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!

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