Penny Moments

I've been slacking with this blog thing, primarily because the semester's over (or has been over since 12/11) and since then, I've been slacking in general. Just relaxing to the max, possibly way too much though!!

Anyways, the title of this post came from a video shared at the Sabbath School that I attended last semester. Even though it was directed toward married couples, giving advice on how to keep one's marriage strong and meaningful, it was nevertheless useful to me. By "penny moments", the couple was referring to "small" moments, which may seem often to be worthless but can add up and make huge differences in one's marriage/relationship. The analogy was made between walking around and finding a penny on the ground. Can one penny really make a difference? (actually, it definitely can lol....I remember going to a store and was short ONE penny, and I couldn't find a penny anywhere!!!) However, once you start collecting the pennies, they really begin to add up right? Just the same, setting the tone when you arrive home and reconnect again by simply saying a meaningful "hi" or "good evening" does make a difference.

Anyways, I thought it was a powerful and beneficial message not only to married couples but also to everyone. In a world of uncertainty and full of surprises, making use of these penny moments can make a world of a difference to one person and your relationship with others.  You may never have that chance again in the future to compensate for that time lost.

I've made it a point to take full advantage (as much as I possibly can) of these penny moments .  Don't pass them up!! Be aware that time waits for no man, whatever difference you can make now, make it!!


happy holidays!!!!

no, no, no, no....i don't wanna grow old!!!

A couple days ago, I was studying with one of my  [older] classmates--attempting to help him/her with understanding and remembering the class concepts for our upcoming exam. After going over it and explaining, I asked to re-explain the concepts back to me....

Classmate: oh Lydie Lydie...*sigh* I can't remember
Me: C'mon, you can do it....{providing hints that would help)
Classmate: *shaking head* I can't. I can't. {pause of reflection)..."man. I am getting old....I don't want to get old...having people take care of you...I don't want that...."

Watching his/her facial expression when s(he) made that comment, made my heart drop......

This small (and possibly irrelevant to the classmate) portion of our interaction was definitely something that stood out to me. Departing that day, all that was going through my head was "man, IIII don't want to get old either!! Why must we grow old?..Is there a way to escape this or are there things that one can do to avoid having to depend on someone to take care of when one grows old?!?!"

Then it dawn on me. The fear of growing old stems from the dependence factor. Wow it's just powerful the similarities between "growing old" and developing spiritually.

You know when you're a "child", fresh and coming, you are okay with dependence. We don't mind depending on our parents for our needs, and wants. It's just natural. In fact, we love it soo much that we usually tend to take complete advantage of it... kind of similar to one's beginning relationship with God. Dependence is natural. It's great..You feel like you're on cloud 9...believing all things, hoping all things; but as you start getting older, and you begin to experience things and  learning/gaining the tools to "take care" of yourself, you get tempted to believe that you can do it all by yourself, like being old enough to be considered an adult, being able to drive, getting a job and making mula. When you get there, you feel like you don't need anybody to help you...you've got this!!  Similarly, spiritually, as you learn more about God, as you begin to see things clearly, know Biblical facts, gain wisdom to deal with life's circumstances, are able to say a powerful prayer, preach, witness, it's easy to start thinking that you're in control and that you no longer need to be so dependent anymore.

Eventually however, you start getting old, you know, physically you're becoming weak, mentally you're becoming weak, cognitively, psychologically, etc...you begin to realize that pretty soon you'll have no choice BUT to have the faith of a child and the trust of a child to allow someone to take care of you. In other words, you'll have to re-learn how to depend AGAIN--wholly depend in some circumstances. Case in point, Muhammad Ali... (love the man), back in the days he could float like a butterfly and sting like a bee and he did so impressively! He was a beast but today, when you look at him it's just hard to believe he is indeed the same man.

During your spiritual walk, you'll go through situations and challenges beyond you, where you'll feel like you are helpless and lacking everything; and you'll be required to have that child's faith and trust in God to see that light at the end of the tunnel. Of course it's going to be hard because you've been trying to be so independent and you've been relying on your strength for so long, but you're going to have to re-learn to wholly depend again. --> As Mark 10:15 clearly states,  "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein."

Don't get me wrong, I still don't necessarily want to get to a point where I'll have to wholly depend on anyone, but what choice do I have?! Time won't stop for me, and it won't stop for you either. So can we do anything to help with growing older? Maybe, start cherishing your days (aka the present) and learn from your experiences  as you grow older...

Random fact: Fluid intelligence decreases around the age of 30/40 but crystallized intelligence increases with age (well at least up until 65 lol)!. word up.

PS......I'm done with all my exams. PTL (Praise the Lord!)!!!--> HAPPINESS.

smile :)

So as some may know, I was taking a break from youtube and stuff this week. guess what? It's over....and what perfect timing!! Received a call today, which brought my spirit a tad bit down? [so confused :=/] ...soooo guess what I did!??!?!

I CHECKED THIS VIDEO OUT!!! 

I am smiling again :) lol.


Today was beautiful. Loved it. The choir PREACHED. The welcome person PREACHED...The Tithes and Offerings person...PREACHED. The pastor PREACHED x3. Boy, it felt like everybody who was on the pulpit at some point, PREACHED. Wow. I left the church feeling so blessed. Words can not even express. The pastor preached on Matthew 2, the birth of Jesus. Deep points:

--> God didn't need His so-called people to do what He had to do. He used an animate object (the star) to lead the pagans (the Magi) to the Lord and Savior!!!. While his church was sleeping, the Lord was using others to preach the word. King Herod was a mere 6 miles away from Bethlehem, yet this was his order "Go search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that IIIII may come and worship him also". (vs. 2).
-->As church, we may have lots of information, but not inspiration (which leads to action). What the church could not do, the star did.

You just had to be there to understand how deep the message was :)

Anyways, it was great to fellowship with others afterwards.



Happy Week!!

excellent,...... just excellent.

I thought I'd note this in the blog too, for those who didn't receive an email about it.

It was exactly one week ago, a friend of mine and I were texting each other (yeah I know), and casually she mentioned that she was fasting and increasing the number of times she prays, for the upcoming week. When she mentioned it, I felt like it was an answer to prayer, because I've always wanted to do that (especially after reading "The Incredible Power of Prayer") but could never quite motivate myself to do it and do it consistently. So, I texted back "I'm in. Are there specific times throughout the day? Are we going to be praying for specific things?"....She answered back "Nope. No specific times. Just four times." For more than one reason I was happy that there were no restrictions, and that it was really up to me to choose when and what to pray for.

Once I started the 4x/day prayers (and fasting from things that were taking up too much of my time...or my thoughts), I realized just how beneficial it was to me...Realizing this, I thought "why not share it with others?!" I started first with my sisters and told them about it...and then I thought to myself, "I shouldn't just share this with only my family....why not go beyond it? ...that'll be so cool and helpful to many" ...and there it is. bam! :)

Just an excellent idea that started with a casual text and making its way to this blog.....So I am inviting YOU, dear reader to join in...just for two days? three days? one week? two weeks? Whatever you want....All it is....pray 4x/day. If you experience the same things I've been experiencing (as well as those who've joined in), you might decide to stick with it for awhile ...This could definitely be a good way to start preparing for the new year that is creeping up...*GASP* :). It's pretty simple, for instance: Praying first thing in the morning, last thing at night = 2 already. Praying before starting something, and after = another 2. Praying before driving (for safety) and arriving (safe travels)...= another 2....I found it to be very refreshing when you acknowledge God in and throughout your daily activities.

If you decide to join, I KNOW you'll see a difference. it's a guarantee! Quote me on that.

[Taken from: http://afeatheradrift.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/praying.jpg]

>>Psalms 62:8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.<<

Your Last Day on Earth. How will it be?

Yesterday, Thanksgiving holiday, a body from our own community-- a 20-year old  missionary was brought back on US land. Murdered while jogging in the morning, she was never to see another day. Next week would've been her 21st birthday. There's so much to wonder, so many questions to ask, but at the end of the day, death is a powerful reminder of our sinful nature, the promise of  the second coming of Jesus, and our temporary life on earth. Your last day.....how will it be?





Mi Ultimo Dia (My Last Day)--I will attempt to translate this on my own....: :-/

As if today was my last day,
I will live life, love sincerely
I will show my loved ones how much I love them

As if today was my last day
I will fight for my dreams
Living without fear
And every minute, I will live it intensely (to the fullest)
I will not wait until tomorrow
If it's the present that I have.

As if there's no more time (as if there's no more time)
I will cherish the moment (I will cherish the moment)
I will show that I love you
That I am happy that I  have you
As if your happiness depends on me
I will give it all for you and I will make this day the best that I could live


As if it were my last chance
To see you again this moment
The most important.
Of you I remember.
In the stress of life (in the stress of life)
We escape the details (or little things in life),(we escape the details)
Of a place ahead [or further on], regret we forget [I am sure there's a better interpretation....:)]
Sometimes [it makes] it difficult or impossible to recuperate [or fix it]


As if there's no more time (As if there's no more time)
I will cherish the moment (I will cherish the  moment)
I will show that i love you
That I am happy, that I have you
As if your happiness depends on me
I will give it all for you
And I will make this day, the best that I could live
To enjoy those God has blessed me with
My friends, family and love
And I will make this day the best that I could live
And I will make this day the best that I could live...

Amen.

THANK YOU!!!!

Thank you God for.................

1. Being who You are. the GREAT I AM.
2. Family. Especially my PARENTS [[!!!]].
3. My uncle, whom You used to save me from downing at the age of 3 or 4!{can never forget that...if you're 3 or 4 years old reading this lol, don't disobey your parents!!}
4. Church Family!!
5. Friiiieeeennnnnndddds. yay. :)

6. People who care.
7. Always placing a light at the end of the tunnel.
8. Experiences- good AND bad.
9. Embarrassing moments lol.
10. Challenging situations and circumstances.
11.  Mastering the art of procrastination.
12. Being able to sleep, and get good hours of sleep.
13. Being able to walk, talk, hear, smell, taste.
14. Always caring.
15. Always showing OUT when You didn't have to.
16. Seeing past my weaknesses.
17. YOUR LOVE.
18. Not getting sick at all this semester!! (not even getting a cold...PRAISES)....[at least, not yet].
19. Food ingredients and knowing what to do with them....ha ha ha.
20. Sense of humor that You've given me.
21. Optimism
22. Always giving me a reason to SMILE. aww :)
23. A piece of wisdom and understanding. Can't wait to get more :-D
24. Your Word and showing me what Love is all about!!
25. Giving me constant opportunities to serve.
26. Awesome room/apart-mates.
27. Experiencing a broken heart. worst and best experience. ever!!
28. Good news.[any, all...]
29. A great experience so far in grad school.
30. Funny people.
31. [Other people's lol] Adorable children!!
32. Good and inspiring music.
33. My car. {Praises}
34. Once in a lifetime opportunities.
35. the SUN that shineesss.
36. Beautiful weather
37. Motivation and Determination.
38. Strength.
39. Ability to think and reason.
40a. My parents!! (did I say that already? lol)
40b. My amazing students...esp those who keep in touch :)
41. Wise people, esp. elderly.
42. A song to sing.
43. Satisfying life so far.
44. Happiness and joy.
45. Peace and laughter.
46. Diversity.
47. Cooperation
48. Unity and love.
49.Being able to read and write
50. For LIfffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffE.

LOVE YOU, JESUS.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!!!!! :-D

Let's Celebrate :)

My way, or. The highway.

Let me just begin this post by saying that over the last year, I feel like I have been to a million health seminars...so coming here, you know, I was trying to have the right "type" of ingredients in the kitchen, as well as trying to keep the other important aspects of health together (spiritual, physical, mental, intellectual, etc). When it came to the food, however, brown rice and I just couldn't get it together (and dang. brown happens to be my favorite color too!!). So, to make a very long story short. Brown rice and I couldn't get along because of one simple reason, it required patience, and I didn't have it. {Cooking when you're hungry = negative}. Start the cooking before you get hungry!! lol. In other words, I wanted to keep cooking the rice, but only MY way, and not necessarily how it should be cooked. Needless to say, White rice and I are back together!!! :-D. And you know what, so far, it's been a good ride. In fact, today I cooked a meannnn lunch, and I know it was mean because not only was I fully satisfied, others loved it too!!.I even craved it later on. I was so proud of myself that I even called my mother.....[only those of you who know my story would understand why I would have even mention this lol]

ANYways, thinking of my rocky relationship with my brown rice took me back to the sermon I've been wanting to share since forever (check out my other blogs) when I went to the Spanish church earlier on this semester.  I will quickly summarize the message: Using the story of Cain, the pastor illustrated--well, many things, but essentially- the importance of following God the way He wants us to, not the way we want to. Even though Cain did use the best of the best to offer his offerings, it wasn't enough, it wasn't pleasing to God, because it wasn't what the Lord asked. Cain offered his offerings "out of generosity, not obedience; out of independence, not dependence." When we look at our own life, we should understand. How many of us would accept the best apples, oranges, strawberries in place of $1,000 that someone owed us? Be serious. You wouldn't. How many of us would give a student an A for giving us a sheet of perfectly responded calculus problems if we asked for a one-page reflection paper? I wouldn't. You wouldn't either. Same principle applied across.

So really, thinking of my experience with that Brown rice (still have some left lol), it really would've been easier to hit the highway. It would've been an easier, faster, and less challenging road compared to my wacky way. Similarly, taking HIS highway will most likely save us all from quite a few unecessary challenges, and trials and tribulations that are messing us up. Think on that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Speaking of Highways, I was reminded of a poem that I wrote a couple of years ago. aww. It's a bit long and I'm trying to keep posts short. So if you want to check it out: .CLICK HERE!!.

Til next week.  (I'll be sharing my top 50 things I'm thankful for. Totally appreciate Thanksgiving, though historically, I think it's kind of bogus. Wish there were more Native Americans around.....)