Let the unconventional adventure begin!!

Let the unconventional adventure begin! 

I’ve always felt a little different. I don’t say that in a low self esteem need serious freedom ministry kind of way, but more of a proud of who I am kind of way. I used to be so lost in the fact that I wasn’t like everyone else, whether it was because I had glasses and braces or because I actually liked being in church as a kid. Back then there was always something that made me feel inferior. Though actually as I type this that feeling never really goes away… we just get to choose how it effects us. Last week was my daughters 2nd grade Christmas party, and as I was standing in that room with a bunch of moms who appeared like they had it all together those inferior type feelings started sneaking their way into my mind. They looked beautiful, they crushed the planning of the games, knew everyone and hugged the teachers so tightly. And here I am, barely made it out the door with the twins, don’t really know many people there because we’re new, and watched my daughter interrupt the teacher and argue with me over a cookie. HA! I can’t help but think of all of that and laugh. I love that my 4 year twin boys are all over the place, I love that my daughter is a leader, and I love the school we are in. So today, I choose to feel worthy of it all. I’m learning to not create my perception about myself through the lens of other peoples actions. We The Mendoza family are on a great journey that the Lord created just for us. Though I am still working through little issues like the school Christmas party as they arise, I can say that through a lot of time with Jesus, and getting some inner healing I love who God made me to be. My husband told me one day, “It’s a gift babe.” When he said that it was like something clicked and Jon and I became relentless about doing exactly what God was leading us to do in the big and the small things, no matter our opinion or anyone else's for that matter. Whether it was buying groceries for a random person in the store or a GIANT decision that would inevitably cause risk and faith. As far as The Mendoza's are concerned, we are ALL IN with JESUS and we are 100% focused on accomplishing His will for us in this world.  

Anyway, back to our adventure…I’ve been so blessed to have married a man who works hard. He’s always had multiple jobs if he’s needed to without complaint. When I read the scripture in Matthew “He who is faithful in the little will be a ruler over much” my husbands handsome face comes to mind. He has been FAITHFUL in the little. Whether it was making enough tips to pay for a pack of diapers for baby Ellah doing valet or whether it was a random video gig that paid close to nothing that kept Jon up most of the night…..He has worked hard, and hasn’t stopped.  I sit here as a proud wife, but also so encouraged at seeing God’s faithfulness unfold in his business.

I say all of that to say, in 2018 we will be launching Mendo Film Company!! 

WOO!! As I write this I want to stop and do a quick happy dance. I am so excited for my husband and our whole family to take this giant leap of faith into the world of entrepreneurship. As I’ve watched Jonathan's side business grow into a full blown company I’ve been amazed at watching my husbands work ethic, patience, strength and love for Jesus grow. There have been many lessons learned along the way (which we are still learning by the way), and we are excited for this new season of creating some healthy family time and including our kids on video projects, traveling together and just serving Jesus together in the BEST MOST EXTRAVAGANT way possible. Why? Because the King of Kings deserves just that. Jonathan’s job at Gateway was incredible for so many reasons, we could’ve retired there. It's definitely one of the healthiest churches we've ever been a part of it, and it has been an honor to watch my husband serve there.  However, being on full-time staff there isn't what God has for Jon anymore, and I’d rather take a million steps with God in the unknown than stay in one place of “comfort” without God. 

5 years ago I’d be stressed out with all of the “unknowns” but today I can’t help but laugh without fear of the future. I don’t in any way say that to toot my own horn or anything, but to encourage whoever decides to read this to make 2018 a year of taking risks, walking on the water of uncertainty, and accomplishing what God put you on this earth to accomplish. It’s time for those of us who believe in a big prayer answering God to PRAY BIG, and believe for impossible things to be made possible. I know that God put some big goals and desires inside of you, and I want to encourage you to take a step toward what that is. Specific prayers bring specific results. I don't like seeing when we as believers allow fear, bad news, and excuses to take control of our thoughts and therefore allow the enemy to win. The Bible says in Romans 12:21, "Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good." You living your best life and pursuing Jesus FIRST will automatically extinguish the evil in the world around you. We don't need a PhD in Theology to be used by God. He created YOU for something specific and I believe that 2018 will play a vital role in that journey for you. 

We are in the planning stages of some pretty amazing family projects that we can’t wait to share with you. So regardless of whatever season of life you are in, I invite you to be a part of our adventure. We are here for you.  

"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers-- most of which are never even seen--don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met."            Matthew 6:30-33 MSG