Monday Inspiration: May 4, 2015
[Audrey Hepburn, who shares my birthday]
By: Gabriela Yareliz
It’s my birthday week! There are exams to study for, but it is going to be a good week.
It has been a fantastic year; one of my most stressful, but also one of the years most filled with growth.
This is only the beginning.
Random notes on Monday (today):
I met a nice man who was a book publisher. Now, he works at the South Street Seaport Museum in the craft section. He worked at the Columbia law school library while he was in undergrad, and he said he remembered seeing Hon. Ruth Bader Ginsburg when she was in law school. Pretty awesome. He said he remembered seeing her in the library a lot, and that she was a focused woman. People are so interesting. Everyone has something interesting to share…You never know who is sitting in front of you. And you never know who they have met.
Can I just say, the weather is amazing. Absolutely amazing. There is so much to be grateful for.
The epic Cristela season finale:
“If we are amazed by the stars and all the wonders of nature, can we not also be moved to tears by the grand composition that God is doing to us?” T.B. LaBerge // Go Now
“I am an intense person. I don’t do things half way. I’m all in or all out. You either have all of me or you don’t get me at all.” Unknown
Natalia is right…
[from Tumblr]
Our lives right now:
This needs to happen in season 2:
“Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.” Unknown
This week is going to be awesome; two exams and a lot of awesome. 🙂
[Images from Tumblr]
Reflections Before Bedtime #23
By: Gabriela Yareliz
The fact that this is my 23rd reflection is ironic and perfect. It’s like a lot of those things in life that we don’t plan, but they happen at the right moment.
We age, day by day, and it is a privilege we must embrace to grow our souls into flourishing gardens. I have so much to learn, and I just wanted to write this and say that I am so grateful for everything that has been fulfilled in my life. God has been so good to me in just 2015 alone–and His goodness transcends time. He has been the most perfect Father. The most faithful friend.
As I see how good God has been to me, I am reminded of the verses in Jeremiah:
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you.” 31:3
“Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears, for there is a reward for your work, declares the Lord.” 31:16
“There is hope for your future, declares the Lord.” 31:17
It’s so important to see every choice and every reaction as a step forward or backward on the path you want to go down. I really want to take the right steps that lead me to being the person I want to be in Christ.
As this year progresses, I want to keep my focus on Christ. I want to value my peace in God above all other things, even above the things I may want (my own will). I want to love without limits and without fear of breaking. More than anything, I want humility. I want to break, and not only break but pour myself out. I want to stand valiantly for what I believe in. I want to show my faith and hope in my actions and in my vision.
I don’t want to be comfortable; I don’t want to be average; I don’t want to be afraid; I don’t want to be filled with pride; I don’t want to be self-centered– I want to be more like Christ, and I want to keep becoming someone that the young version of me aspired to be.
I want to honor others, inspire others, accept others, love others, and reflect that love through service.
Tonight, as I am reflecting on who I want to be, the promises I have made to myself and God, I realized that I have everything I could ever want or need. I have the most amazing family who are my lifeline, longsuffering friends, dynamic coworkers, health, life and a God who is King of everything, who calls me friend and child and who has promised and shown me that He will never leave or forsake me.
The lyrics of Be Thou My Vision, sum it up quite well.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whate’er befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
Friday Glee: May 1, 2015
By: Gabriela Yareliz
“Do not become upset when difficulty comes your way. Laugh in its face and know that you are in the hands of God.” St. Francis de Sales
Happy May 1st!
This one goes out to all who want to be leaders, to all who are paving their way, to all who need faith to carry them through.
[Images from Webstagram for Dr. Tony Evans, and @Propelwomen]
This Month’s Picks: April 2015
By: Gabriela Yareliz
This month has been a whirlwind. A fulfillment of many things awaited. I can say that things did not happen the way I anticipated, but better; and not by my doing, but God in His infinite mercy orchestrates amazing things in our lives. I am so blessed. God has acted in my life in an amazing way. He has brought to pass His will, and I have learned a lot along the way. I will also continue to learn. I have a lot to learn when it comes to humility, service, relationships, and faith.
April, God made you a memorable month for me. God, you have been too good. Beyond. And You will continue to lead the way.
“Not being able to fully understand God is frustrating, but it is ridiculous for us to think we have the right to limit God to something we are capable of comprehending.” Crazy Love, Francis Chan
1] Let’s start with this month’s soundtrack:
2] While studying this month, I got to see Hitch after ages of not seeing it.
3] And one night of delirium and Employment Law, there was The Swan Princess:
4] My court face, interpreted by the bad-assery of Michelle Rodriguez.
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May is exam month. It is going to fly by. Wake up. Live every moment. And the goal is to live unafraid. Trust and know God is in control. He has the final say.
May–it’s going to be fast and furious. *wink*
[Some images from Tumblr & Webstagram]
Reflections Before Bedtime #22
By: Gabriela Yareliz
My random thoughts of the night:
Life surprises us in the wildest ways. We make plans, God laughs (that kind of thing).
Sometimes, dreaming big can cost you, literally, but then faith comes through to repay all debts.
Maybe, when we think we are lost, if we look close enough, we realize that we are right where we belong.
Time, oh time. Time the revealer of all things. It vindicates, it teaches, it grows, it uncovers, it inspires, it moves–
God. He is amazing. He gives us double; He goes beyond; He does things, and He does them on steroids. God is into the American ideology of: Go big or go home. God goes big. He goes BIG. His idea of big isn’t our idea of big, oftentimes. But His idea is the only one that counts. I have been on this weird journey that has taught me a lot about myself, and I know it was necessary to get me to the place where I am, and where I must go. He gives us a good beginning and a good end.
This week, He showed me that my thoughts and desires aren’t His thoughts and desires. That sometimes, to walk in God’s will, it takes a vision (and attitude) adjustment on our part. (When we don’t want to be like Jonah). And He taught me to expect big things from Him.
He taught me that we can’t just plan life out as if it were a scavenger hunt or something. We don’t know where the treasure is exactly. He gives us an idea, but He wants to take us there. He is patient enough to take us there.
Spring has come. Flowers are blooming. Hope is rising. Dreams are coming true; God really cares about our dreams. He likes to fulfill them ironically to make us smile.
He taught me that this is only the beginning. The best is yet to come. I am sure there will be more lessons to be learned, and relearned. But I am in it for the long-haul.
Monday Inspiration: April 27, 2015
By: Gabriela Yareliz
Hello my friends,
A lovely Monday morning to ya! Can I just say, that between Friday and today, I have learned many things. One thing being that life happens while we make plans. (This is something we know, but when it hits you ironically, then, well, I guess it’s different–it’s kind of like the distinction between knowing about someone and knowing someone). I guess I will explain more about this later. There are still a couple of things that need to be figured out before anything goes public. But I can assure you that exciting times are ahead.
Also, this weekend, I learned that it’s important to accept the phase in life that you are living. Like, you can’t expect to have stability, a house and picket fence when you are just starting out your career. There will be many shifts, moves and things to learn from. It’s in times like these that you discover whether or not you are a perfectionist. Can’t live the life of a 50 year old in your mid-twenties… or can you? The key is BE FLEXIBLE. An open mind can save you from madness.
And maybe we never have the trajectory of our lives set in stone, but life is a continuous dependence on God. Key word here being continuous.
So, cheers to adventure, life, the unexpected, the leaps of faith, the struggles, the humility, the twists, the turns, the ups, the downs, and our God-given purpose.
Turns out the Creator of that purpose knows exactly how to execute it. All He needs is willingness from us.
One of my favorite movies of all time (seriously guys, this movie is perfection) is My Life in Ruins, by the lovely Nia Vardalos. It has the handsome protagonist (Alexis Georgoulis) say a memorable line when Georgia (the female protagonist, Nia Vardalos) decides her life is in shambles, “How do you plan life?” he asks her.
How do you?
“The abundant life that God has promised you isn’t for when you get married or when you get that job you always wanted. That abundant life is for every single season of your life.” Bob Beckwith
“I love that moment. When you’re on a long car ride, or listening to music, or reading. And you completely zone out. You forget your troubles, and everyone around you. You’re focused on that one thing, and that one thing only. You’re content, and everything seems peaceful.”
Unknown
“God’s mercy is an uplifting blessing to your sagging spirit, a golden salve to your bleeding wounds, a heavenly cast to your broken bones, a royal chariot for your weary feet, and a sweet embrace of love for your trembling heart.”
Charles Spurgeon
“I find the best way to love someone is not to change them, but instead, help them reveal the greatest version of himself.” Steve Maraboli
“God’s timing is everything. My losses and my gains… Planned to his perfection. I’m thankful he loves me enough to teach me.” Unknown
“There is nothing more beautiful than nature early in the morning.” Vincent Van Gogh
[Images from Tumblr]
Friday Glee: April 24, 2015
By: Gabriela Yareliz
Things are ending slowly, quickly; regardless, they are ending.
Things are changing quickly, slowly; regardless, they are changing.
Dreams are coming true slowly, quickly; regardless, they are coming true.
These next few months will be filled with study routines, exams, airport lines, jet setting, interviews, and the beginning of a career unfolding.
I’ve lived in several states and visited plenty more, and soon I will be adding a new one to the list.
There is a quote that says, “Believe you can and you are halfway there.”
And if you believe God can, you will be there.
[Images from Tumblr]
Open Roses
By: Gabriela Yareliz
Life is continual growth.
Life is like a rose. Suddenly, some insecurities begin to fade; things we weren’t sure we liked about ourselves, about others; imperfections that needed to be dealt with and not just ignored; the path we are walking without a clear view of the future… And as we continue to grow and find our voice, the flower continues to open. As the flower continues to open, it graces those around with beauty and fragrance.
Resignation, never.
We continue to grow, open and flourish.
You don’t get roses without thorns on this Earth. And while the thorns hurt, we all know the rose’s beauty and symbolism makes everything worth it, despite the thorns.
Yesterday, a group of us was reflecting on growth. Growth is a powerful thing. It happens when we are willing. It happens when we are broken. It happens when we are striving. It happens when we are dreaming. It happens when we are risking.
It’s what brings magic to our lives. To grow in love. To grow in faith. To grow in hope. To grow in friendship. To grow in respect. To grow in confidence. To grow is to change, while keeping the most important essence.
Never stop growing. When we grow, we reflect beauty into the world. When we grow, we become stronger. When we grow, just as eventually a rose’s petals fall and sprinkle the air and ground, we share ourselves with others.
And even when death comes, beauty remains.
[Image from Tumblr]
Reflections Before Bedtime #21
By: Gabriela Yareliz
Several random thoughts:
When Aladdin asked Jasmin, “Do you trust me?” That was a deep question…You should only take risks and go on magic carpet rides with someone you would say ‘yes’ to.
Do you ever catch yourself thinking as if you are still your 15-year-old self?
The Lizzie McGuire Movie hit the nail on the head with its lesson on not trusting a good looking guy who has foreign appeal after knowing him for two days. I am looking at you Paolo… You lied to Lizzie in your hot, fake Italian accent. Not cool.
Time tells us a lot, but it can’t be rushed.
How we measure success is important. I am still refining my definition.
Sometimes, a person you spent every free moment with becomes someone very far from you. It can be sad, but what would have been worse is if things had stayed the same. (See song: Somebody That I Used To Know).
Sometimes, people tell us exactly who they are, and we ignore that. Other times people lie about who they are, and we ignore that too. #concerned
Is sleep overrated? Underrated? Or better yet, what is sleep?
Prioritizing is difficult, but if you want to stay alive, it must be done.
Does sitting for hours every day make your butt flat? This is a serious question.
If you ever do a divorce settlement, don’t let it get to your head. It can make you question too many things. Things on the negative scale go from 0 to -100, QUICK.
I leave you with the words of Lizzie McGuire: Hey now, hey now, this is what dreams are made of…
Hope you have sweet dreams, with Zero Assoluto playing in the background.
GABRIELA YARELIZ 