En el estado de Louisiana existe un puente que conecta 2 ciudades. Fue construido en el 1956. Es de 24 millas de largo! Y está levantado 16 pies sobre el nivel de las aguas de un lago llamado Pontchartrain. Cuando la niebla y la humedad son densas, los conductores deben de continuar guiando con mucha precaución, con sus luces encendidas sin estar muy cerca del auto al frente de ellos. Cuando los conductores llegan a las 8 millas en el centro de este PUENTE, no se puede llegar a ver rastro de Tierra! Muchos conductores han tenido que recibir asistencia de la policia debido a ataques de pánico causados por este hecho. Ahora te pregunto: CUANTAS VECES, mientras cruzamos en la vida etapas y situaciones que pueden NUBLARNOS y no vemos lo que está por delante, nos hemos paralizado y no podemos ver quizás...la ESPERANZA de la seguridad que nos ofrece DIOS? HOY, ATRÉVETE A CRUZAR tu "lago" porque al otro lado...DE SEGURO Dios tiene la estabilidad de TIERRA SEGURA, quizás tu "TIERRA PROMETIDA".
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It's not easy to be a leader, but who dares to say that it is impossible? Years ago, I started this blog with the genuine intention of inpiring other people while we walk this path of Life. Who would have thought that humanity was going to go through a painful long season of enduring a plague that killed without mercy millions of people? My heart goes to ALL of those who lost family members, friends, and more than that...RELATIONSHIPS! As I rise up, myself, from a season of trials and tribulations, I want to invite ALL THOSE who feel exhausted from these past years of trouble after trouble, to RISE UP as WELL AS ME to do what we were called to do in life. My husband took this picture during a family meeting this past Christmas of the 2021 year. I was contemplating how FIRE is created and developed. In addition to that, I was perplexed on how fire was contained because it was happening in a container that can hold it, preventing it from spreading and at the same time, allowing us to enjoy the heat WITHOUT getting burned. There are several elements that contributed to the experience of "having a bonfire". There was a metal container, wood, liquid fuel and of course...a LIGHTER, which was the initiator of the FIRE! However, in this case, SOMEONE had to have the initiative of creating the experience. (Thanks to my nephew who bought the container for the bonfire). May be you are asking: "With all these context, where are you taking us? or...what is your point?" Well...in order that A LEADER can be formed, created, equipped for his/her calling in life...there most be specific skills acquired in order to succeed in the area in which will be functioning or work. Some of those skills can be learned, but definitely others will be developed in the field in which he/she is going to be working as a LEADER. I am not consulting any book or website to describe A LEADER this time. In my own words...I could describe a leader as someone who knows how to direct people to accomplish a goal. Someone that gives orders only would not make it. In order to be a great leader, you will need to persuade the followers to labor as A TEAM, and not to work each other by themselves. A GOAL needs to be met. Followers are needed, but within those followers...there are going to be differences. How in the world a LEADER can lead and put all those in the team to maintain UNITY so they can accomplish the GOAL? That is the tricky question. A LEADER needs the followers (team, co-workers), and the people need to function, leaving differences aside, as ONE, in order that they CAN MAKE THINGS HAPPEN. I can go on and on describing different topics about Leadership, BUT just for today I will concentrate on this: "A leader leads with WISDOM, HUMILITY, BOLDNESS, ORGANIZATION...BUT ALSO...with FAITH!!" He that says to be a leader has to have this element because if he does not believe in his own capacity to achieve the different goals, and can not have FAITH in himself...eventually will fail. TODAY, I write to ALL those who believe that they were called to be leaders. Leader, if you want to accomplish anything in life, you will have to be willing to know this FACT: "You are not doing the goal by yourself. You need to develop RELATIONSHIPS in a healthy way!" And watch out of becoming arrogant or prideful! Value people! Because those followers that will help you in the acceleration and fulfillment of the goal, will value and help YOU...in the same way that you value YOURSELF!! Leader, know that every single individual that is assigned to you by God, or by men, is as valuable as YOU ARE! Do you want to achieve greatness? Leaders are good with people. People will follow if you lead with kindness towards them. Yes, other skills are needed...but above all...you will need to understand that POWER OR AUTHORITY must not be abused. If you are granted this responsibility...exercise it with boldness...and kindness. Scriptures talk about ONE that became like one of us in order to lead humanity into salvation FOREVER. His name? Jesus! Deity became human and was always an example of REAL LOVE and leadership at the same time. Do you want to be a LEADER? STUDY his human life on Earth. He has been teaching me for years how to be a leader. I bet HE IS willing to teach you, too! P.S. (This post was edited. Due to misinformation, I wrote previously that the container for the bonfire was given as a gift by other people, when in reality, it was given by my nephew to my in-laws. The important thing was the gesture of giving the gift). (I am pretty sure that my nephew had a great intention in his heart to bless the family, and for that...I am grateful).
Stories can be tales of truth or ones made by people, not necessarily truth...
but though there could be different perspectives that can vary from one person to another, definitely...they should be respected. Two months ago, I arrived to this destination without me wanting to arrive to it. My family and I have traveled quite spiritual seasons not so pleasant to walk. For several years I looked reasons for walking it. In some of them...I almost blame myself for going through it. Looking for mistakes to mend and not repeat again, I put myself in kind of an emotional prison state in which no one, I mean no one should put himself/herself. Have you looked and searched for the reasons of your patterns in life? Have you received the response of someone, believing to be more "saint" than yourself, that practically let you so so down on the ground...that you lost your way in the way? Well, I want YOU to travel this time with me, and as you walk, I am going to kindly ask you to take a look at the mirror of GRACE. A while ago, may be years, I had a dream (a night vision) in which I was staying in a hotel room where the devil was trying to kill me. His face was one of a "no playing". As I was in my room, I was able to literally see through the walls of each room in the same floor I was. I was able to see the situations/challenges every person and family was encountering. All of them...situations of emotional, mental imprinsonment. When the dream was over, I asked God the meaning of the dream, but at that moment and year I never received the answer. But couple of days ago, I did received the meaning of it in my heart. I had a real "mini" space on time where my senses were put on pause and all I was able to see was an "aha" moment. I walked through the hallway of the motel I'm staying, and as I walked, I saw that same hallway I saw in that unprecedent night vision years ago. IMMEDIATELY, I knew in my spirit which kind of battle I was. Two months ago I had to acknowledge, along with my husband, that I couldn't afford to live in the place I was. I don't have a home. Due to a hardship, I am living in a motel. For how long I will be here? I really don't know. YES, It is embarrasing. YES, no one likes to talk about this kind of events in their lives. But...I WILL! I AM TAKING A BOLD STEP HERE, so please take these writings as an open heart looking for fresh air, in the middle of the storm. HAVING said this, then I will invite you to listen to the stories I will share from now on. It's in this place, that I found heroes. Heroes that don't like to talk or share their stories, because their stories may be one of shame, guilt or...so much pain that they even forgot what is life. I think there would be interesting moments to be shared. I believe I am not living here by mistake. I stand in respect in front of these people, including my family's ones. And I will ask you to do the same for me because HUMANITY in all deserve to be honored. After all... WE ARE SHARING THE SAME PLANET, and in different places, countries, but every story can teach or show that inner strength that we all possess...ENDURANCE! The path looks uncertain, but I will call it "rich in good surprises". There are seasons in a christian life that will repeat again, yet, only so we can put to practice the great riches of His Word and His Presence. We may not like it, but we MUST WALK IT! It may be a season in your life that came without any notification or warning. Season of trials and tests, but we must learn skills and walk it without FEAR! God promises to be beside us. If you can't see Him through it, it's not that He is gone. It's possible you tried to go ahead in your desperation and God was still there walking... There is no need to run when you are in a desert or cliff. If you do, you will get hurt. Walk it hand to hand WITH GOD! And He will create a way of a safe landing! Landing where? Landing in placesof beauty and abundance...if you believe! Beauty?, you say. Yes!! You heard right!... Because your perspective this time would be different. You won't see the dryness of the desert anymore. Your will see and feel the warmth of God's arms surounding you. It might be possible the enemy, satan, will try to tempt you to deny your God like he tried with Jesus. But THIS TIME the Everliving, Powerful, Risen and Victorious Savior (The Word made human) LIVES IN YOU! So...what are the chances for you to fail this time? NONE!! God is with you, child of the Almighty! YOU WILL SUCCEED! And most of all...you will become stronger. Do not abandon HIS ARMS. You are safe in HIM! I'm writing this article while my family sleeps. It's 4:00 a.m. but I'm delighted to write this FOR YOU, my friend and reader. I feel refreshed by the Spirit of God. My family and I are living in a motel due to a hardship. I know that some people will talk about this, like if they don't have a spot in their lives, but...before they say anything...I will certainly continue walking this part of my journey. I am not ashamed because it's in this precise season that God is turning the bad for good in ME. He is taking care of my family and me. His love has kept me stable in the middle of uncertainty. I am not saying that God is a god of suffering. On the contrary, I am stating that in his phase...HE IS TEACHING ME "TRUST". He got me! He catched me! He will not walk away from me like regular people do when they see someone in need. (And I hope you are not one of them). He hasn't given us his back. He is walking right beside me. Therefore...NOTHING can harm me. Looking through His eyes...where I am right now, I am able to see the brokenhearted AND DO SOMETHING about it! I see the hurt in people's hearts, and I am honored to tell them: "There's healing and comfort in God's arms". I can listen to those that are invisible to society...the homeless, and God is powerful to let them know there is a place for them to rest! They might appear to others like "the unworthy" or not valuable, but the reality is Jesus died and got risen FOR THEM, TOO! Therefore, I will sing louder, like the song from the christian band and ministry, Hillsong United says in their song: "Good news embracing the poor, comfort for all those who mourn, for the brokenhearted...We sing LOUDER". Please, hear me clear. I DO NOT want any credit for this! Only God has given me supernatural strength, physically and spiritually, to walk this desert. And my journey of training, God will use it only for His glory. He wants to reach EVERY single soul in this world. We MUST take this as a duty, but also as an opportunity to help others with REAL ACTIONS (and not only prayer) in their valleys and "low times". It's not about me or you anymore! It's ALL bout Him that love us! I was listening to a song this morning and worshipping my God, when I suddenly realized that I don't have to be expecting every day what kind of trouble will come each day. Have you had those seasons in your life when a trouble comes after trouble, and you are trying to just breathe in between each one? Well...I SURELY HAVE GOOD NEWS for you!!
Why you don't use that same expectation every day to destroy the enemies lies against you? I have a relative former brother in law that serves as a police officer and he seems to enjoy his vocation very well. I'm pretty sure he enjoys his work, even though it's not an easy task to destroy evil intentions in mankind in a daily basis. It's dangerous and risky, but why he chose to dedicate his time and life to it? Because he was meant to exercise this type of calling. His training must have been tough. And in order to graduate from it, he probably encounter many challenges. I imagine that the same happens to the human beings that decide to serve in the military. But there's an army God is calling up. It's called "The sons and daughter of God". I am talking to YOU! YES, sons of God and daughters of the Almighty God: We need to rise up! The creation craves for the manifestation of us! Why?...The Son of the Living God lives in us and the world NEEDS TO SEE HIM! He still alive in us! The reason why the enemy is speaking lies to us every day is because he feels threaten by us, the power that lives in us. Don't you notice? He see in you someone and something that may be you don't know, BUT NOW you know it! As a cartoon movie that I saw years ago...called: "The Incredibles",... GO, CONFRONT THE PROBLEM. FIGHT! WIN! SO...today...There's no time to cry. You are the masterpiece of God created to dominate the world. But let me tell you a secret: The secret to dominate it is simple BUT legendary...it's called LOVE! Not any love. "THE" love of God. The one that is not self-centered. We are not going to win any battle if we are in the center. Allow Jesus to be IN THE CENTER of your relationships and you will see that love will flow freely. My husband shared with me in these past days a teaching from this respectful minister of God, Kenneth Copeland. He says that his grown children love each other in a way that they are never separated, divided from each other. They look out for each other. No fights. Why? Simply because REAL love is like God. We are in that race of getting to form in my family that type of love. It costs, but it's completely worth it and it has its rewards. LET'S KICK SOME...Devil's acts! Rise up son of God! Rise up woman of God! Shine! Don't be afraid. Alert the world that a new sheriff is in town... Have you tried to call somebody and the other person can't hear you? Then you wonder why he/she can't hear you...
Or if you are trying to do something through Internet and you lost connection without any warning? Several times any human being, once in a while, has tried to connect with another human being and lost signal in her phone or computer. We live in a "technology" era. People seem they can't survive without it. But my interrogative is this: "Have we lost humanity in the way to advance?" I was reading the New York Times newspaper few days ago, and an article grabbed my attention for a while. The article was talking about the Snapshat application. Accidents on the road have happened due to thousands of people attempting to drive a vehicle while they are using their cellphones at the same time. It was explaining how the percentage of auto accidents has increased due to the terrible fact of drivers using their cellphones. The Department of Transportation is working on how they can influence our governement to create laws to reduce this fact. My explanation is this: People are thirsty for connection with other human beings. Social media has developed what I call "obsession" for approval of other people or either a hunger for being listened. Otherwise...what else could it be? A sense of value is intertwined with this behavior, I think. If someone presses a "like" button in whatever post you've made, we tend to feel good. People's approval seems to take over like a flu takes over a body. Friends...it is impossible that you always get the approval of others. We don't need to compare ourselves with anybody. God made each human being with unique gifts. We just need to appreciate each others talents. Be careful that on your way through life, you seek more of anybody's approval. I am not saying that you forget to be sensitive to others. Neither I am judging if you have done any of what I am talking about. What I really want to communicate is this: "Humans are in need of each other". It is possible that in our fulfilling of that need...we loose ourselves trying to do it in a wrong way. Yes, God intends us to be connected, even if we may differ in several points or topics. When you are attempting to do so, keep your heart pure. Love and don't hate. Human connection can't never be replaced by a click on facebook, youtube, instagram, and other social media networks. May be you need to reconnect with yourself and God. May be we need to put priorities. May be human connection might be a pause during your day to look around you, and give yourself an opportunity of real connection with another human being... It's been a long time since the last time I wrote here. A series of very sad events has happened in my life, but also God has provided me with a group of people that has helped my family during this season. So I dedicate this blog to all of the beautiful persons that have gone out of their "comfort zone" and has decided to help my family. (I think they know who they are).
My husband enjoys movies a lot. Not any kind, but those that add some inspiration to our lives. So I asked him two days ago to put the movie of Captain America. Yes! Captain America! I was impressed by the way the main characters display an attitude of courage and fearless mindset. Although I'm not a human being involved in any division of the military of the United States, in the spiritual realm, the Bible calls every believer one that is part of the army of God. Every single follower of Jesus Christ has to deal, in several points or seasons of his life on Earth, with fighting the good fight of faith. It is settled that the main fight/battle, Jesus fought it and WON IT for us. The battle over sin and death was paid by our Lord. But the sacrifice and pain he carried for us was unbearable for any human being. Only HIM had the capacity of carrying all that burden. And with His Resurrection, every doubt of having eternal life with our Heavenly Father was erased. The price...was high. The victory was ENORMOUS. But before his ascension to Heaven, Jesus explained to his disciples some special instructions. I was not there to hear it, but I am one hundred percent sure that he passed on to them the glimpse of what would happen to them after he will go to his Father. Paul wrote on Ephesians that we must wear the whole armor of God. One of them, the shield of faith got my attention much more when I was watching this movie. Captain America had a special shield with him all the time. Sometimes, when using it in intense fights, he would loose it, but because the enemy will cause him to use it in such an intense battle, it will end up in a far away distance, BUT not that it will be forgotten by Captain America. He will always get it back. Why? Because he knew the value of having and using it. MY FRIENDS, sisters and brothers in faith, my question is this one: "Do we know how useful, valuable and critical is the shield of Faith? If you find yourself in a battle, especially one of those in the battlefield of your mind, or any other kind where only you can triumph by faith, YOU MUST THEN know that you can't afford to loose your shield. Brother and Sister, Believer of Jesus, wherever you may be...I tell you this: "Our enemy, the devil, doesn't play. His goal is literally destroy, kill and steal from you". And if he doesn't play, why we ought and dare to ignore when he sends thoughts to steal from us our FAITH?? I am going to tell you something very personal. And now...I am being vulnerable. The attacks that I have received for the last three months has being all consuming and agonizing directly to my mind. I have had the Word of God with me every single moment in order to counter-attack back. I had to ask for the help of the Holy Spirit multiple times in order to know how to use that shield of Faith. You know...Faith is an essential, powerful tool that any person can use. But the results of using it, sometimes, you won't see it in the natural world immediately. And is in those precise moments that the enemy will shout that it's hopeless to use it. The devil is terrorized by us when we surround ourselves with what God has already said about us. So if you want to have victory in your mind...you WILL HAVE TO GET MORE THAN ACQUAINTED WITH YOUR BIBLE. And that Bible says that to us has been given a measure of faith. And that measure is the kind of Faith that God has!! Exactly as it is said!! God already equipped us. He didn't leave us without what we needed. Do you know what belongs already to you? Go to the book of Ephesians, chapter 6. I know that you probably read it before, hear it from a preacher, but this time...FIGHT FOR YOUR VICTORY! USE IT! Confuse your enemy. And get your shield of Faith back!! Because we are part of the Body of Christ, we need to get together and walk in love while we use our faith. Because faith won't work if we don't walk in love. Yes...it is as simple as that! If you are dealing with strong thoughts of depression, anxiety, strongholds in your mind...go into your "secret place"...the arms of our lovely Father, God, and take your Bible. Worship him, and even if you are not a good singer...acknowledge him in songs that will exalt him. This is how I have fought the good fight of Faith in my mind. Life is tough in these last days. There is chaos and difficult situations all around the world. We need that SHIELD OF FAITH!! Go, run, jump and climb to get it if you have lost it. Don't sit around just crying. You are a soldier of the army of God. Go IN PURSUIT OF your PEACE, JOY...AND whatever else you need. Let's take a fearless outlook, approach toward the enemy. And even if it sounds funny...run like Captain America and get your shield!! Then... YOU CAN SAY: "I'm in pursuit". ,A few days ago..."I prayed for more love for other people in the world, but God gave me more love in my heart to understand others and love them the way HE loves!"-Aisha Casanova
It's ironic how we can pray sometimes for others, but we don't pray for ourselves. Recently...I prayed for God's heart in my heart. He knows how to work. Just yesterday...I finished watching for third time the movie: "The Bucket List". Outstanding message!!
It will require commitment, but I'm not afraid of it. It will require humility, but I'm not afraid neither. It will require sacrifice, but isn't that what compel a soldier to give his life for others? Isn't it that what makes a mother gives her last plate of food to her children? Isn't it why people feel the impulse of helping graciously when disasters take away home, hope from victims of tragedy? Today...see the need! YES...whatever the need may be around you. It may be a money-wise need. It may be an emotional need, spiritual need, but pleeeeease don't ignore it! Remember: Has your life brought joy to others? Would you be sensitive enough to pause today? If you do...then you will experience what true love is!! There's a friend of mine that whenever he finds a photo of an eagle, he will send it to me through facebook. Every time I'm reminded of this majestic bird, my spirit rises up like fever reflected in a termometer.
And today...I found this beautiful wallpaper through a website called Christian Wallpapers. I thank God for artists! People within time has underestimate the importance of these talented human beings in society. Why is it? Isn't it amazing that they can create? I come to a point in this day that there's no excuse to rise up above any mountain, LIKE THE EAGLES do! If you have the nature of an eagle, then you can understand me. Curious that my high school class name is "Eagles". So let's write about it... Every single part of this bird was built, crafted and created with a lot of capacity to fly...high!! But in order to do that, he is very sure of whom he is and his abilities. Are you convinced of who YOU TRULY ARE? ALSO, he has Great Vision!! Eagle's eyes can see another eagle from 50 miles far away!! I wonder if sometimes we just give up easily in life because we don't see what's ahead of us. BUT JUST BECAUSE we can't see it, it doesn't mean it doesn't exist!! Are you using your focus, determination to see YOUR VISION come to pass?? I'm not writing much today. I want to sink on these facts. I invite you to think on this blog today from the perspective of an eagle. YOU ARE A MAJESTIC CREATION! Whoever you are, you are here on Earth to be a blessing to somebody and give HONOR to our Heavenly Father. Just because you may be "emotionally down" for a moment, don't allow thoughts to dominate and settle in your mind. Rise above them!! ARREST THEM IN THE NAME OF JESUS and bring them to the mind of Christ!! Last...just for now....the Holy Spirit told me to write you this: "He is the wind that will take you to places that you never knew that existed!" WHEN God commands us to rise up is because HE KNOWS we have that capacity!! Use your skills, natural gifts. Is it too much to ask? I know today might look challenging, but Eagles are fearless. And remember...YOU ARE ONE TOO!! It's 4:00 a.m. and I waked up rested and ready. At that time, everybody, except overnight workers, are sleeping. Here I am asking God: "What do you want me to do today?".
I decided to review some notes from a video that I previously watched from Kenneth Copeland Ministries, and I found myself remembering about a topic God wanted me to write three weeks ago. About? Listening from God. It was interesting when I reviewed my notes and I saw a quote said in the program, (that I would like to share). And it says like this: "When we pray, we come into His Presence, BUT when we praise, HE COMES into OURS!". Powerful, right? Well...then Brother Copeland added: "Great Revelation comes in FEW words". And definitely, why wouldn't I share this? If it wasn't important for the believer (in Jesus Christ), the Holy Spirit wouldn't have wake me up at that time. Therefore...I answer to God: "Lord, I'm all ears". Today's blog is crucial for our lives. If we don't learn to listen to God, we may be listening to others more than Him. And if you are the only human being that doesn't hear all the voices speaking so loud in our world through radio, TV programs, social media networks, etc, allow me to say that you may be the exception. Well, honestly, I, myself, don't watch too much TV. And the radio station that I hear the most is jazz, instrumental or classical music. Yes, I live in the same planet as YOU, but I choose what I listen to. I'm not perfect, but I'm very selective of what I hear and listen. I had an idea of what God wanted me to do. First, get into His presence, and secondly...Listen. Yesterday I was sad to hear the news about Paris attacks. So many people hurt, so many heart-broken. But also, I saw how big support was given to this country in the middle of the devastation they are facing. Since I didn't know about the news, I remember I posted in twitter to one of my friends: "What happened?'. And my daughter explained me. I prayed the families and friends of these victims can be carried in peace while they walk this valley. But I also want to bring this to your attention: We, christians, believers of Jesus Christ, live in this world, but we are not of this world. We can't get intimidated by the fear the devil wants to inflict in the people of this world. We are God's sheep. Only his voice, we should follow... I can recognize in my spirit when God speaks to me. His voice is POWER, though sometimes very calm. I think I would turn this theme into a series of "Listening to God". There's much to say, but more to hear, to listen from our Creator. Today, allow yourself pauses during the day. Tune out all the other voices around you. Examples: cell phone, social media feeds, TV. We'll find interesting all that can happen if we just...LISTEN!! JESUS SAID: "DO NOT BE AFRAID! I am the First and the Last, and the Ever-living One. I died, but see, I am alive forevermore; and I possess the keys of death and Hades". (Revelation 1:17-18) Please, feel free to comment as we share this blog. I would not judge you or get offended if we disagree in any sentence I might write, but I promise you this: I will respect your words. Let's start listening to each other! |
AuthorA woman made to inspire through her words! Archives
January 2022
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