Reflections Before Bedtime #14

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By: Gabriela Yareliz

I was just reflecting on the past couple of weeks. Man, 2015 has been so intense. It has been a test for me; mentally, spiritually and physically. This past week, I almost missed class twice because my body ignored all alarms, and I kept sleeping. Exhausted much?

My 90-day Bible Challenge has been such a huge blessing for me. Every day, I read something that touches me so deeply; something I need that day. I have often been moved to tears by the beauty I have found in my intense reading of the scriptures. I have had many prayers answered, and as all relationships go, it’s a constant walk and growing. God is so good to us in that He reveals Himself to us, and He reveals things He wants for us and things He wants to accomplish through us. I am in a crucial turning point in my life, and God has been speaking to me every day through different readings, music and people.

There is still so much distance to cover, but when we are most scared, God Himself shows up to not only guide us but to personally walk with us.

I just wanted to say, thank God for tears that cleanse the system and mind from doubt, anger, sadness, negativity and weight; and for the salt in our tears that preserves our hope. Thank God for a God who pursues us and guards us like a shepherd with sheep. Thank God for scripture that cuts open our souls like a two-edge sword and at the same time binds our bruises and wounds.

And thank God for the loving, listening ear that inspires and takes our hand and holds on tight; thank you mom.

The journey continues, and it is still hard and filled with uncertainty, but something changes when you are shown you are not alone.

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Stopping and Starting

By: Gabriela Yareliz [This blog was inspired by the person who most inspires my life, my mom. She guides me and inspires me to look at what really matters and to always seek Truth.]

I want to stop being afraid. I want to start living life at another level. It’s easy to see people who have “made it,” but when you are living through the building process of a life/career/future–it’s a painful backstory many don’t see.

Through my Bible readings, and this beautiful book my mom gave me about Women of the Bible (American Bible Society), I keep seeing again and again how God loves to intervene for us, if we let Him.

While the world may operate on paper money, God wants faith to be our currency. He promises it will pay for our needs, every time. I need to keep exchanging my currency because where I am going, I am going to need a lot of faith to get there and flourish. I want to live and walk by faith always, and these are the moments that build that kind of a life of faith.

Sometimes, God takes you to that uncomfortable place to show you that He can and will part the Red Sea for you.

He has carried us from the womb, and even up to our old age, He says, “I will carry you.” Isaiah 46:3-4

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[Images from Tumblr and Propel Women Webstagram]

Monday Inspiration: March 9, 2015

By: Gabriela Yareliz

Happy Monday!

Yesterday, we hit a high of 50F degrees. Yes. Spring is blowing us kisses. It’s in the neighborhood, stuck in traffic and not quite here yet (but on its way). Let’s accomplish a lot this week! May it be a week of many accomplishments, simplicity and peace. Let’s keep walking, forward–always forward.

Faith is not merely a journey for the feet, but it is also a journey for the heart.

A.W. Tozer

Let us be eager to leave what is familiar for what is true. Fran Chan

I don’t want to be
the other half of your soul.
I want to be the one
who reminds you
that you’re already whole.
G.S.,  to: my heart in human form.

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.

Charles Dickens

Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.
Andy Rooney

I hope you find a love that says more than “good morning.” I hope you find a love that says “I’m here to stay.” And I hope that in fifty years, you’ll see that the love was true to their word.

T.B. LaBerge // Unwritten Letters to You

It is a safe thing to trust Him to fulfill the desires which He creates. Amy Carmichael

I am dreaming of sunshine, flowers and the smell of rain-kissed dirt.
May your Monday work motivate you to greater things beyond today.

[Images from Tumblr]

Reflections Before Bedtime #13

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The reward of a faith is seeing what you believed in.

Through the lives of others and my own life, I keep seeing how BIG, loving and AWESOME God is.

“Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:22

“I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.” Isaiah 46:11

#relationshipgoals

By: Gabriela Yareliz

So, you know how people have Pinterest boards with their life goals on them? This post will kind of be like an inspiration board (aren’t they all). The Khoshbins are such an inspirational power couple. When I see them, I see a united front, partners-in-crime, and by the way they talk, and the messages they transmit, you know they are both spiritually and emotionally connected. So beautiful; God bless them. Also, they are one of those “started from the bottom, but now we are here” stories. Persevering, creative, and they give back. So the Khoshbins have it. #relationshipgoals

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[Images from: @leylamanny_fp Webstagram]

Happy Birthday Akash!

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Akash, you are one of the most uniquely hilarious people I have ever met. High school wouldn’t have been high school without you. 

It was awesome sitting next to this smart, funny guy throughout high school. He always made me laugh. He is caring, hilarious and generous. Dear Mort, this one goes out to you. *wink*

May your year be full of blessings, and of course, that God may grant us more years of laughter with you.

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Friday Glee: March 6, 2015

By: Gabriela Yareliz

This week, I earned the title of detective. The weeks get more intense as they pass by; something that seems impossible until it happens. BUT–it’s Friday. Time to celebrate. The Sabbath has come as an oasis to rescues us from a weird vortex that swallows us. Have some blessed rest. Time to drop everything, and take some soul-gardening time.

My detective ways are going to get me a TV show, someday:

“There is no end. There is no beginning. There is only passion of life.” Federico Fellini

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“Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart. The really great men must, I think, have great sadness on earth.” Fyodor Dostoevsky

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Ya viene pronto, la inspiracion para los que buscamos empleo sin limite de geografia, Perdiendo El Norte:

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Wise words from Manny Khoshbin:

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“We must be thankful to all the people who have helped us, we must honor them and love them. But never, never pin your whole faith on any human being: not if he is the best and wisest in the whole world. There are lots of nice things you can do with sand: but do not try building a house on it.” C.S. Lewis

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“Life with God is not immunity from difficulties, but peace in difficulties.” C.S. Lewis

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“A soulmate is someone to whom we feel profoundly connected, as though the communicating and communing that take place between us were not the product of intentional efforts, but rather divine grace.” Thomas Moore

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“One can begin so many things with a new person!–even begin to be a better man.” George Elliot, Middlemarch

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“You must not reduce yourself to a puddle just because the person you like is afraid to swim and you are a fierce sea to them; because there will be someone who was born with love of the waves within their blood, and they will look at you with fear and respect.” T.B. LaBerge // Things I’m Still Learning at 25

“And when you choose a life partner, you’re choosing a lot of things, including your parenting partner and someone who will deeply influence your children, your eating companion for about 20,000 meals, your travel companion for about 100 vacations, your primary leisure time and retirement friend, your career therapist, and someone whose day you’ll hear about 18,000 times.

Choose wisely.” -Unknown

“She hated being so clumsy with words, when words meant so much.” Joyce Carol Oates, Give Me Your Heart

“Sometimes when we get overwhelmed, we forget how big God is.” A.W. Tozer

“You’ll either be humble enough to produce ‘decent’ work on your way to excellence or be frozen by intimidation and never make anything.” Peter D. Webb • Intended Purpose

[Images from Tumblr and Webstagram]