Life

The experiences that have made me who I am

Do Not Worry

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Vacation plans

Have you ever felt that you wish that there were 30 hours in a day instead of just 24?  I’ve been feeling like this a lot lately.  Sometimes I wish there were even 8 or 9 days a week so I can at least rest one. Juggling between so many chores at the same time can be really excruciating.

You know it’s good to have things to do.  Being bored can make you lazy and start having a sedentary life.  Sedentary means bad to your health.  But being too busy can also be bad.  Stress, anxiety….not a good thing either.  We must look for a balance or, in other words, just take it easy.

I often think that when good things come; they all arrive to your life at the same time.  We want to accept everything because we know that nothing lasts forever, specially the blessings.  Now I’m able to work, but then I won’t know if I’ll have an available job in the future.  That’s the tricky peculiarity of being unstable professionally.  We are obligated to live by faith.  We don’t know what the future holds.

That’s why I love these Bible verses that I want to share with you:

“Then Jesus said to his disciples: Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.  Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.  Consider the ravens:  They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them.  And how much more valuable you are than birds!

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”  Luke 12:22-26

Jesus really nailed it, didn’t he?  We constantly worry about our relatives, about the news, about our jobs and about ourselves.  But we can still have rest in the middle of our constant duties.  The only day we have is today.  Yesterday is gone forever; tomorrow is uncertain.

Let’s just enjoy today: hug your kids, tell them you love them.  Call your parents if you are blessed enough to still have them alive and well.  Pray to God and be thankful.  Rest in Him and He will give you peace that passes understanding.

Ebola, Chikungunya or Dengue

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zombies

Luke 21:11 “There will be earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.”

The one who said that was non other than Jesus himself.  He was talking about these days.  Is there any doubt about it?  Dengue and chikungunya are illnesses that are caused by mosquitoes.  I had dengue when I was a kid; fortunately I haven’t had chikungunya.  But people who are very close to me have had it and it’s not pretty.

These two illnesses (chikungunya and dengue) have caused a lot of suffering these days, at least here in Puerto Rico.  I know that in other Latin American countries they are suffering the devastating effects from these pestilences too.  Fortunately ebola hasn’t arrived here and I pray it never does.

Because ebola, seems to be the worst.  This morning I read the news that there is another person infected in Texas, what’s so worrisome about this pestilence is how highly contagious it is.  You can even get it if you have contact with the sick person’s sweat.

There are so many questions about these illnesses.  Are they caused by man?  Are they evolutions of nature?  Were they caused by chemical weapons?  We still don’t know.  There are people who joke about this questioning that ‘why are we gonna get worried? nobody escapes alive from this life anyway”.  That’s maybe true; but, how would you feel if one of your loved ones is sick by an incurable plague?

Is there anywhere to go?  Can we escape from this?  I am particularly concerned because my plans are to move to Texas for next year plus I also have many relatives living there.  But today, the Bible put my worries at ease.

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.  He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”  Jeremiah 17:7-8

I don’t have to say that the tree, water, roots, stream, heat, leaves, drought and fruit are all symbolism’s.  The man is the tree, the water is the Spirit of God, the heat are the tribulations or pestilences, the leaves are the works of man.  The drought symbolizes scarceness and the fruits are the fruits of the Spirit living inside of us.

We have nothing to fear.  Nothing will separate us from the love of God.  Let your hand be guided by the One who still has everything under control.  He is still Sovereign over us.

There They Go!

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CIMG2608

Like every other Sunday morning;  I sit on my balcony to look at the airport and watch how the airplanes take off to the sky.  Sometimes I even wave them good-bye.  This morning I watched 2 JetBlue’s leave as early as 6 AM.  The early Sunday FedEx left sharp at 7 AM.  And while I drank my morning coffee a huge Delta soared through the sky leaving the Luis Munoz Rivera International Airport behind.

I often wonder what’s the plane destination; who are those passengers; what are their plans for the future and who will be waiting for them when they arrive.  I do love living in front of the airport; but it could be a frustrating experience too.  Specially when you feel trapped and you want to leave; but you don’t have the means to do it.  Every time a plane departs; a piece of my heart leaves too.  I feel like leaving; but I can’t.  I guess that’s the way prisoners feel.

Living in Puerto Rico during these last four years have been hard on me.  Since I lost my job and I haven’t had financial stability; the only steadfast supply in my life has been my faith in God.  But what happens when you get shaken to the point that you even doubt if what you’re doing is right?

I started a job two weeks ago; it doesn’t pay much, I only work four hours a week, I prepare very well for my job (I do the lesson plans), I filled all the documents the way they said so I could get paid in time….but still, I didn’t get paid.  It’s so sad when you see the fuel tank of your car almost on empty, it’s the end of the month when you know you won’t have money; then you work, expect to get paid, and it doesn’t happen.

When I told my mom yesterday, that I didn’t get paid, she told me to quit.  But I have a contract so I just have to breathe deeply and try to manage the best that I can.  But then this morning, I watched the planes departing again and….I….just….wanted…..to….leave.

Satanism Vs. Atheism

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satanic book

Do you know what is the difference between a Satanist and an atheist?  The true simple answer is: nothing.  There is no difference at all.  Now you may say:  but the atheist do not believe in God or the devil.  And you’re right.  But neither do the Satanists!  The church of Satan is a humanist organization; in other words: they are atheist. They don’t adore the devil. They adore man. Many church goers ignore this information completely; they have been deceived by Hollywood and sensationalism for a very long time.

News and pictures about people dressed in black cloaks, killing animals, drinking blood and virgin sacrifices are all images that don’t occur in the Satanic Temple.  But the real question remains: is this really a good thing?  The Satanic Temple sells us the positive thinking, the man-god concept, the word declarations….but, do you know what’s worse about this?  That these philosophies are being taught in many of our churches as we speak.

Our own declarations are substituting the powerful Word of God.  Our positive thoughts are substituting the mind of Christ in our way of thinking.  The man-god concept is substituting the sovereignty of the Almighty God working in our lives.

But the funny thing about all of this is that atheist are always bragging about being free from religion.  Think again!  Cause Atheism is an organized religion.  I already mentioned where it comes from: the Satanic Temple.  So they may argue that they don’t have to go to a temple to worship.  Neither do millions of Roman-Catholics but they are still called “Catholics”.

Atheist’s so called “freedom” is just an illusion.  Can they be free of sickness?  Can they be free of depression?  Can they be free of their own mortality?  Can they be free of loneliness?  No, they cannot.  Humans cannot free themselves of problems or situations…not even positive thinking will save anybody.  Not even being a genius will help anybody from their fate.  Just ask Stephen Hawkings, he’s a genius tied to a wheelchair.

The devil doesn’t want people to believe in God.  He wants people to be sick, to be lonely, depressed, to die without hope.  Unfortunately, his scheme is making people live in despair, taking their own lives, thinking that there is no way out.  But God is real like the invisible air that surrounds us.  We cannot live without him.

But, what can we learn about all of this?  Atheist are Satanist; they just don’t know it.  And if they know it; they probably don’t care.  But the sad thing is that one day, they will care.  But by then, it will probably be too late for them.

So, church be on alert!  Parents, keep an eye on what it is taught to your children at school.  Remember, God is powerful to deliver us from any sin, there is nothing that He cannot do.

Smile

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Letterman

I live in an apartment complex. So there are lots of people that I see constantly coming in and out of the building. I try to be courteous whenever I take the elevator. If somebody is inside the elevator when I take it, I greet them and if I leave first, I wish the other passengers a good night, day or whatever. That is politeness.

We live in the same community and you never know when you may need help or when you could help some neighbor in crisis. Well, there is a lady that I’ve encountered many, many times. I greet her when I get into the elevator or when I see her, I smile courteously. She never answers my greetings and she never smiles back at me. Actually, if she sees me, she even ignores me.

The truth is that I’m not offended by it. I pray that some day she will meet happiness in her life. But I think that her personality is making her miss out in lots of opportunities. I will explain myself.

I have noticed that she doesn’t have a car. I’ve seen her in the bus stop waiting. She has to take public transportation to go anywhere she has to go. I have to tell you that public transportation in Puerto Rico, sucks big time! When I didn’t have a car, I had to develop a lot of patience waiting for the bus for even 2 hours or more. And I’m not even mentioning what happens whenever the bus drivers decide to go into a strike fighting for their rights.

Last week I went with my daughter to an appointment into a shopping mall. It was midday. While we sat, I saw the aforementioned non smiling neighbor there. As always, she saw us but decided to ignore us. My daughter and I did our diligences, had a great time visiting stores, (even if we just window shopped), ate at a McDonalds and just enjoyed ourselves. When we were ready and tired, we got into our little old car and headed back home. It was late in the afternoon.

While my car was entering the parking lot through the electric gate, I saw the non smiling neighbor arriving at the same time. She was walking from the bus stop and still not smiling. She probably had to wait hours for a bus before arriving home. It made me wonder.

If she would’ve been more open to friendships, at least I would’ve been brave enough to offer her a lift so that she wouldn’t have to wait for the bus. Or maybe I’m the one who needs to be braver and not be afraid of being rejected. Experience has taught me that people can be so mean sometimes.

Jesus said in Matthew 24:12-13 “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

I pray that someday, I learn to be more brave and that my non smiling neighbor can find happiness and more friends.

Ugly

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CIMG2557  Hello!  My name is Midna.  I live with my two servants: Lauriann & Anna.  Yesterday a visitor came to my dwelling place or should I say: my castle.  My servants kept me safe in a room so that that visitor couldn’t harm me.  But I could smell her from a mile away.  I was quite content in that safe room.  I had everything I needed:  my food, my water and my favorite potty box.  Oh! And I also have a tall bed that almost touches the ceiling from which I can see through the window all the tiny moving objects that I long to catch & play with… or maybe eat them.

So I was quite comfortable but I could still hear that stranger walking around and talking about me.  Yeah!  She said I was “ugly”.  My servants insisted that I was not.  But the stranger stubbornly kept saying that I was the ugliest cat that she had ever seen.  She also added that the previous cat (whom I’ve never met) was prettier. The nerve!  What did I ever do to deserve to be insulted like that?

All I do is play around with anything that I can find.  My favorite pastimes are: following balls and hunting my snacks and eating them.  I still wonder why my servants grimace whenever I eat my snacks.  It’s so much fun to watch while my snacks try to escape but I always catch them…..mmmmeow  and that crunchy sensation while I chew them is sensational.  My servants call them “cockroaches”  but I call them “yummy”.

I like my life and I even have a friend.  His name is Marlute and he lives next door.  He’s much older than me but I like to bother him whenever he visits and stays over.  I like intimidating him with my furry tail.  He may be bigger, older and probably cuter by questionable standards; but I’m funnier!

I am loved, well cared and I have my own kingdom.  And, I don’t give a meow who thinks I’m ugly!

So, bite me!

CIMG2481

Job Interviews

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Job interview

Long gone are those days when there were lots of job offers and getting a job interview was almost guaranteed.  At that time, I was even afraid to apply to jobs because I might get hired on the spot.

But we are living very different times, at least here in Puerto Rico.  Jobs are very scarce and to get a job interview is almost impossible.  I’ve had to make different resumes depending on the jobs that I apply for.   So, I guess that in a résumé, you can’t be who you really are.

There are jobs where having too much education can be counterproductive because you’re overqualified.  Meanwhile, in other jobs, having too much education is just not enough because you need many years of experience for the job they’re posting.   So you are forced to have many resumes because one is just not enough.  Plus, you have to put in a résumé, what the company wants to read.  It can be misleading for them, but job offerings can force us to be like that.

Getting the dream job that we all want can be hard.  My dream job would be one where I am my boss, I have my schedule, and I don’t have to get out of my house….it sounds like one of those jobs schemes that sound too good to be true.  Yeah, those job hoaxes where you pay a fee to some bogus company that tell you that you get paid just for filling online surveys.  You know, no real company will ever make you pay to get a job.  That’s preposterous!

I’ve had online jobs where they pay very well and I’ve never had to pay a single dime to be a part of it.  Real legal jobs don’t show you people living in mansions or driving Maserati’s or Porches.  So when ever you see an offer that sounds too good to be true….just do what every smart person does….Google it!!  Find out if the company is included in “job hoaxes”.  Believe me, if it’s not true….somebody somewhere in the world will say something about it.

And as Christians, let’s keep praying for those who are seeking jobs and for those who are unemployed and can’t work.  Also pray for those like me, who are seeking God’s guidance to see if we can move to greener pastures.

Oh, and I did get a job interview for this next Wednesday.  Yeah, one of the only two interviews that I’ve got over this year, even though I’ve applied for more than 50 job postings.  But who knows?  This job might be the one to supply me at least for awhile until God puts me where He wants me to be.  He arrives just when we need it.  So, let’s keep the faith rising.

Have a great week!

 

Thanks for the laughs!

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Depression is not a joke

I can’t end this week without remembering my favorite entertainer Robin Williams.  It took me too long to just sink in the reality of his passing.  Even though, he made me laugh so many times, I always sensed some tragedy about him.  It happens when you know that a person has so many talents and they get into depressions.

I have admitted in a previous post about my own fight against depression.  Those of us who are musicians, artists and are involved in the world of arts, are most susceptible to fall into the claws of depression, that’s well known in the mental health branch.  I also admit that I don’t take antidepressants; even though I should, but I have put my faith into God.  He’s been doing a wonderful job whatsoever.  No suicidal tendencies; even when the hopelessness might be at maximum strength!  God is that powerful!

I wish Robin Williams might’ve found that refuge in God.  I noticed that when he finished his performances, he usually shouted: “God Bless You”.  Were those simple words for him?  He must’ve had some fear on Him.  But why not let God carry him during his pain?

My sister and I were sitting and reflecting about reasons to commit suicide.  We concluded that powerful reasons would be:  (taking an example of the persecution of Christians in Muslim countries) women who are sold as sex slaves and have seen how terrorist have killed their children and spouses, even men who have seen how terrorist rape their daughters and wives and are unable to protect them.  Those are terrible reasons where suicide might be a way to escape an uncertain future.  I believe that God has the power to turn everything around.  But my human mind cannot fathom how can He do it.  That’s when faith makes it’s entrance.

Faith makes the impossible, possible.   People may think that God is evil because he allows evil things to happen in this world.  But God is not responsible for the decisions that humans make.  Man decides his own fate.  Man decides to follow evil; God does not force us to serve Him.  That decision has to come from ourselves. 

Robin Williams decided to end his life.  He didn’t have to see his children murdered before his eyes.  He didn’t have to deny God and hope that some terrorist wouldn’t rape his wife while he had to watch there helplessly.  He may have had health problems but he had money to pay the best doctors to treat him, he had a successful career, fame, money, a big house, cars, love from his family and friends. But yet, why would he feel alone?  Why did he think that he had to end it all?   I doubt that it was God’s decision to end his life so soon. 

Even if we try to deny it or if we don’t want to face it:  there is a void inside of our lives.  There’s no money, fame, even love of our families that can fill that void.  And it’s an important void; because it can make the difference between wanting to live or die.  It’s that spiritual need that every human being has.  We can’t just depend of our own self sufficiency.  We are not almighty to change everything in our lives.  We are human beings, prone to make mistakes and die.  WE NEED GOD!!! 

God gave Robin Williams the wonderful gift of laughter and make people happy.  He used that gift gracefully but in the end decided to make us cry.  His ultimate decision made me sad.  My heart goes out to his family, friends and all of the fans out there.

Welcome to Joyful Christian Homeschool!

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CIMG2604

Hey!  We started the new school year with a new face and a new home.  If you are thinking about Christian homeschooling or if you don’t know what it is….let me share some experiences with you.  I made a new webpage because the other one was kinda stalled.  Now having both blogs together will be easier to update regularly.  Visit us whenever you like!

Our homeschool has a new address:  http://joyfulchristianhomeschooling.com/

Work In Progress

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Stole my parking

The other day I went to the Chinese restaurant near my apartment to buy some food. It was Saturday, who wants to cook on a Saturday, right? I drove there and when I arrived at front of the restaurant, I put the signal to the left, I was happy because there were two parking spots available. When I’m at a full stop waiting for a car to pass so I can park, a small car behind it suddenly took the parking that I was waiting for. Not just that, the guy parked so bad that he occupied both parking spots that were available making it impossible for me to park where I was so patiently waiting for.

I got so mad but I refrained myself from screaming and went to find another parking space. I found another one in the other parking lot they got.  When I entered the restaurant to place my order, the guy who stole both parking spots was already ordering. He was a young man with tattoos on one of his arms. I don’t have a thing against people with tats, but that’s what I most remember about this guy in particular. I wanted to tell him so many things (ok, ‘tell’ is not the right word, ‘yell’ is more like it). But again, I refrained myself. I didn’t want to make a scene in front of the cashier or the restaurant staff. But I was still so upset about what he had done.  I felt like I wanted to rip his head off….(yeah, that violent!).

After the guy placed his order, he did an about face and smiled at me. I just couldn’t smile back. That’s so not me. I could read on his face the disappointment of me not smiling back at him. I bet he was wondering why I reacted that way.  Probably he didn’t even notice that I was awaiting for one of those parking spots that he took.  At the time, I didn’t even notice if he was looking at me or not.

But then I thought, that even though he wronged me, at the end I had found another parking spot available.  I analyzed that me being so upset, instead of just letting it go, was damaging myself not him.

If I had yelled at him and made a scene, what testimony would I have given of the love of Christ in my life? I did fail when I stayed upset and didn’t smile back….I don’t justify what I did.  But it would have been better to just let the anger go, specially when I had found a solution to my problem so easily.  I often envy those folks who get disappointed and easily let it go, instead of holding grudges.

Oh well, I know now that I’m still a work in progress.

Crashes

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CIMG2483

A long time ago I heard that when an airplane crashes, other aircrafts will crash too.  Well, it seems that these days, that old saying has become true.  While I watched the news and cried my eyes out watching the numerous children that were killed in these flights and all the stories of the parents and relatives mourning their loved ones, I could only pray for them.

What else can we do?  The human being is only capable of supplying the physical needs; but who reaches the broken hearted?  Sometimes the pain of loss is unbearable, and lots of people can’t stand the pain and end up ending their lives because they have no one to rely on.

That’s why we pray; because if we can’t reach them at least God can.  Even though we know that life is hard and it will get harder we can recite the Word of God seeking comfort and increasing our faith.  We live by faith not by sight.  Faith helps fight despair and hopelessness in our lives.  It’s funny how the most important things in our lives are those that we cannot see.

That’s just a small demonstration that all of us; even those who don’t believe in God, have to recur to the invisible to seek happiness and fulfilment in our lives.  If love is real….and God is love….then God is real!

BTW, I have to stop watching news about airplane crashes; I live just in front of an airport and it doesn’t do me good.

 

Backbite

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 gossiping

Ms. C was a middle-aged woman who was very skilled, had studied hard and had many outstanding experiences with the Lord.  She was by far not perfect but she humiliated herself constantly before God just like King David did in Psalm 51.  Even though she was not famous; God knew who she was because she was a “prayer warrior”.   She would find herself talking to God in those wee hours at 1, 2 or 3 AM; or whenever God would wake her up.  She had seen visions of the Rapture, had spiritual fights with demons, joined intercessions with other spiritual warriors for the healing of the sick, the deliverance of the strong held and the petitions of the weary.  God had forgiven Ms. C’s many, many sins; and she was very, very grateful.

“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven-for she loved much.  But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”  Luke 7:47

Ms. C joined a church where she wanted to work for the Lord.  She was happy to offer her many skills and knowledge for the service of God’s work.  Her new pastor was happy to have her join the church.  He was well-known by many people in different ministries.  He had always served the Lord.  He used to have a huge ministry but was now a pastor.  At first, he started letting her participate actively in lots of activities.  Ms. C was content on doing something to please the Lord.

One time during a night service, a young preacher visited the church and gave Ms. C a message from the Lord: “Work and obey Me…OBEY, OBEY”.  For some reason, Ms. C could never forget that message.

Meanwhile,  the pastor wanted to reorganize the church and have a new leadership at church.  It seemed that many things were going on and old leaders were being rivaled by a new group that had joined the church.

Many of the new members at church had their own agenda, they wanted to have the better positions, they wanted the titles and all the leading roles at every activity and the pastor backed them up.  When the new organization ended, old leaders were seated down and new leaders were named and took control.

Unfortunately, Ms. C was overlooked and ignored when the time came to give the most important positions in church.  Even her professional background was not considered when naming came in a leadership position where she knew that she could further her work for the Lord.   The pastor’s son was named to the position that she was professionally and spiritually prepared for.  She thought that there was nothing wrong with the pastor wanting to further his son’s ministry at church, but the truth was that the youngster lacked the experience, the knowledge and the spiritual growth needed for that relevant leadership position.  She was disappointed; but at 3 AM the next morning she was praying and crying before the Lord.  She was comforted and decided to keep working.  The Lord backed her up in everything that she did, even if it wasn’t much.

Even though Ms. C was totally capable of being a leader; her pastor and other churchgoers always questioned her capabilities and knowledge.  Remembering the message that she had received, she wanted to do God’s will not man’s will.  She tried to keep herself away from comments when she noticed that some things were wrong.  For some reason,  it seemed to her that it wasn’t in their best interest that she should have a relevant role at church.

Then, God opened a door where she could study the Word of God and further herself in a serious ministry.  But, unfortunately her pastor didn’t like that.  Telephones were ringing, bad intended comments started spreading and other leaders frowned at Ms. C as if she was doing something wrong.

But the time came when she was tired of being overlooked and not appreciated for her skills, experience and knowledge.  She felt stuck….she wanted to help others who felt the same way.  Other talented churchgoers were also seated and ignored.  She wanted to do much more not just be a back stage lackey for other leaders.  Then, something happened….

A time came when she didn’t want to work anymore.  She went to church, sat down, heard the service and then went home.  She kept praying and wondering….was that “it”?  What had happened to all of the promises that God had made to her?  She had a lot of free time and there was a lot of work to do at church.  But she didn’t want to work there no more.  She loved the people there….but she hated the constant backbiting coming from the altar.  So she did what many others do when the gossip and the lack of work affects a Christian:  she stayed home.

The only difference was that she kept praying and working at her own pace.  She wasn’t proud of staying home but at church she wasn’t being spiritually nurtured.  She felt tortured….  Months went by but she kept praying and reading her Bible.

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:25

One good day, Ms. C encountered an old pastor she knew from way back.  They started talking and she sent her regards to his wife; whom she knew well.  The old pastor invited Ms. C to his church.  Her heart was trembling….how much she longed to go to the Lord’s house to praise Him.  She missed that so dearly.  She accepted the invitation.

Long story short:  she now works at church, helping with her knowledge and using her God-given skills to further His work.  Her skills are growing so she can give unto others from what she has been given.

“For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance….” Matthew 25:28

The church where she serves now grows constantly. They fast and pray every week; they have services every other day, Bible studies, different ministries that work hard for His glory. Her pastors are humble servants who have never been famous but seek His guidance and appreciate each churchgoer letting them be fruitful.  Ms. C is now content; free of the backbiting, the stockiness and the spiritual hunger.

Meanwhile, the church she left… isn’t growing.  Lack of fasting, praying and wasting time in gossiping can do that to a church.

“Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.”  Matthew 25:28

 

 

 

 

Rediscovering yourself

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Music

Have you ever thought that you can rediscover something about yourself?  I’m still on that process but I never knew that I could achieve to play the piano.  Yeah….I have a bachelors in music education but I could never learn how to play the piano.  Strange, huh?

Well….here’s the sad story.  When I started studying music more than 20 years ago, the only instrument that I could play, like a beginner, was the guitar.  I had taken private lessons with a teacher and I learned basic chords.  I used that knowledge to play the guitar at church.  It was useful at that time.

When I started studying music to achieve a degree, my focus was on singing and theory/solfege.  Well, in the theory classes that I took, I gained a lot of knowledge about harmony, major, minor, augmented and diminished chords.  I had all that knowledge and I could see it in the piano but I could never play it to accompany someone or even myself.

My piano lessons were limited to scales and playing while reading the music.  So I did learn the major, minor, diminished and augmented scales.  I learned to read music and play it, after practicing like 100 hours, of course!  I was never good at that, honest.  All of this instruction can’t help you play in the secular world, unless you know how people do it “in the streets”.

A good musician knows how to play by ear.  Even though I have good ear and I can imitate with my voice any sound I hear….when it had to do with the piano: I was totally blocked.  I felt like I had all these empty spaces in my head: insecurities and fear.  But I do love that instrument.  It has always been a dream of mine to sing while playing the piano.

After studying music, completing my degree and seeing that my knowledge about the piano had not increased; I was resigned to think that I could never, ever, play the piano to accompany anybody.  Well….that was until last night.

I saw a video on YouTube about this young man teaching how to play Worship music by chords in the piano.  I watched the video several times and I watched it this morning again.  I memorized the coordination and movement of his hands.  I didn’t have to memorize the chords that he played because I already knew them by heart.  I even knew more chords than the young man who was teaching!

Well, I sat in front of my keyboard awhile ago.  My hand coordination was a little hazy at first, but then I was amazed at all the chords that I could play.  All I needed was the perfect rhythm and someone to point me in the right direction.  I was actually playing a song in the piano.  Now I feel more confident that I can actually do more in my music ministry.  I know that if I keep this up, I can play anything by ear.  Praise the Lord for that!

Sometimes we don’t know our own potential until we try to do something.  Maybe you have a hidden talent that you don’t know of, until you try doing something different.  Probably somebody asked you if you could teach a class, do some community service….but you were afraid to do it because it was out of your comfort zone.  Why don’t you challenge yourself and say “yes” for a change?

You might even surprise yourself for the things that you may be able to do.  All you need is someone to point you in the right direction.  Maybe it’s God himself using someone to tell you:  try it because I will help you and I will use you for My Glory.  He is the Giver of Talents, you know…

God Bless You and keep working on your talents.

 

 

Beneficent

lauriann 2 Comments

Beneficent

On Wednesday, my daughter and I went to see the movie “Maleficent”.  My interest on seeing that movie had nothing to do with watching Angelina Jolie with the overgrown cheekbones; it was more because it seemed to be an interesting take on the story of “Sleeping Beauty”.

I liked how the story dealed with the whole Maleficent character.  I never liked how in children’s stories the evil character is all black without any good feelings at all.  I’ve always liked how in japanese animation or anime, the evil characters have always been portrayed as complicated beings dealing with their good sides.

In the movie “Maleficent” there were no blacks and whites.  There were grays; so the movie made more sense and it was less predictable.  It was just like real life…

 Each one of us has a bad side and a good side.  We all have the choice to choose which side we are gonna let loose in our lives.  What makes more sense is how we can’t predict which side of us will be the winner.  We should want the good side to take over but I often find people wanting the bad side to win.  They even feel proud when the bad side gets what it wants.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 7:14-25 “We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.  I do not understand what I do.  For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate to do.  And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.  As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.  I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.  For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.  For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do — this I keep on doing.  Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.  For in my inner being I delight in God’s law, but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.  What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?

Thanks be to God — through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

So we all have a little maleficent in us: our flesh.  It constantly fights with our spiritual side, I will call it: beneficent.

Now the question is: who will YOU let win the fight for YOUR life? Beneficent or Maleficent?

Choose wisely and you may enjoy eternal life.  God Bless You abundantly!

Former transexual Angel Morell will visit the U.S.A

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For those of you who live in the U.S.A. (specifically in the Florida area) and if you are interested in witnessing how God can transform a young man from the claws of sexual abuse, drugs and homosexuality into a servant of God: know that Evangelist Angel Morell will be visiting Vero Beach & Palm Bay in Florida on August 23 and 24.  The above image has the phone numbers and addresses about these glorious services.  He will also have available his powerful testimony in DVD.  More info about that on his Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/angel.morell.71?fref=ts

Hope that you can be there and be uplifted by the powerful Word of God!  GbY

You can get the DVD of his testimony at the email address in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMcTpUadpSM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Sponsor

lauriann 1 Comment

awesome

In August 2013, I felt the need to do something different in my life. I had always heard about sponsorship programs whenever I saw those sad commercials where they show you very thin kids with even flies surrounding their faces. It always made my heart churn to see kids crying and begging for food.
All those commercials make you think about how well you got it even if you know that life is not easy where you live. It seems that everything gets more expensive; the more you got, the more you have to spend.
But those commercials show you what you can’t see otherwise because you don’t have enough money to travel and see how poor can other folks be.
We are poor but at least we can manage, right? There are others out there that can’t manage. There are other people in other countries that have to maintain a family of 4 with only $194/monthly. How can they do it?
I have to manage with $600/monthly with only my daughter and me and it is very hard. It is extremely hard sometimes. I know it has to do with the place I live. Food here is very expensive when you compare it to the mainland U.S.
I always use the milk example: in the states you can get a gallon of milk for aproximately $2.50 depending on the state you live. Here in Puerto Rico a gallon of milk is $6.00 and they want to increase the price.  And milk here is not imported or exported.
And if you’re like me; lactose intolerant, then you have a bigger problem.  A half gallon of lactose free milk is $6.00. If I want a whole gallon, I have the pay the whooping price of $12.00. Consuming milk and it’s derivatives is a luxury in Puerto Rico.
But I didn’t want to write about food; the thought of it, it’s just too depressing. I want to talk about blessing others. We can make a different for the less fortunate, even if we overpay for milk unnecessarily.
That’s why in August of last year, while in the midst of poverty, I made numbers and decided to sponsor a child.
I heard of Compassion through the Contemporary Christian Music ministry.  I searched the internet to make sure it was not a scam or a hoax.
After my inquiries I went into the Compassion site and decided that I wanted to sponsor a child born specifically in November 23. That’s my daughter’s birthday and I allowed my daughter to choose the child we would sponsor.  I wanted her to be a part of such an important decision.
My daughter selected a girl from Peru who had been waiting for a sponsor for more than a year.
Her name is Keila Yvette and we’ve been sponsoring her for almost a year. She was 4 years old when we started sponsoring her. Now she will be turning 6 in November.
Sometimes I like to image how happy her family must’ve felt when they got the news that after more than one year on a waiting list; someone got interested in helping their little girl.
There are no words to describe the happiness we feel whenever we receive a letter from her. In her last letter, she called me “madrina”. That literally means ‘godmother’. I was so touched the day I received that letter and read those words.
Today I saw a photo of how she’s been. She has grown sooo much, she looks very happy in comparison from the last photo that was posted on the Compassion site.
I loved her pink Minnie Mouse clothes. She looks well fed, well taken care of & her smile made my heart overflowed with joy. I wish I could travel and meet her.
Compassion will be hosting a trip to Peru in June 2015 and they will be opening the seats in August 2014. I really wish I had the money to go; but even if I can’t, I’m so satisfied to make a change in her life.
But I’m praying because God will continue to help us, help her.
Today I just want to tell you, the reader, make a difference in someone else’s life. There’s no greater satisfaction to know that you are loved, needed….and when you’re gone….you will be missed.
Enjoy your weekend! GbY

Sponsor a child!

http://www.compassion.com/

Dadda

lauriann 5 Comments

silla

Psalm 27:10 “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.”

Dadda….that’s one of the first words that a baby says when they’re still toddlers.  It’s easier to pronounce the consonant “d” than the consonant “m”.  Kinda frustrating for all of us devoted mothers.  But there are still devoted fathers out there.  Not in the majority; but they are still there.

Well, these thoughts go for those devoted fathers who are awesome enough to not just think about themselves; but to live to see their offspring thrive and become honest citizens of this society.  We need more fathers like them.  Fathers who will dare to take a challenge of being real men by assuming their responsibilities.

It is often believed that a boy becomes a man when he lays with a woman.  But that is not true.  A boy becomes a man when he is unselfish enough to make a difference in the lives of those who surround him; starting with his family and then to his other acquaintances.  A real man is not just smart; a real man seeks wisdom.

Proverbs 1:7  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despite wisdom and discipline.”

A real man is a good servant of God; he loves God with all his heart, mind and soul. A real man is a good son; respecting his parents and honoring them.  A real man is a good husband; considerate, faithful and kind to his wife.  A real man is a good father; by being a good example, a counselor, a guide and a provider.

There is no perfect man in this world; the same way as there is no perfect woman.  Both will make many mistakes until they reach a certain level of maturity and wisdom.  But the effort of reaching that goal has to be seen and it’s not worthless.

I always like that saying that says: “a man is tall when he falls on his knees”.  It’s a beautiful thought.  Humbleness makes a person great.

But why did I mention Psalm 27:10 as the beginning verse?  Well, it is law of life that our parents should leave this earth before us.  Unfortunately, it’s not always like that; but that’s another sad story.  But this thought is for all of us who have lost a parent because of that law of life.

While your dad is still alive; tell him that you love him, hug him, talk with him, give him a call, take him to his favorite restaurant, take him a movie.  If your dad is sick, make sure he has everything he needs to make his illness a less painful experience.  If your dad hasn’t been the best dad: forgive, forget, ask for forgiveness.  Heal your heart with feelings of love, warmth, mercy and grace.

If your dad is gone (like mine); remember him, treasure the good times, share with your kids those experiences that they may enjoy to know and eventually, they will share them with the next generations.  Keep the memories alive and honor them.  Our Father in Heaven will father us in the meantime.  Enjoy your weekend.

Happy Father’s Day!

(Painting was made by my uncle Frank Cruz)  Representing my sick dad being touched by the merciful hand of Jesus.

I Fixed The Comments Issue!

lauriann 4 Comments

Compu overload

I really apologize to my readers because the settings in my dashboard didn’t allow to make comments on my posts.  This was not done on purpose.  I had no idea what was causing the problem and I tried to fix it and succeeded.  I changed the settings many times but for some reason some of my posts couldn’t be commented and others could.  Now if you have a comment on any of my posts you can comment freely because the problem was solved.  I will gladly reply to you.  I’m really sorry about this past situation and I hope it doesn’t happen again.  Thanks for your understanding and support.  God Bless You all!

Dear Iguana

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Image

I know it’s not your fault that your kind was brought to this island.  I also know that you are running free without any natural predators that could stop you.  You are not from this place, iguana; you were brought here by people who could care less about the dangers that they could do to our ecosystem.  Iguana, I don’t want to harm you; but everytime I go to my car and see your droppings all over it, I can’t help but get mad.

Today, while I washed my car, I was talking to you.  Yeah, I know that it sounds crazy, iguana.  But you have bothered me more than you will ever know.  I can’t help to park my car under your favorite tree.  That parking was assigned to me.  But you have transformed my car into your own personal toilet and while I was washing it today; apart from being truly disgusted by the stench, I wished that the guys who work in the chinese restaurant near my apartment would capture you.

If they get you iguana; you will probably end up being a nice dish of pepper chicken.  And I wish from the bottom of my heart, that the same people who brought your kind to this island, are pepper chicken lovers…