i recently spoke with a teenager who doesn't think God is really there, or if he is then he is not perfect because he just could not be if he allows all the horrible things to happen in the world. i have heard this many times from people who, in this modern age of worldwide news and rapid technology, doubt in a creator or at least an all-loving one.
i have never personally seen God with my physical eyes but i do believe that he is there because i have seen him in so many other ways.....
i see God in my mom who ALWAYS thinks of her girls before she thinks of herself. mothers have to be the most god-like people on earth. their constant love and selflessness reflect the pure love of the Father of us all.
i see God in my husband who tells me he loves me and holds me when i feel awful even though i am probably being incredibly whiny and annoying. he is so patient, a trait i know he inherited from his Divine heritage since i am no where near that patient.
i see God in the sun that rises every morning without fail. how much we take for granted that each day happens and the world continues on, giving us breath, nourishment, life and we almost don't have to do anything. he created this world just perfectly enough for us to live on and sustains it every day.
i see God in the beauty of the mountains, the flowers, the ocean, the trees. he created the beautiful earth also for us to enjoy, not just live. think about it.....mars could possibly be inhabitable but who honestly would want to live there? its full of red sand. yep i like earth. what a great gift from a loving Father!
i see God in children and babies - their sweetness, their innocence, their faith, their love and kindness. we are born innocent with a desire to love and trust. the world and experiences change us but we come as a reflection of the being from who's presence we left.
i see God in families. family is there for you when no one else is. family is there for you from 1000's of miles away. family believes in you when you don't even believe in yourself. family laughs together, cries together, works together, remembers together. what greater evidence of a God than the family, who, for most of us, we are just born into?
i see God in spring, birth, budding flowers, and sprouting plants. the newness and resurgence of life is such a miracle and a blessing! surely the evidence of a God.
i see God in our ability to change. i hear many times in today's media that we can't change, we are the way we are and there's nothing to be done. that is not true! humans have changed and adapted to their surroundings and circumstances throughout all time. everyone can change and improve themselves. i have seen alcoholic men leave drinking behind for their families, i have seen gangsters leave their gang and become church goers and youth mentors, i have seen teenagers turn their lives around to serve their God, i have seen change in myself as i became more charitable and self-less. God is at the heart of these changes.
i see God in people helping each other in times of need. stories pour in of neighbors and strangers reaching out to each other after disasters such as Hurricane Sandy or earthquakes in Central America. that goodness and kindness comes from the source of all good - our loving Father.
i know that God is there. sometimes the craziness of the world can overshadow the good and beauty around us, but if we look it is there and reminds us that he still cares.
if you are reading this, how do you see God? please share!
Friday, March 13, 2015
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
diaries of a mixed marriage wife
you'd think that by now people would be used to mixed race marriages or other crazy realities of living in a melting-pot country...but no.
kinda funny!
i could write a book about all the funny things that i experience.....
entry 1:
that one time when my coworker and i were walking to lunch and the landscaping guys were also taking their lunch...they smile at both of us, nodding, one in particular calls out with a thick accent "hey! how are you?" .....i smile and chuckle a bit to myself cuz he sounded just like marvin...she huffs and says "i hate it when latino guys call out to me!"...then the awkward pause when she realizes i'm married to one of those 'latino guys.'
entry 2:
ups guy comes to deliver a package, i sign, he asks for my last name, i reply: "ruano." he fumbles a bit, looks down at my signature, looks back at me and, puzzled, asks: "how do you spell that?"
entry 3:
you leave a message for someone with your full name, they return your call and ask for "alicia....i couldn't get her last name,...started with an r?"
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entry 4:
you talk to someone on the phone and give your full name. then when you meet in person they do a double take...cuz you're white and your name is completely hispanic sounding.
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entry 5:
we go anywhere in the hispanic community - i get looks....we go anywhere in the white community - he gets looks.
entry 6:
ANY TIME i give my last name.....a puzzled look stares back at me.
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entry 7:
we attend the spanish congregation in my church because we like to help out and i get to keep up on my spanish. the members of the english-speaking congregations always come up to me and think i am new in their congregation. i tell them "no, i attend the spanish ward." then they give me a strange look and ask "do you speak spanish??" yes, i respond....(another strange look)...."my husband is from guatemala."
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entry 8:
the other day when talking about where we like to eat in the area, someone mentioned they liked a certain mexican place. having been there i said "it's ok. not really authentic." they asked me where i like to get 'mexican' food. i told them about a variety of places we like to go...all authentic because they are run by latinos, 'you have to go to where the latinos are' i say. "how do you know about all these places?" i get asked with incredulity.....my husband is latino.
entry 9:
while in a group of women exchanging quick/cheap dinner ideas, i mention "we like to eat a lot of beans and rice...rice and chicken, beans and eggs, rice and pork, beans on salads, or even just beans and rice with cheese. carbs and protein!" someone asks "really? you like beans and rice that much?" well, i respond "my husband is from guatemala."
entry 10:
that one time i went to the grocery store and bought a GINORMOUS bag of rice cuz we eat it so much....the cashier gal's eyes went wide as she saw it come down the belt, "you must eat a lot of rice!" ...."my husband is hispanic"
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kinda funny!
i could write a book about all the funny things that i experience.....
entry 1:
that one time when my coworker and i were walking to lunch and the landscaping guys were also taking their lunch...they smile at both of us, nodding, one in particular calls out with a thick accent "hey! how are you?" .....i smile and chuckle a bit to myself cuz he sounded just like marvin...she huffs and says "i hate it when latino guys call out to me!"...then the awkward pause when she realizes i'm married to one of those 'latino guys.'
entry 2:
ups guy comes to deliver a package, i sign, he asks for my last name, i reply: "ruano." he fumbles a bit, looks down at my signature, looks back at me and, puzzled, asks: "how do you spell that?"
entry 3:
you leave a message for someone with your full name, they return your call and ask for "alicia....i couldn't get her last name,...started with an r?"
entry 4:
you talk to someone on the phone and give your full name. then when you meet in person they do a double take...cuz you're white and your name is completely hispanic sounding.
entry 5:
we go anywhere in the hispanic community - i get looks....we go anywhere in the white community - he gets looks.
entry 6:
ANY TIME i give my last name.....a puzzled look stares back at me.
entry 7:
we attend the spanish congregation in my church because we like to help out and i get to keep up on my spanish. the members of the english-speaking congregations always come up to me and think i am new in their congregation. i tell them "no, i attend the spanish ward." then they give me a strange look and ask "do you speak spanish??" yes, i respond....(another strange look)...."my husband is from guatemala."
entry 8:
the other day when talking about where we like to eat in the area, someone mentioned they liked a certain mexican place. having been there i said "it's ok. not really authentic." they asked me where i like to get 'mexican' food. i told them about a variety of places we like to go...all authentic because they are run by latinos, 'you have to go to where the latinos are' i say. "how do you know about all these places?" i get asked with incredulity.....my husband is latino.
entry 9:
while in a group of women exchanging quick/cheap dinner ideas, i mention "we like to eat a lot of beans and rice...rice and chicken, beans and eggs, rice and pork, beans on salads, or even just beans and rice with cheese. carbs and protein!" someone asks "really? you like beans and rice that much?" well, i respond "my husband is from guatemala."
entry 10:
that one time i went to the grocery store and bought a GINORMOUS bag of rice cuz we eat it so much....the cashier gal's eyes went wide as she saw it come down the belt, "you must eat a lot of rice!" ...."my husband is hispanic"
Friday, October 10, 2014
confessions....
....i have gained weight since i got married.
at first i freaked out about it and would cry when i tried to put on the cute shorts i wore last summer and they just wouldn't go. but then marvin said one time: "who cares? i think you're beautiful. some people lose weight when they get married, some people gain weight. we happened to gain weight. just go buy new pants." so i did. and guess what....i feel ok about it. lest you think i am letting myself go and lounging around in my sweats all day - that is not happening i assure you. i just don't walk to/from work every day and run around the metro like i used to. i still run 2-3 times a week and try to eat my veggies and not eat ice cream every day. its just not the same. i came to accept that this is a new season of my life. that was the old time of my life- single and a bit thinner. (and i used to lament being fat back then!) i still would like to get more tone around my muscles but i have accepted that i'm not going back to how i was then and i'm ok with that because my life is completely new and it is great.
....i really think my husband is the handsomest man on the face of the planet.
i used to think my sister was a bit crazy cuz she would say the same thing and i would think "i don't see it." but now i get it! seriously even beckham, clooney, or duhamel got nothing on him. he puts on a white button-down and slacks....stop my beating heart. i often look at him and think: how did i get to be with him? dang he's cute.
....i am addicted to j.crew.
but since i can't afford the full retail price of almost anything at j.crew (nor do i think it is wise to buy almost anything there for full price)...i shop the killer sales sections and the factory store. still addicted and maybe a bit obsessed.
....i really like living in richmond. and virginia.
i have fallen in love with virginia lately. it is beautiful in the fall and i love the rolling hills covered with trees. i love the fact that you can be in the city and drive 10 miles out and be in the country but never know it. (real country not just the desert..sorry utah) i love the history and the homey feel of everything. and while i initially was skeptical of richmond after living in glamorous and busy washington for 2 years, richmond has grown on me. its the biggest small town you will ever find. you can get across the city in 20 min but the downtown is def fun and happening. there is history everywhere. the houses are ADORABLE. the architecture is stunning. and i love the style - mix of eastern, southern, traditional, and modern.
....i don't like buying tickets for anything out of fear that i won't actually make it.
yes a bit irrational but it always gives me a bit of trepidation to purchase anything non-refundable, especially something time sensitive because i have had way too many experiences lately where plans changed. and i hate to purchase something in advance and then have to change things around. just hate it. (does this say something about me?? maybe...)
at first i freaked out about it and would cry when i tried to put on the cute shorts i wore last summer and they just wouldn't go. but then marvin said one time: "who cares? i think you're beautiful. some people lose weight when they get married, some people gain weight. we happened to gain weight. just go buy new pants." so i did. and guess what....i feel ok about it. lest you think i am letting myself go and lounging around in my sweats all day - that is not happening i assure you. i just don't walk to/from work every day and run around the metro like i used to. i still run 2-3 times a week and try to eat my veggies and not eat ice cream every day. its just not the same. i came to accept that this is a new season of my life. that was the old time of my life- single and a bit thinner. (and i used to lament being fat back then!) i still would like to get more tone around my muscles but i have accepted that i'm not going back to how i was then and i'm ok with that because my life is completely new and it is great.
....i really think my husband is the handsomest man on the face of the planet.
i used to think my sister was a bit crazy cuz she would say the same thing and i would think "i don't see it." but now i get it! seriously even beckham, clooney, or duhamel got nothing on him. he puts on a white button-down and slacks....stop my beating heart. i often look at him and think: how did i get to be with him? dang he's cute.
....i am addicted to j.crew.
but since i can't afford the full retail price of almost anything at j.crew (nor do i think it is wise to buy almost anything there for full price)...i shop the killer sales sections and the factory store. still addicted and maybe a bit obsessed.
i have fallen in love with virginia lately. it is beautiful in the fall and i love the rolling hills covered with trees. i love the fact that you can be in the city and drive 10 miles out and be in the country but never know it. (real country not just the desert..sorry utah) i love the history and the homey feel of everything. and while i initially was skeptical of richmond after living in glamorous and busy washington for 2 years, richmond has grown on me. its the biggest small town you will ever find. you can get across the city in 20 min but the downtown is def fun and happening. there is history everywhere. the houses are ADORABLE. the architecture is stunning. and i love the style - mix of eastern, southern, traditional, and modern.
....i don't like buying tickets for anything out of fear that i won't actually make it.
yes a bit irrational but it always gives me a bit of trepidation to purchase anything non-refundable, especially something time sensitive because i have had way too many experiences lately where plans changed. and i hate to purchase something in advance and then have to change things around. just hate it. (does this say something about me?? maybe...)
Friday, June 6, 2014
love, sweet love
my dear, crazy husband has been working away from home for the past 4 days....and guys, i missed him terribly.
in fact the first day i was utterly angry at him for leaving me alone. to make money of all things! (yes that was a sarcastic comment) i was angry for a good 2 whole days. the first night i went to the store, bought a frozen cheese pizza and a box of dark chocolate dipped chocolate ice cream bars and watched reruns of 'how i met your mother' all night. literally all night. (that will teach him!)
the second night i picked myself up a bit and went for a run, cleaned the dishes, put away the laundry, cleaned the living room, organized a bit in the spare room...but then returned to my friends of himym with my dark chocolate. still a bit angry.
the third day, i realized i wasn't really mad...i was just missing him. seriously? i thought, alicia you JUST saw him on monday. it's not like my sister who's husband is frequently deployed to the other side of the world for half the year! (side note: cait, I HAVE NO IDEA HOW YOU DO IT.)
but yes, it's true...i missed him. a bazillion times more than when we lived 114 miles apart while we were dating and we only saw each other for a total of 10ish hours every week. i was reminded of that annoying time of our lives as we had our nightly phone calls this week. and hated him being gone even more.
then i heard one of our songs and i remembered i love him ...(ice melting)
then he called me last night, at first it was like every other conversation we have..how was your day, how much did you sweat while working in the blistering heat, did you make sure to eat dinner so you don't die, when do we get paid. at first i was all like "i'll show him that i don't miss him. or maybe show him how mad i've been." ....then he changed to face time and my heart completely melted to see his adorable smile and handsome face. and i remembered just how much i loved that man. anger completely gone.
he said i only had to wait one more day and told me how much he loved me, then as i told him i loved him too i felt a tear roll down my cheek. i think he was confused as to what emotion was causing the tears (to his credit no one ever knows sometimes) as he said he hated seeing me cry. but they were tears of intense positive emotion, similar tears to the ones that almost ruined my makeup on our wedding day. tears of overwhelming love. that's what i'll call them. because i'm pretty sure they'll surface again.
so here i am, counting down the hours until i see my husband again and i feel like i did as a single gal waiting to see her boyfriend on a friday night. its amazing how everything else is ok, forgotten or forgiven, when there is love.
i remember as a single person scoffing a bit at married people who gushed about how wonderful their spouses are on social media. but lately, i see too often news about divorce rates climbing and things like people killing their wives, so i thought "what the world needs now, is love, sweet love!"...ok not really. but cheesy songs aside, i think you can never have too much good out there when there is always negative stuff being made up every moment of the day. so if you are offended, sorry. I hope instead you remember someone you love and remember to cherish them a bit more.
in fact the first day i was utterly angry at him for leaving me alone. to make money of all things! (yes that was a sarcastic comment) i was angry for a good 2 whole days. the first night i went to the store, bought a frozen cheese pizza and a box of dark chocolate dipped chocolate ice cream bars and watched reruns of 'how i met your mother' all night. literally all night. (that will teach him!)
the second night i picked myself up a bit and went for a run, cleaned the dishes, put away the laundry, cleaned the living room, organized a bit in the spare room...but then returned to my friends of himym with my dark chocolate. still a bit angry.
the third day, i realized i wasn't really mad...i was just missing him. seriously? i thought, alicia you JUST saw him on monday. it's not like my sister who's husband is frequently deployed to the other side of the world for half the year! (side note: cait, I HAVE NO IDEA HOW YOU DO IT.)
but yes, it's true...i missed him. a bazillion times more than when we lived 114 miles apart while we were dating and we only saw each other for a total of 10ish hours every week. i was reminded of that annoying time of our lives as we had our nightly phone calls this week. and hated him being gone even more.
then i heard one of our songs and i remembered i love him ...(ice melting)
then he called me last night, at first it was like every other conversation we have..how was your day, how much did you sweat while working in the blistering heat, did you make sure to eat dinner so you don't die, when do we get paid. at first i was all like "i'll show him that i don't miss him. or maybe show him how mad i've been." ....then he changed to face time and my heart completely melted to see his adorable smile and handsome face. and i remembered just how much i loved that man. anger completely gone.
he said i only had to wait one more day and told me how much he loved me, then as i told him i loved him too i felt a tear roll down my cheek. i think he was confused as to what emotion was causing the tears (to his credit no one ever knows sometimes) as he said he hated seeing me cry. but they were tears of intense positive emotion, similar tears to the ones that almost ruined my makeup on our wedding day. tears of overwhelming love. that's what i'll call them. because i'm pretty sure they'll surface again.
so here i am, counting down the hours until i see my husband again and i feel like i did as a single gal waiting to see her boyfriend on a friday night. its amazing how everything else is ok, forgotten or forgiven, when there is love.
i remember as a single person scoffing a bit at married people who gushed about how wonderful their spouses are on social media. but lately, i see too often news about divorce rates climbing and things like people killing their wives, so i thought "what the world needs now, is love, sweet love!"...ok not really. but cheesy songs aside, i think you can never have too much good out there when there is always negative stuff being made up every moment of the day. so if you are offended, sorry. I hope instead you remember someone you love and remember to cherish them a bit more.
he might kill me but I love this pic and him
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
city of oaks
a couple of weekends ago (yes i am slow...no, not slow just very busy) marvin and i went to raleigh, north carolina, for a quick overnight trip. i love exploring new cities and getting away for a bit, even if only 3 hours away.
marvin was less enthused than i was to walk all over the city and 'explore' as i said, but once we saw how great raleigh was he came around :) we really fell in love with this southern capital! here are some highlights of the trip:
tiny temple! we went to the raleigh temple and laughed a bit at the contrast with the DC temple (which is ginormous)
great architecture....i found tons of architectural gems and little details
north carolina state capitol...old, civil war era building = cool. built in 1840, the building was luckily untouched through the civil war and they keep it up well so history crazies like me can still enjoy it.
bbq....delicious carolina bbq. we waited 45 min to get a table...for lunch! but omg SO worth it. it was amazin.
walking...downtown raleigh is super accessible and easy to walk around. smooth, wide sidewalks. cross walks. streets blocked off in between the museums. loved it.
spring! it was a gorgeous spring day with flowers blooming all over.
parks...downtown raleigh has great little parks with trees and benches that are kept up well. it ain't called the city of oaks for nothing. gorgeous large oak tress are everywhere.
yay for historic, friendly southern cities :)
marvin was less enthused than i was to walk all over the city and 'explore' as i said, but once we saw how great raleigh was he came around :) we really fell in love with this southern capital! here are some highlights of the trip:
tiny temple! we went to the raleigh temple and laughed a bit at the contrast with the DC temple (which is ginormous)
great architecture....i found tons of architectural gems and little details
north carolina state capitol...old, civil war era building = cool. built in 1840, the building was luckily untouched through the civil war and they keep it up well so history crazies like me can still enjoy it. |
| the coolest doors i've ever seen |
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| another awesome door |
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| yes that is the ceiling... i know, i couldn't stop staring at it too. |
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| SO GOOOOOOD churches...there are a bazillion churches in raleigh. seriously there was one on every street surrounding the capitol. better than none right? |
walking...downtown raleigh is super accessible and easy to walk around. smooth, wide sidewalks. cross walks. streets blocked off in between the museums. loved it.
spring! it was a gorgeous spring day with flowers blooming all over.
 |
 |
| loved the colors here-- blue building?! blue railing?! |
parks...downtown raleigh has great little parks with trees and benches that are kept up well. it ain't called the city of oaks for nothing. gorgeous large oak tress are everywhere.
yay for historic, friendly southern cities :)
 |
| don't mind the random people doing yoga on the lawn of the state capitol...wait what??? |
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| library inside the capitol building |
Thursday, March 20, 2014
spring has sprung
it is the first day of spring!!!! this winter has been unusually cold and snowy for virginia so i am extremely grateful that this is what the first day of spring is looking like:
coincidence that the today is also the international day of happiness? i think not! especially for this girl. super happy today. (not quite sure how or why but weather has a great effect on me)
i have even more appreciated spring since moving to the east coast. in colorado spring is like, a week...no, a day...ok let's be honest it doesn't exist. you go from hot to cold through the entire year.
but virginia actually observes all four seasons and with summer sometimes baking you with brutal humidity, i really like spring here.you might say spring and fall have become my favorite seasons on the east coast ....warm sun and blossoming flowers in spring...cool evenings and changing leaves in fall.
so now break out the lemonade and strawberry shortcake, its getting warm :) :)
coincidence that the today is also the international day of happiness? i think not! especially for this girl. super happy today. (not quite sure how or why but weather has a great effect on me)
but virginia actually observes all four seasons and with summer sometimes baking you with brutal humidity, i really like spring here.you might say spring and fall have become my favorite seasons on the east coast ....warm sun and blossoming flowers in spring...cool evenings and changing leaves in fall.
 |
| this is my being super happy on my walk in the sunshine during lunch... i know i'm weird |
so now break out the lemonade and strawberry shortcake, its getting warm :) :)
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
southern livin'
i never thought that someday i would live in the south. sometimes i did actually think about what it might be like, dreaming that it would be lovely.... large plantation mansions, southern cooking, BBQ, slow moving rivers, thick accents, southern belles, large trees, sitting on the wrap-around porch drinking lemonade...i guess i pictured gone with the wind and thought that sounded magical.
well, i now live in the south. and to be honest it is not all that i imagined (....perhaps because my daydream was more descriptive of the deep south like georgia) but yes, richmond is in the south. i didn't believe it before i moved here. in fact i kinda chuckled a bit when i drove through the former confederate capital and saw statues of confederate generals and heroes. but guys, this is no joke. people here claim it with pride. this is the south and apparently i better get used to it.
...easier said than done! there really are multiple cultures here in the united states. and this western girl is feeling culture clash/shock.
the south vs the west
...in the west when you want to do something on the weekend, you go out to the mountains, the ocean, the lake, the park...you go outside cuz the natural world is varied and beautiful. no rock formation or peak or river or tree or waterfall is the same. and it seems there is so much of it!
....in the south when you want to do something on the weekend, you drink and eat. since i don't do one of those i am weird and i keep wanting to go out into nature. (and i'm getting fat)
...in the west there are sidewalks and trails every where! because people not only believe in being outside and being fit but they also believe in conserving fuel which comes from the earth's natural resources. there are always people running, walking, even in the winter. your body was made to move!
....in the south (or maybe just richmond) there are no sidewalks anywhere! and you don't walk anywhere because that would mean taking your life in your hands as you battle with cars and trucks on the road or trudging through the woods.
....in the west people are pretty much easy going and laid back. and they are genuinely easy going. if they are nice, they are genuinely nice.
...in the south people are nice...but on the inside they are judging you and scoffing at you. 'bless her heart' is said dripping with sarcasm.
....in the west there are so many races all living in a mix--chinese, koreans, japanese, mexicans, salvadorians, tongans, polynesians. and they have lived that way for a while. racism? what is that?
....in the south racism is still an unspoken problem and people still treat you differently if you are white or black. a black woman talks to me waaay differently than her fellow black friends. cray cray.
....in the west people are generally valued by their education and employment status.
...in the south people are generally valued by how much money they have...regardless of their employment because if they have a lot of money they usually got it from grandpa or aunty when they died. and they are super important with all that money they got.
....in the west meals are efficient. you eat because it is necessary and then you move on with your day.
...in the south people sit, chat while they eat, enjoy coffee or tea after, continue to sit even after the plates have been cleared and then enjoy dessert. (while i'm impatient and ready to move onto the next activity)
....in the west going places and doing things is how you connect with people.
....in the south eating and visiting is how you connect with people.
...in the west newcomers are a dime a dozen. everyone has been new or will be new and new people are coming all the time. almost no one lives in the same place they were born. westerners are always moving.
....in the south a newcomer is rare. people live down the street from their parents. they grew up in the same town they are raising their kids in...and we're not talking about small town where no one goes anywhere- people are raised in a city go to a state college, and then come back to the same city to live. so newcomers are treated with a bit of skepticism.
needless to say i'm still adjusting (moving to northern va/washington was much less of a culture change...yes the culture divide apparently straddles a state)
so lest you think i'm just complaining (and i apologize if i have offended anyone) i have decided that right now i'm living here so i'm going to find the great things about richmond and explore what it has to offer. we are going on adventures right here where we live! find joy in the journey right? :)
well, i now live in the south. and to be honest it is not all that i imagined (....perhaps because my daydream was more descriptive of the deep south like georgia) but yes, richmond is in the south. i didn't believe it before i moved here. in fact i kinda chuckled a bit when i drove through the former confederate capital and saw statues of confederate generals and heroes. but guys, this is no joke. people here claim it with pride. this is the south and apparently i better get used to it.
...easier said than done! there really are multiple cultures here in the united states. and this western girl is feeling culture clash/shock.
the south vs the west
...in the west when you want to do something on the weekend, you go out to the mountains, the ocean, the lake, the park...you go outside cuz the natural world is varied and beautiful. no rock formation or peak or river or tree or waterfall is the same. and it seems there is so much of it!
....in the south when you want to do something on the weekend, you drink and eat. since i don't do one of those i am weird and i keep wanting to go out into nature. (and i'm getting fat)
...in the west there are sidewalks and trails every where! because people not only believe in being outside and being fit but they also believe in conserving fuel which comes from the earth's natural resources. there are always people running, walking, even in the winter. your body was made to move!
....in the south (or maybe just richmond) there are no sidewalks anywhere! and you don't walk anywhere because that would mean taking your life in your hands as you battle with cars and trucks on the road or trudging through the woods.
....in the west people are pretty much easy going and laid back. and they are genuinely easy going. if they are nice, they are genuinely nice.
...in the south people are nice...but on the inside they are judging you and scoffing at you. 'bless her heart' is said dripping with sarcasm.
....in the west there are so many races all living in a mix--chinese, koreans, japanese, mexicans, salvadorians, tongans, polynesians. and they have lived that way for a while. racism? what is that?
....in the south racism is still an unspoken problem and people still treat you differently if you are white or black. a black woman talks to me waaay differently than her fellow black friends. cray cray.
....in the west people are generally valued by their education and employment status.
...in the south people are generally valued by how much money they have...regardless of their employment because if they have a lot of money they usually got it from grandpa or aunty when they died. and they are super important with all that money they got.
....in the west meals are efficient. you eat because it is necessary and then you move on with your day.
...in the south people sit, chat while they eat, enjoy coffee or tea after, continue to sit even after the plates have been cleared and then enjoy dessert. (while i'm impatient and ready to move onto the next activity)
....in the west going places and doing things is how you connect with people.
....in the south eating and visiting is how you connect with people.
...in the west newcomers are a dime a dozen. everyone has been new or will be new and new people are coming all the time. almost no one lives in the same place they were born. westerners are always moving.
....in the south a newcomer is rare. people live down the street from their parents. they grew up in the same town they are raising their kids in...and we're not talking about small town where no one goes anywhere- people are raised in a city go to a state college, and then come back to the same city to live. so newcomers are treated with a bit of skepticism.
needless to say i'm still adjusting (moving to northern va/washington was much less of a culture change...yes the culture divide apparently straddles a state)
so lest you think i'm just complaining (and i apologize if i have offended anyone) i have decided that right now i'm living here so i'm going to find the great things about richmond and explore what it has to offer. we are going on adventures right here where we live! find joy in the journey right? :)
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
my how time flies
so a year and two days ago i met a funny, easy going, sweet man from guatemala. little did i know the whirwind adventure that awaited me...
honestly, when we first met, he caught my attention but i didn't think that much of it. apparently i missed something cuz he swears he pretty much knew from the beginning.
ps: really glad he didn't give up when i was missing the boat
it wasn't always roses and daises (although he brought me roses enough times for it to feel that wonderful). it was hard living 114 miles apart...moving, changing jobs... and then going through normal relationship challenges as well as some unique not-so-normal ones as well unique to our situation. but i don't regret it.
i have learned so much over the past year along with the wonderful times and am so grateful for that.
#1 hard times are normal. challenges will always be there. so don't bemoan that its hard right now, but celebrate and be grateful when it is wonderfully right! and then pray and rely on christ when its a bit rough.
#2 god knows so much better than me. i tend to fight a good thing when its not a part of my original plan...but it always ends up a million times better than i could have imagined it. (seriously i could not have picked a better man myself so im glad he did)
#3 miracles still happen. if my friend had not invited me to richmond, if another friend had not invited marvin, if either of us had decided not to go.... seriously miracle. and that wasn't the last one. there have been a series of miracles that i had absolutely no control over but got to benefit from.
#4 god really can move mountains, or people. he makes things happen when it is his will and you have faith.
#5 letting people serve me. i know this is silly, but this is hard for me. i have always been the one serving and i truly enjoy it and i get all bothered when someone gives/serves/loves me when i can't do anything for them back. but i've learned that i can give back in the form of love and sometimes that is enough. i'll never be able to repay all those who helped us with the wedding or my family for flying all the way out to VA or marvin for the 2 times he helped me move...yes 2.
#6 truly selfless love. marvin is amazing and so incredibly selfless. sometimes i wait for him to get tired of washing the dishes or making dinner when my blood sugar is low or being patient when i am feeling less than beautiful or holding me when i feel sick and cranky. hasn't happened yet, and you know what i have a feeling it never will.
in the beginning i thought it was almost some kind of competition, like if you do something for me i have to do something for you! but love isn't like that. love is giving everything of yourself and hoping the other person will accept that, no matter how much the other person gives of themselves, and accepting everything they give in return.
#7 just cuz i feel like things are going well doesn't mean i get to let my relationship with god slide, cuz then it will start to get not so good. our relationship with him requires constant nurturing and i'm pretty sure that is really what makes the good times good.
so there we have it. i keep learning every day and am grateful that i can and that i now learn along side someone who is also learning. and yes, i love love love it.
honestly, when we first met, he caught my attention but i didn't think that much of it. apparently i missed something cuz he swears he pretty much knew from the beginning.
ps: really glad he didn't give up when i was missing the boat
it wasn't always roses and daises (although he brought me roses enough times for it to feel that wonderful). it was hard living 114 miles apart...moving, changing jobs... and then going through normal relationship challenges as well as some unique not-so-normal ones as well unique to our situation. but i don't regret it.
i have learned so much over the past year along with the wonderful times and am so grateful for that.
#1 hard times are normal. challenges will always be there. so don't bemoan that its hard right now, but celebrate and be grateful when it is wonderfully right! and then pray and rely on christ when its a bit rough.
#2 god knows so much better than me. i tend to fight a good thing when its not a part of my original plan...but it always ends up a million times better than i could have imagined it. (seriously i could not have picked a better man myself so im glad he did)
#3 miracles still happen. if my friend had not invited me to richmond, if another friend had not invited marvin, if either of us had decided not to go.... seriously miracle. and that wasn't the last one. there have been a series of miracles that i had absolutely no control over but got to benefit from.
#4 god really can move mountains, or people. he makes things happen when it is his will and you have faith.
#5 letting people serve me. i know this is silly, but this is hard for me. i have always been the one serving and i truly enjoy it and i get all bothered when someone gives/serves/loves me when i can't do anything for them back. but i've learned that i can give back in the form of love and sometimes that is enough. i'll never be able to repay all those who helped us with the wedding or my family for flying all the way out to VA or marvin for the 2 times he helped me move...yes 2.
#6 truly selfless love. marvin is amazing and so incredibly selfless. sometimes i wait for him to get tired of washing the dishes or making dinner when my blood sugar is low or being patient when i am feeling less than beautiful or holding me when i feel sick and cranky. hasn't happened yet, and you know what i have a feeling it never will.
in the beginning i thought it was almost some kind of competition, like if you do something for me i have to do something for you! but love isn't like that. love is giving everything of yourself and hoping the other person will accept that, no matter how much the other person gives of themselves, and accepting everything they give in return.
#7 just cuz i feel like things are going well doesn't mean i get to let my relationship with god slide, cuz then it will start to get not so good. our relationship with him requires constant nurturing and i'm pretty sure that is really what makes the good times good.
so there we have it. i keep learning every day and am grateful that i can and that i now learn along side someone who is also learning. and yes, i love love love it.
 |
| yes... if you look closely you will recognize both of us on the night we met over one year ago |
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
mrs ruano
10 days ago i got married. i am a wife, i have a husband. and i love it. when we got engaged, a lot of people called me crazy, saying i should just enjoy the freedom of being single. that marriage is just another thing to tie you down and make you lose yourself and your dreams. i disagree 100%
i married the best man found on the face of the earth. i know a lot of women say that, but really i did. he is wonderful. getting married to him was the best thing i have done so far in my life.
our wedding day was amazing, the most marvelous day. nothing went (overtly) wrong, and the little hiccups that did happen no one knew but me. the weather was absolutely perfect. sunny and 70 degrees in the middle of december, in DC. miracle! it was a gorgeous day and we were so happy. there were many wonderful people who helped us. i felt so much love from my family and friends and am so grateful for their wonderful support.
sometimes i can't believe that it actually happened, that we got married and that i am now no longer miss briney, but mrs ruano. (yes that takes some getting used to!) but we did it and i am sealed to this amazing man, forever. i still get excited thinking that i get to live with, progress with, and stand next to him for eternity.
in the temple, the sealer (a man who holds the power and authority to bind families together for eternity) pronounced us man and wife not just for this life, but for time and all eternity. i was, and still am, in awe that our heavenly father has given us this special gift. he has given to us the ability to be bound together forever, not just in this life. i know that this power is real and i am eternally grateful for it and that i am able to access it through entering God's holy temple.
i dreamed of that day my entire life and began preparing for it many years before i got engaged, and it was the perfect day with my perfect person in the perfect place at the perfect time. i cannot believe that my life has turned out the way it has, i could never dream that i would be where i am today, but it has all worked out in a harmony that seems only could be made above and guided by a loving eternal Father.
our wedding day was amazing, the most marvelous day. nothing went (overtly) wrong, and the little hiccups that did happen no one knew but me. the weather was absolutely perfect. sunny and 70 degrees in the middle of december, in DC. miracle! it was a gorgeous day and we were so happy. there were many wonderful people who helped us. i felt so much love from my family and friends and am so grateful for their wonderful support.
sometimes i can't believe that it actually happened, that we got married and that i am now no longer miss briney, but mrs ruano. (yes that takes some getting used to!) but we did it and i am sealed to this amazing man, forever. i still get excited thinking that i get to live with, progress with, and stand next to him for eternity.
in the temple, the sealer (a man who holds the power and authority to bind families together for eternity) pronounced us man and wife not just for this life, but for time and all eternity. i was, and still am, in awe that our heavenly father has given us this special gift. he has given to us the ability to be bound together forever, not just in this life. i know that this power is real and i am eternally grateful for it and that i am able to access it through entering God's holy temple.
i dreamed of that day my entire life and began preparing for it many years before i got engaged, and it was the perfect day with my perfect person in the perfect place at the perfect time. i cannot believe that my life has turned out the way it has, i could never dream that i would be where i am today, but it has all worked out in a harmony that seems only could be made above and guided by a loving eternal Father.
Monday, October 28, 2013
crazy in love
so I have realized I might be going crazy......
and my family and Marvin are probably feeling it.
in the next 60 days I will be moving 112 miles south, unpacking, setting up a new apartment, finding/starting a new job, finishing wedding plans, and getting married.
(if you ever want to know how many days remain between today and the 21st of december, feel free to hit me up anytime :) not that I'm excited about that day or anything....)
my mind is reeling with requests from people, offers to help, advice, ideas...
decisions to be made.....
whether I should wear a veil...
will my dress look good with the earrings or are they too much...
how to do my hair...
buy or make necklaces for my sisters....
wondering where in the world can we get or borrow cheap trees....
somehow getting enough twinkle lights without spending a million dollars...
deciding on the thank you favors....
who will make the cake...
making sure there's enough food...
which picture to use for the announcement....
planning a honeymoon....
coordinating travel for incoming people...
not spending a gazillion dollars....
sorry no I don't want to throw a bouquet....
neither do I want an arch with a receiving line...
trying to coordinate everyone's wardrobe...
because yes I do know how I want it to look....
I have a big problem with trying to please everyone. when someone offers something or proposes an idea, I have a hard time saying no cuz I don't want to offend them. especially when they are so kind and caring. but we cant do everything nor do i want to do everything. somehow I will figure this balance out. probably in the midst of this wedding stuff. experiences are the best teachers right? haha.
and did I mention I'm also moving? and need to find a job? yup craziness.
so if you happen to offer me a suggestion or service and I cringe a bit, don't take it personally. I appreciate all the offers, please don't be offended when I don't use it. I promise it doesn't mean it was bad idea it just means I can't do it all :)
....and I'm sure Marvin wants to keep his sanity. good thing he is super patient and wonderful. def reason #1 I'm not yet insane.
reason #2 "it is not requisite that man should run faster than he has strength." not only is it not requisite but literally I can't.
ill get there.
but in the mean time I'm reminding myself that the most important thing out of this whole crazy process is that we will be getting married. I'm going to start a new chapter of life with this man who loves me.
I feel like 90% of the time people forget the point of a lot of big things, especially weddings. at the end of the day, the point is that a marriage has just begun. a union that was consecrated and designed by God himself. sounds pretty important and amazing right?
even more amazing that mine will start with a slew of blessings promised by God in connection with that marriage, including the promise that it will last forever. (still wrapping my head around the thought of being with him forever...like eternity...like never go to sleep or work or vacation or meetings or death apart cuz we'll be together roaming about the universe as eternal beings. yeah if that's not mind blowing I don't know what is, but that's a whole other story/thought in itself)
so I keep saying to myself that I am really and truly only going to care about 3 things:
#1 that we get married (temple appt set, marriage license obtained... this part's in the bag!)
#2 that my family be present (no flights booked yet so that's still a bit stressful)
#3 that I look gorgeous. (ok a bit selfish and vain, but I'm still human and a woman so I think it's allowed, or maybe at least not frowned upon)
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
how great thou art
the more I learn about the human body or the earth the more I see God's power and wisdom and the deeper my faith grows. it is impossible to see all of these miraculous and amazing things and say that it is all by chance or some cosmic accident.
today I read an article that reported how breast milk contains proteins to fight HIV transmission from an infected mother to her infant, an occurrence previously thought to be unavoidable due to sharing of bodily fluids and blood by both during pregnancy and delivery. the article states:
Tenascin C’s presence in breast milk, though, prompts a deeper question: Why would milk naturally include a protein that battles HIV, a virus that evolved extremely recently in our evolutionary history, sometime in the early 20th century?
In other words, Tenascin C is effective at combating a large variety of infections (perhaps related to its role in adults, where it holds various types of tissue together, necessitating receptors that can bind to a wide array of different cells). The fact that it happens to bind at just the right spot on HIV’s outer envelope so that it combats the virus’ transmission, as Permar puts it, is “a gift from evolution.”
I do not believe that this was a gift from evolution, but rather a gift from a loving and merciful heavenly father who knew before the world was created that innocent babies would be affected by this tragic virus.
God loves us, we are his children and he created us in his image. he created all things on this earth, for our benefit. his power is endless and it continues to bless us even when we don't realize it or deserve it.
it amazes me and makes me stop in wonder like the poet penned--
O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds thy hands have made.
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power through out the universe displayed,
Then sings my soul, my Savior, God, to thee,
How great thou art!
How great thou art!
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
its a love story....part two
i was sitting at home on a Friday night, fixing a skirt and missing my guatemalan man, expecting not to see him till saturday as usual. when all of a sudden he tells me he's on his way up to DC. best surprise number one.
we had been wanting to go on a bike ride ever since he got a bike, so he brought his bike up and asked me where I wanted to go the next morning. i had been really wanting to go up to Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, for a while (don't ask me why). so we went!
we found the national park area and were pleasantly surprised when miraculously it was a fee free day! (Heavenly father really wanted us to be there we decided :) )
so we parked the car, jumped on our bikes, and made the very hilly ride down to the town of Harper's Ferry.
it was kinda busy but we walked our bikes to the overlook where the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers meet. it was beautiful, although a bit of an overcast day. we crossed the Potomac on the old railroad bridge and parked our bikes with the bazillion others there.
the C&O canal trail winds along the Potomac so we thought to venture along it. he saw a open spot of the river bank so we stopped there to enjoy the view of the two great rivers merging under the steeples of the town. it was so gorgeous and peaceful.
there was a weathered tree that had been bent to form a natural bench. I hopped up and perched on it for a bit while we enjoyed the view, took some pictures and blissfully (and I ignorantly) chatted. with him telling me how happy he was and being his typical romantic self (si amor, te digo que eres romántico)
some people strolled down to enjoy the view also so I hopped down from my perch momentarily. when the passers-by continued on their way, he asked me if I wanted to sit on the tree again. I laughed a bit and asked if he was really asking me if I wanted to sit on the tree or if he was asking me to sit there again. he smiled and said when he asks that it means he wants me to sit up on the tree. :) (yes I can read him like a book)
so I jumped up onto the branch again and chuckled at this silly man that had captured my heart. he asked me how much I loved him and I laughed a bit again knowing how many times I had told him how much I love him. but I humorously responded that I couldn't count how much I loved him, to infinity. (this is our fun game- one asks the other how much he/she misses or loves the other and they respond with some ridiculous distance or quantity)
he then told me to close my eyes cuz he had another question to ask me. I dutifully closed my eyes as he pestered me to keep them closed until he was satisfied that I wasn't peeking. then he asked me if I would marry this silly, poor, crazy, in love man. I happily said I would as I smiled with closed eyes. he told me to open my eyes and there in front of me was a sparkly gold ring. I swear it appeared out of nowhere! (note we had just biked 4ish miles up and down the crazy hilly streets of harpers ferry. no idea where it was hidden-inside the box!- that whole time) i was speeches for a total of 12 seconds as he put the ring on my finger and put his arms around me.
I thought I would cry or jump up and down or launch into a chatter-fest, but instead I was so content and blissfully happy that I just silently smiled in between bursts of random giggles. in fact I couldn't stop smiling as we walked along the trail. he kept asking me why I would start giggling randomly every few minutes or so and I told him I was just so happy! happily thinking about being married to him.
the trail and rivers seemed to be the perfect metaphor for the moment....2 rivers merging into one, just like 2 lives coming together....us walking along the trail like beginning journeying through life together. I was telling him about the canal and the trail, how they go all the way down to DC--almost to the end of the world! I said. he said do you want to walk to the end of the world with me? and I said yes I did very much, except maybe not that day cuz I was hungry. :) well, he said, we have our whole lives now to do it. (awwww...yes he's the best)
so I ended the perfect day with the perfect moment, with my perfect person.
(my apologies if there is too much cheesiness in this post. I blame it on being in love...especially with a suave Latino man. :) )
Monday, September 30, 2013
it's a love story....part one
so here's the story everyone has been waiting for...
during a cold and wet February, I was feeling a particular need to escape the craziness of Washington. my friend, Chris (happy now Chris?), invited me down to Richmond for a visit and to participate in a singles activity down there. it being a holiday weekend, I thought sure, why not? so I drove down, anticipating nothing except dancing, visiting my dear friend in charlottesville, and going for a bike ride.
the evening started simple enough with a bit of socializing and mocktail drinks. and then they instituted the forced "speed dating" portion of the activity which I was ignorant of prior to arriving. I was there to dance and that was all.
but I reluctantly joined in the matching up in support of my friend with thoughts of the time passing quickly until the music started.
I dutifully chatted with each guy that passed my way, answering and asking silly questions. there happened to be two latin guys in the group, one from Mexico and one from Guatemala. they stood out obviously, or rather I stood out, because in both conversations it came up that I spoke Spanish and I chatted with both a bit in Spanish.
after the rounds of speed dating, I strutted out to the gym, ready to get to the best part of the night (ie: dancing). no sooner had I gotten a good spot when the Mexican guy came up and began to talk to me quite a bit.
all the while I noticed the guy from Guatemala hanging around a bit. it kinda looked like he wanted to talk to me but I was a bit consumed with trying to kindly extraciate myself from the other guy's presence in order to dance.
I finally was successful and then was able to enjoy the music. and then the guy from Guatemala made his way to my side, more than once in fact. and it was a great contrast talking with him after the other guy. like a breath of fresh air...or latino air. :) we danced, talked, laughed. it felt really good to be around him. he was so nice and funny and easy going, and persistent! as he then asked for my number. I was pleasantly surprised although not really expecting much to come of it.
but then the next day he texted me. and then kept texting me! and calling me. he asked me when he could call, and he actually called when he said he would!! miracle!
our first date was to the DC temple, which of course I enjoyed...going to the temple and all. the thought occurred to me that this could either be a really good sign or....well to be honest a really scary sign.
it struck me that day that he was a perfect gentleman. and maybe too good to be true-- he calls when he says he will, is respectful, goes to the temple, serves in the church, drives all the way up to DC to see me, tells me I'm wonderful....I kept waiting for a catch.
well there never turned out to be a catch because the past 6-ish months if my life have been the most wonderful time getting to know this amazing man. he has such a good heart and would do anything for me. I love being with him-laughing with him (which we do a lot), talking with him, serving with him. it never gets old.
Friday, September 20, 2013
winning the battle
I have remembered a few things lately. I am calling them my 3 keys to winning the daily battle :)
#1 I need to pray every day, even all the time. And I need to really pray, not just tell my Father in Heaven what I need or what I'm thankful for, but communicate with my all-wise, all-knowing Father. He responds when I make an effort and put in more than just mumblings in a half-awake daze. I love what Preach My Gospel says about prayer:
Strive to pray sincerely, with real intent, and with “all the energy of heart” (Moroni 7:48). Effective prayer requires great effort (see Moroni 10:3–4;D&C 8:10; 9:7). Give serious thought to your attitude and to the words you use.https://www.lds.org/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service/how-do-i-recognize-and-understand-the-spirit?lang=eng
When I studied this as a missionary I wrote in the margin: Prayer is a form of work!
I love it when I have a conversation with my Father in Heaven, not just speaking to the air, but pouring my heart out and then listening for what might come in response.
And guess what, God does answer our prayers! I have had some wonderful experiences lately in which I counseled with Him and received guidance and peace.
Sometimes I don't receive actual answers to my prayers right away, but I feel close to my Father and am able to feel calm and strength in the midst of a crazy life when I consistently seek out opportunities to sincerely pray.
I have come to realize that in order to make it in this crazy world and these difficult times, we must pray. When I don't I can feel the adversary pushing his way into my thoughts and discouragement overcoming any faith and hope I have. We can't do it alone. The forces around us are strong and as Christ said to the Nephites:
Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for aSatan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. 3 Nephi 18:18 https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/18.18?lang=eng#17
When I read this I picture in my mind satan laughing as we slip through his fingers...or something like that. Bottom line: We need to pray!
#2 I need to read the word of God every day. And not just read, or even really read very much, but more ponder what it means and listen to the spirit. I have learned that the spirit will teach me what I need to know from the words that day if I will take the time to pause and consider the scriptures.
And I truly need to do this every day. Just like praying, I need that strength and peace that comes from the spirit, but I also need the direction and eternal perspective that comes from the word of God.
Every day I am in a battle. We all are. And its not a battle of words or bullets, but a battle for our eternal welfare. Satan is really patient and he doesn't take us by making us fall to his level all at once, but he does it bit by bit, each day that we don't strengthen our relationship with and knowledge of God, he claims a small victory. He chips away at our strength if we aren't actively working at fortifying it. And he is way too good at it. The scriptures give us the means to fortify ourselves every day.
#3 I need to be 100% obedient to God's commandments. Once again, not earth shattering news, but something I am remembering. Obedience gives us power. God's power. No really, it does!
I am not sure how it all happens, but it is amazing. When I know I am doing the best I can to be exactly obedient to the commandments, I feel strong and I feel the Lord's power moving in my life. And oh how I need to be strong and have his power at work in my life. We all do don't we?
Lately I have been pondering on the great example of Adam, who built an altar and prayed to God, not knowing why except that he had been commanded to do so. His sincere desire was to be obedient to all of God's commands, whether he knew the reason for doing so or not.
I find that sometimes I want to have a logical explanation for a each commandment so I can feel justified in obeying them. Why not because God asked me to do so? If I truly trust in a loving God, who wants my eternal well-being more than anything else, I would do anything he says without question.
Adam was the father of all mankind, the lord over the whole earth. He was a great prophet and patriarch, and I believe his power and wisdom came from his unfailing, unquestioning obedience.
As I am typing this I realize this is similar to my formula I created as a missionary that I always pestered my poor companions with:
Prayer + hard work + 100% obedience = miracles
It sounds a little too simple maybe, but it carried me through 19 months of missionary service and I really did see miracles on a daily basis.
Why not have miracles in ordinary life? We can. I love what Moroni says in Moroni, Chapter 7 of the Book of Mormon:
27 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have amiracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to bclaim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men?
29 And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have aangels ceased to minister unto the children of men.
30 For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of agodliness.
35 And now, my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will show unto you, with apower and great glory at the last bday, that they are true, and if they are true has the day of miracles ceased?
36 Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he awithheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved?
37 Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that amiracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of bunbelief, and all is vain. https://www.lds.org/
Miracles can and do still happen! It is up to us to see them and have the faith to participate in them. One of the miracles is wining this daily battle we are engaged in. I'm going to make better use of prayer, the scriptures, and obedience in my battle plan.
On another note...as I do this my faith will undoubtedly increase..thus helping me see those angels that are supposed to appear and minister as Moroni mentioned right? :) (next goal: see angels)
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