To text or not to text?

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Danny Maldonado

IMG_1274 - Version 2 Text is a great tool. It saves time and in occasions is the best way to communicate important information when we are in a middle of a meeting or in noisy places that make it difficult to talk. Sometimes we just want to reach someone and a personal conversation is practically impossible. Our lives are full with meetings, errands, work, family and many other things that we are usually exhausted and, let’s admit it; there are days or moments that we don’t want to talk to anyone. However there is no way for a text conversation to convey any real sense of intention, mood or emotion. When you use text to communicate with someone, there is a lot lost in the process. Texting more often than not, can be misinterpreted or construed in the wrong way. Face to face conversations or even phone conversations are always better.

I am a relational kind of guy, I like to talk to people and understand them better. Texting my way with someone is not a way to develop a relationship. Don’t get me wrong, I use text but to give or get directions, ask questions or joke around with people I already know well. These “text” conversations are more relaxed because there was a previous relationship that has been developed over time. But when I meet someone new or that I am still in the process of getting a deeper understanding, I have found however that text conversations can change the mood of the relationship just because of the lack of emotions. It is basically lost in translation, so to speak.

I have also found that texting our way in life desensitizes people. We don’t feel it at the moment or even think of it that way, but we start to loose our sense of community and think of relationships like a mere transaction. When relationships matter, we need to be careful. Jesus himself stated this principle in John 15; without a relationship with HIM, we could do nothing. Relationships are everything in life. Why would we water down such an important part of our existence? The fallout of a misinterpreted text can be ugly, and I have heard of instances of even deadly. In the end almost always we have to go back and fix with a personal interaction what an impersonal text has damaged.

Here are some practical guidelines that can be used as to when or when not to use this technology. These are just some, you might find that there can be more do’s and do not’s, but for starters here are a few.

Text should be used to:

Encourage someone
Give or get directions
Answer a simple question or those that require just a yes or no
Thank someone
Send a reminder
Anything that is practical and not of a relational nature

Never use text:

While driving. I will admit it, I have been guilty on this one
For contractual conversations, it can be costly
For counseling; a big NO
To build or address relational conversations, with friends, spouses, family or significant others, Need to say more?
When building or ending a relationship. Man up or Woman up!
To chastise or correct someone. Always show grace.
To get even with someone. Use the high road, always.
Send inappropriate media.

It’s quite simple, Is it personal or transactional? Will it build or destroy? Is it honorable or dishonorable? Is it urgent or can it wait? Above all we should use common sense and caution when using text. To text or not to text?

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2013
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.

Substance is what matters

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Danny Maldonado

For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.” This came as a surprise for me. Apparently the apostle Paul was not a very good speaker and he was regarded as unimpressive, yet he wrote more than half of the new testament. What he lacked in presenter skills, presence and verbal abilities, he had more than enough in actions and in his writing ability. He clearly knew what his limits were and even acknowledged it, but that did not deter him in his purpose of life. We should be inspired by this bit of information.

There is a constant comparison race all around us. We all judge and are judged by our outward appearances. A nagging reminder that we should live up to someone else’s expectation and that nothing can be left to chance or someone else will take the lead. The reality is that we all have different levels of abilities and skills, and there will always be someone with better, faster, smarter ones than ours. On the flip side, some will lack in the areas in which we excel. It is not our duty to impress others but to fulfill our purpose. Just as Paul was belittled by those around him, we should expect that in any given point in our lives it will happen to us as well, but that should not deter us from being the man or woman God created us to be. It doesn’t matter what others think of you if you are walking your walk. There will always be people that believe it is their purpose in life to run yours. Don’t let them.

I know many incredible individuals that might lack verbal abilities, but no one can even come close to their focus and purpose. They stumble in a platform but excel in the field, and I admire them. Just as Paul did, words are not necessary when actions are needed. Do your thing. If your gift is writing, write. If it is comforting, comfort, if inspiring, inspire. If you are gifted with public speaking, speak, if it is administration, administer. If instruction, teach, whatever it is your gifted with, don’t argue with those that want to steer you away from your destiny or even take as nothing of significance that which you are doing. But it is imperative that you do. Don’t stay in the sidelines meditating on it or even rationalizing it; you have to do, take action, walk towards your dream. Actions always speak louder.

Paul answered this way; “Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.” Words became substance, and substance is what matters.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2013
Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible: Today’s New International Version. 2005. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

It’s time to move

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Danny Maldonado

“…You have stayed at this mountain long enough. It is time to break camp and move on.” – Deuteronomy 1:6b-7a

Change. A word many of us dread because it represents an uncomfortable state in life. It is uncomfortable because it was in one of those changing times were we made our biggest mistake. Change has become an enemy and we have bunkered into our comfortable place of “status quo,” giving fear an undeserved throne. So unknowingly we opt for change; a change of masters. Change has become so difficult for us to handle that we are paralyzed in places that by our own admission are the wrong places. But we remain there because at least we know where we are. We don’t do good with change. Yet change is constant in every one’s life, even when we don’t want to admit it.

Moses was told by God himself to move. To leave the familiar for the unfamiliar. To trade the comfortable with the uncomfortable. To change the easy for the difficult. Every stage of life has a place and people for them. When we reflect intently into our past, we see a trend of who, what, when and where, and the results of those associations. There are places and people that might be a fixture in our life, and there others that are just for a season. There are places that are to remain part of who we are, and there are other places that are just a staging positions of our lives and a springboard for the future. Moses was told this clearly: “It is time to break camp and move on.” And probably this is what you need to do today.

Moving on is fearful and exciting all at the same time. There is hope in change. A sense of better and greater things ahead, even when we have no foresight of what that might be. We press on because hope fuels us. Hope is the oxygen of humanity. The children of Israel were urged to start moving so they could start growing. The familiar was good yet the unfamiliar was best. It would be costly, but worth it. In hindsight, a tipping point in history for a nation and the world.

This might be the inflection point you were secretly hoping for. This uncomfortable, blurry and messy situation might just be the place and the moment to thrust you into a new dimension never thought possible. This change, this decision, this direction, might be the one that defines the entire ending of your story. The truth about this story is the same truth about yours and mine. Because even when we might not acknowledge it every time, God is and has been walking with us all along and will continue to do so in the midst of change. “There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place,” and this should give you and me the assurance, that even when it might not be easy, we will get to the place God has promised us.

You can decide to stay put, to remain in the mountain even longer because it is comfortable and known to you. And your life might go well. Or you can dethrone fear from your life and raise the banner of hope that is branded in your heart. You can become the catalyst that ignites a chain reaction that creates a movement, a brand, a church, a family, a new future that will be traced back to your action. Because action begets expansion.

The message is clear; it’s time to move.

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

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© Copyright Danny Maldonado, 2013

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
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Be careful who walks with you

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Danny Maldonado

COUPLE-WALKING-ON-A-PATH--001 There is no explanation (at least none that I found) that would explain why the children of Israel let foreigners leave Egypt with them. There are many theories. That they were probably slaves from other races or even egyptians that decided to walk out with the Israelites after seeing all of the plagues that had come to the land. The matter of the fact is, that they are called the rabble. This is a strong word. It denotes the mindset and a set of customs of people considered among other things, trouble makers, mob, inciters, complainers, people considered socially inferior, in short the crowd you would usually avoid.

We do not know why the people of Israel and for that reason Moses himself let them tag along. Maybe they already had ties with the israelites or it might be convenient for the israelites themselves to use a helping hand with all the treasures they were leaving with, who knows. But what is clear by the events that followed was that these inserts knew nothing about the God of Israel. They wanted the blessing of the chosen but remained distant to the God that chose them. They wanted blessing and protection without commitment. They were convenience travelers and emotional journeymen. When the provision of manna had been steady and sustainable, they started to complain that they had not eaten meat. – The rabble with them began to crave other food,a and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!” –

The dissatisfaction sprouted from a shallow soul and a lack of character, direction and of convictions. The first sign of unmet physical needs, was enough to stir up a complaining tongue. In spite of all they had seen, this was even expected from them. They saw the signs of the Liberator but did not know Him. They had benefit from the exodus from slavery, but ignored to bring to heart the One who freed them. The miracles were convenient, but the commitment was not. And the story develops in a way that we see those that believed were now doubting. Those that had first proclaimed were now withdrawing, and all because of those they associated with. The associations we permit in our lives will determine the outcome of it. Bad associations are often long distractions.

Who do you associate with? Are they trouble makers, inciters and complainers? Are those that walk with you in life, lack the commitment to walk along no matter the circumstance? The people of Israel followed the route of less resistance, just because their companions incited them. And they were punished for it. They fell prey to the negative comments of those that were not branded with the vision of a promised land. Furthermore, they knew not the Vision Maker. So in any endeavor that you set your course to, be watchful of those that tag along. There are many you can do nothing about. But they’re some you can choose not to invite to the journey that you will embark in. Don’t settle for less or sacrifice peace for advancement, or temporary comfort. Your life and your purpose is too important to sabotage it with a forty year interruption, just because you were not intentional of who you would permit in your path.

As Jeff Henderson once said, “The people that you listen to, are a preview of the future you.” So mi advice would be, be careful who walks with you.

“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, 2013
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, Today’s New International® Version TNIV®. Copyright 2001, 2005 by International Bible Society®. Used by permission of International Bible Society®. All rights reserved worldwide.

A fact? No! An opinion

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Danny Maldonado

“Impossible is not a fact, it’s an opinion” – People of the second chance

“BREATHE expectantly, LIVE confidently and MOVE Boldly”

There’s something about nothing

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Danny Maldonado

Nothing_512_512

It was a physically draining pain. Her body was aching and her spirit was tired. Twelve years had past already and there was no sign of anything getting any better. To top it off, there was no more money left, it was all gone. There was no doctor that could help her, and since she was now broke, the desperation grew bigger and bigger while her hopes dwindled down even further. Her physical condition meant that she was ceremonially unclean in her culture. To better say it, she was an outcast because of her illness and it made no difference to the religious leaders, whether she’d had financial resources or not.

Who knows what she was thinking. In her last attempt to get healed she would do whatever was necessary, even public ridicule. At this point there was no other option. There was nothing more left. And as her frail body and even more broken spirit made her way to the road, she gasped when she saw the multitude. “How will I get to Him?” she said to herself. But in that same moment of an apparent disillusion, an even greater hope emerged in her spirit. A determined woman with an unexplainable faith made her way through the crowd. For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.”

And as she was shoved back by those in front of her, determination grew in her soul. As the path continued to narrow in front of her eyes, faith created a highway for her to cruise. She was not deterred by what she saw or felt, the promise of a healed body and for the same means, a healed soul was bigger than the obstacles in front. Her condition was nothingness but she was walking towards the One who fills everything.

The women in the story not only got healed instantly, but Jesus himself felt it. It was that evident that he stopped and asked, “Who had touched him?”, virtue had come out of him. When your faith is in the right place and you’re down to your last effort or your last cent, there is something about nothing that moves the hand of God. You might be facing a similar circumstance. A broken body, a financial disaster, a disrupted relationship or even shattered dreams. What you see in front of you is just closed doors and many obstacles that even those that are around you are telling you, stop and take another route. They have lost hope in the name of reality. But just as this woman faced the unavoidable obstacles in from of her, you can do the same. When reality tells you, “those doors are closed, there is a wall in front”, faith screams, “I will open doors or make them if I need to.”

Regain a new hope, walk towards that which seems impenetrable. The One that has the virtue to change everything is waiting. You might hear those same words this woman received, “…your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.”

Remember, there is something about nothing, that moves the hand of God.

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 good

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Danny Maldonado

do good

Then king David sent, and fetched him out of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from Lo-debar. 2 Samuel 9:5

This is an amazing story. Every time I read it the scene itself takes many forms in my mind, and the story itself has many teachings. One thing is for sure, the redemptive nature of the entire account could be worth a movie by itself. Mephibosheth, was King Saul’s grandson. The same king that persecuted David because he was jealous and wanted to kill him. Yet we see David here even after Saul had died, purposely and intentionally looking for ways to honor the king, even after his death.

Mephibosheth was crippled since his childhood. Upon hearing the news of the death of King Saul and of his son Jonathan (Mephibosheth’s father), his nurse fled with him fearing for their lives. In the process, he fell and crippled both of his feet; he was only five years old and yet he was marked for the rest of his life. He was also forgotten and left in a barren land. Years after, David had reign as king of Israel and continued to look for ways to honor the pact he had done with Jonathan which takes us here we in the middle of this scene. The story continues to narrate how David returned to Mephibosheth all of the land and possessions that were originally of his father Jonathan. He was completely vindicated and restored.

But this story illustrates something more relevant to our times. When fathers are absent, children are crippled in many ways and they are unable to walk correctly in life, just as it happened to Mephibosheth. When something as fundamental as the fatherhood is interrupted, everything else comes crumbling down. We cannot prevent the absence of a father due to death, just like this story, but we can prevent the absence of fathers due to life distractions. When we chase the wind, this endless pursuit of temporal recognition comes at the expense of an eternal impact; we are crippling our children and therefore our society at large.

It is painful to mend the self esteem and the heart of child that has been rejected and forgotten. As a father, I am especially convicted of this. There is no one else in this earth that can make a bigger impact in the lives of my children than me. I don’t want them to walk in life emotionally crippled. Even when I know I have made mistakes along the way, I am reminded that as David’s actions were redemptive in the life of Mephibosheth, I need to be mindful and be present in the lives of my children so they are thrusted into their God given destiny.

How many children have been given a plight in life that would never compare to the one we live? What are we doing to change that? It is so easy for us to make a change through organizations such as Compassion International, World Vision and many more. And yet we find excuses not to do good. I know I did. Maybe not intentionally, but I did. If anything is stopping you to make a small change, you are making an excuse. David, even after Jonathan’s death, found a way o do good and he did it exceedingly abundantly more. He invited Mephibosheth to eat with him at his table from that day on. The interesting fact is that David didn’t had to do any of that, but he did anyway. You and I might not be able to invite to our table children’s around the world, but we can help others to do so where they live.

At the end of the day, it is not so much as how nice, articulate or excellently you can present an idea that matters. Help a neighbor, a widow, an elder, a charity in your community, a coworker. What matters most is what you do. In the end the real currency of “doing” versus “saying” is what makes this world better. So decide what to do. I would suggest you do good.

“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, 2013
“Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

All in one

Posted on February 24, 2013 by Danny Maldonado

“The Bible is one of the greatest blessings bestowed by God on the children of men. It has God for its author; salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture for its matter. It is all pure.” – John Locke