Love, A World Language

When you travel the world you realize how small it is.  Throughout your journey you will come to know that our sufferings and our delights are very much alike.  I have learned that a smile can tumble any wall of insecurity. In your travels you will learn that although our challenges may be different our ability to overcome challenging circumstances define who we are.  Just a few weeks ago I had the privilege to spend a few days in Istanbul.  I didn’t know the language; I was not proficient in their customs or religion but I knew a language that would transcend our differences, love.  Everywhere I went I carried a weapon that could disarm the fiercest character or the lowliest temperament.  I walked into the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest covered streets and over 3,000 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.  I looked into the eyes of each vendor and imagined to myself, their families.  I wondered to myself, what was their life journey like?  I purposefully locked eyes and gifted them a smile, the only thing I had to offer.  I prayed for each one of them in my own heart.  I knew that the best gift I could give them was a message of encouragement through eyes of love.  The bible says, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love." (John 15:9)

As you travel through your day’s journey, whether it is in your community or around the world remember you are a carrier of life or death.  Your words can encourage or your eyes can condemn.  Just as we have received God’s love despite what we have done.  Give the gift of love to everyone you encounter, just smile.

©Rosalinda Rivera. All Rights Reserved 2014.

TAKEOVER MAKEOVER

My favorite channels are HGTV and the Makeover Channel. I love shows like, “Property Brothers,” “Love it or List It,” “What Not to Wear,” and of course the tearjerker, “Move that bus.” But I have to be honest with you I have had to go through several Makeover’s not because style has changed, but because life happens.·        My attitude needs a constant makeover.

·        My patience needs a facelift.
·        My Joy needs Botox.
·        My Faith to believe that God will see me through needs renewal.
·        My ability to forgive needs work just plain work.
You see as women the only way to serve God and enjoy life and put up with everything that pulls at us and tugs at our heart is, to constantly do a heart checkup. Ask the question?  Am I reflecting Christ love in every area of my life?I can tell you that I have found myself running to the altar of brokenness and drinking from the fountain of His renewed mercies constantly. Listen up sister.  We can all use a little makeover sometimes.  I don’t know your hurt, I don’t know your pains, but I can assure you that Jesus knows.  He loves you.  He is able to Makeover the most broken part of your heart if you will allow Him to Takeover. He will heal your heart, emotions and your soul.  Allow Him to reach into the parts of your heart that on He can. 

Relax...Easier Said Than Done

Relax, that’s easier said than done. I’m a mom I have three kids,  a job, oh yeah and I have a dog as well. About a dog, did you say you were interested? Okay, sure I promise to relax, just after I clean the house, mop the floor, wash and dry the laundry, fold and put it in their drawers and cook a nice decent “healthy” dinner and then help my kids with their homework. No kidding, I’m committed to relax.

Ever felt overwhelmed? Maybe you wished for just a few more hours in the day. To find that special time for you to relax, maybe even just to read a book?

What you need to understand is that if you don’t, you won’t be any good to anybody else.  In fact your kid’s, your husband, your work, they all need you to relax because when you do, You think clearer,  your more confident of yourself and you get things done more efficiently. And you feel great about yourself.

In the bible there were times were Jesus had to break away from the crowds and seek the mind of His father.

Jesus said to the disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31) 

 Hey superwoman, Jesus knew that taking a break was essential to balance the responsibilities that drain you.  If Jesus acknowledged He needed rest, how much more do we need to make “me” time.  

Let the laundry sit one more day, create a 15 minute break when everyone knows it’s “me” time.   Create this daily and be consistent.  You can relax, but it is up to you to make the time.

Rosalinda Rivera Ministries ©  All Rights Reserved 2013.

We get so caught up in our daily responsibilities and before you know it another year has gone by.  We used to dream.  There was a time when we couldn't stop thinking upon it...you know what I'm talking about.  Your Dreams.  Maybe it was to re-enroll in school. Or possibly developing your talent as a cook and owning your own restaurant.  How easily the days responsibilities consume our desire to achieve something fresh or new.  And then there are the dreams that failed.  Before you know it we have given ourselves every reason not to dream again. 

I believe God knows your desires, He is aware of your dreams and He is waiting patiently for you to ask Him to help you fulfill your dreams.  Take a moment and jot down your ideas, your vision for the future and put it before the Lord.  Don't let past disappointments or your current situation keep you from dreaming. 

The bible says in Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Let your future be in line with Gods plans for your life.  Believe in God and He will restore your dream.