What's Your Story?

Everybody has a story. Like any good novel, each person's story has a central theme. If your life were a book, what would the theme be?

Recently I visited my aging parents and became acutely aware of my own mortality. How do I want to be remembered? What do I want written on my tombstone? Scripture says our lives are like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14) and reminds us that our days are numbered (Ps. 39:4). Heaven only knows how long each story will be.

The central theme of my life is the theme of faith. Mine has been a journey to learn to trust myself, others, and above all, God. This theme, like a brilliant golden thread, has been woven through the tapestry of my life. Every day presents opportunities to respond in either faith or fear. Will I trust? Will I step out in faith? Shall I believe in myself? Others? God? Will I continue to hope?

Each time I answer "yes", the needle weaves the thread once more and joins the fabric of my life to a much greater tapestry. This month, millions have been watching as "The Bible" mini-series airs on the History channel. As this true story unfolds, we have seen the thread of faith being woven into the life of many, beginning with the life of Abraham, then Moses, David, and ultimately, Jesus the Christ.




These people were all people of faith and each affected the course of history. Did you know that as the result of Abraham's failure to trust God by having a child, Ishmael,by his wife's servant, the world endures the Palestinian/Israeli conflict? Look it up. But the central figure in this story is Jesus, the Messiah. This one man's life, and even more so, his death and resurrection, continue to affect millions even to this day. His story gives us hope and strength to endure our circumstances. As I said to my mom, "Didn't Jesus suffer? Are we any better than he?" No, we are not Jesus, but we can, through his power and grace, overcome the trials and tribulations of life and write the next chapter in our lives.

Whatever the theme of your life, the next chapter is not yet written. What would you like it to say? How do you want to be remembered? What will your contribution be to this world? My prayer is that this post has encouraged you in some way. No matter what your age, you can write a new chapter.

Until next time, feel free to share your thoughts and as always,

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz 

When Life Gets Out of Balance

As a single woman in this country, I am very grateful for the many freedoms I enjoy. But with great freedom comes great responsibility, true? The pressures to do a good job at work, maintain a home and a car, eat well, exercise, care for relatives and be there for friends can be exhausting at times. And when one area of life gets out of balance, it throws a kink in the whole works. I don't know how your year has started off, but mine has been quite, shall I say, challenging. Can anyone relate?

In my quiet time recently, as I was reflecting on this whole singleness thing yet once again, the thought occurred to me: Jesus was single! Yes, he was. Didn't he have a ton of things to do as well? My list pales in comparison to his: healing the sick, feeding the poor, fighting the religious rulers of the day, and teaching the disciples, not to mention preaching to thousands. Jesus didn't have a car or even a home, as far as I know, but was he ever stressed or pressured? I doubt it. In fact, Jesus encourages us to learn from him. My life verse for this year is Matthew 11:28-30 and the words come back to me again.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Now I understand the first part about coming to him to rest. But I think the key could be in the very next verse. "For I am gentle and humble in heart." Wow. Isn't it when we try to press our own desires and ways that tension comes? Gentle and humble in heart. I believe that correlates to surrendering. You know the prayer, "Not my will, but thine be done." What I am learning is that when I surrender, even if I know I am right, there is peace. I can trust that God will show the other party what the right thing is sooner or later. In the meantime, I can relax and let go. Then my burden is no longer heavy. Interesting how this all fits together, isn't it?

So, as I meditate on this passage and how I can apply it to my life, I wanted to share with my friends. Perhaps you have already learned this lesson and if so, good for you. I know I need more practice. What kinds of situations throw you off balance and what tips can you share with us? I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas. In the meantime, I think it's time for another post-it on my kitchen cabinet! Have a great rest of the week and as always, keep looking up!

Yes, Virginia, There is a God

There's a lot of controversy over God these days, don't you agree? Some doubt the very existence of a Creator, a Divine authority, or a Sovereign ruler of the universe. Many put their trust in a human figure such as the Pope or a Hollywood celebrity or sports star. Millions were shocked when the Pope resigned recently, and others were stunned when the truth was revealed about Lance Armstrong. These people were appointed for a purpose. But they are not God, only mere human beings.

God is alive and well and oh, by the way, He is very interested in YOU! Who me? Yes, you! Luke 12:7 says that He knows the number of the very hairs on our heads and that he has captured every tear in a bottle (Ps. 56:8). Did you know that? In fact, He is crazy about you! He wants to bless your socks off that's how much He loves you.

But, as any good parent knows, children must be obedient and do the right thing. Did you ever give your son or daughter the keys to the family car after they refused to make curfew? Did you allow your child to fall on his face a time or two to toughen him up or learn a lesson?

Well, that's how our heavenly Father works with us. He is not this strict, authoritarian figure waiting to punish us the minute we fall short, as some think. Au contraire, He is a God of mercy, grace, and favor as well as justice and discipline. Unlike we humans, he knows the perfect balance between justice and mercy, discipline and grace.

So, I hope this post has given you something to think about. God is waiting to get to know you - no wait - God already knows us. He made us. God is waiting for us to get to know Him!

What do you believe about God? What do your really know about his character? Yes, you can walk in nature, listen to music, and practice your breathing till the cows come home, but the surest way to get to know God is thru reading his word. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to know the truth. As Jesus said, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free."

But don't take my word for it. Give it a try for yourself. Open the book and start reading. God will reveal the truth to you and open your eyes to who He really is.

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz