Direction to Momentum

It’s almost the end of the week and a miracle I made it without burning completely out (I may almost be there, however). Bill Hampton came by our office to facilitate discussions on how the real estate team could grow and how each person individually could challenge oneself to conquer the market.

The major points I collected were:

Be passionate about the story I tell with my life.
Learn how to be proactive (have a plan for each day) rather than reactive.
What habits can I do consistently to improve as a person and achieve my goal(s)?
We live in the age of human attention being a valuable product to sell. How can I capture people’s attention for things that matter? How can I express authenticity to my sphere of influence?
How am I a value-add to the lives around me and for the betterment of the environment in which I live?

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.  

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.  Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election.  For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
 - 2 Peter 1:3-11

I am looking forward the day I can say I have mastered the art of confidence and enjoyment of my work and expressing the value it has to myself & others. For now, my phone seems to grab my attention and drag me down. I have come to procrastinate on activities that require phone usage because the phone seems to wear me out. I have to use my phone for work and connect with loved ones, but I tend to feel less productive because I do not have a plan on how I am going to block my time and focus on the tasks I have to do in a certain order of priority. I end up responding to various tasks or distractions until, low & behold, I forgot the very reason I opened my phone in the first place. Do you relate? It can make a person feel crazy, because it is crazy, and it is not good stewardship.

The questions that Bill Hampton asked are ones I am using to determine where I am, where I want to go, and how I want to get there. Working diligently with good habits may feel like a chore in the moment, but, in the future, I desire any moment I start to feel weary of the mundane to be an exception to my norm. I want to have energy, strategy, and momentum for whatever the task is before me, and I want to learn how to rest well so that I do not burnout. I want to express to others how much I believe what I am doing is worth sharing, to God’s glory and to the benefit of those around me.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. - Galatians 6:9-10

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:17

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 
- Matthew 11:28-30

Rooting for My Team

It brings me joy to have co-workers who love God and from whom I am excited to learn!

Numb-ered Days

We count the stars, money, friends, possessions, followers and accomplishments. But of greater value is to number our days (Psalm 90:12). One must use her time to seek God and His will, and God will provide for all her needs (Matthew 6:34). God rewards those who are good stewards of the little they have, and He builds us up for what is in His blueprints, His plan for our lives (Psalm 127:1; Proverbs 19:21; Luke 16:10). Therefore, one must ask herself, or himself, if what they are seeking and treasuring is of God and beneficial to honor Him (1 Corinthians 10:23).

Treasures in Heaven
 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  Matthew 6:19-21

As the saying goes, time is money. Following that same assertion, time is also the most fleeting and valuable commodity, as you can invest it all you want, and you may not ever see a return on your investment…this side of eternity. You cannot go back in time, only forward. Therefore, a risky investment is an opportunity to which one spends his time. Furthermore, one can assume she has 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day and seven days in a week (so on and so forth), however, no one truly knows how much time they have left (Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32; James 4:13-17)! Yet, we all have time at our disposal, and dispose of it we do.

Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. - Ephesians 5:15-17

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. - Psalm 90:12

I want to number my days and not presume upon the future. I have lost much time by either acting in mindless ignorance or blatant disobedience; either position is wrong as I did not treasure time God has given and was not living wisely. Guarding and maximizing on the treasure of time which God has given me takes concerted effort:

Start the day seeking God with a mindset to please God and help others; remember the eternal impact of the work I do.
Seek the Lord to provide for the day, to take my worries away, and lead me away from the temptations that rob my time (Matthew 6:9-13; 1 Peter 5:7).
Be prayerful about where the Lord wants me to invest my time and make best use of it. Ask for His hand and provision in those efforts. I want to hear, “well done, good and faithful servant” one day (Matthew 25:23).
Learn how to discern God’s voice and obey what He has taught; be a doer of the word, and I will then be a good steward of my time (James 1:22).

Time Flies by Gianna Elyse

As I get older, and count days gone by, they seem to move quicker and blur together more, similar to how I feel playing T-Rex Runner in Google Chrome when there is no internet connection. Without a reverence for God, I can so easily waste what He has afforded to me.

Time flies by like a sigh
Brings on a new air to the blues
Time feeds fire, soul's desire
Adds to the old, standard tune

Hear how it hums, carries a drum
Louder each moment, dying with distance
The farthest you've come, the shortest you'll run
Body and spirit, growing resistant

Time flies by like a sigh
Brings on a new air to the blues
Time feeds fire, soul's desire
Adds to the old, standard tune

Feel how it jumps, it's never enough
Ends in the silence, you'll never miss it
Then fixing the wrong, God brings you home
Goodbye unrented, careful to kiss it

Time flies by like a sigh
Brings on a new air to the blues
Time feeds fire, soul's desire
Adds to the old, standard tune

Ⓒ Copyright 2022 by Gianna Elyse Carrasco

Clues From My Early Days

One of my earliest memories was of my third birthday, which, at the time, I did not understand why so many people were gathered at our small upstairs ‘apartment’. My family lived in my grandmother’s house which was split into three levels, with my parents, sister and I living in the top level. My brother would be born less than three weeks later. We celebrated my sister’s 2nd birthday the same day because her and I have birthdays just days apart (we were almost Irish twins)!

After pushing past some confusion, I realized the gathering was Blues Clues themed, and a man in a giant ‘Blue’ costume came out to greet us. I don’t remember much else, except, at the end of the gathering, I followed the giant Blue to the room where he was going to change out of his costume. When I tried to enter, he had a few choice words to express to me, however. Perhaps he could have done better to heed the words of Jesus:

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them.  And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.    Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
- Matthew 18:1-5

The memory of my 3rd birthday is from so long ago (March 2001) and perhaps I mixed up some details in my mind over the years, but I do remember how I felt. I felt confused at first, and I felt the anger from that man. Maybe I had a good time, but maybe I was overwhelmed, but certainly all of it is a blur. It is interesting that I did not realize the party was for me, but I got a chance to act on my curiosity, and what I discovered left a lasting impession.

I don’t know if I wanted more time with Blue or if I wanted to see who was under the costume. Whatever the reason, I followed that blue alien dog (the O.G. before Lilo & Stitch) as I was acting in my own real-life Blue’s Clues episode.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.
-1 Corinthians 13:11

To this day, I’m more of an introspective type and not into large gatherings. I find myself looking for ways God chooses to show his glory and will for my life. My curiosity for God propels me forward to discover clues into what I was made for and where I am going. What’s important is that I do not allow the many distractions and trials of life to stunt my relationship with and growing knowledge of God, but to continue to mature in my faith and to even challenge myself out of the comfort zone.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
- Philippians 3:20-21

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
- Romans 1:20

To this day, I want to know what I can share with others while I am learning and growing as a living testimony to many things God has done through Jesus Christ in me. I am excited to continue learning and professing His name!

For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.  Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.  And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. 
- Hebrews 13:14-16

Meditations on Bravery

My abuela Carmen and I. May she rest in peace.

Reflect with this worship song and meditate on the following scriptures.

Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. - Psalm 124:8

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. - Proverbs 29:25

The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? - Psalm 27:1

This is what the Sovereign  Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. - Isaiah 30:15

Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. - Hebrews 4:11

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6

He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. - 2 Chronicles 20:15

Gianna Elyse Cover – You Are Home by Daniel Martin Moore

Today, bravery looked like confronting someone with the help of the Lord, even when the words came painfully and slowly. To share the truth is to also to be loving (1 Cor 13:6; Eph 4:15; 1 John 4:18). God uses personal challenges and conflicts to stretch us and teach us character. Thus, bravery is part of trusting in God to teach me, and to allow Him to use me to be a light to others during my challenges. As the cliche goes, God turns each “test into a testimony.” A sweet friend encouraged me this week with a scripture, as she knew I had just lost my grandmother over the holidays:

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. - Romans 5:3-5

It was bittersweet to face family and friends at my grandmother’s funeral. Yet, in my personal pain and trial, I was still able to speak with regard to God’s plan for my situation and I hope I encouraged someone else to be brave and do the same.

God bless you in this season, even if it includes loss. God’s peace be with you.

Bad to the Bone? 🦴 🎶

“One can be bad and still be loved by God…”

I shared with a woman my age on a train ride to NJ that no one is righteous before God on their own account (Romans 3:10). She asked if I considered babies good. Not even a sweet and innocent baby is good. Any good deeds I do are like filthy rags to God (Isaiah 64:6). Surely, I was sinful at birth (Psalm 51:5). I see it in every person and myself; no one has to be taught to sin, they just do. Thus, I have been reflecting on the fact that we all need Jesus, the only worthy Savior, for we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). God chooses to look on Jesus as the atonement for one’s sin. There is nothing I can do apart from God (John 15:5).

And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. - Ecclesiastes 4:4

This is what the LORD Almighty says: "It may seem marvelous to the remnant of this people at that time, but will it seem marvelous to me?" declares the LORD Almighty.
This is what the LORD Almighty says: " I will save my people from the countries of the east and the west.  I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God."  -Zechariah 8:6-8

On another train ride, I spoke with a man named Adam, and he shared a verse he memorized and loved:

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  -Hebrews 13:8

I have been reflecting on that scripture all day this first day of 2023 (Hebrews 13:8). God’s purpose and desire has always been the same for His creation. And He always will be what He has been and what He is.

God said to Moses, “ I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘ I am has sent me to you.’” – Exodus 3:14

This is the first song God put on my heart to reflect on in 2023.

Reflections for 2023

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.  -Micah 6:8

But godliness with contentment is great gain.  -1 Timothy 6:6

This year I want to steward well the gift God has given me. When God returns to restore things as they should be, I will hear “well done good and faithful servant” and “great is your reward on heaven.” (Matthew 5:12, 25:21,23; Luke 6:23, 19:17).

For this new year, in 2023, God has put it on my heart to have humility before Him as I reflect how powerful He is, with fear and trembling to live in obedience (Philippians 2:12). But also to have joyful expectation of His purpose in this temporal, earthly life and of His promises for the future. He has done what He promised in the past, even miracles, and He can and will continue to do so. He is also the same God in joy and in pain, and He is just in everything He does (Psalm 111:7). God is loving, GREAT, and merciful. I am so thankful for his saving grace. In turn, I want to be continuously thankful, and I want to be gracious towards others. Furthermore, I want to live from the same power that rose Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:18-12)!

The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.They are established for ever and ever, enacted in faithfulness and uprightness.  He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is his name.  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. -Psalm 111:7-10

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 6:23

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. – Revelation 22:20

God is coming back very soon! I want to be ready if He comes back in 2023!

Broken Vessels

Gianna Elyse Covers “Canvas and Clay”
(by Ben Smith, Chris Tomlin, Pat Barrett)

I am shaped to the tune of His grace
Yet, see the people I face
How can He pour in broken vessels
That which is precious?
For the broken vessel cannot appreciate
What flows through its cracks
Yet, the Potter (God) forms of clay
Purposefully and straightway
And what He completes
Can receive the Word He speaks
And sings into it
Gianna Elyse

Thanks to my friends

Thank you for your friendship and patience with me as a broken vessel; God is patching me up, re-forming me. Sometimes, I am not ready or willing to receive something because I have yet to learn a lesson, or become a doer of the Word in that area. Essentially, there’s been fear…bitterness…and conditions which I allowed to hinder my love.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18

Prayer and Affirmation

Thank you, God, for helping me to do what I need to do. I pray you overshadow me with power and grace in the areas I am weak and tired. I pray you overcome my insecurities and help me to grow past them.

Wash me with your Word, Oh God, and let not the worries of this world hinder it (Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:18-19; Luke 8:14; Ephesians 5:26).

His Word will produce fruit from me, a positive growth (Isaiah 55:8-13).

He is able to complete the good work He started in me, perfecting my faith (Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 12:1-3).

Create in me a clean heart, O God (Psalm 51:10).

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I did not realize that the #bloganuary challenge was initiated. Better late than never…

Blessings,

Gianna Elyse

#bloganuary2022