Category Archives: Walk in Faith

Just show up

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One of my colleagues from graduate school would always be available. If Dayra would say she was going to be at your house or call you, she would always follow thru with her commitment.

Yes! She would always show up.

Her level of commitment was remarkable and admirable.

I’ve lost contact with Dayra over the years yet she is much alive in my heart today.

Dayra is a dependable gal, a perfect role model.

I’ve never been 100% there for anyone, not even for myself.

‘How come?!’

Busyness, hardships, high fatigue level, and a fast-paced lifestyle are just few circumstances that may hinder the progress towards building community.

Today, I value existing ‘Dayras’ in my life. As a matter of fact, I want to be more like a ‘Dayra’ and nourish these relationships one day at a time.

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9:6‬ ‭NIV

Over the years, I’ve learned not only to prioritize but focus on what’s relevant in life. The relationship with God, others and self are paramount.

Taking time to nourish my relationship with God, family, friends and self on a daily basis takes commitment, energy and focus.

Waking up early in the morning, praying for courage and strength, and showing up in life also matters at the end of the day.

Are you ready to show up? I’m all in.

Be Still

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How many times have I checked this tree in our front yard? Not once or twice but multiple times this Spring. My husband and I drove around the neighborhood and compared similar trees in size and development this past weekend. We asked ourselves, ‘Do we need treatment for a fungus or fertilizer?!’

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Our other tree started to show foliage overnight. We were so excited, ‘It was just a matter of time’. We both agreed.

I don’t know about you…

I take delight in manipulating external factors so outcomes can be achieved in a timely manner or even sooner than expected.

When outcomes are delayed, I get impatient. When hurrying, I mess up at times.

Can I really rush the growth of our front yard trees? That’s a foolish thought! We can use pesticide if there is fungus and fertilizer to nourish the soil perhaps.

I truly struggle with God when circumstances are not unfolding as expected. I may repeatedly ask Him, ‘Help me now, I need an answer’ or ‘Please, fix this for me right now! or ‘I will fix it myself!’

The Lord reminds me everyday, “Be still, and know that I am God…”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭46:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God is in control. He takes care of details and aligns the circumstances with the most favorable plan in our lives. We just need to surrender and trust in Him alone.

It’s quite a challenge to wait, I know.

It took me twenty-five years and three professional licenses before I stepped into a regional position. Even though I face opposition multiple times in a day, God reminds me “Be still, Adriana’.

God equipped me for the circumstances I’m facing today; otherwise, I would have already failed.

God’s mercies and grace are renewed every morning. He is my refuge and comforter. As I’m sitting in my leather couch this morning, I am counting all career blessings that have unfolded this past year alone.

Let me relax, drink my morning coffee, and enjoy my day ‘off’.

Spring is already here and there is no need to rush.

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Let’s not party!

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Would you like to take a walk?, hubby asked. I glanced at him quickly and mentioned, ‘later’.

All I truly wanted was for him to join the ‘pity’ party and forget about the wellness program.

What? yes, you heard me right!

I wanted loud noise makers, colorful balloons, matching cups, plates, table cloths and napkins plus ton of confetti.

When I party, I like to celebrate my ‘stinking’ attitude in style.

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‘Stinky’ thinking overrides the joy of every waking hour.

If we focus on regrets, we neglect our blessings. If we focus on past circumstances, we neglect the joy of the ‘here and now’. If we focus on the ‘what ifs’, we neglect the richness of today’s reality.

Discouragement and pessimism creep in fast when holding tight to a stinky attitude!

The Lord encourages us, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NIV

But God, how can I think on what’s lovely and admirable when the circumstances are just NOT so lovely? How can I be noble when others are not?

As I’m wrestling with Him,  I pray for strength when I’m weak and disheartened.

Finding time to pray and meditate on Scriptures is key.

Keeping a daily, gratitude journal reminds us of God’s faithfulness, a tangible reminder of His blessings.

Saying NO to some activities provide a margin for us to rest and not be exhausted all the time.

I would rather be rested, prayerful and grateful instead of partying with a stinky attitude! How about you?

Let’s not have another pity party anytime soon.

 

Not Alone!

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“Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭66:20‬ ‭NIV‬

How many times have we stood at a crossroad and did not know which route to take?!

Mapquest directions were not clear or GPS was malfunctioning or its signal was lost or there was an unexpected detour along the way.

Challenges in life are to be expected.

We may experience mixed emotions when standing at a crossroad but we can definitely take a minute to breathe, sit back, relax and pray for wisdom.

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Over the years, I’ve made numerous life-altering decisions. As much as I like to consult with family and friends, I’m the one who is ultimately responsible for the outcome.

It can indeed be a lonely experience!

 As I’m facing another crossroad in life today, it is nerve wracking not to have a clear sense of direction.

Calm my anxious heart Lord!, I often pray.

Praise God for His faithfulness, comfort and peace.

God is currently orchestrating the most favorable circumstances and is taking care of details on my behalf. Even though I still don’t have a sense of direction, I know He has heard my prayer.

I just need to trust Him as I am waiting for an answer at the crossroad!

Daddy’s girl!

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“Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them,”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭69:34‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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Happy first anniversary dad! I’ve missed you.

Enjoy the serenity, sea breeze, singing birds, tropical weather of your heavenly estate.

Dad and I would sit together for unlimited hours at a time! We talked about anything, laughed at funny jokes, shared updates on ‘novelas’, arranged for auto repairs, shopped for office supplies, ate ‘Arepas’ every morning, dealt with disappointments and grief, watched ‘Sabado Gigante’ traveled to Scandinavian countries…

YES! I was dad’s little girl.

In my teens, dad enjoyed my piano practices at sunrise, and even dreamed of piano performance in concert halls. As I grew older, dad was delighted about college plans and career opportunities.

I vividly remember dad’s tears of joy when I graduated.

If I could whisper in his ear where I’m possibly heading next… He would smile at me right at this moment and would say, “you can do it, Adriana”

Dad never graduated from high school yet lived in two countries, retired in his early 40s, traveled around the world and provided us with life-time opportunities.

Praise God for His faithfulness!

 Dad was a remarkable man who also battled Parkinson’s disease for over 35 years, shared his wisdom, loved unconditionally and left fingerprints engraved deep in my soul!

Dad’s integrity, humility and forgiving heart will forever be treasured.

Dad is much alive in my heart!

YES! I’m still dad’s little girl.

Back Row Girl!

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I was always the ‘back row’ girl, quiet and shy!

Did I ever enjoy piano performance? Was I delighted to answer  teacher’s question? Was I eager to ask questions when confused? Was I ever willing to lead a group of friends in high school?

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I was always the girl in the back row doubting my ‘skill’ set and afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone.

Just like when Moses doubted himself, “Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.””
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭4:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Because my speech was delayed until age four, I always struggled with fluency and articulation of speech then.

I never thought I had the courage to master two languages, develop leadership skills much less be licensed in two States and be Board Certified today!

 I steadily developed one skill at a time; an ability to express ideas to large groups, generate profitable outcomes, problem-solve and facilitate team discussions just to highlight a few. Our skills and talents are sharpened everyday as long as we are willing to embrace change.

We just need to step out of our comfort zones, move to the front row, believe and trust in the Lord.

Our Lord will equip us along the way. Just like He equipped Moses so he could confront Pharaoh; both assistance and resources were provided.

God will do the same for the two of us!

Perseverance, optimism, and Faith are undeniably key ingredients for a brighter spotlight!

Take courage, take a step forward, find your front row seat, and be ready to make a difference.

Don’t be a back row girl!

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

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