Move Your Life Forward by Taking Personal Responsiblity by: Mary Jean Marquez

Move Your Life Forward

by Taking Personal Responsibility

by:  Mary Jean Marquez

 

I share some of my life on this Blog post that is riddled with  "Tough Love" because I care! My desire for everyone reading this is that you would read through humble eyes, hearts, and make the changes necessary to move your life forward.  Sometimes it's hard to admit to wrong behavior and mind sets, but when you recognize, admit and take responsibility for them, you give yourself a chance at a better life.  Denial and stubbornness gets you nowhere!

I realize that sometimes people don't know how to get out of bad habits and wrong thinking after years of living with negative attitudes and thinking, so I would like to share how God helped me.  It's like starting a new job.  I always say people don't know what they don't know, and require proper training or re-training.  Open yourself up to renewing your mind, replacing the old habits and thinking that are getting you nowhere, to a better way that will help move your life forward.  

The following scripture has helped me so much, and I know will help you  "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."  (Romans 12:2 NIV)

There are too many people out there who are playing the blame game, making excuses and not taking personal responsibility for themselves; resulting in stagnant lives that that are filled with self pity.  This behavior cheats people out of, what could be, amazing lives.  No matter what has happened in your life, know that you can live a happy and successful life.  I don't make light of the fact that people have been through some hard experiences in life, but I also know that God can help people heal and move forward if they desire to, like He did for me.  It's your choice!

I personally got tired of being miserable and playing the blame game.  It got me nowhere except depressed, and hopeless by choice.  When I understood that I had to take responsibility for myself and make major changes in my thinking and behavior/habits, my life began an amazingly beautiful transformation.  I began to seek God like never before and he showed me how to get out of that crazy cycle.  It wasn't overnight, but I remained dedicated and focused on my goals to change myself. 

It took humbling myself and telling God that I didn't know where to begin or what to do, and the following scripture was given to me "If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it. (James 1:5 TLB).  The same goes for you.  Ask God for wisdom and He will begin to show and lead you.  

The first thing God helped me with was learning to forgive.  I was harboring un-forgiveness deep within my heart which had me bound in so many ways; it made me ill.  I did not realize that it had rooted itself within me in the form of hatred and bitterness, causing the manifestation of anger and rage.  God knew that it was imperative for me to deal with the un-forgiveness first so that I could heal and move forward in my life.  When I did forgive those who abused, harmed and abandoned me as a child, I was set free in every area of my life, and I was also able to forgive myself for wrong doing as well and move forward.  My life has been brighter and happier ever since. 

I can safely say that everyone has been wronged/harmed, offended and sinned against in some way and point in life, so I encourage you to please set yourself free and forgive.  Allow yourself to heal and be well! When you extend forgiveness, God will forgive you of your trespasses "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6: 14-15)

Every human being is responsible for His/Her life.  God blesses you with life, and it is up to you to live it the best you know how.  Sometimes life hands you lemons, but you can decide to make sweet lemonade.  Get real with yourself and let go of those things that hold you back.  The following scripture guides you perfectly "Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life." (Galatians 6:5 MSG)

To sum it all up, there comes a time in life when you have to stop making excuses, stop playing the blame game, take responsibility for yourself, no matter what has happened in your life, move forward leaving the past where it belongs, in the past!  Make the decision to get rid of old childish thinking and behaving.  God boldly and clearly instructs you in the following scripture to put away childish living "It’s like this: when I was a child I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I became a man my thoughts grew far beyond those of my childhood, and now I have put away the childish things." (1 Corinthians 13:11 TLB)

and

 

I want you to know and realize how amazingly awesome you are. God made you to be more than a conqueror, so rise up, take responsibility for your life, and make things happen.  Make the positive and lasting changes necessary to move forward.  Allow yourself to let go of the past and heal from the inside out.  God bless you always!

 Mary Jean Marquez
Creator and Founder of Women Uplifting Women
www.TheWomenUpliftingWomen.com
Foundational Scripture:  Therefore encourage [admonish, exhort] one another and edify [strengthen and build up] one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

"Is anything too hard for me?"

"Is anything too hard for me?"

by:  Mary Jean Marquez  

As I prayed this morning for a woman who is a military wife and mother, currently living over seas  struggling with serious health issues, the following question resonated  strongly and sternly within my spirit.  "Is anything too hard for me?"  I immediately stopped and opened my eyes and listened.  I know my God's voice and that was His voice.  It doesn't always happen this way for me in my prayer time, but I get so happy and excited when He speaks to me this way! So, my answer was, "No Father God, nothing is too hard for you!" and by the Stripes of Jesus this woman is healed and made whole in Jesus Name! 

I had to immediately write all of this down as I know this is a word in season for many as well as for myself.  He reminded me of who He is in the lives of His children-our lives.  Thank you my Heavenly Father God! 

What is it that you are facing today that seems overwhelming and out of reach?  

Well, I have to tell you that nothing is too hard for God (Jeremiah 32:27).  He has already paid the price for your full redemption through the precious shed blood of Jesus on the cross.  God is telling you that He loves you so much that He gave His only begotten son so that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life (John 3:16), and He desires that you prosper, be in health, even as your soul [mind, will, emotions] prospers (3 John 1:2).  That means that He wants you to prosper in every area of life, and has made the provision for it all!  He is your everything!

Healing is yours (Isaiah 53: 5)

Prosperity is yours (Philippians 4:19)

Peace is yours (John 14:27)

Joy is yours (Nehemiah 8:10)

Deliverance is yours (2 Timothy 4:18) 

Power is yours (Luke 10:19)

Love and acceptance is yours (John 3:16)
Faith is yours (Romans 12:3)
Favor is yours (Proverbs 3:4)
and so much more...Search in God's Word!

He has already given you all you need to live happy and healthy in every area of life.  You live under a new covenant of blessing and redemption because of  Jesus sacrifice on the cross.  He died and was risen again just for you.  Believe and receive that redemption and provision.  All of God's promises are yes and amen through Christ Jesus to those who will believe! No promise is too hard for God (2 Corinthians 1:20). 

God says that He is the great "I Am" in your life (Exodus 3).  To help encourage you further, Here are the names of who He is in your life.  Study them and pray them over your life and family.

If you are struggling with health issues, pray "Thank you my Heavenly Father God that you are Jehovah Rapha my healer, therefore I am the healed and made whole of the Lord! In Jesus Name!

If you are struggling financially, pray "Thank you my Heavenly Father God that you are Jehovah Jireh my provider, therefore my every need is met abundantly."  In Jesus Name!

El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty)

El Elyon (The Most High God)

Adonai (Lord Master)

Yahweh (Lord, Jehovah)

Jehovah Nissi (The Lord Your Banner)

Jehovah-Raah ( The Lord Your Shepherd)

Jehovah Rapha (The Lord Your Healer)

Jehovah Shammah (The Lord is There always present in your life)

Jehovah Tsidkenu (Your Righteousness)

Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies You)

El Olam (The Everlasting God)

Elohim (God)

Qanna (Zealous of wanting all our praise for Himself and no one else)

Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide)

Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Your Peace)

Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts)

 ***********************************************************************************

Elohim: "The strong one" God’s sovereignty, creative and mighty work

• El Shaddai:“God Almighty.” 
• El Elyon: “The Most High God.” 
• El Olam: “The Everlasting God.”  unchangeable and inexhaustible

 Yahweh (YHWH):  God of revelation and redemption

• Yahweh Jireh (Yireh): “The Lord will provide.” 
• Yahweh Nissi:“The Lord is my Banner.”  the one who fights for His people, our victory.
• Yahweh Shalom:“The Lord is Peace.” Provision and rest
• Yahweh Sabbaoth:“The Lord of Hosts.” Commander of the armies of heaven 
• Yahweh Mekoddishkem: “The Lord your Sanctifier.” 
• Yahweh Ro’i: “The Lord my Shepherd.” Shepherd who cares for His people
• Yahweh Tsidkenu: “The Lord our Righteousness.” 
• Yahweh Shammah: “The Lord is there.” The Lord’s personal presence
• Yahweh Elohim Israel: “The Lord, the God of Israel.” 

 Adonai: Majesty

Theos: the only true God, unique, transcendent, Savior 

Kurios: Lord, authority and supremacy. 

Despotes: Master, supreme authority 

Father:  God’s loving care, provision, and discipline

I pray that this is a blessing to you and that you would turn to God knowing that nothing is too hard for Him!
 
Meditate on who He is in your life.  He is so ready to help you in your time of need if you will allow Him to (Hebrews 4:16).


God bless you always and remember that God is abundantly on your side!

Mary Jean Marquez
Creator and Founder of Women Uplifting Women
www.TheWomenUpliftingWomen.com

 

Our Children's Talents and Giftings

Parenting & Children's Unique Gifting(s) and Talent(s)
By Mary Jean Marquez

Every child has his/her unique God given calling, gifting(s) and talent(s).  It is our job as parents to help our children discover and grow in their gifts/talents, and to use them to live happy/productive lives, and for good on this Earth.  Let's not fall into the trap of boxing our children in our own selfish idea of what we want our children to be gifted and talented in.  

I sadly see too many parents trying to control every aspect of their children's lives and the result is, as children grow older they are dissatisfied with their own lives because they are not allowed to discover and live within their unique calling, and parents who are disappointed in their children, feeling like failures as parents.  The truth is, every child is unique and are born with their own unique calling on this Earth, and parents do not have the right to push or manipulate their children into their boxed agenda, or to compare them to siblings or anyone else.

Let's teach our children to love who they are by example.  When we as parents love and accept our children for who God made them to be, in their unique calling, they will in turn have a healthy outlook on life and love who they are; imperfections and all.  Please don't expect perfection from your children!  You are not perfect, so why in the world would you expect your children to be perfect?  Extend forgiveness, Grace and Mercy toward your children, and they will in turn show the same to you and others.   

When our children are young, we are to instill goodness in their lives, teaching them to grow into productive and happy adults.  We are to be on the look out for what stirs their passion, and it takes being present with time and money in getting them involved in different activities in order to discover their gifts/talents.  Some children take longer, while others begin to show signs of their calling early on.   Most people don't discover their calling until adulthood, and that is okay parents!

This photo reminds me of  my daughters uniqueness!

I am blessed with four daughters who are very unique, and who also share a lot in common.  I am so happy that my husband and I learned early on to never compare them to each other or anyone else, and to raise them as individuals in their uniqueness.  They are multifaceted, and we allowed them to explore their interests.  This helped them to understand their unique callings and pursue their passions in life. 

They are thriving in their unique God given gifts/talents; making a difference and enjoying their lives.  My two oldest daughters have partnered in business and successfully run their own restaurant called Papa Pita.  My third daughter is successfully pursuing her passion of acting/modeling in Hollywood.  My youngest is learning, by example, from her three older sisters to go for her dreams, and is discovering some amazing talent in the music arena.  I appreciate each one of them, and thank God for helping me and my husband raise our children to be who He made them to be.

I encourage every parent to seek God for wisdom and knowledge on how to raise and lead each of your children in their uniqueness, and to never push or manipulate them to be something or someone they are not.  Love each child in their unique calling, for who they are, while leading and guiding with love and understanding.  Help them to grow into productive, self-sufficient happy adults who will do the same for their children in the future.

Know that as parents, we are not perfect and will make mistakes.  It is important to humble ourselves and let our children know that we are not perfect, and to ask for forgiveness when we miss the mark and are in the wrong.  We can learn from them as well.  Your children will learn to do the same, and your respect for each other will grow and remain strong for life.

I pray for God's leading in every parents life, as there is no cookie cutter way to be a parent.  What works for one parent does not work for the other, but you can seek God, and He will lead and guide you in the best way to raise your children.  God bless you always!  (Matthew 6:33)

Mary Jean Marquez 


Creator and Founder of Women Uplifting Women

www.TheWomenUpliftingWomen.com

Motherhood and Grandmother-hood

Motherhood and Grandmother-hood
By Mary Jean Marquez

I was blessed with my first Grand child on December 14, 2014, and I have to say it has been quite a beautiful experience.  Motherhood has prepared me for the the God given task of being a Grandmother, and I am so up for it.  It is a blessing and honor!

My Four Beautiful Daughters Vanessa, Jessica, Chrysta, & Jenna

I would like to share my experience as a young mother of four daughters, and what I learned that prepared me for my season of being a Grandmother.  I was 24 years of age when I was blessed with my first daughter and 37 years of age when I had my last daughter.  There is approximately 2 1/2 years between the first three and almost ten years between my third and fourth daughter.  My first Granddaughter was born the year I turned 50. 

I had the blessed privilege of raising my children and have no regrets when it comes to being a Mom, but as a young mother it seemed like I was in the diaper and bottle stages forever with very little sleep and trying to keep up with a household, husband who was always out of town, church/volunteering, pets, school.  I had so much on my plate, I had to learn how to say NO to some things.  When my husband and I got to the stage of our three girls being independent and in school...we had our fourth daughter; starting all over again!  This was so hard in many levels, but such a blessing.  I truly feel that for many years I was so wound up trying to do this mother thing right, under so much pressure, I missed out on the full beauty of motherhood, and did not enjoy my children as much in their younger years, but have abundantly made up for it in their older years.    

Grandma Jean and Granddaughter Addison

As a Grandmother, having gone through all of those years raising my daughters, I have learned a few things about myself and parenting.  I am so much more wiser, light hearted, and joyful.  I don't sweat the small stuff like I used to, and I am so much more relaxed and mature in many ways.  My girls and I have so much fun and enjoy each others company.  We have wonderful conversations  and I, with open honesty, share my life experiences with them.  I feel equipped to be a Grandmother and to help my children in their season of motherhood-parenthood.  They don't have to do it alone, as I had to.  Thank God!

My advice to young mothers out there is to relax and enjoy the years that your children are young; these years go by quickly.  Don't put so much pressure on yourself to be perfect, and know that you are a good Mom.

To Grandmothers, Enjoy-Enjoy-Enjoy and seize your second chance at doing it better and wiser with a joyful heart.  Be a blessing to your children and future generations imparting your wisdom and love.

God bless you always and raise your children in the Admonition of the Lord and great will be their peace-Shalom (Isaiah 54:13).

Mary Jean Marquez

Momma Jean & Grandma Jean

Creator & Founder of Women Uplifting Women

www.TheWomenUpliftingWomen.com 

City Hall still standing seconds before demolition
Photo by:  Mary Jean Marquez

 

34 years of El Paso History went down in seconds after first explosion
Photo by:  Mary Jean Marquez

City Hall of El Paso, TX Demolition on April 14, 2013

By: Mary Jean Marquez

Goodbye to the El Paso, TX City Hall-34 years of History.  As I viewed this historic event on my television at home, my heart raced.  I was seeing with my eyes, but could not fully process what I was seeing; so interestingly unreal!

We El Pasoans have experienced a lot of change, and emotional ups and downs this weekend, and it has been quite a time of struggle in our city to get to this day of the City Hall demolition.  So much division among the people came about, and I pray that unity of hearts and vision can eventually come about.  Perhaps I am naive, but I am the ultimate optimist.  

I have to admit, that I personally still have mixed feelings about the decision to destroy our City Hall in order to build a 50 million dollar ball park on the property, especially when we already have an existing ball park, but I have a strong hope that it will turn out to be good for our city, and future generations in many levels. 

It doesn't hurt to believe and hope!

It is all done, therefore I encourage all El Pasoans to look to the future with a positive expectation for our city, and to be a part of the growth and success that will come from this.  Choose to be a part of great history in the making, and being a part of the solution instead of harboring ill will toward anyone in our city.

We have a choice to either stay in the past with negative feelings, or move on for a brighter future with a positive outlook.  I personally choose to move on with a positive outlook, knowing that God is on El Paso's side no matter what.  I also choose to move forward for my children and future generations.  I pray that all El Pasoans will too.

With best regards,

Mary Jean Marquez and The ElPasoNista Team

To view demolition:

 http://www.kvia.com/video/Watch-demolition-of-City-Hall/-/421452/19745058/-/ct6578/-/index.html

El Paso, TX Historic Icons: View of ASARCO Smokestack and Mt. Cristo Rey (Cross sculpture top right). The Rio Grande flows right above the sand hill, going by both.  Photo taken by Mary Jean Marquez on 4-6-11.

The Historical ASARCO Smokestacks-El Paso, TX

By:  Mary Jean Marquez

Today (4-13-13) marks an emotionally sad day in the El Paso, TX & Smeltertown, TX communities, as the Historical ASARCO smokestackes were demolished. 


There were two smokestacks that were built.  The first one was built in 1950 and stood at 612-feet tall. The second iconic red and white smokestack, on the photo above, was built in 1966 and stood at 828-feet tall.  These majestic ASARCO stacks were not merely cement and medal, but represented history of generations who gave of their lives to build a thriving city, and worked hard to provide for their families.  This history was chosen, by the El Paso, TX leadership and others, to be destroyed.  What took years and generations to build, were blasted out of their foundations in a matter of seconds.



It would have been a powerful and right move for the El Paso, TX leadership to "Collaborate" with the people of  the fabulous El Paso, Smeltertown, TX communities, to work together toward preserving this rich  history.  So much beauty and richness could have been created/birthed around both smokestacks, as other cities have done, instead of destroying them.

                                 The question will always remain, "What could have been?"

There are so many different views/perspectives on the stacks going down, and we must remember to respect each others views with civility and common courtesy; We must respect the many people who have a strong emotional connection to the generational history of these stacks. I can personally understand that connection, because I and my husband have family and friends, who are still living and from past generations, who were a part of that great history.  ASARCO was a blessing to so many in the form of work and community, and that strong bond-spirit of community is still alive and going strong.  Hopefully those who were a part of that rich history will continue to heartily share their memories with future generations, keeping them alive.

Although the stacks were demolished and are now gone-a thing of the past, the people's memories cannot be demolished or erased from hearts and minds by anyone! 
 
In closing, I would like to give a big "Thank You" to all of those who stood strong, fighting to save these "ASARCO Historic Giants".

To view the demolition:
 http://www.kvia.com/video/Video-Watch-the-ASARCO-smokestacks-fall-down/-/421452/19738006/-/lmsccwz/-/index.html

Video in memory of all of the people/families of Smeltertown...who invested sweat and blood making a living for their families at the Historic ASARCO: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNEi4419eV4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Mrs. Mary Jean Marquez
Creator and Founder of ElPasoNista   www.elpasonista.com
Creator and Founder of Women Uplifting Women   www.thewomenupliftingwomen.com

DON'T ALLOW PEOPLE or SITUATIONS TO DERAIL YOU!

This Summer of 2012 has been an exciting time for me and my family in many ways, and at the same time a hard one.  We learned as a family some hard lessons that came in the form of betrayal and lies by people we had trusted, and worked with closely for years in our community.  The hardest aspect of these lessons learned is that they were attacks against one of my family members, and when one person in a family hurts, everyone in the family hurts!

The first thing I did when I got the call with the news about what had transpired, is I turned to my Father God.  I knew we were going to have to be strong and do the right thing.  At first I was so angry I didn't even feel the sting of hurt.  My initial thoughts were getting back at them with all I've got for hurting my loved one.  I was ready for litigation and taking this to the highest authority, and I can tell you that we would have had a good winning case.  Thank God I had close to four hours of driving to get back home from a business trip to pray and calm my heart.

After I had a chance to calm myself,  I helped my hurt loved one see the situation for what it was.  This was an attack from the devil, and we were not going to let this derail her success! We prayed together giving it all to God, and forgiving these people.  God's word in Romans 12:19 kept coming to mind "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, giving place to wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.  Wow! When people come against God's people (us), they come against God, and they will eventually reap what they have sown, and truth will always prevail.

As some days passed I continued to seek my Father God, and legal counsel in the natural.  In the midst of all this, I heard God's counsel within my heart so clearly and powerful, "Deal with this situation as Gracefully and Peaceably as possible."  I meditated on this and decided to follow God's counsel, so I put a plan together that would fall under the direction God lead me to, implemented it, and the outcome was good.

Even though I had gathered the proof of what transpired, and what was said by whom, I did not use it.  The hardest part is talking to these people, and they downright lie to you, and you having the proof in front of you. Wow-What horrible heart conditions! I like the following quote "True power requires modesty and empathy, not force and coercion." ~ Dacher Keltner

MATTHEW 6:33

So! in all of this, the two lessons I want to share with you in hopes that you would be strengthened and empowered to move forward with your dreams no matter what tries to derail you are:

Lesson #1) When you are going for your dreams and experiencing success in life, know that there will be those people whom the devil will use to try to come against you and derail you; People you least expect! Most of the time these attacks stem out of jealousy and envy.   When this happens, you have to get stronger than that situation and those people. Be ready with your armor, which is the Word of God, knowing who you are in Christ Jesus!  CONFESS OUT LOUD--Romans 8:37 I am more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus; Philippians 4:13 I can do ALL things through Christ who is my strength; Psalm 118:6 God is on my side, therefore I fear not; 2 Timothy 1:7 God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of Love, Power, and a Sound Mind...

God's word is your power, so fill your heart with God's word daily and you will be ready to come against the enemies fiery darts, stopping the enemy on his tracks!  Know that you win!!!

Lesson #2)  Always seek God for direction and then obey Him when He directs you.  His way is always the right way.  When you obey God's direction you will come out on top.  My family scripture is Matthew 6:33 Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness (His ways of doing things) and He will add ALL else unto you.  Whatever it is you need, God is ready to help and provide it.  

I pray that my families testimony has been a blessing to you, and that you will never stop going for your dreams no matter what.  When one door closes, another will open, and it will be the right door!

God bless you always and remember that "Life is Fabulously Peachy Darling!"

Mary Jean Marquez

CEO Women Uplifting Women