Perspective 

     What does this word truly mean to each one of us? Perspective can be explained many different ways. Here are other words that come to mind: Outlook, viewpoint, position, ATTITUDE (I like this one), approach, frame of mind and lastly interpretation. Wikipedia defines it like this “the way in which objects appear to the eye”. Over the last few weeks’ people have been crossing my path, and as this happens I ask myself, “How do I initially see them, what is my perspective?” I was at work the other day and I saw a man in a wheel chair and as we crossed paths I asked how he was doing and he replied by saying, “GREAT!” My first thought was how could this guy say he’s fine when he is without the use of his legs, yet he says he is great. I have a friend who had a stroke a few months ago and is paralyzed from the right side, but yet her smile brightens up the room. So I began to ask myself, “how is it that these people who we’re once fully capable human beings say they are great and have a smile that changes things?” As we see what is going on throughout the world today, our state is still without a budget, we are in a recession along with everything else going on in our personal lives. We see the bum at the bus stop, the drunken guy in front of the liquor store or the person standing at the turning signal with their hand out for money and if we can be honest it annoys the majority of us. Why? It’s either an inconvenience or it makes us feel bad. I would challenge you to analyze your view on life. How do you see yourself, your career and ultimately others? How can you change the way you see things for the positive. One might say well I just lost my job and I’m about to lose my house. I know what it’s like to be displaced from a job and not knowing what tomorrow holds. I choose to be thankful that I am fully capable of finding another job and hopefully one day purchasing another home. Yes, times are tough but if we intentionally choose to have a positive outlook about everything we do, we will begin to see how our life will begin to change for the better. There is a quote “For which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his day?” Begin to see yourself for who you are and what you have to offer rather than what you have gone through and what has been lost and not allow it to keep you down. Please feel free to leave comments.

Embracing Brokenness

Rich asked me to write a post for whatsyourdna and I was at a loss. He told me to share whatever was on my heart, I've been reflecting the last few days and here's a little of what's been going on inside.

Lately, I have found myself with a strong connection and burden for the broken. I don't feel a sense of pity towards them, as we often do, but rather, a desire to embrace them...as I am one of them. A lot of the time the word "broken" has a negative connotation, but lately I have really started to learn about the beauty of it. Brokenness can be defined as violently separated parts; damaged or altered by breaking; made weak; (and my favorite) subdued completely. I really love that last one, subdued means lacking in vitality, intensity, or strength. Simplified, lets just say...lacking completely. Most of us, at the realization that in our current economic, relational, emotional, or spiritual etc. state, we are lacking completely. This would cause us to walk with our heads dragging in shame.

What God has shown me in his gentle love and grace is that, in Him, "lacking completely" is the best place to be. The words for me have been 'embracing brokenness.' To embrace is to take up especially readily or to avail oneself of. So to embrace our brokenness is to make ourselves available to the fact that we are lacking completely. What a beautiful place to be! Being in that position puts us in the perfect place for the Love of The Father to reach us deeply. It forces us to need ONLY HIM!

So really, I just want you to be encouraged. I know its tough out there these days, but imagine this...could it be that God has allowed the economy to go down the drain, and whatever other challenges he has placed in your personal lives, simply to put you in a place where you are available and lacking completely...because maybe then...he could use us in His divine way.

As you continue your journey toward the heart of God in your daily lives, don't be discouraged by whatever "brokenness" you may feel. Be encouraged and remember that it is in that moment of being broken that God will intervene and fill you with his love and grace...and that, and that alone, will get you through any day.

Much Love - Leslie Lopez

Hello everyone,

We would like to invite you to our Night of Muzik! Come meet new people, eat good food and enjoy good muzik.  Any questions please e-mail to the address provided!!

I met a fellow Mountie tonight while having a burger at a local establishment.  He played football at Mt. SAC and is now playing T.E. for Old Dominion University.  I wish you all the luck and will be praying for your safety as you hit the field.  Maybe I will even see you on tv during a Sunday afternoon game.  Remember you can acheive anything you put your mind to!!!