Live, Love, and Line Dance

What’s in a name by Niko Medrano What does your name mean?” I’ve been asked this several times. “Falaniko” is certainly a unique name. Unfortunately, its translation doesn’t mean anything particularly interesting. It is the Samoan variant of the name “Francis”, which basically just means “from France”. Not only is this rather dull, but it’s also untrue of me. I am most definitely not “from France”. ... But my name does carry more meaning than its translation. It is found in the person whom I was indirectly named after: my Abuelo, or Grandfather. I had heard stories about him ever since I was little. I couldn’t recall them all perfectly, but I had heard enough to have a great respect for the man. What stuck with me weren’t the exciting stories from his difficult and crazy life, but rather his integrity, honesty, compassion, and most importantly, his love of the Lord. My parents wanted to name me after him. “Francisco” was his name. However, there were already plenty of other Franci...

1 Corinthians 12:23 ESV, "And on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty..." ... 1 Timohty 2:9 ESV, "Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self- control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire..." ... Romans 14:12-23 ESV, "Therefore let us not pass judgement on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean." ... So a common topic this week seems to be modesty. It has been brought up in many conversations I have been a part of lately, so I figured it was time I do a post about it! ... I have been asked recently why I dress so modestly. Which honestly, is quite the compliment, becau...

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart"- Jeremiah 1:5 So, I know this may step on some toes - but I’ve got to get something off my chest. I do not understand how Christians can justify being Pro-choice. I mean, how can you, with good conscious, face God on judgement day and tell Him that you supported the murder of His children. I mean, please explain to me how it is not murder in your eyes. I just cannot see how Christians justify this act when scripture is clear about the killing of other human beings. And how can we have the arrogance to pretend to know when a child in the womb is officially a "person"? Do we really think we have the right to make that call? I mean, for goodness' sake, not to be that person, but we literally arrest and fine people for destroying Bald Eagle Eggs- fertilized eggs- just like the baby inside of me. I had someone tell me today that because I was only 10 weeks along I ...

There was once a time that being skinny was a bad thing, and women were looking for ways to gain weight... than there was a time where every girl wanted to be thin- having hips and a butt was a bad thing.... and now if you don't have curves- you're made fun of- you aren't classified as "sexy". When will people realize that it doesn't matter what others think but what you are happy with? I mean don't get me wrong- there is a point where you are to skinny or to thick that it is unhealthy for you- but as long as you are healthy and feel good- what does it matter if someone has more curves, or has a bigger butt,or a smaller waste than you? Some people are physically built differently- for example- I have a friend who eats like a football player, does a ton of squats, but still doesn't gain any curves- where as for me- due to my Mexican/Samoan blood- am naturally very tall and curvy. I envy her for her muscular healthy body- but she envies my curvy body...

“She does not beg, force, or chase. She prays, works, and has faith...” ... Proverbs 31:10- “She is worth far more than rubies...” ... I’ve never had much self value. I also generally don’t chase after people who have left, because I assume I’m not enough, and they are better off without me. One of the songs I wrote this year is literally titled, “Better as a memory”, because I am convinced that’s all I am- a memory... and with The New Year drawing close, I found myself staring at the sealing, on yet another sleepless night- going over the events of the year... ... I turned 21, celebrated my 2 year wedding anniversary, experienced the bitter sweat taste of having a dear friend back(just for a moment), started THE job I’ve been searching for, had someone say they loved my voice & had someone tell me to never sing again, hunted every weekend, almost lost a family member to cancer, did a bible study over facebook with 2 Canadians, grew close to an old buddy during a rough t...

When I was 16, I ask God to dance. I had floated around the ball room a few times and realized I wasn't near ready to dance with any of the guys their.. They either were far more experienced than me or not experienced enough. I ask God to teach me, to guide me, and to prepare me for the right dance partner... and He did.. He glided smoothly across the dance floor, leading me... He taught me how to waltz with patience, to swing dance with Faith, to two step with Joy, and to have love and grace in it all... He taught me how to follow, and He also showed me when it was ok to lead. He forced me to trust Him, and have faith that He wouldn't drop me... He gave me strength and held me up, when I began to lose balance... He reminded me to smile and have fun, while at the same time holding my structure and frame- my standards. He helped me understand moves I never thought I would be able to do, and He showed me how to Love something that I once found repulsive (dancing in itself).....

Matthew 19:6, "So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." This verse has become so real to me over the last 2 years... Everyone has their own demons- and the beauty of a marriage is no longer having to fight those demons alone... Let me put it this way- Image 2 soldiers, climbing up a mountain, with a sanctuary at the top... Both have their own individual enemies, who hold no grudge against the other soldier. 　 These warriors have 2 options- They can climb alone and weaken their forces but possibly reach the top faster OR they can climb together, slowing each other down but standing stronger chance at survival.　 You shouldn't look at your spouses weaknesses as something that is holding you back, rather view them as an opportunity to grow stronger together. For the longest time, I would try and get ahead, I kept walking alone, leaving Dante in my rear view... and when I was knocked down by my demo...