Whom Shall I Fear?
When we fear, we refuse wisdom. When we fear, we are telling God we know better, when in reality, we don’t. When we fear men, we are giving them the authority we should be giving God.
Category: God
questi sono i nostri ricordi: these are our souvenirs
As my feelings of nostalgia deepened, I couldn’t stop thinking about the disciples after losing Jesus to the cross. Confusion, disbelief, perhaps even deception? They probably wondered if they had just woken up from a long dream and if the years of ministry were nothing but an illusion. Despite their imperfections, they loved Jesus and they knew they were unconditionally loved by Him. But Jesus was …gone? Did they doubt? Were they disillusioned that their time with Him was over?
Where Feet May Fail
About 3 years ago, Kenny asked me the most important question of his life and I gave him the most important answer of mine. Six months later, we got married. Although we only dated for six months and were engaged for another six, our relationship carried a lot of fear then. Fear of failure, fear of the future, fear of… you name it! It just so happened that our pastor’s teaching lesson at the time was on fear. God used Pastor Bob Coy to help us get through those months of anxiety and fear of how marriage would be like.
debt-free
It’s been almost five years since I graduated college and I can finally say that I don’t owe Ms. Sallie Mae anymore money!! Having debt feels heavy, unnecessary, and it delays life…so why have it in the first place? I’m so thankful for God’s provision in our lives, but most importantly, His sacrifice on the cross was a full payment of our debt caused by sin. Paying off my school loan was somehow a great reminder of the greater debt our Savior took upon Himself to pay fully with His own life.
the economy of mercy
Often times, we are so blinded by our plans, our friends, our families, our small circle that we don’t care to practice hospitality to strangers or unbelievers. We are too concerned about what movie we should rent or what we should have for dinner that we forget there are others who don’t have the luxury of a TV or the opportunity to enjoy a hot dinner, or even worse…they don’t have a place they can call home. And that, my friends, is what the Pope meant. Let us love. Let us heal. Let us forgive. Let us not be obsessed with sin. Let us care for the sinner. Let us be a light in this world!
be genuine.
I’m a big fan of Masterchef, a competition between America’s best home cooks! Last Wednesday, America learned who the new Masterchef is: an Italian and NYC restaurant manager named Luca Manfe, whose American dream came true. For the second consecutive year, the home cook I’ve been rooting for wins the whole enchilada: a quarter of a million dollars, a cookbook, and as Gordon Ramsay loves to say in his British accent “the most prestigious trophy in the culinary world and the title of Masterchef.”
the getaway
With everything that’s been going on lately, we’ve been feeling like it was time for a small getaway. Since we couldn’t celebrate our wedding anniversary and Kenny’s birthday is coming up, I took my mother’s advice and “surprised” Kenny with going to Naples for two days. (Note: Next time, I must not use Kenny’s Priceline account or else he will find out through an email confirmation and the surprise will no longer be a surprise!)
others
A good reminder is to always find that “peace that surpasses all understanding” in the discomfort we may be feeling to understand that we are not the only ones suffering, but to look at our surroundings and comfort those who are also in this struggle of life. To find joy in the trials and afflictions by appreciating how good and faithful our Lord is in other areas of our lives. To find empathy and consideration for others is what Jesus constantly practiced as He lived among us, but now as He resides in our hearts, may that be our expression to others: His unconditional love!
the comfort zone
We’ve all been there. The dreadful and the unavoidable: the comfort zone! It’s so easy to keep visiting the zone rather than seeking true comfort where we all know where to find it. The truth is, this “comfort” zone isn’t what it promises, it’s not comfortable! We may escape the reality and the stress that life may bring from time to time by doing activities that are considered “stress free,” but our minds will not find it restful, but restless.
sunday brunch at the rebel house
After an excellent but tiresome vacation in NYC, we were actually looking forward to a week of recovery at home before heading back to our normal work schedule. Two things I have refused to look at are: our bank account and the scale! But that sure didn’t stop us from indulging in our time off.
Kenny’s friend owns a popular restaurant in Boca Raton, near Mizner Park, and recently The Rebel House has been opening for brunch. With our newfound fascination of brunches, we decided to give it a try last Sunday.
Ally Velsor 