Don't Use Band-Aids

Felipe was working in his wood shop and moving a wooden bar, got a splinter in his hand, immediately he took it out and put a band-aid, because it was what he always did. However a few days later his hand began to hurt, he went to the doctor and immediately underwent surgery for the infection caused by that little splinter. Felipe never imagined that something that started out so simple, could get so complicated. Just as Felipe had a serious complication for trusting a simple band-aid to fix a serious problem, also you should avoid using band-aids to treat life splinters. Seek help from God, when you have problems and let Him guide you, to fix it. To God the problems are not small or big, are problems that must be solved with Divine Wisdom and not with Human bandages.

Don't Doubt It

The lack of faith makes you doubt when you face problems: About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here! ” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” Matthew 14:25-31 NLT

What You Sow

Yesterday I got a letter from my daughter, who deeply touched my heart, because in the letter she was thanking me for the time I dedicated to her and the way I had formed and educated her. I recognize that in the formative years there were difficult times for the two of us, but now I know that tears were part of the process. Today after a long trip and seeing my daughter prepared for life, I thank God, because in the moments when my strengths failed me and I did not know what to do or what to tell my daughter, I sought God's direction, rather than following my own instincts and thoughts. With the wisdom and love of God, we can educate our children. If we sow the love of God in our children, when they become adults, we will reap families that are examples of God's love.

Blooming In The Desert

Sara's dream was to get married and have a family. She married, but soon divorced, without children. Additionally, he had health problems and the Doctors determined that she could not have children. She spent years alone, single and with no possibility of being a mother, but never lost hope of having a family and  she constantly asked God in prayer, for a family. About to lose hope, she received a phonecall informing her that the adoption papers had finally been approved and they had a little girl for her. And then, Sara had the opportunity to be a mother. Many times we may be living in a desert and we see everything dry and lifeless. But the moment we least expect it, God blesses us and makes us bloom in the desert. Just believe and wait in faith, for God's perfect timing.

If You Fell, Get Up.

If you fell, get up: When my son was learning to walk, he fell frequently and although we were always close, could not always keep him from falling. Sometimes he fell and cried and other times he didn't. However, he always felt safe in the knowledge that we were at his side to help him. Similarly, we as adults walk through life and we stumble and fall when facing adversity. Sometimes we hurt and cry and sometimes not. Our heavenly Father cares and protects us, but does not always prevent us to stumble and fall, because we might need to learn a lesson. However, He has promised to always be with us, to lift us up and heal our wounds. You can live in peace and confidence, because if you fall, God will be there to help you up again.

What Do You Have At Hand?

Use what you have at hand because that is enough for God to change your situation: As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.” “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered. “Bring them here,” he said. Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children! Matthew 14:13-21 NLT

The Group Effect

Have you felt the group effect?: The group effect is a force that can be positive or negative. A good group helps heal and enhance positive relationships, restores lives and strengthens the character of the people in it. But a bad group has a negative effect that hurts people because the group makes people act in a way that undermines their character and leads them to destroy family and personal relationships. This negative group effect takes its members to do bad things they never thought they could do, regardless of the risks involved. The issue is not to participate in a group, but to know which group is right and good for you. If you want to belong to the best group, join the group of those who follow Jesus. He will heal and restore your life and your relationships, will form your character and will give purpose to your life. Think about it, your current, future and eternal success, will depends on your decision.