It's been just over 3 years since my last blog post. Yup, I did not keep my promise of blogging once a month, @ the very minimum. Oh, well, c'est la vie!
Hmmm, lot's has occurred since 9/2008. Well, we added a precious boy to our family of 5. That makes us a family of 6 - 4 sons, daddy & mommy. Micah Noel Figueras was born 12/3/2008 & has brought an incredible amount of joy & adventure into our already rambunctious crew. Life has not slowed down, the pace has only increased, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Mitch graduated high school in June of 2009 & is now a college student. Looks like he's finally settled into his studies. He's excitedly pursuing a degree in Biblical Studies through our church's leadership academy. He's balancing being an intern & full-time student and is currently living in a host home. He's now 20 and an insightful, godly man.
Matt also graduated high school. This was in May of 2011. He's taken the Fall semester off & is working & serving in our local church. The boy has 3 jobs: job 1 - movie theater (he does it for the free tickets :-) ) ; job 2 - jr marketing rep for a friend's small, but growing marketing firm; job 3 - praise & worship instructor in private school. God's opening some unimaginable doors in worship ministry & he's just resting in God, waiting on His response & will. He's now 18 and a passionate, godly man.
Marc is a junior in high school and driving!!!! He's actually a cautious driver, which certainly eases my mind. He's looking for a job, so if you know of any, hit me up! He's serving in our local church & just last weekend had the opportunity of playing drums on the adult worship band - his first time for adults. What a guy! God has anointed him with a beautiful musical ability. Pretty much, any instrument he picks up, he can learn to play. He hasn't encountered one he can't. He's now 16 and such a discerning, godly man.
As for Mike & I, we'll be celebrating 22 years of marriage in less than 3 months. Funny thing is it doesn't feel that long. I still enjoy his company - love our talks. Now, it's not perfect. We have plenty of disagreements, but we relish in that because we know God created us different to balance one another. Our children are reminders of how God puts things together for His divine purpose & to fulfill His will.
Now, that I've updated you on the family, I wanted to write to encourage you in your walk. I've been experiencing growth, more like very painful, growing pains or labor, but I'm growing in my faith, love & forgiveness. This is HUGE for me! I won't go into too many details at this time about my childhood, but it was chaotic, unhealthy and quite unstable. I've still tons of growing to do, but I'm a work in progress; on a road, with my Father, to become who He has called me to be; to reign in life; to live out joy; to give out love; to reward with forgiveness; AND just let go!
This is what I've learned about me & what I've overcome.... First, I'm thrilled to say that I've FINALLY learned to let go. Let go of what? Well, for me, forgiving was not difficult. I forgave my parents out of obedience to God - it is what is required to honor them - that's what I believe. Letting go of the hurt, anger, resentment was another story. Conversations with both of them irked & aggravated me, especially when my very well made points continued unacknowledged (is there such a word?). This hurt my ever so prideful EGO. I don't even think hurt is the correct word, more like irritated. It seems like with every conversation I've ever had with either of my parents in the past, especially my mom, I've felt the need to prove something... to prove a point... to prove that I'm ok despite everything... Hey, look at me now!!! (inside Figueras family joke). I let go... I no longer feel like I have to prove anything to anyone. I know what God has done for me, I know what condition my life would be in without His love, forgiveness & compassion for me, therefore, I'm no longer driven by this incessant need to have people understand me.
Second, after 39 years of consuming anxiety displayed in biting my nails, I am no longer a nail-biter. It's been over 4 weeks. I realize this may seem insignificant to some, but not to me. I am an overcomer!
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