faith

Usually

I usually have something to say about any topic. Whether I know about the topic is a totally different conversation. You see I’ve worked 15+ years in customer service. While working in the customer service field you learn how to have small conversations with anyone that is in front of you. Now, most conversations do not contain much substance, but they are conversations non the less. For example, a client comes in to conduct business and my job is to make them feel all warm and fuzzy while finding out lots of fun stuff about them. Once I find out the fun stuff I can eventually get to the meat and potatoes of the visit then we explore our options from there. While on this conversation journey I am at times introduced to topics that I’m not to familiar with. For instance, I have never gone on an actual hike, but if my client is an avid hiker I would simply say ‘WOW hiking is an incredible way to stay fit! Is that your secret?’ If a woman of course……. if a man I would say something like ‘WOW hiking is such a great way to escape the mundane! what else do you do for fun? (Now, you might wonder why I change my approach; and the quickest way to answer is because I’m married and I do my best to consider him. If I ask a man about how he stays fit it may seem flirtatious and I don’t want to go down that rabbit hole.) Any way, I know how to make small talk. Now, on the other hand there are people in my life that I see regularly and I just can’t figure out what the heck to say to them. We just do not click! I mean, I want to click, I want to make small talk, or long talk, or even end up as besties but it just does not happen. Now, these individuals are close to people that I love dearly. I mean, I see them a few times a year and would even be able to call them distant relatives and still nothing! Nada, Zilch ZERO! I have examined myself, I have spoken to to my husband, I have tried to figure it out and after years of wondering I’m just deciding to let it go. We are just not meant to be friends and I am ok with that! I really don’t even care for their personalities (no offense) we really just don’t click! I officially have decided to stop trying to fit a puzzle piece into my life that doesn’t fit. In me doing this I truly believe it’ll show my kids that they don’t have to entertain people that they don’t want to. If they don’t click with someone it’s ok. They don’t have to force it, or fake it. They don’t have to feel bad or wonder why. They can simply say hello and good bye.

If you find yourself sticking around people that you just don’t click with and you are tired of trying you can just stop. Yeah, I said it stop trying to make the piece fit into your puzzle when it doesn’t belong. At the end of the day as long as you are still being a light in the midst of darkness you don’t have to be everyone’s friends. Let them go and let God handle the rest.

In his love

-Mrs Noso

3 Square Meals

The Lord answers prayers!

Thursday is the day my husband and I have off together. So, I wake up bright and early and take care of most of the household chores. Since my husband works evenings he sleeps in and I get started bright and early. Usually, by the time he wakes up everything’s done. But, for some reason on Wednesday night I was overwhelmed. I was overwhelmed by the thought of my to do list. So like any good and tired wife I sent the list to my husband Chris and asked for some help……….and I quote “Please pick a few items from this list that YOU will take care of for CasaNoso minimum of 4 and send me your response 1.Publi 2. Bjs 3. Vet @ 3pm and PetSmart 4. Laundry 5.breakfast 6.lunch 7.dinner 8.homeschooling 9. window qote @ 1pm.” His response: Vet, PetSmart, Window guy, publix………………….i thought it was all of the easy stuff………….nonetheless, it was on the list, and I’m thankful that he played along. So, as I stared at my to do list I just kept thinking I really DO NOT WANT TO COOK . I just don’t. I know that once I get in the kitchen it is so hard to get out………but……..he didn’t pick any of the meals. It was now up to me to make it happen. So I told God…..I don’t want to cook. And I went to bed.

Now, it’s 8am Thursday and I am ready to go Walmart (I decided against BJs.) I text my sister in law just to see if she needs anything. Instead, she offers breakfast. I say no. I said no, because I still had a bunch to do, and I just didn’t have the time to stop. Does she listen? NO. And I’m glad she didn’t. Without realizing it, God was using her to answer my prayer. You see, She didn’t just bring me breakfast but, she packed breakfast for my entire family and delivered it to my house. That is an answered prayer! That was one less thing I had to do. I immediately felt some much needed relief.

Now, it’s 1pm. and Chris is holding up his end of the bargain. He’s dealing with the “window guy”. Here I am, in the kitchen, trying to figure out what to make for lunch. Out of no where, the door bell rings. It just so happens to be one of my favorite guys. MY DAD!!! So, I open the door and he hands me a plate of food. Weird right?? Apparently, Chris had been asking my mom for bacalaitos for months. She just so happened to decide that Thursday, the day after the Wednesday, that I felt overwhelmed, would be the day she would make them. Oh, and have them delivered! I WAS OVER THE MOON! Now, my dad leaves and minutes later the door bell rings AGAIN!!!!! It’s my mother in law………..she missed cooking for us and brought us DINNER…………….DINNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!!! 3 square meals, just like that. They were cooked with love, and delivered free of charge. WHAT A BLESSING!

For you that might not be a big thing, for me, it was an answered prayer. I’m not going to sugar coat it, life is not always gum drops and rose buds. It can get overwhelming, tiresome and stress filled. Work is hard. Managing a home is hard. Trying to stay healthy and keep your family healthy is hard. Being alone is hard. But, as I tell my kids all of the time. YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS. I can handle everything that comes my way and so can you. These 3 square meals were a reminder that God meets me where I am. I don’t have to go to the mountain top and be alone with him for him to hear me. He meets me in the kitchen. He meets me at the grocery store. He sees my every need and he finds people to bless me. He can do that for you too. Stop making excuses and just let God meet you right where you are. In your stress, in your sickness, in your lack. Reach out to him. It’s worth it. When you are faithful he will use people to bless you.

With love,

Mrs_Noso.

There you have it!

This morning, like so many other, I woke up to dishes in the sink. Just so you know, I hate waking up to dishes in the sink! Every night after I put the kids to bed I do a last run through of my kitchen JUST to make sure there are NO dirty dishes! However, there’s one exception. Now, that my husband works at night (and has been for over 1 year now) I always leave his plate on the stove wrapped up neatly. So, when I wake up I expect his plate, cup, fork, knife, and sometimes his dessert plate in the sink. I’m ok with that (JUST THAT THOUGH). Every morning, I wake up, I feed the dog and I wash the dishes………today, I decided not to. ……Today, I decided I was going to tell my 10 year old to do it. Along with washing the dishes, I reminded her to make her bed, and clean up her room. She on the other hand decided to make her bed, clean up her room, and wait until after her school work was done to do the dishes. I let her. I figured she was trying to play me. I figured she knows how much I hate dirty dishes that she knew I would give in. NOT TODAY. I was DETERMINED! All day those dishes kept piling up. One by one, each of us added to the pile of cups, and plates and forks. One by One, all of the dishes glared at me with their ugly little food particles smudged all over, taunting me in the sink. ALL DAY! To some of you it might not seem like a big deal, but to someone who is task oriented like myself I was living a nightmare. So, right before dinner time here comes my curly headed little beauty and here I go ready to shoot out at the mouth.

Me”Zoey, you see, if you would’ve done it when I asked you, you only would have had a few dishes to wash but, now there’s a mountain”

Zoey “Yea, it’s ok this was my plan. I don’t want to touch the dishes so I’m gonna load them in  the dishwasher”

Me “Oh, well why didn’t you do it earlier”

Zoey “cause you had yesterdays load running this morning”

Me “Oh, well, thank you for doing it without having to be reminded”

Zoey “No problem mom”

And there you have it. I was bothered all day by dirty dishes when there was a plan for them the entire time. When I realized how ridiculous it was I began to think about how God must see us and our short comings. We ask God to just get rid of things that we are dealing with not realizing that there’s more coming and He wants to rid us of ALL of our infirmities, ALL of our sins, ALL of our dirt. We stare at what seems to be overtaking us instead of focusing on God who agreed to take care of it ALL. WOW! I thank God for enlightening me. I thank God for knowing what’s ahead of me and already having a plan for it. I encourage you to take heart and trust in the almighty creator because he will never leave you or forsake you. And just because he’s not moving in your time doesn’t mean he’s not moving.

Be Blessed

Mrs_Noso

Just Maybe

I have tried so many things in my life and quit.

  1. Piano…….Quit
  2. Karate…….Quit
  3. Volleyball…..Quit
  4. Diets………Quit, Start,Quit,Start
  5. Books……..rarely ever finish them……Quit
  6. Walking………Quit …….

I could go on and on but you get the gist. Out of all of these things I’ve quit I don’t regret starting them or quitting them.  Just because I stopped a good behavior doesn’t mean I can’t start again if I wanted to. Don’t get me wrong I’m not going to be a black belt or play in a symphony but, there’s a few things in my life I wouldn’t mind giving another chance……. and that’s OK. Maybe I will. Maybe I won’t (idk yet)

You see, there are so many things that we as people just give power to. Because of that we quit some really great things. We allow distractions and opinions to hold us back. We listen to the voice of doubt and insecurity, laziness or just plane frustration. This causes a lot of us to retreat (I know, I’ve been there). But, could you imagine a world where you could have the courage to just start over again? Where you could wake up one day and say today is the day! Today is the day I’m going to restart! WOW!!!!! Do you believe that you live in that world??? It’s true! You do!! You can restart anything you want. It’s up to you. You are what’s in your own way. You could literally right now decide that you are going to learn a new language. With hard work and determination you could!  All you would need is the courage to mess up, potentially quit, and start again if necessary until you’re successful . I know!!!! CRAZY RIGHT??!!

Look, all I’m saying is that I’m not the only one that has quit something and been afraid to start again. And, I’m not the only one that can start again and be successful at it. YOU CAN too.

Go for it! Become the volleyball star. Lose the 10 pounds, start that book…..talk to God……It’s never to late to start over!

For Hope is the anchor to our souls. Hebrews 6:19

With Love,

Mrs_Noso

Jelly beans, Breakfast and Bulletin points

I was the Perfect parent before I had kids. I mean, I had it all figured out. From Breakfast and house keeping to temperament and tantrums.

  1. My kids would eat all organic and home made

2. I’d be home full time to care for them. Doing so would prevent any and all tantrums. It would also  guarantee that all 2 or 5 of my children would have perfect temperaments.

3. I would never yell

4.  My house would be spotless at all times! Inside and out.

LOL……………..PRETTY COMICAL RIGHT!!! (at least for me. If the above list is you congrats! but this isn’t about you) Moving on……

My Life played out a bit differently.

  1. I married for love. My husband is without a doubt a hard working provider and I wouldn’t change him for the world. With that said. We eat fried non organic and I work because love doesn’t pay for extra vacations and eating out at will.
  2. We had 3 kids! yup not 2 or 5 but 3! So, there’s the one that makes the rules, the one that the rules were made because of,  and the one that ignores the rules. (got it from a t-shirt….it’s true though)
  3. I yell!!! BOY do I yell. Not even when I’m mad, or when something is wrong, but to simply be heard and understood. You see, my kids don’t have “perfect temperaments” they have whatever temperament they want to have that day. It is my job as the mom to mold those sweet little temperaments. I have chosen yelling as my weapon of choice. (don’t be so judgy….. they are OK! and they’ll be oK! lol)

So, in this short little list of my “What I thought it would be and my what it is” I have to say I love what it is. Sure, I let my kid eat jelly beans for breakfast the other day. So what! He stopped saying mom repeatedly…..I take it as a win!! Sure, I let my other son say a bad word when he’s mad. It prevents a blow up!….(fyi: he asks for permission and the word was hate) I  MAKE IT WORK! I don’t read parenting books or magazines. I don’t ask people for parenting advice unless I’m willing to listen to it.  My house is not perfect. I am not perfect. Honestly, on any given day the beds will be unmade, the counter littered with blocks and toys, the kids are rolling around on the floor and couch. It’s madness! It’s unorganized and it’s fun! It’s us!! My house can be loud and chaotic but, it’s filled with love, peace, and lots and lots of hugs and cuddles. It’s ours!

I hope that you make your home YOURS! Not the one you think it is suppose to be, not the one people tell you it should be, but the one you and your family are happy to be in. Remember, Jesus loves you, and he sees you. He wants you to be happy in season and out of season. So, let the kids eat jelly beans for breakfast once in a while, don’t  make the bed and enjoy the day! I promise you the world won’t end because you did.

Lots of love,

Mrs_Noso

Hi, it’s me

It’s been about 1 year since I’ve logged on here. A lot happened in 1 year.

Let’s see, I became an aunt (an auntisaurus rex to be exact). I opened a brand new branch for work (Go me!!) I put on a few pounds (CHOCOLATE). My brother was deployed (it SUX I miss him). I became a dog mom (Mochi is the cutest) I got my 84 year old Grandma an iPhone so we can FaceTime (She’s got friends now hehehe) . I’ve lost more relationships then gained (I’m ok with it). Oh, and there’s a pandemic currently happening around the globe (#goaway CORONA)…………Yea, that about sums it up.

So, I decided to log on today. Mostly because I’ve been thinking about it for a while. At first, I thought it would be dumb since it’s been so long, and I have no audience. Then, I received an encouraging word today from my sister that said “it’s ok to start again REGARDLESS of how long it’s been”…….. After that message I went on about my day. I didn’t give it another thought! Then, everything hit me like a ton of bricks; including her words……….Suddenly, I’m in my feelings and I’m crying…..like, I literally finished my day, laid in bed, and cried. After I cried, I picked up my laptop, and wrote a blog. Then, I deleted it! “Why write anything? I thought “I have no audience”. Then,  I started again. You see, I could hear the Lords quiet whisper speaking to me saying “an Audience of One”. It hit me again…but this time it was a whisper…. He is my audience!!

When I’m lonely I pray that I remember this. This moment right here. After a long day at work, missing my husband, worried about life, and after a good cry. The relief of knowing,  He is my audience and I’m never alone. That it’s not by might or by power, but, by His Spirit says the Lord.  I hope I never forget this feeling of comfort, and serenity in the midst of a storm. The love that wraps me like the wings of eagles. I pray YOU find this. That you remember he is your audience. That you too would have this feeling of comfort and peace in the midst of this pandemic or your personal struggle(whatever your’e going through). That you would remember that He loves you forever and that He sees you! You are not alone.

-Mrs_Noso

Do you vote or do you promote?

We are currently experiencing a rather turbulent time. Most people can’t have a civilized conversation with one another. There’s no right or wrong. There’s no compromise or agreeing to disagree. It’s usually “My way or the highway”. With that said, I heard someone ask a question (I can’t remember who) that caught my attention. The question was, “Are you a voter or a promoter”.  I thought, WOW!!! How guilty am I of this?…..and I wonder how many others would fess up to it??

No, I’m not talking politics; so keep those comments to yourself. I’m talking about life, truth, belief system, family, work etc…

Was there ever a time where you told a group of people who you would do something but,  you knew you wouldn’t (because it wasn’t “you”).  Has there ever been a time where you knew what you were doing was absolutely incorrect? Yet, you still did it because of the crowd you were with? Have you ever allowed someone to talk badly about Jesus (or pastors and leaders) because you “believe” in him (and the ministry) but you don’t necessarily promote him or support them?

Yes, I went there. Actually, that’s the first thing that came to my mind when I heard the question. Now, let’s be honest. Most people claim to be Christians and claim to love the Lord but will not defend him to their friends, or talk about his goodness to a stranger. Most Christians take on the title but negate all of the responsibility. We pick and choose which scriptures fit our agenda and defend and promote only those. But the scriptures that bring conviction are left to the way side. We smile at the pastors on Sundays and thank them for their hard work and dedication but, won’t bring a friend to a service or lift up our leaders in prayer. I can go on and on but I’m going to leave you with this

……………………………………..which are you? a Voter or a Promoter………………………………………………

please comment, with your thoughts.

Matthew 10:33

But Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven

In His Love,

Mrs_Noso

JUST

I’m going to jump right in.

Lately I’m been feeling as if believers have been plagued by thoughts of insignificance.

I’ve heard  believers say things like “I’m just an usher, I’m just a praise and worship leader, I’m just the sound guy,” etc… This is NOT humility. It is not a way to give God glory. It actually sounds as if your down playing the God-given gifts that are inside of you.

 HUMBLE= Not proud or haughty not arrogant or assertive 

I’m not telling you to be “proud” but what I am saying is to remember the value that you bring to the table. You are more than the word “JUST”. Every time you disregard your value you allow your light to be dimmed. The spark you once had for being  an usher begins to dwindle because you begin to believe that you are “JUST an usher “rather than AN USHER …..one whom helps bring order and ushers the people into the presence of God……now, I am using an usher as an example but, this can apply to anything. I believe it’s time to remember your worth. It’s time to Recognize that you do add value and  you are important. You may think that you are such a small piece in this puzzle called life but, every piece to a puzzle matters. Without the smallest piece to a  puzzle it remains incomplete.

Thank you for being you! No one else could do it any better.

In His love,

Mrs_Noso

Inspired

I was reviewing a few of my “church” notes and came across a message from  July 2018 by my Pastor: Alberto “Tito” Rodriguez or as I like to call him “Dad” (#IOAM) . He delivered a message titled “I am my Territory”. I feel in my heart to share a few of my takeaways soooo HERE GOES…………

**It is time to “unfold” yourself and make yourself your TRUE size. Everything that God created was made for us (the believer) to enjoy. Like birds we have to expand our wings in order to fly. While we fly the only way to reach our pinnacle is by extending ourselves and reaching our full potential i.e our full size. It is imperative that your body learns how to adjust to “growth” along with growth comes “growing pains”. In the book of Chronicles it speaks of a man names Jabez. Jabez asked God for blessings in the midst of going through pain and even in the midst of his pain God blessed him. Like Jabez the expansion has to start in your mind FIRST. You may be going through pain in your life but you must remember that the Spirit of God that is in you is always willing. It’s your flesh that is weak.

In your prayer time be sure to ask God the right questions….Instead of asking for possessions…..how about you ask God to Bless you so you can fulfill your purpose.

#feelinginspired

In His Love,

Mrs. Noso

God’s not finished with me yet. (Or you)

 

My birthday is tomorrow and I am super excited!

“ALOHA 30 ALOHA 31!!”

No, I don’t have a party planned and I’m not going away on vacation. I’m excited because I’m not in the same place today that I was last year. Sure, I still have a lot of the same clothes (I’m not a big shopper) and I might not have hit my weight loss goal but my mind is clearer my vision has expanded and my family is closer.

Every year comes with it’s own set of challenges. As a mother of 3 there’s a new one every day. For instance right now my son is crying because he doesn’t want to take a nap. He’s crying because he’s exhausted, and hearing him makes me exhausted. Not yelling at him takes every bit of my energy, and self control that I can muster up. This morning my 5 year old wanted to remove his shoe laces and replace them with rubber ones he got from school. As he was eating his breakfast his dirty sneakers sat beside his hard boiled eggs and orange juice.(GROSS!). This week my daughter had the flu. While I was in Virginia for my brothers military graduation (YAY AJ!!) I get a phone call from her telling me she vomited. I asked her what her dad said and she tells me he’s working so she called me…….helping her understand that I was OUT OF TOWN and calling her daddy would be a better option was a challenge. Remembering that my kids are kids and aren’t perfect is a challenge! Knowing that a lot of times my husband is right is a challenge!! Admitting that he’s right is an even bigger challenge…….those are just a few, very surface, examples of daily challenges. These things don’t go away. They’ll get harder. I know that one day I’ll have a house full of teenagers that want to date, want to borrow money, and think they know it all. It’s going to happen. But, today I embrace todays challenges and cheer myself on with every little victory. And when the teenage trifecta happens…..well……I’ll let you know I guess :-/ lol

Unfortunately, I can’t with all certainty say that in my 20s I grasped that concept. But, today I do. To me, that’s a victory! To me, that shows that I’m not in the same head space that I was last year. To me, that shows growth.

Tomorrow, marks another year gone in my life. Another year that I’ll never get back. It also marks the year that I turned 30, I learned how to raise a 5 year old, 3 year old and 9 year old. I moved into a new home, started a new position at work, felt rich even if my bank account didn’t agree. I gave countless hugs and kisses and shed lots of tears. Turning 30 last year was a milestone. It was a great year, it was a difficult one too but, it is one I’ll never get back and I’ll never forget. Every day the Lord worked on me. He molded me. He corrected me, loved me, spoke to me and went silent. You see, God’s not done with me. I don’t ever want him to be done with me.

I truly believe that no one on this planet has reached their full potential. I don’t care how much money they have, how beautiful they are, or how much they do for others. God’s never done.

Just, Live your life. Enjoy the small stuff. Don’t get stressed over things you can’t control. Let God be God, and remember your purpose.

Remember We’re not perfect, but the one who lives in us is. So with all the love in my heart I encourage you to take deep breaths and enjoy the moment your in. Embrace the challenges you’ve faced throughout your time here on earth and give God the glory for what he’s doing in you (even if you don’t see it yet).

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

In His Love,

Mrs.Noso xoxo