The Desert Series: Perseverance

Hello everyone! I want to start writing a series of posts talking about personal trials, or as I like to call them... My deserts. I've gone through a series of things and I would like to share them.

Honestly I have never shared it with so many people but I figure that if I share and I can help at least one person who might be going through the same or something similar then it would be worth it. 

To start off this series, I would like to talk about perseverance. I've been reading the book of James and I've learn so much about this specific theme. PERSEVERANCE. It's so important to fight and use our faith when we go through hard times. Although painful... deserts make us bloom... you learn and you became a completely different person.

"... because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:3-4

So 3 years ago, I faced my biggest desert yet and quite honestly I wasn't prepared for it and many times I felt like I wouldn't make it through. 

Being 16 years old, I was quite immature in my faith. I was very dependent on the faith my family shared. Like I've written here, I grew up in church therefore I always had my parents as a point of reference. However as I converted, I remained very much dependent on what they thought and believed. So when the desert came I wasn't my own person before God... I was what my parents were. Their prayer was mine and that was it. Like we say in Portuguese "the umbilical cord" was still there. 

So when I went through this difficult time, I was alone. My parents didn't get it, my friend stayed away and I had only God to keep me walking. I could've easily given up in my faith all together and stay mad at God for allowing such thing to happen. I had all the reasons to simply turn my back on God but I didn't. This dark time only brought me closer to Him. He was the only person I talked to... I shared what I truly felt and I pleaded for help. 

I stayed fighting this desert for a long time... I will slowly write about it here... but it was months where either I had to persevere or just give up. I had to fight against my own pride, my ego, my emotions, my thoughts and everything that simply told me to stop. But I persisted because I knew God would change this. He would bring justice. 

So I fought... was it easy? Oh my... NO!!! It was one of those situations where you simply have to humble yourself to the max and let God so His work. So as I read this verse, and everything came back in my head like a movie... I noticed that now looking back... after that desert... I became spiritually independent. I no longer depended on what people said or believed. I matured... and that's the whole purpose of deserts. God allows them so we can learn, grow and become the person He wants us to be. 

So if you are going through a desert right now...keep your eyes in Jesus and persevere. Don't give up because God has not given up on YOU! 

More about deserts this week... Stay tuned :)

God bless,

Bianca

19

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father..." James 1:17

I've recently turned 19 and it got me thinking... 

We usually stop to think about the blessings we've received either on our birthday or thanksgiving... how ungrateful of us, right?

Good things happen all the time. Sometimes they came unexpectedly like meeting someone that ends up leaving a mark in your life. Other times can be something you are sure is to happen... sometimes blessings come through hard times.. but they happen. 

So as I spent my 19th birthday surrounded by the people I love and doing what gives me the most pleasure which is serving God, I thought to myself... so many great things have happen already in my life. Around the same time 3 years ago, I was going through the biggest desert I have yet encountered. I didn't quite understand at the time but now I know that I had to go through it so I could receive all the great things that I've received today. 

To write everything that God has done in my life would be practically impossible but to some it up... God never gave up on me. It's been 19 years of blessings... hardships... lessons...but I can totally say that after that dark valley, I was able to reach the top of the mountain.

In these past 3 years, I've grown and realize what is God's plan for my life. I've met people who made an impact in my life. I've learn things that I never imagined I would. I became someone I never thought i could be. Why? How? For the simple fact that when I lost everything... I never lost one thing: My faith in God. So no matter how hard things got, He kept me walking and every day I am forever thankful for His mercy. It's like I made my recovery... and it doesn't stop here.

God always knows what is best for us even when we think our world is upside down. So never doubt of the good things that happen in your life. Thank God everyday because even in the deserts you can bloom.

God bless, 

Bianca 

Pretty Girls with Bad Attitudes...

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

Proverbs 31:30

I always found quite fascinating how some girls have the ability to mix and match their wardrobes to perfection. It's like a talent to wear the right colors to the right prints. They look beautiful... every detail... from their hairstyles to the color of their shoes. Pretty girls who often charm many with their ability to dress so well but then there in one problem... they have an awful attitude!

With a simple word or rude action, all their charm and beauty simply fades away. What  do you mean, Bianca? Well let's think this way... think of the reddest, prettiest apple you've ever seen. I bet as you saw that apple you thought "WOW! I am sure this apple tastes as delicious as it looks" but as you took a bite, you see that the apple was rotten inside. Ah... disappointing huh? Same concept applies to these pretty girls... many so concern with their looks, their outside appearance.. don't get me wrong... we must take care of ourselves. However most importantly is how we are inside. Many girls are beautiful on the outside but simply broken, empty, and rotten on the inside.

Their hearts are full of hatred, envy, jealousy, insecurities... some are always involved in gossip... others are simply rude to those around them. No matter how beautiful a girl is if her attitude is bad, it only reflects the ugliness she carries inside. Those who take care of their hearts by being vigilant, being courteous, being respectful, fearing God will always have an extra spark to them. They will always be the prettiest girls because even a simple smile reflects the goodness of her heart.

So dear reader, examine yourself and work on anything you might have to change about your attitude. You'll need to act differently and work on your  internal beauty by seeking the Creator of all beautiful things. 

After all you don't want to be the pretty girl with the bad attitude, right? 

God bless, 

Bianca 

Are you bold?

"For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die." Philippians 1:20

Bold... What do you think it is to be bold? 

According to the dictionary, the word bold means to not be fearful, face of actual or possible danger; courageous and daring.

We often call people like firefighters, policemen, doctors bold men and women because their jobs often enough are surrounded by danger where they must face in order to save and protect people.

Now let's bring "BEING BOLD" into our Christian lives shall we?

Think back to the time where you still lived your life as you pleased. Perhaps some of you were bold enough to drink until you could not stand anymore... or bold enough to party until the next morning.. or maybe bold enough to smoke until you thought you could fly.. but think about it.. you didn't care. You were alive.. You were daring. You lived as you pleased and that was it. If people criticized you? too bad.. It was your life right?

Now let's fast forward to the moment you decided to give your life to God. Sadly many people lose their boldness. Their light becomes dull instead of shining even brighter. Back in the world, they gave their best to serve whatever they pleased... but once they came to church, they became too comfortable. Let's think.. are you bold enough to evangelize or simply to shy to say a word? Are you bold enough to tell others what God did in your life or simply don't have time? Are you bold enough to assume your faith or too embarrassed of what others might think?

Remember Paul? Before converting, he was known as Saul.. the one who murdered Christians cold blooded... He didn't care. He thought he was doing the right thing and he gave his best. After Paul converted and was filled with God's Spirit, he became one of the greatest apostles. He became bolder, facing persecution, imprisonment and even death in order to spread the Good News. After Paul really had an encounter with God, he didn't become dull and shy... he became bolder and his light shone brighter.

So dear reader, think about your own life. Are you glorifying God by being bold or simply just being one more in the crowd?

God bless

Bianca

Back to new beginnings...

Achooo... I think there are spider webs here... Hello everyone

It's been over a year since I've written anything else here. Honestly it's been a mix of lack of time and things to say. However in this past year, so much have passed, changed and simply made me learn about me, about others and about God.

I started this blog back in 2009 with the purpose of helping others. By sharing my ideas, experiences, thoughts, songs and even cooking tips.. I simply wanted to share and help. Throughout the years I got less practical with it... I had so much to do but I kept writing till July 2013.. after that life got much more busier.. last year of high school, church, job.. and this blog gathered dust and spider webs.

However as I was thinking to myself this past week on what can I do to help people... How could I reach people I hadn't reached... God made me remember of my personal blog. Therefore I made the decision to write again, I've been through a lot these past months and I believe is worth sharing. Moments of faith... moments of hardship..moments with God. I hope you all enjoy it and most importantly that each post may help you in whatever you might be going through.

So back to new beginnings.... shall we?

God Bless,

Bianca

Strangely Dim

Today is Song of the Week day! Enjoy this great song from Francesca Battistelli :)

"Strangely Dim"

I've had all these plans piled up sky high
A thousand dreams on hold
And I don't know why,
I got a front row seat
To the longest wait
And I just can't see
Past the things I pray
Today

But when I fix my eyes on all that You are
Then every doubt I feel
Deep in my heart
Grows strangely dim
All my worries fade
And fall to the ground
Cause when I seek Your face
And don't look around
Any place I'm in
Grows strangely dim

Sometimes where I stand
On this narrow road
Is in a raging storm
Or a valley low
But oh

When I fix my eyes on all that You are
Then every doubt I feel
Deep in my heart
Grows strangely dim
All my worries fade
And fall to the ground
Cause when I seek Your face
And don't look around
Any place I'm in
Grows strangely dim

I don't know, I don't know
What tomorrow may hold
But I know, but I know
That You're holding it all
So no matter what may come

I'm gonna fix my eyes on all that You are
'Til every doubt I feel
Deep in my heart
Grows strangely dim
Let all my worries fade
And fall to the ground
I'm gonna seek Your face
And not look around
Til the place I'm in
Grows strangely, strangely, strangely dim.

Why I hate Religion but love Jesus

Mondays: Adventure in the Kitchen

A new recipe for all of you!!! How to make Brazilian Crepes!!

Enjoy! Yum Yum!

Bianca 

Just say Jesus

Hello everybody! On Wednesdays I'll post the song of the week. I recently heard this song and I love the message. When you don't what to say... just say Jesus 

Life gets tough, and times get hard

It's hard to find the truth in all the lies

If you're tired of wondering why

Your heart isn't healing

And nothing feels like home

Cause you're lost and alone just screaming at the sky

When you don't know what to say

Just say Jesus

There is power in the name

The name of Jesus

If the words won't come

Cause you're to afraid to pray

Just say Jesus

Whisper it now, or shout it out

However it comes out, He hears your cry

Out of nowhere He will come, you got to believe it

He will rescue you

Just call out to the Way, The Truth, The Light

When you don't know what to say

Just say Jesus

There is power in the name

The name of Jesus

If the words won't come

Cause you're to afraid to pray

There is just one name

Strong enough to save

There is just one name

There is just one name

Jesus

When you don't know what to say

Just say Jesus

There's still power in the name

The name of Jesus

If the words wont come

Cause you're to afraid to pray

If the words wont come

And you don't know what to say

Just say Jesus

Do you love the world?

If you are thinking that I'm asking if you love the Planet Earth then you're mistaken. My question is much deeper than that!

While reading 1 John 2:15-17, John clearly told us to not love this world or anything it offers. I started to ponder about it and I even took some notes. After all what does the world offer us? This is what I came up with:

* A scapegoat from problems we encounter

* Momentary pleasures

* Fillers for the emptiness we carry inside

But in reality, the world only offer illusions... pretty images for the eye of the beholder. It's in the feeling of happiness when one is out partying, or the feeling of being loved in every new relationship. The feeling of escaping from all the pressure or even trying to make ourselves feel worthy by stepping on others. Illusions.. Illusions...

John also said that the world is fading away along with what people crave. Someday and very soon (I believe) all of this world we know will be gone. Faded away... Forgotten. However in despite of this John give us the solution from this soon to be forgotten world. He said: "...But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever " 1 John 2:17. 

Dear reader,the world is fading away quickly and its illusions with it. Will you fade away as well or will you turn to the One who can save you? Surrender your life completely to God and obey His Word and you shall be saved. Hurry before tomorrow is too late.

God bless You,

Bianca

Minha Universal- My Universal

Feliz Aniversário IURD! 36 anos de lutas, guerras, perseguições, mas também 36 anos de conquistas, bênçãos, levando ao mundo a palavra de Deus. Eu me sinto tão privilegiada por fazer parte desta obra incrível! Que Deus abençoe a Igreja Universal! Eu nao vou a Universal, EU SOU A UNIVERSAL! #EuamominhafamiliaIURD #Parabens #36anos

Parabens IURD!!!!!! Happy Birthday UCKG Happy Birthday Iurd! 36 years of fights, wars, persecution but also 36 years conquering, blessings, telling the world about the word of God. I have the priviledge of being part of this amazing work! May God bless the Universal Church! I am don't go to Universal, I am Universal!

Mondays- Adventure in the Kitchen

Hello readers!!!

I am back.. LOL.. Mondays are now "Adventures in the Kitchen with Bianca"

I will try to make a video every month and post recipes every week :)

Enjoy!!

We have fun

So I know it's been almost 2 months since I've written anything... but I will get back to it! To kick off Summer Blog Posting...LOL... Here is a video of the youth group in my church... some people say Christians have no fun.. I beg to differ! Just watch and tell me what you think :) 

God bless

Bianca

The Approved Assistant

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply put the uniform; but they wear their BATTLE CLOTHES

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply go to church, They go to the SPIRITUAL FIELD;

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply go evangelize, they go TAKE AWAY SOULS FROM THE DEVIL'S HAND

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply read the Bible, they TALK TO GOD

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply pray, They CRY OUT TO GOD

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply give the  fish, but TEACHES HOW TO FISH

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply fight against the devil, but COMBAT ALL PRINCIPALITY AND POWER

The Approved Assistant doesn't say: "God willing," but SAYS IN THE NAME OF JESUS​​! ;

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply counsel people, They GIVE DIRECTION THROUGH THE GUIDANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply help the lost, but they GO DOWN TO HELL TO WIN A SOUL

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply read the Bible, they TALK TO GOD

The Approved Assistant doesn't simply step on the devil, they CRUSH HIM UNDER THEIR FEET


The Approved Assistant doesn't ask, they OBEY!

^"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

Unbelief

Hello readers,

Here is Mrs.Nanda's message for the 8th day of the 21 days of the fasting of Daniel

God Bless,

Bianca

Cold-Heart Faith

" See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God." Hebrews 3:12

So I was reading this verse today and I was thinking: Isn't this what is really happening inside the churches?? 

More and more people are letting their hearts be fulfilled of hatred, envy, anger, feelings..feelings. They are letting their faith grow cold because of spiritual pride.

But it all makes sense... in 2 Timothy 3:5 says: But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. ² People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴ treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people." 

In other words, in the final days there will an increase of people leaving the Presence of God due to the evilness and unbelief of their hearts. That's why some many burned-out "christians" turn atheist... because they have let their unbelief (also worldly superstitions)  turn them away from the Living God.

So, dear readers, beware of your spiritual life! Don't let your heart fool you with emotions that will bring the unbelief and evilness to your life. Don't let your faith grow cold!!! That would only lead you towards an empty life away from God.

God bless,

Bianca

Strong enough?

"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!" 1 Corinthians 10:12

Paul tell the church in Corinthians to be careful not to fall. That sounds like some common advice to give to any christian right? Well...yes, of course! Let's re-read it.... Paul says IF YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG...

Hmm... why would Paul say such thing? For the obvious reasons... a human being is naturally proud. Therefore if one thinks they are strong enough that makes them too proud to receive rebuke, to receive advice of any sort and even to ask God for help. 

They are not humble to recognize "the red flags" but instead they constantly they say "I know" or "Dont worry, I am strong". In reality we must always be on guard because the devil doesn't waste time. He only needs a tiny little space so he can get in your life!

So for all those who believe they are The Spiritual Superman....Be careful NOT TO FALL!

God bless,

Bianca

He is Greater

"The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs." Hebrews 1:3-4

Jesus is not like any angel in heaven. He is greater. He is powerful.

Jesus showed and shows the character of God. In Him, we find the example for our lives. Jesus was perfect! Of course, we can never be like Him but we should yearn the same holiness the Son had. Through His character, the Father was glorified and His glory was reveal to all of us. 

The same way those who are truly God's children should have lives that show this world the Greatness and Glory of Our God.

Let's live like Jesus did

God bless,

Bianca

21 days of Spiritual Cleaning

Hello readers,

I wanted to post here about this spiritual purpose I will start on Sunday. It's called 21 days of the fasting of Daniel.

As we know, Daniel was a man of prayer. "...he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before." Daniel 6:10 

Now the fast is not just about praying three times a day... it's much more than that. This fast is very different because we are not doing food fasting either. Instead we are doing 21 days of spiritual cleanse. Its like doing a spring cleaning on your communion with God. We will stay 21 days without getting involved with things of this world. 

We will not be watching TV, listening to worldly music, be in social networks like Facebook or Twitter unless is to share something that God has spoken to us... Instead we will use this time to seek the Holy Spirit,  read the Bible, read books that edify our lives like Nothing to Lose or V-Woman. We will be tuned in to IURDTV to listen to the messages Bishop Macedo. 

In other words, we will be turned off for this world to be tuned in to God's voice. Bishops, pastors, pastor's 

wives, assistants, Kids Zone teachers, YPG, even the kids will be in the same faith for 21 days. 

I believe it's going to be a blessing for all of us. This is a great opportunity for those who already are baptized to be renewed, Those who still haven't received the Holy Spirit to receive, those who are struggling with their 

deliverance to be delivered. In other words, this is a sacrifice where one can only benefit. So take this 

seriously and invest. I can tell you by experience that one haven't found love or peace until they met Jesus for 

themselves. Revolt against this situation and give everything you have. God is extremely interested in giving us 

His Spirit because He knows that without Him, we can't stay strong. Someone without the Holy Spirit has a expiration date.

So seek and pray because God is ready to pour out His Spirit upon us without limits. 

In this faith,

Bianca

The View

This is how it felt when I accepted Christ, like I was looking out at a new start, a beautiful mystery. 

How about you? How was your experience with God?

God bless :)