Shake up the happiness

Wake up the happiness

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kisZciB922M

End of the Year

Dear friends and bloggers,

This year has not fallen short of trials and blessings, sadness and joy, heartbreaks and unconditional love. All wrapped up in this journey that we are taking together. I started Oasis of Good News in facebook. It all began because I noticed all the negative post about politics, religion, and other nonsense. I thought it would be a good idea to spread positive thoughts instead. I wanted to create a place where we could stop and take a second to see the good things life brings to us. My sister and amazing friend Jarylen joined me and here we are today. This blog was created for all those who wanted more, who encouraged us to keep writing and sharing our experiences.
We have readers from around the world:
United States
Spain
United Kingdom
Peru
Mexico
India
Germany
Chile
Croatia
Israel
Netherlands
Argentina
Nicaragua
Philippines
Sweden
Finland
Norway

With over 2000 page views. Wow, God is amazing. Breaking all language barriers, sending a message of hope, love, and friendship. A simple word of encouragement or simply sharing our experiences with others out of pure love has given us all that back and more. We want to thank you for spending time with us and encourage us with your stories too.
My wish for all of you this new year is one that I always pray for, a life filled with abundance of health, joy and above all love. God made love the greatest of them all for us to share with each other. Stay tuned for a greater year. Lots of continued stories, projects and thoughts.

May the love of Jesus be with you all :)
Your friend,
Ivis

Queridos lectores, en esta ocasión queremos agradecerles primeramente por ser parte de nuestro blog,
por seguirnos desde tantos lugares, (a pesar de los idiomas)
gracias por sus comentarios y por el apoyo que en este año hemos sentido de parte de ustedes.
También queremos desearles una Navidad llena de muchas alegrías, sonrisas, abrazos, buena compañía y buenos deseos.
Y que el próximo año Dios les regale lo mejor de lo mejor...
Les animamos a seguir sus caminos y sus sueños con fuerza, sin dejar de ser soñadores, sensibles, humildes y sobre todo humanos!

Un beso

Jarylen

Enrique Iglesias - Heartbeat ft. Nicole Scherzinger

Project Oasis of Good News - Blanket CollectionRound 2

Hi Friends and fellow bloggers,
The blanket collection has been amazing. We have passed out over 120 blankets, jackets, and toiletries. Our team is growing and the giving has been a true blessing. Today I visited an Art Program created for homeless and abused children in Miami and in my conversation with one of the ladies heading the project she mentioned a couple things that hit home. She shared the story of her grandfather who had an early retirement from the corporate world in order to become a "Professional Volunteer" he even had a business card he gave out with that title. He told her that most people would approuch him and say how lucky and  wonderful it must be for those that he helps and he responded that his giving was really a selfish act because in the end the one who received the most was him. Giving made him a better person, it helped him go to bed at peace with himself.
This blanket drive has really become a selfish drive for me too. I can say that this couple weeks have been incredibly fulfilling. I have not had time to seek, or think about all the meaningless things we bombard our heads with during the holiday season. I have been given the best gift anyone can receive and that is a smile from each individual that we gave a blanket to. I wish that I could say that it is a selfless act, but it really is not. It becomes addicting to feel complete, to know that you planted the seed of love and hope in someone else. It becomes addicting to receive unconditional hugs and smiles. Giving is the greatest and most rrewarding trades of all.
Thanks to all my friends and strangers that helped with the drive. This is just the beginning. My family in California began the drive with their friends too and we already have tons of blankets awaiting our arrival. I will keep all of you update. Stay tune and continue spreading the word, praying and giving.. I love you all .. Merry Christmas!!

Ivis :)
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.




 

Update 12/20/10
Attention everyone!!! Project Oasis of Good News-Blanket Drive is going viral. We made it a hit in Miami and now we are going west thanks to my beautiful cous Kristy and all her awesome people. California here we come! Wut Wut!! God is good All the time. :)



Update 12/19/10
Project Oasis of Good News - Blanket Collection - Round 2. We exceeded our goal with a little over 120 blankets. There are leaders and there are followers. I thank my leaders for rocking this drive. For making it happen. And to the followers, thanks for thinking about giving, everything starts with a thought! We are ready for round 3. Keep it up.
Hello Friends,
My family and I are making a cross country trip this year for Christmas. I want my kids to see their beautiful country and meet family and friends they have not met on the west coast and along the way.
But, we want to make it a vacation with a purpose. God has blessed us with so much that we want to bless others too.
...So here it goes...
Since we will be stopping in lots of different places and seeing a lot of different people, I thought that providing blankets for the homeless along the way would be a great way to help others in need. Remember that it is winter and for those of us that live in Miami, the temperature is great to sleep outside but for many across the country the freezing weather can be deadly.
We will take with us any used or new blankets that are donated and we will try to take pictures of the people we donate them to to show everyone. You can help with your donated blanket, or by spreading the word.
I will collect blankets at:
Coconut Grove Chiropractic
3151 SW 27th Ave
Miami Fla 33133
You can send me a message to let me know if you have any you would like to donate and need them picked up while on the along the road trip.
I love you guys and hope that this trip can be a blessing not only our family, but to every single person we meet along the way and for those of you that are willing to help.

Have a blessed day and don't forget to SMILE!



Ivis



Uddate:
12-12-10

Blanket Collection round 1-a total success.. I am thankful to my friend Chiropractors for coming together for the collection yesterday at SNL. We got 23 blankets... continue reading below...
Today my husband, kids and I went out to give in our own city. First trip we took half the blankets and saved the other half for the road trip. Well, that didn't last too long. After seeing the great need we have among our own Miami homeless, we returned home to do the second round. Together we made a lot of people smile today. We showed them the abundace of love God has for them and they gave us a warming smile and heartfelt thank you. But, there is so much more needed out there. I never imagened that in the warmest city blankets would be so desperately needed. Please continue to collect blankets throughout the holidays. From your friends, family and peers. I promise it will be rewarded 10 fold. We have an amazing God that gives back. I will continue to pick up blankets from whereever you need me too and I will be posting the pictures and stories from the people soon at oasisofgoodnews.blogspot.com . I love and appreciate you all :) Keep up the good work. Old or new blankets, its all needed!!

Navidad y Año Nuevo

Tiempo de villancicos, de comidas copiosas y de reunión familiar…

¿Es la navidad esto…o hay algo más? Según algunas personas no es ni siquiera esto, para algunas familias la navidad no significa nada, para otras es sólo un tiempo en el que se consume más, y se mantiene la apariencia sólo por la ilusión que produce en los niños, hay quienes sólo esperan recibir muchos regalos, esos que no pueden o no se atreven a comprarse por sí mismos; para otros la navidad significa llenarse los bolsillos, esto lo han esperado durante todo el año, (los comerciantes). No quiero juzgar a nadie, todos tienen (tenemos) derecho de decidir cómo vivir cada situación. Lo que quiero es compartir mi punto de vista.

Para mí la Navidad significa todo eso y más, lo más importante para mi es recordar el nacimiento de Jesús, el niño Dios; el regalo más grande! Por supuesto, esto depende de tu fe, y de lo que crees. Pero creo que cualquiera que sea tu fe, este tiempo puede significar más cosas para ti de las que puedes imaginar. Teniendo en cuenta que está por terminar el año, quizás sea un momento para hacer balance, para recordar, para reflexionar, porque seguro hubo situaciones, momentos, paisajes y personas, que dejaron huella. Y es posible que tengas mucho que agradecer y aprender. Esto te ayudará a prepararte para el año que está por llegar, visualizando como deseas y quieres que sea la llegada y el transcurso de ese año.

Me gusta poder compartir esas reflexiones con familiares y amigos cercanos, me gusta compartir una cena especial con aquellos que a lo largo del año han sido importantes, que han estado presente en toda circunstancia. También con aquellos a quienes por razones de trabajo, de tiempo o de distancia, no he podido ver tan seguido, pero que han estado presentes de alguna otra manera. Me gusta ver y transmitir ilusión a los niños, ver los adornos, escuchar las canciones típicas, probar las comidas propias de estas fechas, respirar y sentir esa magia diferente que sólo puedes sentir si crees en ella.

Si crees que has hecho daño a alguien, si sientes que tienes que pedir disculpas…tan vez este es el momento, quizás también puedas decir “gracias” a muchas personas. Decir “te quiero”…dar y sentir el abrazo de esas personas a las que quieres y aprecias.

Todo esto: los abrazos sinceros, las sonrisas espontáneas, las ilusiones…es lo que cualquier ser humano desea para su vida, y es por eso que hoy yo te lo regalo, lo comparto contigo, porque quiero darte las gracias, por ser parte de mi vida, quiero pedirte disculpas si en algo te he fallado, quiero disculparte si crees que debo disculparte, quiero desearte una FELIZ NAVIDAD y un AÑO NUEVO lleno de muchas alegrías, sonrisas, amor, salud, paz, prosperidad, etc…Y que todo esto lo puedas compartir con familiares, amigos y seres queridos..

Porque la Felicidad no es completa si no se comparte!

Un beso y mi abrazo.

Muuacksssssssssssss

Jarylen

Project Oasis of Good News - Blanket Collection

Hello Friends,

My family and I are making a cross country trip this year for Christmas. I want my kids to see their beautiful country and meet family and friends they have not met on the west coast and along the way.

But, we want to make it a vacation with a purpose. God has blessed us with so much that we want to bless others too.

...So here it goes...

Since we will be stoping in lots of different places and seeing a lot of different people, I thought that providing blankets for the homeless along the way would be a great way to help others in need. Remember that it is winter and for those of us that live in Miami, the temperature is great to sleep outside but for many accross the country the freezing weather can be deadly.
We will take with us any used or new blankets that are donated and we will try to take pictures of the people we donate them to to show everyone. You can help with your donated blanket, or by spreading the word.
I will collect blankets at:

Coconut Grove Chiropractic
3151 SW 27th Ave
Miami Fla 33133
You can send me a message to let me know if you have any you would like to donate and need them picked up while on the along the roadtrip.
I love you guys and hope that this trip can be a blessing not only our family, but to every single person we meet along the way and for those of you that are willing to help.

Have a blessed day and dont forget to SMILE!
Ivis

Update:
12-12-10
Blanket Collection round 1-a total success.. I am thankful to my friend Chiropractors for coming together for the collection yesterday at SNL. We got 23 blankets... continue reading below...

Today my husband, kids and I went out to give in our own city. First trip we took half the blankets and saved the other half for the road trip. Well, that didn't last too long. After seeing the great need we have among our own Miami homeless, we returned home to do the second round. Together we made a lot of people smile today. We showed them the abundace of love God has for them and they gave us a warming smile and heartfelt thank you. But, there is so much more needed out there. I never imagened that in the warmest city blankets would be so desperately needed. Please continue to collect blankets throughout the holidays. From your friends, family and peers. I promise it will be rewarded 10 fold. We have an amazing God that gives back. I will continue to pick up blankets from whereever you need me too and I will be posting the pictures and stories from the people soon at oasisofgoodnews.blogspot.com . I love and appreciate you all :) Keep up the good work. Old or new blankets, its all needed!!

MORE, MOre, more..

We always wan't more.
Why do you think that is?
A question a friend asked me several months ago,
but I could not answer.

I know I always want more.
Every goal, every dream that I have set myself to achieve I have.
Perhaps not always at the exact moment I wanted it, or expected it.
But, I have achieved it indeed.
I still always want more

*la idea es que we are always in a quest for more, of perfection. we want to reach that place where we have it all. this is because God created us to live in greatnesss and total fulfillment. we are always going to seek to find that place, to fill that void that is not satified with anything. it is not a material goal or dream or desire although we think it is . although we persue those things. we will never be satisfied with the things of this earth, because this is not our place, things are limited here. we are limited within our capacity to choose freely. those that have achieved greatness, never stop persuing once they have reach certain goals. They continue to seek something greater in other things or in other people. A personal relationship with God is the only way to fufill the void within. It is the only way that we can fulfill the void we find after achieving material things, after reaching all goals. We will always fall short when we loose focus on God. on our relationship with Him.

Jary: Algunos de nosotros siempre queremos más....y creo que es porque siempre estamos en busca de algo...queremos mejorar u optimizar lo que tenemos o hacemos, o simplemente encontrar eso con lo que soñamos, eso que deseamos...eso que añoramos...y que aun no hemos encontrado. 
Otras veces es porque queremos que otros piensen o hagan de la misma manera que nosotros pensamos y hacemos, e intentamos exigir más de ellos.
En el buen sentido creo querer más es bueno, pues significa que no nos conformamos, que no nos damos por vencidos, que luchamos, que somos guerreros...


Pero cuidado!!!....Que esto no nos haga perder el sentido, que no nos aleje de la realidad, que no nos prive de disfrutar y valorar lo que ya tenemos o hemos alcanzado, que no nos haga menospreciar o infravalorar lo que las circunstancias, la vida, las personas, y Dios nos dan y regalan cada día.
Por eso...es mejor dejar de querer MÁS....y disfrutar MÁS de lo que ya tenemos, sin dejar de mantener aun vivos nuestros sueños y anhelos, compaginando nuestra vida real y actual con el camino para llegar a ellos.

Ivis and Jary compartiendo opiniones. :)

Knowing

If you focus on always knowing, 
You miss out on the miracles and wonders and relationships life brings.

When you first meet someone you do not know all the facts about them.
You trust and build your relationship by taking a leap of faith.
Getting to know that person little by little.

Every time you decide to go out for a drive
you take the chance of loosing your life.
You do not know the other drivers.
You have no idea what their reaction will be
when a squirrel suddenly crosses in front of them and
they need make a split second decision to brake,
swerve in a  direction where they would not run into you
or run over the darn squirrel.
Yet, you still go out for that ride.
You will follow the signs of road,
make the necessary turns until reaching your final destination.

You will never know everything about all that you seek.
Don't let this stop you from living and experiencing
all the precious things life has to offer;
The unexpected things.
Take the chance;
don't always try to fill in all the blanks;
leave some questions unanswered.
Live by faith.

Ivis

¿De verdad somos todos iguales ?

Cuando de relaciones de trata, muchas veces escucho:

Hombres, son todos iguales!!!.... Mujeres, son todas iguales!!!

¿Cuantas veces has oido o dicho esta expresión?...¿Te has sentido que eres parte de esa gran mayoría o crees que por alguna razón eres diferente?. Dicen que los hombres y las mujeres pensamos y sentimos diferente, dicen que las mujeres son de venus, que los hombres son de marte, dicen tantas cosas…No se cual será la mejor respuesta, pero esta claro que por naturaleza si somos diferentes, y quizas todas estas hipotesis buscan dar con una respuesta que no se fundamenta más que con la naturaleza de la creación. Así fuimos creados, diferentes por dentro, diferentes por fuera. Intentar entender el porque de esta diferencia, podria llevarnos a la locura…Creanme, podriamos escribir un libro con experiencias de todo tipo, de un genero y de otro.

Mi relación ideal sería aquella en la que ambos fueramos sinceros con nosotros mismos, con nuestros sentimientos, y en funcion de ello, actuacemos conscientemente sabiendo que en el otro lado existe una persona que aunque por naturaleza no es igual a mi, merece respeto y honestidad, porque muchas veces lo que uno puede dar por sentado, el otro necesita aclararlo o escucharlo. Esto quiere decir, una relación basada en la comunicación, y el respeto. Donde compartir sea la clave, donde sólo dejemos lugar a las diferencias que la naturaleza nos impone y que las usemos para crecer, aprender y conocernos cada vez más y más. Valorandonos a pesar de esas diferencias. ¿Será eso posible, o estoy soñando?

Yo creo que la mayor diferencia entre hombres y mujeres, son las fisiológicas, las hormonas nos hacen sentir diferentes sensaciones a cada uno..y por ende las necesidades también son diferentes. Unos necesitan más admiración, otros más cariño, otros no se sabe….pero he ahí la importancia de la comunicación, preguntemos cuando tengamos dudas. Y por supuesto tengamos también respuestas para cuando se nos pregunte.

¿Podremos intentar compaginar todo esto en una relación afectiva?

¿Cuál sería tu relación ideal?

¿Cual crees que es la mayor diferencia entre hombres y mujeres?

Animate a participar en nuestro blog, esta abierto a tus comentarios.

Gracias

Jarylen

Imagen: http://www.museoreinasofia.es/coleccion/autores-obras.html?id=437

Strangers

A complete stranger .
An unexpected bond.
An unforgetable moment
sometimes can be more meaningful
than a life time relationship.

One word.
A split second decision to
listen or to be heard by a
stranger can turn into a
life changing relationship.
Even if it last only for a short while.

Ivis

Who are you?

Acción de GRACIAS (Thanksgiving)

Dependiendo de la familia de la que vienes, hoy puede ser un día como cualquier otro, o puede ser un día de celebración muy especial llamado: “Día de Acción de Gracias” . Si quieres saber más sobre los origenes de esta celebración, puedes buscar en el google.

Yo lo considero un día como cualquier otro si tomamos en cuenta que ser agradecidos, debe ser una actitud de todos los días. Pero al igual que defiendo el día de navidad, los cumpleaños, el día de la madre, el día del padre, el dia de los enamorados, etc…¿Porque no celebrar también un día de agradecimiento más especial que el resto de los días? Esté día normalmente nos reunimos con nuestros familiares y amigos más cercanos, personas que son importantes para nosotros, y compartimos con ellos el agradecimiento a Dios y a la vida por todo lo que hemos obtenido a lo largo del año que está por terminar.

Es un buen día para:

- Decir: “Gracias”, “te quiero”, “te extraño”, “Te amo”, “te necesito”, “te admiro”, “te felicito”, “Cuenta conmigo”, “te propongo”, “te ofrezco”, te apoyo”, etc…

- Compartir: “situaciones vividas”, “experiencias”, “aprendizajes”, “recuerdos”, “sueños”, “metas”, “deseos”, “compromisos”, etc…

- Ofrecer: “Sonrisas”, “abrazos”, “apoyo”, “consuelo”, “compañía”, “alegria”, etc.

En este día lo más importante es que al compartir con nuestros seres queridos, nos demos cuenta de que en nuestras vidas, lo que importa no es lo material, no son las cosas que acumulamos a lo largo de los años; lo realmente importante, lo que de verdad cuenta es el tiempo que hayamos compartido con los seres a los que amamamos, y es esa huella que dejen ellos en nosotros y nosotros en ellos la que nos regalará la sonrisa al final de cada día.

Feliz día de Acción de Gracias...Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

Thank you Jesus for my life,
my family and every single individual that
has left a fingerprint in my heart.
I am thankful for every trial, every triumph, for every breath I take.

I am thankful for yesterday, today and what is to come.
For the life you have giving me through your sacrifice. 
Happy Thanksgiving everyone !

Smile. I love you all!

Ivis

Yes, It is True that I am Dying...

Yes, It is True that I am Dying

I am dying.
Every day,
Every minute,
Every second that goes
by is one day less for me.

It is one day closer to that
day I am destined to die.
My body is decaying slowly.
My flesh is showing the signs.

Yes, It is True that I am Dying

Today when I woke up I reminded
my children that I loved them very much.
That I am proud of them.
I told them how important it is to love each other,
to protect each other today because later
may be to late.

Yes, It is True that I am Dying

This morning I also kissed my husband goodbye,
just in case I do not get to see him again.
Today I took time to see.
To see what is surrounding me.
I took took time to smell,
to hear and to feel.

I cleared my mind from
all those little things that I
usually make big
and I smiled.

Yes, It is True that I am Dying

For some people dying comes easier
because they have a date,
a time frame to plan to live as much
as they could before they go,
But I don't!

So today I took the time to love fully,
to live truly, just in case later is too late.

You see;
Yes, It is True that I am Dying
but I am not one of those that have
a date or time frame.
Sometimes I forget and I worry
about the little things.
I forget to open my eyes,
to see what surrounds me.
I forget to smell the scent of the earth.
To hear the music of life and
to feel my heart beat.

But in spite of it all, this I know for sure.
When I die, on that day which is still unknown
That is the day that I truly will begin to live !

To:
Jesus for His sacrifice so that I may live eternally
and to all of you that make me smile :)

From:
Ivis

Naked Friendship - Parte 2

She said: Hi, I love your sandals where did you get them?
I began to stutter: "I, i, i, I got them at a store".. duuhhh .. I thought to my self. 
And she answered saying: "Well of course you got them in a store, I wanted to know what store."
So I just made up a random name. I was so nervous trying to figure out how to bring up the pants.

She then asked me if I spoke spanish and was relieved when I said yes. She asked my name and I asked hers. She also asked if I lived around the beach area and I said: "I would like to one day, but I do not live to far now."
So of coursed I wanted to know where she lived.
I asked if she lived near by and
she responded: "Yes, I live at the beach."
I said: "Where?" .. I, of coursed assumed she would say under that tree on the boardwalk, but instead she pointed and said: "Right there accross from the coffee shop." Ok, so I thought, does she mean on the sidewalk. But to her I said "Oh in front of the coffee shop. Do you mean in a motel?" and she said: " No, of course not. I live in one of those apartments that I own in that building right there." As she pointed to a beach apartment building accross the street from the boardwalk. I could not believe it. This lady, this half naked lady owns apartments on the main street of one of the most famous beaches of the world?
Then she offered me one of her apartments for rent. I told her that I was not looking to move right now but that I would keep her in mind.

At this point I did not know what to think anymore. I was trying to rationalize the experience so far but, there really isn't anything to rationalize. Sometimes things do not need to make sense, they are just the way they are.

Then she asked if I would walk home with her and began to tell me her story, but before we continued on our walk she turned around and said to one of the cabana boys in spanish "don't forget to tell George to give me a call, it would be nice to hear from him every once in a while."... To be continued...

Re: Naked Friendship - Parte 1

OMG Sister...cuanto vamos a tener que esperar por la segunda parte???

Ya he hablado contigo sobre esto, muchas veces juzgamos a las personas por lo que hacen sin pensar o saber que es lo que les conduce a actuar de una manera o de otra...Nadie esta exento de llegar a actuar de maneras no correctas socialmente hablando, o incluso de hacer cosas que nos perjudiquen a nosotros mismos sin ser conscientes de ello.

En la vida de esta Sra, existen motivos, razones y situaciones que la han conducido a este punto..y creo que ella no es consciente de que existe una salida...y obviamente esa salida depende 100% de su capacidad de creer (su Fe), no podemos evitar situaciones extremas en nuestras vidas...pero si podemos evitar que estas situaciones nos conduzcan a actuar de maneras absurdas; y esto es por medio de la fortaleza que Dios nos regala cada día cuando le dejamos que sea el quien guíe nuestro camino en las buenas y en las malas.

El siempre esta ahí para gozarse con nosotros, o para ser nuestra roca fuerte en las tribulaciones.

Cuando tenemos esa fuerza que Dios nos da, también somos capaces de transmitirla a otras personas que aun no la conocen, creo que con esta Sra. tienes una misión...Si Dios permitió que se cruzara en tu camino, es porque ella necesita algo de ti (no me refiero a nada material)...y es posible que tu también necesites aprender algo de ella.

Pero bueno...hasta que lea la segunda parte de esta historia...no puedo decirte nada más. Sólo espero por ello...;-)

Sister...I love you.

Gracias por compartir estas historias que nos enseñan tanto.

Muuacks

Naked Friendship - Part 1

Those of you who know me well, know that I have a special attraction or love for bums and homeless people. I have always been curious about understanding or knowing their story. Why or how they got to this place physically, or most importantly emotionally. Yet, some unknown fear always holds me back. I watch them, I say hi to them on occasion and many times I take pictures of them when they are not looking. I have a battle with myself. I argue whether it is appropriate to talk to them, and if I do talk to them what do i say. What if what I say make them mad? What if they just want to be left alone?

I found my self at the beach one early morning, the place I like to visit routinely to simply sit, breath and connect with God. This particular day as I was walking towards the boardwalk heading to the beach, I was in disbelief at what my eyes would see. At the entrance of the beach where the showers are located, there was an older lady possibly in her late 50's, early 60's looking straight at me. I noticed that the people passing by had a weird look in their face. Not sure what they where giggling about or why some had a dismayed look in their eyes. As I got closer to the lady who was looking at me in a very strange way I thought, I realized she was naked form the waist down. There it was mount bush fully exposed. Her saggy aging skin giggled while she scrubbed her toosh with her bare hands. There in the most popular beach boardwalk perhaps in the whole world, with no regards to the people around her and no shame this lady bathing herself partially nude, starring at me. I felt a bit uncomfortable needless to say. Part of me trying to look away and the other part wanting look to confirm what my eyes had seen.

For a few days I tried to rationalize that moment. Why this lady would do something like this. Of course my first thought was "she is crazy" then, well she is probably homeless and has not place to shower. She looked homeless. She was wearing a worn out stringy pink cotton shirt, a raggedy straw hat that had plenty holes to ventilate her head and a towel that looked used and abused hanging from a tree limb. I walked passed her that day never thinking that I would ever see her again.

The following week on a Tuesday morning on my routine walk on the beach, I sat down near the shore to admire the beauty of the ocean, thanking God for His creation, for this place in my life where he had brought me and all of a sudden this same lady shows up and stands about ten steps from me. She looked around as if admiring the same beautiful sea as I was, she lifter her arms up and lets go of the worn out towel uncovering her body from the waist down. I could not believe my eyes. She was wearing the same old straw hat and the same stringy cotton pink shirt and no underwear!!!

I looked around from behind my dark glasses to see if anyone else was seeing what I was seeing. I was embarrassed for her. There was a young couple sitting close by starring with their eyes wide open and giggling  in disbelief. The lady then proceeded to put down on the towel a small zippered wallet she had hanging from a string on her neck, placed her sandals next to it and started walking towards the cold ocean water and began her bathing ritual once again. I could not believe my eyes (It think I said that already-but I really could not believe what I was seeing). This women was partially nude in public, bathing in broad daylight with people watching and had no care in the world. Once she was done washing she walked out of the ocean and began to gather sea shells and putting them in the pouch she had formed with her pink shirt (no need for further details).

I had no doubt in my mind that this woman was homeless and she has no pants, perhaps I should offer her mine- I had my bathing suit underneath. I thought that I could go without this pair, I have plenty at home and this lady really needs them. Then the fear kicked in again. What will I say to her, how will she react, maybe she doesn't want my pants. I couldn't get up although I kept hearing this voice in my head telling me "don't be afraid, just go talk to her" well I tried, I wanted to say something, to walk up to her but then she grabbed her stuff, wrapped the towel around her waist (thankfully) and started walking in the opposite direction.

I felt so bad, I really wanted to give her my pants. I wanted to talk to her, but I couldn't. I looked away and tried to ignore the fact that she was leaving and I didn't listen to what the voice was telling me. Then all of a sudden I looked again to see if she was gone and she was not, she had turned around and was walking towards the boardwalk. I knew this was my chance, this was my only chance to go up to her and offer her my pants. So I picked up my stuff and walked slowly to intentionally meet up with her and as soon as she got close enough to me she said ...

Re re: "Give it all you've got"

Ivis said...


wow.. love the feedback.. Som your comment means alot to us welcome. I know you always read our blog. tienes razon cuando dices que tenemos que dar lo mejor de nosotras siempre. Be it work, school, relationships. We where created to love, to give and to serve fully and undconditionally. When we don't do it, we see how unfulfilled our lives become. We feel an uneasiness, an emptiness that is only filled with the love of God and when we are serving or giving to others.



Jary, of course that when we are hurt by others the next time around it becomes a little harder to do it. But we must not conform to that feeling. We need to always go back to the roots, to our purpose, and give it all we got. We can not become bitter like most people do, instead learn to make each one of those hurtfull moments the fuel that will keep you loving, giving and serving in full force.



Like Emely said, in the end our greatest treasures lie in what we have given.





"Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.

" Romans



"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High.." Luke



With Love,

Ivis

Words that touch my heart.

“When you remember me, it means that you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are. It means that you can summon me back to your mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us. It means that if we meet again, you will know me. It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart.


For as long as you remember me, I am never entirely lost. When I'm feeling most ghost-like, it is your remembering me that helps remind me that I actually exist. When I'm feeling sad, it's my consolation. When I'm feeling happy, it's part of why I feel that way.

If you forget me, one of the ways I remember who I am will be gone. If you forget, part of who I am will be gone.

"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." the good thief said from his cross (Luke 23:42).
 
by Frederick Buechner

What you give is what you get?

What you give is not always what you get.
Should we stop giving because our returns sometimes fall short?
Absolutely not.
We must give of ourselves with abundance,
we should give without expecting anything in return,
we should give with humbleness and selflessness.

Although what you give is not always received or returned
in the manner that you expect it to be,

your giving will touch someone in a special way.
It will make a dent in a heart,
it will plant a seed that may become a blooming tree.

Just another thought,
Ivis

Re: Give it all you've got

Ok sister...tienes razón, debemos dar siempre lo mejor de nuestros sentimientos, entregarlos al máximo, y no huir de ellos aunque eso signifique salir lastimados. Esta actitud siempre nos ayudará a conocernos más a nosotros mismos, hacernos más fuertes, y nos demostrará lo que somos y no somos capaces de hacer por un sentimiento.

Pero... no se, creo que inconscientemente como seres humanos cuando salimos lastimados con respecto a un sentimiento, posteriormente tendemos (por miedo) a evitar caer nuevamente en las mismas circunstancias...y es justamente ese el gran reto, porque no hay una circunstancia que sea igual a la otra, cada persona, cada situación, cada trabajo, cada relación es diferente, y sólo por eso vale la pena seguir poniendo todo el sentimiento que tenemos, toda la ilusión, todo el esfuerzo....y siempre...siempre, de una manera u otra, la vida, las circunstancias, e incluso algunas personas te hacen sentir y ver que has hecho bien, que si ha valido la pena, que ha tenido un sentido....y eso te anima a seguir sintiendo como sientes, a seguir dando todo lo que tienes, a seguir ....SEGUIR...

Jarylen

Give it all you've got.

Sometimes giving it your all may hurt.
But why do something
Or feel something
half way.

When you run a marathon you don't stop
or slow down when you see the finish line.
You push yourself even harder to reach it.

When you give your heart to someone
give it your all.
Don't run from your feelings.
Don't go half way.
Give it your all even if it hurts.
You can walk away knowing you
where true to yourself.

Just a thought,
Ivis

Yes, it is true that I am dying...

Oldies always remain alive

Heal my heart

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me

Break my heart from what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I go from nothing to
Eternity

..Hillsong

Prepare to be Nude

Nude

So difficult to be nude, we shy away from showing ourselves; our true selves.
We hide behind the garments.The hair products, the make up, the cloth, the underclothes. Then we adorn ourselves with jewelry, hats, scarfs etc. We wear things that hide or remove our imperfections. We try to give a perception of perfection.

I am amused by the creative responses I got from my friends when I posted comments like :
Prepare to be nude
I love being partially nude
and I love being nude. Would you join me?
I got responses ranging from laughter 'lol'
to 'I am bloated, I will not do that today',
'sweet..lol',hmmm, I wonder what he was thinking ..lol.

Nudity since the beginning of time has been a challenge. Our nature is to be free, to show who we are without feeling shame, shy or fearful of what others may think. But the world has taught us otherwise, that we must cover our self in order to avoid being judged; to impress.

I challenged myself to go nude for a few days. I started by wearing no make up and no hair products. Oh boy that was challenging. Although I am not into too much of the makeup stuff, the no hair product and no blow drying was painful for me as I am sure it was for those who had to deal with looking at my unruly curly freeze hair. It was an uncomfortable feeling going out in public that way, but I dealt with it as best as I could and I realized it was not as bad as I thought it would be. No one try to run over me, and I didn't scare to death any of my coworkers or family members.

Prepare to be Nude is a challenge I started for myself. It goes beyond clothing, make up and all the other things we use to make ourselves seem prettier. My challenge has begun to uncover and undress my spirit, my soul and my heart completely.

Through out life there are people, moments, and circumstances that take us from being free spirit, innocent beings to tougher individuals, wiser in many ways and perhaps bitter or hurt in others. We begin to wear make up to cover the blemishes, and the sorrows. We dress our hearts, soul and spirit. We have an outfit for every situation, we choose our garments depending on the celebration.
When we learn to take off those things that hinder us, that rob us of our true self, we will learn to walk free, to be accepted for who we are and to be shamelessly nude!

You can begin with looking up, trusting God, the almighty power that can bring down all the walls, all the make up, all the cloth and under-cloth.
I encourage you my friends, to be part of this challenge with me. To begin undressing, to be you, to not be ashamed, to share and let go of those things that hinder you.

I invite you to post and undress with me at
Oasisofgoodnews.blog.spot.com
You can post anonymously or use your name. Lets encourage and uplift each other.

Prepare to be Nude together..begin the rebelution!

Your friend,
Ivis

Photo:
http://www.fotothing.com/MagentaStar/photo/b235713a3c8e823d6551883fef0d659b/

Preparing To Be Nude

Ser y no Ser

Un oasis que no me quitó la sed,
Un sol que no me calentó,
Una luna que no me acompañó,
Un beso que no me besó,
Un abrazo que no me abrazó,
Una luz que se apagó,
Un amor que no me amó.

Jarylen

Partir…Llegar, Dejar…Encontrar, y otra vez EMIGRAR

Emigrar…a veces por voluntad propia, otras por voluntad de las circunstancias. Hasta que no lo vives no lo entiendes. Yo ahora, puedo decir que he vivido ambas circunstancias. Hace siete años (por voluntad propia) partí de Caracas -Venezuela para llegar a Salamanca - España, lo imagine, lo soñé, y lo conseguí, dejar en Venezuela a mi familia, a mis amigos y una vida; para encontrar en salamanca más familia, más amigos y más vida…ahora mi mundo y mi corazón es más grande, sigo teniendo lo de Caracas y además tengo lo de Salamanca…maravillosos recuerdos, personas inolvidables, experiencias de todo tipo, paseos, lugares, amor y mucho cariño….Gracias Salamanca y gracias a todas las personas que me acompañaron en ese tiempo y que seguirán acompañándome a donde quiera que vaya!!

Ahora después de estos siete años, por voluntad de las circunstancias, me ha tocado partir de Salamanca, para llegar a Madrid, estoy en tránsito, y aun no estoy segura de cuál será mi próximo destino…pero esta vez se siente diferente..no lo había soñado, no lo había imaginado, no lo había planeado…y se me hace muy difícil, por momentos me duele, aun no lo asimilo…y me costará acostumbrarme, pero entiendo que esta vida está llena de idas y vueltas, de sonrisas y llantos, de despedidas, encuentros y re-encuentros, de ilusiones y desilusiones…pero sobre todo de retos, y eso es justamente lo que ahora tengo por delante, la vida me ha traído hasta aquí…y no se a donde me lleva, pero confío en mi Dios y creo que aunque yo haga planes..al final es él quien me guía a donde se supone que debo estar. Ahora quiero sonreír, recibir lo que viene con ilusión agrandando el corazón, y recordar con alegría lo que he vivido con el compromiso de volver a esos lugares y a esas personas siempre que pueda…y mantener el contacto para seguir cultivando lo que hemos sembrado.

Este post va dedicado a Salamanca, a toda esa gente bella que me queda allí, que me quieren y les quiero, a mis bisabuelos, abuelos y mamá (de quienes heredé los genes de emigrante), a mi hermano Javier en Madrid , y a mis dos amigas de otro planeta Ivis & Mache que aunque no están en Salamanca me han apoyando y ayudando a sentir mejor con todo este cambio. GRACIAS!!!

Bienvenidos a donde quiera que yo este!!

Welcome to wherever I am!!

Jarylen

Who ever said life was going to be easy.

(This post is dedicated to my dear friend and sister Jary who is willing to reach the ocean with me and for all those who at some point have felt hopeless. If you look up you will always find the love.)

Who ever said life was going to be easy...

I have been broken-hearted, betrayed by the very people that should love me the most, abandoned, cheated, insulted and perhaps even hated. Life has not always been nice to me. I have had my fair share of challenges, some which I brought upon myself and others just a part of this journey I am living.
Sometimes I have broken down, fallen into pieces, drowned in dissapointment and felt consumed by the pain.
I have doubted myself at times. Doubted my perspective on life. Allowed the opinion of others to fog my dreams.
I have been through the soul crushing dessert. With no water to satify my thirst. No shade, just a feeling of fire consuming every bit of me. No mercy in site.
But I have risen.
That very dessert, the betrayals and broken-hearts are the fuel that have made me the person that I am. Ecouraged me to dream bigger dreams, and love with more passion and intensity then before.
I gain nothing by re-living and focusing on the misfortunes of my life.
No matter how long the walk is through the dessert, If you dont give up and continue to walk you will eventually reach the immense, limitless ocean of dreams and hope. There you will be stronger. You will be ready to face greater challenges. You will reach a place with abundance of love and people that are willing to join you selflessly on this amazing journey.

______________


I will not give up no matter how many towers fall.
I will believe in friendship.
I will believe in family.
I will walk the journey with my head up high.
I will dream big dreams.
I will believe in love
and in happy endings
no matter how many towers fall.
I will be strong!

Your friend,
Ivis

Jason Mraz - Life is wonderful (with lyrics)

Michael Bublé - Feeling Good [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

We've Never Met

Although we've never met
I think of you
I miss you
I see you in my head
The beating of my heart murmurs your name

Although we've never met
You have helped me see things about me
I could not see before
You have awaken my senses
There is no room for pretense

Although we've never met
You feel what I feel
My sorrows you know
My smile is yours
Your every breath I take
My life to you I owe!

Norah Jones - Come Away With Me

Like a lost star, I swam in your universe and got thirsty

I am the star that roamed the desert searching for that place where I belonged.
I was thirsty and could not find a thing to drink
except for the oasis in my universe that really didnt exist.
I had my reasons for being there although it made no sence.
I was looking for the blue eyed star,
Our constellation.
The place where we belong.

Kamikaze

Insanity is what she had.
On a kamikaze ride heading full speed ahead.
Like the double lopper at the youth fair.
Screaming, heart beating-coming out of her chest,
hands up in the air.
HELP, HELP!
Too late your at the crest.
So fast you have no time to catch your breath.
Before she had a chance to blink,
or time to embrace it,
It was complete.
It was Insanity.

Take Me There

Do you see, at the end of the ocean where it meets with the clouds?
I wanna walk with you there.
Through the ocean walk and walk, hand in hand.
Take me there where the sun is always shining and the moon always smiling.
Take me there where we can fly together until we can reach the clouds.
I want to climb them with you.
Hop on one and then two.
We can swing from the stars like acrobats.
Everyone watching will call us fools
and laugh at us.
But it does not matter because at the end,
when it is night,
we get to sleep on the moon.

By Ivis M @ 2:52am At the eight month, on the 15th date, of the year that ends in 10!

What is Freedom?

We have the God given ability to choose what we want to say, do, and feel among other things. Individual freedom means many things to different people. Freedom allows us to choose who we want to be, where we want to go, and what we do with what we have.

Freedom for some
Tibetans, means being able to express believes without being chastised by its government.
Freedom for some
Cubans, is the death of Castro.
For Hitler freedom was the annihilation of the Jews.
Freedom for some
abused women, is living without fear
Freedom for
Blagojevich means he can continue to Governor in spite of his greed.
Freedom for some
Means the right to abort a child.
Freedom for some
Blacks, is freedom from slavery.
Freedom for some
Mothers, is being able to sip on a cup of tea without interruptions from the kids.
Freedom for some
Husbands, is leaving the toilet seat cover up without his wife screaming at him.
Freedom for some
Children, is a day without their parents (my kids would love that!)
Freedom for me is
The ultimate sacrifice a father made to give up His son in order to save the world. He gave me freedom!

If we try minimize freedom to a simple definition; in that action alone we have in-slaved it. The definition of freedom is determined by each individual and with it also comes great responsibility and consequences.

What does freedom mean to you?


So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. By John

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. By Corinthians


With Love,
Ivis

In defeat we find Victory

It is in defeat that we are most vulnerable and in it we are able to see things we failed to see otherwise.

My divorce allowed me to reflect on myself. On the woman that I needed to become. I learned to survive a misfortune and recognize my weaknesses. In the process I became a better wife and a stronger women.

In the moments of silence and solitude after losing my job, I was able to reflect & rediscover my passion for writing. I challenged myself to make the “mean time” better!

It is in our moments through the wilderness that we are challenged to be greater.

In our toughest time that we learn our true strengths.

Defeat is simply a change of destination or choice. A different bearing in our life which would have not been given to us otherwise. We must take circumstances given as a lesson to be learned. Perhaps to prepare us for greater things to come.

Think about moments in your life in which you have felt “defeated” and you will be sure to find a Victory!

-In death Christ found eternal life!

-I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.
Thomas A. Edison

-Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours.
C. S. Lewis

In VICTORY and with LOVE,

Your friend,
Ivis

Prejudice or Ignorance

Black and white checkered scarf pulled from American stores such as Urban Outfitters. Dunkin Donut cancels Rachel Ray’s commercial because of the scarf she chooses to wear around her neck. What is this country coming to? We spend so much time criticizing the outward appearance of people and have completely ignored the internal.

We choose to critic without knowledge. Assuming people that wear black and white “Palestinian” scarves are supportive of terrorism. That all Arabs or Muslims are bad people. If you have a tattoo you must be a member of gang. We need to come out of the dark and see things for what they are. It makes me very upset to see how quick we are to judge and how slow we are to love.

I can’t tell you how many times my husband and I have a been a victim of silly stereotype. Sometimes because of our different accents, my Palestinian scarf or how about my husbands spiritual integrity being questioned because he wears an earring.

I had the opportunity to visit a Muslim country and make friends with locals who were very different in appearance. Some of them wore veils covering all of their face and very long dresses, that fingertips was all you can see. When my husband and I came back home, we came back knowing that in spite of the obvious difference in cultures or style, we had met very loving people and made incredible friendships.

We need to become more tolerant with one another. Be willing to educate ourselves about the people and the cultures that surround us before you prejudge or classify individuals. You will be surprised that in spite of preconceived difference, we all bleed red.

When you allow yourself to get to know a person from the inside, you will see that we are all seeking similar things. We are seeking better lives for ourselves and our family members and most importantly, you will learn that we are all in search of Love.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.”

“Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.”

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to a neighbor!

With Love,

Your friend Ivis

NOT ALONE

Solitude is never alone.
We go around like blind man, not seeing what
surrounds us.
We are not alone.
In my solitude I am surrounded by their company; I see tall ones, short ones, skinny, fat and curvy ones.
They change colors and shape in every season ..
ah, trees.
We are not alone.
We have flowers that carry old aromas and new aromas to comfort our soul.
Birds that sing to us.
Butterflies that flirt with their colors.
We are not alone.
Clouds that move to form objects that only our imagination can conceive.
The sun that warms our heart, the moon that keeps his light on at night so we will have nothing to fear.
The wind that caress our body as to give us a hug.
And the rain, so that we can dance with her.
We are never alone.

Your friend,
Ivis

Be Stronger

You can live your life by the Excuse.
You might justify everything
That you do,
Based on the Excuse.
But the Excuse is not the reality of what
you can do with your life.
The Excuse is for the weak,
For those afraid to create their own reality.
So they must live by the Excuse that other have
created for them.
Be strong, be different, don't be afraid.
Give rise to your own story.

With strength
Your friend,

Ivis

Time is:

The essence of time, it is I.
The gray hairs on my head,
The scars in my heart,
The wrinkle in my eyes.
My Wisdom.
Time ... it is I.

Time is:
The force that endures
in the memory of
A song,
A scent,
A place or that person
that will forever remain
in our sentiment.
This is TiMe!

by Ivis Mateos

SO THEY SAY I AM JUST DREAMER…..

Am I just a dreamer?

DREAM-er: a person whose ideas or projects are considered audacious or highly speculative; visionary. An idealist. A habitually impractical person.
-A visionary; one lost in wild imaginations or vain schemes of some anticipated good; as a political dreamer.
-Audacious: extremely bold or daring; recklessly brave; fearless.
Extremely original; without restriction to prior ideas; highly inventive.
Recklessly bold in defiance of convention, propriety, law or the like; insolent; brazen. Lively; unrestrained; uninhibited.
-Visionary: a person given to fanciful speculations and enthusiasms with little regard for what is actually possible. A person with unusual powers of foresight
-Idealist: a person who cherishes or pursues high or noble principles, purpose, goals, etc. A visionary or impractical person. A person who represents things as they might or should be rather than as they are. A writer or artist who treats subjects imaginatively. A person who accepts the doctrines of idealism. ONE WHOSE CONDUCT IS INFLUENCED BY IDEALS THAT OFTEN CONFLICT WITH PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS. by Webster Dictionary

A Dreamer is someone who...

Can see beyond "what is" to "what can be"...
Has the creativity and courage to try new things and overcome obstacles...
Makes a difference in their own life and the lives of others...
Can believe and do and think their ideas into reality. by Unknown

So my best friend called me a Dreamer and at first I was upset. I thought, a Dreamer? Like lala land, someone that is clueless about life and has no sense of reality. But then I realized that it is not the description of self that I fit into, Yet, a dreamer I am. So I decided to define Dreamer. To find those that where known as dreamers and the type of life they lived. I was sure to find nothing short of ordinary. Dreamer or Dreamers are far greater than the simplicity of being far captured from reality. We are people of greatness.
William Shakespeare, Leonardo Da Vinci,Jose Marti, Amelia, MLK, Ludwig van Beethoven to name a few.
Many taught at some point in time that these great people where crazy dreamers, eccentric. But I rather be called crazy if it means I can innovate, renovate and create new things, things beyond the expectation of the ordinary.

"When Joseph’s brothers saw him coming, they recognized him in the distance. As he approached, they made plans to kill him. “Here comes the dreamer!” they said.

"His brothers responded, “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them."

Joseph the dreamer, save his brothers life!

Don't be afraid to dream!

ON THE ROAD AGAIN..

Late night drive,
Your singing at the top of your lungs
listening to your favorite song on the radio.
A reflective 'dash' dividing a two lane road-an Anecdote passing by.
Each reflecting on a memory.

Some of the dashes bring a smile upon your face,
Others tears of joy or tears of pain.
But savor every one for in them you will find life.

Throw the good memories to the right lane,
The not so good to the left.
Choose the lane you want to live by!

From the right lane,
Your friend
Ivis

Who are you, really?

By Ivis Mateos

Are you the cloth that you wear,
The house that you live in, or
The car that you drive?
Do you live to satisfy the expectations of others?

Are you like the male butterfly that clings himself to a blown up poster board picture of a female butterfly, while the real, beautiful and colorful one is behind him flapping her radiant wings?

Don’t be preoccupied with the sham!

In the words of Dorothy Sayer, ’Everything we do here should be rightly related to what we eternally are.’

So what or who are you, really?

You must loose yourself to the things of this world in order to attain the heavenly; righteousness & humility. For those are the things that we are ultimately designed for.

LoVe

LoVe
By Ivis Mateos

I wonder why loving so
intensely, and
Passionately can
sometimes be painful.

I ask myself, is love suppose to hurt?
Some say love is kind.
But how would we now that this is true if we have not lived the contrary.

How do we know the meaning of love, if we haven’t been rejected?
If we haven’t felt the pain of a broken heart.
How can we know love if, if sometimes it is ineffable.

Science describes love as “as a mammalian drive, much like hunger or thirst.
Without thirst, water would not satisfy.
Without hunger, food would not fulfill its purpose.
So without pain, we might not know Love.

Love intensely and passionately!

My Hero

The person that walked me through the door of life,
is there with me when the sun is shinning bright and when the moon is out at night,
that is my hero.
Life can be a very lonely road to take alone and
it is that person that takes the initiative to walk it with you that makes all the difference in the world. When I was a little girl and wondered how the stars where created and why the moon looked like a
banana, my hero was there to give me a simple explanations that would help me understand the many questions that I had.
When I was a teenager and started to seriously like boys,
my hero warned me about them, told me what the first kiss would be like.
My hero was there for me when I fell in love with my best friend and when he told me we could only be friends.
My hero prepared me for the many broken hearts that would eventually follow.
My hero was there day that I got married and was there to comfort me in the pain of birthing.
My hero was one of the first to kiss my son when he was born and to help me give him his first bath.
My hero held me tight when I was going through my divorce and encouraged me to keep on going,
to continue with my head up and to never give up hope.
My hero was there once more when God sent to me my sole mate,
when again I married and again I was a mother.
My hero is not perfect, my hero makes mistakes,
but my hero learns from them and teaches me not to make same.
My hero makes weaknesses her motivation to keep on,
to live life, to make every day a positive day, a day to grow and a day to love all who surround you.
My hero taught me how to forgive, how to be humble and how to be a hero to others.
When God gave me life, my hero carried me for 9 months, held me in her arms.
She was the first face I would see when the sun was shinning bright and the one that would sing to me when the moon was out at night.
My mother, my hero.
By Ivis Mateos

Angel in the midst

Have you every come across a person that for some strange reason happened to cross path with you for a brief moment?
A moment that perhaps changed your life forever or was there at the precise moment that you needed that someone. It was as if someone was watching you and at a snap of a finger He sent that person to you for help, encouragement or simply because.

I remember a day when I was driving home from work and decided to take a drive through the city while traffic died down. As I was driving through the cramped side streets and decided to make a turn unto the main street, I got too close to the curb and popped a tire.

I could not believe what had happened, I was 35 miles from home had no idea how to change a tire and no money on me. So I drove through the main street and back into the side street on the rim, until I found a space on the back of a building to park my car.

With no one around to help, I felt frustrated and angry and began to cry. I began to try and change the tire myself. Threw myself on the floor got my suit dirty and was dripping in sweat. Finally, I was able to pull the spare tire out from under my truck only to find out that the spare tire was flat. I felt helpless! Then I realized that there was nothing I can do but pray.

Within seconds of starting to pray, I man and a young boy came out of a van that was parked next to me which I had failed to notice before. The two black men approach me and asked if they could help. With great kindness the older man said to me “Could I take this tire with me to fix” and of course I said yes, he was my only hope. As he walked away he turned around and said to me “trust me.” At this point I had no choice but to trust this stranger that had appeared out of nowhere to fix my tire.

After about 30 minutes the two men returned. I asked the boy if they were related and he answered “ I am his son.” In a matter of minutes my tire was changed. When they were done they said “mam, your free to go.” I told them how thankful I was and the older man responded “ I am simply a servant of God, here to remind you that God loves you,” as he walked away tears ran down my face, no words can be expressed. I ran in the car grabbed a pen, proceeded to write down the name of the Air Conditioning company and the phone number on the side of the van, as they pulled away.

As I drove home I kept hearing the mans voice in my head repeating “ I am here to remind you that God loves you, here to remind you that God loves you.”
I will never forget that day.
For 35 miles, I was reminded of the beautiful words. God loves me, He is always watching over me and He will never forsake me.

Days after the incident had occurred, I tried calling the number on the van with the intent of thanking the man again and sending a card, but no one ever answered. I Googled the name of the company, looked it up in the yellow pages and failed to locate it.

Perhaps these men were simply good Samaritans.

Perhaps God had planned that day perfectly. He had to send His message through this man, because I was to busy to listen to his voice.

Perhaps these men where……
Angels in the Midst.

By Ivis Mateos

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
- Bible: Hebrews (13:2)

Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.' And it came to..."
- Bible: Luke (2:13-15)

Home Away From Home...

Cuando un hombre se siente en casa, (When a man feels at home)
en un lugar lejos de casa, (In a place away from home)
Hay es donde el pertenese. By Hemingway. (That is we he belongs)

I closed my eyes and unexpectedly my mind betrayed me.
I smelled the dampness, and exotic spices in the air…
all like a fusion of a perfect perfume.
My ears heard the sound of people laughing, talking,
yelling in a foreign voice, yet; the voice was one I felt familiar with.
Late hour of the night, all should be sleeping but some were as if it was day.
The sound of the music played to a beat that moved my soul.
In a foreign land, that felt like home.

While we remain away from our eternal home, we can experience the comfort of discovering people, places, smells and music that will sooth our soul and comfort our spirit just as it happened when Jesus met Mary, Martha and Lazarus.

The friendships and the moments that we live in the meantime; are memories that will remain for ever!
By Ivis Mateos


"Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house" (Luke 10:38). Jesus was at ease with Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Their home, at Bethany just outside Jerusalem, might have been considered Jesus' home away from home.”
“Earlier, when Jesus had come to resurrect Lazarus from the dead, He showed great respect and love for Mary and Martha (John 11:3, 20-39). They spoke to Jesus as if He were a part of their immediate family. Jesus was so troubled by their anguish over their brother's death that He was moved to tears before raising Lazarus to life again.” by Jerold Aust

Words Hurt

Use caution when speaking. Speak only words that will encourage uplift and are used for a good purpose, because what we say to others might make a difference between the life and death of the spirit.

A parent has the power to bring up a child that is confident, that will grow up to be a leader. Or with the same power of word, raise a child that we be a burden to society, which will in turn destroy themselves and others.

You can use you words to make someone fall in love with you or make that same person hate you.
It is not the same thing to say to someone “damn your feet stink”, then “do you have an athlete’s foot problem?”

When someone's tongue is like a double-edged sword, they can use it for praise and condemn at the same time. The word of God teaches us:
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Proverbs 12:18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing

The tongue is the most powerful part of our body. You can use it to build or destroy. Michael Jackson- yes I am using him as an example since he is what everyone is talking about now- was destroyed by the words the media emphasized about his character and brought back to “King” status by the very same people, after it was too late for him to enjoy.

What do you choose to use words for, towards war or towards peace?
The spoken word can’t ever be taken back. Once it has created a wound, a scar will forever remain.

The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug. --Mark Twain

By Ivis Mateos

Living a Simple Life…

Can life be lived with simplicity?
Let’s sit down and think for a minute.
What preoccupies most of our thoughts and time.
Is it spending time playing and talking to our children?
Could it be enjoying our loved ones?
How about going for a walk and reading a good book,
listening to the bird sing or the sound of a crashing wave in the ocean.
Are we doing the things that really make us happy, that fulfill the soul and the spirit?
In the last couple weeks many people have questioned my sanity because I left behind a big home, with lots of land in a city where I learned to appreciate quietness and the beauty of nature.
Although I don’t expect everyone to make the drastic changes I have made or suggest that this is the way to live a simple life, I would like to impress upon you the importance of letting go of those things that occupy unnecessary time or space in your life.
Sometimes in letting go of the unnecessary things, is where we find true fulfillment.
I choose to live a simple life, a life that will remain with me eternally.

*Our lives journey is from the head to the heart. Live each day as if it was your last.

Your friend,
Ivis



"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. " Book of Matthew

Once upon a time

Once upon a time there was a beautiful young lady that fell in love with a prince. The love was young, pure and innocent. It was a love unlike no other. The prince and the young lady shared their mutual passion for each other through love letters, never held hands, never kissed, and never held one another.
That love grew stronger and one day the prince asked the beautiful young lady if she would marry him. With joy in her heart the young lady said yes, but first she needed her father’s approval. The young prince was not wearing fine cloth, or fancy shoes, he was not rich. So the young ladies father said they could not wed.
The prince and the young lady would not see each other again for more than 50 years. Yet, when the day came that they could look into each other’s eyes again, the two married. No more love letter needed because now they were able to hold each other, kiss, and hold hands.
But as time went by the prince began to become frail. He body weakened with age. His taught began to wonder and the lovely lady could no longer care for him the same, as she too began to age.
The prince loved his lady so much that one day he left and never came back so that his lovely lady would not see his life fade away.



Today I learned a lesson of what true love really is, as I spend time listening to my grandmother explain how even though her heart is aching and how she will miss her prince so very much, she is not angry as she learns that her prince, the love of her life choose to go back to Cuba- his native country- and never return.
His body is frail from cancer and Parkinson. He is no longer able to care the same for himself and my grandmother is aging and becoming frail as well with her heart condition, but yet she would carry him out of bed, shower him when he needed to be cleaned, cook and serve to his every need. He loved her so much, that he didn’t want to be a burden on her as his condition worsens. So he planned a trip to his homeland, where his children lived and called to tell my grandma-his lovely young lady-that he would no never return.
Though I am sad to see that my grandmother is going through great sorrow because she has lost her prince, they have both taught me a beautiful lesson. They have taught me that true love is not selfish, that the day may come where we may need to give up the most meaningful and cherished people in our lives for love. True love thinks not of self but of others. True love transcends time and distance. It is un-measurable and unlimited.

1 Corinthians 13:4
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant.
By: Ivis Mateos

For the Love of Art

Art is creation; the sight of snow laying atop a beautiful mountain. The grand sounds of an ocean wave.

Art is Athens, Greece; Eiffel tower in Paris, France. The sound of Ray Charles's "Georgia on my mind" or Celia Cruz's "Azucar" , Homer's Odyssey and the Bible.

Art is not only paintings on a wall. It is also something great and unpredictable like: Watching my children sit, craw, stand, walk and finally run! Watching my 12 year old son master the sound of a trumpet or even the scribble scrabble hanging from my refrigerator; artist best know as my 2 year old.

Art is also represented in a movie like "The Notebook", simple but full of emotion and the reality of life and love. "I am Sam" a compelling story of a mentally challenged man raising his daughter. How about a silly, senseless movie like "Dumb and Dumber", with Jim Carey; art there would be found in the expression on my husbands face as he watches the stupid things that characters did.

To me Art is in everything. Perhaps because I believe in a Creator of All things. The master artist of this world and human kind.

Art is perfect in every form. We are art; from the smallest cell in our body, to the perfect shape of the breast and the power of the mind. We are an expression of living piece of art in the way we dress, brush our hair, the make up on our face, the way we walk and even the way we speak. We are walking, living and breathing Art.

In essence Art is "the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance." ( Dictionary.com)

Yesterday

A little something I wrote when my heart was longing for the one I love. Thought you guys would enjoy it. Something a little different than my usually, but something we have all felt at one point in our life for someone we miss so very much.

Yesterday.

Yesterday was a long time ago.
Yesterday, was the last time I kissed you.
I remember as if it was yesterday when we just sat there in silence; so much to say but no words to express it.
The night was beautiful and filled with stars, the warm breeze brushed our skin.
Your hand gently reached to hold mine and every word that we could not speak ran through our fletch, free!
Words expressed through the soft sway of our bodies without missing a punctuation.
No need to speak,
I hear you and you hear me.

That was yesterday.
By Ivis Mateos

POP

Dear friends,

This week instead of me writing my corner, I would love to here from you guys.

I was inspired by a quote I read and a seminar I attended to search for or re-focus on my POP. Our POP is our Purpose On this Planet; that one thing the moves us and motivates us to keep on going.

The following quote reminds us that if you fail to use your motor; your power of choice and purpose on this earth, we are like a boat captive and drifted by the river that take us no where or a place unwanted.

" Imagine being in a small boat drifting in a river. As long as you fail to use that motor you will be a captive of the river. You will be a prisoner without any control over your destination. Yet, the boat that we’re in does have a motor. We can use it to change course. That motor is our power of choice. All we have to do is choose to look for the good, for when we do so, that is all we will find!"

What is your POP?

The Bike Race

Life is ever changing.
$3000 bike,
A constant race through the mountains;
The concern for quality,
Competition,
the expected recognition.

Now it does not make a difference if it is
titanium or aluminum.
It is still a ride, but the ride is very different.

I have time to smell the creatures of the sea.
Hear the dangling leaves from the palm trees make music.
The ocean swells moving back and forth and the breeze softly caressing my skin.

The race is over.

-Take the time to enjoy every moment given to us, instead of being part of the rush of life.
We think that we own time; yet, we are at its mercy. When we are not looking, time just passes by.
Enjoy the ride!

By Ivis Mateos