Tanto Que Decir

Por Gabriela Yareliz

Cielo azul con borde amarillo.
El sol se va
y se busca un espejo.
La luna se viste de dorado,
y nos manda recuerdos en cada rayo.

Cada día, el cielo nos cuenta una historia;
Con sus partes tormentosas,
y sus partes de calor.
Las estrellas, las pestañas de una mirada que no sera olvidada.

Cada mañana, la luz nos besa con su promesa de lo eterno.
Lo eterno nos deja sin palabras y con dueño.

[Foto de Aida Artiles]

Monday Inspiration: January 5, 2015

Hello all,
I hope you are having a wonderful 2015. Tomorrow is the traditional Three Kings Day (Dia de Reyes), called Epiphany, by some. Children remember the Men of the East’s journey to Bethlehem by putting out boxes filled with straw for their camels. In the morning, the children receive gifts. This tradition came to much of Latin America from Spain.

The wise men were philosophers who studied scriptures, and they had studied the prophecies leading up to the coming of the Messiah (see prophet Isaiah). They were men of “noble birth…who studied the indications of Providence in nature, and who were honored for their integrity and wisdom.” (The Desire of Ages, pg. 59).

“The wise men had seen a mysterious light in the heavens upon that night when the glory of God flooded the hills of Bethlehem…a luminous star appeared, and lingered in the sky. They were impressed that the star was of special import to them. They consulted priests and philosophers, and searched the scrolls of the ancient records.” (The Desire of Ages, pg.60).

The journey was long. They could only travel to their unknown destination by night because they needed to keep the star in view as a guide. “The travelers beguiled the hours by repeating traditional sayings and prophetic utterances concerning the One they sought. At every pause for rest, they searched the prophecies; and the conviction deepened that they were divinely guided. While they had the star before them as an outward sign, they also had the inward evidence of the Holy Spirit, which was impressing their hearts, and inspiring them with hope.” (The Desire of Ages, pg. 60).

Many at that time had interpreted the prophecies in a way that was convenient to their desires, and had closed out truth through pride, envy and comfort.

However, those seeking in humility and wisdom found what had filled their hearts with wonder. Today, what is the outward sign pointing you to something higher? And what is the conviction in your heart as you seek?

More importantly, are you seeking?

Intelligent men are seekers. And wise men still seek Him.

“I’ve noticed something about people who make a difference in the world: They hold the unshakable conviction that individuals are extremely important, that every life matters. They get excited over one smile. They are willing to feed one stomach, educate one mind, and treat one wound. They aren’t determined to revolutionize the world all at once; they’re satisfied with small changes. Over time, though, the small changes add up. Sometimes they even transform cities and nations, and yes, the world.”
Beth Clark, Kisses from Katie

“Life is a lot tougher than school, my dears.” Mr. Feeny

The wise men said, “We have seen His star,” have you?

[Images from Tumblr]

Reflections Before Bedtime #4

By: Gabriela Yareliz

When you keep someone at arms length, you eventually lose him or her. You lose him or her in the crowd of people who influence you and whom you are trying to please, and you lose him or her in your fog of fears.

I think men who spend time at hardware stores are good husbands.

It is good to pray for strangers.

Something as simple as literally slowing down your pace can give you more peace.

Acceptance will come with the right offer.

There is something passionate about a torrential rain.

Family is the most magical group of people whose hearts will be linked together, forever.

Honesty is the best policy, and it is ok to say you don’t know.

Why is it ok to embrace uncertainty to harbor doubt, but people say it is not ok to embrace uncertainty to believe?

Does anyone else miss playing Candy Land?

A little boldness goes a long way.

The family remodeled a bathroom in 24 hrs, changing even the light fixtures. (I can explain an outlet box to you.) There is nothing this family can’t do.

Love is not about loving the idea of someone or loving what that person could be. It is about loving that person as they are in the present, with his or her battle scars and ways. It is about knowing that each person is a different world, but love will help two worlds coexist. This kind of love means: sacrifice, pain, commitment, loyalty and a willingness to never stop learning.

Mr. Feeny, where are you?

Some people choose to be fickle and come and go like waves in the ocean. Others choose to be constant as the stars.

Time (and life, for that matter,) waits for no man. So live, truly live. And love, truly love.

Always expect miracles.

Despite the Flaws

By: Gabriela Yareliz

In the Bible, we see men and women presented with all of their flaws and beauty; in their darkest moments and in their highest points. Why so?

“But seeing where they struggled and fell, where they took heart again and conquered through the grace of God, we are encouraged and led to press over the obstacles that degenerate nature places in our way.” Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, pg. 12

This new year:

Be like Abraham; show a faith that breaks you and leaves you stronger.

Be like Jacob, and don’t let go until you are blessed.

Be like Hannah, and demand God’s intervention.

Be like David, and allow God’s power to shine through the simple as it defeats what others see as mighty.

Be like Solomon, and ask God for what matters most.

Be like Job, and never doubt God no matter what happens to you; stay faithful.

Be like Daniel, and pray without ceasing.

Be like Joseph, and pursue the dream God has placed in your heart, even if it comes in unexpected ways.

Be like Moses, and allow God to prepare and change you while you wander a desert.

Be like Noah, and build in faith, disregarding what other say.

Be like Ruth, and be determined to follow God to wherever He leads you.

Be like Mary, and shine as peculiar among many.

Be like the disciples, who left the familiar and comfortable to follow God Himself.

Be like Paul, and allow God to find you where you are; find your sight in what others see as blindness.

Be like Peter, and allow God to take your weaknesses, so He can turn you into a rock.

Be like John, and spread the message of God’s love and mercy to the world.

Be like those mentioned above, who were flawed but were found and transformed.

“God will do marvelous things for those who trust in Him. It is because His professed people trust so much to their own wisdom, and do not give the Lord an opportunity to reveal His power in their behalf, that they have no more strength. He will help His believing children in every emergency if they will place their entire confidence in Him and implicitly obey Him.” Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, pg. 162, 163.

[Images from Tumblr]