2010. Her and her family came for a weekend and spent it with us! It was so awesome. ;)

Alot of Amanda's writings to me during the grieving process were many but here are 2 that really helped me:

"about God and his love for me"

"The Lord led me here to have a friend in you."

 Amanda,

I know the heartache that still lingers in our hearts but of course we both know our angels are flying high in Heaven with our Savior. What better way than to live here on earth?! Just makes Heaven even better and brighter... I can't wait to reunite in Heaven with our angels. I hope that you feel comfort and peace knowing that our angels are in no pain. I know Noah & Nehemiah are the bestest friends just like you and I and they are both telling each other "look at your mommy and my mommy, they are best friends like you and I" (awwww) Well bestie you know I am here for you even though we are miles away but with our texts and "long" emails we can get thru ANYTHING with His help from above! Look were we are now.... Only with His guiding hand...

Love you,
Melanie

If you would like to follow Amanda's blog go here ;)