A weekend with Ayi

I know I haven't posted alot about my beautiful nieces and nephews but life in the Bosch household has been pretty crazy. This past weekend, I had the priviledge to spent a full 24 hrs with my two nephews Kai and AJ. We had so much fun with them, after picking them up at home we headed toward Naples to visit Herb's grandmother who is an nursing home temporarily. I was alittle nervous about taking the boys to the nursing home, but the older folks just fell in love with them. They were both on there best behavior and Herb's grandmother could not get enough of them, she is 100 yrs old and was all smiles during our visit. After we finished visititing with grandma, we all went to the mall for a long time and after doing alittle bit of shopping, the boys took a nap, woke up had a snack, we took Aj to get a haircut, then we kept shopping and on our way to the car, the mall had an inside little playground so Ayi and Shu Shu allowed the boys to play and release energy before we headed home after a long day. It was wonderful to spent that time together, and PoPo came over and joined in the fun. Needless to say the boys went to sleep at about 11:00pm (way passed their bed time) but it was all worth it. Kai started school already and acts like such a big boy and AJ (well AJ is just AJ). Cute as ever. It was critical timing for Ayi to bond with kai and AJ but more so AJ. He just allowed me to flood him with kisses and he always wanted to be carried by nobody else except me. My sister says that he is obsessed with me, I say it's just that he has attachment issues (hehe).

What's the forecast for your faith life?

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord…he is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit” - Jeremiah 17:7-8

Do you ever go through a spiritual “drought”? Has your faith life grown stale?

The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us that with God as the Author of life, there is “a season for everything” (Eccl 3). That’s important to remember. Why you may ask? Well just because you living in the desert, that doesn’t mean that the heavens can’t open on you and the rain fall upon you with no warning. Likewise, just because you live in a spiritual rain forest for a good portion of your life, doesn’t mean that a drought can’t hit you in an instant, without warning. Everyone has sunny days and rainy days in their faith lives. Sometimes, in fact, it’s more than days…it can become seasons, even years of heavy rainfall or intense drought. Recently, much has been made of the new book publishing Blessed (Mother) Teresa of Calcutta’s private letters. In the book, we are given insight into the saint’s personal prayer life and the spiritual “drought” that she endured for decades.The popular term that has often been associated with spiritual drought or loneliness is the “dark night of the soul”, taken from the writings of the Spanish poet and Carmelite priest, St. John of the Cross. Many saints, in fact, shared similar feelings of spiritual drought they suffered, including St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Paul of the Cross.

Have you ever known spiritual “loneliness”? Are you, possibly, experiencing a spiritual “dryness” right now? If you have (or you presently are) it’s important to remember a few things: First, feeling “arid” or dry in your prayer life doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in a spiritual drought. Often times we are arid because we have almost no prayer life or a shallow prayer life, at best. The first thing to do is to be honest with yourself and with God. If you don’t pray, start. If you don’t know how, ask someone for help. In fact, go to God and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your prayer (Rom. 8:26). You can always start with the Our Father (Matt. 6). And don’t forget to listen; in prayer, the listening is twice as important as “the talking”.

Second, if you have a solid and consistent prayer life and you’re feeling a period of “darkness”, do not be afraid. Scripture affirms that God never abandons us (Mt. 28:20), that He is holding us by the hand (Is. 41:10), and that is always near us (James 4:8-9). Sometimes those periods of darkness can actually be the greatest gifts to our spiritual lives; they keep us from getting complacent and apathetic. Sometimes darkness causes us to more passionately and urgently seek God, helping us avoid the deadly sin of sloth. Sometimes that spiritual darkness is just the shadow of God’s hand, that is how close He is holding us to Him. Lastly, if you have a solid prayer life and have “tried everything you can” to break out of the darkness or the drought, without much luck…be patient. Although we work off a watch, God is timeless. His thoughts are not our thoughts (Is. 55) and He has a reason for this season in your life. Trust in the Lord, completely (Prov. 3:5-6).

If He thinks enough of you to allow you to go through such a drought, He must think very highly of you. God believes in you more than you believe in yourself. While we’re all designed for sainthood it seems that God, allows certain souls into the HOV lane of holiness and grace, moving at a faster rate than the rest of us. Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta was one such woman. You’d be fortunate to be included in her “car”. The point is that prayer should be constant, whether it’s sunny or gray, clear or cloudy. Prayer is everything. Prayer is our greatest source of untapped strength and our greatest fountain of unclaimed hope. Prayer has the power to change more than the world. Prayer changes even the most sinful of human hearts, because it allows the Creator of that heart to see clearly, once again.

If you are at a high point of your spiritual life right now, thank God for this season. If you are at a low point and in a drought right now, thank God for this season…and do something about it. Spend some time in prayer right now. Spend some time before the Blessed Sacrament this week. Get to Mass before Sunday, if you can. Get to Reconciliation if you need. Prepare for Sunday’s Mass. Take time to read the readings. You’ll be amazed at how the readings this weekend affirm what God is telling us here.

There’s rain on the horizon. Whether or not that is a good thing or a bad thing, depends on your perspective and your reality.

Appointed Favor

Today's Scripture

“For we are God's handiwork, recreated in Christ Jesus, that we may do those good works which God predestined for us, taking paths which He prepared ahead of time, that we should walk in them, living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live” (Ephesians 2:10).
Today's Word

God has already prepared paths for you to take in your future! When God laid out the plan for your life, He lined up the right people, the right circumstances, and the right breaks. In your future, He’s already released favor, supernatural opportunities, and divine connections. The breaks you need in life have already been preordained to come across your path. If you will stay in faith and go out each day and be a person of excellence, you’ll walk into these appointments of favor. It will be just as if you stumbled into God’s blessings! When you really understand this principal, you’ll begin to get excited about every single day! You’ll have a spring in your step as you think about what blessing is coming next! It could be today. It could be tomorrow. It could be next week. Keep expecting. Keep believing. Stay focused on the fact that God has already released into your future everything you need to fulfill your destiny. Start declaring seasons of increase over your life. Declare that the favor is on you and opportunities are coming. As you do, you’ll move forward into the favor and blessing God has ordered for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for setting up a good life for me. Thank You for ordering good things for my future. Help me to understand Your goodness more so that I can trust You and follow Your path for me all the days of my life. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Celebrating Jesus Everyday !!!

Who is Jesus? HE IS JESUS

WHO IS HE?

IN CHEMISTRY, HE TURNED WATER TO WINE. IN BIOLOGY, HE WAS BORN WITHOUT THE NORMAL CONCEPTION;

IN PHYSICS, HE DISAPPROVED THE LAW OF GRAVITY WHEN HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN;

IN ECONOMICS, HE DISAPPROVED THE LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURN BY FEEDING 5000 MEN WITH TWO FISHES & 5 LOAVES OF BREAD;

IN MEDICINE, HE CURED THE SICK AND THE BLIND WITHOUT ADMINISTERING A SINGLE DOSE OF DRUGS,

IN HISTORY, HE IS THE BEGINNING AND THE END; IN GOVERNMENT, HE SAID THAT HE SHALL BE CALLED WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, PRINCE OF PEACE;

IN RELIGION, HE SAID NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH HIM;

SO. WHO IS HE? HE IS JESUS!

JOIN ME AND LET'S CELEBRATE HIM; HE IS WORTHY. THE EYES BEHOLDING THIS MESSAGE SHALL NOT BEHOLD EVIL, THE HAND THAT WILL SEND THIS MESSAGE TO EVERYBODY SHALL NOT LABOR IN VAIN, AND THE MOUTH SAYING AMEN TO THIS PRAYER SHALL SMILE FOREVER. REMAIN IN GOD AND SEEK HIS FACE ALWAYS. AMEN IN GOD I'VE FOUND EVERYTHING!

The Greatest Man in History Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master. Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher. Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer. He had no army, yet kings feared Him.. He won no military battles, yet He conquered the wo rld. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

I feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us!

Update on Isabella

It's been a very long time since I have actually posted anything about our China adoption well that's just because there was really nothing to blog about. Well not true, on Sept. 12 of this year it was (1) year that we started the adoption process towards our Isabella. It seems like such a long time ago we started this process but so much has happened within this one year. Time is really flying by because we have had the honor to welcome another orphan child into our family and that is my sister's little princess Anna Grace. She has been home for about 4 month, and we are lovin on her like crazy. She is absolutely beautiful and has a very contagious laugh, very much like her older brother Kai. So yes are family continues to grow through the grace and blessings that our Lord Jesus Christ bestowes upon us.

This leads me into saying that we have just received some wonderful information regarding Isabella. The CCAA has finished processing dossiers from Aug 31, 2007. So they are now working on the dossiers that were received for the month of Sept, 2007 (That's us - the Bosch family) remember our LID date is 9/12/07. So we are now in the review room, I ask for prayers during the next month and a half for our process to go through the review room with no problems, and if we pass that phase of it, then our file will go into the matching room and we will be well on our way towards that REFERRAL. Geez - I can't wait to say that WE HAVE RECEIVED OUR REFERRAL. Except that I will shout it from the roof of our house.

It's been a long and treachorous wait but I know in the long run as everything else, it would have been well worth it. Can't wait !!!

Blessings to all and have a Happy Halloween.

Free For All

Today's Scripture

“Then Peter said, I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right” (Acts 10:35 NIV).

Today's Word

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom—and God’s freedom is free for everyone! It doesn’t matter what your nationality or heritage is, or who your family is. It doesn’t matter how much money you have or don’t have, God wants you free from every type of bondage so that He can have a close and pure relationship with you. God wants to pour out His abundant blessing on ALL who honor Him and do what is right. In fact, the Bible says in Galatians that In Christ, there is no Jew or Greek or even male or female. That means, God’s not judging you based on external conditions. He’s looking at your heart. He’s looking at the giftings He’s placed inside of you. Don’t let the enemy lie to you and tell you that God is blessing everyone else but you. Look for the ways God is pouring out blessing in your life. Thank Him for His acceptance and love. Thank Him for the gift of life and freedom! Focus on the goodness of God with an open. Honor Him and do what is right and you’ll see His hand of blessing in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Father in Heaven, thank You for loving and accepting me today. I choose to do what is right and honor You with my attitude, words, and actions. Holy Spirit, show me if there is any area that isn’t pleasing to You and help me live as an example of Your goodness all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Faith In Action

Today's Scripture

“No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God” (Romans 4:20 AMP).

Today's Word

Praise is powerful! Praise is putting your faith in action. And just as putting your physical body into action to make it grow strong, putting your faith in action through prayer and thanksgiving will cause it to grow strong, too! I love what this verse says about Abraham: No unbelief made him waver regarding the promise of God. What does it mean to waver? To waver actually means to go back and forth. It’s a very unsteady posture. Spiritual wavering is when we go back and forth in believing the promises of God. Wavering shows up in our words and actions. When you speak contrary to God’s promises, you are wavering and unsteady. Notice this verse didn’t say that Abraham never had unbelief or doubting thoughts. It basically says that he didn’t let it control him or cause him to waver in his words, actions and thinking. He took captive every thought and stood strong through His praise and worship! Praise makes you stable. It makes you strong. Decide today to put your faith into action by thanking and praising Him all throughout the day! As you do, you’ll grow strong and live the life of victory God has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, today I choose to bless Your name! I thank You for life. I thank You for breath. I thank You for provision, healing, strength and joy. I praise You for abundantly supplying all my needs so that I can be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The Blessing Of Unity

Today's Scripture

“How good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity...for there the Lord has commanded the blessing…” (Psalm 133:1-3).

Today's Word

Did you know the Lord has commanded that blessing come upon you when you are at peace with your brothers and sisters in the Lord? As believers, we are called to work together in unity in order to fulfill God’s purposes. We are called to serve one another in love and serve together in the house of the Lord. Is there someone that you don’t quite get along with? Pray for that person. Go out of your way to be a blessing to them. Do your best to walk in peace and unity. As we serve one another in love, the Bible says the world will know that we are Christians. The world will recognize that we are true followers of Christ by our actions, not by our words. Make the decision today to live in peace and unity with your brothers and sisters in the Lord. If the only thing you can agree on is that Jesus is Lord, focus on that. Focus on the love you have for God and for seeing people come to know Him. As you focus on walking in peace and unity, you will walk into the place of blessing the Lord has commanded for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, search my heart today and see if there is anything that is keeping me from walking in unity with other believers. I choose love today. I choose peace today. I choose unity today. Help me to be an example of love to those around me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Power In The World

Today's Scripture

“Your word have I laid up in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11 AMP)

Today's Word

Did you know the Word of God has the power to protect you and keep you from sinning? Hebrews tells us that the Word of God is living and active. It’s powerful in our lives! There is the written Word of God, the Bible, and there is the spoken Word of God which can come in many other ways. The Bible tells us that God’s Word came through a burning bush, a still small voice, and even a donkey! He may speak to your heart through a friend or through a worship song. He may speak through creation. When He does speak, your spirit knows it. There is confirmation in your inner man. God’s Word is always truth and truth always sets you free! When you hold God’s Word close to your heart, it acts like a shield of protection. Meditate on His Word by focusing on it, thinking about it, and saying it out loud. As you do, it will become even more powerful in your life. When you focus on God’s Word, you will move forward in God’s plan. You will be strengthened by the power of God and live as an overcomer in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word which strengthens and protects me. Thank You for speaking truth to my heart. Help me hear Your voice more clearly that I may live a life pleasing to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Pleasant Words

Today's Scripture

“Pleasant words are as honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body” (Proverbs 16:24).

Today's Word

Do you look for good things to say about yourself and others? Are you speaking pleasant words? The Bible tells us that pleasant words are healing to the body. Do you need healing in your body—physically? Spiritually? Emotionally? Your words can bring that healing. Start speaking pleasant words—words of life, encouragement, and thanksgiving. Guard your heart by making sure you are only listening to pleasant, life-giving words. If there’s something on the TV or radio that isn’t bringing life to your soul, turn it off. If someone’s having a conversation that’s not uplifting or productive, don’t be a part of it. Choose to meditate on God’s Word which, according to Hebrews, is living and active and full of pleasant words. As you choose life by choosing life-giving words, you’ll see God’s healing operating in your life. You’ll feel strength and peace in your soul, and you will move forward into the abundant life God has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Father in Heaven, thank You for Your word which is truth that sets me free. I repent today for any words that have brought destruction into my life or the lives of those around me. I ask that You uproot every negative seed that is contrary to Your Word. I choose words of life today that I may glorify You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Guard Your Mouth

Today's Scripture

“He who guards his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin” (Proverbs 13:3 AMP).

Today's Word

We’ve all said things we wish we could take back. Maybe you weren’t literally in a life or death situation, but I believe every word we speak has power. Our words determine the direction of our lives. The Bible tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. There’s no neutral ground. We are either sowing seeds of life and productivity with our words, or we are sowing seeds of ruin and destruction with our words. Today is a good day to take inventory of your words and make the decision to sow only good seeds with your words. Sow seeds of life by speaking God’s Word over your own life and the lives of those around you. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you to consider every word before you say it. Make the decision today that your words will bring glory to Lord. As you guard your mouth, you will “keep” your life. You’ll see increase in every area and enjoy the blessing the Lord has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I submit this day to You. I give You my every thought, word and action. Help me, Holy Spirit, to live a life pleasing to the Father in every way. Help me speak words of blessing to edify those around me today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.