You must look to God and trust in Him. Lean upon Him, and He will not forsake you. He will not leave you to perish. Precious is the word of God. “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life.” These are the words of Christ. The words of inspiration, carefully and prayerfully studied and practically obeyed, will thoroughly furnish you unto all good works. Ministers and people must look to God. – {2T 120.2} by Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2
Who we are supposed to be
Quotes by Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2
“We are forbidden to wrong our neighbor in anything. We should not view the matter from the worldling’s standpoint. To deal with our fellow men in every instance just as we should wish them to deal with us is a rule which we should apply to ourselves practically. God’s laws are to be obeyed to the letter. In all our intercourse and deal with our fellow men, whether believers or unbelievers, this rule is to be applied: ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself.’” – {2T 43.1}
“God calls you to separate from the world. You are not to follow their practices, nor conform to them in your course of action in any respect. ‘But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’” – {2T 43.2}
“If you separate from the world in your affections, and remain free from its contamination, escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust, God will be your Father, He will adopt you into His family, and you will be His heir. In place of the world, He will give you, for a life of obedience, the kingdom under the whole heavens. He will give you an eternal weight of glory and a life that is as enduring as eternity.” – {2T 44.1}
“If you walk contrary unto God, He will walk contrary unto you.”– {2T 45.2}
“In order to render to God perfect service, you must have clear conceptions of His requirements.”– {2T 46.1}
“The treasure we are seeking is imperishable, eternal, immortal, all overglorious; while that of which the worldling is in pursuit, endures but a day; it is fading, perishable, fleeting as the morning cloud.” – {2T 46.3}
“Keep the eye steadily fixed upon Christ, upon the divine image. Imitate His spotless life, and you will be a partaker of His glory, and with Him inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” – {2T 49.2}
This Month’s Picks: February 2014
1] On Problems:
Until you and I fix the spiritual cause, you won’t fix the physical effect. Dr. Tony Evans paraphrase
2]
3]
4] A place to check out in New York City:
Chinatown Fair Family Fun Center
They have a great deal on Living Social; or call to inquire: 551-697-5549.
Plan your next family weekend with a visit here, and help our local businesses grow.
5] Hilarious. I vote Danny and Mindy.
6] Gloria Pritchett
“Yes, people are allowed their private thoughts. And I shouldn’t be so angry. But I am Latin, so I get to feel whatever I want.”
7] Reminds me of criminal procedure…
8]
9] A song for the child on the street: Mercedes Sosa ft. Calle 13
10] Watching the magical Kimye Proposal. My favorite part was the sisters’ reactions.
The best:
11] Amelia Vega and Al Horford Valentine’s Day photo
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13] A lovely, old song.
14] A Bible literally saved this bus driver’s life. Wow.
15] Sofia Coppola’s stunning cover for Vogue Italia.
citazioni dagli italiani
Roberto Benigni:
Federico Moccia:
Selling the birthright
By: Gabriela Yareliz
Quotes by Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2
There is a story of two very different twins. One who had a birthright (he was the firstborn son, named Esau), and he didn’t really care about it. The one who didn’t have the birthright, Jacob, wanted it bad.
One day after being out all day, the firstborn, Esau, came back ravenous and exhausted, and the other twin, Jacob, offered him a soup in exchange for the blessing of the birthright. The ravenous firstborn accepted flippantly, and sat down to eat.
Later, Esau realized that what he gave up so aloofly would not be retrievable. (Genesis 25:29-34)
“There are very many who are like Esau. He represents a class who have a special, valuable blessing within their reach,—the immortal inheritance, life that is as enduring as the life of God, the Creator of the universe, happiness immeasurable, and an eternal weight of glory,—but who have so long indulged their appetites, passions, and inclinations, that their power to discern and appreciate the value of eternal things is weakened.” – {2T 38.1}
“Those who choose to make excuses and continue in sin and conformity to the world will be left to their idols.” – {2T 41.1}
Oftentimes, we give up truth and blessings God has bestowed on us for earthly pursuits and earthly success.
“[People] In their supposed wisdom they turned away from the high, eternal reward, rejected the heavenly inducement, for earthly gain. The glitter and tinsel of earth fascinated them, and in their supposed wisdom they became fools.“– {2T 41.3}
“Money was power among the foolish of earth, and money was their god; but their very prosperity has destroyed them. They became fools in the eyes of God and His heavenly angels, while men of worldly ambition thought them wise.”– {2T 42.1}
We must reevaluate what we are “selling” and what we are getting in exchange. Let us not forget that it is the unseen that is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18). Truth, virtue, honor, integrity and God’s blessings are of immeasurable worth. Don’t sacrifice it for what can be destroyed or taken away.
Make sure your life and priorities place a NOT FOR SALE sign on your connection with God.
The Right Answer
“The truth is always the right answer.” Schindler’s List
Counsel
By: Ellen G. White, Testimonies to the Church, vol. 2
“There is One to whom you can go for counsel, whose wisdom is infinite. He has invited you to come to Him, for He will supply your need. If by faith you cast all your care upon Him who marks the falling of a sparrow, you will not trust in vain. If you will rest upon His sure promises, and maintain your integrity, angels of God will be round about you. Maintain good works in faith before God; then will your steps be ordered by the Lord, and His prospering hand will not be removed from you.” – {2T 71.2}
False Spring
“When spring came, even false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest. The only thing that could spoil a day was people and if you could keep from making engagements, each day had no limits. People were always the limiters of happiness except for the very few that were as good as spring itself.” Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast, pg. 40
By: Gabriela Yareliz
Today, it was 55 degrees in the city. Unbelievable. I went out wearing jeans– minus the rubber-like leggings I wear underneath them, with just a tank top under a hoodie. It was spring; except there were black mountains of snow all around. We are supposedly getting more snow and stormy weather later this week. So, this weekend was our false spring. It was filled with blue skies, sunshine, the piano man at Washington Square Park and life.
Deadlines were the adversary of my enjoyment of this weekend, but at least this weekend served as a sneak peek of spring, which I hope will be imminently arriving. Come to us Spring. Come with your sunshine, life, flowers, rain, cute birds, hope and slight humidity. Show us how death turns into life. Come and charm us soon. Because once you arrive, many of us know for sure that our liberation (the end of the semester) is at hand.
Page by Vivienne Gucwa – Tree lined path in spring. Conservatory Garden. Central Park, New York City.
Condolences: Cardoza Family
By: Gabriela Yareliz
This week was a difficult week because we lost a friend, Gabriel Cardoza. I ask that you keep the Cardoza family and friends in your prayers.
Gabriel was such an amazing young guy. He had a soft, sweet temperament. It was easy to go on adventures and explore with him. He often took his bike everywhere, and he always seemed to be down for an adventure. The youth at Manhattan Seventh-day Adventist Church have great memories with him at the church, Governor’s Island and Central Park. He was always asking for more Bible studies. He adored his family and was full of dreams. Though he is gone, his life and testimony continues to impact his family and friends.
Gabriel you are so missed.
We thank God for His promises.
“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15: 22
“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”
1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18
These promises make us look forward to Christ’s second coming even more. We have the peace and faith that we will see you again my brother.
From Prada to Nada
By: Gabriela Yareliz
This week, so many people almost fell out of their chairs when I spoke to them in Spanish. Apparently, no one believes I am Latina. I also visited the Barrio for the first time.
This reminded me of: From Prada to Nada. One of the best films ever [in my opinion]. Always makes me smile.
“Welcome to the Barrio mija!”
GABRIELA YARELIZ 