My very own Hawaiian Experience Part 1

On many occasions I have Googled "nature, beaches, world wonders" and so on just to relax and take my mind to beautiful places.  It was of no surprise that many of the "images" that Google came up with were scenes of Hawaii. I stared in awe but always wondered if the pictures had been altered in some way; did they use filters to make the water so blue, to make the flowers look so colorful and exotic and the mountains so lush and green?" Well.... the day came when I could witness for myself the truth about the "Google images" LOL 

I arrived in Maui on a Friday afternoon in the month of August. As I walked out of the airport the freshness of the air was invigorating.  Immediately I knew I was in a special place; I wanted to dance the hula right then and there. LOL The ride from the airport to the hotel was unexpected, for some reason I didn't expect to see so many chain restaurants: McDonald's, Burger King, Taco Bell, KFC and on and on .... NOOOO!! WHERE ARE THE PINEAPPLES?? 

Soon enough the busy road turned into walls of lush, green shrubs, some were filled with yellow flowers, others had red, white and even orange.   I could not keep my eyes off my surroundings. It had been one year since I'd lost my prescription glasses, well I made sure I got a new pair three days before I left for my trip; I was not about to miss a thing! :)

A few minutes into our ride I looked ahead and saw a deep blue lining surrounding the area where we were headed. "Could it be? was that the same Ocean I saw on Google? It sure appeared to be the same color!" We drove passed Resort after Resort one more luxurious than the next, all planted along the ocean's front. Suddenly the driver made a smooth right turn into a driveway that appeared to be headed into a palace worthy of Oprah! The Fairmont Kea Lani 5-Star resort.  The driver opened the door and extending his hand to help me out said "you have arrived at your destination" WHAT?!?! are you sure sir?? LOL JK 

I have to admit that not only was this resort luxurious, elegant and exquisite but the staff was just as amazing: courteous, professional, kind and helpful.  After returning from dinner that night, when we entered the suite, the drapes had been drawn, the room had been tidied up, the bed slightly undone/ready to sleep, night lights were on and Hawaiian music was playing in the background. That's it... by now I was sure I'd just entered the set of a romantic movie, WHERE ARE THE CAMERAS??"  haha Every day for seven days our room was serviced twice a day.  I didn't know what to do with myself!! 

My very own Hawaiian Experience Part 2

My first evening in Maui I practically ran to the beach to verify the color of the water. Indeed it was just as beautiful as Google's image but even more so because I was there to see it, touch it and experience it for myself.  The waves crashing against the rocks made for a beautiful backdrop for what I was feeling.  I was at peace, in love, with a heart filled with joy and with immense gratitude to God for this grandiose opportunity. From that moment on a smile was painted on my face and remained there for the entire seven days.... 

In the morning when I opened my eyes, I could hardly believe I was really in Maui. I put on the long white robe that was laid out for me the night before, grabbed my cup of coffee and headed towards my balcony.  Oh yessss there was no denying that I was in Hawaii. The weather was perfect, a fresh morning breeze accompanied by a warm ray of sunshine greeted me aloha.  
I spent the day sightseeing around Maui's downtown and surrounding areas.  It was extraordinary to have an incredible view of the ocean from practically anywhere in the town. 



That evening I had my first LUAU experience.  I didn't know what to expect, I'd vaguely seen a clip or two on TV about a " luau" but not enough to be prepared for all that took place.  As I arrived I was greeted by a native, he welcomed me by placing a flower lei around my neck.  A group of natives played Hawaiian music throughout the event.  The unique sound of the ukulele, nose flute, and slack-key guitar filled the air with a festive vibe.  

Having the inquisitive mind that I have, I made my way to where a small crowd was gathered.  Why, oh why ... did I do that?!!!  That's where they had buried the pig I was going to eat that night!!! Oh but once I was there, as hard as I tried to leave, I just had to see it. LOL 

The most spectacular award winning Luau exhibition took my breath way. The stage was set-up on the sea shore.  Behind the stage I could see the ocean as the beautiful sunset disappeared inside it, simply mesmerizing.  The music was playing, lighted tikis surrounded the stage as the dancers expressed their culture through beautiful displays of movement.  There was also an extraordinary fire performance .... water, fire and wind. Perfection

 

It wasn't all happy thoughts though... the woman in the yellow costume made me green with envy.  She had a beautiful body, gorgeous face and perfect hair. UGH some people have everything !!! hahaha JK she was lovely.  

My very own Hawaiian Experience Part 3

I do this every time I'm going to travel; I don't even tell my husband I do it. I look up the five "must do things" everywhere we travel. I don't always get to see or do all of them, but in this trip I did.  woo hoo! 
                                                     Next on that list was a Sunrise tour!! 

I was picked up at the resort at 2:30 am at which time I TRULY second guessed myself to whether or not this would be worth leaving my warm cozy bed for. It took about one hour to drive up the volcano. When we reached the top and stepped out of the tour bus I was brutally assaulted by the coldest air and aggressive wind known to mankind. I'm not kidding, the weather ranges from 20 to 40 degrees. But I'd be willing to bet the morning I went, it was 20 below zero. hahaha
The lunar landscape of Haleakala Crater is the world’s largest

Google Images

dormant volcano. It rises over 10,000 feet from sea level. You literally find yourself completely surrounded by clouds. When the sun begins to exhibit its glare, a native begins to sing. That was an experience in itself.

But nothing could have prepared me for the splendor of the

rising of the sun above the clouds. I felt as if I was flying high, for one minute everything seemed insignificant compared to the magnificence of this occurrence. The sky became slowly illuminated with a soft gentle glow above the clouds. A few rays of sunshine sneaked passed the clouds, then a few more until half of the sun was visible. At that point my eyes were tearing up. Only an all mighty God could create something so magical. Within moments the sun rose showing off its complete resplendence. It was as if it was saying "you are alive! enjoy life to the fullest" oh yeah and ALOHA! l

My very own Hawaiian Experience Part 4

The Road to Hana is one of the most recommended tours in Hawaii.  I didn't understand why until I toured it.  This is about a 12 hour tour, so a good tour guide is a must. Thankfully ours was great! He is a native Hawaiian who is knowledgeable, proud and jealous about his Island.  This was a great adventure, I'd say it was a Dora the Explorer and Diego combo. haha

Strawberry Guava

We saw exotic flowers, fragrant plants, and unique trees. We even tasted a fruit called strawberry guava it was delicious. One of the most impressive things we saw was the Rainbow Eucalyptus Tree.  The many colors on the trunk of the tree  looked painted on. 

The road was narrow, curvy and a little scary, to the right side you had mountains and to the left ocean.   We made frequent stops on scenic areas, waterfalls and cafes. 

One of my favorite stops was the black sand beach. The sand color was caused by lava rocks.  A few minutes later a red sand beach, its red color caused by Iron. We also hiked to see caves and an amazing swimming hole with freezing water!  

Red Sand Beach(google image)

Black Sand Beach

Road to Hana (google image)

Cave swimming hole

 A true wonder that we experience during this tour was to palpably witness the land go from exquisite green forest and waterfalls to complete dry land, desert like.

   

In the middle of the day we were given lunch by the beach shore.  I don't even remember what it tasted like! and if you know me, that is a miracle because I am a self-proclaimed foodie. But in this case I was entirely intoxicated by my surroundings, the sights and the sounds. Beautiful waves crashing against rocks, gentle breeze dancing around the palm trees. WHO NEEDS FOOD??? LOL

Honestly, I feel guilty trying to write about Hawaii's beauty, because no matter what I say, I will never be able to come close to the magnificence of the actual experience.

My very own Hawaiian Experience Part 5

I'm suffering from terrible jet-lag; Hawaii is 6 hours behind so when I wake up at 6:00 am my body is telling me its midnight.  I should just go live there.... LOL

After seeing tons of Hawaiian sunset images I couldn't wait to see one for myself.  We booked an amazing tour on a sailing catamaran.  I gathered from the description on their site that this would be a semi-formal event.  Being such the "girl" that I am, I wore a sexy black dress, strappy gold sandals, curled my hair and glued my eyelashes! what was I thinking?? LOL

There I was walking the plank, strutting my stuff when the captain says "Attention everyone, there

is a storage cube on the deck where everyone will need to leave their shoes." What?? so why don't you just call it "The Barefoot Cruise??"  I couldn't argue with the captain... he is a man, what does he know about the law of "dress and shoes" they stay together sir!!   LOL As you can imagine by the time the tour was over not only was I a barefoot peasant but my hair was a bird's nest from the breeze and my eye lashes were holding on for dear life! In the end it was all worth it... The view, the food and the ambiance were so perfect that I would've had an amazing time even if I was wearing a sack cloth... hmmmm maybe if it had some sequence. hahaha


Off we went into the sunset... the ocean was serene and steadily cradling us with a calmness that oozed romance.  The captain anchored behind a mountain which gave us the illusion that the sunset that evening was especially ordered just for us.  Everyone made their way up to the top deck to witness a Maui sunset; no one was disappointed.  Since I wasn't able to get a good picture, I will use the one the tour uses on their web-site, it is the closest I could get to describing what I saw.  
The dinner was an exquisite spread of everything from sushi, mahi mahi, jumbo shrimp, ribs with guava BBQ sauce, and many sides with a Hawaiian flair.  For dessert I tried chocolate tiramisu for the very first time. WHY oh WHY did I commit such an atrocity?? Now I dream about the crazy thing!! hahaha 

My very own Hawaiian Experience Part 6

It has been one week since I returned from my vacation in Maui ... and I'm still smiling.  If you are a lover of nature you must put Hawaii on your bucket list.  The beaches are like none I have ever seen. The combination of the rocks among crystal clear water and the closeness of all its surrounding Islands makes Hawaii stand out from all of the places I have visited.   Some mornings when I'd see the sun rays peaking through my sliding door I would step out to the balcony, listen to the roaring sounds of the waves and feel the gentle breeze making its way from the ocean. Sacred moment, meditation, reflection, but most importantly intimacy with my creator.

As if its beauty wasn't impressive enough Hawaii also has a sweet fragrance in the air. The many beautiful flowers growing wild around the Island cause an subtle but attention getting scent to linger throughout.   One of the most fragrant flowers, which you might see in leis, is the tuberose. At first I thought it was just me, maybe I was so in the moment that I was imagining an aroma to go along with the sights that made me feel in paradise. But no, there truly is a lovely smell in the air, you may notice it as soon as you arrive at the airport.  

MadBetty Image

I will now attempt to share the Black Rock Beach experience with you without ruining it LOL.  For this we rented a car and went on our own because we wanted to spend the day at this much recommended snorkeling beach.  It is called the Black Rock Beach because there is a huge rock from which people jump into the water.  I couldn't wait to put on my snorkel gear, so off I went. Literally I could see the bottom of the ocean with absolutely no effort.  As soon as I looked underwater I could not believe my eyes, it was as if I was standing in my tub, completely clear.  It was overwhelming at first, it scared me! There were schools of fishes swimming along side me: yellow, red, orange, all colors! OMG was I the Little Mermaid?? How come they are not afraid of me?? duh maybe because they see hundreds of tourist a day....Its just another day of showing off for them. Lol

Google Image

 As much as I was amazed by all of the coral and the fishes there was one thing that I wanted to see more than anything. I swam further into the ocean but there was no sign of them.  Then suddenly, there it was... swimming among side me and then making its way to the bottom of the ocean to tease me, TWO SEA TURTLES !!!! It was MAGICAL!! I took a few pictures with my phone but they didn't do justice to what was before my eyes. I found this google image that gives you an exact idea of what was before me. These turtles are HUGE! but so sweet, I was truly in awe of them.
After that we saw a few more and then my husband decided to take the climb of death to the Black Rock, to jump down. I was so afraid for him but when he did it three times, I was just jealous. haha I was too much of a chicken to jump myself.  :/ However there was something I did by myself that I feel very proud of.  I went deep sea canoeing. Yaaaay me! lol

This concludes My Very Own Hawaiian Experience. I hope you have enjoyed it and that it births within you a desire to go out and try something new and to live life to the fullest.

Love you ! ALOHA

Slide show ;) 

http://flipagram.com/f/HndVIo5pOZ

The "I WANT MORE !!!" Disease

Have you ever sat down to analyze the lives of people that 

actually have what most of us dream about having? Are they truly happy? How many millionaire actors and singers have taken their own lives or died from a drug overdose in the last ten years? And of those who are alive, how many have been in and out of rehab time and time again? Too  many to count.  So what is it, why isn't money enough? Could it be that they were chasing a dream and when they reach it they realize it was only an "illusion" of happiness? hmmmmm :/

There is a deadly disease that is plaguing the world around us. It creeps in nonchalantly but before we know it, it spreads throughout our lives and eventually kills us. Its called the "I want more" disease. haha Oh yes its contagious, spreads quickly and its malignant.  One of the main ways this disease spreads its through social media. Pictures of beautiful homes, new cars, jewelry and grand vacations fill our news feeds.  Announcements of new jobs, promotions and achievements come in like floods. Unfortunately if we are living a life of dissatisfaction instead of rejoicing with our friends about these things we curl up in a ball and think "what about me?? I WANT MORE!!  lol We give in to the temptation of comparing ourselves with others. 

But don't fear! There is a cure... And no the cure doesn't include a huge house with a big yard, pool and top of the line furniture and appliances. Nor does it include luxury cars, exotic vacations, maid service and personal chefs. hahaha It would be nice though! The cure is simply choosing. The daily choices we make should not only include nutrition and exercise but also attitudes and emotions.  Would you believe it if I told you that if you embrace this you don't have to buy another material thing to feel satisfied? We cannot become a slave of our surroundings by allowing what we have or don't have dictate whether we are happy/satisfied or not. Desperately wanting more is chasing an illusion that becomes a temporary satisfaction; it's a never ending hunger. It isn't to say that we shouldn't strive for bigger and better things. That's all good, its when the "things" become conditions for our well-being that we lose.  

We lose because we were made to be givers not takers... You will find that the dissatisfaction you feel with yourself, your life and with the things you don't have will subside as soon as you CHOSE to live your life according to its purpose.   

Thanks for reading :)

Words to Live By ...

I thought I would share these truths with my FGAL readers...enjoy!

Today we have higher buildings, but shorter temperaments. Wider highways but narrower points of view.

We spend more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses, but smaller families.
We have more compromises, but less time.
We have more knowledge, but less judgement.
We have more medicines, but less health.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk much, but love little.
We reached the moon and came back, but we find it troublesome to cross our own street and meet our neighbors.
We have conquered outer space, but not our inner space.
We have higher income, but less morals.
These are times with more liberty, but less joy. With much more food, but less nutrition.

These are days in which two salaries come home, but divorces increase. These are times of finer houses, but more broken homes.

That's why I propose that as of today -- 

You do not keep anything for a special occasion, because every day that you live is a special occasion.
Search for knowledge, read more, sit on your front porch and admire the view without paying attention to the needs.
Spend more time with your family, eat your favorite food, visit the place you love. Life is a chain of moments of enjoyment; it isn't simply survival.

Use your crystal goblets. Do not save your best perfume use it every time you feel you want it.
Take out from your vocabulary phrases like, "one of these days" and "someday".

Let's tell our families and friends how much we love them. Never pass up a chance at adding laughter and joy to your life. Every day, hour, and minute are special because you never know if it will be your last.
Author Unknown

"Love Letter" from Pastor Roberto Candelario

• ENGLISH TRANSLATION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE...

Quiero felicitar a Millie González y a su equipo de trabajo por tan excelente labor y sacrificio el cual no ha sido en vano. Millie, los escritos en tu Blog FGAL se han convertido en fuentes de agua refrescante para el sediento. Tus experiencias dolorosas han sido el medio que Dios ha usado para extender sus brazos a muchas personas, dándoles esperanza cuando la han perdido.

Este año Dios te inspirará aún más, porque como Esther para tiempos como estos, Él te ha dado el poder para escribir lo que está en el corazón del Padre.

Gracias a tu amado esposo y a tus dos hijos que permiten que tú compartas con nosotros. No te rindas, Dios continuará abriendo puertas.

A Mi Amada Amiga Y Esposa Awilda Candelario

Awilda, tú eres para mí el retrato vivo de la misericordia y gracia de nuestro Señor Jesús. Tus miradas y tus abrazos han sido en la forma que Dios me ha amado. Me considero un hombre bendecido porque en los momentos de mis aflicciones no he tenido que salir a buscar consuelo afuera, sino que el Espíritu Santo te ha usado como mi consuelo y mi fuente de agua en los momentos difíciles. Estoy convencido que cuando el Apóstol Pablo escribió en 1 de Corintios 13 estaba describiendo lo que he podido ver y experimentar contigo en estos 40 años de matrimonio. De hecho, este capítulo describe lo que tú significas para mí.

Mi amada esposa, tú eres una amiga paciente, bondadosa, que no tiene envidia. Nunca te has jactado, ni has sido ruda, egoísta, ni orgullosa, no te enojas fácilmente, ni guardas rencor. Ahora puedo entender mucho más cuando el Apóstol dice que “El Amor Jamás Se Extingue”.

A través de los años hemos madurado y aprendido que aunque el amor es sufrido y la multitud de faltas lo quieran apagar, mujeres virtuosas como tú, se niegan a permitir que esto suceda. Mil gracias por ser una mujer sabía que ha edificado la casa sobre la roca. 

Mi amada, también te admiro por la ternura y delicadeza con la cual le ministras a nuestros tres hijos y a mí, aun cuando no lo merecemos. Te admiro por el cuidado y pasión de amar que siempre demuestras hacia nuestros seis nietos, inclusive, hasta Baby nuestra perrita ha sido bendecida por tu amor y bondad.

Que en los años venideros pueda amarte aun mas y cuidarte en tus momentos de aflicción para cumplir el pacto que hicimos al casarnos “Hasta que la Muerte Nos Separe”.

Bienaventurado, dichoso, feliz y de ser envidiado, aquel que tiene una esposa como tú.

Gracias mi amada Gacela, mi fuente de vida y mi amiga íntima. 

Te amo ayer, hoy y para siempre.

Roberto

ENGLISH TRANSLATION

I congratulate Millie Gonzalez and her team for their excellent work and sacrifice which has not been in vain .

Millie , writting in your Blog FGAL has become a source of cooling water for the thirsty . Your painful experiences have been the means that God has used to extend his arms to many people, giving them the hope they have lost .This year God will inspire you even more , because as Esther, for such a time as this , He has given you the power to write what is in the heart of the Father.Thanks to your beloved husband and your two children that allow you to share with us. Do not give up, God will continue to open doors.

To My Beloved Friend And Wife Awilda Candelario

Awilda , to me you are the reflection of the mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus. Your love and your hugs have been the way God has loved me . I consider myself a blessed man because in moments of my afflictions I have not had to go to seek solace outside, but the Holy Spirit has used you as my solace and my source of water in difficult times . I am convinced that when the Apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 13 he was describing what I have experienced with you in these 40 years of marriage. In fact, this chapter describes what you mean to me.

My dear wife , you are patient , and a kind friend, who does not envy . You've never boasted or have been rude , selfish, or proud , do not get angry easily , nor grudge . Now I can understand a lot more when the Apostle says that "Love never fails ."

Through the years we have matured and learned that love is patient and through the multitude of faults , a virtuous women like you , refuses to allow love to wither. Thank you for being a wise woman who built the house on the rock.

My beloved , I also admire you for the tenderness and delicacy with which you ministers to our three children and me , even when we do not deserve it . I admire you for the loving care and passion that you always show to our six grandchildren , even our dog Baby, is blessed by your love and kindness.  I hope that in the coming years we can love each other even more and take care of one another in difficult times to fulfill the pact we made to get married " Until Death Do Us Part " .

Happy , happy , happy and to be envied , is he who has a wife like you.

Thank you my beloved Gazelle , my source of life and my close friend .

I love you yesterday, today and forever

"Love Letter" from Rev. Oscar Gonzalez

First of all I want to take this moment to congratulate FGAL on its first year of amazing heartfelt writing. I've always known there was an amazing treasure within you, and its such a blessing to see how it has enriched many lives. This is just the beginning of an amazing journey. I mean, in one year a blog that has impacted the world, conference speaker who has blessed so many lives and a book to top it all off. WOW! I am truly proud of you. 

My love, the moment we first met I knew I wanted to be with you. It's been 27 yrs. now and I truly have to say that my love for you continues to increase. I believe its because you have accepted me the way I am. You genuinely love who I am, and that in itself creates a magnet of an incredible love that draws me closer to you day by day. When we first met you were already filled with beauty and tenderness, ready to face the world with me. I can remember that first encounter where I would not stop talking! lol. I was able to express and be myself with you. I had never opened up the way I did to anyone. You carry such a grace that attracts anyone. I admire your compassion for people, and willingness to serve whoever needs help. You are an amazing wife, one who supports me till the end. You are an incredible mother, one who nurtures our boys in what they need and then some. The kids and I always look forward to your cooking. It is a joy watching you as you prepare a meal. You make it an adventure for me and the kids, and we love it. Please don't ever stop! Lol 

Millie, you have developed into a woman of purpose & passion; it has become contagious. Remember that there is no greater fan than me. I will cheer you on to the end; just give me the pon pons lol. Life is very challenging and I have come to understand that two are better than one. You are the perfect help mate that God created for me. In all the years we've known each other, you've made this road a lot more comfortable for the both of us. It's your spontaneity, your humor, fairness, and always ready to create memories that I enjoy. But one of the most important traits that I deeply love about you is that you are true to yourself. Thanks for being you! 

I remember many years ago when we were newlyweds, someone said..."just wait, as time goes by you are going to want to spend less time with your wife". The truth is its been 20 years and I still feel like I can't be apart from you. I truly enjoy experiencing new things with you, riding our bikes, walking around our neighborhood to just talk, our travels throughout the world, ...OK, I enjoy you! My hearts desire is to finish our purpose here on earth and simply grow old with you. When you first met me you saw a man who wanted to reach the world and make a difference. Marrying a minister is not an easy task, but with you it has been the best ride of my life. As "Steve Perry" from the band "Journey" once wrote and sang...oh girl you stand by me, I'm forever yours FAITHFULLY.

"Love Letter" from Rev. Joshua Rodriguez

Happy Anniversary, FGAL!  Thank you for sharing life-changing stories that inspire us to become all that God has called us to be.

A Love Letter to my wife, lover and best friend Paula

When I think about you Paula, I am reminded of the contributions made by the first lady in the history of the world, Mrs. Adam. She was designed to be a helpmate. She was equipped to bring out the best in her companion, Mr. Adam.  Mr. Adam had been a single bachelor for some time. He was extremely gifted. He had named all of the animals and plant life.  He worked hard and would come home to no one but his shadow.  He had no helpmate around to tell him when to eat, when to take a shower, go to bed, clean his room, take out the garbage, pay the bills or when to turn off the television. He had no one to encourage him, no one to lift him up, no one to tell him when to pray.  Day by day, he continued to build his gifts, but was absolutely unable to build his character all by himself.  This is why God said and I paraphrase: “It is not good for this boy to be alone.” When Mrs. Adam stepped into the picture Mr. Adam was able to reach new dimensions and heights. His character was now able to sustain his talent and gifts, all thanks to his helpmate, Mrs. Adam.  God has used you to make me the man that I am today. Your selflessness, sacrifice and persistence have contributed to my growth, maturity and development.

Paula, when I think about you, I am also reminded of the structure, fortitude, resilience and strength that you bring to my life and our home.  Genesis 2:22-23 says: “Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.23 The man said “This is now bone of my bones
 and flesh of my flesh; 
she shall be called ‘woman,’
 for she was taken out of man.” What does “bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” mean?  It means that marriage is like a building. The bone that comes from the man to edify the woman has powerful properties that allow us to understand God’s design for marriage.  Bone structure is very similar to reinforced concrete that is used to make a building or a bridge. When the building or bridge is first assembled, an initial frame that contains long steel rods is put in place. Cement is then poured around these steel rods. The rods (iron bars) and the cement form a tight union, producing a structure that is strong and resilient enough to withstand some rocking motion while maintaining strength. Without the steel rods (iron bars), the cement would be brittle and fracture with only minor movement. Without the cement, the steel rods would have inadequate support and would bend. The same structure is true of bone. The steel rods that support the building are collagen rods in bone. Paula, the aforementioned which I learned from an article titled “Understanding the Structure of Bones” describes what you bring to our marriage and home: strength, resiliency, elasticity, adequate support, balance, and durability.  

I thank God for the privilege of knowing you for more than 30 years and for the

opportunity to be your husband for the last 23 years.  You were, are and will always be the girl of my dreams. Your smile makes my day complete. I believe that when we both turn 80 we will continue to do and enjoy what we love to do now: fly out for dinner in Paris and return home after 24 hours, go on 48 hour dates in Milan, Italy and the Hard Rock Hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.  Paula, I love you more than words can say. Fred Flintstone had Wilma, Barney Rubble had Betty, Ricky Ricardo had Lucy, Sonny had Cher and I, well, “I got you babe”. I will never let you go and I will never break the promises that I made to you on May 11, 1991 at 10:30am before hundreds of friends and loved ones. Te amo hoy y te amare por siempre!  

"Love Letter" from Rev. Gabriel Salguero

Happy Anniversary, FGAL!  Congratulations on your 1^st Birthday! You are a blessing to so many women, men, and families.  May the gift of your prose and poetry; your insight and humor; and your laughter and tears, flourish in the coming years of FGAL. Thanks for sharing your story and life with us. Floreant Agni! 

FGAL, I also want to convey my deepest gratitude for the honor of sharing publicly what I treasure so deeply privately; namely, the ineffable love I have for my wife, life-partner, co-parent, lover, and best friend, Jeanette. As you know it’s not always easy to put in words what the heart and soul feels so passionately. Admittedly, these words can only scratch the surface of the love I have for Jeanette. But here goes….


Honey, can you believe we’ve known each other for 25 years (married for 12)? We met when we were both in High School. That’s right; we are and remain high school sweethearts. For me, I was instantly captured by your beauty. (Someday you can tell everybody what you first thought of me, Lol!).  For the last quarter of a century we’ve worked, played, cried, and laughed together. It’s been the ride of my life and there’s absolutely nobody else with which I rather have shared the journey. Your soft skin, radiant smile, penetrating eyes and beautiful mind have made every step all the more enjoyable. The naked truth is that you make my life more meaningful.
When I think of you the superlatives are not enough. You are more than I could’ve imagined. A powerful, strong, and confident woman who all the while is gentle, caring, and nurturing. The truth is I still am AMAZED BY YOU! I know you probably have caught me sneaking a glance while you sleep or drink tea in your study. You want to know what I’m thinking? Here goes, “I’m the luckiest man alive to be married to this woman! How was I so fortunate? You’re the greatest, and our two sons and I are blessed to have you.

The soul query remains, in the words of two of your favorite writers; Neruda and Browning; HOW DO I LOVE YOU? Our intimacy (soul, body, mind) nurtures our soul. Neruda bespeaks the mystic unity; the two have become one…  I don’t understand it but I sure know it to be true.

“I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close.” --Pablo Neruda

 I want to tell you, and I don’t care if the whole world knows it. If I lived a thousand lives I’d want to spend each of them with you. 

Quiero envejecer contigo, y pasar cada momento celebrando el regalo de nuestro amor. TE AMO!

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of being and ideal grace.

I love thee to the level of every day's

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light

I love thee freely, as men strive for right.

I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.- Elizabeth Barrett Browning (Sonnet 43)

Here’s to another wonderful 25 years!

 “You know you’re in love when you don’t want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams”. Dr. Seuss

Marriage R.O.C.K.S. PART 1

When a new year begins many of us see it as a great opportunity to think of things we would like to do differently.  I, for one have quite a few things I need to improve; time management for instance! but that's for another post. lol I'd like to begin this year writing about a topic that has become of great interest throughout my blogging.   No manner what I write about, it usually somehow ends up relating to one relationship or another.  Some of the most popular comments I have received are "you and Oscar are so lucky to have each other" or "you two are perfect for one another" or "I wish my marriage was like yours".... Well, guess what? anyone can have a great marriage as long as you can answer this.... how hard are you willing to work for it?

Although I will be specifically writing about marriage, most of these same principles can be applied to ALL and any relationship.

Oscar & Millie Gonzalez

It is true that I've been married 20 years.  It is also true that Oscar and I dated seven years.  So it is fair to say that we have been together a lifetime.  The miracle is not only that we can still stand each other but more importantly, that we still love each other.  I'm not sure how to calculate this but there must be a different mathematical calculation for couples that have worked from home as well.
 YESSS you heard me right, together 24/7 for 20 years hahaha.  Consider this, couples that work outside the home if they stay married for 20 years, they have spent almost 35,000 hours APART. Sooooo I think that our 20 should be considered more like 40 years LOL

I don't like to talk about our marriage much because I know it might sound unrealistic to some.  But I feel a sense of urgency when it comes to this topic.  There is an obvious lack of relationship tools available to help marriages stay together. Sadly the cycle continues with our kids because no one is providing good role models for their generation.  I pray for strong marriages that will raise goodly woman for my boys to marry!! hahaha You know what I mean... girls with values, morals and respect.   In order for our kids to have strong marriages we must model for them a good example to follow. So as insignificant as my influence may be, it makes me feel better to give my two cents on the topic.

I know this might seem a bit cheesy but I came up with an acronym to help us remember the basics needed to have good relationships with ANYONE but in this case, with our spouse.

To have a marriage that R.O.C.K.S. we must be:

R- Respectful
O- Optimistic
C- Creative
K- Kind
S- Sincere

Don't laugh but I interviewed my husband in order to get his point of view about this topic... LOL I want to make sure I have a balanced post.  In my next post I will be sharing some of my own experiences and lessons.... stay tuned!

Thanks for reading :)

Marriage R.O.C.K.S. part 2

Ok, what is this world coming to?!?! I was at the grocery store the other day and as I was looking through the sushi I noticed that my left earring was tangled in my hair, so I tried to pull the hair off the earring. In the process the clasp opened and pinched my earlobe.  So there I was, one hand filled with groceries and the other hand trying to set my earlobe free. lol From my right side came a man to tell me that I shouldn't scratch my ear drum in that manner because it could be harmful.  I looked at him like WHAT?!? I told him that I was fixing my earning but thanks for the advice.  Oh WHY... WHY did i have to speak?!? off he went to tell me that he damaged his eardrum scratching it forcefully and that he ordered some suction tubes that clear out his ear wax without hurting the ear. Then he says "if you don't mind, you can give me your phone number and we can meet so that I can share some with you.  The box brought 50 tubes, more than I need." OMG!!! seriously!! don't tell me the earwax tube turned into a pick up line?? please don't!! sure enough.  I told him that my husband wouldn't approve of me giving out my number. .... He said "awww man, just my luck." UGH no respect for the wedding ring, but sadder still was the pick up line!! EAR WAX TUBES?? two words for u Mr. "match.com"  Just a little something to make you LOL.


 Now, lets get back to marriage...  I'm already getting great feedback about this series! I'm glad you are

being edified.  I'm not a professional in this field by any means... but I figure these days, anyone that makes it

passed the five year mark in a marriage should share "how they did it" LOL.  I made a decision this year to stop downplaying my marriage.  In the past when anyone admired my marriage I would feel badly and say " marriage is not easy, it takes a lot of work." Although that is 100 percent true, my motive was to not appear to be bragging or seem arrogant..  But today I respond differently, why should I feel guilty about being happy? I adore my husband, we have an amazing marriage and I'm no longer going to downplay it. LOL It's true, we have worked extremely hard to maintain our zeal, sense of excitement, joy, laughter, and communication alive; so why not share it instead of downplay it? 

Last post I wrote about my marriage R.O.C.K.S acronym, I made an important revision... Respect, Optimism, (changed) creative to-CHRIST centered, Kindness, Sincerity. Anyone can start applying these to their marriage today.... There are no excuses for not having the marriage you deserve. Both my husband and I come from parents with dysfunctional marriages that eventually ended up in divorce.  We didn't know how to do this thing?!?! We had no role models to follow after.  What made the difference was our commitment to make our marriage work.  When I say work, I don't mean "stay together for the kids" or "for the sake of the ministry" or "to have a companion to grow old with" NOOOOO I mean "to be HAPPY." My personality is like that anyway, I don't stay is any situation that makes me miserable; job, friendship, church etc.  Life is too short to live by appearances.  At the end of your days the people you were trying to look "good" for wont be around, but your life passed you by and you are stuck with the memories of an unfulfilled life. 
Make a change today! give your marriage all you've got, work harder for your marriage than for anything else you have ever worked for.  It is worth it, this is the person you spend the most time with and with whom eventually you want to spend the rest of your life with. Why not make it the best life possible? 

RESPECT 

We were all made with a yearning to be respected.  That is also true for our spouses.  Sometimes we give complete strangers more respect than we give our spouses. Think about that for a second; your spouse is your life partner, the one you share household responsibilities with, they made you into a parent, they have been by your side through good and bad times and yet you treat a complete stranger with more respect than you do them??? makes no sense, if anyone deserves respect its your spouse! 

Five ways to show your spouse respect

1. Treat them like you would want to be treated.

2. No insults or name calling.

3. Look them in the eye and truly listen when they are speaking.

4. Acknowledge that they have strengths that you don't have and respect them for it.

5. Count on and value their opinion.

Practice these five tools this week with your spouse.... Let me know how it goes ;) thanks for reading!

Marriage R.O.C.K.S. part 3 A true story

Optimism 

My husband and I have been living in the same community for the past seven years.  During that time five marriages have ended in divorce.  This breaks my heart; all young couples, four of them with small children. What's happening? I wonder what could be so bad that makes people think that it's worth inflicting feelings of pain, loss, sadness, depression, loneliness, failure, and worthlessness upon the entire family. What makes people give up? The way I see it, for some it was infidelity, others lack of communication and yet others seeking independence.  All of which are selfish reasons to leave a marriage and cause total devastation on a family. When my husband and I got married as young as we were, we made a firm decision that we would NEVER use the word divorce in an argument. Here we are 20 years and many crisis later and we have remained true to that promise.  In many cases divorce is a selfish act, there are two people fighting to be right or to satisfy their immature desires.  We need to grow up and man/woman UP.

Today's word is Optimism, meaning that although the statistics say that fifty percent of marriages will end in divorce, I will make sure that mine will stay on the side of the ones that make it. Optimism says that no matter what comes our way we will face it together as a team.

I will share with you a TRUE story that was told to me this past week.

A smart, professional, hard working, family man in his mid-twenties met the woman of his dreams; she was beautiful, kind and loving. They got married, he bought her a beautiful house, and they had twin daughters.  From what I'm told, they truly loved each other.  It is said that the young man would do anything for his wife and daughters.  He bragged about them and was rarely seen any where without them.

 Meanwhile at his place of work there was a woman constantly flirting with him.  He was annoyed by it at first but the woman would not give up her quest to seduce him.  Day after day she became more and more aggressive in her approach.  To make a long story short, the man ended up giving in to her advances and had a one night stand with that woman.  After which he was repentant and hoped his wife would never find out.  But the other woman would not stop until she had him to herself, resulting in a short but full blown affair that lasted a few weeks.  As life would have it, the wife did find out.   

Without hesitation she filed for a divorce.  The man lost his mind at the thought of losing the woman he loved and came to her house with a gun to beg her not to leave him.  He was on his knees begging for her forgiveness and  making promises of fidelity and proclaiming his undying love for her.  Not only did she not forgive him, but she filed a restraining order against him for her and their daughters. Because he came to the house with a gun, she was granted the order. She moved away and he never saw his girls again. Everything went down hill for him at that point.  He turned to drugs, lost his job and began living with the other woman. With her, he had two kids.  He got back on his feet, regained strength and became a hard working family man again.  But this time without love.  It was evident that he was trying to do the right thing but that he didn't love that woman.  She was all wrong for him; jealous, lazy, hot head and immature (given the way the relationship started this should not be a surprise). 

Food for thought... what we don't take care of properly, will keep happening to us until we learn our lesson.  We run away from our marital problems by getting a divorce only to find 10x more problems in our next relationship.  .
... again he met a woman at work who knocked him off his feet, seducing him into another affair.  Second divorce, FOUR devastated children.  He married this third woman- she was bipolar, manic depressive and with suicidal tendencies. He ended up raising her two boys, one who had his mother's same mental condition. Last I heard he was going from mental hospital to mental hospital trying to keep these people sane & alive. 

 Lesson to be learned... divorce is not the answer, it only brings about destruction and devastation. The grass is never greener on the other side.  Remain optimistic about your marriage, seek out help where ever you can find it. Save your marriage, its worth it. 

ACTUAL PHOTO GALLERY DRAWN BY CHILDREN WHOSE PARENTS 

ARE GOING THROUGH A DIVORCE