Love Received

By: Gabriela Yareliz When a loved one has passed, we still think of them every day. We love them. We miss them. There would be no point in missing someone we won’t see again, but it’s like we know. We know this is not the end. I wonder what happens to all the love accumulatedContinue reading “Love Received”

The Emergence of Joy

“Happiness requires that you find meaning – and meaning comes from suffering.” Arthur Brooks By: Gabriela Yareliz SamySam on Instagram has an infectious energy I admire. He stands there and hollers his signature, “Life is goooooood,” and then, does a little dance. I just want to bottle that energy up and keep it in myContinue reading “The Emergence of Joy”

The Overwhelming Theme

“The overwhelming theme in the Old Testament is not that God is a god of wrath, but that God is a god of love, and that we keep making horrible choices. I think sometimes we think that love is the equivalent of acceptance of action. God always loves us without condition. He does not acceptContinue reading “The Overwhelming Theme”

Forecasting

By: Gabriela Yareliz Last night at church, Erwin McManus reminded us of something powerful— our hope and anticipation for the future is tied to whether we believe God is good. Erwin walked us through Ezra, where the people of Israel laid the foundation for the new temple (the temple known as the inferior temple. Ironically,Continue reading “Forecasting”

Only the Brave

By: Gabriela Yareliz I loved this message from Erwin McManus. It was a powerful reminder of the call to courage, and the role our measure of courage plays in laying hold of the life God can help us achieve. The interesting thing is courage is a decision. It is up to us. The message isContinue reading “Only the Brave”

Never Satisfied

“I will never be satisfied. Life is one constant search for betterment for me.” Jayne Mansfield By: Gabriela Yareliz I want to know that I have peace about some things. I have let go of others. I want to have a settled spirit. You know, the kind you can’t f*** with, as we say inContinue reading “Never Satisfied”

Words for the Silence

By: Gabriela Yareliz Two out of my three trains are on time. I am overcoming my shock. As I do that, I continue to reflect on a passage in scripture that deeply moved me this week. You know, sometimes, you are in a weird season. You feel surrounded by an environment you could do without.Continue reading “Words for the Silence”

Planting Your Garden

“So plant your own gardens and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.” Jorge Luis Borges By: Gabriela Yareliz I heard recently that when people dislike you, it serves as a reminder that if everyone liked you, you would be more reliant on the opinions of others. It’s a humanContinue reading “Planting Your Garden”

Presence

By: Gabriela Yareliz I love when Mosaic is in NYC for worship. Every time I leave the gathering, I know I have been in God’s presence. Here is a rule of thumb for life always— when given the option to be in God’s presence, whether a church gathering or at home with your Bible, neverContinue reading “Presence”