Hello friend! Welcome!
My name is Carmen Monserrat, and I’m happy you are here.
I used to live in the Western Suburbs of Chicago but am now living in Mexico with my beloved husband, two wonderful children, and a feline friend named Yuki–we love her, not so much her hairs! (our little secret 😉)
When I tell people that I have a young adult son, they think I’m joking, but it’s true. I was naive to think I had found love at such a young age. I take it as a compliment now, but in all honesty, I was ashamed to be known as the teen mom. If the wall of shame existed, I was sure to find my name on it. I finally came around to appreciating this formative experience in my childhood because the birth of my son symbolizes a blessing in disguise, and that is exactly what he is to me.
When my son was five years old, he experienced his foundation –family structure and security– rip open before his eyes. You should have seen my face when I found out my high school sweetheart was not so sweet. I will give him credit for sticking around for his son, but we had to deal with the psychological effects of divorce. Woah, that’s a mouthful!
But God.
If you are familiar with the bible, when “but God” is inserted in the text, we know something is ahead; a pivotal event is about to happen. And, if you’re a believer like me, we understand that there is nothing, absolutely nothing–good or bad–that doesn’t pass first through the will of God.
I would be lying if I jumped to a happy ending without mentioning all the silent tears or not knowing what to do with a small child. Yet somehow, those ugly moments are ironically beautiful. It is through those times that we are refined. So they deserve attention, too.
Long story short, in 2012, I encountered a different kind of love. I know that sounds cliche but bear with me. The love I experienced is called agape. You may be wondering how this love is any different? Well, this kind of love is a game-changer! (fancy 21st-century term) Basically, nothing I had ever found before. This agape love is unconditional in its purest form.
Since that encounter with Jesus Christ, I decided to devote my life to Him, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Disclaimer: I am nowhere near perfect, still a work in progress, but I humbly accept my weaknesses so God may be glorified.
Every twist and turn on this journey always amazes me, and I love sharing what I learn with others. I hope this blog offers you refreshing encouragement and wisdom but most importantly may it draw you closer to God.
Thank you for joining me!
