Home for Easter

On March 31, 2013March 30, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts2 Comments

As you have probably noticed, although some of the great authors from Grace and Faith Connection have done appearances at The Rising Muse, you have not heard much from me. I wish I could tell you that I was finishing my next book for your reading. Yes, I did some of that and the book is not yet ready. That has not been the reason for my absence. Life just got complicated. You can blame my 9-5, you can blame some health issues, but the reality is that at some point I had to be back.

I was born to write, and in these weeks when I was away, rather than resting I was wilting. It is this space that allows me to connect with you, to tell you how God is working in my life. More than my books, this is the place when I can share with you the message of hope. So I saw very fitting to resuscitate this blog on the most important day of our faith, Resurrection Day!

With that I know that life still happens and it’s always complicated, but one thing I’ve learned in my walk with Jesus is that you don’t need a lot of time, you just have to be intentional.

May the Lord Bless you this day and always. May his blessings be upon you. May the light and hope of his resurrection reaches your heart today.

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!

THE ROAD HOME $1.99 Only through Easter!

A powerful story of redemption…

“This book certainly held my interest straight through to the very emotional ending. ”Mary Anne Benedetto

“With the ever-constant presence of her closest friend, Aimee, Desiree slowly makes her way to God and learns the greatness of His power and love. ”Cynthia

“A very engaging story about faith, love, and friendship, and the trials and tribulations that life can bring you. ”Jersey Gina

Psalm 19 P.5 And the winner is…

On February 8, 2013February 7, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Book Review, Worship2 Comments

First of all you have to forgive me. This has been one of those weeks, but I didn’t forget about you. I’m very glad that you all enjoyed our latest series of studying Psalm 19. If you missed it, I have linked the previous parts at the end of this post so that you can catch up.

We never got to discuss the last few verses, but I know that at this point you get the message of what this psalm is about. I still want to share those last verses with you for your Friday meditation with a little worship video. (It’s Worship Friday after all, right!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-zJHgaoVa4

Psalm 19:12-14

Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Now to the part you are all waiting for.

The winner of a copy of Growth Lessons is…

Marriott Cole

Studying the Bible: Psalm 19 (therisingmuse.com)
Psalm 19 Part 2 (therisingmuse.com)
Psalm 19 Part 3 (therisingmuse.com)
Psalm 19 Part 4 (therisingmuse.com)

Imperfect Justice: A Review

On February 6, 2013February 6, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

Imperfect Justice: Prosecuting Casey Anthony by Jeff Ashton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I know this is not a Christian or an Inspirational Book, but I wanted to read it. Probably just like the author I want to finally get my thoughts off my chest about this case so that I can finally close the door and move on.

I was very interested in this book because, like most of the nation, I was following the case. Yes, it’s true, the book doesn’t have any new bombshell information, but I understood the outcome a little bit better after reading it.

The same errors in the prosecution that Jeff Ashton noticed, I saw them during the trial. But just like him, I hoped that the jury could see beyond those and look at the big picture.

Although I had followed some of the case before the trial, on the actual day the trial began I gave myself an opportunity to be unbiased and listen to the evidence. I was dumbfounded by the results. I was also surprised about the fast turnaround that the jury took into making this decision. I remember thinking, I know there’s one of the jurors who is scheduled to go on a cruise in the next few days, which means they are not going to want to be there for a penalty phase. At the same time I hoped that things would work themselves out in a different manner.

When reading this book I once again put aside my feelings and gave myself the chance to read it. There’s so much unknown and that we will never know about this case, but this book gave me some sense of closure.

Coincidentally the movie based on this book aired on lifetime on the day I was reading the last chapter of this book. I didn’t like the movie at all. It doesn’t do any justice to the real events or even this book. I love watching movies about real life events and if I hadn’t had the background of the trial and the book I would have not understood the movie, which tells me that someone watching the movie 10 years from now it’s not going to understand the process. There was lack of passion in the acting and we saw a lot of passion in the real life. It was disappointing.

Back to the book, it is informative and it did fill some of the story’s gaps for me. Just like Jeff Ashton said at the end of this book, it’s time to move on. It’s time to use our energy for more positive things and to take care of those children who are still with us.

We all will have to answer to a higher power on our judgement day. Let’s make sure that resentment, hatred, and unforgiveness in our hearts are not part of those things we will have to answer for.

Until next time, be blessed.

“This book certainly held my interest straight through to the very emotional ending. ”Mary Anne Benedetto

“With the ever-constant presence of her closest friend, Aimee, Desiree slowly makes her way to God and learns the greatness of His power and love. ”Cynthia

“A very engaging story about faith, love, and friendship, and the trials and tribulations that life can bring you. ”Jersey Gina

Psalm 19 Part 4

On January 30, 2013January 29, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts4 Comments

For the past few days we are conducting a study of Psalm 19. Is this your first day finding us? No worries. Here are Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. Well wait for you.

All caught up? Let’s move on… Today we are looking at the following verses:

Psalm 19:9-11

God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,

with a lifetime guarantee.

The decisions of God are accurate

down to the nth degree.

God’s Word is better than a diamond,

better than a diamond set between emeralds.

You’ll like it better than strawberries in spring,

better than red, ripe strawberries.

There’s more: God’s Word warns us of danger

and directs us to hidden treasure.

Otherwise how will we find our way?

Or know when we play the fool?

Once I turned my life to Christ the Word of God became vital to me. Just as vital as oxygen and food. I had come to the realization that I didn’t know how to do life. If I knew how to do life I would have done it right all along. The bible is more than a book of stories and tales, it’s the instruction manual of how to live and also the live Word of God and one of the ways he communicates with us.

As a woman who loves jewelry and food, it gives me a deeper understanding of what this means. I once went to an Indian jewelry store and saw something I had never seen. It was 18 and 24 carat gold. As much as I love jewelry it was way too much for me. The color was so intense that it was almost blinding. I spoke with an Indian friend who told me that 24 carat gold is the purest form of gold. Then there are the diamonds, my best friends. I love sparkly things. And it is true, the Word of God is the purest of words and also worth more than any precious jewel. None of my pieces of jewelry have had an impact in my life any closer than the smallest experience closer to God.

Remember to return for the last part of this study. Until then, be blessed

Note: Remember, I encourage you to follow the You Version challenge. If you follow our Bible studies as well and enter a comment in any of our blogs until February 2nd your name will be place in a hat to win a copy of my devotional “Growth Lessons”. I will announce the winner on February 4th 2013. Let’s enjoy this journey of learning the Word of God together.

In Growth Lessons, I was reminded of this beautiful truth: Our walk with the Lord is a process of growing up into the image of Christ. P. Yates

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like some common sense and light added to their life. C. Cunningham

Great for meditations and daily devotions. N. Thames

Psalm 19 Part 3

On January 28, 2013January 27, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts4 Comments

We continue the study of Psalm 19. If you missed our 2 previous post Click here for the first one. And Here for the second one. Go catch up, no worries, we’ll wait for you.

Today I’m very excited about the verses we are going to look at. Let’ see which ones they are

Psalm 19:7-8

The revelation of God is whole

and pulls our lives together.

The signposts of God are clear

and point out the right road.

The life-maps of God are right,

showing the way to joy.

The directions of God are plain

and easy on the eyes.

I have been blessed to have a notion of God all my life, but following him was a different process. At some point in my younger years I thought I knew how life should be lived, how things worked. If you have lived a little longer than me you probably know what the outcome was. I got lost, running into many dead ends and in lots of trouble.

When I finally became a born again Christian I discovered that there was a way to become whole and it was the revelation of God. That I was able to get myself together. That his Word always points us in the right direction and that every time something doesn’t feel right I have to evaluate what I think are the two possibilities: Is this a lesson? or Did I make a wrong turn?

Most of you have read my GPS stories and how stubborn I am to follow it’s directions when I think I know better. I can’t deny that sometimes that is true in my journey with God. But just like my GPS has to prove to me over and over than I’m wrong, God just sits back and I have to realize that he DOES know better than I do, which has helped me trust more in him, his Word and his direction. Hey grandma was right, “ A hard head makes a soft behind.”

We have more to learn, until then be blessed.

In Growth Lessons, I was reminded of this beautiful truth: Our walk with the Lord is a process of growing up into the image of Christ. P. Yates

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like some common sense and light added to their life. C. Cunningham

Great for meditations and daily devotions. N. Thames

Psalm 19 Part 2

On January 23, 2013January 20, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts1 Comment

We are going over Psalm 19. I’m not a preacher, a theologian and aside from going to church, my only official bible classes were two semesters in college. I don’ t claim to have a deep understanding of the scriptures, but this one had a great impact on me when I read it the other day and I wanted to share with you what I saw in it. If you missed the first 4 verses check them out here.

Psalm 19: 4b-6

God makes a huge dome

for the sun—a superdome!

The morning sun’s a new husband

leaping from his honeymoon bed,

The day breaking sun an athlete

racing to the tape.

That’s how God’s Word vaults across the skies

from sunrise to sunset,

Melting ice, scorching deserts,

warming hearts to faith.

The imagery of a dome gives me a sense of covering. In the crazy world that we live in, I need to feel the safety and the protection of my Lord. It is what gives me the strength every morning to do what I’m called to do, the knowledge that I’m under his covering.

I love how this verse talks about the athlete and the newlywed husband. To me it shows God’s love and eagerness to be with us, to wake us each morning to see his creation in action. When I read this I thought, How sad would it be if the Lord wakes up with all this expectations of the things he has planned for me to do today and then I work on my selfishness instead of his plan. I think that’s the other reason why my morning prayers have become so important, because I can surrender my agenda to grab his agenda.

The other day I was listening to the radio and the announcer said, “ If you want to make God laugh, just tell him your plans” It left me thinking, yes I would make him laugh because my plans are usually nonsense compared to his.

Food for thought

Until our next time, be blessed

In Growth Lessons, I was reminded of this beautiful truth: Our walk with the Lord is a process of growing up into the image of Christ. P. Yates

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like some common sense and light added to their life. C. Cunningham

Great for meditations and daily devotions. N. Thames

Studying the Bible: Psalm 19

On January 21, 2013January 20, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts6 Comments

I’ve lived in Atlanta for a little over 10 years, so I’ve adopted the Braves, the Hawks and the Falcons as my home teams. The Falcons lost yesterday *sad face*. Now it’s time to dust off and move to more important things.

You Version has came up with a challenge to help motivate people read the bible on a more consistent basis. Since God’s plan is one and only one, He had been prompting me to do a series of bible studies in the next few weeks. Coincidence, I don’t think so. So the first scripture we will be reviewing is Psalm 19. It’s a long psalm so for the next few postings we will be talking about this Scripture and how it has impacted me. Hopefully the Lord will speak to your heart as well.

Psalm 19:1-4

God’s glory is on tour in the skies,

God-craft on exhibit across the horizon.

Madame Day holds classes every morning,

Professor Night lectures each evening.

Their words aren’t heard,

their voices aren’t recorded,

But their silence fills the earth:

unspoken truth is spoken everywhere.

I am a night person. That has been my excuse to not get up in the morning and spend time with the Lord as soon as I wake up. After I learned the principle of first (meaning that in all we have to place God first), and after my pastor made the comment in church, “ Stop saying that you are not a morning person. If you have a job and get up in the morning to go to work, guess what you are a morning person”; I ran out of excuses. I had to give God my first hours of the day.

It was hard at the beginning getting up earlier than usual to make sure that I could have that time with the Lord. Now that I’ve learned the benefits of it, I wouldn’t have it any other way. During my times with God I get prepared for the day I’m about to face. During my evening times I can relinquish all the events of the day and learn how to manage things better the next day. Just like the scripture says, “classes every morning and lectures each evening” But for that I have to allow my time of silence because God speaks in a still voice and does not compete with the loud noises of the world.

Until our next time, be blessed.

Note: I encourage you to follow the You Version challenge. The challenge is to read the bible for 21 days in a row and enter into a giveaway. I provided the link for you to check it out.
Now, you can never read enough of the Word of God, but if you follow our study as well and enter a comment in any of our blogs starting today until February 2nd your name will be place in a hat to win a copy of my devotional “Growth Lessons”. I will announce the winner on February 4th 2013. Let’s enjoy this journey of learning the Word of God together.

In Growth Lessons, I was reminded of this beautiful truth: Our walk with the Lord is a process of growing up into the image of Christ. P. Yates

I would recommend this book for anyone who would like some common sense and light added to their life. C. Cunningham

Great for meditations and daily devotions. N. Thames

WF: This Is The Stuff

On January 18, 2013January 17, 2013 By Naty MatosIn WorshipLeave a comment

One of the things I enjoy the most about my “Christian Lifestyle” is the fact that I am able to worship. The ability to connect my spirit to God is quite an experience.
I’m not superstitious, but I do think that the Lord alerts me of things to come. When I’m having some quiet time with the Lord I stumble into scriptures that prepare me for things that happened.

This week I read a scripture that gave me the heads up that it was going to be a challenging week. It proved to be every bit true. “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)

Have you ever had one of those weeks where as things happened you kept hearing a song inside your head that kept you collected. One of those weeks where you had to repeat the Serenity Prayer even in your sleep; especially that part that says “taking as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it”.

If you have had this kind of a week, join me in praising the Lord with this song. It’s Friday, we survived, we made it. Let’s Praise the Lord for that.

WF: Worship Friday

“This book certainly held my interest straight through to the very emotional ending. ”Mary Anne Benedetto

“With the ever-constant presence of her closest friend, Aimee, Desiree slowly makes her way to God and learns the greatness of His power and love. ”Cynthia

“A very engaging story about faith, love, and friendship, and the trials and tribulations that life can bring you. ”Jersey Gina

Becoming the church

On January 16, 2013January 15, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Articles, Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

The beginning of a year is a good time for reflection and planning for the future. 2012 was a hard year and we saw in many ways how the church was either an important part or absent in those events that we experienced.

So in a society that is visibly degrading progressively, we as believers have to ask ourselves where is the church. On my last post I talked a little about who the church is and the importance that the church has for Jesus Christ. He is the one we say we follow and worship. But the bottom line is that WE are the church. The church is not a building or even an institution. Every time one of us makes the decision to follow Christ we become the church.

The word “church” as rendered in the New Testament comes from the Greek term ekklesia which is formed from two Greek words meaning “an assembly” and “to call out” or “called out ones.” In summary, the New Testament church is a body of believers who have been called out from the world by God to live as his people under the authority of Jesus Christ.

So when we ask where the church in the tragedies, the sadness and the scandals was the question really is, where was I? How did I contribute to this situation? Was I an element of healing or part of the problem?

You may wonder, what is it required from us. To love others as we love ourselves.

Don’t know where to start. I’ll give you a good starting point.

Follow Matthew 25:34-40

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Until then, be blessed

“This book certainly held my interest straight through to the very emotional ending. ”Mary Anne Benedetto

“With the ever-constant presence of her closest friend, Aimee, Desiree slowly makes her way to God and learns the greatness of His power and love. ”Cynthia

“A very engaging story about faith, love, and friendship, and the trials and tribulations that life can bring you. ”Jersey Gina

The Church and its Bride

On January 14, 2013January 14, 2013 By Naty MatosIn Articles, Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

No, I didn’t lose my GPS again. I’m not looking for directions to a particular building or talking about a particular denomination. The bible doesn’t talk about these particularly it just refers to the church as its bride.

I think of the woman who is in expectation of her groom. She runs around making preparations to spend the rest of her life with the love of her life. Her groom is the one that makes her feel butterflies in her stomach and sing love songs in the morning.

So who is this bride?

In Revelation 21:2 the bible tells us that the apostle John had a revelation, “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” This scripture says that the New Jerusalem will be the prepared bride for her husband. Do we see the parallel of the believers in waiting for the return of our Lord?

We are the New Jerusalem beloved. But are we the eager bride preparing for the coming of the Lord, or are we like the parable of the virgins, who thought that his groom was never coming and ran out of oil.

We are living in crucial moments. God’s perfect plan has called us to be here for a time like this. Are we doing our part? Are we focused on the kingdom of God or are we focused on our own selfish needs? Do we trust God to provide ALL of our needs and like he says seek him first?

Come back on Wednesday as we discuss what the expectation is from us to be ready for the groom.

Until then

Be blessed

“This book certainly held my interest straight through to the very emotional ending. ”Mary Anne Benedetto