Category Archives: English

The place we were

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We all remember what we were doing and where we were when important events in our lifetime have occurred. Those events in one way or the other shaped our opinions, our feelings or even our lives. We hear about stories of life change, for better or worse in events, public or private that shape us in a certain way.

So was that day our savior was born. I am amazed that the greatest story of all, the greatest moment in history was reserved to be witnessed by the most undeserving people according to men. They were ceremonially unclean because they often had to touch dead animals, and were cast as unworthy by the religious leaders of the time. Shepherds were the first to witness the born baby Jesus. That morning everything was different. That morning the Creator of the universe choose unsuspected men to witness the most expected sight of all.

Can you imagine? How incredible this sight must have been. They probably had seen many baby’s in their lifetimes, but this one was certainly matchless. The Redeemer of all things had just been born, and even when their own personal circumstances might have not changed in that moment, their hearts and lives I am certain, did.

When has the birth of a child be announced to men by angels in the middle of the night. I think of theses things and I get all teared up. How did these shepherds felt? How did the Angels themselves feet? Of all places and people, God himself choose to reveal his Son first to the meek and the simple, not a sign of meekness, but one of mightiness. I am lost for words as the story of Jesus unfolds and is described for us in the pages of the Bible. A simple event, that transcends understanding. The meaning to mankind was yet to be revealed.

How would every angle of the story be? I would like to sit down and hear each of the shepherds perspective and hear the from them how this experience branded their hearts. What about Joseph, and certainly Mary? How did the kings of middle east feel once they presented their offerings to the King of Kings? That must have been a sight in itself! The experience changed the destiny of who they were and what they were doing.

I do remember the day, the moment and the circumstances I was when I heard the greatest story of all. But unlike the shepherds, I had an advantage, I heard the complete story because it had already been fulfilled. Jesus had been born, dead on a cross and risen from the grave for my sins. The story of the birth was the beginning of the tipping point in history, yours and mine. I remember where I was and what I did. That day, as I offered my heart to the Redeemer of all things, I was also born to a new life; I was forgiven.

The shepherds saw the most amazing sight and knew it was different. Right there it was announced the purpose of the birth of this baby, to redeem the world from sin. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”. When I heard the most amazing story of all my life was different. You can do the same today, and I can assure you that you will remember forever the place, the day and circumstances you were, this day.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2012
Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

How’s your buffer?

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No, it’s not a mistake what you are seeing, I posted it for a purpose. I use a service called Buffer that basically helps me add tweets on the go, add ideas or simply share links and post them at the moment or queue them for a future date. It is very helpful, especially if you want to maintain yourself organized and at the same time not to be a social media pest. You schedule the times and frequency that your posts will appear. I usually have weeks or even months in advance of what I have to share; it’s a great app.

Recently something happened without me knowing it and it took me by surprise. I received the reminder you see above, stating in amazement “Oh no, it looks like you buffer is empty!”. This made me think quite a bit about myself and about many others like me. This was not an event that just happened. this was the outward expression of something that had been happening long time ago; my buffer was empty. Isn’t it true about me and you, that we walk through life as if we had unlimited emotional and spiritual supply that we forget to replenish ourselves? We live at times, a margin-less life. We have no buffer, we are always playing catch-up and that is a very dangerous place to be. When we run on empty all sorts of things can happen.

I realized this in a very vulnerable moment that made me realize that there was something missing in me. I expressed myself in a way that was not appropriate. After the fact, I realized that I had left my emotional supply to dry up. If we were to talk face to face, I would explain every detail and you would agree with me that I had all the right to feel the way I felt and to and say what I said. But the reality is that my buffer was empty and my reaction proved it. I am grateful for one thing I did right: I reached out and asked for advice. This was a good and made me put everything into the right perspective.

What is missing in you? Is the everyday busyness taking the best out of you? Are you walking in life feeling emotionally tired? Who are you reaching out to? Are you asking the right questions and to the right people? People that you know will say what is right, not what you want to hear. Replenish your soul, and body, so you will have enough to lean on for those vulnerable moments that will find you at some point. You owe it to yourself, and to those close to you.

So, how’s your buffer?

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2012

Let your feelings catch up later

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Have you ever had one of those days? The ones that start with a “no” and even when it has not ended yet, you think that it will end the same way? They are very interesting days to say the least. I had one not so long ago, and those that know me well, know that the word “No,” does not resonate well with me.

Every time I am confronted with this I react in a many ways, the most persistent one is me being more resolved, sometimes a synonym in my language, to be more stubborn. What drives this in me? Why do I react this way? Often times I get confused when any opposing situation comes my way. How should I react? What should I say? Should I try harder or let it go? Should I take a different route or state my case more vigorously? What do you do when your daughter or son gets home and says, “I didn’t make the team,” or “I failed the test I studied so hard for”. Or your spouse comes and tells you, “the banker said, that our application was denied”. Day’s, weeks, months or even years of No’s, can definitely become very unsettling and discouraging.

Recently I read a phrase that said: “Trust God completely and let your feelings catch up later”. This is so true. We tend to react on the basis of what we feel and comprehend with our natural senses. That’s the way God created us so we could perceive the world around us. But Paul tells us in the letter to the corinthians a new paradigm; walk by faith and not by sight; believing not by seeing is the key. It’s hard sometimes, because we have conditioned ourselves to regard as true only those things we can prove, see or touch. We often sustain these arguments by statements, like “I have to be a good steward,” “it is a good example to be an example”, and many more. And yes, these statements are true and I don’t mean or imply to minimize the importance of them, all the contrary, but what I am saying is that we should have the kind of faith that amazes God. Wholehearted faith in God’s word for us.

Every promise, every word, every direction his word gives us is true, dependable and strong, regardless of where we are or what we are facing. I know, I have no idea what you are going through, and it’s true, no one can process the events in your life the same way you do. But what I can say is that I have experienced the days, the weeks the months and even the years of “No’s” in my life. And it is in those moments that the only sustainable, dependable place for me and my family has been God’s word and promises.

Call me childish or even ignorant if you will, but we have decided to have the kind of faith that would amaze even God. Believing in those things we cannot see and trusting that everything that has been created, even our own senses, will catch up later. I encourage you to do the same. It’s ok to acknowledge that you are not there yet. But get up and admit it to Him and ask in prayer for greater faith, that’s the first step to greatness.

His promises are true, His word is real so we have decide to walk by faith and let our feelings catch up later. You can do the same.

“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.

Quince años

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Han sido quince años, y parece ser que sólo unos pocos días han pasado. Aún recuerdo como si se tratara de hace sólo un momento. La carita mojada que se me presentó ese día. Y los ojos que me miraban, me cautivaron de inmediato, me atrajeron. Yo no sabía qué hacer. Quiero decir, él se veía tan pequeño y tan frágil, así que le di un beso en la frente y le dije: “Dios te bendiga hijo, bienvenido a la vida”. Mientras era llevado de vuelta a la guardería, me eché a llorar, me sobrecogieron tantas emociones, ¡Acababa de tener un hijo, me había convertido en padre!

Eso fue hace quince años hoy. Todavía le beso la frente, todos los días. Me siento orgulloso de él, y no puedo esperar a ver lo que Dios hará en y a través de él. Quince años, parece mucho, pero es tan poco tiempo. La vida es un parpadeo y debes abrazar cada momento y a los que te rodean.

Feliz cumpleaños Alex! Te amo con todo mi corazón, y eso nunca va a cambiar. Tú lo sabes muy bien, Tú y yo nacimos el mismo día, tu naciste a la vida y yo nací a la aventura de ser papá. Y no cambiaría eso por nada.

Fifteen years

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It’s been fifteen years, and seems like just a few days have past. I still remember as if it was just a moment ago. The small wet face that was presented to me that day. And the eyes that looked at me, and I was immediately captivated, drawn. I didn’t know what to do. I mean, he seemed so small and fragile, so I kissed his forehead and said “God bless you son, welcome to life!”. As he was taken back to the nursery, I started to cry as many emotions overcame me, I had a son, I had become a father!

That was fifteen years ago today. I still kiss his forehead, everyday. I am proud of him, and I can’t wait to see what God will do in and through him. Fifteen years, it seems a lot, but it’s so little time. Life is a flicker and you should embrace every moment and those around you.

Happy birthday Alex! I love you with all my heart, and that will never change. You know it very well; You and I were born the same day, you were born to life and I was born to the adventure of being a father. And I wouldn’t change that for anything.

Who are You?

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“Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.”

Ruth and Naomi, both widowed, alone, with no stability, security or sense of purpose, went to Judah looking for bread. Naomi was so depressed that she even made herself called Mara, which meant bitterness. Ruth, who went with her, was also troubled by all of the situations she had been through. Yes, they had every human reason to feel bitter, discouraged, alone, unfulfilled, empty and unworthy. But then came Boaz. As the story unfolds, Boaz provided and restored them completely. He made Ruth, previously a foreigner, his wife.

Who are you?, he asked. She did not say, I am a widow; I am a beggar, eating scraps from your fields. She did not allow her circumstances give identity to her. She did not allow her situation take control of her mindset and take root in her heart. She did not allow outside influences determine who she was, she plainly answered, “I am your servant”.

You need to know who you are. Your circumstances do not dictate your identity. Your moods, your emotions, your finances, don’t determine who you are. As Naomi, you may be going through extremely difficult times, that may even change the way you regard yourself. Regrets and discouragement can overtake you, but when you realize that you are a servant of the most High God, not a foreigner, He will restore you, He will bless you, He will keep you and bring you under His wing. He will make you stand tall and shine upon your face, and will give you favor and grace and strength.

The realization that you and I are His, determine our identity, and no matter what pans out around us, He will be our El Shaddai, the God that is more than enough. When we seek Him, when we worship Him in the middle of our trials, He will lift us and he will guide us, and he will bless us until it overflows. The circumstances only affirm that we are His. Who are you? Jesus answered that question when he came and gave himself for our sins and restored everything.

So the question remains, Who are you? Jesus already answered that, You are His. Stand up and receive what is yours!

“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, 2006
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.

A fortified tower

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The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. – Proverbs 18:10

It was a nerve-wracking drive home. My wife was on the phone with our son and the visibility was almost none. Torrential rain and impeding wind. A less than a 5 minute drive, but it seemed to us much longer. On the way, what really got to me off the tornado alarm; it created an even more pronounced sense of urgency to get home. It was pretty scary. While on our 5 minute-look-like-5-hour drive, were alternated prayers and phone calls. As I parked the car in the garage and rushed into our home and into the laundry room, I could not ignore that this was a new experience for me. Our kids already had a stash of fruit bars, water and they also had the two dogs in with them. Oh, did I mention that the home we are in now doesn’t have a basement?

Then and there I was overcome with a sense of powerlessness. The ones I love the most were all crammed in this small space, as the siren was blasting off. We muttered a prayer and tried to remain calm as we waited and waited and waited. That was the hard part. This was a small place, made in essence of wood. How strong could it be against a tornado? It made me feel extremely vulnerable. As it is my personality, I wanted to do something, but we had done everything we could think of doing. After half an hour, everything started to come back to normal and we lurked out of our “safe” place.

How many times you have been in the middle of a situation that you can’t do anything about? How many times it has dawn on you that you have arrived to the end of your options? A situation that is completely new to you and it has impressed you in a way you don’t know how to react. You might be facing a decisive juncture in your life you never thought you would be in. Furthermore, you know that where you are standing in life today might not even have a chance of surviving what is coming your way.

Let me remind you that The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. And it is in His name the we find cover, safety and refuge. His endless prowess begin when the end of your options appear. Call unto Him, in the midst of where you are right now, run to Him. Don’t look at your options, look at his power. Wind might blow and everything around you might stumble fall. You will be safe, because you choose not to rely on your own strength.

Run and take refuge in the Lord who is your fortified tower.

“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 to share it? Just add your comment below on “Leave a Reply”, 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.

Do not be afraid

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“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

It was a normal morning for me or so I thought. I was eager to meet with my client and show how the new plan would work. I was tired, I had driven for almost an hour. Then, in the moments when I was greeted and accompanied to the office, the news broke on the TV. Something terrible had happened. I immediately saw the images, I saw the chaos, I saw something I never thought I would see. I had been there just a couple of months before, with my wife and my two children ages 2 and 3.

I was perplexed. I was paralyzed and shaken. The meeting was called off. I then went off to my car and called my wife. I was crying. My words to her where, “did you see that? It fell”. She was crying on the other end of the phone and told me, “the other one fell too”. My entire being was overcome by fear, insecurity and doubt. My first expression was, “I can’t bring any more children to this world. This world is too sick, mean, and dangerous”. I was 1,601 miles from where it happened, but the effect of the moment felt very near. That day I had to talk to my clients since they would be directly affected by this. At the office, everyone was shocked and looking for any type of direction.

Later in the morning I went home and hugged my wife, my son and my daughter. Then I realized that as dumbfounded as I was, there were others that were unconsolable, lost and in total despair. Many horrific stories were surfacing hour after hour. So as time passed and I continued to digest what had happened, a still small voice resounded in my soul. It said, “Do not be afraid”. I Then remembered the words of Jesus when he said …But take heart, because I have overcome the world. He had foretold us that for this and any other trial and sorrow that we would confront, he had overcome it already. It was through Him, that we would be strong and we would find peace.

Maybe you are just like me, and will never be able comprehend completely why these events occurred, nor how deeply it has and will touch many for generations to come. Or on the contrary, you have been directly impacted by the events  on September 11, 2001 and you know the impact it has taken on your life and of those around you. In any case, one thing is certain, we will never forget the events of that day and those that lost their lives. But that day many lives were also brought to life, I remember what someone once said, “children are the way God says that this world must go on, there is hope in the future”.

The story has a myriad of angles, perspectives, opinions and emotions. So today as we honor those that where lost, and reflect on these events, many different things will come to heart again. But be comforted to know that you should not be fearful of the future and for those that you love, because He overcame this world, so we would have peace.

Take heart, do not be afraid.

“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.