Yearly Archives: 2016

Guilty as charged!

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Have I used ‘facetune’ app to erase wrinkles on my face?

Guilty as charged!

There will always be an opportunity to fix our ‘looks’ on the app. by just clicking different features.

‘click’ red eyes are fixed, ‘click’ wrinkles are faded, ‘click’ teeth are whiter than ever, ‘click’ textures are smoother and even another ‘click’ 10-15 lbs. are instantly off!

Magazines and TV commercials highlight the latest trends of beauty products.

Have I used anti-aging products?

Guilty as charged!

As a matter of fact, I’ve found the best products for facial ‘aging’ spots in the market recently. Yes! I’m quite aware of the aging process… Loss of hair, belly fat, grey hair, aging spots, flabby arms just to mention a few!

Exercising our bodies, and eating healthy promote wellness. Just know, our hearts need most of our attention.

Guarding our hearts from negative emotions will enhance our quality of life. Don’t allow anger take root in your heart.

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Have we asked ourselves lately?!

Am I resentful or forgiving? Am I judgmental or understanding? Am I hateful or loving? Am I selfish or giving? Am I angry or compassionate?

If we are experiencing negative emotions today, let’s pray for God’s perspective, renew our minds quickly and pray for healing of our tender hearts.

1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 

‘Please Lord, give me a fresh perspective on aging and most importantly heal all matters of the heart. Give me a fresh perspective on gray hair very soon! I don’t want to be ‘guilty as charged’ on my next birthday…’

In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Gifts from above!

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It’s my Birthday month!

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I’ve been so blessed over the last forty-nine years. I’ve been alive for almost half a century!

Even though I’ve faced multiple, challenging scenarios both in my personal and professional lives, God has led the way over the past decade.

God has reassured me over and over again He’s got a plan written out just for me, and my full name is on the cover sheet.

How do I know He does?!

Every time I’m about to doubt His plan and grow weary, He reminds me of His grace and memorable gifts.

Co-worker’s smile when walking down the hall, the gift of friendship;

A wise friend who suggests the ‘next step’ for a project, the gift of wisdom;

A graphic designer who is willing to do work for FREE, the gift of fellowship;

A local church where God is glorified, the gift of the Gospel;

A bakery’s free bagel, the gift of community resources,

A co-worker’s readiness for an upcoming training, the gift of team work,

A replacement of an item free of charge and no shipping fees, the gift of customer service,

And so many other gifts!

I just have to be mindful of His unexpected gifts in ordinary moments.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

His Gift

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I only hoped for the ‘best’ when I confirmed my decision with a nationwide recruiter who offered me a career opportunity in Tennessee.

Taking a leap of Faith was just the beginning of a fulfilling journey in Faith!

I moved away from family and friends, and left behind a metropolitan lifestyle in Sunshine State.

I signed a ‘one-year’ lease for one-bedroom apartment in Germantown area, packed all personal belongings, and drove to a new State with my feline crew. I thought it would only be temporarily. I was wrong!

Collierville, Tennessee is ‘home’ today.

As I settled down in career endeavors, I initiated a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and soon realized I was digging deeper into my Faith.

How did it all happened?!

Because of my brokenness, I repented of my sins, invited Jesus into my heart, backed away from self-defeating patterns and believed in Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. Jesus died on the Cross and resurrected three days later so I could have His gift of Salvation.

Thank you, Jesus!

I’m now embracing a resurrected life filled with hope, grace, joy and forgiveness. Because of His unfailing love, I’m a new creation In Christ.

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“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:18‬ ‭NIV‬

One step at a time

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“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬
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As I was setting up my new Instagram account this morning, I soon realized I didn’t know how to post an image. I needed the ABCs of Instagram then.

My initial reaction was, ‘this can’t be that difficult! I can navigate social media just fine’.

After 24 minutes, I was quite frustrated when the task at hand was unsuccessful!

My husband was supportive and immediately reassured me in a calm demeanor, “you’ll figure it out honey. You always do”

Why was I so frustrated?  What was the rush anyway?!

I wanted to post a couple of images, add FB friends, and connect Instagram with Twitter and FB accounts all at the same time.

 I just needed extra time to be familiarized with the set up of Instagram.

As I was cruising down Shelby drive, the Lord nudged me, ‘One step at a time’. God has made everything in my life beautiful in His perfect time.

‘Lord, give me the courage to complete one task at a time. Let me not rush or be frazzled along the way. Help me slow down so I may enjoy the new journey one day at a time. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen’

Refreshed!

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“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3:22-23‬ ‭NIV

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How many times am I burden with uncontrollable anticipation about the future?

Dwelling on all sort of possibilities may indeed result in angst!

Anxious thoughts distract us from what’s relevant for the day; deadlines to fulfill, work tasks to complete, telephone calls to make, sick child to attend to, medical appointment to schedule, financial obligations to consider, an emergency to handle in a timely fashion and so much more.

Why be distracted with the ‘unknown’? Some events may never occur in a lifetime…

Every time I spend too much time exploring various scenarios, my energy is drained and mental efforts are taxed.

Will I have the clarity to manage my day effectively under distress? Probable not!

His Word refreshes my soul every morning, His angels protect me everywhere I go, and His compassion never runs out.

Every morning, I thank Him for my last breaths. He comforts me every time I’m in distress.

Thank You Jesus for being my comforter every morning! Your mercies are new every morning.

There is no need to ruminate on the past much less on the ‘unknown’.

A friend loves at all times.

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“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭17:17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Over the years, We’ve met unforgettable women in school, community or college.

Women who were married or single, worked in school projects or work tasks, lived in our neighborhood or in another state or country.

Women who initiated a conversation or nourished a relationship or even created a special bond with us.

Let us treasure these faithful women who we’ve experienced life with, and those who even shared life lessons with us.

Some women may still be part of our lives today and others may have moved on. And, that’s okay too!

I’ve got few friends whom I don’t see for years but our friendship is always evolving thru the seasons of life. We know in our hearts we can reach out at any given time. We are still there for each other whether we want to laugh, share our random thoughts or even cry in moments of despair.

Praise God for faithful communities.

God manifests His love in all circumstances and most importantly in friendships. His deepest desire is for us to love, help and forgive one another.

A friend’s hug, kind words or even the quiet presence of a trustworthy friend makes a difference when life throws unexpected, curve balls.

I’m forever grateful for every woman’s journey whose path has crossed with mine!

Greece

 

Forgive them Lord!

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Mom’s greatest gift is hospitality and her talent is manifested in the kitchen! Every time mom had a guest, she cooked Venezuelan dishes in just a matter of minutes. Mom’s servant heart always welcomed strangers with open arms. She believed ‘the best’ in people.

Mom now has Alzheimer’s disease and her health is declining steadily. Her servant’s heart remains intact so does her legacy.

Over the years, I’ve trusted people over and over again just like mom always did.

Gift of Hospitality

Unfortunately, there are mean-spirited people in the world and may even exist in our circle of influence today. We will never have control over their intentional, wicked acts; but we have some control over our initial shock and how we respond to the ultimate challenge.

We live in a broken world indeed.

When faced with malevolent masterminds, we may want to focus only on what is admirable, noble and of excellence. Pray for a forgiving heart and even help these  lost people if the opportunity arises.

Jesus Christ was flawless yet he was judged, framed and crucified!

One of His humble, admirable reaction other than crying out in pain was ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭23:34‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Woman on a Mission

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After cruising in a minicooper across three States and over 800 miles, I settled down temporarily in Germantown with my oldest, two furry companions. I was eager to embark in a career opportunity that a nation-wide company had offered me then.

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Was I willing to take a risk? Yes, indeed.

Even though I moved away from family, friends and a metropolitan life-style, I learned quickly ‘how’ to nourish these relationships, establish new ones and was blessed by safe travels over the years.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Because of the move, I embarked in the most fascinating journey of my life not as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst or as a Psychologist but as a follower of Christ.

 His character, unfailing love, grace and forgiveness have made an unremarkable impact in my life. I pray daily not to ever drift away from the Truth.

All of my ordinary experiences are filled with His grace and presence. How can I be reckless and drift away again? Not a chance.

Today, I’m a woman on a mission and ready to share His faithfulness with you one day at a time.

Blessings are reminders of His goodness.

Construction in Progress

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 Morning SunriseWork under construction

When I walk at sunrise, I like to pray, breathe fresh air, listen to birds sing and stretch body muscles.

As I do my morning walking, I note the progress of a construction site.

As  much as I don’t like to think about the future traffic this road will bring to our neighborhood, I look forward to less travel time and gas consumption.

Construction sites are messy  but there are benefits to new roads once completed.

Cities are always evolving!

Renovations and improvements are considered every year.

Our lives circumstances are always unfolding and evolving as well.

We are always contemplating in ‘how to’ improve our eating habits, ‘how to’ renovate our wardrobe, ‘how to’ make a new recipe or even ‘how to’ negotiate with vendors prior to home improvements.

We will always have an opportunity to create the life we always wanted. Even when our lives gets ‘messy or out of control’, we have an opportunity to learn from our mistakes, capture fresh insights and rebuild it differently.

Our lives will always be under construction and progress can be made everyday towards a new plan filled with unlimited possibilities.

“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭20:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬