Do you have a dream? A burning desire within your heart? If you look deep enough, I'm sure you do. Allow me to share one of my dreams with you.
I love to travel. For many years now, I have had a strong desire to visit Argentina. Why? I don't exactly know. The desire was kindled years ago when the first Argentine tall ship came into port in Baltimore. The crew was enamored because I was trying to speak their language and showed me a map of their country explaining how diverse it was and how I just had to come visit. The seed was planted.
Fast forward over a decade. I tried to make big vacation plans for the past two years and each time, the plans fell through for one reason or another. This year, I decided to plan to go to Argentina and Brazil, while I was there, of course. As the weeks and months of searching for that perfect tour went by, I was so bummed and ready to give up. "Not again, Lord. Can't I go on a nice vacation?" I asked. Silence.
"Follow your dream," my massage therapist encouraged.
And so I did. I kept pursuing, seeking, asking questions and of course, fervently praying. I always keep in mind if something is the Lord's will for my life or not. And then, the exact itinerary I had wanted showed up and things fell into place! My travel agent was just as excited, if not more so. "Oh, Senora, I am so happy for you!" she bubbled everytime we spoke.
So tomorrow I fly to South America. Who knows what adventures await? What wondrous sights will I behold? As I pack my bags, I stopped to write this post to encourage all of you, my friends, to follow your dreams, whatever they may be and however impossible they may seem. If things aren't working out in one direction, perhaps it is because the Lord has something so much better in mind for you in another direction.
Until next time, follow your dreams and keep looking up!
Ariel
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Making Time for What Really Matters
It's a busy season, for sure. Kids are back in school. Holidays are on the way and the pace of work picks up to an end of year crescendo.
As I sit here listening to romantic french music and enjoying a candlelight dinner, it occurs to me that cooking a nice meal at home on a weeknight no less, matters. Going to my yoga class, when I really didn't feel like it - matters. Taking time to talk to a friend in need today even though I was swamped at work - matters.
It's called making time to nourish my spirit, my body and my relationships.
I have learned when things are the most hectic, that is when I need to listen to that gentle inner voice; the voice that whispers "Slow down, be kind to yourself. Relax". For too many years as a single parent, I ignored that voice and pushed myself to exhaustion. I had to.
But not anymore. What about you friend? Are you pushing yourself to finish the next thing on your to-do list? Are you totally exhausted by the time friday comes around? If so, then I would say it's time to reevaluate.
Make some time to reflect on what really matters to you: where and how do you feel most content, relaxed and at peace? These are good questions to ask ourselves from time to time. It's so easy to get caught up in the rat race, as some put it. I hope this post has encouraged you to do as my son says "Smell the roses".
Until next time, keep the faith, keep smiling and keep looking up!
As I sit here listening to romantic french music and enjoying a candlelight dinner, it occurs to me that cooking a nice meal at home on a weeknight no less, matters. Going to my yoga class, when I really didn't feel like it - matters. Taking time to talk to a friend in need today even though I was swamped at work - matters.
It's called making time to nourish my spirit, my body and my relationships.
I have learned when things are the most hectic, that is when I need to listen to that gentle inner voice; the voice that whispers "Slow down, be kind to yourself. Relax". For too many years as a single parent, I ignored that voice and pushed myself to exhaustion. I had to.
But not anymore. What about you friend? Are you pushing yourself to finish the next thing on your to-do list? Are you totally exhausted by the time friday comes around? If so, then I would say it's time to reevaluate.
Make some time to reflect on what really matters to you: where and how do you feel most content, relaxed and at peace? These are good questions to ask ourselves from time to time. It's so easy to get caught up in the rat race, as some put it. I hope this post has encouraged you to do as my son says "Smell the roses".
Until next time, keep the faith, keep smiling and keep looking up!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The Purpose of Pain
My knee starts hurting and I have to take a break from jogging. My foot aches and I need to buy arch supports and lower heels. My blood pressure is high and I need to relax more. Seems like it's always something these days. Can you relate?
Pain gets my attention for sure. When birthing my two sons, there was no way I was going to "tough it out". "Give me some pain medicine," I said clutching my doctor's arm when those contractions hit their crescendo. I do not like pain.
Pain comes in different forms: physical, emotional, mental. Perhaps it is a broken bone, a wounded relationship or a fractured thought pattern.
But most pain has a purpose - to get my attention and to teach me something. Pain slows me down and gets me to focus on the problem area. It interupts my daily activities and changes my priorities. If seen from this perspective, pain can be a blessing. It is a warning sign that something is wrong and needs attention.
Of course, I can always ignore the warning signs and carry on along my merry way, but that is usuallly not wise. Proverbs 27:12 (NLT)says "The prudent forsees danger and takes precautions, but the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences."
So it all depends on how we view our pain. We can moan and complain or we can do something about it. I like to say "Don'waste the pain - learn from it." And finally, pain gives us compassion for others. Everyone is hurting in some way and when we hurt, we are able to empathize more with what others are going through.
If you're going through a painful situation right now, I hope this encourages you to persevere and look for the good. Do leave me a comment or pass this on to a friend in need.
Until next time, keep looking up!
Ariel
Pain gets my attention for sure. When birthing my two sons, there was no way I was going to "tough it out". "Give me some pain medicine," I said clutching my doctor's arm when those contractions hit their crescendo. I do not like pain.
Pain comes in different forms: physical, emotional, mental. Perhaps it is a broken bone, a wounded relationship or a fractured thought pattern.
But most pain has a purpose - to get my attention and to teach me something. Pain slows me down and gets me to focus on the problem area. It interupts my daily activities and changes my priorities. If seen from this perspective, pain can be a blessing. It is a warning sign that something is wrong and needs attention.
Of course, I can always ignore the warning signs and carry on along my merry way, but that is usuallly not wise. Proverbs 27:12 (NLT)says "The prudent forsees danger and takes precautions, but the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences."
So it all depends on how we view our pain. We can moan and complain or we can do something about it. I like to say "Don'waste the pain - learn from it." And finally, pain gives us compassion for others. Everyone is hurting in some way and when we hurt, we are able to empathize more with what others are going through.
If you're going through a painful situation right now, I hope this encourages you to persevere and look for the good. Do leave me a comment or pass this on to a friend in need.
Until next time, keep looking up!
Ariel
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Is it Really Luck?
About three few weeks ago, I went for a hike at the park near my home. My cell phone rang and apparently, as I was taking it out of my pocket, my prescription sunglass overlay fell out of my pocket, unbeknownst to me. When I discovered the loss, I was quite perturbed. I circled back on the trail to try to find my glasses, but it was getting dark and the park was ready to close. No luck. The next day, I came out again to retrace my steps in hopes of finding the glasses - still, no luck.
I prayed and prayed. I decided to let the issue go and not fret over it. What was done was done, and it was my fault for not paying attention anyway.
So this past sunday was a lovely day and I decided to go for another hike. Something told me to stop in at the Nature Center. "Do you happen to have a lost and found? I was on the trail a few weeks ago and lost my prescription sunglass overlay. I was wondering if anyone had found them," I explained to the young lady at the desk.
"Wait here and I'll check," she said. Now, after 3 weeks, I didn't want to get my hopes up that the glasses would be there. I decided to remain calm and wait it faith while she checked.
The young lady emerged looking pretty solemn. Then she raised her hand which held - guess what? My prescription sunglass overlay! Now what are the chances of that? They were intact and not even scratched. I burst out with joy and thanked her profusely.
Now, some call this fate, some call it luck; I call it God. I was teary-eyed as I left the Nature Center. To me, it was God's grace in action once again. He cares about everything we care about, everything that troubles us. "Cast your cares on Him, for He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).
What is it that you are fretting about, dear one? Is it a job situation, a loss of some sort, or perhaps a financial issue? Rest in His loving arms, because He does care for you, more than you can ever imagine. When we have done all we can about a situation, it is best to give it up to God and let Him handle it. He can and will!
Drop me a note and let me know what you think of this story and if anything like this has ever happened to you. In the meantime, trust God and keep looking up!
I prayed and prayed. I decided to let the issue go and not fret over it. What was done was done, and it was my fault for not paying attention anyway.
So this past sunday was a lovely day and I decided to go for another hike. Something told me to stop in at the Nature Center. "Do you happen to have a lost and found? I was on the trail a few weeks ago and lost my prescription sunglass overlay. I was wondering if anyone had found them," I explained to the young lady at the desk.
"Wait here and I'll check," she said. Now, after 3 weeks, I didn't want to get my hopes up that the glasses would be there. I decided to remain calm and wait it faith while she checked.
The young lady emerged looking pretty solemn. Then she raised her hand which held - guess what? My prescription sunglass overlay! Now what are the chances of that? They were intact and not even scratched. I burst out with joy and thanked her profusely.
Now, some call this fate, some call it luck; I call it God. I was teary-eyed as I left the Nature Center. To me, it was God's grace in action once again. He cares about everything we care about, everything that troubles us. "Cast your cares on Him, for He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).
What is it that you are fretting about, dear one? Is it a job situation, a loss of some sort, or perhaps a financial issue? Rest in His loving arms, because He does care for you, more than you can ever imagine. When we have done all we can about a situation, it is best to give it up to God and let Him handle it. He can and will!
Drop me a note and let me know what you think of this story and if anything like this has ever happened to you. In the meantime, trust God and keep looking up!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Keep it Simple
Sometimes I think I make life too difficult for myself. After being a single parent for so many years, and being responsible for everything, I still have the occasional tendency to take on too much, do too much, and fret too much. Can you relate?
Think of the story of Mary and Martha. Jesus was visiting their home and Martha was running around doing all kinds of hospitality things and complaining that Mary wasn't helping. Boy, have I been there. Mary, on the other hand, was enjoying the company of their esteemed guest. Instead of "doing", Mary was "being".
This past fall, I was dealing with a health issue and didn't have much energy to do much of anything. Then one day I heard His voice. "Be still and know that I am God." (Ps. 46:10) I realized it really doesn't matter to God how much I "do" anymore. I can only "do" by His grace anyway. "Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).
Living a life that pleases God is simple. It boils down to two words which I am sure we have all heard before: "Trust and obey." That's it. Trust God and do what he says to do. Now that doesn't mean forsaking all my responsibilities, but when I feel anxious, overwhelmed, or overtired, I know I am doing too much.
How about you? What signs show up in your life that remind you to "be" instead of "do"? What are a few ways you can simplify your life? Write and let me know and
Until next time, keep looking up!
Ariel Paz
Think of the story of Mary and Martha. Jesus was visiting their home and Martha was running around doing all kinds of hospitality things and complaining that Mary wasn't helping. Boy, have I been there. Mary, on the other hand, was enjoying the company of their esteemed guest. Instead of "doing", Mary was "being".
This past fall, I was dealing with a health issue and didn't have much energy to do much of anything. Then one day I heard His voice. "Be still and know that I am God." (Ps. 46:10) I realized it really doesn't matter to God how much I "do" anymore. I can only "do" by His grace anyway. "Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).
Living a life that pleases God is simple. It boils down to two words which I am sure we have all heard before: "Trust and obey." That's it. Trust God and do what he says to do. Now that doesn't mean forsaking all my responsibilities, but when I feel anxious, overwhelmed, or overtired, I know I am doing too much.
How about you? What signs show up in your life that remind you to "be" instead of "do"? What are a few ways you can simplify your life? Write and let me know and
Until next time, keep looking up!
Ariel Paz
Friday, August 26, 2011
Sign Sign Everywhere a Sign
Do you pay attention to signs? Ever been to New York? There are signs everywhere. Or perhaps taken a road trip? Billboards, church boards, and street signs decorate the landscape and tell us what to buy, where to go, and when to cross.
What about other types of signs - like, for instance, natural disasters and rare occurrences? Take the earthquakes we've had this week: one in Colorado on Monday and then one in Virginia on tuesday. Now other parts of the country are used to earthquakes, but the east coast? It's been over one hundred years since Virginia had one of this magnitude - 5.8 on the scale. I would say this is definitely a sign.
What actually happened to cause these quakes no one really knows, but we do know the foundations of this earth were shaken. What do these earthquakes and natural disasters tell us? I believe they are indeed signs of the end times and the meaning is clear. They are a wake-up call to pay attention and take a close look at the foundations of our lives.
For Reflection
What do we rely on foundationally? What are our core beliefs? In what do we place our faith and hope? What is truly important? Write and let me know your thoughts on this. In the meantime, have faith, be a blessing, and above all,
Keep looking up!
Ariel Paz
What about other types of signs - like, for instance, natural disasters and rare occurrences? Take the earthquakes we've had this week: one in Colorado on Monday and then one in Virginia on tuesday. Now other parts of the country are used to earthquakes, but the east coast? It's been over one hundred years since Virginia had one of this magnitude - 5.8 on the scale. I would say this is definitely a sign.
What actually happened to cause these quakes no one really knows, but we do know the foundations of this earth were shaken. What do these earthquakes and natural disasters tell us? I believe they are indeed signs of the end times and the meaning is clear. They are a wake-up call to pay attention and take a close look at the foundations of our lives.
For Reflection
What do we rely on foundationally? What are our core beliefs? In what do we place our faith and hope? What is truly important? Write and let me know your thoughts on this. In the meantime, have faith, be a blessing, and above all,
Keep looking up!
Ariel Paz
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Overcoming Tribulations
Today is Holy Thursday and my week has been hectic so far. As I go about my business thinking about all the things that have to be done since I got back from vacation, the pressures of work and life, to be honest, I am feeling tired from it all.
But then I think about Jesus. What might he have been doing on this day so many years ago? What thoughts filled his mind? He knew what the next few days had in store for him and I can't even begin to imagine how he must have felt. Pressured? Stressed? Tired? Angry? Or not...
My trials and tribulations are nothing compared to His and this helps me to put mine in perspective. Yet, my Father in Heaven cares for me just as much as He cared for Jesus. We were never promised a rose garden in this life. Jesus said "In this life you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome."
The miracle that Jesus gave us is that no matter what we are going through in life, we can rely on His strength, His power, and His Grace to get us through it; that is the miracle of the Resurrection. Somehow by coming to the end of ourselves and realizing we cannot accomplish everything on our own and that we need Jesus, we are reborn and made new.
For me is is an iterative process. I am constantly dying to old habits and old ways of thinking and being remade by God's grace and mercy. What about you, dear one? Are the tribulations of life wearing you down? If so, why not give your burdens to Jesus? Let Him carry them and show you the way. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father but by me."
"Come unto me, all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest." It is a promise for all of us this Easter season. Will you take Him up on it?
But then I think about Jesus. What might he have been doing on this day so many years ago? What thoughts filled his mind? He knew what the next few days had in store for him and I can't even begin to imagine how he must have felt. Pressured? Stressed? Tired? Angry? Or not...
My trials and tribulations are nothing compared to His and this helps me to put mine in perspective. Yet, my Father in Heaven cares for me just as much as He cared for Jesus. We were never promised a rose garden in this life. Jesus said "In this life you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome."
The miracle that Jesus gave us is that no matter what we are going through in life, we can rely on His strength, His power, and His Grace to get us through it; that is the miracle of the Resurrection. Somehow by coming to the end of ourselves and realizing we cannot accomplish everything on our own and that we need Jesus, we are reborn and made new.
For me is is an iterative process. I am constantly dying to old habits and old ways of thinking and being remade by God's grace and mercy. What about you, dear one? Are the tribulations of life wearing you down? If so, why not give your burdens to Jesus? Let Him carry them and show you the way. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father but by me."
"Come unto me, all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest." It is a promise for all of us this Easter season. Will you take Him up on it?
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