COME INTO THE LIGHT

“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”- John 3:20-21

THE WOODIE

Our garden in the summer.

MONACO

GOD IS VERY PRESENT

Everybody faces different approaches to be strong in his faith, but Jesus is watching all of us, supporting us according to our needs.

When we start our Christian journey, we demand constant assurance, and then since we develop in our experience, we get stronger and stronger until we know Jesus so intimately that we don't need signs of His approval. No circumstances discourages us because we know that ultimately we can trust HIM.

"Being sinful, we fail. Being prone to sickness, we hurt. Being mortal, we die. Pressure wears us down. Anxiety gives us ulcers. People intimidate us. Criticism offends us. Disease scares us. Death haunts us. "

The answer is :

"God is very present... in trouble." Psalm 46:1

Yolanda Adams - Amazing Grace

DUCKS

They are real, and I saw them in Genoa.

SEEKING

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”- Matthew 6:33

If you are looking for peace, enjoyment, love, job, happiness...and I know you are seeking for something, that maybe, you don't even know what it is, and I truly understand, because we tend to look for something to complete us as a human being.

My dear, there is only one place you can find it.


LORD'S KINGDOM

Since you find it, all the other things that you need, HE is going to give you as well. Find Jesus first, let Him find you.

PERSEVERE

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”- Hebrews 10:35-36

This verse is FANTASTIC!!!

What is going on in your life right now? Are you worried? Looking for a job? Embarrassing relationship? Demotivated?

Listen! These words are for us. Do not throw away your confidence!!!

YOU NEED TO PERSEVERE!!!!!!!!

LORD HAS PROMISED.... YOU WILL RECEIVE!!!!!!!!!!!

NATURE

CRITICISM

All my friends know I love cycling. Here in Scotland, cyclists are supposed to wear helmet and waist coat for their security. I really don't mind to wear them. I think it is really cool. In my 45, very fit, and I feel proud of doing all the stuff, unfortunately young people, I mean, specially teenagers think it is "stupid".

So, believe...a 14-adolescent-girl, just had fun of me, because I was wearing a cycling helmet. She laughed at me, and said ..."you look stupid"...


According to Collins, stupid is brainless, cretinous, deficient, dull, dumb, foolish, slow, unintelligent, idiot, imbecilic, unthinking....

Don't be surprised...I hugged her, and said:

You should say...How beautiful you are! I am missing you! How are you?...

But inside my heart was broken.

I hope God gives you wisdom to show HIS love through your attitude and beyond any kind of criticism.

HAPPINESS

I am reading the newspaper and I have found a very interesting article.

"HOW TO BE TRULY HAPPY"

If you want to know I haven't found any magic formula. But I like this:

"There are some tiny tasks do offer the greatest pleasure in life. Unwrapping a bar of your favourite chocolate, eating good bread, wrapping yourself in a warm towel after a bath..."

Think about them. What is your favourite?

DOORS

Those doors I saw in Tunis. Have you already meditated about the meaning of this word?

DOOR

DOORS

DOORS

MY REWARD COMES FROM HEAVEN

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”- Philippians 2:3-4

I see how difficult it is to be humiliated in order to give someone a wreath. I believe you understand what I mean.

I have done something very good to someone or to benefit some cause, but for some reason another person is recognised for what I have done.

I need to keep in my mind, that I don't have to be selfish, instead I need to be proud and do something for other interests without waiting any reaward. It means, in humility consider others better than myself.

It is an exercise!!!

A TREE

I believe you have already heard about this old saying:

"TO BE A COMPLETE HUMAN BEING YOU MUST HAVE REALISED AT LEAST THREE THINGS IN YOUR LIFE:

*HAVE A CHILD;
*WRITE A BOOK;
*PLANT A TREE.

This is my tree.

LOVELY CHILDREN

I have found a part time job in a School Club. It's a place the students stay while their parents are working and the post is Deputy Play Assistant, which means, I play with them. It is a time I really enjoy myself. They are all different but lovely.

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children”- Ephesians 5:1

GOD'S WISH

During all my life I have met many Christ people. Some use to say:

"Lord said this(...) to me!"

But I always wondered. How do they listen Lord's voice? I couldn't understand, and I knew I had never heard his voice in my ears.

But then, studying the Bible, and meditating about it, Lord has touch me about His desires.

I have been aware of what God is saying, and He is saying it very clearly in my ears.

How???

Once I wanted to go back to the university for my Master Degree, because I had been studying some disciplines. At the same time, my wish to leave the county was very intense. I had that confused feeling to go to somewhere, but don't know where.

I prayed Lord. It was the last day for the enrollment. I didn't understand what was listening to Lord's voice, or at least, understand what He wanted from me. I insisted for His answer.

God speaks through His words, and every time it happens my heart rejoices, and I am absolute sure when my help comes from the heaven.

Weekend

When I was young, I used to look forward to the weekend. I learned how to sew, my mother was a tailor, and then I had new clothes every weekend.


Meeting my friends, going to the club, to the movies...it was very, very good. I had a group of very good friends.


Now I am so far of my friends, and I look forward to my weekends with the same intensity. No alarm. no responsibilities, no rush, delicious meals, and at home. Mostly, at home.


I LOVE IT!!!!

REJOICE

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”- Philippians 4:4

This verse is like a body shake for me.

It doesn't matter what is going on...but I believe there is always something very good around. The problem is, most of the time, we allow little things get big proportion in our life.

Just value what is important. Turn your eyes for the good...and when you do it...

REJOICE...REJOICE...REJOICE...

WHERE DOES MY HELP COME FROM

" I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”- Psalm 121:1-2

My good job comes from Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth...if He makes everything perfect, He is the ONE who has a perfect job for me.

If you are wondering, wheather I am looking for one... Yeap, Yeap...I have been looking for a good job...but I want, that special one that He has for me.

Since I get it, I'll tell you straight away

Lord, I pray you come to open that special door you have prepared for me. Show me the way, guide me, and stay with me now and forever. Amen

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

As a Christian I have given myself a chance of ask Lord for a good job.

What is a good job in your opinion.

You might be thinking about money at this moment.

Of course, everybody does need it, and I need it as well. We live in a capitalist world. We need money for buying food, dressing, having a house, a car. And if you have a car, you can drive to work and so you can apply for better jobs in bigger centres. Furthermore, if you have money to go for a good education, and get a proper graduation and post graduation, the number of opened doors are going to increase.

It's a chain.

Get qualification and grab for a good job

Well...maybe my question has not been answered.

What is a good job?

ABBA PAI

"Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."Isaiah 46:4

I believe YOU are the one who sustain me, who carry me, and rescue me.

I love you Lord because you are my FATHER. ABBA....PAI

A MOUSE

Since Saturday we are trying to catch a mouse in our bathroom. I just saw that black shadow on the corner very quickly trying to escape when I had got in and shut the door. I thought, no way, there is no space under that door, and there is no hole in that bathroom. It probably came from outside, a huge garden surrounding the house and a burn on the back. That is a wild mouse!!!

At the first moment, I thought to kill it with my slippers, but immediately I remembered my son's story when he stepped on a mouse while he was doing the dishes.

I got the bin and I realized that I could catch it, but it was so fast, it went behind the stereo box...Ufa!!! and now??

In the morning, no sign of the mouse...wow, the cheese was eaten...we tested the trap...it was so hard that it could have a long super on that trap without any risk to be caught. Yes, we were feeding the mouse.

Set them again, tested...and one with cheese and another with chocolate...it was still there...chewing the door and the corner to make a hole to scape. Do you know Jerry (Tom & Jerry)? The same profile, mice don't give up.

10 pm. No comfy to go to the bathroom, but needing...we opened the door and we saw some blood...closed it...waited...opened it again...and we got it.

My heart was broken, believe...but what was the alternative I had?

Barcelona

Gaudi's Casa Battlo

Barcelona

A taste of Brazil

Monaco

Monaco

Porto Fino

You can see all the washing hanging outside...

Genova

Rome

Rome

Rome

Tunisia

Tunisia

Very old pattern tiles..but gorgeous

My Cruise to Med

Our first day on board. From Palma to Tunisia

HOW I AM

I am quiet, thoughtful and writing...and I am sure God is working, and I am glad I am not ready. You are not ready, we are not ready.

Colossians 3

12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

HOW I AM

Today I woke up a little thoughtful.

Usually, I am talkative and smiley. It doesn't mean I am sad, no...not really. But I am very quiet.

I have already posted something about quietness, and I think it is very good. Once in a while it is important to visualize what is going on around.

So, today I quit .... I stop doing what I often do to watch everything, sky, flowers, street , houses and people of course.

It's not a good day to walk my dog. It's cloudy, windy and raining gently, so I walked by myself. The leaves have started falling, but the flowers are still beautiful. People at the church were all smiling this morning. The minister has a sense of humour and another lady was introduced to me. I see they are always watching who is new for the service, but I didn't stay for the "cuppy", cup of tea. Instead, I went to my driver's licence test on line. Again, I failed, but I am getting better and better every day. I hope. I also went to the Job Center. I think one of their assistant is watching me, then and again, he came to me, and asked..."Are you ok?" I am always fine. Quickly I dropped by to the College to see my friend, a hug and a kiss, but she wanted more....she kept holding me as if she was neglected...she is lovely!!!!

Many students were outside, and I could see the reflection of this new generation on the streets. Litter every where, bottles of soft drink and juice, as well empty pack of crisps of all labels. What a shame!!!

On my way home I saw some beautiful bungalows...I love them...made of stones, flowers in the garden, names on the doors...very charming...

I am here posting and reflecting about all this stuff, and also how I am for my friends, I am missing my friends, my Brazilian friends, my son, my daughter...I am missing that good meal on Sundays lunch time...

How am I?

LIFE

I have subscribed my blog in some interesting ones I have found out when surfing on line.

My question is...

How would you classify my blog?

I thought about 3 possibilities that I always have to choose from a list. Personal, Living or and Religion.

Well, it is not about religion...but it is about my personal way of living, and my experience as a Christian. I haven't chosen a religion to be part of my personal life. I have chosen Christ as a living person to guide my life.

What is life in itself?

ISAIAH 42

THIS CHAPTER MEANS A LOT TO ME

Isaiah 42

The Servant of the LORD
1 "Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will bring justice to the nations.
2 He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.
3 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
4 he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
In his teaching the islands will put their hope."
5 This is what God the LORD says—
he who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth with all that springs from it,
who gives breath to its people,
and life to those who walk on it:
6 "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles,
7 to open eyes that are blind,
to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
8 "I am the LORD; that is my name!
I will not yield my glory to another
or my praise to idols.
9 See, the former things have taken place,
and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
I announce them to you."

CHURCH ADVERTS

It is very creative the adverts Daily Mail published in August. A series of photographs were taking in USA to show how Churches are using adverts to call worshippers.

Despite of the creativity of them, I have to say that is very sad.

Lord's words were not made to be negotiated. Instead, they are available for everyone who is looking for light, HIS LIGHT. Because God is the truth and the life.

LEAVING WITH JOY

Listen to the Lord's word for better days. It is His promise.


ISAIAH 55

12 You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.

FAST

The Bible mentions God's people used to fast in the past for God's help, in which they could over come any difficulty they were having, through God's solution, provision, even an answer for doubts they usually had.

2 Samuel 1:12

12 They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and the house of Israel

SCARING NIGHT

In October 2004, I had a different experience with Jesus.

We woke up about 2am with my son screaming, because he heard a funny noise in our backyard, and through the door glass he saw a stranger vulture. His screaming was so scaring that the thief, who was robbing our bicycles, 2 at all that time, fortunately had a chance to take just one. It was a very frightening moment. Hearts beating hard, a mix of crying and at the same time a feeling of comforting to have been discovered in time to not lose 2 bikes.

We had to call the police, and not before 4am, when our nerves were calming down we prayed and went back to bed for a short sleep.

While we were praying, I experienced a feeling of complete love for my son. The screaming that woke me up was so strong and loud that expressed his pain, and my suffering that moment was for his pain. An incredible love invaded my soul and when we prayed together we felt our love as one holding for Jesus Christ.

ISAIAH 45

2 I will go before you

and will level the mountains;

I will break down gates of bronze

and cut through bars of iron.
3 I will give you the treasures of darkness,

riches stored in secret places,

so that you may know that I am the LORD,

the God of Israel, who summons you by name.