Yep. That does it.

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.

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

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.

 

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.

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

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.

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.--

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.

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.'
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"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

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.

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.

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).