Journal

More Than Just Slogans

Manwell — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 08:04:57 -0700

It's 2:34am, and I'm up in my hotel room thinking about life and our recent stint on the road and i can't help but wonder why in the world God has been so kind to us. It's perplexing and yet incredibly humbling. There's so much that we have to be thankful for that I can't stop thinking on Him and his goodness. I know that may seem cliche, but there comes a point in your life, where as a believer, you come face to face with every cliche you've ever heard raised in the church. "Jesus is all I need," "I can't go on without Him," "He's number one, before ministry, before anything"...

All of these very real questions have become more than just slogans we heard at church camp or at our latest "revival" service...they've literally jumped off the pages of life and into our hearts and have demanded an answer! Situations in our recent history have forced us to either put up, or shut up, and I can honestly say what seemed to be a cliche is now a statement of valor and originality.

When you realize why these statements became cliches, you quickly understand that at one point when they were first used, they were life defining statements that altered the orators life, as well as those who heard him. So that is now our goal: to make every cliche that pours praise on our God seem as if it were the most original and meaningful statement that's reflected from our lives and love for other people. Lord, let it be so!

Sheesh, heavy thoughts for 2:51am lol!!!
mannyfresh!

Meet Diesel

Blanca — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:02:17 -0700

Meet COCO

Blanca — Thu, 13 May 2010 14:21:29 -0700

I wanted to formally introduce everyone to my "son" COCO… It's so funny cause anyone who really knows me, knows who COCO is cause he's with me allllll the time! When i first met Ben (My now husband) He had bought me this little stuffed bear as a gift. I was out on the road, and super sad cause i wanted to get home. So as a gesture to cheer me up, he arrived at the airport to pick me up with COCO in his arms!! it was definitely love at first site! lol After that day, it was a wrap, i didn't go anywhere without COCO going with me. It got to the point where ben started calling it his son and our parents started calling him their grandbear! I sleep with him every night and he's been on over a hundred airplane rides with me. People at the airport usually giggle and say " is he keeping you company?" or flight attendants ask "does he have his boarding pass?" lol i love it!! Pablo and Manny always tease me about COCO. they punch him and hide him. They've even put him on the conveyer belt at an airport in Canada to see if i would notice that he was gone! They do all those mean things but i think deep down inside they love COCO just as much as i do! hehehe! I bet you would never think a grown woman like me would sleep with a stuffed teddy bear… well…. I DO!!!

Guilty by Association

Manwell — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 10:00:57 -0700

I’m up early after last nights 3rd Dove Awards win and I can only think of one thing I failed to do properly; praise God that we won another Dove and that we’re still able to live our dream. You see when they interviewed me about how I felt last night all I could talk about was how I was already looking for a Grammy next year! I know seeing into your future and hoping for Gods best within in that realm is a good thing, but honestly I’m upset that I didn’t praise Him for my present state. To be honest, the future is the Lords, one in which I may not see on this side of life. So to that end, I’m guilty of looking and acting like an ungrateful son. Deep in my heart God knows I’m so incredibly thankful for his blessings but that’s not enough for me!!! My lips should be the open door of my hearts praise!

We’re not promised another day but if you look at your today there’s at least one thing that you should be giving God praise for. If you’re reading this, start with the breath God gave you to drink in this day.

With that said, I praise you Jesus for Dove number 3! I praise you for Pablo and Blanca and the glory that you’ve put inside them. I praise you for the incomparable friendships and beautiful hearts that you’ve placed in those who work at our label Word/Fervent Records. To them be an honest praise cause they stepped in and decided to carry our vision with us and for that I’m so humbled. I love you team. I give praise for another day in your service God! Another day that we live a dream and a calling that we’ve been put on this earth to do! A dream that is focused on building your kingdom of saints to dream the dreams of heaven! I praise you for every person who has sown into our ministry, every “fan” that has given to see us go to new levels. Every cd bought is a testament to the truth that you have placed inside our hearts. Thank you everyone who continues to support us. You guys are the reason we even do what we do.

Last but certainly not least, I praise you Jesus for who you are, not for what you’ve done, but for who you are. A friend told me once that your goodness is not one of your great personality traits, but an actual attribute! You’re not good to us cause you feel like being good today, but because you simply ARE good! There is nothing in you that wants to see your children fail and to you failure is never what it seems to be. To you, failure is merely a hidden victory cloaked in bad circumstance. With you, failure becomes a stone of faith that is used to build our temple that will soon house your people that our gift will bring in. You are truly a magnificent savior, a loving father and most of all my best friend. Thank you daddy, I love you! Thanks for the 3rd birdy =)

Sincerely,

Manwell

COMPLEX SIMPLICITY

Manwell — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:09:57 -0700

So much to say and yet I struggle to find words that fill the lines in my mind. I’m excited. This friends, is a true statement simply because we finished our record and its amazing! I’m in a relationship and that too is amazing even through the hard work. We’re on our third record and that nowadays is unheard of, so humility is my only true emotion right now.
I see the blessings of my life and think; wow…I don’t deserve any of this. My lifestyle hasn’t warranted any of the things I possess and yet here I am in charge of the thousand cattle on the hill (pardon my use of metaphor).
When looking from the outside, most of the things in my life seem to be simplistic and occasionally expected and yet to me I’m still lost as to how I got here and where do we go from here. I’m full of faith and yet doubt at least once everyday. I have enough courage to attempt and complete a task for God but when I’m done I begin to fill with insecurity if he’s going to bless it. I have goals that are Godly but my flesh begs to differ. What a state of ambiguity and displacement!!!
I feel like Jesus when he was riding that donkey into Jerusalem while the crowd yelled “hosanna, hosanna!” His disciples there cheering and even feeling a sense of pride that they were affiliated with such a man. The entire city wondering in awe who is this man whom they call the son of David, the true prophet.
All this happening and yet in the mind of Christ the same people currently chanting hosanna will be the ones yelling crucify him! The disciples who are so bold in their approach of the gospel, whether correct or not, will be the same ones who flee and run from the profession they’ve confessed. Even Jesus entered into a state of inner conflict confessing “let this cup pass from me” only to submit and say “not my will but yours…”
What a savior…what a love. We have one life that yields many opportunities, some of which are good and some bad. Some decisions seem simple to one person and extremely complex to another, but still the decision must be made. I say we live life with a passion that screams “bring it on!!!” We welcome the ambiguous nature of this life and face it head on with a faith that we may not understand all the time, but still trust.
I don’t know what this year will bring for me and my group, but I know what God will bring. He will bring me peace in my success and failures. He will offer me hope to believe when hope seems to be my enemy. He will be I AM… and that is all I need him to be.
Love you all.

Manwell

Love Like It's Our Last

Blanca — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:56:02 -0700

So last night, Ben and I rented the movie 2012… For those of you who haven't heard of it or seen it, the movie is pretty much about the end of the world. I know, pretty depressing right? Lol, but the movie is not what I wanted to talk about. What caught my attention was the feeling I got once the movie was done. What if tomorrow wasn't promised to me, would I be happy with how I've lived my life? It's not even the big things that concern me about myself, but the small things. The times I get mad at my mom because she tries to give me advice, but it's something I don't want to hear so I block her out. Or how the littlest thing can upset me. How about when Ben does the simplest thing that nags me, and I treat it like the end of the world! I know we hear it all the time, but there's so much more to life than holding a grudge or getting your way! I've realized over time that people just want to be loved and respected… that's it. Even when you feel they don't deserve it, they do. I mean, thats how The Lord loves us, right?

That being said, I want to live each day like it's my last. Let's love our parents, husbands, wives, children, family, and friends with everything we've got!!!

Love you guys,
Blanca

a rollercoaster ride

Manwell — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:53:39 -0800

Favorite Makeup

Blanca — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:00:55 -0800

My top Favorite makeup supplies

1. Prescriptives camouflage cream. This stuff is great. I’ve been using it for like the last 3 years now. It’s a concealer for under your eyes that is strong enough to cover black circles but also lightweight enough that it doesn’t look like you have much make on.
2. Covergirl lashblast mascara- this is the one in the fat orange stick! I’m sure you all have seen it. I truly love this mascara because I feel that it does thicken and lengthen my eyelashes without making them look clumpy! It’s also not that expensive which is always a plus.
3. L’Oreal colour juice lipgloss- it smells good and looks good! My favorite color is “Pina colada!” Oooo la la!
4. Mac “Tempting” eyeshadow – any eyeshadow from Mac is Flyyy! But my go to color is always tempting for some reason. It’s a dark shimmery brown… I’m sure you’ve seen me in it before! Lol
5. Powder by Fx- This stuff is a mineral based powder that was intended to help cover scars of burn victims. So it works pretty good! It’s a great cover up, but it never gets cakey.
6. Bronzer by Nars- I love this stuff. There are days I put this bronzer on and people ask me if I went tanning! The color that best suits me is “Laguna”☺
7. Eyelash curler by Tarte- This is a small trick my makeup stylist, Zuly taught me. Using an eyelash curler, ANY KIND doesn’t have to be the one by tarte, really helps make your eyelashes look longer.
8. Mac Fluidline- I will say this is probably not for everybody. It’s a gel-based eyeliner that comes in a little tub, and you apply to your eye using a really thin eyeliner brush. It took me a while to get used to it, but now I use it pretty much everyday. The color I own is called Blitz and Glitz. It’s a black color with Gold sparkles, very glam!
9. Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips- I Love lipgloss so much that I had to put 2 on my list!! This is a lip plumper so prepare to have your lips tingling when you put it on. The 1st time I put on at a show, one of the hawk nelson guys used the same mic after me, so when he got of stage he said “ Blanca did you put something on the mic, my lips are BURNING!!!” lol it was pretty funny. My fav. Color is “Dolly”
10. Glitter eyeliner by Urban decay- any one that knows me, knows that I love glitter! Lol This eyeliner comes in all different colors and really adds some sparkle to your eyes when you need it!! I own like 4 of them, but my favorite is “Midnight Cowboy!” Weird name, but a cool gold color!

Well, these are my favorite make up supplies, but I would love to hear what yours are! I’m always looking for some cool new make up, so let a sistah know!!!

A little about my day today ...

Manwell — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:55:21 -0800

I'm Married!

Blanca — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:48:32 -0800

Well the wedding is finally over and I can’t even believe it! It feels like just yesterday I got engaged and Ben and I were starting the wedding plans. So now that everything is done, I wanted to fill you in on how it all turned out. Lets just say it was definitely one of the best days of my life. Everything was just so magical and really turned out better than I had imagined it! I fully enjoyed myself and have zero complaints (which I’ve heard is not very common in brides lol)

So I wanted to thank all of you for your amazing support! I read all of your emails and all of your sweet comments on Facebook and feel so blessed to have such amazing fans and friends! You all truly made me feel special during the special time in my life! Ben and I not only dedicated our lives to each other that day but also made a promise to dedicate our lives to God. The road has just begun for the 2 of us, but in the words of my good friend Britt Nicole we are ready to set this World on fire! Hopefully you guys will get to witness it all and join us along the way.

More pictures coming soon ☺

Singing in the car. LOL.

Manwell — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:10:46 -0800

Mixing the new record

Manwell — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:03:46 -0800

HEARTBREAK PART 2

Manwell — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:09:57 -0800

So in the spirit of all things beneficial I feel implored to address you concerning the issue of my broken heart. I know I wrote you before and expressed the despair that I found myself in these past couple of months, but now I feel like updating you on my current status involving that monumental event. You see, I’ve never been rocked like that before. Never so torn and moved that my entire world shut down like an emotional blackout. Being on tour and literally ducking around corners cause of my inability to hold back my tears, brought me to a blinding realization that my heart is not something to play with!!! And even more so, love isn’t something to handle like a coward!

Men and women of all ages hear me out. There are definitely times where modesty and careful tactics benefit you and your fragile little heart and prove wise to refrain from saying the big “L” word. For example: he calls you and every other girl “baby” without noticing, might be an indication to proceed with caution. Or if she says, “I love spending time with you…its like you’re my brother.” Then hold it in fellas!!! Not the best time to get Romeo on the girl. But in the uncommon and colossal instant in which you both feel it, and beyond that you both know it, then with all the honesty that your heart has to offer…say it! Say it because of the rarity of the moment. Say it because tomorrow is never promised! Say it because you mean it!!! Say it because upon these words wars have been fought, kingdoms given away, endless movies made! Say it because you owe it to yourself to confess the most beautiful emotion that God ever created for his children to feel. We’ve been blessed with the ability to experience the wonder of love, and that my friends is the biggest lesson I’ve learned.

I’m in an amazing place right now. This situation was so real to me that it forced a change in me without even realizing it. I no longer care for compromise or for the “in between” zone (you all know what I’m talking about). I don’t care for fear and all that it’s kept me from. I don’t care for transient relationships birthed out of loneliness that only teach me how to say goodbye. I don’t care for the mediocre me that existed in those moments. I’ve seen the glory of a new me. A me that has become open to the sensitivity of the Lords spirit. A me that has seen the product of selfish living and runs from its path. A me that has uncovered his capacity to love and the pride that it brings! A me that if Gods grace continues to hold me, will make a special young lady so flippin’ proud to call me her man! It’s in this person that I believe in. My past will never determine my future; it will only determine the level of wisdom in which I enter it.

God I pray you don’t stop this work you’ve started. Its real…so real that I’m telling the world and praying that you do it in them as well. For every person still dealing with their broken heart, do it in them! Show them your promise of happiness and true joy! Show them how much you care for them and how your life was spent in order that they may see this love that I speak of. But even more so that they may experience the love that transcends this silly little thing we call time and human emotion…your love. You’re amazing, uncompromising and ever so faithful love.

Heartbreak

Manwell — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:51:18 -0800

Well, I’ve always done my best to be honest and open with my life because I believe in the power of testimony, so here’s where I’m at my beautiful people…ya boy is heartbroken. I was in love, didn’t know it, until now and its too late. I don’t write this to be sad or upset but to maybe use my life to relate to anyone of you reading this.
So many emotions going through my head. I’m sad, mad, emotional…I’m like a little girl sometimes lol! I hate that Orlando reminds me so much of her that I want to move! But guess what? I can’t. I can’t run from my reality. I can’t pray that God take away the heart ache because its in these moments that I find the beauty of who God is and the need that I have of Him.
I need Him! Not just for silly things that we ask Him for everyday but for reasons I never knew existed. So many things I did wrong this year that I wish I could take back. I wish I could push rewind and just right my wrongs, but that’s not reality. And you know what that’s ok. I’m going to learn from every mistake, and I’m going to grow. I’m going to cry, but you know what, I’m going to laugh some too. I’m going to love my life and sometimes I’m going to lose focus and let my emotions take over and maybe hate my life…but with all that in mind you know what I continue to remind myself of?
I’m still here! I’ve had heartbreaks before, and I’m still here! God has never left me in the middle of my heartbreak. Never!!! He’s always seen me through and brought me out in the most beautiful fashion and for that I praise Him! I praise Him for future smiles and future laughter. I praise Him for future opportunity and future joys. I praise Him because despite my mistakes he allows me to sit here in a blessed state and compose this letter that I pray touches somebody’s heart. I’m not perfect…I miss my ex…I miss the person I used to be and know is still inside me…but I love my hope for grace. I love that my heartbreak has taken my prayer life to another level of expectation and trust. I love that I know he has someone for me and I need not fear. Here I am Lord, broken but all yours. Do with me what you wish…

For every broken heart out there, I pray that you would trust Him more now than ever before knowing that he’ll always bring you through. That’s his nature. People will leave you, but his will for your life remains after the dust settles…believe in that, believe in Him. I love you all and I pray my vulnerability fuels someone’s strength.

Mad love

manwell

Fashion Terms #2

Blanca — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:19:39 -0700

A couple more fashion terms from Blanca's Boutique...

High Fashions: Refers to a new style accepted by a small number of people who want to be the first to wear unique clothes. Usually are sold in small amounts at high prices. Example: An asymmetrical oversized black gown.

Mass Fashions: Consist of styles that are widely accepted. They are usually produced and sold in large amounts at low prices. Example: The asymmetrical detail from the High Fashion look is translated into this Forever 21 shirt at an affordable price!

Fashion Terms #1

Blanca — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:41:53 -0700

Hey Everyone!
As you know my friend Sarah is helping us with some fashion tips and she put together a great little piece about fashion terms. Here's the first of 3. Check it out! More to come. Hope this helps you expand your fashion vocabulary!
Love you all!
Blanca

A lot of times we don’t pay attention to the terms that are used to describe what we wear. And even though the words style, trend and fashion seem like they mean the same thing, they actually don’t! So here are some definitions that will be helpful in your fashion vocabulary!

Style: In clothing, style is the characteristic or appearance of an item of clothing‐the combination of features that make it unique and different from other pieces of clothes. Example: The Graphic T‐shirt is a different style then the Blue Tunic.

Fashion: Is a style that is accepted and used by a group at any time. Fashion is based on a particular style, BUT not every style is a fashion. A style becomes a fashion when it gains popular acceptance. Example: Ray Ban sunglasses are a widely accepted fashion.

Am I Crazy

Manwell — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:00:33 -0700

In a world of marketing and commercialism we continually find ourselves in a constant state of wonderment consumed with certain ideologies that keep us locked in confusion or even depression. Example: if you’re graduating from high school, you should already know what major you want to declare and what exactly you want to do with your life. If you’re graduating college you need to have the perfect job waiting for you along with the BMW and nice house so that anyone you meet will think your life is on track and going in the right direction. By the age of 25 you should be married, close to being married, or at least have the “one” in your life.
If you don’t land in any of these categories then WATCH OUT!!! You’re a weirdo and pretty much going to fail in everything you attempt!!!!!! Or so they make you believe. I’ve never been so at peace with the place I’m at in my life. Single yes, but not longing. A helpless romantic but more inclined to hearing God's heart for my life. See for so long I’ve been looking outside of my heart to find the reasons for why I’m not where I “need to be” but the answers always been in me.

See I’m convinced that everyone is where they want to be in regards to emotions and spiritual aptitude. The Bible promises that nothing formed against shall prosper, so that means there is nothing that exists in this world, no circumstance or situation, that can keep us from fully loving Christ the way that we should. At some point in my life I had to take a hard, long look in the mirror and tell myself, “Manny, you’re not who you wanna be because that’s not really who you wanna be right now.” It didn’t make sense to me at first because the person I wanted to be was a man after God's heart, holy and pure in his eyes. But my actions at times disproved my “desire” and the two never lined up.
I quickly realized that my faith needed to take shape in the form of obedience. There was no more wishing I was a good man, but there was being a good man.

This comes with thought, prayer and planned action, but it doesn’t come from hopeful wishing. We all need to take responsibility for ourselves and be honest to the one person that it matters most to….yourself.
God's grace is with us. It' purpose is to enable us to carry out his plan for our lives and it will never stop working for us as long as we never stop seeking his will.

You can do it family! I believe in everyone of you!!!! Don’t give up on you! I won’t, and I know God wont either.

Love you all

A little update ...

Blanca — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 06:11:30 -0700

While summertime seems to be coming close to it's end, it seems like the beginning of new season for my life is just beginning. There are so many things going on in my world right now, the thought of it makes my stomach flip flop. I thought it would be nice to update you guys on what i have been up to!

One of the biggest things approaching soon, as some of you may already know, is my wedding!!! I'm currently in the planning process but everything seems so be running smoothly. i've already booked the location, the food, got my DRESS, picked out bridesmaid outfits, lighting, a suit for my fiance and the list goes on... Now, i'm just having to work out all the smaller things that go into making a wedding happen. Let me just tell you, there is A LLLOOOTTTT of stuff that goes in to preparing for a wedding! but when you are surrounded by great friends that i willing to help, it makes the process way easier. This upcoming week we will be arranging our marriage counseling, which i'm nervous and excited about but it should be amazing... 5 months to go!!

Second thing is the new album! We are so happy to be back in the studio makin some hits:) We have already started some of the album, but starting this month we will be in the studio pretty much every day of every week.... it's a lot of work but so worth it.

The last thing i wanted to tell you all about was Revolve. I will actually be speaking on The Revolve tour this year which will make it one of the first times i've ever spoken publicly! Yikes!! I am so nervous yet really excited. I got to meet up with some of the Revolve/ Women of Faith ladies( plus Chad Eastham) and i shared my story with them. We sat for a few hours brainstorming and putting together some ideas for what i should share at Revolve. It was such a great experience. It's pretty cool to know you have a group of family there to help you. It really let me know that i won't be doing this alone.

Well thats a bit of what i've been up to. Feel free to follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/blancareyes to see my daily updates:)

i would love to hear what you guys are up to for the end of this year:) Is there anything you love or get really excited about that happens in the Fall??

Much love to all,
Blanca

Tis the Day

Manwell — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:36:36 -0700

So here I am on another plane ride listening to my 4th solo cd that will never break the light of day because of my current contract…but that doesn’t sadden me in any way. I’m super grateful that I have a way to express myself when I’m feeling crazy emotional! It really is a blessing to be able to put words together in a way that makes people see life differently. I no longer rap for the sake of being cool or popular, but I do what I do to see how many people will bare witness to what the spirit is doing within me. I know I’m not the only person going through tough times emotionally or mentally, trying to figure out life, love and all of the above.
But I also know I’m not the only one seeking God cause I know He’s the only sanity in my world. He’s the only thing keeping me grounded and feeling alive! This ministry that He’s given me that allows me to see the world and meet so many people brings me to life!!! All of you who read my blogs, you literally are my air! My life has been poured out for the sake of your advancement. Even though I’m not worthy, I count it a privilege to speak into your life in any facet. Thank you so much for supporting God within me.

Love you

ENGAGED!!

Blanca — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:54:20 -0700

Engaged!

So i know this blog is long over due but for all of those who didn't hear, I'M ENGAGED!! This is one of the most exciting times in my life because not only am i engaged to one of the coolest guys ever, I'm getting to plan my wedding as well!! (Every girls dream!! lol) In the midst of all the excitement and joy i learned a very valuable lesson that i wanted to share with all of you... that is: Wait on God, he always comes through.

prior to my relationship with my fiance' , i found myself insecure and doubting if i i would ever find "the one." i was always settling for certain relationships that i knew weren't going to go anywhere but for the sake of not being alone, i convinced myself that they were worth a shot. What i failed to consider was that God knows me better than anyone else does, and my timing isn't always best though it feels like it is in the moment. Because of my decision to try and figure it out on my own and merely act like God was included, I ended up leaving myself more hurt and confused then before!

Looking back now, i realize that i was consumed with wanting to be in a relationship. i wanted to be LOVED and APPRECIATED sooo much, that i didn't care what the cost was. i wanted it to be PERFECT... but you can't get that by forcing things to work or by convincing yourself that things are ok when you know they're not. The minute i TRULY decided to let go and trust God, was the moment I finally felt peace about what my future had in store. Literally a few months later, i met Ben, and from the first time i saw him i knew he was it!

So let this be an encouragement to all who read this, Don't lose hope, the Lord always has you covered;)

Much Love,
Blanca