This is a full house today. We've got aunts and uncles and cousins and grandmas up in this piece.
During this morning's devotion with the family, my 6-year old cousin asked "Does God have big eyes?" She wanted to know this because my mother had just said that God can see everything that is going on and sees us here and our cousins in Chicago. He sees all.
I'm sure she was confused when my mom later responded that God was spirit. 'Great. That explains it.'
But the heart of the question comes from the fact that the God that I serve is incomprehensible. I, at the age of 20-something odd years, still can't understand everything there is to know about God. I don't think I ever will because if I did, He would cease from being God and become another science project or something we can conquer. He's so much more than that...of which I am glad.
I don't have much to say, but this Christmas season, let's think of the very special thing that Jesus Christ, His son, did for us and ways He's done incredible things for us this 2010 year. 2010. What a year it's been.
Much love, peace and Christmas grease,
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
It's all about luuuuuve (love).
Damas y caballeros!
I'm here to reveal something that I've never revealed to anyone before: I'm a lover. I'm just leaving it at that and if the topic comes up in a real conversation with you, we may devulge further, but as for now, I leave it at that.
"Why did you even mention it if you're not going to explain it?" you may be asking me. Well, it's because today's devotion comes from one of the love chapters in the Bible and I got excited to read about the perfect love/agape love that is available to us. That's right, Bible scholars, we're talking about 1 Corintios 13/ 1 Corinthians 13
So the excitement stems from the fact that I know how spectacular true love is and how much I'd like to express it and have it expressed to me. The passage always makes me think of how I can love people better and can be a better example of who God is in my life because I believe that at the end of the day, love makes ALL the difference.
You may be familiar with this part of the passage:
I'm here to reveal something that I've never revealed to anyone before: I'm a lover. I'm just leaving it at that and if the topic comes up in a real conversation with you, we may devulge further, but as for now, I leave it at that.
"Why did you even mention it if you're not going to explain it?" you may be asking me. Well, it's because today's devotion comes from one of the love chapters in the Bible and I got excited to read about the perfect love/agape love that is available to us. That's right, Bible scholars, we're talking about 1 Corintios 13/ 1 Corinthians 13
So the excitement stems from the fact that I know how spectacular true love is and how much I'd like to express it and have it expressed to me. The passage always makes me think of how I can love people better and can be a better example of who God is in my life because I believe that at the end of the day, love makes ALL the difference.
You may be familiar with this part of the passage:
4Love is pacient
Love is kind
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres
4El amor es paciente,
es bondadoso.
El amor no es envidioso ni jactancioso ni orgulloso.
5No se comporta con rudeza, no es egoísta, no se enoja fácilmente, no guarda rencor.
6 El amor no se deleita en la maldad sino que se regocija con la verdad.
7 Todo lo disculpa, todo lo cree, todo lo espera, todo lo soporta.
--And I guess for me, I know how powerful love is when expressing to someone. Love is waaay much more than just the relational between guy and girl deal, it's what one shows to family members, strangers, friends and enemies. I want to be the kind of lover that is described here and knows no bounds and "always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres." But, it'll take God's help and His wisdom.--
So, as I am here back in the U.S. of A. I will be learning to get used again to my family, advantages and disadvantages, but in all this, I want to show love the way God would have and I gues with a bit of 'Ife' flair.
And you see, I'm a lover and growing up to become a better lover of all peoples.
With much love, peace, and elbow grease,
Ife 'Quipaya' S.
Ife 'Quipaya' S.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Total Sub-Sub-Sub-Submission!
Submission is a very interesting word (linguistically speaking). I don't k now much about linguistics or the origins of words, but from what I do know, the part 'sub' means under or beneath and 'mission'...uhm...I guess that could mean project or purpose or I don't know. A whole lot of other things, but checked it out in the dictionary to have an origin in 'to send'. If we put that together what do we get?
Sub-under/beneath
Mission- to send
To send under? I am not a linguist, but this looks about right. If send under my wills, I submit my wills to something else. Submission, or sending under, means that there is something ontop and in this case, it would be the will of God and what He has planned.
The devotion for today is from Santiago 4:1-10/ James 4:1-10. It talks about how we (as humans) need to let go of the selfish (having the characteristics of devotion to oneself) things in this life that are so destructive; cause us to fight, kill, envy, commit adultery, make enemies with God, amongst others. So when we realize the need to get rid of this, James goes on to explain how important it is to be humble.
From verses 5-10, he explains where God fits in this: He resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.<--vs. 6 and a whole list of things we should do to reach humility in the sight of God and what God's response is.
Personally, I don't see myself as the outwardly proud person, but in my everyday life, I see how proud I can get. When I make plans, I just assume that I am obviously capable in my own strength to bring them to realization or when someone says "WOW. You must have been a great student in hs to attend such a fantastic college" my response is usually a 'Yea' or something along those lines...I mean...it's true, but why is it true. Not because of what I was capable of doing, but how God worked through me.
So when it comes time to 'send under' my own image of myself and how great I think I am, then I can truly see God work in me. James mentions in vs. 10 'Humble yourself before the Lord and He will lift you up". This is hinting that when we make the decision to put ourself under, God will show up and lift us up on His own special way.
Enough of being prideful and selfish. Time to "Submit, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you" vs 7. Basically sums up what James is saying in this entire passage (1-10). I can't say 'sending under' is an easy concept to grab because we all want to be able to control things in our life, but I guess the issue is when we think we know better than God does and our way of controlling is the best way.
Supongo que total submission is the best submission. Giving in completely.
Alright, well, enjoy your day, remember to give God the control and definitely pray about it if this is something more difficult. Prayer is one way of relinquishing control because we recognize that communicating with God leads to Him having His will be done.
Chao y un gran abrazo,
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
P.S. I leave for the US of A in exactly 12 hours!!
Sub-under/beneath
Mission- to send
To send under? I am not a linguist, but this looks about right. If send under my wills, I submit my wills to something else. Submission, or sending under, means that there is something ontop and in this case, it would be the will of God and what He has planned.
The devotion for today is from Santiago 4:1-10/ James 4:1-10. It talks about how we (as humans) need to let go of the selfish (having the characteristics of devotion to oneself) things in this life that are so destructive; cause us to fight, kill, envy, commit adultery, make enemies with God, amongst others. So when we realize the need to get rid of this, James goes on to explain how important it is to be humble.
From verses 5-10, he explains where God fits in this: He resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.<--vs. 6 and a whole list of things we should do to reach humility in the sight of God and what God's response is.
Personally, I don't see myself as the outwardly proud person, but in my everyday life, I see how proud I can get. When I make plans, I just assume that I am obviously capable in my own strength to bring them to realization or when someone says "WOW. You must have been a great student in hs to attend such a fantastic college" my response is usually a 'Yea' or something along those lines...I mean...it's true, but why is it true. Not because of what I was capable of doing, but how God worked through me.
So when it comes time to 'send under' my own image of myself and how great I think I am, then I can truly see God work in me. James mentions in vs. 10 'Humble yourself before the Lord and He will lift you up". This is hinting that when we make the decision to put ourself under, God will show up and lift us up on His own special way.
Enough of being prideful and selfish. Time to "Submit, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you" vs 7. Basically sums up what James is saying in this entire passage (1-10). I can't say 'sending under' is an easy concept to grab because we all want to be able to control things in our life, but I guess the issue is when we think we know better than God does and our way of controlling is the best way.
Supongo que total submission is the best submission. Giving in completely.
Alright, well, enjoy your day, remember to give God the control and definitely pray about it if this is something more difficult. Prayer is one way of relinquishing control because we recognize that communicating with God leads to Him having His will be done.
Chao y un gran abrazo,
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
P.S. I leave for the US of A in exactly 12 hours!!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
The Secret Revealed
Hey, Hey, Hey!
What is up? Hope things are going well. I have 6 more days in Chile and I'm pumped. If you reread previous posts, you can tell that I was not so pumped before, but I think I am mentally and emotionally ready.
Today, after too many distractions, I'm here. The devotion (Josué 1:1-9/ Joshua 1:1-9) talks about Joshua's new post as leader of the Isrealite pack. God really talks to him about it and encourages Him to not be scared to take up where Moses, one of the greatest men in the Bible, left off and do better than that. Not only is God encouraging him, but reveals to him the secret of success. The secret to doing well and being prosperous:
"El Libro de la Ley [la Biblia] nunca se aparte de tu boca. Antes medita en él de día y de noche para que guardes y cumplas todo lo que está escrito en él. Entonces prosperarás, y todo te saldrá bien." vs. 8
"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night so that you will be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." vs. 8
This is my favorite verse in the Bible because it is indeed the key to success. It is the root of what needs to be done if I want to be successful in God's eyes and in this world because God doesn't want us to be poor Christians. He wants better for us. Personally, I struggle with just reading the word in general. If I spent more time reading God's word and memorizing what He has to say to me, then I could talk more about true this passage is. I know for sure that it is very true, but I know that it's not what I have done or how obedient I have been, but His grace alone that lets me be prosperous, but since I want to grow in my relationship with God, I feel like this is the next step...to spend more time just reading His word in general.
What is up? Hope things are going well. I have 6 more days in Chile and I'm pumped. If you reread previous posts, you can tell that I was not so pumped before, but I think I am mentally and emotionally ready.
Today, after too many distractions, I'm here. The devotion (Josué 1:1-9/ Joshua 1:1-9) talks about Joshua's new post as leader of the Isrealite pack. God really talks to him about it and encourages Him to not be scared to take up where Moses, one of the greatest men in the Bible, left off and do better than that. Not only is God encouraging him, but reveals to him the secret of success. The secret to doing well and being prosperous:
"El Libro de la Ley [la Biblia] nunca se aparte de tu boca. Antes medita en él de día y de noche para que guardes y cumplas todo lo que está escrito en él. Entonces prosperarás, y todo te saldrá bien." vs. 8
"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night so that you will be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." vs. 8
This is my favorite verse in the Bible because it is indeed the key to success. It is the root of what needs to be done if I want to be successful in God's eyes and in this world because God doesn't want us to be poor Christians. He wants better for us. Personally, I struggle with just reading the word in general. If I spent more time reading God's word and memorizing what He has to say to me, then I could talk more about true this passage is. I know for sure that it is very true, but I know that it's not what I have done or how obedient I have been, but His grace alone that lets me be prosperous, but since I want to grow in my relationship with God, I feel like this is the next step...to spend more time just reading His word in general.
Meditate on it day and night.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, I am off to continue with my day. Please pray that I get all that I need to get done today. Tomorrow begin the last of presentations for our program.
Love you all and can't wait to see you!!
Much love, peace, and elbow grease,
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Taking it back...
Hello friends, family and everyone else!!
Today, I'm writing in my phyical diary for the first time in a long time so sorry, I won't be writing an entry today, but here are the links for the daily breads (en español & English) and the verses for today. Enjoy, read it up, soak it up, and talk to you later.
Nuestro Pan Diario (NPD)
-(Vivir con humildad) 2 Crónicas 26: 3-19
Our Daily Bread (ODB)
-(Living Low) 2 Chronicles 26: 3-19
-P.S. One more week till my flight back to the United States of America. Chuta...it's almost over.
Aight.
Much love, peace and reading grease,
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Today, I'm writing in my phyical diary for the first time in a long time so sorry, I won't be writing an entry today, but here are the links for the daily breads (en español & English) and the verses for today. Enjoy, read it up, soak it up, and talk to you later.
Nuestro Pan Diario (NPD)
-(Vivir con humildad) 2 Crónicas 26: 3-19
Our Daily Bread (ODB)
-(Living Low) 2 Chronicles 26: 3-19
-P.S. One more week till my flight back to the United States of America. Chuta...it's almost over.
Aight.
Much love, peace and reading grease,
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Announcement, Announcement, Announcement. RA-RA Ife
Hey ya'll (yep. I said ya'll): I've decided that this isn't going to be just a one month blog. I want to keep doing this as long as God leads so, enjoy the rest of the blog!!
Aight.
Where to start? Okay, short story. On a semi-long car ride with my cousin-in-law to Con-Con (a small little city in the greater city of Valparaíso), she basically tells the whole story of her life and how she is stressed and when she is stressed she can't function and suffers panic attacks and fears having another child because of the traumatic experience she had with her first.
Whoa. What a life..and she bears this burden with her husband but their schedules are so different that they rarely see each other. So I share this story because the devotion today talks about comforting others.
2 corintios 1:3-7/ 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7.
I have to admit, I've never been really good at comforting people and you would think that...what..Ife? Yep. Me. I have to make a very clear effort to put myself in their place and then try and help them from there because honestly, things like that don't come naturally (I guess I can ask Santa Clause for this for Christmas...). So, listening to all that and finding it hard to say anything of comfort to her was painful for me. I had it on the tip of my tongue to pray for her but since she was driving I didn't want to distract her (which was a bad excuse seeing how she had rattled off her life story on this ride (45min. long). At the end of the day, I was a complete failure. I didn't give any help (because I naturally don't do that well) and I didn't pray for her (because I wasn't sure).
The above paragraph should not be happening in my life. Honestly. The devotion talks about how we go through trials and God comforts us so that we can comfort others. I have been comforted many times in this life just by reading or recalling God's word. Why was it so difficult to share this comfort and peace with someone who could have had a panic attack while driving ( I mean seriously, she was also freaking out about what to get her husband for his cumpleaños/birthday. I know that's not easy)? It's not. It's my selfish self thinking that God word isn't for everyone so why bother. It's my worldly self thinking that she'll be fine, just take deep breaths. And it's my wrong self thinking she probably doesn't want to hear it. But these are just so untrue.
I've seen God work in people's lives and I know how all kinds of people have come to Him because of the peace they find in God.
I know that breathing exercises and short vacations don't do the trick. They just cover temporary issues.
I am sure that she wants to hear it. She wants to hear that there is an answer to her problem. She has a God-spot that needs to be filled....and I passed up that opportunity.
Don't have much time left in this country, but I want another chance, God. I lose perspective when I start focussing on my and what God does in my life. I was put here for a reason, and that reason will be fulfilled, Amen.
Aight ya'll. I'm out. Deuces and God bless you. May you do better and live better than this, Amen.
Much love, peace and comfort grease,
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Aight.
Where to start? Okay, short story. On a semi-long car ride with my cousin-in-law to Con-Con (a small little city in the greater city of Valparaíso), she basically tells the whole story of her life and how she is stressed and when she is stressed she can't function and suffers panic attacks and fears having another child because of the traumatic experience she had with her first.
Whoa. What a life..and she bears this burden with her husband but their schedules are so different that they rarely see each other. So I share this story because the devotion today talks about comforting others.
2 corintios 1:3-7/ 2 Corinthians 1: 3-7.
I have to admit, I've never been really good at comforting people and you would think that...what..Ife? Yep. Me. I have to make a very clear effort to put myself in their place and then try and help them from there because honestly, things like that don't come naturally (I guess I can ask Santa Clause for this for Christmas...). So, listening to all that and finding it hard to say anything of comfort to her was painful for me. I had it on the tip of my tongue to pray for her but since she was driving I didn't want to distract her (which was a bad excuse seeing how she had rattled off her life story on this ride (45min. long). At the end of the day, I was a complete failure. I didn't give any help (because I naturally don't do that well) and I didn't pray for her (because I wasn't sure).
The above paragraph should not be happening in my life. Honestly. The devotion talks about how we go through trials and God comforts us so that we can comfort others. I have been comforted many times in this life just by reading or recalling God's word. Why was it so difficult to share this comfort and peace with someone who could have had a panic attack while driving ( I mean seriously, she was also freaking out about what to get her husband for his cumpleaños/birthday. I know that's not easy)? It's not. It's my selfish self thinking that God word isn't for everyone so why bother. It's my worldly self thinking that she'll be fine, just take deep breaths. And it's my wrong self thinking she probably doesn't want to hear it. But these are just so untrue.
I've seen God work in people's lives and I know how all kinds of people have come to Him because of the peace they find in God.
I know that breathing exercises and short vacations don't do the trick. They just cover temporary issues.
I am sure that she wants to hear it. She wants to hear that there is an answer to her problem. She has a God-spot that needs to be filled....and I passed up that opportunity.
Don't have much time left in this country, but I want another chance, God. I lose perspective when I start focussing on my and what God does in my life. I was put here for a reason, and that reason will be fulfilled, Amen.
Aight ya'll. I'm out. Deuces and God bless you. May you do better and live better than this, Amen.
Much love, peace and comfort grease,
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Hi God. It's me...Ife. Can I talk to you?
Yoooooo!!
Okay guys (and guyettes), it's been a long week and it's not technically over yet..I just need to get this stuff straight with God.
Today, I woke up at 11:00am feeling like such a let down (no weird dreams this night), but I felt so rushed because so much is planned for today and I don't know if all of that is possible. I have a paper to finish, I have a b-day party to attend, a pajama party, a relationship charla...ah!
It's just that I have to pick and choose. And most importantly, I need to spend time with God. God is super important, but the time I give Him...is really not that much. I've told myself so many times that I'd change and instead of watching movies before sleeping (which I absolutely love doing), I'll spend time with God because He deserves that time. Needless to say, it's been a struggle. I can't do it all, and I am not even sure I want to do it all, but there is a part of me that just needs to talk to God sooo bad so that He can show me what to do.
Maybe it's the failure part of me that needs His forgiveness. The forgiveness that is so hard for us to just take, freely, without any strings attached. And it is by human nature that feel the need to get what's coming, or to be given what we deserve. And life with God is not like that. He gives us good things we don't deserve (Grace/Gracia) and doesn't always punish us when we deserve it (Mercy/Misericordia).
I honestly just want to sit here and listen to Him and have the face to face that is deeply needed and desired. But I'm scared that if I do that, I won't get anything else done today. However, I know that when the Bible says 'Seek first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness' it meant that God is #1, at least should be. This world is so distracting...I guess I let it.
"God, I honestly am sorry for not spending as much time with you to build this relationship with you. It seems like when I try to work on it, I come back to the same issues. I don't want to be the baby Christian forever, and you want to see me grow, but God I'm struggling here. I really am. The demands of this world can be slightly overwhelming (who am I kidding. Very overwhelming) and so I guess the logical answer would be to spend every waking moment with you, as not to be swept away...
"Once again, I come before you with a broken and contrite heart, but that's all you ask for: my heart. I don't trust anyone else with it, but often neglect to hand it over to the one who takes care of it. And so I ask that you put it on my heart to spend more time with you and make this relationship a developing one and not static. I know what I'm asking for involves growing pains, but God, it's so worth it because you know better than you.
"I won't say anymore because I know you've heard it all. Thank you for being absolutely amazing, loving, understanding and present. From my heart to yours and in Jesus' name I pray, Amen."
-I feel better, but know that this is just the beginning of something that requires my effort. I thank God for His stregth, strengthening me in the process. Alright, chiquillos and chiquillas...I'm out. Try and spend time in the relationship you've established and if you are where I'm at, praying just changes it all.
Much love, peace and praying grease,
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Okay guys (and guyettes), it's been a long week and it's not technically over yet..I just need to get this stuff straight with God.
Today, I woke up at 11:00am feeling like such a let down (no weird dreams this night), but I felt so rushed because so much is planned for today and I don't know if all of that is possible. I have a paper to finish, I have a b-day party to attend, a pajama party, a relationship charla...ah!
It's just that I have to pick and choose. And most importantly, I need to spend time with God. God is super important, but the time I give Him...is really not that much. I've told myself so many times that I'd change and instead of watching movies before sleeping (which I absolutely love doing), I'll spend time with God because He deserves that time. Needless to say, it's been a struggle. I can't do it all, and I am not even sure I want to do it all, but there is a part of me that just needs to talk to God sooo bad so that He can show me what to do.
Maybe it's the failure part of me that needs His forgiveness. The forgiveness that is so hard for us to just take, freely, without any strings attached. And it is by human nature that feel the need to get what's coming, or to be given what we deserve. And life with God is not like that. He gives us good things we don't deserve (Grace/Gracia) and doesn't always punish us when we deserve it (Mercy/Misericordia).
I honestly just want to sit here and listen to Him and have the face to face that is deeply needed and desired. But I'm scared that if I do that, I won't get anything else done today. However, I know that when the Bible says 'Seek first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness' it meant that God is #1, at least should be. This world is so distracting...I guess I let it.
"God, I honestly am sorry for not spending as much time with you to build this relationship with you. It seems like when I try to work on it, I come back to the same issues. I don't want to be the baby Christian forever, and you want to see me grow, but God I'm struggling here. I really am. The demands of this world can be slightly overwhelming (who am I kidding. Very overwhelming) and so I guess the logical answer would be to spend every waking moment with you, as not to be swept away...
"Once again, I come before you with a broken and contrite heart, but that's all you ask for: my heart. I don't trust anyone else with it, but often neglect to hand it over to the one who takes care of it. And so I ask that you put it on my heart to spend more time with you and make this relationship a developing one and not static. I know what I'm asking for involves growing pains, but God, it's so worth it because you know better than you.
"I won't say anymore because I know you've heard it all. Thank you for being absolutely amazing, loving, understanding and present. From my heart to yours and in Jesus' name I pray, Amen."
-I feel better, but know that this is just the beginning of something that requires my effort. I thank God for His stregth, strengthening me in the process. Alright, chiquillos and chiquillas...I'm out. Try and spend time in the relationship you've established and if you are where I'm at, praying just changes it all.
Much love, peace and praying grease,
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Undeniable
So, I can consider this a 'moment making' and a devotions because I haven't done a moment making blog in a while. Sorry, just been busy. And besides, by spending time with God, I'm making a moment so..boo yea.
Aight, homies and hometts, I want to make this a very happy blog. So I'll include pictures and a video and all that fantastic stuff!! So, enjoy and find some sun in your life so that you are just as happy as I am right this very moment...well, I'm a bit stressed, but overall quite happy with life. I'm even going to use a different font!!
The reading is from: Génesis 1: 27-31/ Genesis 1: 27-31. It talks about the time when God basically handed over the world to Adam and Eve and took lots of delight in His creation. He made us in His image and loves this way.
I like to admire people...seriously, or at least what I see in them. Por ejemplo, when I'm sitting in the micro and not really doing anything, I like to stare out the window and just take in all the variety that God spectacullary created. I mean, take a look at this photo, what do you see?
Aight, homies and hometts, I want to make this a very happy blog. So I'll include pictures and a video and all that fantastic stuff!! So, enjoy and find some sun in your life so that you are just as happy as I am right this very moment...well, I'm a bit stressed, but overall quite happy with life. I'm even going to use a different font!!
The reading is from: Génesis 1: 27-31/ Genesis 1: 27-31. It talks about the time when God basically handed over the world to Adam and Eve and took lots of delight in His creation. He made us in His image and loves this way.
I like to admire people...seriously, or at least what I see in them. Por ejemplo, when I'm sitting in the micro and not really doing anything, I like to stare out the window and just take in all the variety that God spectacullary created. I mean, take a look at this photo, what do you see?
I knows these people personally, so my love for them is bias, no importa how they look. But seeing as you don't, looking at them, and their differences and their similarities is the beauty of this photo. God placed His mark on each person in this photo and called them 'beautiful'.
Like this sunset (ocaso)
(I took thos photo en Arica from El Morro-check it out!)
I find it beautiful because it is so unique and indescribale.
I guess what I'm just saying that once we start looking at others as God's beautiful creation, we'll see more reasons to show respect to all and how much each life values. I know it can be hard to get past their faults, but remember that God did break the mold when He created them and He finds them important.
I'll end with this song by Mat Kearney: Undeniable
I'm not the biggest fan of the music video, but I like the lyrics and the way he beautifully mixes rap, hip-hop, pop..yea. It's pretty fabuloso.
So, enjoy and try to enjoy the beauty in others ;) Like this cabra chica!!
(Gosh, I need to stop taking photos like this...)
Much love, peace and elbow grease.
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Not just any old faith.
Aight homies, I have 7 min today (I woke up 19 minutes late, boo).
This question is something that came to mind when reading the devotion for today. It's taken from 2 corintios 4:8-15/ 2 Corinthians 4: 8-15
The author of the devotion in Our Daily Bread starts off by asking if the reader has heard sceptics of the Christian faith say that the believers use Christianity as a crutch. I was knodding my head; I've heard that, but then I thought, what would I say if someone told that to me.
The scripture for today talks about the purpose of Jesus dying and coming back to life; it was to give us a reason to live. (I'm not entirely sure on my interpretation, but that's what I got from it). I also see it as a way to say that our bodies, we, are living examples of who Jesus was and the faith He's brought for us. The devotion then goes to say that the trials and tribulations that we will recieve for this faith is the most obvious reason why the 'crutch' thesis does not stand. Who is willing to go through all that persecution just to "feel safe" or think they are guaranteed the good life 24/7? Or are people willing to be pressed, persecuted, struck down for His name's sake?
Why do you believe what you believe?
This question is something that came to mind when reading the devotion for today. It's taken from 2 corintios 4:8-15/ 2 Corinthians 4: 8-15
The author of the devotion in Our Daily Bread starts off by asking if the reader has heard sceptics of the Christian faith say that the believers use Christianity as a crutch. I was knodding my head; I've heard that, but then I thought, what would I say if someone told that to me.
What would you say?
The scripture for today talks about the purpose of Jesus dying and coming back to life; it was to give us a reason to live. (I'm not entirely sure on my interpretation, but that's what I got from it). I also see it as a way to say that our bodies, we, are living examples of who Jesus was and the faith He's brought for us. The devotion then goes to say that the trials and tribulations that we will recieve for this faith is the most obvious reason why the 'crutch' thesis does not stand. Who is willing to go through all that persecution just to "feel safe" or think they are guaranteed the good life 24/7? Or are people willing to be pressed, persecuted, struck down for His name's sake?
Are you?
I haven't been pressed on all sides, but I know that I must know why I believe what I believe and stick to the faith that has brought me thus far so that the grace of God may reach more and more people.
This is plenty to think about today so,
Te dejo en paz, amor y elbow grease,
Ife 'Quipaya' S.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
I am what I am
Ooh. Those words are strong. I was reading this passage and when I got to this part, partial chills went up my back. Okay, so here's some context:
These words were spoken by our dear friend Paul. Paul, formerly known as Saul, had a bad reputation of killing off Christians and basically trying to destroy the church; that was his mission and he did not let up, not one day. Until...
Until he met up with God. Actually, rephrase: Until Jesus met up with him and blinded him on the road to Damascus. At the end of the day, Saul, now Paul, realizes that he's been persecuting the Jesus that he was preaching.-All together now: HYPOCRITE- But aren't we all?
But, not so fast. This brings us up to date with the passage of the day: 1 corintios 15:1-11/ 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11 Paul is talking to the people in the city of Corinth through this letter and letting them know that this gospel in which they believe is something of great importance and has the power to save, if they truly believe in it.
vs. 10"Pero por la gracia de Dios soy lo que soy, y la gracia que él me concedió no fue infructuosa."
vs. 10 "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect."
I am just so awed by the capacity of the grace of this God. Permitting the man who killed lots and lots and lotttts of people to be a speaker on His behalf. It's not that Paul got it together after that moment of "Ahhh. Is that you God?" He even says that he's the least of the apostles because of the death threats and sentences he breathed out, but when God's grace showed up on the scene, that made ALL the difference.
These words were spoken by our dear friend Paul. Paul, formerly known as Saul, had a bad reputation of killing off Christians and basically trying to destroy the church; that was his mission and he did not let up, not one day. Until...
Until he met up with God. Actually, rephrase: Until Jesus met up with him and blinded him on the road to Damascus. At the end of the day, Saul, now Paul, realizes that he's been persecuting the Jesus that he was preaching.-All together now: HYPOCRITE- But aren't we all?
But, not so fast. This brings us up to date with the passage of the day: 1 corintios 15:1-11/ 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11 Paul is talking to the people in the city of Corinth through this letter and letting them know that this gospel in which they believe is something of great importance and has the power to save, if they truly believe in it.
vs. 10"Pero por la gracia de Dios soy lo que soy, y la gracia que él me concedió no fue infructuosa."
vs. 10 "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect."
I am just so awed by the capacity of the grace of this God. Permitting the man who killed lots and lots and lotttts of people to be a speaker on His behalf. It's not that Paul got it together after that moment of "Ahhh. Is that you God?" He even says that he's the least of the apostles because of the death threats and sentences he breathed out, but when God's grace showed up on the scene, that made ALL the difference.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Baby, no te preocupes
Hey ya'll. Haven't written in a while 'cause...I went-a CAMPING! It was an interesting experience that allowed me to observe different every day relations between co-workers, between employee and employer, between teacher and student and between classmates.
But, I won't talk about that now. Here is a new devotion to start the week of right.
I am less than one week from turning in my 22 page investigation paper and really excited to be done and share all that I've learned. It's been a fulfilling process that has allowed me to grow, learn and see something new in this world. This week will be the final one that I've got to spend 96% of it working or else... (Insert dramatic music).
Today's devotion comes from Exodus 4:1-5 and talks about Moses' encounter with God in the zarza ardiente (burning bush). These verse specifically relate to the time when he asks God saying "—¿Y qué hago si no me creen ni me hacen caso? ¿Qué hago si me dicen: "El Señor no se te ha aparecido" ?/“What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The LORD did not appear to you’?”
And God answers with a "What do you have in your hand?" <--- This is an interesting question...answering a question with a question...God was up on his Socratic Method teaching style.
Moses shows him the staff (vara) and God proceeds to show him that with this very vara, Moses will be able to show them that indeed God showed Himself to Moses.
So now, what is that in your hand that can be used for God's glory? It's less about worrying about the future or lamenting on the past, we've got to see the present and the things God has surrounded us with to seguir haciendo his work. Supongo que en this light, I don't need to worry, nor should I, about the future and what is to come. I can focus on what God has put before me and trust Him to take care of anything that is to come...I mean, that's what He did for Moses; I'm sure He can do it for me.
From one moment maker to another,
Te dejo en paz...much love, peace and elbow grease.
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
But, I won't talk about that now. Here is a new devotion to start the week of right.
I am less than one week from turning in my 22 page investigation paper and really excited to be done and share all that I've learned. It's been a fulfilling process that has allowed me to grow, learn and see something new in this world. This week will be the final one that I've got to spend 96% of it working or else... (Insert dramatic music).
Today's devotion comes from Exodus 4:1-5 and talks about Moses' encounter with God in the zarza ardiente (burning bush). These verse specifically relate to the time when he asks God saying "—¿Y qué hago si no me creen ni me hacen caso? ¿Qué hago si me dicen: "El Señor no se te ha aparecido" ?/“What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The LORD did not appear to you’?”
And God answers with a "What do you have in your hand?" <--- This is an interesting question...answering a question with a question...God was up on his Socratic Method teaching style.
Moses shows him the staff (vara) and God proceeds to show him that with this very vara, Moses will be able to show them that indeed God showed Himself to Moses.
So now, what is that in your hand that can be used for God's glory? It's less about worrying about the future or lamenting on the past, we've got to see the present and the things God has surrounded us with to seguir haciendo his work. Supongo que en this light, I don't need to worry, nor should I, about the future and what is to come. I can focus on what God has put before me and trust Him to take care of anything that is to come...I mean, that's what He did for Moses; I'm sure He can do it for me.
From one moment maker to another,
Te dejo en paz...much love, peace and elbow grease.
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Advanced School/ Escuela Avanzada (Esp. & Eng.)
Today I decided that I'd just let the Daily Bread/Pan Diario speak for itself...and me. So here it is.
Passage: Salmo 27/ Psalm 27
Versión en español para Nuestro Pan Diario
Tendemos a dividir la vida en categorías: llenamos nuestros días de ocupaciones tales como el trabajo, los recados, las tareas del hogar, el cuidado de los niños; y después, tratamos de forjarnos tiempo para actividades «espirituales» como la iglesia, los grupos pequeños, las devociones personales.
No veo esta división en los salmos. De alguna manera, David y los demás poetas se las arreglaban para hacer que Dios fuera el eje gravitacional de sus vidas, de modo que todo se relacionara con Él. Para ellos, la adoración era una actividad esencial en la vida; no algo que cumplir al pasar, a fin de poder reasumir las otras actividades. Todos nosotros necesitamos experimentar el proceso de permitir que el Señor esté en cada detalle de nuestra vida.
Para mí, los salmos se han convertido en un paso en dicho proceso de reconocer el lugar central que le corresponde al Dios verdadero. Los salmistas tienen un ansia, un deseo y un hambre del Señor que, en comparación, los míos parecen anémicos. Jadeaban con la lengua afuera anhelando a Dios, como lo hace un ciervo exhausto y sediento de agua (42:1-2). Yacían despiertos durante la noche soñando con «la hermosura de Jehová» (27:4). Preferían pasar un día en la presencia del Señor que mil años en otra parte (84:10).
Estos poetas estaban inscritos en «la escuela de avanzada de la fe». Quizá al leer los salmos se nos pegue un poco de esto.
Passage: Salmo 27/ Psalm 27
Versión en español para Nuestro Pan Diario
Tendemos a dividir la vida en categorías: llenamos nuestros días de ocupaciones tales como el trabajo, los recados, las tareas del hogar, el cuidado de los niños; y después, tratamos de forjarnos tiempo para actividades «espirituales» como la iglesia, los grupos pequeños, las devociones personales.
No veo esta división en los salmos. De alguna manera, David y los demás poetas se las arreglaban para hacer que Dios fuera el eje gravitacional de sus vidas, de modo que todo se relacionara con Él. Para ellos, la adoración era una actividad esencial en la vida; no algo que cumplir al pasar, a fin de poder reasumir las otras actividades. Todos nosotros necesitamos experimentar el proceso de permitir que el Señor esté en cada detalle de nuestra vida.
Para mí, los salmos se han convertido en un paso en dicho proceso de reconocer el lugar central que le corresponde al Dios verdadero. Los salmistas tienen un ansia, un deseo y un hambre del Señor que, en comparación, los míos parecen anémicos. Jadeaban con la lengua afuera anhelando a Dios, como lo hace un ciervo exhausto y sediento de agua (42:1-2). Yacían despiertos durante la noche soñando con «la hermosura de Jehová» (27:4). Preferían pasar un día en la presencia del Señor que mil años en otra parte (84:10).
Estos poetas estaban inscritos en «la escuela de avanzada de la fe». Quizá al leer los salmos se nos pegue un poco de esto.
Para tener un corazón para Dios, entrégaselo a Él por completo.
We tend to compartmentalize our lives. We fill our days with activities such as work, errands, chores, caring for children. And then we try to carve out time for “spiritual” activities such as church, small groups, personal devotions.
I don’t see that separation in the Psalms. Somehow David and the other poets managed to make God the gravitational center of their lives so that everything was related to God. To them, worship was the central activity in life, not something to get through so other activities could be resumed. The process of letting God in on every detail of life is one we need.
For me, the Psalms have become a step in the process of recognizing God’s true place at the center. The psalmists have an urgency, a desire, and a hunger for God that makes my own look anemic by contrast. They panted for God with their tongues hanging out, as an exhausted deer pants for water (42:1-2). They lay awake at night dreaming of “the beauty of the Lord” (27:4). They would rather spend one day in God’s presence than a thousand years elsewhere (84:10).
It was “the advanced school of faith” that these poets were enrolled in. Maybe as we read the Psalms, some of it will rub off on us.
One life to live for Christ my Lord,
One life to do my part,
One life in which to give my all
With fervency of heart. —Brandt
One life to do my part,
One life in which to give my all
With fervency of heart. —Brandt
To have a heart for God, give your heart totally to God.
I really enjoyed reading this one today and hope you find it helpful. It reminds me of the passage I read yesterday "And in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3: 6
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thanksgiving Special
Proverbios 3:1-12 is what I read today.
Hey guys, I have 7 minutes to write, so ahí tienes:
Once again, I've decided to chose a part of this passage because it's kind of long and I'd like to fix myself on something. vs. 6 speaks to me and this Thanksgiving Special
It says "Reconócelo en todos tus caminos y él enderezará tus veredas."
Basically, in all that I do, I should recognize that God is in it and that He is there to make things work out. I know that this is important because lots of situations arise in my life when I am not repping God in every situation in every momento. I then think about my actions in these situations and how I could have been more forward with my Christian beliefs.
Example: Since being in Chile, lots of people have told me how good my Spanish is and how I speak it well. (I did take it for 8 years), but that's not the right response. In order to properly give credit where credit is due, I would have to say "Gracias a Dios" because He's the one that's given me the capacity to reach this level of Spanish in my life and be here..in Chile. So, God, I am thanking you now for giving me this capacity to learn this wonderful language because I know I didn't do it by myself. Your strength took me from one Spanish class to another (because we sure know that not all Spanish profs are made equal..or teach well.)
Since today is Thanksgiving Day (in the US at least), I want to show others (and definitely God) how thankful I am for where He's brought me and where he plans on taking me. Time to stop focusing so much on me and what I've done...cause it honestly isn't all that appealing. Sometimes more appalling.
Aight..I'm out.
Much love, peace and turkey grease on this splendid day.
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Hey guys, I have 7 minutes to write, so ahí tienes:
Once again, I've decided to chose a part of this passage because it's kind of long and I'd like to fix myself on something. vs. 6 speaks to me and this Thanksgiving Special
It says "Reconócelo en todos tus caminos y él enderezará tus veredas."
Basically, in all that I do, I should recognize that God is in it and that He is there to make things work out. I know that this is important because lots of situations arise in my life when I am not repping God in every situation in every momento. I then think about my actions in these situations and how I could have been more forward with my Christian beliefs.
Example: Since being in Chile, lots of people have told me how good my Spanish is and how I speak it well. (I did take it for 8 years), but that's not the right response. In order to properly give credit where credit is due, I would have to say "Gracias a Dios" because He's the one that's given me the capacity to reach this level of Spanish in my life and be here..in Chile. So, God, I am thanking you now for giving me this capacity to learn this wonderful language because I know I didn't do it by myself. Your strength took me from one Spanish class to another (because we sure know that not all Spanish profs are made equal..or teach well.)
Since today is Thanksgiving Day (in the US at least), I want to show others (and definitely God) how thankful I am for where He's brought me and where he plans on taking me. Time to stop focusing so much on me and what I've done...cause it honestly isn't all that appealing. Sometimes more appalling.
Aight..I'm out.
Much love, peace and turkey grease on this splendid day.
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Going Big.
I'd just like to say that waking up late just drastically changed my day. Arg..
But, on a less angry note, the devotions comes from Lucas 7: 11-23. I personally only read from 11-17 because I realize that it's better if I read in smaller chuncks. I tend to actually remember it.
Resucita a un joven de Naín
Talks about when Jesus went to a city and brought a child back to life. This child was all his mother had left in this world (mas o menos). She was a viuda (widow) that lived with her son, but wasn't entirely alone. From the message, it says that everybody and their mama was there with her as the procession went by. And at the end of the day, Jesus' fame spreads "por toda Judea y sus alrededores"/ "throughout Judea and the surrounding country".
Talk about doing something big.
Yea. Let's talk about this.
Ever since I was small in the United States, I have always said that I'd become the president of the US. I mean, since I can remember there are two things that I've outwordly confessed: 1) That I will be prez. of the U.S and 2) that I wanted to be a lawyer. Needless to say, I've been sidetracked from both "dreams" so to speak because I seem to not be able to stick to one thing for a long period of time. I haven't done much to reach either goal anytime soon (not that they are short term goals, by no means).
The thing about Jesus is that He embodied His vision for the world; He was the change He wanted to see in this life by doing what He was called to do. There is no doubt in my mind that when Jesus woke up everyday, He set out to live out the calling, not just talk about it. To be who He determined to be.
I don't know about you all, but it does sound like a pretty big deal. But one thing I am 100% sure of is that the God that placed me where I am today, did not commit a boo-boo and that my days do have a purpose. I, myself, may not always walk in that purpose, but at the end of the day, God's will is accomplished. Punto.
So I'm out. Enjoy your day, live with purpose and let God show you the way. Deuces
With much love, peace and elbow grease,
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
But, on a less angry note, the devotions comes from Lucas 7: 11-23. I personally only read from 11-17 because I realize that it's better if I read in smaller chuncks. I tend to actually remember it.
Resucita a un joven de Naín
Talks about when Jesus went to a city and brought a child back to life. This child was all his mother had left in this world (mas o menos). She was a viuda (widow) that lived with her son, but wasn't entirely alone. From the message, it says that everybody and their mama was there with her as the procession went by. And at the end of the day, Jesus' fame spreads "por toda Judea y sus alrededores"/ "throughout Judea and the surrounding country".
Talk about doing something big.
Yea. Let's talk about this.
Ever since I was small in the United States, I have always said that I'd become the president of the US. I mean, since I can remember there are two things that I've outwordly confessed: 1) That I will be prez. of the U.S and 2) that I wanted to be a lawyer. Needless to say, I've been sidetracked from both "dreams" so to speak because I seem to not be able to stick to one thing for a long period of time. I haven't done much to reach either goal anytime soon (not that they are short term goals, by no means).
The thing about Jesus is that He embodied His vision for the world; He was the change He wanted to see in this life by doing what He was called to do. There is no doubt in my mind that when Jesus woke up everyday, He set out to live out the calling, not just talk about it. To be who He determined to be.
I don't know about you all, but it does sound like a pretty big deal. But one thing I am 100% sure of is that the God that placed me where I am today, did not commit a boo-boo and that my days do have a purpose. I, myself, may not always walk in that purpose, but at the end of the day, God's will is accomplished. Punto.
So I'm out. Enjoy your day, live with purpose and let God show you the way. Deuces
With much love, peace and elbow grease,
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Been Slackin', but I'm happy
Blah. Sorry ladies and gents. I have been slackin' in more ways than one. I really do enjoy writing in this blog and like re-reading what I write because it shows me that I can really keep up with it.
Some of my moments of the last few days have involved me consciously making decisions about my life, not just making moments. Example:
I am not the greatest when it comes to fashion and I am okay with that. Really. But on Friday or Thursday (can't remember. It's been a while), I decided to pick out articles of clothing that 1) tenía ganas para llevar and 2) was appropriate (considering weather and my duties of the day, etc). It was like dressing up a doll and making her look pretty. For me, looking presentable isn't on my list of top priorities, but I realized that when looking good can affect the way I feel. I feel good about myself 98% of the time (to be honest), but when I dress well, it's like "Whoa, look out world!"
This is not a blog about superficiality, nor am I saying that to feel good you've got to look good. I'm just saying that, for me, it adds to my jolliness!
So, basically what I'm saying is that for way too long in my life, I've just done things because that's the way it needs to be or that's the way someone wants it. But now, I truly would like to live in a way that honestly makes me happy. I smile like crazy when I know that I'm wearing my favorite shirt with my favorite scarf and singing to myself with my iPod on. Why? Because it makes me happy. I don't want to live life just trying to get to the next stage. Man, enjoying every aspect of my life is what it's about and letting people enjoy theirs.
And I know that this just doesn't apply to the simple things in life, like what to wear, but to the bigger things, like who your friends are and what kind of relationships you have. I am becoming more of a woman when I express myself to the people I love. I am getting past the stage of "Oh. What will they think of me?" or "Maybe I shouldn't say this. How will they take this? I don't want to sound too...". I definitely respect my loved ones enough to watch my words as to not purposely cause damage, but I am working on expressing my love for these people. (That was actually kind of weird to say. I rarely use that word. Just never grew up with it.) It's not all mushy stuff, but it's a simple: "Just wanted to see how things are 'cause I miss you." 3 years ago, you wouldn't have ever caught me saying something like this. Just wasn't something I wanted to share, but now, I realize that I am a human being with feelings and if people don't know what those are or don't want to know, then psh.
Sorry if this got way deeper than necessary. I just want to acknowledge some milestones in my life. Next step: saying some of that stuff aloud....in Spanish? Hm? We'll see.
So, to all my friends out there, thanks for still being my friend. :) 'Preciate it!
Aight, I'm out. Much love, peace and elbow grease,
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
P.S. I actually squirm sometimes re-reading my mushy blogs...blah. jaja. That's okay.
Some of my moments of the last few days have involved me consciously making decisions about my life, not just making moments. Example:
I am not the greatest when it comes to fashion and I am okay with that. Really. But on Friday or Thursday (can't remember. It's been a while), I decided to pick out articles of clothing that 1) tenía ganas para llevar and 2) was appropriate (considering weather and my duties of the day, etc). It was like dressing up a doll and making her look pretty. For me, looking presentable isn't on my list of top priorities, but I realized that when looking good can affect the way I feel. I feel good about myself 98% of the time (to be honest), but when I dress well, it's like "Whoa, look out world!"
This is not a blog about superficiality, nor am I saying that to feel good you've got to look good. I'm just saying that, for me, it adds to my jolliness!
So, basically what I'm saying is that for way too long in my life, I've just done things because that's the way it needs to be or that's the way someone wants it. But now, I truly would like to live in a way that honestly makes me happy. I smile like crazy when I know that I'm wearing my favorite shirt with my favorite scarf and singing to myself with my iPod on. Why? Because it makes me happy. I don't want to live life just trying to get to the next stage. Man, enjoying every aspect of my life is what it's about and letting people enjoy theirs.
And I know that this just doesn't apply to the simple things in life, like what to wear, but to the bigger things, like who your friends are and what kind of relationships you have. I am becoming more of a woman when I express myself to the people I love. I am getting past the stage of "Oh. What will they think of me?" or "Maybe I shouldn't say this. How will they take this? I don't want to sound too...". I definitely respect my loved ones enough to watch my words as to not purposely cause damage, but I am working on expressing my love for these people. (That was actually kind of weird to say. I rarely use that word. Just never grew up with it.) It's not all mushy stuff, but it's a simple: "Just wanted to see how things are 'cause I miss you." 3 years ago, you wouldn't have ever caught me saying something like this. Just wasn't something I wanted to share, but now, I realize that I am a human being with feelings and if people don't know what those are or don't want to know, then psh.
Sorry if this got way deeper than necessary. I just want to acknowledge some milestones in my life. Next step: saying some of that stuff aloud....in Spanish? Hm? We'll see.
So, to all my friends out there, thanks for still being my friend. :) 'Preciate it!
Aight, I'm out. Much love, peace and elbow grease,
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
P.S. I actually squirm sometimes re-reading my mushy blogs...blah. jaja. That's okay.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Cachai? Nope.
I would like to start off by saying the facebook restriction is helping....sort of. I unconsciously spend time on there that when I get online, I automatically type in: facebook-:Ctrl: :Enter: And off we go. So, it's as if I am not making progress in my attempts. I'm trying this again-->By God's grace.
Romanos 6: 1-14 (you can read/or not read this chapter to understand the rest of the blog).
I memorized this passage (in English) when I was 10/12 years old at a Christian camp I went to. I don't really think it made any sense to me then, but I'm beginning to truly see its significance. The passage more or less talks about things I'm already familiar with: consequence of sin, baptism, death, Jesus' resurrection, our own resurrection, etc. But, what I think God is telling me is that all of this (as in what is written here) makes complete sense. If we've been saved through the death of Christ, our old self is also dead and that means we are no longer tied down by the desires of this world and sin.
That makes sense, but my humanity, the sinner in me seems incapable of embodying that. I see the pretty picture, but how in the world do I see this in my day to day life. When does it stop being just words on a page and start being something that I live out?
God, I'm trying to understand. I really am, but I seem to be missing my "understanding" component. Can you help me here?
If I take one thing away from my time here with God, it is knowing that He is completely capable of giving understanding and insight. We just have to ask. And with that, I close.
May God give you understanding to grow.
Much love, peace, and hair grease
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Romanos 6: 1-14 (you can read/or not read this chapter to understand the rest of the blog).
I memorized this passage (in English) when I was 10/12 years old at a Christian camp I went to. I don't really think it made any sense to me then, but I'm beginning to truly see its significance. The passage more or less talks about things I'm already familiar with: consequence of sin, baptism, death, Jesus' resurrection, our own resurrection, etc. But, what I think God is telling me is that all of this (as in what is written here) makes complete sense. If we've been saved through the death of Christ, our old self is also dead and that means we are no longer tied down by the desires of this world and sin.
That makes sense, but my humanity, the sinner in me seems incapable of embodying that. I see the pretty picture, but how in the world do I see this in my day to day life. When does it stop being just words on a page and start being something that I live out?
God, I'm trying to understand. I really am, but I seem to be missing my "understanding" component. Can you help me here?
If I take one thing away from my time here with God, it is knowing that He is completely capable of giving understanding and insight. We just have to ask. And with that, I close.
May God give you understanding to grow.
Much love, peace, and hair grease
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Just to make you smile
Yesterday seems so much like a blur. All I remember was...me doing stuff around the house attempting to read an article, taking down my hair...and eating...I actually thought I was being productive. Guess not.
So my moment came when I sent emails to my old professors. One taught politics in Latin America and the other taught Physics/Astronomy (I say physics because we did a lot of learning of how things move and what not, but really, there was NO math involved. Course description: Physics for non-math majors. "Oh Hey. That's me!!" I've been meaning to take physics ever since my dad started talking about it...since middle school, but just never got the chanch...But I digress).
One of these professors made my day almost every class period and the other.....was the reason I left class shaking my head or crying; I'd either be waking up from my slumber or be utterly confused. I sent emails to them because one professor freshman year (whom I absolutely adore) reminded me that an educators greatest joy is knowing that their students have learned something.
And it makes sense. So I shot one an email talking about the stars and how different they look upside down (in the southern hemisphere, the constellations are in the opposite direction, thus downside up). He was entirely thrilled. He told me that this made his day.
Along with my not-so-favorite professor. I sent him an email explaining how I can see first hand in Chile lots of the things he taught us. He was also thrilled and inivited me to come to his class next semester to talk about my experience and how his lectures made sense.
All I'm saying is that I don't really care if I never see them again and they aren't the ones I'll be asking for recommendations, but I just wanted to make their day. Which definitely made mine.
So, take some moments to make someone's day.
Much love, peace, and elbow grease,
Ife 'Quipayan' S.Chao Chao
So my moment came when I sent emails to my old professors. One taught politics in Latin America and the other taught Physics/Astronomy (I say physics because we did a lot of learning of how things move and what not, but really, there was NO math involved. Course description: Physics for non-math majors. "Oh Hey. That's me!!" I've been meaning to take physics ever since my dad started talking about it...since middle school, but just never got the chanch...But I digress).
One of these professors made my day almost every class period and the other.....was the reason I left class shaking my head or crying; I'd either be waking up from my slumber or be utterly confused. I sent emails to them because one professor freshman year (whom I absolutely adore) reminded me that an educators greatest joy is knowing that their students have learned something.
And it makes sense. So I shot one an email talking about the stars and how different they look upside down (in the southern hemisphere, the constellations are in the opposite direction, thus downside up). He was entirely thrilled. He told me that this made his day.
Along with my not-so-favorite professor. I sent him an email explaining how I can see first hand in Chile lots of the things he taught us. He was also thrilled and inivited me to come to his class next semester to talk about my experience and how his lectures made sense.
All I'm saying is that I don't really care if I never see them again and they aren't the ones I'll be asking for recommendations, but I just wanted to make their day. Which definitely made mine.
So, take some moments to make someone's day.
Much love, peace, and elbow grease,
Ife 'Quipayan' S.Chao Chao
Friday, November 19, 2010
Now wave your flag..que viene y que va...(Fun video at the end)
God what are you saying today? Hmm........
I guess we all represent something or someone. We wave the flag of one nation or another, of one identity or another and this devotions (from 1 Pedro 2:9-17/ 1 Peter 2:9-17) outlines the identity that I should be representing as a Christian: the life I should be living because of the God I've chosen to follow-the relationship of which I've chosen to be a part.
I guess the verse I'm looking into is 12: "Mantened una conducta ejemplar entre los gentiles, para que, en lo que os acusan de malhechores al ver vuestras buenas obras, glorifiquen a Dios en el día de la visitación."/ "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."
I see it as a means of encouragement to live the life I've been called for so that my life is an example to those who don't know the awesomeness of God. Punto. And I remember in Ephesians 4 (a really helpful chapter in Christian living), we are also encouraged to do the same thing. Living the life worthy of the calling, one that shows we belong to our Father, and in doing this, we glorify Him.
So, wavin' my flag of Christ shows my loyalty to Him and my desire to represent Him in all I do. Now, wave your flag....K'Naan and David Bisbal-español e inglés!!!
Let's wave the flag that represents the core of who we are.
Les dejo en Love, Peace, and Elbow grease,
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
I guess we all represent something or someone. We wave the flag of one nation or another, of one identity or another and this devotions (from 1 Pedro 2:9-17/ 1 Peter 2:9-17) outlines the identity that I should be representing as a Christian: the life I should be living because of the God I've chosen to follow-the relationship of which I've chosen to be a part.
I guess the verse I'm looking into is 12: "Mantened una conducta ejemplar entre los gentiles, para que, en lo que os acusan de malhechores al ver vuestras buenas obras, glorifiquen a Dios en el día de la visitación."/ "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."
I see it as a means of encouragement to live the life I've been called for so that my life is an example to those who don't know the awesomeness of God. Punto. And I remember in Ephesians 4 (a really helpful chapter in Christian living), we are also encouraged to do the same thing. Living the life worthy of the calling, one that shows we belong to our Father, and in doing this, we glorify Him.
So, wavin' my flag of Christ shows my loyalty to Him and my desire to represent Him in all I do. Now, wave your flag....K'Naan and David Bisbal-español e inglés!!!
Let's wave the flag that represents the core of who we are.
Les dejo en Love, Peace, and Elbow grease,
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
P=K=M^2 (Prayer is the Key for Moment Making)
I would like to start by saying that sticking to my facebook restriction hasn't been to bad. I actually forgot about it...oops. BUT, I'm back on track..I know...look at me.
Today was a pretty chill/workful day. I discussed my project with my adviser and had an interview with an Aymara woman. I did a little shopping, took a catnap (for an hour and a half) and went home.
P=K (AKA: Prayer is the Key)
I prayed today for a lot of things. Actually, I'v been praying for a while for somethings and God has been super faithful. Supongo que that was a moment. I prayed about my interview. I really wanted to get a much information as I could because I don't have much time left in the writing process and it is easier if I can work more on what I've gotten from knowledgable contacts instead of having to research of the the National Library...
I know that God is making things work out for my good and I realize it was when I decided that I've got to take my relationship farther with Him. I definitely am feeling Him more in my life and appreciate what He's doing for me and what He's planted in my heart.
God, this life ain't easy and I'm not even on my own. I realize that if I plan on making any waves in this world, I've got to hold on to God. Because that is my ultimate goal, to not play down the talents I've been given or the opportunities.
So, I plan on spending more time praying so that I get more moments to make.
--Sorry, I'm tired, my back hurts and I feel slightly overwhelmed.. Just one of those days when you just have to say, indeed He is good.--
Alright, I leave you with...
Love, peace and elbow grease,
and in the words of the 519 bus driver:
Chao.Chao. Hasta luego.
--Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Today was a pretty chill/workful day. I discussed my project with my adviser and had an interview with an Aymara woman. I did a little shopping, took a catnap (for an hour and a half) and went home.
P=K (AKA: Prayer is the Key)
I prayed today for a lot of things. Actually, I'v been praying for a while for somethings and God has been super faithful. Supongo que that was a moment. I prayed about my interview. I really wanted to get a much information as I could because I don't have much time left in the writing process and it is easier if I can work more on what I've gotten from knowledgable contacts instead of having to research of the the National Library...
I know that God is making things work out for my good and I realize it was when I decided that I've got to take my relationship farther with Him. I definitely am feeling Him more in my life and appreciate what He's doing for me and what He's planted in my heart.
God, this life ain't easy and I'm not even on my own. I realize that if I plan on making any waves in this world, I've got to hold on to God. Because that is my ultimate goal, to not play down the talents I've been given or the opportunities.
So, I plan on spending more time praying so that I get more moments to make.
--Sorry, I'm tired, my back hurts and I feel slightly overwhelmed.. Just one of those days when you just have to say, indeed He is good.--
Alright, I leave you with...
Love, peace and elbow grease,
and in the words of the 519 bus driver:
Chao.Chao. Hasta luego.
--Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Rubbish. Garbage. Basura. Trash. Chatarra
No matter how you say it, it still means the same thing: Junk
I only have 2 minutes so I have no choice but to get to the chase:
In Hebrews 13:1-9 Paul gives some concluding words about how Christians should live (this is always helpful because it makes living easier). He's saying we gotta avoid the "spiritual junk" so we don't get fat and weighed down by what is not right. Even some things that claim to be "Christian" or "Religious" such as some literature/music I've read, don't do the spirit any good.
So I say to you (and definitely to myself), what are some things you need to get rid of...that are not true to God's word?
Les dejo en paz.
Ife 'Quipayan' S.---Moment Maker
I only have 2 minutes so I have no choice but to get to the chase:
In Hebrews 13:1-9 Paul gives some concluding words about how Christians should live (this is always helpful because it makes living easier). He's saying we gotta avoid the "spiritual junk" so we don't get fat and weighed down by what is not right. Even some things that claim to be "Christian" or "Religious" such as some literature/music I've read, don't do the spirit any good.
So I say to you (and definitely to myself), what are some things you need to get rid of...that are not true to God's word?
Les dejo en paz.
Ife 'Quipayan' S.---Moment Maker
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Girl, work with what you've got!
It's official: I haven't watched TV in 60 hours!! I am now lifting my ban on TV and placing a restriction of 30 min. Facebook sessions and only occurring twice a day. Now this, my friend, will be a challenge. I sometimes forget myself and peruse through photos and unnecessary things, supongo.
In my attempts to get to sleep before 1:30am, I won't write a whoooole lot. Just a whole lot. Ja. Listo...Just kidding. Tengo mucho tutoo, and this is why:
Chorillana: Fries, eggs, onions and beef!!
I, along with my Chilean aunty and my program cousin, went around Valpo and had a ball. I was going to cancel my hang out session with them because I was having a few issues with my registration (boo) for classes next semester, but I went (late) and had a blast. We ate Chorillana. Lots of it.
So, later on we went shopping and listened to a charla (talk) about los Mapuche (un pueblo originario de Chile).
Later on, I went to church. I was excited to go because we would be evangelizing and it was only youth. I, personally, haven't encountered youth that are so willing to evangelize and talk to others about who God is to them. These youngins are so motivated by Jesus and the faith that I sometimes have to do double takes. I know people like this exist, but in the US, we do a lot of talking and less doing. I was actually (unfortunately) surprised when I saw a fairly large crowd of youth waiting to be sent out and do what God has asked us. I walk to the church from the charla and was thinking that only a few people will show up and on Sunday they'd give excuses as to why they didn't show. But thanks be to God that He's found a place in the hearts of these people.
My moment came when I decided that I would let go of the restrictions and fears and timidness that sometimes came with talking to others about my loving Padre. I honestly believe it was all God, but I talked to the people with true sincerity in my voice and came to them the way Jesus would have: He met them where they were. It's absolutely mind boggling how this kind of love is hidden from the world because we chose to hold back.
A woman during prayer night last week told me that the kind of enthusiasm I have/bring is what God wants in his people, to reach the world. I was like...I only introduced myself. I didn't perform Romeo and Juliet. But, she was right. I see at like this: The way God made you-your personality, your style, your passions- is the way He will be using you. So if you're an energetic person, share the gospel energetically. If you've got mad fashion skills (which I don't) then share God through that. These are things that we, as Christians, have with the world en which we live. Por eso, we have to go out into this world with what we have. Whether you're a historian, lover, talker, or thinker. Go out there with that and ask God to use it.
I would be so much more bent on explaining more but that'll only get me into my.."wow Ife, that was such a smart thing you said to that woman. I'm sure she believes in God now." I don't want to go there. I'll just be praying that we were able to put God on their mind and in their hearts.
Buenas noches mis amigos.
Que Dios les bendiga.
So with much love, peace and elbow grease..Les dejo.
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
In my attempts to get to sleep before 1:30am, I won't write a whoooole lot. Just a whole lot. Ja. Listo...Just kidding. Tengo mucho tutoo, and this is why:
Chorillana: Fries, eggs, onions and beef!!
So, later on we went shopping and listened to a charla (talk) about los Mapuche (un pueblo originario de Chile).
Later on, I went to church. I was excited to go because we would be evangelizing and it was only youth. I, personally, haven't encountered youth that are so willing to evangelize and talk to others about who God is to them. These youngins are so motivated by Jesus and the faith that I sometimes have to do double takes. I know people like this exist, but in the US, we do a lot of talking and less doing. I was actually (unfortunately) surprised when I saw a fairly large crowd of youth waiting to be sent out and do what God has asked us. I walk to the church from the charla and was thinking that only a few people will show up and on Sunday they'd give excuses as to why they didn't show. But thanks be to God that He's found a place in the hearts of these people.
My moment came when I decided that I would let go of the restrictions and fears and timidness that sometimes came with talking to others about my loving Padre. I honestly believe it was all God, but I talked to the people with true sincerity in my voice and came to them the way Jesus would have: He met them where they were. It's absolutely mind boggling how this kind of love is hidden from the world because we chose to hold back.
A woman during prayer night last week told me that the kind of enthusiasm I have/bring is what God wants in his people, to reach the world. I was like...I only introduced myself. I didn't perform Romeo and Juliet. But, she was right. I see at like this: The way God made you-your personality, your style, your passions- is the way He will be using you. So if you're an energetic person, share the gospel energetically. If you've got mad fashion skills (which I don't) then share God through that. These are things that we, as Christians, have with the world en which we live. Por eso, we have to go out into this world with what we have. Whether you're a historian, lover, talker, or thinker. Go out there with that and ask God to use it.
I would be so much more bent on explaining more but that'll only get me into my.."wow Ife, that was such a smart thing you said to that woman. I'm sure she believes in God now." I don't want to go there. I'll just be praying that we were able to put God on their mind and in their hearts.
Buenas noches mis amigos.
Que Dios les bendiga.
So with much love, peace and elbow grease..Les dejo.
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
Here's to justice, faith, love and peace. Jallalla! (Español)
Good morning my dear dear dear friend.
It is indeed a good morning (despite the cold weather we seem to be getting here in Valpo around this time of day). But since God woke me up and I'm still alive with all my senses, I'd say it's a good morning :)
Today's devotions comes after attempting to register for classes for the next semester but realizing that I am 3 hours ahead and 11am there is not until 2pm here. Pues, que puedo hacer? hmm? Nothing. -Still considering taking Arabic. We'll see.
2 Timoteo 2: 20-22 /2 Timothy 2:20-22
Me di cuenta de que tengo la tendencia de escoger aspectos del pasaje que quiero ver. Ejemplo: Si el pasaje habla de los pecados, pecadores, esperanza y el futuro, la posibilidad de enfocarme en la esperanza y el futuro es mayor de en los pecados y los pecadores (pero en serio, quién quiere poner el énfasis en lo mal? Yo no). De todos modos, hoy, especialmente porque es corto, voy a describir todo y tratar de ver todo en cómo me aplica, cachai? Entonces, listo.
El pasaje, hoy, tiene que ver con estar limpia, o en este caso, ser limpia. Pedro (Peter) escribe sobre servicios de oro y de plata--> estos son especiales, "para uso noble"vs.20. También menciona los de madera y de barro--> Para uso común. Al fin del día, está diciendo que no queremos ser comunes, sino especiales para uso nobles; por lo tanto, tenemos que quitar los servicios de barro y de madera para que seamos limpios, "un vasija de uso noble, santificada, útil para el Señor, dispuesta para toda buena obra." vs.21.
Además, Pedro nos dice algunas maneras de quitar lo mal en vs. 22 Explica que si rechazamos los deseos de nuestra carne (no nos da una lista de los deseos pero hay parte de una en Colosenses 3/ Colossians 3) y seguimos "la justicia, la fe, el amor, la paz". Entonces, podemos disfrutar este tipo de vida con los ya involucrados en este estilo de vivir.
So here's to healthy living: Righteous living, faith, love and peace. Like I mentioned before, the race isn't just about getting to the end, but also about what we do during it: This. I guess I've got some 'limpiando' to do.
That's it from me. So until next time,
Sigue la justicia, la fe, el amor y la paz! Jallalla y Saludos
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
P.S. It's been officially 48 hours of no TV. However, I found myself on Youtube watching videos, by accident. As a punishment, I will go another 12 hours sin la tele. --By God's grace.--
It is indeed a good morning (despite the cold weather we seem to be getting here in Valpo around this time of day). But since God woke me up and I'm still alive with all my senses, I'd say it's a good morning :)
Today's devotions comes after attempting to register for classes for the next semester but realizing that I am 3 hours ahead and 11am there is not until 2pm here. Pues, que puedo hacer? hmm? Nothing. -Still considering taking Arabic. We'll see.
2 Timoteo 2: 20-22 /2 Timothy 2:20-22
Me di cuenta de que tengo la tendencia de escoger aspectos del pasaje que quiero ver. Ejemplo: Si el pasaje habla de los pecados, pecadores, esperanza y el futuro, la posibilidad de enfocarme en la esperanza y el futuro es mayor de en los pecados y los pecadores (pero en serio, quién quiere poner el énfasis en lo mal? Yo no). De todos modos, hoy, especialmente porque es corto, voy a describir todo y tratar de ver todo en cómo me aplica, cachai? Entonces, listo.
El pasaje, hoy, tiene que ver con estar limpia, o en este caso, ser limpia. Pedro (Peter) escribe sobre servicios de oro y de plata--> estos son especiales, "para uso noble"vs.20. También menciona los de madera y de barro--> Para uso común. Al fin del día, está diciendo que no queremos ser comunes, sino especiales para uso nobles; por lo tanto, tenemos que quitar los servicios de barro y de madera para que seamos limpios, "un vasija de uso noble, santificada, útil para el Señor, dispuesta para toda buena obra." vs.21.
Además, Pedro nos dice algunas maneras de quitar lo mal en vs. 22 Explica que si rechazamos los deseos de nuestra carne (no nos da una lista de los deseos pero hay parte de una en Colosenses 3/ Colossians 3) y seguimos "la justicia, la fe, el amor, la paz". Entonces, podemos disfrutar este tipo de vida con los ya involucrados en este estilo de vivir.
So here's to healthy living: Righteous living, faith, love and peace. Like I mentioned before, the race isn't just about getting to the end, but also about what we do during it: This. I guess I've got some 'limpiando' to do.
That's it from me. So until next time,
Sigue la justicia, la fe, el amor y la paz! Jallalla y Saludos
Ife 'Quipayan' S.
To Embody the Unembodied. Justo.
Oh shnaps.
Do you wanna hear about what I did today? I'm sure you do, why else would you be here? Hmm? Here goes.
So, if you've been to Chile you know how nice the people are. I actually find them more than nice. I'm pretty sure I've never met a group of people more genial than these people are (Is it something they eat?hmm..). But anyway, I digress. I was able to make a moment today by deciding to go to an interview at 10:30pm. Justo. It was justo. Just perfect.
I am studying the influence, presence, and rol of the Aymara culture (an ethnic group with origins en northern Chile, southern Peru and part of Bolivia) in music found in the city of Valparaiso and I got to meet a group of ladies (and one man who isn't technically in the group, but yea) who basically embody this topic. Justo I tell you.
I'd been reading up on them all day and trying to get an interview with them and to get in contact with the director who's phone was acting up so we hadn't been able to talk. BUT..she calls me up around 7:30pm telling me that they were going to be playing in a restaurant in 3 hours and we could do the interview afterwards. I was currently enjoying onces (a tea-time meal that usually replaces dinner) with my family and 'cousin' M. The conversation was short and I was more confused after talking to her than clear on what was going on. My family helped me figure out where they were so I eventually decided to walk with my 'cousin' to her house which is right by the venue. HOWEVER, upon getting near her place, I heard music. Música andina (ps. the kind of music the group plays). Lakitas Matriasaya en vivo. Justo I tell you.
I got to listen to them and share in the environment that is northern music. I hung around for a while as the ladies drank tinto (red wine) and vino blano (white wine). I figured I might as well join them and get a feel for who this group is by just chillin' and talking with them. They were so willing to talk and shared the very core of the group's purpose. I got invited to their recording session. Qué bacan!!! Estoy super emocionada para ver mi tema en vivo.
So I spent the next 1.4 hours talking to them and eating fish popcorn (forgotten the name). It was amazing. They learned some English, I rattled off in Spanish. The ladies (and the lone man) were absolutely genial! They helped me soo much and, even though I didn't get home till almost 2am, I had a ball learning about the cultura aymara and the people that embody here. After making up my mind that I was going to learn everything I could, I just talked. I didn't fear not being understood nor did I let my sleepy side take me away. I was going to LEARN. (See how I underlined, bolded and italisized it? I was serious).
Boy did I learn...and make new friends. I think we're going shopping tomorrow...yep. Pam, Mari, Ife and Juanito. Bffs. :)
To learn more about the women that embody the unembodied, here is their link on MySpace y en Facebook. They are a group of women that play Andino music: Music that is usually played by only men and and is not seen in urban spaces.
Justo.
Deuces ya'll. I'm out.
Do you wanna hear about what I did today? I'm sure you do, why else would you be here? Hmm? Here goes.
So, if you've been to Chile you know how nice the people are. I actually find them more than nice. I'm pretty sure I've never met a group of people more genial than these people are (Is it something they eat?hmm..). But anyway, I digress. I was able to make a moment today by deciding to go to an interview at 10:30pm. Justo. It was justo. Just perfect.
I am studying the influence, presence, and rol of the Aymara culture (an ethnic group with origins en northern Chile, southern Peru and part of Bolivia) in music found in the city of Valparaiso and I got to meet a group of ladies (and one man who isn't technically in the group, but yea) who basically embody this topic. Justo I tell you.
I'd been reading up on them all day and trying to get an interview with them and to get in contact with the director who's phone was acting up so we hadn't been able to talk. BUT..she calls me up around 7:30pm telling me that they were going to be playing in a restaurant in 3 hours and we could do the interview afterwards. I was currently enjoying onces (a tea-time meal that usually replaces dinner) with my family and 'cousin' M. The conversation was short and I was more confused after talking to her than clear on what was going on. My family helped me figure out where they were so I eventually decided to walk with my 'cousin' to her house which is right by the venue. HOWEVER, upon getting near her place, I heard music. Música andina (ps. the kind of music the group plays). Lakitas Matriasaya en vivo. Justo I tell you.
So I spent the next 1.4 hours talking to them and eating fish popcorn (forgotten the name). It was amazing. They learned some English, I rattled off in Spanish. The ladies (and the lone man) were absolutely genial! They helped me soo much and, even though I didn't get home till almost 2am, I had a ball learning about the cultura aymara and the people that embody here. After making up my mind that I was going to learn everything I could, I just talked. I didn't fear not being understood nor did I let my sleepy side take me away. I was going to LEARN. (See how I underlined, bolded and italisized it? I was serious).
Boy did I learn...and make new friends. I think we're going shopping tomorrow...yep. Pam, Mari, Ife and Juanito. Bffs. :)
To learn more about the women that embody the unembodied, here is their link on MySpace y en Facebook. They are a group of women that play Andino music: Music that is usually played by only men and and is not seen in urban spaces.
Justo.
Deuces ya'll. I'm out.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Con Diligencia....With Diligence
~I would like to start by saying that it's been 24 hours of no TV. It actually was a struggle since I have a TV in my room and spend 98% of my day in mi pieza. Yea. Temptation. But God is good and stronger than the urge.~
This morning's devotions comes after almost an hour of house cleaning that made me feel really good and clean :)
2 Timoteo 2:3-16
This passage is a bit longer, so I had to find what the general idea was to properly understand it. Supongo basicamente tiene que ver con la diligencia de un(a) hijo/a de Dios.
Living the Christian life isn't just about trying to get to the end, but along the way, devoting time and energy into this race. Paul writes a letter to Timothy about how an athlete isn't given the gold medal if (s)he does not fight for it legitimately. This means working out and practicing and pushing him/herself to get his/her body where it needs to be: in the best condition possible. (I've talked a bit about this in another blog).
Getting there is never an easy thing, pero siempre vale la pena/it's worth it. I too have been looking into what kind of relationship I have with my Father. I've never been one to work exceptionally hard on relationships, I just assume that they are what they are. This is also reflected in the one I have with Christ. I read my bible once a day, talk to Him sometimes (when I have time) and say a goodnight prayer while in bed. I believe in God with ALL my heart, but where I'm lacking is the need to grow. Relationships weren't made to stay stagnant and life-less, but to grow in closeness and depth.
That's the kind I want, in all my relationships. Therefore, this means I need to spend more time with God and talk to Him more in general. Since I can talk to Him ANYWHERE this shouldn't be an issue. Well, I say all this and add 'By God's grace.'
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This morning's devotions comes after almost an hour of house cleaning that made me feel really good and clean :)
2 Timoteo 2:3-16
This passage is a bit longer, so I had to find what the general idea was to properly understand it. Supongo basicamente tiene que ver con la diligencia de un(a) hijo/a de Dios.
Living the Christian life isn't just about trying to get to the end, but along the way, devoting time and energy into this race. Paul writes a letter to Timothy about how an athlete isn't given the gold medal if (s)he does not fight for it legitimately. This means working out and practicing and pushing him/herself to get his/her body where it needs to be: in the best condition possible. (I've talked a bit about this in another blog).
Getting there is never an easy thing, pero siempre vale la pena/it's worth it. I too have been looking into what kind of relationship I have with my Father. I've never been one to work exceptionally hard on relationships, I just assume that they are what they are. This is also reflected in the one I have with Christ. I read my bible once a day, talk to Him sometimes (when I have time) and say a goodnight prayer while in bed. I believe in God with ALL my heart, but where I'm lacking is the need to grow. Relationships weren't made to stay stagnant and life-less, but to grow in closeness and depth.
That's the kind I want, in all my relationships. Therefore, this means I need to spend more time with God and talk to Him more in general. Since I can talk to Him ANYWHERE this shouldn't be an issue. Well, I say all this and add 'By God's grace.'
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Procura con diligencia presentarte a Dios aprobado, como obrero que no tiene de qué avergonzarse, que expone bien la Palabra de verdad." vs. 15
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." vs. 15
Monday, November 15, 2010
Let's talk about 'Love'♥
♥Ladies and gents...you're tuned into the Love Station: all love, 24/7.♥
Scratch that. I'm not capable by myself of loving 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Don't kid yourself. If only....
If only I realized that love, true love, was more than 4 letters in a row then I would see how important it is to our society, no matter where you are.
Jesus fo' sho' was on that love tip. In Mark 2 there's a story of how He calls Levi to be his disciple in verses 13-17. Later, we find Him kickin' it with tax collectors (whom EVERYONE hated....and probably still do) and other not so fabulous or outcasts. The scribes and the other leaders in the temple were like "What is He doing? Does this Jesus character know that these guys are stealing, on the regular, from their neighbors? I mean, He can't possibly want them as friends!"
Since my friend is super intelligent, He turns to them and says, and I quote "Los sanos no necesitan médico, sino los enfermos. No he venido a llamar a justos, sino a pecadores." --¡Quema!-- Burn. He let them know that since it's the sick that need doctors, He's come to those who society rejects. The sinners.
Scratch that. I'm not capable by myself of loving 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Don't kid yourself. If only....
If only I realized that love, true love, was more than 4 letters in a row then I would see how important it is to our society, no matter where you are.
Jesus fo' sho' was on that love tip. In Mark 2 there's a story of how He calls Levi to be his disciple in verses 13-17. Later, we find Him kickin' it with tax collectors (whom EVERYONE hated....and probably still do) and other not so fabulous or outcasts. The scribes and the other leaders in the temple were like "What is He doing? Does this Jesus character know that these guys are stealing, on the regular, from their neighbors? I mean, He can't possibly want them as friends!"
Since my friend is super intelligent, He turns to them and says, and I quote "Los sanos no necesitan médico, sino los enfermos. No he venido a llamar a justos, sino a pecadores." --¡Quema!-- Burn. He let them know that since it's the sick that need doctors, He's come to those who society rejects. The sinners.
He came for me.
And that, my dear friends is why love is so important in this world. The kind of love that calls you out of the corner to reveal how valuable you are. The kind of love that never stops giving, no matter how far away you've run and decide to back. The kind of love that is willing to take you back for the 100th time. Where do you find that kind of love? With none other than the one who brought it to this world: God. And all you have to do is tune into the Love Station: all love, 24/7.
Love crosses boundaries (invisible or visible) and opens doors. It melts hearts and puts them back together. The love I know forgives sins and lets me see another day when I am a rebel the night before.
"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
I need to be on that love tip...
In the beginning was....oh look. A pretty butterfly...§§
You're in for a surprise!!!
I'm doing my moment making before my devotions blog. Revolutionary, right? It's more of a statement making blog than an actual revision of a moment made (even though this statement came from a moment...one that I made...I guess).
I realize how easily I get distracted from things in life that are actually important. Example: I woke up this morning and set out to do my devotions, but once I opened up mi email, fue como.."Oh, debo chequear mi email." I responded to an email first thing this morning y después, I checked facebook. So unnecessary. En serio. The email can wait and facebook is DEF. not going anywhere. Verdad.
So I thought to myself. "What in the world are you doing, chiquilla?" Distractions have been getting too much in my way and it's not healthy. It's about 1) not letting things take you away from your goals (even super short term ones like opening up the internet to get to Our Daily Bread. 2) and exerting some self control. Why is it so difficult?? Tantas cosas en esta vida y a veces, quiero hacer todo. Demasiado. Basta.
This leads me to my moment making: I am going to eliminate one distraction every day of the week. My many options: Facebook, TV, sleep, checking ALL my emails (I have 3), my hair (sometimes I spend too much time trying to fix it) and internet surfing. I think that's it.
Entonces, today, I will begin with the television. It's rather revolutionary. I watch way too much TV. TV for me includes online TV watching as well as movie watching. Henceforth, I will not watch TV for the next 48 hours. I'm doing 48 because I know 24 would be too easy. I've done 24, but 48 will be meaningful. Starting......NOW
---12:40pm Monday until 12:40pm Wednesday---BAN on TV
By God's grace.
I'm doing my moment making before my devotions blog. Revolutionary, right? It's more of a statement making blog than an actual revision of a moment made (even though this statement came from a moment...one that I made...I guess).
I realize how easily I get distracted from things in life that are actually important. Example: I woke up this morning and set out to do my devotions, but once I opened up mi email, fue como.."Oh, debo chequear mi email." I responded to an email first thing this morning y después, I checked facebook. So unnecessary. En serio. The email can wait and facebook is DEF. not going anywhere. Verdad.
So I thought to myself. "What in the world are you doing, chiquilla?" Distractions have been getting too much in my way and it's not healthy. It's about 1) not letting things take you away from your goals (even super short term ones like opening up the internet to get to Our Daily Bread. 2) and exerting some self control. Why is it so difficult?? Tantas cosas en esta vida y a veces, quiero hacer todo. Demasiado. Basta.
This leads me to my moment making: I am going to eliminate one distraction every day of the week. My many options: Facebook, TV, sleep, checking ALL my emails (I have 3), my hair (sometimes I spend too much time trying to fix it) and internet surfing. I think that's it.
Entonces, today, I will begin with the television. It's rather revolutionary. I watch way too much TV. TV for me includes online TV watching as well as movie watching. Henceforth, I will not watch TV for the next 48 hours. I'm doing 48 because I know 24 would be too easy. I've done 24, but 48 will be meaningful. Starting......NOW
---12:40pm Monday until 12:40pm Wednesday---BAN on TV
By God's grace.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Responsible
Buenas gents and ladies,
It's way too late to write anything fully fleshed out, but I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed my day besides the fact that my back is practically telling me to get a massage, all is well.
I took the decision to do something my family doesn't. I talked to a loved one about a very personal issue. I think that it was a good decision because it reasured me that the people I care the most for are making good decisions that make their lives better. We had a nice chat and things got cleared up. Both of us are nice and content.
Eso. El fin. That's the end.
So, do something responsible and make a moment.
Signing out (and getting some sleep)
A not-so-mundane Moment Maker
<---My "getting some sleep" face.
Come back to check for my moment from the 13th. Didn't have internet Saturday evening so couldn't comply with my self made contract (suggested contract).
It's way too late to write anything fully fleshed out, but I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed my day besides the fact that my back is practically telling me to get a massage, all is well.
I took the decision to do something my family doesn't. I talked to a loved one about a very personal issue. I think that it was a good decision because it reasured me that the people I care the most for are making good decisions that make their lives better. We had a nice chat and things got cleared up. Both of us are nice and content.
Eso. El fin. That's the end.
So, do something responsible and make a moment.
A not-so-mundane Moment Maker
<---My "getting some sleep" face.
Come back to check for my moment from the 13th. Didn't have internet Saturday evening so couldn't comply with my self made contract (suggested contract).
Saturday, November 13, 2010
You must not know 'bout me.
"1Señor, tú me has examinado
y me conoces.
2Tú conoces mi sentarme
y me levantarme; desde lejos,
entiendes mis pensamientos." Salmos (Psalm) 139:1-2
None of my life goals is to become famous just so that everyone knows me, but sure does it feel good to enter an environment where people completely accept you and know who you are! I'm not going to deny that when I go to the parties that my friend C. throws, she always makes a big deal about me being there and my head swellllllllssss up! She yells my name as I walk in and proceeds to run through the crowd of people to recognize my presence. This makes me feel on top of the world, because anything I do after that, does not change the fact that she really is happy to have me there.
And this passage is hinting at the same thing. God knows me, inside and out, and actually cares about my thoughts. It opens up with "God, you have examined me and you know me." <--This right there is basically saying: God you know what I'm like. I'm not that organized. I don't always tell the truth and disobey you on purpose. I don't even have to tell you how messed up I am, because you know all that, but still you want me.
Reminds me of someone once telling me that people shouldn't change who they are to please someone else because of that person really likes you, he/she will take you as you are, faults and all, which made me super happy 'cause boy am I a rough package. And I see the same applying here, but God loves us more and doesn't even see the faults because Jesus covers them up.
So, not only does He know how jacked up I am, He still loves me and choses to protect, guide and sustain me. "But God, you know that last week after aunt Julie told me not to give Hannah the candy I...." I know.
"Okay, but did you know that I lied to my mom about...." I know. "Well, you obviously don't realize that I ignore you sometimes." I know, but I love you just the same.
Chuta. He must really know 'bout me.
"1 You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit
and when I rise; you perceive
my thoughts from afar."
y me conoces.
2Tú conoces mi sentarme
y me levantarme; desde lejos,
entiendes mis pensamientos." Salmos (Psalm) 139:1-2
None of my life goals is to become famous just so that everyone knows me, but sure does it feel good to enter an environment where people completely accept you and know who you are! I'm not going to deny that when I go to the parties that my friend C. throws, she always makes a big deal about me being there and my head swellllllllssss up! She yells my name as I walk in and proceeds to run through the crowd of people to recognize my presence. This makes me feel on top of the world, because anything I do after that, does not change the fact that she really is happy to have me there.
And this passage is hinting at the same thing. God knows me, inside and out, and actually cares about my thoughts. It opens up with "God, you have examined me and you know me." <--This right there is basically saying: God you know what I'm like. I'm not that organized. I don't always tell the truth and disobey you on purpose. I don't even have to tell you how messed up I am, because you know all that, but still you want me.
Reminds me of someone once telling me that people shouldn't change who they are to please someone else because of that person really likes you, he/she will take you as you are, faults and all, which made me super happy 'cause boy am I a rough package. And I see the same applying here, but God loves us more and doesn't even see the faults because Jesus covers them up.
So, not only does He know how jacked up I am, He still loves me and choses to protect, guide and sustain me. "But God, you know that last week after aunt Julie told me not to give Hannah the candy I...." I know.
"Okay, but did you know that I lied to my mom about...." I know. "Well, you obviously don't realize that I ignore you sometimes." I know, but I love you just the same.
Chuta. He must really know 'bout me.
"1 You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit
and when I rise; you perceive
my thoughts from afar."
Friday, November 12, 2010
Ditch the box?
Oigan!
Ah. Another fine evening in Valparaiso. It's rather quiet and everyone is asleep...except for me. I have a hard time getting myself to work or do anything at all when it gets dark, but I really have to finish this part of my paper or else I have failed. No completamente, pero...eh.
Have you ever wanted something that you thought you wouldn't want? If so, isn't it a strange feeling? "Ife, de que hablas?"
I'm talking about staying in Chile.
Treason. Treason you say. What if I stayed? Obviously I HAVE to go back, but honestly at this point in time, I'd rather just be here and...IDK. Tan raro, pero quizá es el ambiente del programa que me hace pensar en quedarme acá o es algo distinta. I can't put my finger on it. I just am not ready to leave. I'm not leaving yet, but in one month and 5 days, my plane takes off.
Today, I rethought law school. Nothing too dep, but because I feel like I've been given a lot of privilage in this life, I want to be able to share what I've been given in a deep/profound way. To be a children's lawyer. Is that even the proper term. Minors' lawyer? Juvenile lawywer? lo que sea. This is what I'm thinking, however, whenever I think of lawyer, I think formal, box.
I don't like boxes and don't do well in them. I'm uncertain, not extreeemly organizada and like to sit in the park and just watch people. Do lawyers do that? Do they? Okay, I'm sure not all lawyers are hard core people with little to no breathing room, but I'm sooo not that. I'm Ms. smiley that enjoys to rock out to music and watch romantic movies at night with a cup of Milo and lots of cookies.
I'm the girl who doesn't mind working at a kid's summer camp because I love the great outdoors and can't go for too long without naturaleza or some form of outdoors feel. Fresh air? Yes, please. I need to read articles 2 times to fully understand and draw large images to write a paper. My life doesn't fit in a box.
But, I feel like being a child/juvenile, minors' lawyer is something I should do. Something concrete.
Nope. Now that I think about it, it doesn't make sense at all. My gut says no. Ditching the box and making a moment.
Ah. Another fine evening in Valparaiso. It's rather quiet and everyone is asleep...except for me. I have a hard time getting myself to work or do anything at all when it gets dark, but I really have to finish this part of my paper or else I have failed. No completamente, pero...eh.
Have you ever wanted something that you thought you wouldn't want? If so, isn't it a strange feeling? "Ife, de que hablas?"
I'm talking about staying in Chile.
Treason. Treason you say. What if I stayed? Obviously I HAVE to go back, but honestly at this point in time, I'd rather just be here and...IDK. Tan raro, pero quizá es el ambiente del programa que me hace pensar en quedarme acá o es algo distinta. I can't put my finger on it. I just am not ready to leave. I'm not leaving yet, but in one month and 5 days, my plane takes off.
Today, I rethought law school. Nothing too dep, but because I feel like I've been given a lot of privilage in this life, I want to be able to share what I've been given in a deep/profound way. To be a children's lawyer. Is that even the proper term. Minors' lawyer? Juvenile lawywer? lo que sea. This is what I'm thinking, however, whenever I think of lawyer, I think formal, box.
I don't like boxes and don't do well in them. I'm uncertain, not extreeemly organizada and like to sit in the park and just watch people. Do lawyers do that? Do they? Okay, I'm sure not all lawyers are hard core people with little to no breathing room, but I'm sooo not that. I'm Ms. smiley that enjoys to rock out to music and watch romantic movies at night with a cup of Milo and lots of cookies.
I'm the girl who doesn't mind working at a kid's summer camp because I love the great outdoors and can't go for too long without naturaleza or some form of outdoors feel. Fresh air? Yes, please. I need to read articles 2 times to fully understand and draw large images to write a paper. My life doesn't fit in a box.
But, I feel like being a child/juvenile, minors' lawyer is something I should do. Something concrete.
Nope. Now that I think about it, it doesn't make sense at all. My gut says no. Ditching the box and making a moment.
Más que pan-Of Satisfaction
Aight homies and homettes.
Another morning...though I missed yesterday morning's activities, I'm back on the ball, thank God.
Read/don't read (your choice): Juan (John) 6:25-36.
I'm getting pan (bread) from the sky! Yep, so I got this super cool deal (Actually everyone got this deal, but some people didn't want it. Don't know why) that if I want to live forever and ever in PARADISE (WOOT WOOT!!), all I have to do is go to the guy who owns the place and ask for *bread. The bread that gives me access to this sweet joint. But when I go to ask for this bread, the guy tells me that it's not necessary because HE can give me access because HE's the real key to this ballin' crib. He said that he's more than the bread that was sent earlier.
Of Satisfaction
That's what this chapter in this Love Letter is saying. "El que viene a mí, nunca tendrá hambre, el que cree en mí, no tendrá sed jamás." vs. 35. If I'm willing (making choices, thus moments), to go to Jesus, I can find continual satisfaction and not feel the hole of needing a guy to make me feel like 'Ah yea. Mi vida es completa.' Not necessary.
I can feel like some may think "Whoa, what a large claim this Jesus guy is making. Being completely satisfied in all aspects of my life is not an easy task." For me, it's getting rid of the desires to fill my life with what society says is necessary. When I watch TV, it's one commercial or TV show giving me hints about what I should be wearing, buying, having to get where I need to in this life. I'm not trying to be bombarded with these never ending messages that say that crazy is in, but only until Lady Gaga wears crazy out, then posh and prim are in.
God didn't come to change the way my physical appearances look to society, but He came to show me that there is so much more to that to reach satisfaction. He's reassured me that I can, first, be satisfied in Him and the life He aims to give me and, secondly, be satisfied in who He's made me into (someone beautiful of course :) ) and the, once again, amazing plans He's got for me.
Okay, I'm pretty satisfied. Más que pan? I think so. More than Loaves.
*bread=the key to Paradise in this case
Another morning...though I missed yesterday morning's activities, I'm back on the ball, thank God.
Read/don't read (your choice): Juan (John) 6:25-36.
I'm getting pan (bread) from the sky! Yep, so I got this super cool deal (Actually everyone got this deal, but some people didn't want it. Don't know why) that if I want to live forever and ever in PARADISE (WOOT WOOT!!), all I have to do is go to the guy who owns the place and ask for *bread. The bread that gives me access to this sweet joint. But when I go to ask for this bread, the guy tells me that it's not necessary because HE can give me access because HE's the real key to this ballin' crib. He said that he's more than the bread that was sent earlier.
Of Satisfaction
That's what this chapter in this Love Letter is saying. "El que viene a mí, nunca tendrá hambre, el que cree en mí, no tendrá sed jamás." vs. 35. If I'm willing (making choices, thus moments), to go to Jesus, I can find continual satisfaction and not feel the hole of needing a guy to make me feel like 'Ah yea. Mi vida es completa.' Not necessary.
I can feel like some may think "Whoa, what a large claim this Jesus guy is making. Being completely satisfied in all aspects of my life is not an easy task." For me, it's getting rid of the desires to fill my life with what society says is necessary. When I watch TV, it's one commercial or TV show giving me hints about what I should be wearing, buying, having to get where I need to in this life. I'm not trying to be bombarded with these never ending messages that say that crazy is in, but only until Lady Gaga wears crazy out, then posh and prim are in.
God didn't come to change the way my physical appearances look to society, but He came to show me that there is so much more to that to reach satisfaction. He's reassured me that I can, first, be satisfied in Him and the life He aims to give me and, secondly, be satisfied in who He's made me into (someone beautiful of course :) ) and the, once again, amazing plans He's got for me.
Okay, I'm pretty satisfied. Más que pan? I think so. More than Loaves.
*bread=the key to Paradise in this case
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Who? What? Where? When?
Dear readers,
Today, I made waves. En serio.
Okay, not really. I just went to a concierto con mi amiga (Hi Conchita: her codename. When you're making moments you've GOTTA have/use codenames). I'll tell you why it was a moment:
So, today I had to get up early (at 8am...early) to go to a meeting with my project advisor (codename Ann) at 10am in the neighboring city: Viña del Mar-Vinyard of the sea. I'm 2 min. late, but that's okay because no one was in the building we were going to use so we went to her casa (bonita). 1 hour and a half later we're done with our enlightening conversation about diversity and her old house that they're redoing.
I head back home con hambre y sueño. Which do you conquer first? HUNGER. I eat, check my email (she's send me more articles to read), watch an episode of NCIS (!!!) and take a nap...more like sleep for many hours. I didn't bother to set my alarm because I was pooped so I'd sleep until I could sleep no more. Forget going to church or doing ANYTHING.
I went to church. I was fighting with myself because I really wanted to go but I already WALKED UP MY DAGGONE HILL (this is something NO ONE does. It's so steep that even the busses have issues with getting up.) and I didn't want to go down again. I shook off the sleepies and went. But...
BUT....
but before I left, I got a message that made my moment. My friend was going to a concert for the Astros (a Santiago band) and invited some friends to go. I know nothing of this band and had never heard of them. I responded with a YES. We'll see how this goes.
So after church I have plans to go to a rockin' electronic concert in SPANISH. However....
HOWEVER...
however, when I meet up with Conchita, she has a very vague idea where it is. Boy was it an adventure. I tried helping by asking the following questions: "Where is it?"- En esta calle, con esta direccion- But the address did not exist. What is the name of the place? -Don't remember.- We walked up and down the streets for about 30 interesting minutes. She was super determined to go to the concierto and so was I...back to my house. I had already waited 15 minutes for her and I thought that the concierto would have started, but by the time we walked around looking super lost (because we were), asked questions from people we THOUGHT were knowledgeable (turns out they just looked pretty) we literally stumbled upon the concierto!
It was great. I danced (in my seat. Chileans can be fome-slang for boring- when it comes to pretty rock out concerts. No one seems to be feelin' it. But maybe that's just me). The lights were crazy and there was a song with a jungle theme. Quite fantastic. Afterwards...
AFTERWARDS...
afterwards, I bought an empanada and hot chocolate!!! Nunca compro comida en las calles (soy prudente), pero hoy, me decidí que no debo hold myself back 'cause yo tenía hambrecito. En serio.
I say this is a moment because I had work to do, definitely was being lazy that day and did not feel like walking about, I chose to ignore all that for just a few minutes/hours and enjoy the moment I was being given. I didn't want an opportunity to pass and I'd be back in my green pieza eating fish and reading about Chilenization (check it out. Quite interesante).
Today, I made waves. En serio.
Okay, not really. I just went to a concierto con mi amiga (Hi Conchita: her codename. When you're making moments you've GOTTA have/use codenames). I'll tell you why it was a moment:
So, today I had to get up early (at 8am...early) to go to a meeting with my project advisor (codename Ann) at 10am in the neighboring city: Viña del Mar-Vinyard of the sea. I'm 2 min. late, but that's okay because no one was in the building we were going to use so we went to her casa (bonita). 1 hour and a half later we're done with our enlightening conversation about diversity and her old house that they're redoing.
I head back home con hambre y sueño. Which do you conquer first? HUNGER. I eat, check my email (she's send me more articles to read), watch an episode of NCIS (!!!) and take a nap...more like sleep for many hours. I didn't bother to set my alarm because I was pooped so I'd sleep until I could sleep no more. Forget going to church or doing ANYTHING.
I went to church. I was fighting with myself because I really wanted to go but I already WALKED UP MY DAGGONE HILL (this is something NO ONE does. It's so steep that even the busses have issues with getting up.) and I didn't want to go down again. I shook off the sleepies and went. But...
BUT....
but before I left, I got a message that made my moment. My friend was going to a concert for the Astros (a Santiago band) and invited some friends to go. I know nothing of this band and had never heard of them. I responded with a YES. We'll see how this goes.
So after church I have plans to go to a rockin' electronic concert in SPANISH. However....
HOWEVER...
however, when I meet up with Conchita, she has a very vague idea where it is. Boy was it an adventure. I tried helping by asking the following questions: "Where is it?"- En esta calle, con esta direccion- But the address did not exist. What is the name of the place? -Don't remember.- We walked up and down the streets for about 30 interesting minutes. She was super determined to go to the concierto and so was I...back to my house. I had already waited 15 minutes for her and I thought that the concierto would have started, but by the time we walked around looking super lost (because we were), asked questions from people we THOUGHT were knowledgeable (turns out they just looked pretty) we literally stumbled upon the concierto!
It was great. I danced (in my seat. Chileans can be fome-slang for boring- when it comes to pretty rock out concerts. No one seems to be feelin' it. But maybe that's just me). The lights were crazy and there was a song with a jungle theme. Quite fantastic. Afterwards...
AFTERWARDS...
afterwards, I bought an empanada and hot chocolate!!! Nunca compro comida en las calles (soy prudente), pero hoy, me decidí que no debo hold myself back 'cause yo tenía hambrecito. En serio.
I say this is a moment because I had work to do, definitely was being lazy that day and did not feel like walking about, I chose to ignore all that for just a few minutes/hours and enjoy the moment I was being given. I didn't want an opportunity to pass and I'd be back in my green pieza eating fish and reading about Chilenization (check it out. Quite interesante).
So, I am very happy with this day and made some moments. The talk we had afterwards was the best conversation I'd had in a while. I decided that I wasn't going to rush it and was going to spend time with a friend and not worry about missing onces with my fam. I was here, in a vegitarian restaurante (El Jardin de la Profeta) drinking hot chocolate and watching nightfall. Que rico.
Eso. That's is. Se acabó.
Until la próxima vez,
Make some moments. Eat empanadas (de pino. I'm partial).
Massive Moment Maker
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Day 2-My prayer
Today I'm saying some prayers that should have been said long ago, but since God knows it, he's answered (YES, NO, or WAIT). I may not always like these answers or understand why he chose it, but deep in the depth of my heart I truly want to trust God. As I sit here in my pieza, my heart is crying out to the God that made me and knows me like a BFF. He knows. He knows that I am worried about the future and that I really need to find a place to live next semester. He knows that I worry about my future mate because society is saying that dating is like shopping, gotta try a few out before you find the perfect fit, but I'm not trying to go through heartache just to find the right one. But God also knows that I'm not ready for someone else in my life. Why?
Because I'm one of those addictive people. Once I get into something, I'm into it. Especially people. Once I find someone I remotely like, the rest of my week better be clear 'cause I'll probably spend at last a few hours a day thinking about that person. This isn't a horrible thing, it's that I can't handle that at this moment in time. I'm schooling, learning and growing. I need to do some growing (and I'm sure my future mate probably does too) before I get into anyone. :sigh: The facts...they make me mellow sometimes, but they are as they are.
So I'm praying that my head doesn't come in the way of what my heart truly desires: to be close to the God who loves me and has the most ballin' plans for my life. When I say ballin' I mean ballin'. Look at me. I'm in Chile with a fantastic family and am not paying for my college experience nor have I been a summer without work (didn't always love the job, but it's work). I have a house to go back to and at least one friend who could almost be my sister. God doesn't fail. This, my friend, is the truth and the source of my prayer.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Not even close
Hey Hey Hey
Aight. So, today, on my way to making moments, I just stayed in and did work. I think that's a moment. You know? The times you choose to do the right thing. Like the time you chose to stay in while all your friends went out because you had a larger than life project due the next day. Like that. Except you imagined yourself missing out on special moments in this life. Well, darling, you make the moments. You're not missing anything, unless you choose to.
It's like going to a baseball game and missing parts of the first inning because you were busy talking it up with a fantastic friend from high school. The only thing you 'missed' was a few minutes in the lives of people who get paid whether you're there or not. Really. (And they get paid a whole lot. So if you'd rather be without this friend and watch someone else make money, go ahead). But, you really, at the end of the day, didn't miss the first inning. You were given an opportunity to make a moment and you chose to. Hopefully you and your fantastic friend from high school have skype so you two can keep in touch and make more moments happen.
Long story short, I did work. And got to spend time with the fam. Buenas noches, home skillet.
Aight. So, today, on my way to making moments, I just stayed in and did work. I think that's a moment. You know? The times you choose to do the right thing. Like the time you chose to stay in while all your friends went out because you had a larger than life project due the next day. Like that. Except you imagined yourself missing out on special moments in this life. Well, darling, you make the moments. You're not missing anything, unless you choose to.
It's like going to a baseball game and missing parts of the first inning because you were busy talking it up with a fantastic friend from high school. The only thing you 'missed' was a few minutes in the lives of people who get paid whether you're there or not. Really. (And they get paid a whole lot. So if you'd rather be without this friend and watch someone else make money, go ahead). But, you really, at the end of the day, didn't miss the first inning. You were given an opportunity to make a moment and you chose to. Hopefully you and your fantastic friend from high school have skype so you two can keep in touch and make more moments happen.
Long story short, I did work. And got to spend time with the fam. Buenas noches, home skillet.
The start of something new
Okay ladies and gents. Buckle up because I, Moment Maker, am taking you on a ride.
-As an intro blog, I want to explain its purpose.
I've been slacking in being consistent with Jesus and other things in my life, but I want to be more disciplined, less of a slack and more adventurous in my moment making.
---Today's devotional: 1 Corintios 9: 24-27---
Basically, what I got out of this is why this blog came to be. It's talking about the crown of life and how to attain it: Go for it. If you're an athlete and have a race coming up, you do what you must (legally) to prepare yourself to win or at least do the best you can. This means training, not spending days on the couch eating popcorn while watching 2 seasons of House.
This is what the Christian walk is like. It's not a sprint, it's the gosh-dang long marathon that consists of abstaining from somethings and applying self control. La palabra en español para self control es templanza. It sounds pretty cool. However, I've come to realize (through the Our Daily Bread) that there isn't much success in dominio propio, but solamente en el Espíritu Santo.
I've struggled with self control in my life and still do, but I usually rely on myself or others to let me know when is too much. I need to start electing the Holy Spirit as my guía because at the end of the day, I just fail.
---That's it for today. Tune back in later tonight to see what moments I make today. So whether you're preparing for a race, studying in a foreign country or going to class, make those moments. Life is a whole lot more than the mundane. --
Much love, peace and elbow grease,
Moment Maker AKA EmmSquarred. Deuces.
-As an intro blog, I want to explain its purpose.
- To give me something permanent to do during my month of my own schedule
- To be a place to share thoughts
- To encourage me to make moments everyday and do something because I chose to, not because I have to.
- To share/encourage the world to do the same: Make moments
- (It's a one month blog....as of now)
I've been slacking in being consistent with Jesus and other things in my life, but I want to be more disciplined, less of a slack and more adventurous in my moment making.
---Today's devotional: 1 Corintios 9: 24-27---
Basically, what I got out of this is why this blog came to be. It's talking about the crown of life and how to attain it: Go for it. If you're an athlete and have a race coming up, you do what you must (legally) to prepare yourself to win or at least do the best you can. This means training, not spending days on the couch eating popcorn while watching 2 seasons of House.
This is what the Christian walk is like. It's not a sprint, it's the gosh-dang long marathon that consists of abstaining from somethings and applying self control. La palabra en español para self control es templanza. It sounds pretty cool. However, I've come to realize (through the Our Daily Bread) that there isn't much success in dominio propio, but solamente en el Espíritu Santo.
I've struggled with self control in my life and still do, but I usually rely on myself or others to let me know when is too much. I need to start electing the Holy Spirit as my guía because at the end of the day, I just fail.
---That's it for today. Tune back in later tonight to see what moments I make today. So whether you're preparing for a race, studying in a foreign country or going to class, make those moments. Life is a whole lot more than the mundane. --
Much love, peace and elbow grease,
Moment Maker AKA EmmSquarred. Deuces.
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