Smooth Sailing

“She had the perpetual sense, as she watched the taxi cabs, of being out, out, far out to sea and alone; she always had the feeling that it was very, very, dangerous to live even one day.”  ―    Virginia Woolf,    Mrs. Dalloway

By: Gabriela Yareliz

This book is probably the weirdest one that has made it to my favorites, Mrs. Dalloway. It is one that completely disagrees with my philosophy about life, but it fascinates me nonetheless.

Most people hate this book, and I know why- I get it. It isn’t the easiest to follow or understand (stream of consciousness is really insane), but the book does get one thing right…Life is only for the brave. No one said things would be easy. It’s like we are soldiers, and we are in it to fight, and maybe give our lives.

One thing is sure… “a smooth sea never made a skillful sailor,” and gold that doesn’t go through fire never gets refined and purified.

Life is about who can withstand the storm and even if it knocks you off your feet while you’re on deck, will you stand back up again? Will you stay or abandon ship?

Life isn’t always a boat that is in a storm, but we hit our rough patches once in a while. It is when we reach the parts that soak us and seem they will destroy us, the parts that fill us with fear and uncertainty that we grow the most. Fortunately, we are never alone.

“I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today.”-William White

“Experience is a hard teacher  because she gives the test first and the lesson afterward.” -Vernon Law

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” Anais Nin

Final Days

By: Gabriela Yareliz

No time to sleep. No time to brush your hair. No time to do laundry. No time.

It is that time; end of the semester.

Teachers’ demands reach their highest level of impossibility (wink) and they ask for what seems impossible, and we, the students, look sleep deprived and zombie-esque. Sad story.

A girl was walking by and she was saying “He told me to hang out with his friends.” Her voice was weird and shaky like she was about to cry. Sometimes the things you hear people say things in passing, and the way they say them and what they say are the most random things ever.

Some people walk around saying things like “It’s hydrogen! It’s hydrogen!” as if nothing else was more important in life…

All of these weird reactions are side effects of sleep deprivation and the periodic table getting to your head.

I would post a to-do list for finals for us tortured souls like stay hydrated; sleep; etc. But we don’t ever do them, so what is the point? (Yes, I am talking to you guys who have 2 pages when you should really have about 11 pages done on that social justice paper due in a day- smile)

Today, I came to the realization that I have a final exam tomorrow, and I thought it was further away (this one is going to need extra prayer)… Despite this epiphany, I am enjoying myself, I will keep studying (now with renewed intensity) and wasting my designated wasting time (as everyone else will do, but some people give themselves a large allowance in wasting time).

So in other updates (what I found out while wasting time) Mr. Francois Hollande, French Socialist candidate, made it to round two against incumbent Sarko.

Also, Steve Harvey’s movie about thinking like a man knocked The Hunger Games from #1. In the words of Kelly Raspberry: “Maybe people wanted to watch a romantic comedy; maybe they got tired of seeing kids kill each other for food.”

True story. I don’t get the whole fascination with the violent and hungry children. It all reminds me of Lord of the Flies… one of the most disturbing pessimistic books ever. Deep… but man. Really? Have people really never read the classic? Why are they so impressed with this one? (If you would like to share, please enlighten me)

Usually, what society thinks is hot in pop culture is, well, not.

Anyway… back to the story of our lives…

I found this list of things to do DURING a final exam (IF you know you are going to fail, which I hope is not the case, but it is what it is right?)…. here are a few.

(Brought to you by Meyerweb, click to see the complete list.)

For the rebels: If it is a math/science exam, answer in essay form. If it is long answer/essay form, answer with numbers and symbols. Be creative. Use the integral symbol.

For those who like encouragement: Bring cheerleaders.

For the philosophical: Walk in, get the exam, sit down. About five minutes into it, loudly say to the instructor, “I don’t understand ANY of this. I’ve been to every lecture all semester long! What’s the deal? And who the hell are you? Where’s the regular guy?”

For the international student (or those who could pass): Run into the exam room looking about frantically. Breathe a sigh of relief. Go to the instructor, say ,”They’ve found me, I have to leave the country,” and run off.

For the polyglot: Do the entire exam in another language. If you don’t know one, make one up! For math/science exams, try using Roman numerals.

For the star: Walk into the exam with an entourage. Claim you are going to be taping your next video during the exam. Try to get the instructor to let them stay, be persuasive. Tell the instructor to expect a percentage of the profits if they are allowed to stay.

For the musical one: Come to the exam wearing a black cloak. After about 30 minutes, put on a white mask and start yelling, “I’m here, the phantom of the opera,” until they drag you away.

For those who know useless trivia: From the moment the exam begins, hum the theme to Jeopardy. Ignore the instructor’s requests for you to stop. When they finally get you to leave one way or another, begin whistling the theme to the Bridge On The River Kwai.

For the health nuts: Bring a friend to give you a back massage the entire way through the exam. Insist this person is needed, because you have bad circulation.

Okay everyone… best of luck! Study hard and succeed.

And as my friend Olga says, stay POSTIVVVVEEE :DDDD

 

Worthy is the Lamb

By:Gabriela Yareliz

I heard a pastor not to long ago talk about who Jesus was. There is much dispute as to who He is. A good man? A good teacher?

What He said reminded me of the C.S. Lewis quote:

“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.” – Mere Christianity, pages 40-41.

Who is this man? A man who did no harm to a peson; a man who declared Himself to be the son of God; a man who died a criminal death without committing a crime; a man who laid down His life and took it back up again because He is the life and ressurection; a man who offered Himself for us and pursues us relentlessly. His love is a practical love.

The truth about who Jesus is reminds me of the song below.

A reminder of what was done for us.

Thank you for the cross Lord Thank you for the price You paid; Bearing all my sin and shame; In love You came and gave amazing grace.
Thank you for this love Lord; Thank you for the nail pierced hands; Washed me in your cleansing flow; Now all I know Your forgiveness and embrace.
Worthy is the Lamb; Seated on the throne Crown; You now with many crown. You reign victorious High and lifted up Jesus Son of God; The Darling of Heaven crucified;Worthy is the Lamb; Worthy is the Lamb.

/You were the Victor and the King; You were the power in David’s swing; You were the calm in Abraham; You are the God who understands; You are the strength when we have none; You are the living, Holy one; You were, You are and You will always be-the Risen Lamb of God; You were, You are and You will always be-The Risen Lamb of God/-You Were There, Avalon

To Praise

Translation by: Gabriela Yareliz

/God doesn’t reject a prayer,

Prayer is nurishment.

I have never seen a just one, one of His children, left without an answer or left in suffering.

Its enough to wait and see what God will do when you lift your hands; it is time to gain victory.

Simply praise Him; if you are crying, praise Him; if you are being tested, praise Him; if you are suffering, praise Him; He will hear your praise.

God walks before you opening the way, breaking chains, taking out thorns; He sends His angels to be with you to fight; He opens doors no one can close; He labors for those who trust in Him; He walks with you in the day and night, so lift your hands and praise Him.

People need to understand that what God is saying when He is in silence is that He is working in your favor.

Its enough to wait and see what God will do when you lift your hands; it is time to gain victory.

Simply praise Him; if you are crying, praise Him; if you are being tested, praise Him; if you are suffering, praise Him; He will hear your praise.

God walks before you opening the way breaking chains, taking out thorns; He sends His angels with you to fight; He opens doors no one can close; He labors for those who trust in Him; He walks with you in the day and night, so lift your hands and praise Him./-Ricardo Rodriguez, Alaba A Dios translation

Great Expectations

By: Gabriela Yareliz

Sometimes in life we feel God disappoints us. We feel things aren’t going the way we wanted them to. Lately, I’ve been getting a lesson here. Sometimes we feel disappointed because our plans don’t align with God’s plans. I heard a speaker at Advent Hope talk about how we need to take time and surrender to God so He can calibrate our desires to what He desires for us.

He always wants what is best for us. He sees the grand scheme of things, and we don’t. So instead of feeling disappointed we need to simply trust that God has something BIGGER-BETTER-MORE AMAZING.

We often dream up a whole life for ourselves, and then things don’t work out according to plan.

Guess what? Even though its hard to feel like you aren’t getting what you want, there is one thing I am sure of: We need to let things go because in the end, God’s reality for us will be SO much better.

Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

So God- “You lead, I follow; your hands hold my tomorrow; because I know what you’ve got for me is more than I can see. So lead me on and on.”

 

French election “Presidentielle 2012” campaign videos

By: Gabriela Yareliz

I had to share these campaign videos. I am taking a French politics class and we’ve been keeping tabs on the 10 candidates. Here are some clips of the top, brilliant candidates (they all are in one way or another).

Francois Hollande, the socialist (PS) candidate, came out with a new campaign video and it is ridiculously clever.

Check it out: 48 hours with Francois Hollande (whether his choice of song was wise, I don’t know, but it’s clever).

Sarkozy’s campaign song

A mock song was made with “Pas de justice, pas de paix” by Rumeur’s rap, about the conditions in France for the working class, with Sarko’s music in the background.

Pas de Justice, pas de Paix

A mockery of Sarkozy’s “candidate for the people.” Sarko may have his flaws but as a person I find him fascinating. He is someone I love to watch.

Guignols Candidat du Peuple

Jean-Luc Melenchon, the communist Front de Gauche candidate. He is a well-cultivated individual.

Francois Bayrou, who created his own party MoDem, so he could run.

Marine Le Pen- exteme right candidate, Front National (She can have racist sentiments, I won’t even lie about that). The fact that she is so popular is a bit disturbing.

 

 

We’ll see what’ll happen… First round is April 22 (1er tour!!!!)

 

Knowing Truth by fruits and holiness

By: Gabriela Yareliz

PART III

So this piece is a bit long; I understand. Time runs short these days, but I encourage you, if you are interested in these topics of peace, philosophy and belief, to read it. I wouldn’t spend time typing this out if I didn’t think this was important.

I have divided the themes into seperate sections so you can read them at your convenience at your own pace if you can’t read it all in one go.

In the end, I think all of our souls are restless and seeking. We are all looking for peace and Truth. I am an inquirer who is walking along the journey; so walk with me.

FRUITS

It is logical to say that one can know whether something is good or bad by its fruits. If someone says a certain movie genre is good and wholesome, but it is proven that many who are exposed to its teachings and portrayal of life become mass-murderers then the movie is probably connected to that some how. Many will doubt it is truly as wholesome as many say it is. It is logical. There are always connections. Nothing is without influence whether it be good or bad.

The same is with our beliefs.

“And by the rule which Christ Himself has given, “Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16), it is evident that these movements are not the work of the Spirit of God.” (Great Controversy, pg. 465)

In the truths of His word, God has given to men a revelation of Himself; and to all who accept them they are a shield against the deceptions of Satan [evil]. It is a neglect of these truths that has opened the door to the evils which are now becoming so widespread in the religious world.

The nature and the importance of the law of God have been, to a great extent, lost sight of. A wrong conception of the character, the perpetuity, and the obligation of the divine law has led to errors in relation to conversion and sanctification, and has resulted in lowering the standard of piety… Here is to be found the secret of the lack of the Spirit and power of God in the revivals of our time.” (GC, 465)

WHAT THE HOLY LAW DOES FOR US

“Many religious teachers assert that Christ by His death abolished the law, and men are henceforth free from its requirements. There are some who represent it as a grievous yoke, and in contrast to the bondage of the law they present the liberty to be enjoyed under the gospel.

The claim that Christ by His death abolished His Father’s law is without foundation. Had it been possible for the law to be changed or set aside, then Christ need not have died to save man from the penalty of sin. The death of Christ, so far from abolishing the law, proves that it is immutable. The Son of God came to “magnify the law, and make it honorable.” Isaiah 42:21.

He said: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law;” “till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law.” Matthew 5:17, 18. And concerning Himself He declares: “I delight to do Thy will, O my God: yea, Thy law is within My heart.” Psalm 40:8.” (GC, 466)

The first step in reconciliation to God is the conviction of sin. “Sin is the transgression of the law.” “By the law is the knowledge of sin.” 1 John 3:4; Romans 3:20.

In order to see his guilt, the sinner must test his character by God’s great standard of righteousness.

It is a mirror which shows the perfection of a righteous character and enables him to discern the defects in his own.

The law reveals to man his sins, but it provides no remedy. (GC, 472)

TO BE HOLY

Let none deceive themselves with the belief that they can become holy while willfully violating one of God’s requirements. The commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the soul from God. “Sin is the transgression of the law.” And “whosoever sinneth [transgresseth the law] hath not seen Him, neither known Him.” 1 John 3:6.

Though John in his epistles dwells so fully upon love, yet he does not hesitate to reveal the true character of that class who claim to be sanctified while living in transgression of the law of God. “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.” 1 John 2:4, 5. Here is the test of every man’s profession.

We cannot accord holiness to any man without bringing him to the measurement of God’s only standard of holiness in heaven and in earth. If men feel no weight of the moral law, if they belittle and make light of God’s precepts, if they break one of the least of these commandments, and teach men so, they shall be of no esteem in the sight of Heaven, and we may know that their claims are without foundation.” (GC, 472 & 473)

FINDING REST FOR OUR SOULS

The law serves as a mirror for us to compare our characters to the Holy character of God. It shows us our state and then it is up to us to place ourselves in God’s hands to be changed.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly. . . . But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalm 1:1-3.

It is only as the law of God is restored to its rightful position that there can be a revival of primitive faith and godliness among His professed people (GC, 473).

Pastor Dennis Smith said the Holy Spirit, is God in action. We can safely say that much of what we see happening on earth is the Holy Spirit’s work. God in us. The Holy Spirit was what wrote the law on the tablets of stone for the people of Israel. The law is not done away with, for there is a promise in Hebrews 10:16, 17 that says:

“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. ”

The same Spirit that wrote the law on the tablets of stone, God Himself, promises to write this same law in our hearts.

We obey when we love.

There was a man whose father died and he asked a friend if he should grieve. His friend said, “Of course, he was your father.” So the man went and grieved. Was this true grief? No. If it was true it would have come naturally, he wouldn’t have been able to help it.

The same is when we obey God’s law. It becomes our impulse, not something we do because we have to, all because we love Him who gave everything for us.

“Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16.

Change in character and reforming our ways

By: Gabriela Yareliz

PART II

So this piece is a bit long; I understand. Time runs short these days, but I encourage you, if you are interested in these topics of peace, philosophy and belief, to read it. I wouldn’t spend time typing this out if I didn’t think this was important.

I have divided the themes into seperate sections so you can read them at your convenience at your own pace if you can’t read it all in one go.

In the end, I think all of our souls are restless and seeking. We are all looking for peace and Truth. I am an inquirer who is walking along the journey; so walk with me.

A TRUE CHANGE IN CHARACTER

Nothing we do can make us look “better” in God’s eyes. In most religions there is something one must do. One must bring a sacrifice to God, whether it be food, jewelry, incense, plants-whatever. It is a constant search to please whatever is out there. Sometimes out of fear.

Yet in God’s Word it is taught that God has made a sarifice, and He offers it to you so you will accept it. God sacrificed Himself and offers Himself you. He is the offering and the offerer.

As we seek to have true peace in God, it is imperative that we seek change. If your belief does not change you from the inside out, then what is it worth? Is it a comfortable belief system so you will not feel a need to change? Is it something shallow? Where does sanctification and emptying oneself of pride and selfishness so God can fill us and mold our characters like him, where does this come into play?

“The sanctification now gaining notice in the religious world carries a spirit of self-exaltation and disregard for the law of God that identify it as foreign to the Bible. Those who teach it claim that sanctification happens instantly, and by this means, through “faith alone,” they profess holiness. “Only believe,” they say, “and the blessing is yours.” No further effort is supposed to be required from the receiver. At the same time they deny the authority of God’s law, claiming that they are released from any obligation to keep the commandments. But is it possible to be holy without coming into harmony with the principles that express God’s nature and will?

The word of God testifies against this traplike doctrine of faith without works. It is not faith that claims God’s favor without complying with conditions on which He grants mercy. It is presumption. (James 2:14-24) (GH 48-49)

“Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone.”

TRUE REFORMATION

What happens when God speaks to us? We are truly convicted; this does not leave us the same.

“The ‘light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world’ illumined the secret chambers of their [our] souls, and the hidden things of darkness were made manifest. Deep conviction took hold upon their minds and hearts. They were convinced of sin and of righteousness and of judgment to come. They had a sense of the righteousness of Jehovah and felt the terror of appearing, in their guilt and uncleanness, before the Searcher of hearts. In anguish they cried out: “Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” As the cross of Calvary, with its infinite sacrifice for the sins of men, was revealed, they saw that nothing but the merits of Christ could suffice to atone for their transgressions; this alone could reconcile man to God. With faith and humility they accepted the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. Through the blood of Jesus they had ‘remission of sins that are past.’

These souls brought forth fruit meet for repentance. They believed and were baptized, and rose to walk in newness of life–new creatures in Christ Jesus; not to fashion themselves according to the former lusts, but by the faith of the Son of God to follow in His steps, to reflect His character, and to purify themselves even as He is pure.

The things they once hated they now loved, and the things they once loved they hated. The proud and self-assertive became meek and lowly of heart. The vain and supercilious became serious and unobtrusive. The profane became reverent, the drunken sober, and the profligate pure. The vain fashions of the world were laid aside.”

When we are convicted, we change from the inside out. We are not left the same.

“Christians sought not the “outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but . . . the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” 1 Peter 3:3, 4.” (Great Controversy, pg. 462)