Life Update

Well, Time has flown by! I have a new job, our church is growing, which leads us to be more involved, which we have enjoyed, and we got married with everything going on; I've realized that although I have been writing blog posts, I have not been posting! Before I post what I've been working on, I y'all a life update.

I went back to work in a Hair Salon and currently going through management training with the company. As much as I enjoyed being home with our cats and planning the wedding, I missed growing others and helping small businesses achieve their goals. Now the house doesn't stay clean all the Time anymore, but I'm happy to be back at work and getting the opportunity to grow more as a leader in the hair Industry. Now I know that being in this type of salon is temporary, not my long-term goal. I feel like God put me at the location to make a difference not just in my coworkers' lives but in the lives of people in my Area walking into the store.

We all know God works in Mysterious ways, and I fully believe in following the path he has set before us. Since I started with this, I've had the opportunity to see God's work in people's lives firsthand. The number of people who sat in my chair over the last two months seeking God, asking me questions about Christ, and wanting to grow their relationship with Christ has been truly unique. Religion is typically a topic you avoid in the hair industry, just like politics or anything negative. Everyone has different beliefs, and it defiantly not my or anyone else place to judge or tell people what they believe is wrong. Sometimes religion is a sore topic for people and becomes arguments about their beliefs. My husband and I are nondenominational, but I can appreciate all religions! Understanding others' views and opinions further encourages them to live their best lives than trying to debate beliefs or change anyone's mind. I've been in the hair industry for a decade now, and I've had moments where guests pray for me to find Christ because they assume I don't know Christ. After all, I'm in the hair industry. Times like that takes everything in me not to get upset and correct them on their judgmental behavior. Over the years, I learned that if they bring up religion first, I can be honest with the moments I've witnessed or try to keep the peace and let them educate me.

The last two months have been nothing like that; I have at least five guests a day in my chair talking about how great God is and how he's changed their lives. I also have had some say they are new to Christianity and ask me questions I can help answer. I have been able to preach, pray, educate, and lead more to God in the last two months than in this industry in the previous decade. I enjoy where I am because it's more than just a service for some of them. It is a life-Growing experience that they never knew they needed. I will give even a few who have. Their requests become regular, and through the whole haircut, they get to talk about their walk with Christ through the entire haircut. It has become one of my favorite parts of my day and helps encourage me to grow in my relationship with Christ.

Just like at work, God has been working his magic on us at our small church in a little town called Peaster by growing the congregation and leading us to become more involved with our church. Recently, our pianist has taken a step back for now. Being part of worship ministry can be very demanding sometimes, and sometimes we all need a break for our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. When you are overwhelmed, worn down, or even feel defeated, absorbing worship music and listening to the word of God is the best way to heal, no matter where you're at in life. To help give her a break, I needed to step out of the tech booth and onto the stage to give her a break. I hadn't played piano in years. My husband bought me a piano a few months ago because I had missed it and wanted to play again for fun. Little did I know God was preparing me to play for the church and along with the praise team. I usually just run sound and make sure everyone looks, sounds, and plays well. Getting the opportunity to use my talent for the lord and Watching the team and the church grow is an extraordinary experience that is hard to explain. I might not be able to explain the full extent of joy that he has brought us, but I can encourage you to find joy in your own life.

Yes, I said my HUSBAND, we are officially married!! That's right, I am now officially Mrs. Cardona! which means no more planning or stressing about the wedding, thank the lord! I was not the biggest fan of planning, but it was completely worth it. We got married in April, and the weather stayed nice; some things messed up and went wrong, but it was perfect at the end of the day. We had the wedding of our dreams and are happily married. We need to figure out our next big move in life, but for now, we are enjoying our relationship, our marriage, and growing in Christ. Now that we've had the wedding, I'm even more excited to share the post I've been working on and pictures from the wedding with you.

See you in the next post! -Madison Cardona