One Person Who Has Had a Positive Impact on My Life

It may be a cliché to say that mothers are the most influential people in one’s life; however, I believe it has a lot of truth in it. My mom has had far beyond a positive impact on my life. She has been a role model, and example and my encouragement at all times.

My mother has gone through a lot of tough moments, but that has not stopped her from achieving her goals and setting new ones. At a very young age she was sent to a boarding school because my grandmother believed that to be the best for my mom. However, very soon they discovered that the school fees were out of their possibilities, so my mom had to work hard to pay for her education. That made her learn the importance of working.

When my mother finished high school, my grandmother persuaded my mom to go back home because they could not afford a private university for her. Nevertheless, my mom decided to risk it and work hard to get the education she was dreaming of. The result: she finished her undergraduate degree with honors.

I recall being a child and seeing my mom going through her master’s program as well as working part time and taking care of my brother and me; all that, of course, with help from my dad. She knew she wanted to continue with graduate education and she did it. Then it came the time for her docotral degree. It took her a longer time due to some health problems, but with determination and lots of prayers she finished it. I was very proud of her, and I still am, because that was just the beginning of a new stage in her life. She did not finish there; now she is committed to research and continues pursuing more goals in her professional life. She has set the goal very high herself, and that has made me think that I should not settle for less.

Also, her determination to change her lifestyle made a great impact on my own lifestyle. After three months of a very aggressive health treatment to try to eradicate a stomach illness, she decided to give a 180º shift to her life. She became vegan, started to do more regular exercise and be more careful in her eating habits. She had already stopped eating red meat a while before this decision, but this time was radical and she was convinced it was the best for her health. Now, apart from not eating meat and dairy products, she does not eat greater portions of food than what her body requires and her meals are well balanced. These are just some examples of what she does to take care of herself and her body.

More than the change she made on her diet, what awes me the most is her perseverance. Ever since, she has not given up a single time, and she encourages people to be more careful with their bodies and their health. Without any pressure, but rather by example, she helped me decide to do something for my own health.

Most importantly, she has influenced the way I see things in life, especially the difficulties. She always tells me to look at the positive side of things. That is one of her mottos, to be positive and to always find the good side of every situation. Whenever I feel sad, tired of trying or disappointed, she tells me to keep it up and to be positive. That has helped me to go through a lot of troubles and apparent failures.

So, I know there is no need to go far back in time or far away to a foreign land in order to find one of my heroes. She is right there, within my very own family.

This text was first written for one of my classes, but wanted to post it here.

And it all continues...

This year (2013) started with a white Canadian winter, full of hopes, dreams, expectations and plans. Although I was away from my loved ones, I felt their love and care all the way there. The year passed and many things happened: apparent failures and also triumphs, lots of love and heartbreaks, but most of all many changes.

I had to leave Canada and return to Mexico. I applied for different scholarships and had some job interviews, but things were not working out (or so I thought). After a long search –and feeling a bit frustrated already— I came across an M.A. program in Guadalajara that was just what I had been looking for. It was there all the time and I hadn’t seen it. By August I was ready to start a Master’s that had been a dream to me until that moment: Translation and Interpretation.

The second half of the year was very difficult. Although I was very content with my academic life, it is not only about studying and working, and things were getting tougher on some other areas of my life. I was on the top of my rollercoaster, but little I knew what was next: what the end of the year had to offer. Then it happened, almost as a free fall and it was hard! But as I’ve always known, we won’t go through all our free falls alone: I knew my family was going to be there to catch me and God to support me.

I may have more free falls this year and the following years (that’s what life is all about), but I know that it is all part of my character building and though it is difficult, there’s always something to learn. So facing another hill in the rollercoaster of my life, I am ready to climb!

How to succeede in your studies

This is a post written by one of my students from English Composition I during the summer at Universidad de Navojoa. I had to do lots of editing, though.

The three steps that people should follow to succeed in their studies are organization, punctuality and communion with God. Organization should start with writing the errands and writing down what has been achieved. If you do it at night before you fall asleep, you can set what time you will wake up and what needs to be done the next day. There is a sayings that goes something like this, "he who knows not where he goes, already arrived." Second is the punctuality (to be on time for your classes, to get to the dinning hall or church, etc.). Punctuality is needed to perform small everyday tasks that in the end make a whole. And most important of all is communion with God through worship, Bible study and meditation. Ellen G. White says that fellowship with God must be first in our day, it should be our first work. If we follow these easy steps, sure we will succeed in our studies this summer.

heroes

"[Los] verdaderos heroes pueden estar en tu propia casa, pueden ser tus padres."
Pavel Semanivsky

God of the impossible

(Numbers 11:21-23)

Moses was worried because the Israelites were asking for food. He tried to reason and think of possibilities to feed 600,000 men (+ their families). To his human perspective, it was definitedly impossible. However, God showed Moses that there's nothing impossible for the Lord.

It is interesting that Moses, the great leader and man of faith, goes to God and tries to convince Him that it is totally impossible to feed all those people. Moses even tries to look smart and give reasons why it is not possible (vs. 22). How many times have we done the same? We go to God and tell Him that it is not possible. Isn't He the God of the impossible? Didn't He say that everything is possible for Him? Isn't He the Creator? Then, why do we try to limit God with our limited mind?

I love God's answer to Moses' concern, which is an answer to my concerns as well.
(vs. 23) "And the Lord said to Moses, Is the Lord's hand waxed short? Thou shalt see now whether my words shall come to pass unto thee or not."
The way God provided food for the Israelites was so great and magnificent that it showed how powerful He is.

God wants us to never forget that everything is possible for Him. Even when it looks impossible to our human perspective. We do not need to worry, God has his own powerful ways.

A nice visit

I love how God keeps surprising me making my life in Brazil a total adventure. I was starting to feel sad because I had not had a chance to revisit Maraial and see the church that started with our mission work during January. However, last Friday evening I received a phone call from Mrs. Sandra, the wife of the Mayor of Maraial, telling me she was sending a car to pick me up in Recife so I could be in her husband's baptism!

Not only did I get to be in the baptism, but I also got to see some church members and the new church that is growing there. It was a blessing!

With Mrs. Sandra and Vitoria (her daughter). I taught her violin for only 15 weeks, and she is already playing in church :)

Some church members. All a result of the mission project in January :)

The church in Maraial. This was taken at the beginning of the service. Later, more people came in. It was packed!

Mr. Marcos getting baptized. He's the Mayor of Maraial.

A sweet naughty boy

Jean was one of my English students during Caleb Mission. He was not supposed to be in my class because of his age, but somehow I could not reject him in my class. I felt like I had to accept him  even though he was older than the rest of the kids. Soon I discovered he was a naughty boy! He also had a look of a little gangster boy lol but somehow he would always come to class. Sometimes his older friends would come and tell him to go out with them, but he never went (I also did not let him lol).

The last day I was there, I sort of had a party with the kids. When Jean came, he just opened the door but did not get into the classroom. I could see in his face that he wanted to get in, but I did not understand why he wouldn't, so I left the kids inside and went to talk to Jean. I asked him to go in but he did not want to. He looked sad, so I asked him what was happening, I told him it was my last day with them and that I wanted him to enjoy the party together with the rest of the kids. Then he said something that almost made me cry. He said that he hates goodbyes because he does not like missing people. I tried to convince him to go in the classroom but he did not want, so we took a picture together. Then he finally accepted to get in, but he just sat there and did not really enjoy the party. I could tell he was really sad. In the end, I had prepared special gifts for the kids who did not miss any class during the 3 weeks, and luckily I had an extra gift, so I gave it to Jean.

Jean showed me that every kid has a sweet side, even the naughtiest of them all. He also made me remember that every single kid is important to God and that we should love them because Jesus loves them.

"And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me." 

(Matthew 18:5)

Missao Calebe 5.0

Maraial, Pernambuco, Brazil

I'm finally posting some pictures of Caleb Mission (previous post about it).

The whole month of January was a blessing in Maraial (and I'm sure it was a blessing all around Brasil where the "Calebs" were). I was the first to leave the group (I came back to Recife on Jan 31st); therefore, I did not have any information about the number of baptisms they had. However, to my surprise, Mr. Marcos and Mrs. Sandra (the Mayor or Maraial and his wife, who is adventist) came to Recife yesterday and decided to visit me at the Union. She told me that 16 people were baptized and that her husband is getting baptized this coming Sabbath. It totally made my day, my week, my month!

I left without seeing the fruits of the mission there. All these time, I had only been praying for them, but yesterday the Lord allowed me to hear just a little bit of what He's doing in that town. The Lord is pouring his blessings unto those people and is guiding them to the light. I thank my Lord for allowing me to be part of that story, but most important, for allowing me bring people to Him.

Calebs in action (L to R: Mauricio, Naide, Sendy, Mr. Itai-the evangelist, Rafael,
Wesilany, Cizinha, Jessica, Sister Vade-the cook!, Cristina and Jedson.)

My kids!! I taught them English every evening for three weeks.

Maraial

Inviting the people of Maraial to the community service project and evangelistic meetings

Never a small job for God

God knew David was going to be king of Israel. Even when David was forgotten by his father, despised by his brothers, and left all alone with the sheep, God had a plan for him. But it was necessary that he spent some time alone with the animals to shape his character so he could learn to trust and depend on God always. “The Lord had chosen David, and was preparing him, in his solitary life with his flocks, for the work he designed to commit to his trust in after years” (PP 637.1).

The same way, now I understand that no matter where I work, at home or abroad, God has a plan for me. Just like David with the sheep, I know God puts me in places where I can learn to trust and depend on Him so he can lead me throughout my life.

Another thing I like about David’s life as a shepherd is that there’s no such a thing as a small job. “David had proved himself brave and faithful in the humble office of a shepherd, and now God had chosen him to be captain of his people” (PP 641.1). We always have to do our best in whatever we have to do because God is always watching us. The Bible says that “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” (Colossians 3:23, NIV). One of my favorite quotes “I will serve Jesus while I’m waiting” (song by John Waller) exemplifies David’s spirit while working out in the hills. Even as a ‘simple shepherd boy’, he was excellent. When we do an excellent job, we are serving Jesus (we cannot say we are serving Jesus and be mediocre). God will see our small job and He will see that we are faithful in the small things, then He will trusts us with greater things (Luke 16:10, NIV).

*Inspired by Pr. Ivan Saraiva @ the church Jardin Paulista, PE, Brazil.

Read David’s story in 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and Patriarchs and Prophets (EGW) chapter 62.

Cuando estes desanimado, ora a Dios!

"No se inquieten por nada, mas bien, en toda ocasion, con oracion y ruego, presenten sus peticiones a Dios y denle gracias." (Fil. 4:6)


Cuando estes desanimado, ora a Dios. Al acercarse a El cuando estamos en problemas nos ayuda a no derrumbarnos. Si has tenido una semana dificil, ora a Dios. Si todo se pone mas complicado para ti y no sabes que hacer, no te desanimes, ni cedas, ni te des por vencido. Ora a Dios y confia en El. Te dará fuerzas para seguir adelante.

The modern "marketplace"

"...Don't make my Father's house a marketplace" (John 2:16) [or a fashionplace, or a place yo socialize].

When Jesus chased everyone out of the temple, it was because they had turned it into something completely different, into something that was for their own benefit. We might think that the story is all in the past but how many times have we turned our Father's house into a "marketplace" without even realizing it.

How do we make it a marketplace?

- When we decide church is not to worship but to meet people.

- When we focus more on clothes and not on God.

- When we want to show off our talents and forget that they are from God and to worship Him.

The list could go on...

Jesus may not come to us and chase us with a whip, but qe need to focus on Jesus and make His house a worship place.

Prayer

"Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful heart offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel." (Phil. 4:6-7)

Trusting God

"Trust God and always tell him each one of your concerns. God is our place of refuge." (Ps. 62.8) 

It has been another week and I have not been able to make any progress. Lord, I was sad, worried and discouraged, but I know that you are in control. I trust you Lord, and I know that your timing is the perfect timing. Thank you for your promises :)

Los tiempos de Dios

No importa cuánto tiempo crees que Dios está tomando en contestarte, recuerda que los tiempos de Dios son diferentes. Él nos prometió que nos llevará seguros en sus manos como en alas de águila.

Routine

It is so sad! This places is so different! I am so caught up with work and all the extracurricular activities that I have no time to think, to write and even to stay connected to Him. Everything is routine. I am tired of the routine.

The end of another great adventure

If we never meet again

(Selah)

Soon we'll come to the end of life's journey

And perhaps we'll never meet anymore

Till we gather in heaven's bright city

Far away on that beautiful shore

If we never meet again this side of heaven

As we struggle through this world and its strife

There's another meeting place somewhere in heaven

By the beautiful river of life

Where the charming roses bloom forever

And separations come no more

If we never meet again this side of heaven

I will meet you on that beautiful shore

At least I tried

Now I know why her attitude really hurt me. It hurt because I cared about her and because I opened myself to her. And yet, she did not care at all, she did not appreciate it. It is not that I do not care about her anymore but I am not going to give something to someone that is not willing to accept it. It is a pity because I thought she was different, but at least now I can say that I know how she really is.

Opening yourself to someone can be risky because not always the other person appreciates your friendship. However, if you never try, you will never know.

Learning

“We make our own decisions, but the Lord alone determines what happens.”

(Proverbs 16:33)

“We may make a lot of plans, but the Lord will do what he has decided.”

(Proverbs 19:21)

I thought that I had come here to study, travel around and have lots of fun, but instead, God’s purpose for me being here was completely different. My expectations and plans for this semester were many, but now that I look at them again I think they were vague. Basically every big plan I would make would just disappear. That made me feel very depressed, but it was then when I realized what God was trying to teach me. He was trying to tell me that life for me has a different meaning and a different purpose. Here I’ve learned to depend on God and to let Him guide me. I might want to make my own plans but He is the One who in the end determines my future.

Dear Lord, I surrender all my life to you. Thank you for your love and for making me realize that life without your guidance has no purpose at all.

Sometimes...

Sometimes... even the best of us get stressed out.
Sometimes... we could all use a break.
Sometimes... laughter can solve the problem.
Sometimes... a light heart can save the day.
Sometimes... a carefree attitude can free the soul.
Sometimes... a smile can warm the coldest of hearts.
Sometimes... the right words can change the situation.
Sometimes... it's just not enough...
Sometimes... there's nothing you can do.
Sometimes... you just have to pray.

This little list of sometimes made me remember that when we are stressed out, there are things we can do that will help. However, in the end God is the one who will help us to go through our tough times.

*taken from a message from the SDA Sabbath School Lesson Forum on facebook.

Thank You God ;)

hey people.... me again.
Thank God another week is gone! I'm really happy and thankful for all the many blessings we get from Him.
The past thursday (as every thursday of this semester) I went to the farm with my classmates. Everybody that passes through first year in Montemorelos University HAS to go to the farm one day (for about 2 or 3 hours) per week, and this during the whole semester.... so as a good girl I went there with the students of the engineering department. We had to collect the little green tomatoes that we planted at the begining of the semester, and I tell you... that was a hard thing to do, cause those little thigs are on the ground, so I had to kneel to get them.... and doing that for 3 hours! maaaaan..... you die... specially if it's in the afternoon when it's so bloody hot.
Anyway...I'm not writing to complain.
While working there I was thinking of God's power and love. How from a simple little seed we get big things like trees and fruits. Sometimes we don't even thank God about those things. We just take them for granted. I thank God that He made me stop for a momment and put me to realize about what he has created and made me think how great He is.
Sometimes God uses things that we hate or dislike (like sometimes having to go to the farm) to give us a lesson of love and care.
Stop for a momment and think about the great things God has done for you... or just to say THANK YOU GOD for giving me life.

Hope you all have a greatt Sabbath and God bless you!
SeNdY