To Read or Not to Read

I like to call myself a "reader" but don't necessarily think I deserve that title. I hated reading in school and never really did, just used spark notes like a bad student. I don't enjoy reading books that aren't true. but give me a book about someone's life and I'll read it all day, everyday. I have been dealing with some issues in my personal life that have sent me into a tizzy. I found myself pulling away from God and asking "Why?" instead of leaning towards Him saying,"Please comfort my heart and give me joy unspeakable!" So to Lifeway Christian Bookstore I went. I received their newsletter earlier in the month and saw a few books that seemed interesting. I settled for "Choose Love" by Stormie Omartian. I will be starting this book today. It is about 3 simple choices that will alter the course of your life. Even though I feel like I need a book titled "Choose Joy" during a time like this, I am hoping to get something great from this book! I will keep you all updated as I go through my journey with the book and my personal journey (that I plan to soon blog about once I get the "ok" from my Hubby!). 

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Have you ever visited somewhere that you just couldn’t get enough of? A place where nothing else matters and you want to stay there forever? That’s what Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is for me. My husband and I planned our honeymoon expecting beautiful beaches and relaxation time but what we expected wasn’t all we received while on this trip. I was fully aware that we would see beautiful sites throughout the trip but,
 I had NO IDEA that my heart would be so full and I would be able to
 experience exactly where God wanted me to be.
As soon as I can convince my extended family to move to Punta Cana, that is where I will be! 

The dust was so bad that you had to wear bandanas to breath! 

May not be super fashionable, but so worth it!!

Not only did we see everything we wanted to, we saw so much more. Of course we did the “touristy” things.. zip lining, beaches, pool time, etc.. We also went on a Polaris Rzr tour that we had heard great things about. We were told we would visit caves, a place where the locals made coffee and cigars and that we would get a chance to see the prettiest beach in the DR. Once we arrived at the caves several tourists went swimming. We had forgotten to wear our swimsuits so we headed over to the local shops to search for some souvenirs.  Across the street I saw the local schoolhouse and asked the locals about it. They proceeded to tell us that the school was new and built for the children in the area because the usually had to walk miles and miles to get to school everyday. 

I have a heart for children so of course I asked if I could walk over there. We were told we could so a few of us made our way across the street. Once inside my entire heart melted. So many children, so eager to learn. A teacher who didn’t get paid but chose to be a teacher to these beautiful kids. I have always wanted to work in the mission fields and I immediately felt like this was where my heart belonged! Not only in the DR but in the school systems in the Dominican.

The children did everything they could to make a dollar. 

Helped put her helmets back on, dusted our seats, helped buckle our seat belts. 

I can only pray that one day I am able to help build schools in the DR and work hand in hand with the locals there! I encourage everyone to take a trip to the Dominican! It is so beautiful and peaceful and safe! I am a scaredy cat and was very worried that I wouldn't feel comfortable, but I would have felt safe by myself there! We plan to take another trip there soon and I absolutely cannot wait!

I encourage you to find where you feel God wants you to be. It could be anywhere. 

When you least expect it God send you to a different country. 

Are you prepared to go wherever He may send you?

My Rosy Heart

The story behind "My Rosy Heart"
One of my favorite scriptures in the Bible is "A happy heart makes the face cheerful" -Proverbs 15:13 When I read this scripture I realized how true it really is! When your heart is happy, you have a smile on your face. When your heart is sad, you have a frown. What makes your heart happy? When you have a relationship with God, how can your heart not be happy?! There may be trials and very difficult times where you feel down and discouraged but be happy knowing that you are the son/daughter of the Most High! If I can impact or encourage just one person through this blog then my goal will be met.. I pray this blog not only encourages you to stand firm in your faith but also encourages you to be a light in the world for everyone to see no matter what situation you are facing!  Again, welcome to My Rosy Heart and please enjoy reading a glimpse of my life!