More than “Thank you for your service.”

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While it’s completely wonderful to say “Thank you for your service” to a service person, even better is “Thank you AND your family for your service”. Many don’t realize that military marriages have a 80% failure rate! That’s  because this lifestyle can be straining on families. Behind nearly every service person is a spouse or child(ren) at home and that soldier will tell you “I coudln’t have done it alone”.

To all the men and woman who have died in the name of the United States of America, we salute you. To those serving, “Thank you and your family that serve alongside and pray you home.”

 

 

 

 

Hormones and Heebie-Jeebies

 Tia, chowing down while home sick.

                  Tia, chowing down while home sick.

First, thank you for making my February post on my father; the most read to date. It was a special nod to him and I am so grateful for those that come in and listen to my thoughts on life. I am a purposeful writer, meaning unless I feel I have something I need to express, you may not hear from me as regularly as other writers. This is absolutely opposite of my non-narrative life!

On to hormones. So when my honey went away to basic training last fall, I suddenly was struck with a mean case of insomnia. Now anyone who really knows me is quite aware that I am a sleep snob. I have never had trouble sleeping and get nine hours of sleep  at night. I even trained my babies to sleep until 9 am to the amazement of my friends. I was desperate for relief and was recommended the supplement melatonin. Here’s the thing. It works amazingly well and gave me the slumber I was desperate for. The problem is, while melatonin is naturally present in our body- it is still a hormone. Now this could be a good or bad thing depending on where you are hormonally. I will write a separate post on hormones soon. The short of it, is I have been using bio-identical hormones for 11 years. These are not synthetic, instead they are derived from plant sources like yams. I see a famous doctor who pioneers this practice “of putting back what you need in your body”.

My hormones were in perfect balance pre-melatonin, for me that means no PMS, no cramps, no mood swings, no ovulation pain or benign ovarian cysts. Melatonin in an ovarian stimulator. So if you want to conceive it is great. Me, not so much! I was having some really crappy months and then it just hit me. My hormones are out of whack. I tweaked my daily dosage of progesterone and was able to level out. Praise God, because it was nothing nice! Me and everyone I love is glad the other lady is gone.

Now to the Heebie Jeebies. Ten years ago I prayed to the Lord for the gift of prophesy. I had “heard from Him” before; but I wanted it to be more acute, like that of a spiritual mentor of mine. The Bible says in John 16:24; “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete”. Boom! Three months after I prayed to really “hear” from the Lord, it happened exactly when I needed it to. Tia was born months early and was in the NICU. The Lord honored my petition and spoke to me clearly over those troubling days. The most profound of which was telling me exactly when she would be discharged-which was the only thing I cared about then. When I say “hear” it as if someone passed me note and I read it silently, it was not an audible voice; but a “knowing”.

Lately, my prophesies have become more frequent and it has been giving me the Heebie- Jeebies. Not in a “I’m scared” way, but in a “Oh My Gosh This is Wild” kind of way. Here’s the thing. We all have some level of this ability. Women especially have this intuition right? The key is to listen to the small voice. One way that I find helpful to know if you are hearing your own thoughts or the Lords’, is the volume and tone. God’s voice is subtle and calm. My own inner voice tends to be bossy and annoying. Also, you have to leave room on your “voice mail” to hear from Him. If you don’t allow yourself a space for quiet it will be hard to tune in.

Leave a comment about your gifting and when you knew you “heard from God”…

 

Monday at a Mosque?

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I have been home convalescing from two dental surgeries and am frankly bored out of my gourd. I thought I would write about a unique experience I had some time ago that I never shared. A year and a half ago I was asked to accompany my cousin to a mosque for her college class. She was tasked to attend a place of worship different from her own. Probably because she knows I’m “the one that will go out on a limb” and try something new; she tapped me to go. My cousin informed me about the modest dress code and basic etiquette which I was familiar with having been to Africa. We drove to a stately neighborhood mosque on a damp day like today. We were both nervous about the unexpected. The prospect of delighting on the sugary incentive she presented in the car squelched my apprehension-slightly.

This day was a Friday, when Muslims attend service. We went during Ramadan the Islamic holy period of prayer and fasting, so the mosque was particularly crowded. We had arrangements with a liaison to escort us. After descending the winding parking structure, we timidly entered the building. We knew shoe removal was mandatory; but were not sure when we should take them off -“now; before we go up the stairs or should we wait until we get to the top, we pondered?! I decided I would be a copy-cat and observe the women around and do what they did.

We entered an upper room with only women and girls.The room had an expansive glass window to see below at the sanctuary where the speaker and the men were in service.There were televisions in the upper room to see and hear.  I tried not to fidget underneath my steamy coverings while I read the notifications all around. “No shoes, no cell phones, no talking during service” displayed in multitude.

I got nervous when it came time to bow and pray! Again, I didn’t know what to do. I did my best to mimic the other women. I said my own prayers worshiping Jesus while simultaneously inviting the Holy Spirit. After sometime, a woman came over to me and placed additional “coverings” on me. I became flushed and embarrassed thinking I had somehow looked immodest and was being subtly reprimanded. I turned to my cousin with a “what the?” look on my face. I anxiously waited for this all to end so I could breathe again.

Upon dismissal, we conversed with our liaison. She reassured me that her draping me was so that I could have an authentic experience wearing traditional textile; not because of a violation.Wheeww! We donned our shoes and solemnly left. I felt like I had exited a transporter machine from the Middle East and was now smack dab in front of a 7/11 store! I was looking at passersby thinking; “do they even know where I have just come from?!”

I returned home and indulged in my sweets. My take home was that I appreciated the respect and holiness that the mosque is endowed.I feel that many Christian churches are too casual, ie., leaving discards, dressing inappropriately. I was grateful to have an experience with my cousin and also have a real world perspective that helps me connect with others the Lord would bring into my realm.

 

 

 

“Everyday I’m Hustilin’, Hustlin’!”

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Today is the 18th anniversary of my dad’s passing. For many years of the last nearly two decades, I thought of him rarely. The day he died (suddenly of a heart attack at age 37) I became enraged and was thrashing my room. I desperately played Bible Roulette demanding an answer from God. I immediately landed on John 11:26 , it reads: “Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” The Holy Spirit spoke to me, asking me if in fact I really did believe this. I suddenly had a peace that transcends all understanding and I coped well with his loss knowing that we would one day be reunited.

Lately, I find myself thinking about my dad more than ever. I believe it is because I have matured spiritually. I look back and I see my dad’s influence in major and seemingly minor moments since 1997. One for example, is the day Tia was born and I was wheeled up to the NICU to see her. What I saw was my dad’s face in her face. She doesn’t look much like him at all (we joke she is Sri Lankan), but in that instance it was like he was staring at me! Later that night in 2005, which was also Easter Sunday, my dad’s identical twin came to visit me in the hospital. That was unexpected as we rarely see one another. He poked his head through the door to say “hello”, for a few seconds I thought my dad was there to visit me the day I became a parent.

I often find myself laughing when “I’m wheeling and dealing.” You see my dad was a “hustler” in the best way. If he wanted something, anything; he could negotiate it- or at least try to. As a kid, I would feel embarrassed listening to him ask for free stuff when we were at stores, really anywhere (like an unfinished clog made during a demo session in Holland). I inherited the “hustle” and I’m proud. I am constantly negotiating better deals wherever I go.

When we took the pictures I posted last week we were at our local beach. We normally walk, but because of our fancy garb we drove. I refused to pay $8 to park for a 15 minute photo shoot. My husband was like “come on Corrita, just give me your card”. I was like “no, uh huh”! My mind stirred for a solution- “Bingo”!  I hailed a car that was leaving the lot and nicely asked for their parking slip. As I returned with my free parking, I told  K.K. (our photog) “your sister is a hustler”! She said, “just like, dad”! True.

Every time I score a deal I think of him. I’m reminded how even though he has been gone so long, he is right with me on the daily. I feel like I make him proud. He once told me (his name was Verney) that “whatever you sign your name to should be your best work”. That has stayed with me. I’m a better human because of my father. My dad was no angel, but in life you can glean from others the aspects that are superior. I know that I am destined for greatness and “everyday “I’m hustlin, hustling, hustlin’!”

Happy Valentine’s Day

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It has been more than a hot minute since I‘ve been around these parts!

Starting last February, Patrick left for boot camp. He returned nearly 10 weeks later. During his absence the Lord blessed us with new digs in a different city near LAX. 2014 was the year of double favor- and boy did we get poured on. We absolutely love our two-story abode, we have only one neighbor (like a duplex) and are positioned walking distance to Main Street, the ocean and school.  Our community is so “Norman Rockwell”-totally feeds that romantic part of me that wants to live in a place “where everyone knows your name and everybody’s glad you came”. The schools here are top-rated and we moved the kids to them.

This photo is a hybrid of the most influential parts of the last year-moving near the beach and having Patrick gone 7 months for military training. Patrick was off all summer between training; we had the best summer our lives! Everyday we did whatever our hearts’ desire was. We hopped on a shuttle that takes us to the beach just down the street! Love that I can leave the sand with them! We also walked to the museum, farmer’s market, and pool. Patrick busied himself with DIY home projects. At dusk I have a front row seat of the sunset with a glass of white wine!

At the end of summer, I became part of a launch team for a new church in the South Bay. This venture was such a timely blessing because it gave me and the kids a focus while Patrick was away. He left for computer tech school in Mississippi in August and we launched in September. Again, with my idealist nature, I have always thought it would be so neat to be part of a church from the start and say “I have been here since the beginning”. The church is thriving and we just moved into a permanent building! I love our pastors and have become dear friends with the Pastor’s wife.

Patrick studied his tuchus off for five months! I endured with the grace of God and great support from friends, family and church. I did go see him down South in November and we rendezvoused in New Orleans. We counted down the days until Daddy returned, he drove home, yes; he drove his 15-year-old Solara to and from Mississippi just in time for Christmas. Holla for Toyotas! God is good all the time.

These past 12 months as a bonafide military wife have been such a parallel in our walk with Christ. Just Trust.  When you have no idea where your life is headed and situations are in constant flux, there is no better option than to recline in the Divine. Right?! What’s the other option? Stress and fret. Uh huh; waste of time and worry ages you! V-day is here and we are gonna do it up. I am a huge celebrator and not at all phased by cynics. A day where everyone (most everyone) is putting positive love energy out there, why not?!  I say love it up!

Remembering

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Well hello! My husband recently returned from basic training for the Air force in Texas. It was a challenge having him away! We have never spent more than twelve days apart since we have been married. You know how people say they have a “broken heart”? I can relate; my heart literally ached half-way through the 2 months he was gone.I decided I wanted to give up “sweets” while he was training in solidarity. I’m so glad I did! I would have gained weight while he was there comforting myself!My word! You should see him! Everyone keeps commenting about how much weight he has lost! He is all muscle now!

While in Texas for his graduation; we were in a drive-thru when Patrick paused, I heard him say “Thank you ma’am, thank you sir, you will not be forgotten”. At nine o’clock every night “Taps” is played over the loudspeaker for our fallen heroes on base, each service person says a word of gratitude before bed. I love that every night these courageous souls are honored all over the globe!  I often lift up my own word of thanks and feel a tinge each time. So grateful for my husband and others like him that love this country in such a real way!

This month I was honoring someone else so special. This May marked the 10th anniversary of a deep and painful loss for me. May 2, 2004 was one of the most joyous days of our lives. Patrick and I were expecting our first child  and were so thrilled. At 21, I felt invincible and elated. We received flowers and congratulatory notes, we couldn’t contain our excitement and announced our pregnancy to friends and family that Mother’s Day! It never occurred to me that I would never hold this baby in this life. We were numb and devastated when it became certain our little one had traveled on the following month.

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Congratulatory Note

                       Congratulatory Note

Two months later I became pregnant with our Rainbow baby Tatianna. After her very easy pregnancy yet complicated birth; the Lord spoke to me about my first baby. I had prayed to learn the gender so that I could name this little soul. Names are valuable to God and this life deserved that. I always said I wanted a boy first to be the “Sheperd” of our “flock” of children. I recently added Sheperd’s name plaque to our wall-joining each of ours. It took me years to choose a name that was befitting. This is. He is my angel keeping watch. For years Tia has sweetly talked about Sheperd and refers to him as her “big brother”. It’s as if they’ve already met.  So grateful for his life that allowed my daughter’s to shine through.

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My First Book!

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Fifteen months ago on the eve of my 30th birthday, I woke up thrilled, I had a vision about a children’s book to write. It’s called “Odie the Newfie”- featuring real life historical events in rhyme that include my favorite dog the Newfoundland. Today I read my manuscript for Dr Seuss’ birthday. Parents come in to the class and read throughout the day. The children were enthralled with my book! It was so fun inspiring children to get excited about books! I know my kids love having mom there, I used to LOVE having my mom in the class- I think it makes them feel so special! I pray one day this book is in hardback and I will be putting signed copies in little hands!

Well, Hello There….

It’s been way too long since I last blogged, thought I’d reacquaint ya’ll with some things you may not know about me…

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(Patrick and I, dressed as Jon and Kate Gosselin 10/31/09)

1. I have had stitches twice, once on my face and once on my toe.

2. I’m über clumsy.

3. I am an Army brat and now an Airforce wife.

4. My husband wanted to join the AF 17 years ago, I told him I never want to be a military spouse.

5. I have a keen ear for language, if you give me a name I can tell you it’s derivative.

6. I have been to the Palace of Versailles, The Vatican, and most other bucket list places.

7. Growing up my family was “trapped” in Greece because of threats and couldn’t travel home to Germany.

8. I gave myself the Heimlich on a counter while choking, I was eating and dancing when it happened.

9. I went on a Medical Mission trip to The Gambia, West Africa at 17, one year later I became a vocational nurse.

10. My favorite food is ice cream. I invented a way to make Lavender ice cream that doesn’t taste weird.

11. I have had over 25 pets in my life, including, a snake, a tarantula, 3 rats and two  turtles, I’m now allergic to cats and dogs.

12. One turtle, Rodney ran away never to be found when I cleaned it’s aquarium outdoor. Very sad.

13. The L.A. Riots happened in my neighborhood.

14. My dad found Rodney while cleaning up a riot-ravaged pet store- the owner let us keep it.

15. I wrote a not-yet-published children’s book on Rodney and the Riots.

16. I have been a bookworm all my life and read every book in the Childcraft Encyclopedia series by age 7.

17.I met my husband  Patrick while in the Main Office of high school, I was there because of cramps and wanted to go home.

18. He told me the Holy Spirit told him I would be his wife on our first date, I thought he was nuts!

19. At age four my mom cut off all my hair after I tried to “make bangs”.

20. I had a hair complex for the following 23 years!

21. I stood in the same room where Ann Frank hid.

22. I was in a high school graduating class of 4 people.

23. I graduated college while on bed rest a week before Ethan’s birth, got out of bed and waddled across the stage.

24. I picked my daughter Tatianna’s name at 5 year’s old while watching MTV.

25. My husband and I are the other’s one and only!