The Dirt Rainbow

Today I woke up pretty "down". There are many changes going on in my life, many questions and situations I just don't understand. I was being a bit grumpy with everyone and being a party pooper. The day was on my side, it was kind of gloomy. Puerto Rico is an awesome place where weather is quite "bipolar". There was a hint of sun in the sky but the clouds were kind of dark and billowy. We all piled into the car and set out to do some errands. I was getting cranky at my husband's driving and my two sons were contently smiling in the back seat. The little one (3 year old)loves being in the car, no matter where it's heading, and my eldest (17) was excited about the new helmet we were about to purchase (to match his new "birthday blessing" bike). I was just being negative and feeling defeated (yes, I ,too, am human). Suddenly, my husband starts doing something that REALLY gets on my nerves, honking while at a stoplight (the SECOND it turns green)! I was NOT a happy camper... then Ian (3 year old) screams, "Mommy, mommy! Look!" I look around to see what is wrong. He continues to insist, "Mommy, look at it right there, it is beautiful!" For the life of me, I could see NOTHING of beauty ANYWHERE near me! He pointed straight forward and yelled, "It's a rainbow, mommy! A rainbow!" I looked through the windshield and only saw grayish billowy clouds in the distance. I searched and searched and NOTHING! He continued pointing saying, "It's so pretty, mommy, the rainbow! Look, there are two!" Now all of us are looking around for this mysterious "rainbow". Not a bow in sight! Then all of the sudden, my heart is full of hope and wonder... I finally saw the rainbow! It had been a rainy week and the car had been splashed with muddy water several times. It was right in front of me, the streaks the wipers made from the muddy water on our windshield had formed two perfect dirt bows. Here, I was looking for the colorful, cheerful and pretty rainbows we all know and love... and all along, Ian was admiring the dirt rainbows on our windshield. I had to smile and realize... he was able to see the beauty of the dirty windshield and was utterly amazed that there were two "rainbows" there. My mood lightened and my heart felt the joy of someone who finally can see the "rainbows" on the dirty windshield... Thank you Ian, for seeing beauty in the simple and even dirty things. Just a reminder, if you are having a bad day... there are still reasons to smile, live and hope. Look for the rainbows! Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:17 - 18

TEEN TIP #2 What if? STOP doubting yourself!

Faltering Faith!

My son is now "into" being a knight. We don't have play armor, but we have a foam sword. Children are so inventive and will not let the lack of anything stop them from becoming whatever they want to be (a lesson to learn). Being the resourceful (almost) three year old he is, he comes running into the living room with the foam sword and the lid to our laundry hamper yelling, "Now, I am a knight!" He found the missing piece to his armor! A sword and a shield were all he needed to feel like a real knight. As I looked at him striking poses and waving his sword and shield around as he fought an imaginary battle, I had to smile. You see, our laundry hamper is not a solid piece, so although my son felt perfectly shielded and invincible with it, I knew that in a real battle scenario this would mean sure death! As my son shielded himself from imaginary foes it made me think about my faith. The Bible talks about our faith as a shield (Ephesians 6:16) with which we can put out the darts of the enemy. The shield Paul refers to is the large heavy shield you might remember seing in "300" or some other greek war movie (not the small bucklers). I'd like to be able to say that I am a person of great faith but the truth is, my faith often falters. Sometimes, I see circumstances, opposition or struggle coming my way and doubt, worry and falter. I am the first to admit, I am no spiritual giant. Although, I have seen His faithfulness fully manifested in my life OVER AND OVER again, I still flinch, at times. I often feel like I am carrying a holey hamper lid, instead of a strong unpenetrable mighty shield... it's kind of like when we "don't want to see" so we cover our eyes but leave our fingers open. I have enough faith to not retreat but I have enough doubt to turn my shield into swiss cheese. I used to get down on myself for this faltering faith. I would say "you are SO unspiritual" or "you are SO negative". However, the more we look into Scripture the more we realize that the great men and women of God, we so admire, suffered from faltering faith too. Abraham, Moses, Peter and so many others had moments where they reacted or flinched, inspite of their intimate relationship to God. This offers me some comfort and I hope does the same for you. Let my son's holey shield remind us that the one who is with us is greater than anything that can come up against us, therefore let me encourage you (and remind myself) that we need to take God at His word and trust that He is with, in and for us. Let's plug up our holey shields with the confidence that comes from knowing what the Scripture says: "Everything is possible for him who believes" - Jesus (Mark 9:23) "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 I hope that at the end of it all I will be able to say along with Paul(inspite of my faltering faith): "I have fought a good fight: I have finished my course: I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

Eterno y Diario: ¡El Relleno Vacio!

Una fritura me recuerda que ¨no todo lo que brilla es oro¨...

Everyday Eternal: Can't Find It!

Sometimes what you are looking for is right in front of you!

Teen Tip #1 Don't Be Desperate!

Trying too hard can be counter productive!

Praying in Tongues / A Tropical Reality Check

One of the benefits of being a fully bilingual minister is that you get invited to officiate at destination weddings. This is quite a privilege (for me) for many reasons. Couples, now-a-days, are bypassing the whole legal, spiritual and ceremonial part of being married. When a couple DOES choose to take that step and invites a minister to make it offical, it means that they somewhere deep down believe its not just a "legal thing" (a justice of the peace could do the same thing). I am also honored to be standing in a place of importance to a family that is far from their home church and pastor. I also feel so humbled to be part of such an important and beautiful day for two families that come from distant places to our beautiful Island of Enchantment (I feel I represent God's kingdom and our Island-quite an honor). However, destination weddings can be tricky. Dealing with local vendors, details and issues far away from home,the people and stores you know and in a whole different language (which you don't speak) can be overwhelming. We "islanders" don't realize it, but we have a whole different way of doing things from many people who come from big cities or small towns in the "States". Our "don't worry", "mañana¨and ¨it will be ok¨ offer little comfort to a bride dealing with ¨out of town¨ guests, finding out she forgot to pack something, or badly burnt by the tropical sun. If you have ever planned, participated or helped with a wedding, you KNOW that things can get crazy QUICKLY. Imagine that madness... in another country! The day arrives, you have a complete stranger doing your hair (women understand how scary this can be), you also may have a stranger doing your make up. You have a photographer documenting every move. As the day grew closer more and more expenses popped up and even NOW, people are asking for money for random forgotten details. You are nervous, wondering how the guests are doing, wondering how the reception hall is turning out, wondering if the twists in your stomach are a result of the tap water, and you look out the window... and there it is...your worst fear... clouds and then in the distance... thunder. This CAN´T BE HAPPENING! After all the money you paid, after all of the guest flew in, after the horrible sunburn you got the day before! NO! NOT ON MY WEDDING DAY! Everything is set up outside on the beach! This is SUPPOSED to be a tropical island paradise! Key word: tropical. This state of tropicality brings with it a very interesting weather reality. We are used to a super sunny morning and then a sudden deluge, but most people only see the poscard, website and promotional photos of sunny, sandy, blue watered bliss. This Saturday it all happened. I had a tummy twisted, cold footed, nervous wreck of a bride who did not want to leave her room, guests, decorations and sound equipmet that was being drizzled on and a rushing wedding coordinator working on plan ¨B¨. As she zips by me she says ¨You better start praying in tongues ´cause its going to rain!¨ She said it in jest (and nervously). Challenge accepted! I proceeded to do just that! I paced around the ceromony site and started to pray in English, Spanish, Italian and French. The time came, the bride was pushed out of the room (she was really freaked out), the bridal party processed... the ceremony went on, without a hitch! The weather bureau had predicted flash floods... but the only water flowing was from tears of joy! Why do I share this? Sometimes, we think we need out of the ordinary tools, gifts, interventions to accomplish things. I knew exactly what the wedding coordinator ¨meant¨ but I also knew that God is a powerful God, that can do as HE pleases regardless of our capacties or impotence before a situation. I knew Spanish, English, French and Italian, so THAT is what I used... and apparently it made no difference which language we pray in, as long as our requests are in line with His will... it WILL be DONE! So, use what you´ve got... a miracle only requires a miraculous God! Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)

Potty Pride

As many of you know, I have a (soon to be) three year old. He inevitably teaches me new things everyday. One night, I was on my computer while in bed and he made a big announcement. Ian is in the difficult process (for most boys) of potty training. He ran into the room and said "Mommy, I did it!" to which I answered "Woohoo!". Apparently, my enthusiasm was not enough for him. He kept insisting I go to see the potty. I was dead tired after a long day of work, a meeting afterward and some household chores, it was almost 10 pm. I really didn't want to get out of bed! Just as I was about to muster the strength to get up... Suddenly, silence. Anyone who has heard/read my past posts (video or written) knows that silence is usually a cue for disaster or mischief. Lo and behold, my son had pick up his three piece potty and was carrying it from his room to my room. When he finally crossed the threshold of my door... it happened. The potty slipped out of his hands and seperated into three parts. He stood in shock, splattered with the contents as the puddle grew around his feet. I did not know what to do, this was such a "Murphy's Law" moment. I assured him it was ok, carried him off to the shower and cleaned up the mess. Inside, of course I thought "If he would have waited a couple of seconds more, I would have actually gotten up to see and congratulate him (again)!" This may seem like a silly (gross) story but the truth of the matter is that it reminded me of times when we do great things and get no credit for them. Sometimes, we are only called upon to receive reprimands or complaints. Gratitude and appreciation are hard to come by. However, as believers the Bible tells us that we are to do things "as unto the Lord" (Colossians 3:23-24) and that we should not sing our own praise but let others praise us (Proverbs 27:2). My son did something great but wanted to show it off (and paid the price). Let us make sure we do what is right and good regardless if we receive praise or recognition, at the moment. There is One greater than even the most powerful boss on earth who is keeping tally of all we do for HIM, and HE is faithful and just. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 (English Standard Version) PS: I also learned to give honor/praise when it is due, not when I feel like it....hehehehehe "Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." Romans 13:7

Lecciones en el tapón... el Ferrari

Era un dia de calor intenso y por alguna razón inexplicable el tráfico estaba detenido en el Expreso las Américas. En Puerto Rico no hay ¨Expreso¨ que valga a ciertas horas del dia. No hay forma de ¨expresar¨ la frustración que se siente al estar detenido en medio de un supuesto ¨Expreso¨. El saber que estamos bien acompañados por otras víctimas del ataponamiento nos ofrece un poco de consuelo. En esta ocasión estaba tan enfocada en tratar de mirar más adelante a ver si encontraba ¨la causante de las penas mias¨ que no me percaté, hasta escuchar el run runeo único de una maquina inusual a mi lado...tenía a mi lado un billetal sobre ruedas. No soy de las que se fija mucho en marcas, no me impresionan los derroches de dinero en un vehículo que hace exactamente lo mismo que el mio (con excepción de quizás tener aire acondicionado, buenos resortes, luces funcionales y algunas cositas más que le faltan al mio). Sin embargo. en esta ocasión el sonido peculiar de este auto me hizo mirarlo. Señoras y señores, justo a mi lado, en el carril izquierdo: UN FERRARI. No sé mucho de esta marca pero esta maquina se veía nueva, con líneas espectaculares y en un rojo más encendido que un flamboyán. El diseño exquisito e inconfundiblemente deportivo era cautivador. El sonido limpio pero imponente de su motor era algo que se sentía profundo y contundente. El no tener aire acondicionado me da un beneficio particular de estar bien cerca de los sonidos, olores y sucesos de la calle, la brea y el ambiente. A veces, cuando alquilo autos decido no usar el aire para poder disfrutar de esa inmediatez con lo que me rodea. De repente, vuelve la vocecita que me dice, ¨¡Neyda, mira la ironía de la situación! Tu andas en una Rodeo del ´94 hecha pedazos y estás en exactamente el mismo lugar, a la misma velocidad y en la misma circunstancia que ´El Ferrari´.¨ Me tuve que reir (por dentro). Este vehículo espectacular viajó desde Maranello, Italia, con un costo estimado de $400,000.00 y todo lo necesario para volar cómodamente hasta 200 mph, diseñado por los mejores artístas de Italia con todos los detalles fríamente calculados para ser la máxima expresión de excelencia vehícular y está varado al lado de tu Rodeo despintada, viejita y magullada que está en sus últimas. ¡La ironía! En estos momentos estoy trabajando con jóvenes en una iglesia hermosa a tiempo parcial y soy maestra de intermedia y superior a tiempo completo. Esta experiencia me enseñó una gran verdad. Puedes proceder de un lugar exclusivo, una familia muy reconocida, estar equipad@ con todo lo necesario y hasta contar con recursos extraordinarios pero si escoges la ruta equivocada puedes terminar estancad@ y paralizado como si no los tuvieras. Ese pobre conductor del super auto debió haberse sentido frustrado al tener todo el potencial para cruzar la isla en 20 minutos y tener que estar varado por 40 minutos en un mismo lugar (y a mi lado, para colmo, jejeje). Juventud, y no tan jóvenes: Dios nos provee herramientas y oportunidades increíbles cada dia, procura buscar la mejor ruta (la de EL) para que no te pase como al Ferrari... tanto motor, para estar en un tapón... ah, y aunque te toqué viajar en una Rodeo del ´94, no te desanimes... ¡ambos llegamos a nuestros destinos! El lujo no es lo que te lleva lejos, es saber escoger el mejor camino. PROVERBIOS 3:6 Ten presente al Señor en todo lo que hagas,y él te llevará por el camino recto.

Lecciones en el tapón...el pajarito

Si hay algo que es parte de nuestra realidad cotidiana boricua es el famoso y bendito tapón (embotellamiento). ¡No quiero pensar en cuantas horas de nuestra vida han sido consumidas en la parálisis vehícular nuestra de cada dia! Sin embargo, recientemente apredí unas lecciones inesperadas en medio del bendito tapón. Iba en ruta al Hotel El Conquistador (en Fajardo, al Este de la isla) para casar una pareja muy especial. Era una boda Koreana-Boricua y estaba deseosa de llegar temprano para que la novia sintiera mi apoyo y la tranquilidad de que aunque venía desde Guaynabo, todo iba a comenzar a tiempo. Nunca falla que suceden percances a último minuto y termino saliendo ¨photo finish¨ de Guaynabo (las aventuras de tener un sólo carro familiar). Ya de camino, me fijo que no tengo el sello de ¨auto expreso¨ asi que voy a tener que tomar la ruta antigua (y más larga). El trecho de Guaynabo a Fajardo es como de una hora y algunos minutos, pero cuando dos familias han viajado desde MUY lejos para una ceremonia nupcial, el ministro TIENE que estar allí a tiempo. Es un viernes a las 3pm y media humanidad decide arrancar para ese lado de la isla para pasar el fin de semana. Para colmo de colmos, y algo que no es una sorpresa para nosotros los boricuas, la carretera está en construcción (como lo ha estado por los últimos 12 años). Añadido al hecho que el tráfico está pesado yo ando en mi ropa ministerial con el sol a todo dar y sin aire acondicionado. El relój está más acelerado que nunca cuando uno está tarde. Entre sudor, ruido de autos, motoras, camiones, música de algún negocio cercano, bocinas (que aparentemente son una fuente de alivio a los conductores impotentes atrapados en el tapón y una fuente de frustración a los que sabemos que no afectan en nada el flujo vehicular)y WKAQ en la radio (para distraerme) de repente un pajarito tan hermoso se posa en una barrera de cemento justo a mi lado. ¡Casi puedo tocarlo! Por un segundo hubo un silencio interno y mental al ver esta criatura tan hermosa tan cerca de mi, en medio de tanta locura, incomodidad y ruido. Para mi sorpresa, el bello pajarito dió un salto y se posó sobre el bonete de mi auto, frente a mi para brisas... no lo podía creer. En ese momento escuche una vocesita que me señaló una sencilla y profunda verdad... ¨Neyda, si estuvieras en marcha, no lo hubieras visto y jamás se hubiese posado en tu auto.¨ En medio de todo el caos... un momento de belleza. Llegué a tiempo a la boda, un poco sudada pero con una gran sonrisa. Quizás tu vida está un poco caótica en este momento, quizás te sientes un poco estancad@ en estos momentos (tapón existencial). No pierdas fe y no olvides mirar a tu alrededor, hay cosas hermosas que están sucediendo o están por suceder a tu alrededor. Llegarás a tu destino... quizás un poco sudado y despeinado, pero si disfrutastes los momentos bellos en la travesía podrás llegar como yo... con una sonrisa. 1 Corintios 4:8-9 Nos vemos atribulados en todo, pero no abatidos; perplejos, pero no desesperados; 9 perseguidos, pero no abandonados; derribados, pero no destruidos. (Nueva Versión Internacional)