Author: Chiara (Page 7 of 16)

Author, Writer, Busy Mom, Wife, A Woman after God's Heart, & Lover of Fast Cars and Freedom.

The Christmas Bells Revelation

December 22, 2021 / Chiara

If this was to be my last blog post on this Earth, I’d echo these words.

Peace on Earth and goodwill to men! (Luke 2:14)

A couple of weeks ago, my family and I had the opportunity to attend the KLOVE Christmas tour featuring Casting Crowns and a number of other bands on their tour here in Illinois.

We’ve seen Casting Crowns in concert at least seven times. They are an encouraging and wonderful band that writes incredible and inspiring music.

After playing a few familiar songs from previous albums, Mark Hall the lead singer of the band introduced his next song, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. I recognized the song and have heard it sung many times before, but I didn’t know the history behind it and how it came to be. It’s a powerful and emotional song based on the 1863 poem “Christmas Bells” by American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Before playing the song, Mr. Hall shared the story behind the poem. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was inspired to write this poem in 1863 during the Civil War when his son went off to fight for the Union against his wishes. While this song is about Christmas time, there is an underlying tone of the war (The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail). It was not until 1872 that the poem is known to have been set to music by the English organist, John Baptiste Calkin.

In the poem, Mr. Longfellow hears explosions, cannons, and then off in the distance, church bells ringing. It was an ironic/odd sound amidst a terrible war as Henry heard these words: Peace on Earth, goodwill to men. Did he imagine it? Was it mocking him? Was the ringing encouraging him? Who knows?

Read the lyrics for yourself:

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet
The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

One blog writer says… Throughout the poem, Longfellow contrasts Christmas with the idea of the war in an honest and memorable way that helps take the reader into the mind of this troubled father and American during that terrible war.

Another writer put it… In the same way, listening to “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” helps us to understand the gravity of sin – the way it permeates our world.

My favorite is Verse 6:

And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

With all the high-tech and medical miracles in this world, there is something to marvel and be in awe over. But, there are ironies to having it all too. The simple things in life are ignored. We’ve strayed from the true reason for the season. Commercialism and greed have taken over. Add to that, Covid, Omicron, tyrannical government, and divisiveness among people that are vaccinated and unvaccinated, and frankly, we’re in a mess. Chaos is everywhere.

I love Christmas. When I was a child it was all about the gifts. I realize in my later years, this season has become about the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! A baby born into an oppressed world, a peasant girl as his mother, and a child birthed in a barn full of farm animals – a lowly King that would change everything.

This can be summed up this way… The speaker, wrapped up in their despair, imagines that those bells are speaking a kind of reply; they say that in the end, peace and goodwill will prevail over war and despair and that God continues to watch over the world.

Longfellow acknowledges that the world is broken, but he doesn’t leave it there. There’s more to the story, and that’s what makes the message of Jesus’ birth so joyful.

I hope people wake up and see through the darkness and evil. Be a light!

The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail.

And through it, all, do not turn away from the sounds of hope coming through the ringing of the church bells. Embrace the gift of Christmas!

And finally, click here for the incredible and moving video of Casting Crowns singing the song.

Until next time…

Be well. Be safe. Be happy!

References:

https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/christmas-bells-by-henry-wadsworth-longfellow

https://poemanalysis.com/henry-wadsworth-longfellow/christmas-bells/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Heard_the_Bells_on_Christmas_Day

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/finding-praise-through-pain-in-i-heard-the-bells-on-christmas-day.html

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202:14&version=NIV

#25 The story behind “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”

https://www.castingcrowns.com/

https://www.klove.com/

Local Store Wisdom

December 1, 2021 / Chiara

After dropping my daughters off at school, I decided to get some grocery shopping done before starting the day. I don’t ever shop early, like eight in the morning early. The chore needed to get done, and it was a good distraction from the many thoughts and personal family concerns swirling in my head, lately.

With a list in hand, I strolled into our local grocery store. It was a quiet morning. There weren’t many patrons around, only the workers unloading merchandise onto the shelves. A clerk in the poultry section greeted me, waving a package of drumsticks.

Getting produce and deli, I marched over to the meat department. Perusing the steaks and ground beef section, I couldn’t help but notice how high the prices were. Damn inflation. Suddenly, I felt a chill blow over me, like someone opened a freezer door, and I sneezed. “Bless you,” said a voice behind me. Startled, I turned and faced a medium-height elderly man with a weathered face and graying fluffy hair. He wore a heavy red flannel shirt over camouflage overalls.

“Thank you,” I shivered.

He nodded and moved closer to me as we both faced the beef fridge. “These prices are mighty high for some ground sirloin. How’s anyone supposed to afford this? Gas is up too. Unbelievable.”

Agreeing, I answered turning toward him. “I was thinking the same thing.” The elderly man’s chestnut-colored eyes glistened, making his lined face even more prominent. “I know.”

I could feel the hairs on my arms stand up, so I moved away from him, only to realize he inched even closer. I swiveled to make sure the worker was still at the chicken section. He was, bent over the freezer. A little way off, I saw a couple in the produce section. Okay, at least I’m not alone.

The man straightened, “So, what’s it gonna be? Sirloin or Chuck?”

I picked up a package of 90% lean ground sirloin and inspected it. I had plans to make Sloppy Joe for dinner and I preferred the leaner meat rather than the 70% kind. “Sirloin for me, sir.”

“Aha, is that right? Ok. You don’t have to call me, sir, either.”

“Well—”

“I’m no more sir than that sir,” he pointed to a young clerk bringing out a case of bananas from the back room.

Wrapping my package in a plastic bag, I nodded, absently … plastic wrap, non-dairy cheese, eggs, milk, potato chips … The man reached for a two-pound package of ground chuck. “This looks good for hamburgers.”

“Yep, now you need some burger buns.”

He snapped his finger. “Yes, yes. What do you recommend? Kaiser buns or Rye bread?”

I shrugged. “Um, I prefer the pretzel rolls myself.”

He reflected for a moment, and it dawned on me that the old man was by himself. He didn’t even have a cart. Did he just come into the store for meat? “Never tried pretzel buns before, might though now that you recommend it.”

I grinned, walking away. “You’ll like them.”

Before I could get a few feet away, the elderly man called after me. ”Excuse me, miss?” I went over to him, worried something was wrong. “Thanks for talking to me.” He proceeded to tell me that his wife died a few months back and he took a taxi to shop at the store once a week. The other times, his two granddaughters came by with food. But mostly he was alone and happy to chat with anyone willing to listen.

He explained that he has trouble sleeping at night because he missed his wife of 60 years, and so he looked forward to these trips because his seventy-nine-year-old self can’t drive anymore. He’s pretty healthy except for his prosthetic leg, losing his left leg during the Korean war, even lifting his camouflage pants and showing me the actual prosthetic. It was titanium and under his left kneecap. Pretty impressive.

He reads three newspapers a day. Doesn’t watch TV or own a microwave. Always drinks coffee with two sugars. “Gotta watch the sugar.”

He’s not happy with all the stuff going on in the world, he believes in natural health because his wife was a midwife and natural birth instructor. She would still be living if she hadn’t been in a horrible car accident two years earlier. “… Never the same after that. All sorts of ailments. She was tired of fighting the pain.” He believes in God, even though he’s not religious. And then he pointed to me, “I saw your cross neckless. I knew you were a believer like my wife.”

Excuse me? Back to reality. How long have I been standing here? All I know is that I couldn’t move because I was completely mesmerized by all that he told me. I just smiled. “Um, thanks.

“Well,” the old man sighed, “I rattled too much and must be going.”

I shook my head, “No, you’re fine. It was nice. Thank you for sharing your story. I’m sorry about your wife.”

Then, something weird happened. Are you ready? This elderly man touched my shoulder and said, ‘’I appreciate that. I’ll see her soon. Remember, don’t put your faith in your problems, okay? Put your faith in the miracles,” and then he hobbled off with his two-pound package of ground chuck.

I scratched my head. Who was that man?

I’ll leave it there. It happened folks believe me or not. I have no idea who that man was, where he went, and why he shared all his personal information with me. Me! My sisters will tell me it’s my face – inviting and smiley! I know it sounds cheesy. Whatever it was, I’ll never look at a meat section the same way.

In conclusion, I’d end this post by stating… for just that moment, I was seen, not by the problems I was carrying, but who I am. Who God made me. Flaws and all! Could I be an encourager, an ear, an inviting human spirit to lift another human spirit? Why not?

I know we’re all carrying burdens, some heavier than others. So, let’s be each other’s light. Lifting up instead of breaking one another down. The healing benefits go both ways.

This season, be an “I see you!” person.

Until next time…

Be well. Be safe. Be happy.

This post was inspired by the song, “I see you” by Christian artists Chris Tomlin and Brandon Lake. See the video.

The Breakfast Club – A Call to Action for Parents and Teachers

September 15, 2021 / Chiara

“Dear Mr. Vernon, we accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. But we think you’re crazy to make an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us – in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain, and an athlete, and a basket case, a princess, and a criminal. Does that answer your question?

Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club.”

I recently watched The Breakfast Club with my pre-teen daughters. It’s a 1985 movie about five teenagers who attend a detention on a Saturday with people who they would not normally associate with and for a short period become friends.

It had been many, many years since I watched the movie. Back in 1985 when it came out, I too was in high school. There were the jocks or athletic types, the brainy/nerds, the popular kids, the rebels/social misfits, and the odd kids who didn’t belong in any particular category.

In The Breakfast Club film, John Hughes, the writer/producer, focuses on the following character types:

Allison Reynolds as “The Basketcase” – The odd child who is ignored at home. Doesn’t belong in any particular group. Hides their feelings. Could be characterized as emotionally unstable. Doesn’t let anyone in.
Andrew Clark as “The Athlete” – The jock. Though he may appear strong and confident, he is mentally weak and constantly seeking to please others.
Clair Standish as “The Princess” – The popular girl with wealthy parents. Everyone thinks she has an easy life and gets whatever she wants, but deep down inside she’s like everyone else with the same teen fears and desire to be accepted.
Brian Johnson as “The Brain” – A smart student who puts pressure on himself to do well in school. Has a lot of pressure to excel which has led to contemplating suicide at times.
John Bender as “The Criminal” – The typical bully, the social outcast with a messed up family life and who may have been abused at home.

Watching the film, I empathized with these characters and their characteristics because they were familiar to me during my high school years. Looking back, it’s easy to see that high school is a transitioning period in a teen’s life, most kids are learning about themselves and where they belong, and most all adults are the true enemy. Lol!

I discovered that today’s teens have similar characteristics as was in the day, over thirty years ago of The Breakfast Club. The only exception, everything that is experienced now is more amplified, more open, more exposed. We have smartphones and social media, and unfortunately, some news travels faster than the speed of light. However, the desires to fit in and stand out are all the same. Young people are still judging one another by their dress and social status.

This movie also deals with some heavy themes that are still relevant today:

Peer Pressure
Family Issues
Stereotypes
School Rankings- toughest to the weakest link

Kids, please listen up. If someone asks you to tell them who do you think you are, don’t get ruffled up. Frankly, it doesn’t matter what they think of who you are because their views are different than yours, and no matter how you’d explain it to them, they’d never see you as you see yourself. So, don’t let anyone influence you or tell you who you should be. Don’t get stuck living your life being someone that you’re not. The most important question to ask yourself is this: Who do you think you are? Be true to yourself. Be YOU!

There’s a lot of emphasis these days on schools teaching Critical Race Theory (CRT). According to Wikipedia, CRT examines social, cultural, and legal issues primarily as they relate to race and racism in the US.

According to Professor Crenshaw, she says, “It is a way of seeing, attending to, accounting for, tracing and analyzing the ways that race is produced,” she said, “the ways that racial inequality is facilitated, and the ways that our history has created these inequalities that now can be almost effortlessly reproduced unless we attend to the existence of these inequalities.”

CRT believes racism is present in every aspect of life, every relationship, and every interaction and therefore has its advocates look for it everywhere.

In schools, it will mean teaching our children to think this way and always be looking for racism in every situation and interaction. In our personal relationships, it means that friends and even family members—especially our kids who have already been educated with Critical Race Theory ideas that have been incorporated in our schools—will eventually call each other out and reject one another. Because tolerating racism is also considered a form of racism that would have to be discovered and stopped.

I’ll be honest; I’m not a fan of this kind of teaching for my children. I know that everyone comes from diverse backgrounds; financial circumstances, cultures, and learning abilities. I get that. I’m a first-generation American in my Italian family. When my parents came to the United States in the mid-1960s, they didn’t speak a lick of English or knew how to read or write in English. My mom didn’t even know how to drive, and they came here to Chicago with $400.00 in their pocket, living in a garage for a year, while they worked, taking care of my older sister, and trying desperately to make ends meet.

It was a hard life but they continued to chip away at removing the stereotype of their culture and becoming American citizens. It took years to assimilate. They’ve never forgotten where they’ve come from, our culture and Italian traditions are very strong still, but the American dream became a reality for them.

The social dynamics of being stereotyped into something that’s supposed to identify you is a big issue in high school and middle-schools alike. CRT should be removed from academics, because if we focus on our gender and social upbringing, it will limit a child’s learning in all other studies, such as reading, mathematics, science, etc. Kids need encouragement and empowerment to remove judgment from their perception.

In The Breakfast Club, you begin to see the teens break down their social status and judgments of each other. It teaches that when barriers are broken down and we see one another as individuals rather than our race, and outward appearances, cohesiveness perseveres. This is why the movie was so successful.

Check out these 4 lessons of the movie that I learned. And additional life lessons worth a read.

Even though there is foul language and some sexual references, I believe this movie should be used in high school to discuss family issues affecting kids, sex and drugs, peer pressure, grades, and interaction with others.

Parents, I urge you to watch The Breakfast Club with your kids, and teachers, I recommend showcasing scenes relevant to today’s societal teen pressures.

Click here for some great study questions to use for discussion about the movie.

Musical Inspiration

“Don’t you forget about me” by Simple Minds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdqoNKCCt7A

References:

https://thebreakfastclub-analysis.weebly.com/characters

https://thebreakfastclub-analysis.weebly.com/themes.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_race_theory

What is Critical Race Theory? A Brief History Explained – The New York Times (nytimes.com)

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/10-life-lessons-breakfast-club-taught-all

https://thebreakfastclub-analysis.weebly.com/study-questions.html

Eight Big Reasons Critical Race Theory Is Terrible for Dealing with Racism – New Discourses

4 Lessons to learn from the movie “The Breakfast Club”

The Breakfast Club as A Lesson on Social Exchange Theory

Where Were You When 9/11 Happened?

September 10, 2021 / Chiara

On the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the buzz of “where were you and what were you doing when the planes hit the Twin Towers and the Pentagon?” is still relevant.

I remember that day. I was en route to work and stuck on the highway. I was listening to Eric and Kathie on 101.9 The MIX radio station when they broke the news. Bumper to bumper in traffic, their voices, trembling and full of shock informed me of what was happening. I heard a plane crashed into the first tower, a couple of minutes later, another plane crashed into the second tower. By the time I arrived at work, both towers fell and yet another plane crashed into the Pentagon.

Going into my office building, I dropped my belongings in my cubicle and hurried to the office of our department Vice President where the rest of my colleagues had gathered. All eyes were on her television set, just as word was coming through that another flight had crashed in Pennsylvania. It was incredible to comprehend what exactly had happened. A few of my colleagues had family in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C., and they tried contacting them. I had a friend who lived in Long Island and whom I knew traveled to Manhattan for work. My thoughts were of him and his family. By two in the afternoon, we were sent home. Nobody was working, anyway. It was clear that these four collisions had been orchestrated attacks rather than plane malfunctions.

At home, the visual reels of people throwing themselves from the Twin Towers filled my TV monitor. Manhattan was unrecognizable. All flights across the US were canceled and the skies became void. We know the rest of the story, and we shouldn’t ever forget it.

Today, we remember all those that have tragically died. We also honor the heroes who put their lives on the line to save another. They are the first responders, the fireman, the police officers, the hospital doctors, nurses, EMTs, and the many civilians who helped their fellow Americans through this horrific crisis.

Our nation was attacked on our soil. In the aftermath of this horrible occurrence, people became nicer, and we became one, while the government and our leaders became defiant and vowed to seek revenge. Prior to 9/11, our country was changing, rapidly. I believe we became more reliant on ourselves than our true Creator, God.

Have we lost our way? With Covid-19, the pull-out of our troops from Afghanistan, and the division of our country politically, it seems the United States is imploding.

Can America come back? Will God forgive us for our transgressions? Are we able to set aside our differences and become unified? These are some heavy questions to ponder. I pray we take the time to reflect on this anniversary and where we should be headed, together.

2 Chronicles 7: 14. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

The Lady Under The Tree

September 9, 2021 / Chiara

For two weeks straight at approximately 7:44 am as I drove my daughters to school, I’d see this figure sitting cross-legged under a large tree. I didn’t notice at first because we’re constantly running late courtesy of my preteen, and I sped down the side streets to get to school on time. It’s my younger daughter who sees the most interesting things from the backseat. One time, it was a yellow cat sitting on the roof of a Ford F150, yes, she knows her automobiles thanks to her daddy, and another time she noticed an elderly gentleman drinking coffee on his front porch, and recently, she saw a teenage boy climbing out of his second-story window. Hmm, I guess sitting in the backseat has its perks.

Out of the blue one morning, she pointed, “Mommy, look at the lady sitting under that tree.”

I glanced to my left and there she was. It was a woman and she looked like a statue. The sun was streaming through the trees and it cast a long shadow across a dewy field of grass. It was an image to behold. So serene, that a calming sensation came over me. Cross-legged with one hand resting under her chin, she could easily be asleep. I felt jealous because this figure appeared to be free of worries and without hurry to-do lists.

The next day and the next few days were the same. Every morning as we got ready to leave, I looked forward to seeing this female sitting comfortably under a tree. Our car rides to school were exciting. My girls and I would make bets on who would see her first, and we spent time guessing as to what she was doing there, and what she was thinking or praying about.

Well, it’s been a week now and we haven’t seen the woman under the tree. I feel anxious, jumpy, and concerned. The girls are also worried.

My younger daughter said this morning, “Maybe she found another tree to sit under.”

I scratched my head. “I don’t know, honey.”

My preteen responded, “Maybe it’s a hologram?”

Was it a figment of our imagination? Only time will tell. Maybe she was an angel guarding our drive to school? If that’s the case, I’d like to see her every single day!

I’ve often read that angels show up in different forms. For now, the tree stands tall, barren of a figure. I won’t give up, though. Each morning, I’ll imagine God’s hedge of protection on my girls as they go to school. I’ll even make it a point to treasure that warmth I experienced in my heart. Yeah, that’s what I’ll do. The grace of that knowledge should be enough.

References:

https://www.ask-angels.com/spiritual-guidance/angel-signs/

https://www.gotquestions.org/angels-Bible.html

Do angels ever appear to people, or are they always invisible? (billygraham.org)

What Are Angels and What Are They Made Of? (learnreligions.com)

Commentary from a Mother’s Heart

August 18, 2021 / Chiara

Do you know the distance from your head to your heart is roughly 18 inches? Go ahead and try it, pull out a ruler. I’ll wait.

Standing on this pier taking this picture of my children, I can’t help feeling darkness descending on the morals and the values I’ve been teaching my kids to what they are learning out there. It’s like a slow lengthening.

The world is beautiful and chaotic I’ve been told. On most days, I believe it. Other days, when turning on the TV, reading stuff online, I shake my head and raise my fist to the Heavens.

Sometimes the waters can be smooth like glass, and other times, waves can come, shaking one’s core beliefs. Calm waters can also be deceiving where one thinks everything is fine, but underneath there lies a dangerous current that’s rumbling.

There’s no doubt we are living on the edge these days. Kids especially, being pushed and pressured into so many different directions. Social media is the true culprit—addictive entertainment just finger taps away.

Watching my two daughters posing and staring off into the trees and bushes, I’m silently praying that their head and heart will always be aligned and that when the sparkling boats are coming by, they will know the difference between the right boat to get into and the one in which they should turn and walk away from.

Until then, I’ve got my work cut out for me, but I won’t stop in providing those nuggets of truth where I can.

Protecting What Matters

July 13, 2021 / Chiara

This past weekend, Italy beat England in soccer to the win the UEFA Euro 2020 Cup. It was an edge of your seat game that ended in a shootout. Congratulations to my home country of Italy! Forza Azzurri. Forza Italia!

Picture courtesy of Christian Charisius/dpa/picture alliance

I’ve always followed soccer but seeing this particular series inspired me to ponder on the things that matter in life, and how can one protect them?

A soccer team consists of eleven players on each team. Each position is very important. However, I believe the goalie has the most important role. He/she has to protect the net from getting the ball in it so that the other team doesn’t score a goal.

The other members of the team, important as well, have to guard the goalie and defend their territory, while running the ball in the opposite direction and trying to score a goal for the team. Yes, there is a lot of running and defending, and this takes ALL the team’s strength to succeed, whether you are playing in regulation time, or in a shootout.

Regardless, I began reflecting on my life with my husband and my children. Each day, I go to battle. Not a war-kind of battle, but I battle to fight sickness, fear, anxiety, pre-teen drama, finances, relationship issues, family issues, etc. I have to keep my girls safe, I have to support my husband, and keep the house running in order. Most days, I am the goalie, protecting my home front from the negativity that can impact my loved ones. It’s not an easy job. The world tells us one thing, but our values and morals tell us something else. It’s a constant struggle when temptation is everywhere.

As the “goalie” in my family, though, my job of “goaling” is different from my husband’s, the biggest war is the war of my mind. While fighting for everyone else, I’ve fallen trap of failing myself. The negativity has seeped into my thoughts and actions, thus sending me into an oblivion space of sadness and depression at times. I know I’m not alone on this. I’ve often asked this question:

How can I be there for everyone else when the net of my mind has been compromised?

It’s a heavy question, I know. But, I’ve taken small steps to shift the negativity to positivity. I’ve turned to exercise and reading the Bible. Both have allowed me to release pent-up frustrations and angst, and read beautiful words of love and wisdom from my Heavenly Father. It has given me hope in my life and muscle to stop the bad from infiltrating my family.

So, warriors, this is a call to action! Put on the Armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-18.

Because there is a great motto, adopted in 1972 from the United Negro College Fund (UNFC) that has become one of the most recognizable quotes that says…

And if we don’t invest in our minds, they can become sinful. Romans 8:5-8 says…

I will close with this final scripture quote, because I know this is also true. Philippians 4:8.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Until next time…Be well. Be safe. Be happy.

References:

Philippians 4:8 NKJV – Meditate on These Things – Finally, – Bible Gateway

UNCF – Wikipedia

Picture of Team Courtesy of Christian Charisus/dpa/picture alliance from article: Forza Azzurri: Behind Roberto Mancini′s Italian renaissance | Sports| German football and major international sports news | DW | 11.07.2021

The Meaning of “Forza Azzurri!” in Italian – Let’s go Italy! / Come on Italy! – Daily Italian Words

EPHESIANS CHAPTER 6 KJV (kingjamesbibleonline.org)

It is not a game, put on the whole armor of God – GLOFIRE TV

Romans 8:5-8 KJV – For they that are after the flesh do – Bible Gateway

https://www.rt.com/sport/528976-donnarumma-penalty-reaction-england-euro2020/

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/more-sports/italy-s-euro-mvp-gianluigi-donnarumma-just-getting-started-after-shootout-heroics/ar-AAM3ABK?ocid=BingNewsSearch

https://www.news18.com/photogallery/football/in-pics-italy-players-celebrate-uefa-euro-2020-triumph-in-style-3952997.html

https://the18.com/soccer-learning/how-many-players-on-a-soccer-field-explained

https://www.bookbrowse.com/expressions/detail/index.cfm/expression_number/599/a-mind-is-a-terrible-thing-to-waste

https://www.spiritedconcepts.net/blog/2012/06/06/YOUR-Mind-is-a-Terrible-Thing-to-Waste-Romans-85-8.aspx#:~:text=In%201972%2C%20the%20UNCF%20adopted%2C%20as%20its%20motto%2C,Long%2C%20of%20the%20advertising%20agency%20Young%20%26%20Rubicam

How many players on a soccer team? The Answer & FAQ

The Parable of a Child’s Prayer Request and the Homeless Man

July 7, 2021 / Chiara

Every day I’m reminded of the fragility of our humanness; and the blessed joy that can resonate when there is hope! (Inspired by the Bible scripture: I Corinthians 13:13)

Monday early evening; the temperature hovered around 89 degrees on what was a hot, sun-filled day at the beach in Florida.

My family and I were walking to a nearby restaurant for dinner. We were hungry and couldn’t deny the rumblings of our stomachs any longer.

Hand-in-hand I strolled with my younger daughter, who’s almost 11, while my husband and our soon-to-be-teenage daughter, walked behind us.

Passing a Speedway gas station, she slowed down, turning to gape at a young man sitting on the curb a few feet away from the front door of the store. I glanced too. He looked to be in his mid-to-late-teens and tan. But then I peered at his clothes; torn cargo shorts, a yellowed tank-top in need of a good washing, and no shoes. There was an oversized white garbage bag positioned upright against the building. His hands were flying around, gaily, talking to anyone who would listen.

“Mom, look at the homeless guy. Who’s he talking to?” My younger daughter asked, ogling him.

I tugged at her hand. “I don’t know, honey. Now stop, it’s not polite to stare.”

Letting go, she paused and sighed, “I’m sorry.”

“… Hey, what are you doing?” Her older sibling scowled, almost trampling all over her on the sidewalk. My husband shrugged, and they went around us. I nudged her. “What is it, kiddo?”

“Mommy, does he live there? What if he needs a job?”

I nodded, stealing another look at him. “I don’t know if he lives at the gas station. A job would be good.” And a shower. And a home. And a good meal. “Why don’t you pray for him? Pray that he finds a job.”

She smiled, took my hand again, and we resumed our walk. “Okay, I’ll do that, Mommy.”

***

The next morning, we had an early boat tour reservation to see dolphins in the bay. We hadn’t done a dolphin tour in a couple of years, and I always remembered it to be a fun time. Plus, my older child had researched that the best time to see dolphins is in the morning. We’ll have to see if she’s right about that.

On the way to the pier, we stopped at one of our favorite breakfast restaurants. We were grateful for the quick seating by the host, as the small diner was packed for a Tuesday morning. After ordering, we were conversing about nothing in particular when my youngest suddenly grabbed my hand. “Mommy, Mommy? It’s him?”

I shook my head trying to understand. “Who? Who are you talking about?”

She tilted her head toward a worker across from us stacking clean plates from smallest to biggest behind the cook. “Him, Mommy! The boy at the gas station!”

My mouth dropped. It was the young man we saw the day before!

“Yeah, it’s him,” my husband concurred.

She said to me, “I prayed like you said to do, Momma. I prayed really, really hard that he’d find a job, and he did! See? He’s here.”

Tears began to pool in my eyes and I had to look away. She had prayed for a stranger. How incredible? Maybe he was hanging out at the gas station for the afternoon, or maybe, I hated to even think this, he was on drugs and talking to himself? So many negative other thoughts started to fill my mind and I willed them away. Was this a coincidence? Nah, he must just work here anyway.

Until…

Our food had come and we dove in, starved for eggs, bacon, and thick toast oozing with melted butter. After a bit, the host came up to us. “Hiya, folks, finding everything to your liking?”

My husband nodded, looking around. “Hmm, hmm, really good. Thank you! Busy morning, eh?”

The gentleman, sunburned with long creases lining his face grinned. “Yep, it’s been busy, but I’m not complaining. We’ve suffered enough during this terrible pandemic. Thank God, we’re doing—”

“Excuse me, Rod, where should I put these?” The gas station man approached the host holding coffee mug saucers. Rod pointed to a shelf across from the toast station. “Right there, son.” The young man nodded and walked away.

The host turned back to us. “… It’s good to be busy, so busy that I had to hire another employee.” He pointed over his shoulder. “I found that fella there hanging around the gas station yesterday and asked him if he wanted a job. He said yes, so here he is. Doing alright too.”

My daughter and I made eye contact; her sweet little face couldn’t hold the gigantic smile she wore. Thank you, God, for listening to my child’s prayers! You are truly an awesome God!

My husband and the host chitchatted some more before he was off seating other patrons. The rest of the day didn’t disappoint, either. We saw seven dolphins and even a baby dolphin. God blessed us with a calm sea and beautiful creatures. He also blessed a young man with a wonderful opportunity.

We should never underestimate the power of prayer.

References:

I Corinthians 13:13

Mark 9: 29

Mathew 7:7-12

Best Time for Dolphin Watching in Florida 2021 – When to See – Rove.me

Love is Love versus Love is Loving in Truth

June 25, 2021 / Chiara

Love is love, but love is better when you love in truth.

I’ve made some observations lately on Love is Love. It’s made me think about things in a new perspective and I’d like to share those insights because it’s all I’ve seen on social media, T-shirts, mugs, mouse pads, temporary Facebook profiles, etc.

Love is…

But…

Dictionary.com defines Love as:

Noun

A profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.
A feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.
Sexual passion or desire.

In my humble opinion, love is baggage.

You know why? Because humans love in different ways…and sometimes to get our way. Just look at the dictionary’s description: passionate affection, personal attachment, sexual passion, etc. These are biased reactions.

“If you loved me, than you would (fill in the blank)…”
“Please, please…do it for me.” You show them your puppy eyes. “I love you…”
“Do you know how much I love you?”
“Do you know the sacrifices I’ve had to make because of you?”

And the list can go on, can’t it?

We love the addicts because we think we can change them,
We love abusers because we’re afraid and believe what they’re doing is really okay,
We love to please people because we want to fit in even if don’t agree,
We love things more than people,
We love our phones more than people,
We love our pets more than our family members,
We love food,
We love the wrong things because we were never taught about real love,
Some don’t even know love because of their culture/religion,
Some have never experienced love and what it feels like, and live their life in an apathetic state.

The word “Love” is overused. Love has been overrated. The use of love has lost its luster. Love should be… Loving one another in truth because love is loving in truth.

Loving in “truth” to:

Love our best friend to tell her/him that what they are doing is wrong,
Love our spouse to tell him/her that they are hurting themselves, you, or others,
Love ourselves and accepting who we are because that is how God made you,
Love each other regardless of the color of one’s skin, gender, or political affiliation.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 puts it all in perspective for me. It is one of the most famous scriptures in the Bible for wedding ceremonies, but in reality, this is our greatest gift to one another.

I’ve attempted to break it down using my mortal mind, that is, how I’m interpreting this scripture passage. (I invite you to meditate on this on your own.)

¹Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.

(You can be the most successful person, but if it’s all fake and you don’t mean what you say, you’re really dead inside. )

²And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

(You can be the best scientist, doctor, police officer and know how to solve problems and crimes, and come up with remedies for diseases, but go about your life without passion, care, or regard for humanity, then you’re just going through the motions.)

³And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

(These are the church-goers, religious types, and elites who only show up for presence and posterity, and not worship. Then when Monday comes around, they’re back to sinning.)

⁴Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

(A true Jesus follower will be persecuted and mocked all their life because they refuse to confirm to worldly things. They are not jealous and pompous, and will rejoice in another’s blessings, and put others first.)

⁵does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;

(A believer of the Lord will be humble. Will not boast upon themselves, and is not easily angered. He/she will always believe in the goodness of others. )

⁶does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; ⁷bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

(A believer cannot rejoice in the evils of the world, even if they’ve become isolated or ostracized from society, they are willing to make that sacrifice, and not deter from living righteously in the eyes of the Lord. They are also hopeful that bad circumstances can change for the better, giving all the glory to God.)

⁸Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.

(All these things of this world will pass. Love can change a heart. Love endures forever.)

⁹For we know in part and we prophesy in part. ¹⁰But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

(We can plan all things on our own, but God’s plans are better and sometimes He will put us in situations to bear our cross and lean on Him for help.)

¹¹When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. ¹²For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

(Reading the Bible is a growing process. What you learned when you were a child can change when you become an adult. At some point, we have to grow up and take responsibility for our learning. And one of the main learnings that has remained constant in understanding God, is that He loves us. We need to believe that with all our heart. We learn about ourselves by loving others.)

¹³And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

(It’s a simple act of faith and hope to learn to love one another. We must love in the truth of loving others.)

When you love in the most purest and truest form you know how and you love in truth, love always wins.

What do you think?

References:

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/love

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20corinthians%2013&version=NKJV

When Life Throws You Curves…Christ is Our Hope Magazine Article

May 29, 2021 / Chiara

Did we ever imagine that in 2021, we’d be living through a pandemic, new President and administration, rising inflation, sky-rocking housing prices, a virus, a vaccine, Critical Race Theory, “now hiring” job posts, and plenty of other worldly happenings?

I can’t say I was blind-sided, but as humans we tend to stay in our comfort zones while the world turns on its axis. But through anything in life, one must be prepared to swerve when life throws you curves. So, it was no coincidence that I set out on a journey before 2020, so that I could be readied for what God had in store for me. And, I was fortunate enough to share this in an article through Christ is Our Hope Magazine. I thank Carlos Briceno, editor of the magazine for giving me this platform to share God’s workings and His inspiring Word in my life.

Click here and stay awhile. You just might be encouraged too.

Until next time…

Be well. Be safe. Be happy.

References:

When Life Throws You Curves, You Learn to Swerve | Diocese of Joliet (christisourhope.org)

Home | Diocese of Joliet (christisourhope.org)

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