The Golden Opportunity

Genesis 25:19-26

According to verse 22, how did Rebekah handle her worries about her pregnancy? Rebekah worried, but instead of asking her doctor, friends, companions or the other women around her she went directly to the source ~ God in prayer and asked Him what was happening!

What do you learn in the following verses about dealing with your own needs and concerns: Deuteronomy 4:29-30; I am going to go through many disappointments and trials and struggles that I cannot control, but I don’t have to go through it alone. My God will sustain me as long as I seek Him and stay in commune with Him. He dwells in me and I dwell in Him.

Psalm 55:22; From reading this scripture I understand that God wants me to tell Him my cares, my burdens, my wants, needs, etc. Yes, He knows this already, but still He wants me to share my everything with Him ~ The reason God doesn’t want me to hold it inside of me and create anxiousness, stress, sickness, disease and all kinds of distractions when we focus on our circumstances and not on Him. I believe that when we cast our burdens unto Him it is no longer mine to carry ~ but my Lord Jesus who washes every circumstance away with His blood.

A Brand New Day

The sun is shining here in NYC! My son awoke early and you guess it looked outside of his window. He smiled and made himself breakfast. He is happy and once again doing his regular routine.
It's amazing how he already put what transpired yesterday behind him. It never even crossed his mind that he could have hurt himself or his mother. I guess his mind doesn't register in that way?
I am reminded today of the scripture Psalm 30:5 (NIV)

5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
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A Brand New Day

Yesterday created many painful moments
too many to keep count. Thought that I could
control its power and hold over me, but I found my strength
was powerless and weak.
Today the sun is shining brighter than ever. It's warmth and it's
illumination brings comfort to my flesh. Reassuarance and favor
are weaving itself inside of me.
Rejoicing and praising for the joy that has come forth through my Lord this day.
A brand new day brings many joyful moments too many to keep count. Thought I could
control its power and hold over me, but I found that I find refuge and safety in its arms.
By Tanya Merced
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Decided to take a close friend’s advice and offer my new book They call me Faith in a b/w version and Ebook. Please note that all proceeds for the purchase of my book will beused solely for fundraising and for missions.

http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/they-call-me-faith/7463774 is offering 10%off if you use the coupon code at checkout: TANYAMERCED6RF7

Please note that I am still believing that many will purchase the photography book at blurb.com **http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/727305 but I believe by offering more options it will generate sales. Thank you for your encouragement and your prayers.

God's Therapy

Summer thunderstorms are becoming more frequent in New York City and my son is freaking out. Sure there are many people out there who admit to being afraid of thunderstorms, but with a teenager who battles with Aspergers' Syndrome and Bipolar this is not the norm.
Today my son started out okay. He kept looking outside of his window. He read some of his books, recited and went online and researched his favorite things. This must have lasted a couple of hours until ~ BOOM!
Okay, my son starts to freak out and starts to curse and threatens to runaway. I try the best that I can to calm him down and to reason with him. He tells me he is running away and I cannot stop him and yes outerspace is the perfect environment. This sounds absolutely funny to an outsider, but to a person who has these disabilities it is very real.
I managed to get him calm ~ oh, so I thought!!! Then all of sudden I hear heavy footsteps going down the stairs and the door opening up. I must have ran in an incredible speed, because I caught up with him. Oh, did I mention I was in my pajamas. I am not feeling so well and thought I could bum around some since after all I am on summer vacation.
The next thing I know is that my son is pushing me out of the way and then he grabs my neck. Now I know he is not trying to hurt me intentionally, but I am choking from his grip. I didn't have the strength to yell or to tell him to stop ~ instead I used my internal instincts. I grabbed him by the neck and he had to let go of my neck to get my hands off of his. It worked.
Then I asked him if he wanted to go to the hospital. He replied with a "yes". Now this is the last place you want to send someone, but he really figured it would be safer than hearing the sound of thunder. I managed to convince him to go to his room and get dressed. We go to his room and I begin to ask questions and to reason with him. It didn't work, but then I said Andrew the sun is coming out soon. He stopped. I went to the cabinet and took out his medication. This medication is only good for the evening, because it gets him groggy and he falls asleep. I figured if I give him 1 tablet he would be okay.
I continued to talk with him and inside of me I was really crying out to the Lord. God really knows I don't want to go to the hospital and leave my son in a place where they will not care for him the way we do.
I have to say that my son took a bath and then went to sleep. He is still sleeping and I am going to let him rest until my husband gets home from work. I thank God that He helped me make sense and that my son calmed down. I thank the Lord for His wisdom.
Decided to take a close friend’s advice and offer my new book They call me Faith in a b/w version and Ebook. Please note that all proceeds for the purchase of my book will beused solely for fundraising and for missions. Lulu.com is offering 10% off if you use the coupon code at checkout: TANYAMERCED6RF7
Please note that I am still believing that many will purchase the photography book at Blurb.com http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/727305 but I believe by offering more options it will generate sales. Thank you for your encouragement and your prayers.


They Call Me Faith by Tanya Merced (Book) in Christianity
Source: www.lulu.com
They Call Me Faith by Tanya Merced (Book) in Christianity : A powerful poetic devotional book that will strengthen and encourage you to hold onto the promises of God.

Storms

They are approximately 15 storms every year that scientist can predict and name. How many storms have we encountered in our lives that we could have been prevented if we were in tuned with the Father?
I am not saying that we only go through storms when we are not in tune with the Father ~ I think we go through more of them when we are closer, because we are being tested so that we can go to the next level.
Sure the storms are scary and at times we feel like we are drowning and being crushed from all angles. Storms can be very frightening especially when they turn into tornadoes and hurricanes and wipe out all those things you thought were deeply secured and rooted.
One thing I know for sure is this, no matter how great the storm may be and how many casualties that may take place, my God is with me. Jesus is the one that whispers my name and comforts me and reassures me that this too shall pass.
I love the fact that after a storm you can capture a beautiful rainbow in the sky or anticipate sunny skies. Jesus is the one who will bring peace in the midst of the storms to remind us where our help comes from and of His unconditional love.
Mark 4:35-40 MKJV
"And evening having come, He said to them on that day, Let us pass over to the other side. And when they had sent away the crowd, they took Him with them as He was in the boat. And there were also other little boats with Him. And there arose a windstorm, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was now full. And He was in the stern of the boat, asleep on a headrest. And they awakened Him and said to Him, Master, do You not care that we perish? And He awakened and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Peace! Be still! And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And He said to them, Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?"

To Preview My New Book Called " They Call Me Faith"http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/727305

Stitch by Stitch

My younger sister loves to crochet in order to keep her mind busy, relaxed and renewed. Let me explain she also has Bipolar. Although my sister knows God, she does not have a personal relationship with Him, but I know that He is tugging at her heart stitch by stitch.My sister has been teaching me how to crochet along with very close friends of mine in our fellowship meetings. Although she talks about the mind in a scientific approach and uses new age terminology I see how we can slip Jesus or Hope in the conversation without offending or making her feel uneasy.I love how the Lord answers our prayers and gives us hope. I love how our Father in heaven is such a patient and loving Daddy who wraps us in His arms. We are learning how to crochet a basic scarf. By the way you would be proud of me, because I have a metal plate inserted in my wrist and I am almost finished with my scarf. That's a miracle in itself.Looking at my scarf yesterday I noticed that some stitches were perfect and some well not so nice, yet intertwined together they made an awesome garment. That's how we are you know....we are perfect stitches that make an awesome garment if we are in one accord.

To Preview My New Book "They Call Me Faith" click below:http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/727305

Rocky Waters

Summer time fun in New York City is like no other ~ It is hot, muggy, smelly and filled with a lot of excitement. Lately it has been filled with rain and more rain. Decided that my son and I needed to take advantage of the weather. Called my friend and my little God-daughter to go with us to the local beaches by where we live.
I made sure that I packed a cooler with plenty of water and ice tea. I even was trying to be clever and put some grapes and cherries in a plastic container. All that was left for me to do was buy ice at the corner store. Well packed the tote bag and made sure all was clear.
We head to the beach called "Manhattan Beach" this is ironic, because Manhattan Beach is located in Brooklyn, NY. Okay, getting off topic. Well my son is reading his book. My friend is talking about her life as a single mom now that she is a widow. Her daughter running in circles and throwing me with sand. Oh, let me back track. Did I tell you that my son lifted the ice box and all the contents that were inside of it rolled beneath the car unto the concrete floor. We had no ice and dirty grapes. hmmm?
The sand was in my mouth and all over, but she was having a great time and so I let her be a kid. My 4 year old God-daughter begins to bang my son with a huge freezbie on his head and he ignores her. Okay, I told them its now time to go to the water. My friend tells me you take them to the water and I watch our things. I should have known she wanted some down time, but I did not mind and so we went walking closer to the sea.
The next thing we notice is rows and rows and rows of rocks and pebbles washed upon the sand. Now we are barefoot and we have to walk on top of these rocks to go to the water. Okay, I am a trooper. Hey, I am a Native New Yorker. I can do this. We begin to walk across these small rocks. Painful steps, but we finally make it to the sea. Just when we think there are no more rocks in the water ~ more of them appeared. This time I wanted to return, but I have a little girl who has jumped on my knees and a son who if I decide to turn back will just go forward into the sea and will not think about the danger.
I keep going forward thinking this water is brown, unusually warm for New York, and the tides are low. The kids are enjoying it and I am dreading the fact that I volunteered. Then in the midst of the Rocky Waters I notice that we were past the boulders. I had always wanted to do that when I was younger, but couldn't because the waves were rough, the water too cold and yes I can not swim.
Yes, I was dreading the fact that I had to walk back and go through the painful steps once more, but in the midst of the rocks, the muddy brown water, I could find pleasure in the simple things. I really love that God will even use the rocks to remind us that He knows our name and all the desires of our hearts.
To Preview My New Book "They Call Me Faith" click below:
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/727305

The Fragmented Mind

Many are the challenges a mother with Bipolar faces. Many more when her only child who is a teen has Aspergers' Syndrome. Let me explain what I mean~ A Fragmented Mind is just that a thought process that is confused, not whole, missing information, sick and defenseless.
I often think of the scripture where it says put on the whole armor of God Ephesians 6:10-18 A mind that is fragmented is defenseless, not able to comprehend nor process reality and therefore always in harms way.
Yesterday, was a very challenging day for my son and I. I was praying and journaling when I heard heavy metal music coming from my sons room. I look at the computer screen and there is this song called " Murder Me" on YouTube. My son was watching these horrible pictures and because he loves to see things over and over it was plastered in his brain in seconds. What caused my son to put such a thing on? His fear of the rain and thunderstorms. A fragmented mind develops many phobias and fears that freezes them from moving forward.
I didn't get angry, but turned the computer off and then I had to wait until my son stopped chanting and evoking the enemy. How at that moment I called on the name of Jesus and my son looked up. I spoke to my son and explained what the bible says about the enemy and how he was trying to distract my son and confuse him. I explained as simple as I could the assignment that has been placed upon our lives as believers and the enemy knows how short of a time he has and why he wants to destroy us. That got his attention.
Well my son went with my husband to a youth service and he listened to the message and prayed with the teens, however, when he came home he was talking about suicide and cutting himself. Again it was starting all over. A fragmented mind may say it's hopeless and life is worthless.
As a mother living with a fragmented mind I do put on the armor of God and know without a doubt that I am perfect, whole, created in His image and therefore no matter how distorted the atmosphere may look ~ My Daddy in Heaven has it all under control.

To preview My New Book Click link :http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/727305

Deformity vs. Normal

Decided to take my son to Coney Island yesterday to walk on the boardwalk and to read our summer books by the sea. I packed some fruits, bottle waters, two paddles and ball, keys and of course my black wallet. This time instead of taking a small pocketbook I decide to take the totebag to accomodate all the above.
I hope I am not losing you. My son who has Aspergers' Syndrome does not like change. Going to Coney Island was a big accomplishment for him. We talked in the car, but the conversation was the same repetitive and about Nancy Drew books, cartoons, etc.
We walked around the boardwalk for a few and took pictures of each other and had fun. Then he looks at the WonderWheel which was built in 1910 and tells me I would like to go on that. I love the WonderWheel too and so it was a go. We walk through the crowds and the ringmaster says come and watch the Freaks for free. Hmmm. Key word " Free". My son and I gather together and watch as they bring an Alligator woman and a Rubberband woman out. The Freaks and there are more where they came from. The ringmaster keeps talking and talking and the crowds get bigger. My son is starting to stim - for those who don't know what that is it is a habit like rocking back and forth, talking aloud, rubbing and twisting of hands, etc.
I tell my son let's go to the WonderWheel. I dig into this big tote and I'm watching my son at the same time, because he tends to wander off and I didn't want to lose him. I take out 15.00 and left the rest of my money 22.00 in the wallet. I placed it in the corner of the tote.
We ride the WonderWheel and my son is having a great time. I am getting sick. I never get sick on rides, but I couldn't wait till get off. Ride is over and now he wants to ride the most dangerous ride in the Amusement park The Cyclone. I tell my son no way and convince him that it is unsafe.
We go to the park nearby and have fruit and read our books. Our stomachs were growling and so I knew it was time for supper. We drive home and I start to empty the tote. I dig deeper no wallet. Okay, I go to the garage and look under the seats, etc. What happened to my wallet?
Now I start to panic. My drivers ID, Bank Card, Credit Card, and all the other ID's I carry are in that wallet. I call the bank and place a stop. I call the Credit Card company and yes the thieves already bought a 45.00 Metro card and I don't know what else.
I knew I had to report it to the police, but I had to wait for my husband to get home, because I had no license. Coney Island Precint is far from my home. Anyway, I tell my husband I will do it in the morning.
Today we went to the Precint, DMV, and Bank. I called all the places and renewed my ID's. I still have some I have to do in person.
I was going to change the title of this blog today, but kept it and this is the reason why.
Deformity has become a way of life for many including Christians. Yes, I am talking about the Spiritual and the Physical realm. We have come to accept many things and call it normal. We have chosen to put blinders and walk like things don't affect us, but they do.
One way we can change abnormalities, malformations, distortions, on earth is through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Yes, he makes those " Freakish things we called ugly" and turns them around for beauty.
To preview book click link below:
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/727305

They Call Me Faith

How do I begin? Do I begin by telling you that I am a person living with the disorder Bi-polar? Do I begin by telling you that I am a mother with a child that has Asperger's Syndrome and 3 other mental disorders? Or do I begin by saying that inspite of the circumstances, the trials, the struggles, the pain, the confusion I have seen the Lord do miraculous things in spite of the conditions.
Yes, let's begin there. I have been married now for 21 years to an awesome man of God. I am a special education teacher in a middle-school and have been teaching now for 11 years. I published my first book " A Touch of Peace," in 2006 and now I am so happy to say I have finished writing my second book " They Call Me Faith".
Why did I put all that stuff out there? I have to keep reminding myself that through faith all things are possible for those who believe. Yes, I believe in spite of the fact.
I have to tell you this journey is difficult. Especially when God uses you to intercede on behalf of others and you see His hand move and yet your prayers are still unanswered. Moreover, when you can lay hands on the sick and they recover, but you can lay hands, oil and fast and pray and yet your son still wakes up in his own world and is still isolated and without emotions. How can you serve and love a God who promises so many things and yet you have not seen them come to pass in your own life?
" Faith" a powerful word. One that can transform and transfigure a person in an instant. "Faith" a powerful word that can give hope to the weary. Oh, how I learned how to embrace Faith. I know that without it I would have chose to leave this world a long time ago. I know that without it I would have given up on the Word of God. I know that without Faith I would not be able to see His hands in my life. I know without Faith I could not please my Daddy - " ABBA".
I have to tell you that before I wrote my second book " They Call Me Faith" I did not know what I was going to write about, however, the one thing I did know was the title. Faith is indeed a wonderful powerful word to embrace.

To preview book click link below:
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/727305