Happy Father's Day to Both of My Dad's

I was lucky enough to grow up having two dad's...my dad and my step-dad.

Although the years were not long enough with my step-dad, I'm grateful for his unconditional love. When he married my mom he became an instant father of 3. He was patient, kind, supportive, caring and strict (as most policeman are with their daughters.) I was taught the valuable lesson of chores, being independent, and consequences for my actions. (I was difficult...very mouthy and stubborn.) One of the most special days of my life came a few years before his passing. He told me how proud he was of me for the mother I was and the person I'd become. To hear those words from a man I admired and respected meant the world to me! 

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD! I LOVE AND MISS YOU!

My dad lives in Reno, NV. and every summer we'd fly out to visit him for a month. My dad's an outdoorsman through and through. So needless to say, I learned to love the outdoors...hiking, camping, sleeping on a cot under the stars, baiting my own fishing line and cleaning fish. I even learned how to dig my own holes when I had to go to the bathroom, (Oh Joy!) LOL! Yes I can rough it with the best of them. As I look back over the years...I realize that it was important bonding time. The nights sitting around the fire pit with my dad, listening to spooky stories over the radio, telling jokes, playing dice games, scaring whoever's turn it was to walk down the hill & turn off the generator and walk back up in the pitch dark. Then as summer would end, my dad, (the tell it like it is, rough exterior of a man) had to say goodbye. As he hugged us, a crack in his armor would start to roll down his cheek. Tears of love. Tears of a dad who had a difficult time sending his kids away until next year. 

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD! I LOVE YOU!

I'm so blessed to have been instilled with the traits of both of these amazing men. 

Happy Father's Day Dad! I love you!

TAKING YOU TO AMFAR...

"BACKSTAGE SHENANIGANS" -TYSON BECKFORD, JULLIEN HERRERA, CHRIS MOORE & BRODERICK HUNTER

On June 10, 2014, AMFAR (a foundation dedicated to ending the Global AIDS epidemic) put on a fundraising event "Inspiration Gala" in New York at the Plaza Hotel. Josh Duhamel hosted, (his wife, singer Fergie, also attended) and Sarah Jessica Parker was a Presenter. This is always a star studded event and raises tons of money. The 80's band, New Order (from my high school days...aka "Old School") entertained the crowd.  The event also had a fashion show. My son, Jullien Herrera, (Re:Quest Model Management) walked for designer Thom Browne. Since most of us (me included) aren't able to attend these swanky gala's...I thought I'd share some pics from the night with you.

FERGIE IN CALVIN KLEIN 

SARAH JESSICA PARKER IN SCHIAPARELLI

JULLIEN HERRERA IN THOM BROWNE-LAST MINUTE ALTERATIONS

TYSON BECKFORD & JULLIEN HERRERA BACKSTAGE

JULLIEN HERRERA (RE:QUEST MODEL MANAGEMENT) FOR THOM BROWNE

VIEW FROM BACKSTAGE

BAND: NEW ORDER

AMFAR PHOTO BOOTH

MODEL BOYS-TYSON BECKFORD, JULLIEN HERRERA, CHRIS MOORE & BRODERICK HUNTER

To see more fashion from the event click here: MODELS.COM

I RECEIVED A MIRACLE HEALING!

I went to this amazing place to celebrate and thank God!

     I have to share something very personal. I received a MIRACLE healing. On Thursday, May 29th, I went to see the surgeon to discuss/schedule surgery to remove a very aggressive pre-cancer. It was in an area that could've left me with a colostomy bag for the rest of my life. This procedure was recommended after several tests, visits with my doctor and my oncologist. It was decided that surgery was the best option. During my appointment, the surgeon performed an extensive examination (which I thought I was only there to discuss the surgery and then set a date. I was not happy about more examinations needless to say.) That was until...he found absolutely NOTHING! It was gone! He told us he could not perform surgery on something that wasn't there. THANK YOU LORD for answering prayers.  Once home, I dropped to my knees, praying, thanking, crying. I grabbed my Bible and when I opened it, this is the first thing I saw: 
“Go your way; your faith has made you well.” 
     Then I read the rest of the verses: 
"So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road." Mark 10:51-52
     I started balling like a baby all over again! Faith, me? My faith during all of this was like a roller coaster ride. Some days I'd do great and others I spent crying, stressing, and worrying. This led to internet researching, (which of course led to more stress and worry.) Finally, I'd open up my Bible again to get filled up with truth and immediate peace.
     As I kneeled, crying in gratitude, "Thank you Jesus!" My husband walked in. He said, "Why are you crying?" When I told him the scripture that I'd just been given and how I felt, he said, "It only takes faith the size of a mustard seed, Lis."
"So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." WOW...that's the exact kind of faith I had. It was small. But I tried to remain steadfast in seeking the Lord in the midst of everything. Failing some days and doing amazingly well others. FAITH. What does the Bible say about it: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1. After this answered prayer...my faith is growing. The Lord chose to heal me. 
     And yet, while I received this very undeserved miracle...there are others, like my step-dad who was not healed...even though he had amazing faith. During his illness, his spirit remained strong, unmoved, unwavering in the midst of his cancer. He was a light to so many people. He was a miracle by his example everyday to each one of us. So when I talk of faith and miracles, I need to always remember, whether it is a complete and total healing or the gift of incredible faith and strength from the Lord to endure the trial in the midst of the storm. When we continue to seek Him, He always fills us up where we're lacking. Just like the mustard seed which is the smallest of seeds and yet grows to become the largest of trees. 
"Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32.
     Thank you Lord...I stand in awe and amazement of your gift!