Question Wednesday (intro)

Wut up my fellow blog readers! I'm starting a new trend on my blog called "Question Wednesday"-- I'm thinking of a less cheesier title so just roll with this one for right now. Every Wednesday I will be answering on my blog some of the questions that you guys might have. On anything. But of course they have to be Christian affiliated questions. So questions such as how do I change the breaks on my car, will not be covered. Sorry. I still need to learn how to change the oil in my car. This is your chance to ask that question that you've been dying to ask! :)

So. You can write your question on here or through Facebook. Or, if you wish to ask a question that requires you to so so privately you can do this by e-mailing me to perezfernanda@yahoo.com. If you wish for me to not mention your name, I won't do so. I will choose one question, at random, and do my best to give an answer, according to scriptures, on the blog. I'm open to try and answer any questions you guys may have. So start asking! :)

Career dilemma...

A few days ago I posted on the blog that I was in desperate need of some inspiration. And I was. Bad. I wanted to know if any fellow blog readers or blog stalkers had questions, comments, or topics they wanted for me to touch on. Yesterday, a friend of mine wrote me on Facebook and asked the question "What is a Godly way to choose which career is right for you other than prayer?" I'm in no ways an education guru or an expert on these sorts of things, so I will try my best to give an answer to the best of my ability. :) Oh-and thanks Ashely for your question!

questions, comments, ideas?

Maybe it's the fact that my mom is cooking and I can smell the bomb aroma of rice being cooked all the way to my room, or maybe it's my cute little puppy who just crawled into my lap asking for me to play with her. She talks. Just ask my mom. But whatever it is, I have major writers block because I keep on getting distracted. The smell of my mom's cooking is not helping, because all I can think about FOOD!!!! Please help a sistah out. I need inspiration. My brain today has run out of its creative juices. If you have some, please give them to me so I can drink them.

What are some questions you would want answered, topics you would like me to touch on, ideas, anything? It's your turn to call the shots. Write to me on Facebook or write your comments on here. Can't wait to hear from you guys! :)

Tamales for Christmas...

Every year for Christmas there's always one thing me and my family eat. Tamales. It's tradition. It's a rule. Without them Christmas would be bland, boring, and without any flava. It's like having Thanksgiving without turkey.Birthday parties without cake. Cinco de Mayo without carne asada. That's just how it is in our family. Fact is, you can't be Mexican and not eat tamales for Christmas. It's like the unwritten rule written by the tamale gods. Or something like that. 

Today is Christmas eve and there is a high possibility that I will gain about 5 extra pounds by the end of the night. And then I'll probably get depressed afterwards because my jeans won't fit as good. And then I will try to lose them. And then I will gain them back.  My life. But hey, it's Christmas eve, which is my only excuse to pig out without being judged. :) 

So weather your eating tamales tonight or not, just want to wish everyone a Merry [CHIRST]mas! Hope your night is filled with family, joy and lots of food! To my blog readers, (who ever you are, I still want to get to know you :)) thanks so much for reading my blog. This year was the start of the beginning of this bloggity of mine so thank you for your comments! Hope to continue to hear from you guys on this blog the start of next year! So holla at ya girl! And to keep the Christmas mood goin, here is my favorite Christmas song. In reminder of what this season is all about...:) 

Job knew what he was talking bout....

They taped them on our door just this morning. Two white papers in bold letters written in Chinese, Spanish, English and other languages I didn't even know existed, saying our house is officially under foreclosure. In a month me and family have to pack up everything and find a new place to stay. My heart sank to my stomach. We didn't expect this to be happening so soon, especially during the Christmas season. Fortunately my amazing sister and brother in law have offered we stay with them while me and my family look for our own place. Arleth and Mario: We honestly thank you guys and love you more than words can express! 

About  8 years ago our family was placed in the same situation we're in right at this moment. The homeowner of the house we were renting decided to evict us and gave us minimal time to find another place. In frantic mode, we desperately searched for a new roof over our head and earnestly prayed for provision and strength. The burden began getting heavier and heavier as our search for a new place to stay seemed impossible and finances began getting tight. If I know anyone who is the best hard worker ever, it's my dad. This man will go highs and lows to provide for his family. I remember him taking me as a little girl with him to sell Levi jeans from his trunk and sell eggs to people's houses. He was a Mexican hustler. No joke. And today, as he read the notice I know he was worried. I know inside he's hurting because the stress, and the overwhelming fear that we all felt 8 years ago has come back. But, back then when we had no place to go, when it felt as though we were hanging by a thread the Lord answers our prayers and calms our fears when he provides us with a home. A home that was ours. We became home owners for the first time. Ever. Our search was over. God had come through.

And this morning, as I read in low voice the notice, I thought back to 8 years ago. The provision that God had bestowed upon us. His children. He gave us more than what our hearts desired. Today I realize that nothing I have, nothing my family has belongs to us. It belongs to the sole Creator and ultimate Giver. This house he provided for us 8 years ago belongs to him, and just as Job said: "The Lord has given and the Lord has taken away. May the name of the Lord be praised." Word to Job. He knew what he was talkin bout.

I write this, not to hold a pity party. But to prove that God is good. All the time. And that no matter what circumstances may come our way, he takes care of his children. It is so comforting to know I serve a God that won't flake when times get tough, but One that remains faithful when life gets difficult and nasty. Just as he provided for us then, he will provide for us now. But wherever he decides to take us, I'm in for the ride.

Church music...

Music has become one of the most influential parts in pop culture today. Besides skinny jeans and IPhones. It moves us, shapes us, influences us and it makes girls like me wanna bust out some dance moves. Like the jerk. And fist pump better than J Wow and Pauly D. Ok, I don't know how to do the whole jerk move yet but I promised myself I would learn. And then battle my friends. I think I got the fist pumping down though. Although, I may just have to spray tan and tease my hair to do the fist pumpin justice.  Music in itself has penetrated itself into culture in a vast amount of ways. Needless to say, it's part of culture. And for centuries it's also been a major part in the church community. 

The problem with girls....

Guy I like: Hi Fernanda how are you? 

Me: dying inside--I'm doing good, you? 

Him: I'm doing great, your hair looks nice today by the way...

(we talk, he leaves, I freak out...I call my friend) 

Me: O-M-G, he totally said hi to me!

Friend: He did!? 

Me: Yes, and he was looking so cute, and he was talking to me, and he laughed, and then I laughed...

Friend: Ok, how was he looking at you? 

Me: He was just smiling the entire time...OH and he said my hair looked nice!!

Friend: hmmm....he said your hair looked nice? In what tone did he say that?

Me: uhh--like, just nice and stuff. 

Friend: Maybe he likes you...

Me: Really!? 

Christmas story: Inflatable style...

Quintessential nativity scene 

It's just 5 days till Christmas and my neighborhood already looks like the north pole. The only thing left is seeing really tiny elves walking around with squeaky voices and green spandex pants. Personally, I love seeing colorful Christmas lights and electric reindeer outside peoples' homes. My parents, on the other hand, never decorated the outside of our house for Christmas. It wasn't because we were related to Scrooge or the Grinch or anything like that. We were honestly just lazy to hang up Christmas lights and lawn ornaments. The only Christmas decoration we have now at the house is an almost dead Christmas red plant they sell at pretty much every grocery store there is. A lady from church gave it to my mom. (God bless us)

Late night jam....

I love to sing. Like really, really, really, like to sing. Growing up my house was always filled with some sort of music. Like when me and my mom clean, you know theres about be some some salsa music playing in the background. And you know theres about to be some shakin what our momma gave us along with that. Both my parents sing as well and my dad plays the guitar and bass, which is cool because I absolutely love it when we have random worship sessions at our house. Even if  its too old school Spanish Christian songs. And since my dad plays guitar I asked him to teach me how to play, but sadly, he's impatient and so am I. After learning like two chords I quit. Don't hate. If you know me, you know I will sing at the drop of a hat. I don't think I'm all that tight or anything, but I love to do it. I sing EVERYWHERE.  And I'm starting to think some of my friends are getting annoyed by it. Just maybe. Maybe it's because I have a song for pretty much any word someone says. It's a gift.

Last night, my sister and two of my good friends practiced some songs for a Christmas youth dinner at my church were having, and since Christmas is almost here we decided to record ourselves singing "Oh Holy Night." And post it on Youtube.  Cuz that's just how we roll. :)

Here is my sister (who by the way is an amazing song writer) my good friend Carlos--who gets annoyed when I sing to everything someone says-- and myself getting our jam on. Oh, and Carlos: You're just jealous!

P.S. For all you tight singers out there, don's judge me. I know I messed up on some of the harmonies.It was late aiight. lol

Don't be scuuuurd...

When I was younger, I was afraid of the dark, like pretty much every other 17, (*cough)...I mean, 7 year old was. Fortunately, I was never one of those kids that asked their parents to check for monsters under the bed. Laaaame. I'm 20 now and I'm no longer afraid of the dark. Ok, except for maybe that one time when I watched the first SAW movie with my older sister and slept in her room. For two nights. In a row. But that was because I didn't want to be taken away in the middle of the night by some person in a pig mask whose goal was to take me to my death. Just sayin.

Let's face it. It don't matter if your 8 feet tall, or if you have a black belt and can probably beat me up just by giving me a high five. We're all preys of fear. And I'm not talking specifically about phobias of spiders, clowns or heights or my childhood fear of La Llorona. But circumstances and situations. And I have decided to list some of my fears. Because I need your prayers.

• I fear that my family won't be able to afford our home any longer. 
• I fear not doing enough to enhance God's kingdom
• I fear being a broke post-graduate (which by the looks of it, I probably will. :/)
• I fear rejection
• I fear failure 

"God is our refuge and he is our strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives away, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea..." Psalm 46: 1-2 In every circumstance our trust should rely fully on the Lord because He promises to sustain us through everything. No circumstance is too great for Him and is it our fears that hold us back from the things he has for us. 

So. What are your fears? 

Sweet tooth...

The sweet goodness just oozed out of every soft, moist, delicious bite. My taste buds were throwing a party. And so was my stomach. Me and my sister, Arleth, decided to pay a visit to Casey's Cupcakes today in downtown Riverside and needless to say, our taste buds fell head over heals, madly in love, on cloud nine in love status over these cute, scrumptious flavorful pastries that will be the consequence of an hour workout on the treadmill this week. Well, perhaps next week. Or the next. Ok, let's face it. I won't work out. I'm in love though. In love with the razzmatazz raspberry cupcake and its goodness in a cup. It's creamy, butter-cream, pink sprinkled top, and gooey raspberry filling are sweet to my tongue. Its moist, sugary warm bread melts inside my mouth and its raspberry topping oozes juicy goodness. Me and my sister didn't talk much while eating our new found, favorite snack. It was more like "AHHH" "OMG this is BOMB!" "I love you Casey!!!" type of thing.

Me. I never say not to dessert. Never. Ever. I'm a fool for anything sweet. My thighs and love handles just have to suck it up. But you know what else is sweet? Sweater than any toothsome razzmatazz raspberry cupcake?  The living and life changing Word of God. Its pages ooze out sweet words that are sweater than honey to one's mouth. Even better than a jelly filled donut. "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweater than honey to my mouth" Psalm 119:103.  Its words of advice, wisdom, correction, and love flow like syrup into one's spirit when we take it in. When we hear it. When we read it. When we share it. Tastier than caramel dripping from the corner of one's mouth. A taste of the ever powerful, Holy Spirit inspired book that changes the hard hearted, fills the hungry in spirit, holds the message of salvation leaves the believer craving for more. .


"All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.." 2 Timothy 3:16 Have you tasted it?

Finals week....

Tina Turner.
This is my hair during finals week. 

This week I've been having an inspirational killer. And I want to kill it. Two words: FINALS-WEEK!! You know?...Those torturous seven days that make you gouge on gallons of caffeine and the days that result in Tina Turner hair and nasty bags in the morning. Oh yes...the bad hair thing. That's been me for the past 4 days. I've been thinking of buying a bottle of hairspray and taking it with me where ever I go. Just in case. And my brain? Oh, it's fried. If I have to look at another study guide. I swear. It's about to get World War III up in my bedroom!!!!  It's times like these in my college career that I wish I could be transported to a warm, tropical island somewhere where textbooks, essays, and bad hair is no where to be found. Where I won't get a zit because of stress. Where I can enjoy a peaceful day at the beach with a strawberry beverage in hand and the sound of the ocean in the background.

Talkin smack...

"Did you hear that...?" "Oooh, guuuuurl, let me tell you! "She said what now!?" "You better say sumtin!!!!" 

It's evident. It's undeniable. We've all been perhaps victims of it's trap or even been the cause of it. It sneaks and slowly spreads itself in the Church until it destroys, hurts, and breaks. I'm talking about the G word. Gossip. This little fella is no stranger to the Church.  Research explains that gossip accounts for about 55% of men's conversation time and 67% of women's. More than half our time is spent blastin up other people's business to our friends, co-workers, family members etc. So it is no strange fact that this, often practiced, bad habit is brought within the walls of the church. And. We. Love. It. Let's keep it real. Seriously. We just loooove hearing the latest news of so and so. Unfortunately, there's never enough. Apparently what Lucy did last week is of far more importance than what the pastor preached in his sermon. FYI, God doesn't do gossip. In other words, we shouldn't either. Solomon talked a great deal regarding this topic in the book of Proverbs: Proverbs 11:13, 16:28, 18:8, 26:20. Unfortunately, gossip has been the cause of broken friendships and failed churches. 

It's a pandemic sweeping  churches everywhere. It. Must. Stop. And the only way this could happen is if we, as Christians break this habit and decide to ignore the strands of gossip that tend to grow within the church. Our tongue, the bible says is like a "two-edged sword." It pierces hard. It hurts if it is not tamed. If you have something against someone, talk to them in person. If someone tells you something, keep it yourself. As a body, we are called to love one another deeply and respect each other. Do not get involved with people who gossip and do not be the cause of gossip. Here are some questions to ask yourself: 

Are the things you say uplifting? Do they hurt others or encourage others? Are you a trustworthy person? Keep it real. :) 

Sorry Dr. Seuss....

I never really had children's books growing up. Secretly, I always wanted for my parents to tuck me into my fantasy of a barbie dream house bedroom and read me a Dr. Seuss book. With chocolate chip cookies and milk. It never really happened though. I shared a room with my older sister that had glow in the dark stars on the ceiling and listened to Art Laboe  every Sunday night, and my mom never bought chocolate chip cookies because she thought they weren't healthy. Fact is, I had trouble reading in the fourth grade and my teacher told my mom I needed tutoring. Talk about EM-BA-RA-SSING. It was total fourth grade social suicide! Fr'reals. And to help out her reading deficiency child, she bought a book from Wal-Mart of the power puff girls and she asked me questions regarding the book. I passed my reading assignment the next day. Turns out the power puff girls really do have power. :) And that they could use some new outfits. No offense buttercup.

Me and the funny man himself. 

Last night I felt like an 8 year old that needed to be tucked in, not to be read a Dr. Seuss book, but a book called The Parts We Play. A Christian book aimed for children that teaches them that every Christian plays an important role in the body of Christ. And. It has some really cool pictures. So just give me my chocolate chips cookies with milk and some barbie pj's and I'm set. And maybe I'll even put my hair in pony tails. Just sayin. Forget green eggs and ham, I'm rollin with Gracie and sparky from under da hood. You just have to read it. It's by Michael Jr, an awesome Christian comedian I met at a Christmas dinner this past weekend held by my school at the California Grand hotel at Disneyland. He had the whole crowd crackin up. And. He was the first one that called me out on my not so normal Mexican name without making me get all crazy. That's rare. And to top it off, he gave me the book for free. And, he said my hair looked nice which means he's my new BFF. He just doesn't know it yet. Sorry Pam. So, if your 20 years old like me, and want to be tucked in by your parents one night like me, this book is for you.

A new job???

I'm nervous. Today. Right now. I have a job interview today and I need one thing. Your prayaaas. A good friend of mine informed me that they were hiring receptionists at his job. And, ofcourse, I was all for it! I've been jobless for some months now, so in other words. I'm broke as a joke. And. It's no fun because there's these really cute pair of shoes I just HAVE to buy. Oh, and I need gas in my car. So, I'm freaking out because I have no idea what to wear and I really, really, really, hope they like me. So I can buy those shoes, and have gas in my car. :) Oh workforce....be nice to me! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to practice my handshake. Please keep me in your prayers and may the Lord's will be done. :)