My Heart

Zaccheus Marquez

September 10, 2007 - December 27, 2010

Zacc lived only three short years. I expected to grow old with him and have him go deaf and blind before I had to say good bye. But alas, life is often full of detours. I had to say good-bye this morning and my heart is pretty achey.

He stole my heart with his "milk-it-for-what-it's-worth" eyes. I had a written and well developed plan on how I was going to get a Westie and ended up meeting Zacc, the runt of the miniature poodle litter. He was a timid little thing with the perfectly crooked teeth and an eye that would sometimes float the opposite direction he wanted it to. I couldn't walk away from him. I literally teared up and said - "I can't leave him there. I want to make him happy."

From the time we was itty bitty, he would say hello belly up...begging to be loved on. I loved that about him. You couldn't sit down without him sitting beside you and rolling over. He wanted for you to pet him - even with your foot.

I'm seriously so sad. I cannot believe how short his life was. I can't believe that he was healthy one day and completely helpless the next. There's nothing that I could've done differently....

So - the story begins sort how it started. I cry wanting what is best for my little Zaccheus. What was best this time was saying good-bye.

In Memory of Jonathan A. Harris

Job 19:25-26

"For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God." God, help me to keep my priorities straight. I will see You one day, and how much money I had or lost won't matter, only how I used what You gave me, and how I acted in the trial. God, give me grace.

-Excerpt from Jonathan's Journal, January 13, 2007

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Jonathan was born April 15,1980 in Morrilton, AR to David and Yolenda Daniels Harris and died November 3, 2010 in Bossier City, LA after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church and sent from the church as a missionary to Spain.

Jonathan Andrew Harris came into the presence of his Lord. As most of you know, Jonathan had been battling cancer for many years, and as testimony to God's immeasurable grace, Jonathan continued to serve his Saviour in every way he could. He was a gentle husband who strove to love his wife Melissa as Christ loved the church. He was a careful father who sought to bring up his two little girls in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. He was a humble son who honored his father and mother in all things. He was a treasured friend and brother whose communication was free from corruption and edified everyone around him.

Jonathan taught at Helmers Street Christian School for several years while going through intensive cancer treatments, making a lasting impact for the Gospel on all his coworkers and students. From a very early age, Jonathan had a burden to minister on a foreign field, and in 2009 he made the step of faith to begin full-time deputation as a missionary to Spain. The Lord, however, has seen fit to get more glory from Jonathan by taking him home, and transforming Jonathan perfectly into the image of Christ His Son. As Jonathan would want, let's honor his memory by honoring his Saviour, and striving to serve Him no matter what obstacles we may face in our lives.

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So, much could be said about Jonathan. He was faithful to the end. Spending the weekend with his family and friends makes me want to do so much better. To love the Lord more...To tell/show those special people in my life that I love them so much...to prioritize....

Please keep Melissa and her girls, Katie (8) and Emma(3) in your prayers.

Rocco Márquez

April 23, 2009, 12:30 a.m.

Rocco Márquez, the best cocker spaniel ever, breathed his final breath. He is survived by his loving family of five and his friend, Zaccheus. We enjoyed his companionship for over 14 years.

Sad Day

It's a sad day for us. The little guy on the right is Guerro, my mom's dog. He's missing. And doesn't sound hopeful. He's the most loyal dog anyone could ever ask for. He worshipped the ground my mother walked on. He was her shadow.

For my mom, doing the every day stuff won't be the same.

We are very sad. Very sad.

When it rains, It POURS!

The past several weeks have been pretty stressful. It's as though I'm literally living out the reality tv show, Survivor. That or the wretched movie - THE GAME! Have you seen that? Just imagine the pressure. Well, maybe not quite that bad...but seriously. I'm not sure how much more I can take.

To add icing on the cake, I heard yesterday that my Tio Pepe passed away. Tio Pepe is my dad's oldest brother. He is the uncle that always picked us up from the bus station or airport any time we went to visit. He took us anywhere and everywhere in Mexico City and it's surrounding areas. He told the most hilarious jokes. Anyway...I've never seen my dad cry quite like this.

Although, I'm really sad to lose my uncle...I'm extremely saddened for my cousins that has lost their father. They are my age, but still...Can you imagine losing your DAD? OMG! The thought makes me go crazy!

I'm going to Mexico tomorrow night. Not something I had planned, per se...but I want to see my cousin, Ale.

You guys can keep us (Marquez) in your prayers.

A Wednesday Word: making wednesday worthwhile

en·cour·age·ment [en-kur-ij-muhnt, -kuhr-] –noun
1. the act of encouraging.
2. the state of being encouraged.
3. something that encourages: Praise is the greatest encouragement.

My bestie did a cheer for me over GChat. I am addicted to COKE (as in Coca-Cola) and I'm having great withdrawals. And it makes me really sad that I can't and shouldn't have something that tastes so GOOD because it's SOOOO BAD for me. I wanted to share it with you because it makes me laugh and honestly provides encouragement without being preachy.

So - here it is.

GIVE ME A "W"
GIVE ME A "A"
GIVE ME A "T"
GIVE ME A "E"
GIVE ME A "R"
WHAT DOES THAT SPELL?
WATER!
WATER! He's our man. If he can't do it, NO ONE CAN!
WATER!
YEAH GET SOME TODAY
GET SOME it's FREE!
Great for your wallet
Great for your skin
Great for your butt
Great for your C-H-O-L-E-S-T-E-R-O-L

Oh man, was that the "C" word? Yes, that's right. That's the OTHER problem that I'm addressing. It sucks.

oh and my 9.5 stress level. I'm working on that too!

:o(

Sad, Sad Day...

There are VERY few stores that I L-O-V-E going to and when I saw it burned down Sunday afternoon, I nearly cried. Listen - this place was amazing! Granted there are other locations, but this ONE particular location is dear to my heart. You can see it if you do a google map search and enter 2233 S. Voss, Houston, TX.

It was the Cornelius Nursery on Voss, next to the Texas Art Supply (another store high on the list). Cornelius is the Saturday or Sunday afternoon CHILL store. This is where I go when I need big TEXAS Hair ribbon or inspiration for decoration or gifts. I love going especially for Christmas!! Here, they knew me by name and they'd give me a friendly pat on the back to say hello. I paid for EXCELLENT customer service! It was like CHEERS, only no beer.

And now it's gone!

Rumor has it they will rebuild. As a creature of habit, it worries me that "my people" won't be there when it is rebuilt, that their stuff will be different, and that it just won't have that same hominess this ONE place had.

I will live.