Category Archives: Life

La suma de nuestras decisiones

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Su propósito es enseñarles a vivir una vida disciplinada y exitosa, y ayudarles a hacer lo que es correcto, justo e imparcial. Estos proverbios darán inteligencia al ingenuo, conocimiento y discernimiento al joven. Que el sabio escuche estos proverbios y se haga aún más sabio. Que los que tienen entendimiento reciban dirección. Proverbios 1:3-5

No puede negarse, incluso cuando no somos capaces de aceptarlo: somos la suma de nuestras decisiones. Nada más y nada menos. Todo lo que hemos y no hemos logrado, es producto de las decisiones que hemos tomado. Debo admitir que, para algunos, hay situaciones únicas que no son de su propia creación, pero incluso cuando estas situaciones exógenas han llegado a nuestras vidas, nos corresponde a nosotros tomar las decisiones correctas en medio de ellas.

Usted podría argumentar que su situación es diferente, ¿o lo es? Nuestra naturaleza siempre nos hace buscar excusas que tratan de poner nuestra conciencia en paz. Lo sé de primera mano, lo he hecho yo mismo. Pero al hacerlo no cambiarán los hechos, sólo estamos ignorándolos e hiriendonos a nosotros mismos y quienes están cerca de nosotros. Como padre tengo la responsabilidad de proveer y guiar a mi familia. Proveer, en el sentido práctico de la palabra, es la parte fácil, ya que puede medirse al instante. El guiar lleva una gran cantidad de otras habilidades. Es más difícil, porque a expensas de ser evitado o rechazado por aquellos que amas hay que tomar las decisiones correctas y pensar en el final y no en el momento. Por lo tanto la toma de decisiones correctas, para cualquier situación que nos encontramos, sigue siendo en mi opinión, la prioridad número uno en la vida.

Hay tantas opciones hoy en día, tantas voces que nuestros hijos, hijas y nosotros mismos a la que podemos prestar nuestros oídos; voces buenas y voces malas. Y es aquí donde tomar buenas decisiones es crucial. Para muchas de ellas, los resultados no pueden medirse inmediatamente, el tiempo ha de demostrar si estaban bien o mal. Así que las decisiones vienen a ser básicamente una mirada al resultado final. Al pensar en esto, pude encontrarme un poco perdido. Quiero terminar bien, y sé que es un hecho que mi inclinación a hacer las cosas a mi manera podrían obstaculizar mis posibilidades de terminar bien.

Por lo tanto, ¿Qué referencia se debe usar? ¿Qué consejos puedo obtener que me ayudarán a tomar las decisiones correctas en el camino? Cómo puedo hacer que mis relaciones, mis finanzas y mi salud florezcan? ¿Cuál es el estándar a seguir? Existen muchas grandes personalidades que exudan ejemplos en la toma de grandes decisiones. Hombres y mujeres que ocupan posiciones de liderazgo y son bien conocidos. Hay otros que sus nombres no son tan públicos, pero han tenido un impacto en nuestras vidas cotidianas con su ejemplo; podríamos nombrar a muchos. Pero hay una referencia que ha demostrado una y otra vez a ser el estándar indiscutible de la toma de decisiones correctas. La Biblia es un libro de cómo terminar bien. En ella encontramos la suma de las historias de hombres y mujeres como tú y yo, que francamente fueron presentadas con opciones, buscaron consejo y las decisiones que tomaron. Muchos siguieron el consejo dado y terminaron bien, y los que no prestaron sus oídos a la dirección sabia y piadosa, no.

¿Qué punto de referencia estás usando? ¿Podría ser que hayas confiado en tu propia inteligencia y ni siquiera has considerado buscar un punto de referencia diferente? ¿Tus decisiones te han llevado a un lugar que no deseabas estar? Decide hoy tomar decisiones correctas y cambiar tu punto de referencia. Al final, Dios quiere tu bienestar. Su amor por nosotros es tan grande que envió a su Hijo para garantizarnos un camino en el que podamos terminar bien. Su palabra está llena de dirección y consejo sabio. Date una oportunidad. Al final, somos la suma de nuestras decisiones.

“RESPIRA con expectación, VIVE con confianza y MUÉVETE con valentía”

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© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2012
Las citas bíblicas son tomadas de la Santa Biblia, Nueva Traducción Viviente, derechos de autor © 1996, 2004, 2007 por Tyndale House Foundation. Usado con permiso de Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. Todos los derechos reservados.

Warning signs

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by DP

“I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love. I lifted the yoke from his neck, and I myself stooped to feed him. But since my people refuse to return to me, they will return to Egypt and will be forced to serve Assyria.” – Hosea 11:4-5

“Hey folks you might have realized that we have gone out of the line for takeoff. We have received a warning sign here on the cockpit and we need to check it out and be sure it is safe for us to continue.” – moments later – “Folks, thank again for your patience. We have a hydraulics problem that we cannot fix ourselves so we will need to head back to the gate so our mechanics can take a look at it and we will let you know how much time it will take to fix. Thanks for your patience.” These were the words from the captain on the flight I was on. Immediately the guy that was sitting on my side said audibly, “Nooo”, and I looked at him and said, “Hey man be cool, better late than dead”. And no, he did not say another word.

I’m grateful for the captain of the plane. He saw the warning sign and took action immediately. No second guessing it, no bargaining and no playing games. He alerted us and put our safety as his highest priority. He did what was needed to be done, even when we might not understand it, be inconvenienced by it or did not like it. He might as well saved all of our lives. I also realized something else: I had complete trust and confidence on the pilot, even when I had not seen him face to face. I did not had any concerns when I got on the plane nor did I ask for his credentials or license. I just trusted.

This made me think about lots of things and reflect in my own life. How many times have I received a warning sign in my emotions, my finances, my health, my relationships and have not paid attention, and received the consequences of it? How many times have I ignored those warnings because I thought I knew better? Furthermore how many times have I complained like the passenger I told before, ignoring that by doing so there was much more at stake?

What about you? Have you done the same? Have you complained by he “delays” and “detours” you are faced with every day, and you ignore that these might be warning signs that something is not right? These might be situations that are meant for your preservation and not your destruction.

I heard once from a doctor that said, “pain is good, it tells you that something in your body needs attention”. God has many ways to catch our attention, and he permits or does it, because he loves us. These might be issues you need to pay attention to. Tending to them might seem as a delay to your apparent progress, but it will ensure that you get to your destination as it was intended. Ignoring them, and not trusting, could be catastrophic for you and your loved ones. You are much important to Him, to be neglected. You are too important to him to ignore the warning signs along your path.

As I trusted the captain, (since I still don’t know how to fly an aircraft), so should you trust our Lord and Savior that knows what is best for our lives. He loves us so much that he will do whatever is necessary to draw us to himself. By doing so, His mercy is extended to us and His love sometimes is revealed, through warning signs.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

Want this inspiration of coffee by email every morning? Enter your e-mail to subscribe at the top right of this page under the box for “Subscribe”. Like this writing and want share it? Just add your comment below on “Leave a Reply” or share it on Facebook, Twitter, or by email using any of the buttons next to “Share this:”

© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2012
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved

Sal y ponte a trabajar

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“La inacción engendra la duda y el miedo. La acción engendra la confianza y el valor. Si quieres vencer el miedo, no te sientes en casa a pensar en ello. Sal y ponte a trabajar.” – Dale Carnegie

“RESPIRA con expectación, VIVE con confianza y MUÉVETE con valentía”

Preserve

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“The important things in life are not those that you pursue, but those that you preserve. Preserve your family.” – DP

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

Welcome home!

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He opened his eyes and woke up. It had been another restless night. His heart was aching. Was it all a dream? As he could, he hurried to his son’s room. There it was as the day before, an empty bed, and the ache became even more pronounced. Walking slowly around the room he wondered why he had left. He had given him everything he needed and had loved him everyday since the day he was born. “Why would he leave a place of love for a place of lavish life?” He asked himself. How many nights this room was a witness of the laughter and the stories, and yes, the tears. Back then this room was warm place. He laid down on the bed and cried himself to sleep, hoping that it would become a warm place again. How much he wanted a chance to mess his son’s hair again, while he was sleeping, embrace him and kiss him. After a while he opened his eyes as the sun started to raise, warming up the room where he was; but not warm enough as to erase the cold feeling of the empty space in his heart.

And as the other days went, tending to the farm, the flock and his servants maintained him distracted, which was good. But from time to time he caught himself glancing at the distance, longing, hoping. How many times had he done this and nothing? Should he just give up to the fact that his son was not coming back? But this love was so deep, so wide, that kindled this hope constantly.

As his servants where informing about the days work, he glanced to the distance once again and then and there he saw something he had not seen before. A silhouette he was very familiar with. Could it be? Could this be his son? Wiping his eyes as he was seeing a vision, he peeked out to see clearly, leaving everyone still talking. And his heart bursted, filled with love and compassion as never before. It was him! With no regard of how he would look, or what would anyone think, he ran desperately to his son, nothing else mattered, his son had returned. With tears in his eyes and trying to catch his breath, he embraced him and kissed him in a way like he would never let go again. His son was dirty, malnourished and hurt. But now he was home and everything would be ok. The one that was lost had been found.

This could be you. On the outside, a smile is always seen in your face, but in the inside you are lacking and wanting. You are hurting and you desperately want to come home. Take courage and do so, it will all be good. So go ahead, return to your father, to the one that loves you in a way that surpasses any understanding.

He has been longing for your return, and is waiting for you.

And when He gets a glimpse of you, he will run to you, embrace you and kiss you and say, Welcome home my child, Welcome home!

So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. – Luke 15:20

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

Want this inspiration of coffee by email every morning? Enter your e-mail to subscribe at the top right of this page under the box for “Subscribe”. Like this writing and want share it? Just add your comment below on “Leave a Reply” or share it on Facebook, Twitter, or by email using any of the buttons next to “Share this:”

© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2012
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved

Inside out

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There once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil. Job 1:1

What a great introduction! The credentials of Job preceded him. Blameless – a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil, a combination of devotion and practical living. Can we be called blameless and of complete integrity? The thought of it makes me wonder. You see, I know myself. I know what I think and I know with what I struggle. When I approach this subject, I do it with caution. I want to be called by God and by men, blameless.

But how do I achieve it? The story tells us that Job feared God. He had a devotion that was known to The Creator. The hidden life developed day after day when nobody was watching, the inside life. In Samuel 16:7, when Samuel was looking to anoint a new king, God told him “…People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart,” so don’t look at the outward appearance. It clear stated, that for God, was is not seen is more important than what is.

But, what is seen is also important. If you read carefully in the verse from 1 Samuel, it clearly states that, ”…People judge by outward appearance…” That means that everyone around you will judge by what they see, it’s just human nature. Think of it as a shirt. In order to know who made it, what is made of and what size it is, you have to look at the label inside. If it fits, it will look nice and represent you well on the outside. What will people see in the interior label of our life? Is your life reflecting what you claim is your label? The interesting part of this is that when we take care of our devotional life, our inside life, and we guard our heart, the outside will take care of itself.

We all want to be blameless and it is not too late for that. God is the God of new beginnings. He has made everything new for us when Jesus died in the cross for our sins, changing us from the inside out. It is a process that we cannot do alone. No matter how much we try, in order to be called blameless by God, we need to seek Him and surrender our lives to Him.

Only then will the world around you will see the transformation that begun, from the inside out.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

Want this inspiration of coffee by email every morning? Enter your e-mail to subscribe at the top right of this page under the box for “Subscribe”. Like this writing and want share it? Just add your comment below on “Leave a Reply” or share it on Facebook, Twitter, or by email using any of the buttons next to “Share this:”

© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2012
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Staying Awake

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Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens – Mark 4:27

It is a little embarrassing but I cannot refrain of telling you the first lesson I learned in the wee hours of the new year. Last night after a full day of activities, we returned to the hotel to get prepared for the New Year’s celebration. We were going to find a spot to see the fireworks and enjoy the show. I was hungry, and tired. You can tell I was hungry because I wanted to eat pizza, which is not my favorite, but that I’ll get to that in a moment. So at the hotel I took a bath and got half dressed and lied down on the bed reading some news and waiting for everyone else to get ready. My daughter was complaining because she didn’t want to go out again and was already in her pajamas and went on to change. I know I saw my wife changing and getting prepared for the night. Then everything started to get blurry. I can vaguely recall hearing her saying, “we are not going”, and I can hear in the distance, even when it was happening right there in my room, my daughter saying, “We are not going anywhere, and I have to get changed again”. Yes, it happened; I fell asleep.

At 2:36 a.m., I opened my eyes and in disbelief I realized that I had missed that moment and I had slept through it. Immediately a small still voice in my heart spoke to me saying, “Don’t sleep through the important moments in life, stay awake.” It might not be a big deal for you, but to me it was important. In life we are so consumed in achieving, succeeding, impressing, and so many more things that we get tired along the way wasting energy in things that are temporal and of questionable significance. And when the important moments come along, we fall asleep, and it is in those moments where life is made, were bonds are tighten and love is nurtured. These are the important moments in life where we cannot go by dozing out on them. We cannot sit down and ask, how was it? It will never be the same as experiencing them. Back to the pizza. I woke up with an empty grumbling stomach and I found two untouched, cold pieces in the fridge. I can assure you that they would not taste the same as when they came a couple of hours before when they were hot and fresh, just like the moment that I had missed.

Just as the farmer in the parable does not understand how the seed he has scattered grows, wether we are awake to the moment or not, life continues to happen to all of us. We will plant seeds this year even if we realize it or not. And that seed will grow, night and day. So what seed will you scatter? And more importantly will you be awake in the moments that matter to see the seed sprout? I was told that my wife kissed me, and yet I didn’t feel or remember it.

Don’t miss the moments that matter. I know you don’t want to find cold pieces of pizza and be the only one asking how it tasted when it was fresh. My new year’s resolution and yours should be as well: Staying Awake

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

Want this inspiration of coffee by email every morning? Enter your e-mail to subscribe at the top right of this page under the box for “Subscribe”. Like this writing and want share it? Just add your comment below on “Leave a Reply” or share it on Facebook, Twitter, or by email using any of the buttons next to “Share this:”

© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2012
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Beginnings

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The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. – Lamentations 3:22-23

Beginnings: It means different things to different people. For some, it is the reluctant reality that they need to accept after a failed event in their life. It is not necessarily embraced or welcomed. Not because what it represents, but by how it presents itself. Like the soul that is devastated by a divorce and needs to find strength to pick up the pieces of his or her life as it was known. Or the companion that has left this life on earth and has skipped into eternity leaving an empty space in the hearts of love ones; or the job or the business that is no more. All of these are endings and many of them very painful. So an ending is a beginning in disguise. Beginnings usually come after an ending.

For others, beginnings transpire as the emotion of hope, of the possibilities, of what could be. For these, endings are embraced, welcomed and expected, because a beginning is in sight. Two opposite points of view, but with the same ending; to begin.

It is a thought that can transform your life completely, if you choose. You might be at either side of the coin in your viewpoint, but the fact remains that something in your life has ceased to be, something has ended and something new must take its place and fill the void. These are the curves that life brings and we must know how to handle them in order to continue to thrive, to live and to begin again. And we are confronted with our human fragility and believe that the end is just that, the end. We think that there is no future, no hope no new things in our life will ever happen and that there is no point of knocking on the same door of unfulfilled dreams over and over again. But God who is rich in mercy knew and knows how we are prone to go astray of his ways and from our path. So He is constant. His love never ends, even when ours does. His mercy never ceases even when judgement is warranted. And then we read this refreshing truth that brings hope for the future in our lives, his mercies are fresh every morning. Every day a new beginning, no matter what has happened before, that in itself is a transformational thought. And who better to talk about beginnings, but God himself: He is the Beginning and the End. He started everything from nothing and he has created you and me in his likeness.

If something has ended in your life, a relationship, a job, a business, a loved one’s life or even the desire to continue to press on, remember that God is the God of beginnings and his plans and thoughts for you are plans for good. So no matter what is going on now in your life, this ending is a moment for a great start, for a great beginning. His mercies are new and fresh every day.

A new and blank page is waiting for you, so go ahead and write the new chapter of your life, starting today. You might want to call it: To begin.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

Want this inspiration of coffee by email every morning? Enter your e-mail to subscribe at the top right of this page under the box for “Subscribe”. Like this writing and want share it? Just add your comment below on “Leave a Reply” or share it on Facebook, Twitter, or by email using any of the buttons next to “Share this:”

© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2011
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.