It has been a while since I have written anything about Christopher. In a nut shell, he is amazing. He is funny, silly, adorable, getting so big, and so many other wonderful things that I can sit here and write about him for hours. He is more than I could have imagine. I am in awe of how fast he is growing up, how smart he is and how is words are starting to come out more and more clearer each day. And the best part is that he has finally picked up baseball. Yeah I know he is only 2 1/2 years old, but I thought if he could just pick up the gist of the game, then I could take my time and teach it to him slowly. But from one day to the next, he picked up a bat and finally listened to me, as I showed him how to hold the bat and swing. He still has an awkward swing, but I can work with that. But he hits the ball very well and throws really hard. I am estactic that I have a little boy that wants to do everything that his daddy does. He amazes me and makes me so happy and proud to be his dad. From day 1 I said that being a dad was the greatest gift from God, and I can honestly say it just keeps getting better. There isn't a day that goes by that I run home from work just to see his face and watch how excited he gets when he sees mine. I am sure I can find a million things to do outside of my home chores, but spending time with him is priceless, either watching his favorite shows on TV or DVD, playing with his cars and trains, reading him a book, sharing a slice of pizza with him (since that is his favorite food) or just going down by the beach and watching him run around in the same and having a ball. These are things that I would never trade for anything. What it feels like to be a dad, I think I just described it. It is awesome, it is wonderful and you never want it to end.
Each day I thank the Lord for bring Christopher into our lives, it has changed us, but a change that I will never regret.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Blessings from Above Never Falter
In my last entry back in January, I shared what my life was like in 2007, one that started with much promise and ended with so much despair. But as I stated in my last Blog, God had to be put first again, I had to lean on him believing that he would come through, and all I can say is that he has come through more often that I could even imagine. We serve an unbelievable God, one that keeps you in awe of everything he does for us.
After my last entry, I kept looking for jobs, in so many different places, just hoping that one would call me and hire me. It got real bad at one point, just never thought that anyone would call. Even contemplated just going back to NY and working there and sending money home. But I knew deep in my heart that, that was not what God wanted for us and that I needed to continue to be patient, even though, there was no extra money coming in except for Lina's salary. But I can honestly say that, even with just her salary, we always were able to pay the mortgage and all of our bills, never missing a beat. I give God all the glory for that, because he kept us from losing everything, so he could continue to work on me and get me ready for what he had in store. And I have to say that I could have never imagined that my life could make another big change, and this time for the better.
I finally received a call in March of this past year from a Law Firm, looking for a legal assistant. After speaking with the office manager, I realized that I was not qualified to take that job, so that I would rather not meet with her and get turned down anyway, but if she had any other positions that I would do them, no matter what they were, I guess I was kind of desperate at this point. But God reminds us that he doesn't want us to be anxious about anything, he is in control.
After she explained to me that I was over qualified for the clerical position that she had, she agreed to meet with me anyway, because first she stated that I was honest with her and two, she stated that there was something about me that she just wanted to meet with me.
We met and after a few nervous weeks, she called to offer me a position, making copies in the mail room. She stated that she knew that I deserved a better position but that this may be a great way to get in the company and move up. After starting the job and meeting with her, I find out that she is a Christian and that she told me that there was something about me that she felt like she had to hire me. After working in the copy room for nearly 2 months, I was promoted to Civil Litigation Department Assistant and received a raise.
This happened so fast that there is no doubt in my mind that God's hands were all over this. He knew exactly what I went through in 2007, and wanted to make sure that 2008, even with a crazy economy, would be a better one for me and my family. Maybe it was my patience and faith, that he maybe wanted to reward. Whatever it was, I am just glad that he was involved in this situation and in all my situations in life. I don't know where I would be or what I would be doing if he wasn't apart of my life.
The future seems a bit brighter now, even with all of the crazy things going on with gas prices and values of homes decreasing, I know that the only way that we can deal with it is by looking up and just asking for help.
He has turned my life around and has given me hope again, even after a time, when I didn't think that it could get better, but he is always there to take care of everything and because of that he gets all of the glory and praise.
After my last entry, I kept looking for jobs, in so many different places, just hoping that one would call me and hire me. It got real bad at one point, just never thought that anyone would call. Even contemplated just going back to NY and working there and sending money home. But I knew deep in my heart that, that was not what God wanted for us and that I needed to continue to be patient, even though, there was no extra money coming in except for Lina's salary. But I can honestly say that, even with just her salary, we always were able to pay the mortgage and all of our bills, never missing a beat. I give God all the glory for that, because he kept us from losing everything, so he could continue to work on me and get me ready for what he had in store. And I have to say that I could have never imagined that my life could make another big change, and this time for the better.
I finally received a call in March of this past year from a Law Firm, looking for a legal assistant. After speaking with the office manager, I realized that I was not qualified to take that job, so that I would rather not meet with her and get turned down anyway, but if she had any other positions that I would do them, no matter what they were, I guess I was kind of desperate at this point. But God reminds us that he doesn't want us to be anxious about anything, he is in control.
After she explained to me that I was over qualified for the clerical position that she had, she agreed to meet with me anyway, because first she stated that I was honest with her and two, she stated that there was something about me that she just wanted to meet with me.
We met and after a few nervous weeks, she called to offer me a position, making copies in the mail room. She stated that she knew that I deserved a better position but that this may be a great way to get in the company and move up. After starting the job and meeting with her, I find out that she is a Christian and that she told me that there was something about me that she felt like she had to hire me. After working in the copy room for nearly 2 months, I was promoted to Civil Litigation Department Assistant and received a raise.
This happened so fast that there is no doubt in my mind that God's hands were all over this. He knew exactly what I went through in 2007, and wanted to make sure that 2008, even with a crazy economy, would be a better one for me and my family. Maybe it was my patience and faith, that he maybe wanted to reward. Whatever it was, I am just glad that he was involved in this situation and in all my situations in life. I don't know where I would be or what I would be doing if he wasn't apart of my life.
The future seems a bit brighter now, even with all of the crazy things going on with gas prices and values of homes decreasing, I know that the only way that we can deal with it is by looking up and just asking for help.
He has turned my life around and has given me hope again, even after a time, when I didn't think that it could get better, but he is always there to take care of everything and because of that he gets all of the glory and praise.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
When I Look Back on My Journey...................
Wow, I didn't think I would ever right in this blog again. All my thoughts that I have had, my mind full of things and I couldn't put it into words. This past year, gone by so fast, but while living in it, felt like it would never end. 2007, what can I say, a year full of many experiences, some I wish I could just forget or even change. But, without life experiences, we would never be able to grow and become stronger from our daily lessons. It is weird how you can look back and see all that you have gone through, but when you are in the mist of something, you can't even see the light at the end of the tunnel, you can't even imagine that it can get better, you feel like there is a really dark cloud over you, blinding you and there is no answer. No one can help you not even God.
Well, that right there, is wrong. God can help you, sometimes, he is the only one that can get you out of those types of feelings, of situations, but I guess unless you go to him wholeheartedly, you won't get out of it.
I wanted to look back on my Journey of 2007, one that brought me to a new place, a new venture in my life and one that ended with me feeling more empty than I thought I could ever feel.
I started the new year with a job, Catering Partners. I had so many things to look forward to, so many promises were given to me, I thought in a years time I would be financially set to do anything Lina and I wanted to do. I learned now, never take the promises of man, only rely on the promises of God, man will almost always disappoint you, but God will never leave you alone.
We were searching for a home to call our own, so many things were going our way. I felt like I was on cloud nine and with so many houses to choose from, it was kind of stressful, but in a good way, we had a chance to be patient and just find what we wanted. We finally decided on a house, after seeing 100 houses. That is no exaggeration, my realtor made sure I knew it was that much.
After settling in the home and me focusing on my job, things started to change really quick. I felt a sense of stress building up with my bosses. It was like night and day. Their attitudes changed toward everything, I was given assignments that they even knew there was no way I could finish them in the allotted time given. They started giving me projects, expecting me to finish them, when I was never trained to do such projects, they expected me to fix problems that they couldn't fix for years and expected me to do miracles and get it done in days. When I would address this with them, I was reminded numerous times that how much my salary was and how much my health insurance was. I was given tasks that not even a group of five could finish in a week.
I would go to God each and every day asking him to help me, to help me do what is needed of me, but it kept getting overwhelming. They expected more and more and just added things on, and would want an answer that day, when I was still working on the other many things I was given. I started to realize that something was wrong, that a change needed to be made. I addressed again my situation and they promised a change and they agreed it was unfair. Things never changed and only got worse, I knew that I needed to stay there because I brought my family from NY to live in FL and we didn't have any other source of income. Well, I didn't even have a chance to do anything about that, I became ill with a 103 fever for 7 days straight, and on the seventh day, I had 105 fever at 3 am. Lina took me to the Doctor, all along leaving the bosses messages that I was very ill and had to be seen. After my visit and the Dr indicating I had a upper respiratory infection, and getting home to receive an email that I was fired because I was not focused and allowed my family, my weekends, my church to get in the way of what they wanted or expected from me. I couldn't believe it, what was I going to do now. But one good thing out of that was that after a few days, and maybe taking the medicine for a day, my fevers were gone, never to come back again. Was it God that intervened and had to do something to get me out of there, he knew that if I quit, that I would be worse off, so by letting them fire me, I was in a better situation, even though I didn't think so.
Well, God knows why he does what he does, and after that incident, I was able to collect unemployment from NY. I had enough credits that I could collect for at least 6 months. What a Blessing, it was not what I wanted, but it kept us afloat with our bills.
God opened up another door and Lina landed a job as a Social Worker in the local Hospital. That was a big step for us, because now I could focus on landing a job of my own. Well that journey took me from training as a school bus operator to working a few months in the post office. An experience that truly amazed me and taught me a valid lesson, be careful what you pray for and what you ask God for. It was a job that I quickly realized wasn't for me.
I found myself depressed, out of work and not knowing why I had to endure this situation in my life now. When all I do is follow after God and do as I feel he wants me to do. But I know that this new year 2008, brings much promise. I look at it as a new start with God. A way for me to get even closer to him and allow him to move in my life.
Sometimes, God does things for a reason, when he sees that you are becoming ill, or your family life is suffering or your walk with him is struggling, he does things to shake up your life, he may want you to leave a job because he knows that if you stay there, your life will suffer, that he won't be able to use you as he wants to, so we must trust that he is working behind the scenes in every situation that we face. And facing it, knowing and understanding that it will be hard to be patient, but if we hang in there, hang on to his word, the end result will be a bigger blessing than we could have ever imagined.
I took a few verses from a song sang by Calvin Hunt. It is from his new album "Bridges". The first part just speaks volumes to what I have gone through this past year, here it is:
When I look back on my journey,
and everything that I've been through.
With every lesson I have learned,
and every twist and every turn,
I stand amazed.
I've been tested by the fire,
and I made it through some raging storms.
I lived enough to know,
I would have never made it on my own.
No Longer I who live,
but Jesus living in me.
I thank God for putting me through trials and tribulations, because each and every time I have come through it with a sense of peace and just offer God all the praise. I know that he is behind the scenes in my current situation and I also know that when he is ready, he will pour such a blessing on my life that my praises to him will be all so worth it. We have to praise him in the good times and the bad times, this way when we face a trial in our lives, it won't be that hard to deal with. Sometimes we just lose site of the cross, but we have to remain focused and he will help us to ride out the storm. I have to remember that he never gives us too much that we can't handle, he is always there and will always provide.
Thank You Lord for just giving me hope and just speaking to my heart when I am faced with a situation that I do not see any end to it. I know you are there and I know you will never leave my side. I Love you Lord.
Well, that right there, is wrong. God can help you, sometimes, he is the only one that can get you out of those types of feelings, of situations, but I guess unless you go to him wholeheartedly, you won't get out of it.
I wanted to look back on my Journey of 2007, one that brought me to a new place, a new venture in my life and one that ended with me feeling more empty than I thought I could ever feel.
I started the new year with a job, Catering Partners. I had so many things to look forward to, so many promises were given to me, I thought in a years time I would be financially set to do anything Lina and I wanted to do. I learned now, never take the promises of man, only rely on the promises of God, man will almost always disappoint you, but God will never leave you alone.
We were searching for a home to call our own, so many things were going our way. I felt like I was on cloud nine and with so many houses to choose from, it was kind of stressful, but in a good way, we had a chance to be patient and just find what we wanted. We finally decided on a house, after seeing 100 houses. That is no exaggeration, my realtor made sure I knew it was that much.
After settling in the home and me focusing on my job, things started to change really quick. I felt a sense of stress building up with my bosses. It was like night and day. Their attitudes changed toward everything, I was given assignments that they even knew there was no way I could finish them in the allotted time given. They started giving me projects, expecting me to finish them, when I was never trained to do such projects, they expected me to fix problems that they couldn't fix for years and expected me to do miracles and get it done in days. When I would address this with them, I was reminded numerous times that how much my salary was and how much my health insurance was. I was given tasks that not even a group of five could finish in a week.
I would go to God each and every day asking him to help me, to help me do what is needed of me, but it kept getting overwhelming. They expected more and more and just added things on, and would want an answer that day, when I was still working on the other many things I was given. I started to realize that something was wrong, that a change needed to be made. I addressed again my situation and they promised a change and they agreed it was unfair. Things never changed and only got worse, I knew that I needed to stay there because I brought my family from NY to live in FL and we didn't have any other source of income. Well, I didn't even have a chance to do anything about that, I became ill with a 103 fever for 7 days straight, and on the seventh day, I had 105 fever at 3 am. Lina took me to the Doctor, all along leaving the bosses messages that I was very ill and had to be seen. After my visit and the Dr indicating I had a upper respiratory infection, and getting home to receive an email that I was fired because I was not focused and allowed my family, my weekends, my church to get in the way of what they wanted or expected from me. I couldn't believe it, what was I going to do now. But one good thing out of that was that after a few days, and maybe taking the medicine for a day, my fevers were gone, never to come back again. Was it God that intervened and had to do something to get me out of there, he knew that if I quit, that I would be worse off, so by letting them fire me, I was in a better situation, even though I didn't think so.
Well, God knows why he does what he does, and after that incident, I was able to collect unemployment from NY. I had enough credits that I could collect for at least 6 months. What a Blessing, it was not what I wanted, but it kept us afloat with our bills.
God opened up another door and Lina landed a job as a Social Worker in the local Hospital. That was a big step for us, because now I could focus on landing a job of my own. Well that journey took me from training as a school bus operator to working a few months in the post office. An experience that truly amazed me and taught me a valid lesson, be careful what you pray for and what you ask God for. It was a job that I quickly realized wasn't for me.
I found myself depressed, out of work and not knowing why I had to endure this situation in my life now. When all I do is follow after God and do as I feel he wants me to do. But I know that this new year 2008, brings much promise. I look at it as a new start with God. A way for me to get even closer to him and allow him to move in my life.
Sometimes, God does things for a reason, when he sees that you are becoming ill, or your family life is suffering or your walk with him is struggling, he does things to shake up your life, he may want you to leave a job because he knows that if you stay there, your life will suffer, that he won't be able to use you as he wants to, so we must trust that he is working behind the scenes in every situation that we face. And facing it, knowing and understanding that it will be hard to be patient, but if we hang in there, hang on to his word, the end result will be a bigger blessing than we could have ever imagined.
I took a few verses from a song sang by Calvin Hunt. It is from his new album "Bridges". The first part just speaks volumes to what I have gone through this past year, here it is:
When I look back on my journey,
and everything that I've been through.
With every lesson I have learned,
and every twist and every turn,
I stand amazed.
I've been tested by the fire,
and I made it through some raging storms.
I lived enough to know,
I would have never made it on my own.
No Longer I who live,
but Jesus living in me.
I thank God for putting me through trials and tribulations, because each and every time I have come through it with a sense of peace and just offer God all the praise. I know that he is behind the scenes in my current situation and I also know that when he is ready, he will pour such a blessing on my life that my praises to him will be all so worth it. We have to praise him in the good times and the bad times, this way when we face a trial in our lives, it won't be that hard to deal with. Sometimes we just lose site of the cross, but we have to remain focused and he will help us to ride out the storm. I have to remember that he never gives us too much that we can't handle, he is always there and will always provide.
Thank You Lord for just giving me hope and just speaking to my heart when I am faced with a situation that I do not see any end to it. I know you are there and I know you will never leave my side. I Love you Lord.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Catching Up........
Well it's been a few weeks since my last entry. I have been extremely busy now working. That is a blessing from God, because Lord knows I needed to get my butt back to doing something productive. Christopher has been doing a lot better in Day Care, the adjustment period is just about over and he is really developing his social skills.
We dressed him up for Halloween as a Scarecrow. He hates putting any extra clothes on, which tells me that he would not last in a NYC cold day. LOL He would be on the next plane to Florida. I think he was born to be raised in hot weather. LOL
Well things are coming together over here. We have his 2nd Birthday coming up and just planning a small party. Nothing too big, just immediate family and friends. Well just wanted to update my blog. Hope you enjoy our recent pics.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
My Future Baseball Star
Christopher loves Baseball and he says "Lets Go Mets". Yeah, Yeah I know they are bad right now, but hey I grew up when they were bad, so I will just have to teach my son the game so when he gets older, he can help them get better. Check out my little lefty taking his cuts.
Look at that Stance.
Perfect swing, HOMERUN!!!
Look at that Stance.
Perfect swing, HOMERUN!!!
Taking a Break after Day Care
Christopher had been having a few rough days after his first two days in Day Care. We decided to take him to the beach to just run around and let some steam out. I guess he has realized that Day Care is not just a one time thing, he has realized that Day Care is everyday and is not having it. We just felt bad for him and wanted to spend some quality time with him alone. An evening at the Beach always works wonders, especially with a beautiful sunset in the background.
Friday, October 05, 2007
The Question is Why???
I have been asked by a few readers of my Blog, WHY do you do this and when do you have the time?
I had to think about that for about a minute, yeah just a minute. You see this blog is not just about me putting my thoughts down which really is therapeutic, but it is about sharing my love to my son and my wife Lina.
Lina and I started out together 16 years ago today. We started that slow crawl to dating and getting to know eachother. Then it escalated to knowing enough about eachother and knowing that there wasn't another soul on this earth that we'd rather be with so we got married. Then it was just believing that God's plan for our lives would eventually involve becoming parents. Eight years of dating, six years of married, and WALLAY, Lina is pregnant.
So waiting all those years for a chance to be a dad, well you hold a lot of emotions that you really do not know how to express. Every feeling that you have is bottled up inside and it feels like it will make you explode. But this Blog has allowed me not only to share those feelings with those that we love and cherish in our lives, but it has given me a great memory tool, so that when Christopher grows up and is able to read, he will have a diary full of many years that chronicled his life and our lives together. He will then be able to share this with his kids and his own grandkids.
This Blog started out as a mere way to share my feelings, but it has grown to more than that. It will be my way to communicate to Christopher when we are with the Lord, how much he changed our lives when he arrived on December 3, 2005. How much the arrival of a precious gift from God made all the years of waiting and trusting in God all worth it.
Oh yeah, when do I have the time, well I think about it this way, we are all busy in our daily routines, but if I just take out an hour an evening or a few days a week to write down all that I am thinking and new things that Christopher has done, by the time he is older and on his own, this Blog will be a novel and it will be about him. What a great gift to give to your child. A Novel about his life. I write every chance I get.
So my answer to those that ask me WHY? WHY NOT!!!!
I had to think about that for about a minute, yeah just a minute. You see this blog is not just about me putting my thoughts down which really is therapeutic, but it is about sharing my love to my son and my wife Lina.
Lina and I started out together 16 years ago today. We started that slow crawl to dating and getting to know eachother. Then it escalated to knowing enough about eachother and knowing that there wasn't another soul on this earth that we'd rather be with so we got married. Then it was just believing that God's plan for our lives would eventually involve becoming parents. Eight years of dating, six years of married, and WALLAY, Lina is pregnant.
So waiting all those years for a chance to be a dad, well you hold a lot of emotions that you really do not know how to express. Every feeling that you have is bottled up inside and it feels like it will make you explode. But this Blog has allowed me not only to share those feelings with those that we love and cherish in our lives, but it has given me a great memory tool, so that when Christopher grows up and is able to read, he will have a diary full of many years that chronicled his life and our lives together. He will then be able to share this with his kids and his own grandkids.
This Blog started out as a mere way to share my feelings, but it has grown to more than that. It will be my way to communicate to Christopher when we are with the Lord, how much he changed our lives when he arrived on December 3, 2005. How much the arrival of a precious gift from God made all the years of waiting and trusting in God all worth it.
Oh yeah, when do I have the time, well I think about it this way, we are all busy in our daily routines, but if I just take out an hour an evening or a few days a week to write down all that I am thinking and new things that Christopher has done, by the time he is older and on his own, this Blog will be a novel and it will be about him. What a great gift to give to your child. A Novel about his life. I write every chance I get.
So my answer to those that ask me WHY? WHY NOT!!!!
Christopher's Week in Day Care
Well today is Friday October 5, 2007. Our son Christopher has survived his first week in Day Care. I have to say it started out great, but today he fought with Lina and two blocks from the Day Care his famous word finally reappeared, "NO"!!!!. Yes that infamous two letter word has finally shown it's face again, and what did Christopher say, "NO TEACHER, NO TEACHER". He clung to Lina and would not let go. She called me to tell me that he finally had that one bad morning. But hey who could blame him. I mean, he started out great, no problems at all, he lasted a whole week, and he probably figured it all out and said to himself, "wait this is for real". But as I write this he is eating his Cheerios and getting ready for another day with his little buddies. I know that God will protect him and we know that it will take a while for him to get used to it. We are thankful for the opportunity for him to interact with other kids and to continue and enhance his learning abilities.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Christopher's Big Day
How Brave he is, walking in by his self.
Christopher was so excited to see other kids.
He's still kind of shy but opening up just in time.
Christopher is settling in.
Christopher is so amazing.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
The Day has Arrived!!!
I can not believe that my little boy is starting day care tomorrow morning for the first time. It seems like only yesterday he was this little baby drooling all over me (well he still drools, LOL). But I miss those days. I miss when he was younger, even though I love him so much now, with how he learns so fast. I just miss knowing that he was a baby and that time would go slow. But not anymore, time has flown by and he is this little toddler that has found that he can climb just about anything. What he doesn't realize is that when you can't hold on any longer, the crash to the floor really hurts. But he knows that once he starts crying momma and daddy will come running and put his head on our shoulders to soothe him. Yeah he has us wrapped around his cute little fingers. But he still knows who is the boss...............He is!!!!!
It will be very difficult to just leave him there, but we have been leaving him in Day Care at the nursery at church and even though he is only there 1 1/2 hours, he has done very well and has adapted. So we pray that this adjustment will be a smooth one as well. We understand if it isn't and he needs time, we will be there as we should to offer him that comfort.
Well just a quick update of our quickly growing boy. I have not updated this part in a while. But he is now a parrot. He repeats everything we say, which 99% of the time is great, just trying to stop that 1% that he hears things and repeats that he shouldn't, but it is still cute to hear him at times.
He started counting, with help, to 20 this week. He repeats the ABC's and you have to hear how he says the letters, it is so cute. He sounds as if he has a Spanish accent. He knows his whole face and almost all his body parts in English & Spanish. Man he is already advanced more than his daddy.
Just kind of sad that my boy is growing so fast, kind of want him to stay a baby, but at the same time enjoying every moment with him. Can't wait for his second birthday, gonna be a blast!!!
It will be very difficult to just leave him there, but we have been leaving him in Day Care at the nursery at church and even though he is only there 1 1/2 hours, he has done very well and has adapted. So we pray that this adjustment will be a smooth one as well. We understand if it isn't and he needs time, we will be there as we should to offer him that comfort.
Well just a quick update of our quickly growing boy. I have not updated this part in a while. But he is now a parrot. He repeats everything we say, which 99% of the time is great, just trying to stop that 1% that he hears things and repeats that he shouldn't, but it is still cute to hear him at times.
He started counting, with help, to 20 this week. He repeats the ABC's and you have to hear how he says the letters, it is so cute. He sounds as if he has a Spanish accent. He knows his whole face and almost all his body parts in English & Spanish. Man he is already advanced more than his daddy.
Just kind of sad that my boy is growing so fast, kind of want him to stay a baby, but at the same time enjoying every moment with him. Can't wait for his second birthday, gonna be a blast!!!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Vacation Just About Over
Well my six month vacation is just about over. I finally start work again on October 13, 2007 for the local Post Office. It has been a trying six months, one with much confusion and uncertainty, but at the same time, just leaning on God for all that we desired. Being unemployed allowed me the time to spend with my son Christopher, the most exhilarating 6 months of my life. Just watching him grow and learn new things was well worth it. And I know that it seemed as if I may have been lazy and not wanting to work, but I actually was looking for work, just a bit harder down here. But all seems to be getting better and I owe that all to God. He kept me focused and allowed me the time to appreciate all that he has given us and at the same time be humble about it. Never boast or brag about what we have, just be thankful for what he has given us and if it is in his plans to answer any more of our prayers, then it is just another blessing from him.
I recently had a friend tell me that, "I make it hard to be friends with" and that "it isn't all about me". All I can say to that is that I am sorry if he feels that way, I am just a bit confused about what he said. I always feel that I try very hard to be there for my friends and family in time of need, that I never try and boast or brag about all that God has done in my life, but I share maybe to be an encouragement to others, maybe that they would look to God for their own transgressions and know that God will honor their faith in him. It bothered me a bit, those few words, because if I failed to be a good friend to him, then I failed God. I didn't do all that God has called me to do and that is Love one another. Even if I have disagreements with someone, I am called as a Christian to show love to those that are brought into my life.
Well all I can do is leave that relationship in God's hands and allow him to work it out. What I have no control over, I can not change with my own hands, God will take over and take care of it.
Well I am just so excited about finally getting things done and being able to contribute even more to the home, Lina and Christopher. Plans have been on hold because of me not working, but now we can focus and get things done. Thank You God for all that you do, for answering prayers and allowing us to go through things so that it may strengthen our faith in you.
God please bless all those that read this Blog. God please answer all of their prayers so that their faith in you will continue to grow and that their testimony may be a blessing to those they come in contact with.
I recently had a friend tell me that, "I make it hard to be friends with" and that "it isn't all about me". All I can say to that is that I am sorry if he feels that way, I am just a bit confused about what he said. I always feel that I try very hard to be there for my friends and family in time of need, that I never try and boast or brag about all that God has done in my life, but I share maybe to be an encouragement to others, maybe that they would look to God for their own transgressions and know that God will honor their faith in him. It bothered me a bit, those few words, because if I failed to be a good friend to him, then I failed God. I didn't do all that God has called me to do and that is Love one another. Even if I have disagreements with someone, I am called as a Christian to show love to those that are brought into my life.
Well all I can do is leave that relationship in God's hands and allow him to work it out. What I have no control over, I can not change with my own hands, God will take over and take care of it.
Well I am just so excited about finally getting things done and being able to contribute even more to the home, Lina and Christopher. Plans have been on hold because of me not working, but now we can focus and get things done. Thank You God for all that you do, for answering prayers and allowing us to go through things so that it may strengthen our faith in you.
God please bless all those that read this Blog. God please answer all of their prayers so that their faith in you will continue to grow and that their testimony may be a blessing to those they come in contact with.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Family Time ends a Great August
My mom and Step-dad came to visit us from August 10 - August 19. It was a great month of August having my family come and check us out. It has been a bit rough still getting used to the fact that we are no longer in NY and that family isn't that close any longer. But we are making the best of it and just watching Christopher grow and knowing what opportunities he will have here, just makes it feel alright.
We started the weekend in Miami visiting my sister Vanessa and her boyfriend Neal. I had never been to Miami Beach. AHHHH the water at the beach was awesome. So Clear, so warm so Blue/green, Ocean Drive was an adventure, nice place to visit wouldn't go all the time. Bayside, the seaport version of NY's South Street Seaport, was really nice and cozy. Spanish music playing and boats and people everywhere. The busyness kind of reminded me of NY.
It was an all around great weekend and great time with my family. Wish it could be that way all the time, but I know that eventually they will all be closer to us and we will then be spoiled.
Ahhhh the Beautiful Beach.
Neal, Vanessa & Christopher.
The whole family at a Ocean Drive spot.
Me & Lina showing off the tans.
Christopher and his modeling pose.
Man we are all dark.
Nana & Christopher.
Papa & Christopher.
We started the weekend in Miami visiting my sister Vanessa and her boyfriend Neal. I had never been to Miami Beach. AHHHH the water at the beach was awesome. So Clear, so warm so Blue/green, Ocean Drive was an adventure, nice place to visit wouldn't go all the time. Bayside, the seaport version of NY's South Street Seaport, was really nice and cozy. Spanish music playing and boats and people everywhere. The busyness kind of reminded me of NY.
It was an all around great weekend and great time with my family. Wish it could be that way all the time, but I know that eventually they will all be closer to us and we will then be spoiled.
Ahhhh the Beautiful Beach.
Neal, Vanessa & Christopher.
The whole family at a Ocean Drive spot.
Me & Lina showing off the tans.
Christopher and his modeling pose.
Man we are all dark.
Nana & Christopher.
Papa & Christopher.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Titi Amanda visits SW Florida.
My little cousin/sister Amanda came to visit from August 7 - August 10th. for the first time and it was her first visit to the West side of Florida. We had a great time with her and wish she was still here.
A weekend with the Conde Family
My dad, step-mom, little brother and sister all came to spend the weekend with us from August 3rd to August 6. It was a great weekend of catching up and also spending a night together at Marco Island. That was an adventure in itself. We had to cross a lagoon to get to the beach, it was crazy and something you only want to experience with family.
Here are some pictures from that weekend:
Dad (Top), Carmen, Jon, Christopher & Nicole.
Tio Jon & Christopher.
Dad & Carmen.
Christopher & Grandpa.
Me & my little Brother Jon.
Christopher with Titi Nicole.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
A Ball Player with a Good Heart
I had the privilege of meeting Manny Delcarmen, relief pitcher of the Boston Redsox, this past Spring. He gave of his time to help coach a little league baseball team, with his longtime pal Felix Serrano, in Cape Coral, Fl. My God-son Steven was apart of that team and just having Manny coach the team, meant a lot to him. With Manny's help and the dedication and time spent with the kids from the great coaches, they won the Championship this year.
To have a Major Leaguer give of his time and busy schedule to give back to the youth of today was a big thing. Even getting a chance to talk to him myself was exciting since I am a big baseball fan that just loves the game. Moving down to Florida from New York, you have to deal with never ever getting so close to a player to even say hello, or getting ignored, but to have an opportunity to meet a wonderful young man with a great head on his shoulders was a great privilege. And it didn't bother me either talking to a Redsox since I am a Mets fan, not a Yankees fan.
This past Saturday, July 28, at Tropicana Field in Tampa, Fl, Manny invited the whole team with their parents to the stadium and presented the players with Redsox jackets(see photo) that had their name on the front and "Cape Coral League Champions" on the back. The kids were all excited about getting a chance to hang out with Manny a few hours before the game and then getting a chance to watch a great game afterward. Unfortunately Manny didn't get a chance to pitch, but it was great just hanging out with him before the game, it gave a different feel to going to a Major League game. Manny's wife and parents also attended the jacket ceremony and were so nice and fun to be around. It was an all around great day.
Manny is a great part of the Redsox bullpen and he will get even better with time and experience. The team has a pitcher with real good stuff and can become a mainstay in the bullpen for many years to come. How many people get to live their dream of playing for their hometown team, I think we all dream about that, but to live it, I think that is priceless.
Being a Mets fan obviously I want my team to win it all, but to meet a player like Manny, he has just won another fan on his side and I root for many successes in his life. He definitely deserves it. When you take of your time and just give back to the kids, it just makes a great impact on their lives. To talk to my God-son Steven about the game of baseball and just discuss all that it means to him, it is also priceless when you can help a young kid to make a difference in his or her life. And the many lives that Manny has touched already, they have a great chance of becoming something special.
To have a Major Leaguer give of his time and busy schedule to give back to the youth of today was a big thing. Even getting a chance to talk to him myself was exciting since I am a big baseball fan that just loves the game. Moving down to Florida from New York, you have to deal with never ever getting so close to a player to even say hello, or getting ignored, but to have an opportunity to meet a wonderful young man with a great head on his shoulders was a great privilege. And it didn't bother me either talking to a Redsox since I am a Mets fan, not a Yankees fan.
This past Saturday, July 28, at Tropicana Field in Tampa, Fl, Manny invited the whole team with their parents to the stadium and presented the players with Redsox jackets(see photo) that had their name on the front and "Cape Coral League Champions" on the back. The kids were all excited about getting a chance to hang out with Manny a few hours before the game and then getting a chance to watch a great game afterward. Unfortunately Manny didn't get a chance to pitch, but it was great just hanging out with him before the game, it gave a different feel to going to a Major League game. Manny's wife and parents also attended the jacket ceremony and were so nice and fun to be around. It was an all around great day.
Manny is a great part of the Redsox bullpen and he will get even better with time and experience. The team has a pitcher with real good stuff and can become a mainstay in the bullpen for many years to come. How many people get to live their dream of playing for their hometown team, I think we all dream about that, but to live it, I think that is priceless.
Being a Mets fan obviously I want my team to win it all, but to meet a player like Manny, he has just won another fan on his side and I root for many successes in his life. He definitely deserves it. When you take of your time and just give back to the kids, it just makes a great impact on their lives. To talk to my God-son Steven about the game of baseball and just discuss all that it means to him, it is also priceless when you can help a young kid to make a difference in his or her life. And the many lives that Manny has touched already, they have a great chance of becoming something special.
Manny and his wife are expecting their first baby in September. I pray that God blesses this family with a healthy and happy baby boy. God Bless them.
Manny Delcarmen and Steven
Manny, Myself & Steven
A Prayer Request
My mother called me the other day to ask me if I knew a Sgt. Henry Conde, that works for the NYPD. She thought that maybe I was related to him from my dad's side. She said that Henry Conde had been indicted by the FBI for apparently being involved in obstructing an investigation of another cop.
I told her that I knew I didn't have any cousins named Henry. I thought about it and it hit me, the only Henry Conde that I knew, was the same Henry that Damien, Boobie, Peter, Chris and myself hung out with back in the day and played softball. I thought that it couldn't be him. There was no way. I called Chris, and he said that that Henry fit the description in the paper. It was finally confirmed today when I saw a picture of him in the Daily News on line.
I have known Henry a long time and I can honestly say that he is a good man that would never do anything wrong. He is a man of God and is always looking out for people especially his friends. I lift him up in prayer tonight and ask God to allow him the opportunity to be vindicated of these charges and to restore him to his job. I pray that God is with his family during this ordeal and that he will give them patience and understanding. I ask that anyone that reads this blog would also put him up in prayer. Only God knows the truth and he shall reveal for all to see when this is all over. God Bless Henry and his family.
I told her that I knew I didn't have any cousins named Henry. I thought about it and it hit me, the only Henry Conde that I knew, was the same Henry that Damien, Boobie, Peter, Chris and myself hung out with back in the day and played softball. I thought that it couldn't be him. There was no way. I called Chris, and he said that that Henry fit the description in the paper. It was finally confirmed today when I saw a picture of him in the Daily News on line.
I have known Henry a long time and I can honestly say that he is a good man that would never do anything wrong. He is a man of God and is always looking out for people especially his friends. I lift him up in prayer tonight and ask God to allow him the opportunity to be vindicated of these charges and to restore him to his job. I pray that God is with his family during this ordeal and that he will give them patience and understanding. I ask that anyone that reads this blog would also put him up in prayer. Only God knows the truth and he shall reveal for all to see when this is all over. God Bless Henry and his family.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Summer of 2007 in Florida
Our First Home
Our Home
Christopher in the Yard
Christopher & Mommy at the Beach
Christopher playing in a Tunnel
Dadda & Christopher enjoying their favorite treat
Christopher clowning around
Monday, July 23, 2007
New Church, New Beginning
Before we moved to Florida, one thing that I told Lina was important is that we find a Church to cal home. God has been a very important part of our relationship together and we needed to make sure that we continued that trend and also that we involved Christopher in that lifestyle.
The first few months were the hardest, because we were just adjusting to a new State, let a lone a new church. We visited two churches and really couldn't decide on which one was suited for us. We attended weekly services, at times switching back and forth. I guess I was looking for a church like Christ Tab. One that I could feel God's presence and also feel at home. I guess I wasn't really giving any of the churches a real chance. I was holding on to the past, to home in NY, never really grasping that we have a new home here in Florida.
We started to attend First Assemblies of God full time, every Sunday, and taking Christopher to Day Care. It was very difficult at first because he was not staying there too long and his number kept coming up on the screen. Either myself in the service alone or Lina alone and the other one with Christopher helping him to adjust. But that time spent was so well worth it. One day after service, we are in the kidztown lobby and Christopher turned to a cartoon picture and said "JESHUS". I looked at him and just praised God. My son acknowledged our savior. He recognized the one true man that has changed my life. And to top it off, he sang (some of the words- LOL) with Lina to the song "Jesus Loves Me". I was just in awe. I didn't think that this was the church for us, but God revealed to me that we are exactly where he wants us to be.
Then this past Sunday, the service was awesome. The music was amazing and Pastor Leibe spoke and his sermon was so awesome, I was in tears the whole time, not for sadness, but just being so grateful to God for what he has done for my family. Lina and I can't wait to get more involved in the church, and eventually becoming members.
But the most important part is that we feel as if we have found our new church, our home, and a new beginning.
To God be all the glory.
The first few months were the hardest, because we were just adjusting to a new State, let a lone a new church. We visited two churches and really couldn't decide on which one was suited for us. We attended weekly services, at times switching back and forth. I guess I was looking for a church like Christ Tab. One that I could feel God's presence and also feel at home. I guess I wasn't really giving any of the churches a real chance. I was holding on to the past, to home in NY, never really grasping that we have a new home here in Florida.
We started to attend First Assemblies of God full time, every Sunday, and taking Christopher to Day Care. It was very difficult at first because he was not staying there too long and his number kept coming up on the screen. Either myself in the service alone or Lina alone and the other one with Christopher helping him to adjust. But that time spent was so well worth it. One day after service, we are in the kidztown lobby and Christopher turned to a cartoon picture and said "JESHUS". I looked at him and just praised God. My son acknowledged our savior. He recognized the one true man that has changed my life. And to top it off, he sang (some of the words- LOL) with Lina to the song "Jesus Loves Me". I was just in awe. I didn't think that this was the church for us, but God revealed to me that we are exactly where he wants us to be.
Then this past Sunday, the service was awesome. The music was amazing and Pastor Leibe spoke and his sermon was so awesome, I was in tears the whole time, not for sadness, but just being so grateful to God for what he has done for my family. Lina and I can't wait to get more involved in the church, and eventually becoming members.
But the most important part is that we feel as if we have found our new church, our home, and a new beginning.
To God be all the glory.
An Answered Prayer
Wow, where do I begin?
Well this all started when we were in NY last year and all I wanted for Christmas was to have more time with Christopher. Up until August 2006, I had been working since he was born and only getting to see him maybe 2 hours a day, in the AM and at night and then he would go to sleep. It was killing me because I wanted to spend every minute with him. I would be jealous of Lina (not really) but I wanted that whole day with him. I wanted to watch him change and grow and start to learn new things. It wasn't like Lina wasn't doing a great job, because she was and is, but I wanted to spend every single day with God's creation, his greatest gift to a family, a baby. It was a prayer that I felt one day could be answered.
Then we moved to Florida and things started to change. My first job here allowed me to work at home and see Christopher more, but funny thing was that it was not enough. I had to be in my room on the computer working most of the day and occasionally out on the road. Most people would think that I am crazy for wanting that, but if you knew that one of my true desires in life was to be a dad, then you would understand.
Then I lost my job and found myself home all the time. It was a new thing for me, but everyday wondering what we would do next excited me. It was tough on Lina and myself because with only unemployment coming in, we didn't know what would happened.
But that is when God decided to answer another prayer. Lina found a full time job and I became the full time sitter for Christopher. I did have time to go through a training program for the county schools for a bus operator position and was a awarded a CDL license because of that. And thanks to my father-in-law, Christopher was taken care of, but it wasn't the same leaving him each day. I know that Lina struggles each day with leaving him to go to work, but in the back of my mind, I say to myself, great my turn.
I know that most people feel that if the man is not working and earning the bread, that the family won't survive, but we leave all that in God's hands and it has allowed me to spend everyday with Christopher and we both have grown and have created such a bond together.
I have met men here that are in the same situation, just wanting a better situation for their baby and just enjoying the time spent with their child. It truly is priceless.
Our situation is getting so much better, even though it wasn't ever truly that bad, because God was and is in control. We are just afforded more opportunities for growth here then we were when we first arrived and my time with Christopher each and everyday has been so special to me. Whatever decision we choose to do regarding his well being, I know it will be taken care of, because God is the leader of this vehicle and he will never let us down.
I always say be careful what you pray for, but this is one prayer that I am glad it was answered exactly as I wanted it. Thank You Jesus.
Well this all started when we were in NY last year and all I wanted for Christmas was to have more time with Christopher. Up until August 2006, I had been working since he was born and only getting to see him maybe 2 hours a day, in the AM and at night and then he would go to sleep. It was killing me because I wanted to spend every minute with him. I would be jealous of Lina (not really) but I wanted that whole day with him. I wanted to watch him change and grow and start to learn new things. It wasn't like Lina wasn't doing a great job, because she was and is, but I wanted to spend every single day with God's creation, his greatest gift to a family, a baby. It was a prayer that I felt one day could be answered.
Then we moved to Florida and things started to change. My first job here allowed me to work at home and see Christopher more, but funny thing was that it was not enough. I had to be in my room on the computer working most of the day and occasionally out on the road. Most people would think that I am crazy for wanting that, but if you knew that one of my true desires in life was to be a dad, then you would understand.
Then I lost my job and found myself home all the time. It was a new thing for me, but everyday wondering what we would do next excited me. It was tough on Lina and myself because with only unemployment coming in, we didn't know what would happened.
But that is when God decided to answer another prayer. Lina found a full time job and I became the full time sitter for Christopher. I did have time to go through a training program for the county schools for a bus operator position and was a awarded a CDL license because of that. And thanks to my father-in-law, Christopher was taken care of, but it wasn't the same leaving him each day. I know that Lina struggles each day with leaving him to go to work, but in the back of my mind, I say to myself, great my turn.
I know that most people feel that if the man is not working and earning the bread, that the family won't survive, but we leave all that in God's hands and it has allowed me to spend everyday with Christopher and we both have grown and have created such a bond together.
I have met men here that are in the same situation, just wanting a better situation for their baby and just enjoying the time spent with their child. It truly is priceless.
Our situation is getting so much better, even though it wasn't ever truly that bad, because God was and is in control. We are just afforded more opportunities for growth here then we were when we first arrived and my time with Christopher each and everyday has been so special to me. Whatever decision we choose to do regarding his well being, I know it will be taken care of, because God is the leader of this vehicle and he will never let us down.
I always say be careful what you pray for, but this is one prayer that I am glad it was answered exactly as I wanted it. Thank You Jesus.
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